Chapter 4 [Arctic—Fortress of Solitude]
Far north of the activities in North America, the Fortress of Solitude stood guard over the white wintry landscape. Chill winds blew past it erasing any signs of fast paced progress across the snow surrounding it. Despite Jor-El's intentions when it had been built, Kryptonian adversaries had possessed its secrets. Villains such as Brainiac, Metallo, Doomsday and now Zod had strode through its crystalline structure.
Plans for domination to thwart the father spirit's dream were well underway…..
Zod brooded over the mostly destroyed console in the area's center. Jor-El had been silenced. If his manipulations worked out, Lois would be out of the picture as well. Then he could deal with the overrated Green Arrow and the latter's teenaged band of mortal heroes.
Once those steps were done, Clark would be vulnerable and alone. It would be child's play to pry the Book of Rao from him and claim ultimate power over the Earth.
The Kandorian leader savored the thought of dealing with his former friend's son. He'd pay Clark back personally for holding back the information on his birthright and powers for as long as he did. That is he'd make the Earthers suffer under the Kandorian whip. Soon! He glanced at the console and saw something that made him smile. He picked up an object and looked at it.
In his hand, the key to the Phantom Zone beckoned larger opportunities. While he hated to gaze upon the House of El's crest, he focused on what could be. With one more piece he'd sent Vala for, he could launch his plan. He could force open the gates of the Zone and take the inmates he wanted for his army.
That included his whole spirit—the man from whom he'd been cloned.
Finally! Then I will crush you, Kal-El, and this pathetic world beneath my heel!
"Major."
Zod turned to see a large African American looking Kandorian bowing before him. "Any word?"
"None. Vala approaches the site in Siberia. We will be ready soon," the subordinate reported. "We await your command."
"Good. Make sure the others are in line. Thank you," Zod ordered. When the other had left, he considered the key again. "Not long now."