The trip to the space station was a bit grating for Kal-El, but he was forced to accept the fact that being difficult over matters of non-importance, was just how Lois was.
She refused to leave the apartment in public, claiming everyone would be staring at her. Kal-El decided to fly her to the space port. But he would not fly her luggage with them and she was taking much more than she needed! It was almost as if she was coming to Krypton to stay...
"You do not need all of this luggage. Take one bag. That will last for the short amount of time we will be there." Kal-El told her.
Lois stared at him for a moment, then asked a question.
"How do you see this going for us? I mean do you really think Zal-El is just going to say 'aw shucks, you be with Lois and raise my kids'?"
"What I think, is that we are going to Krypton to find out just how many babies you are carrying. I do not care if Zal-El is the father of all of them. He is unfit to raise children. You cannot be with him."
"And you can't kill your own brother!"
Kal-El raised a brow.
"You have been speaking to Cera-Zod?"
"She paid me a visit while I was napping and told me everything."
"She will be coming with us." was Kal-El's response.
"Because she's doing the killing while you free Lor-Zod?"
"Lois, when we return here, Lor-Zod and Cera-Zod will be with us. This is hard enough for me as it is. My parents will be upset by Zal-El's death. It cannot be traced back to me." Kal-El said and touched Lois's shoulders.
"Do not argue with me about this, Lois, please? Deep down, you know that if we are ever to have any kind of life with our children, then he has to die. Have you not been honest with me about your feelings for my brother? Or for me?" Kal-El asked in a tone that sounded hurt.
Lois reached up and touched his cheek. The last time she had heard that type of hurt was when Lois first talked to Kal-El on Zal-El's phone. Zal-El had been hurt that Lois had been 'kind' to Kal-El.
Zal-El had wanted her to like him more than Kal-El. Now Kal-El was standing in front of her, clearly not liking the idea that she could have any feelings at all for Zal-El.
"No one has to die, Kal-El. I'll take one bag though." Lois said, thinking she could get Lucy or Chloe to take send the rest of her things. She now knew she was right not to tell Kal-El about deciding to stay with Zal-El until they reached Krypton.
Kal-El for his part, sensed Lois was keeping something from him. He did not doubt her feelings for him or the children they may share together. But for the first time, he wondered if all of her feelings for Zal-El had died? Otherwise, why was she so concerned about his impeding death?
He shook off his worries. Earthlings were just that way. Overly sensitive and caring about forms of life that had no purpose-like Zal-El. Lois pitied him, was all and just didn't want to say it.
Kal-El changed the subject.
"I have made arrangements to have your window fixed while we are gone."
Lois nodded.
"Good. Maybe that will keep Lex happy, hey?"
"Lex will not be happy until Zal-El sees the inner rings of hell. A fixed window will not change that."
Lois nodded again. She knew this. Maybe...maybe she could talk Zal-El into making amends somehow? But then again, how did one make up for taking a human life? Lois decided not to think about any of that until they reached Krypton. She had decided which piece of luggage to take and her laptop. Very soon, she would be on a ship to Krypton to begin a new life-and hopefully save one as well.
Kal-El flew Lois to the intergalactic station, then quickly flew back for her luggage and laptop. A few officials politely asked what was wrong with Lois, but by then Cera-Zod had arrived and ran interference, insisting that Lois had a bad rash that was not contagious. They seemed to buy that explanation and they were allowed to board.
The transport ship was a private one, so only the pilots, Kal-El, Lois and Cera-Zod would be on board. Or so Lois thought...
The first two 'guests' to board were Joker and Harley Quinn! Officials eyed them but Cera-Zod made it clear that they were invited guests. Lois couldn't believe that Kal-El knew they were coming...
"Uh, Kal-El agreed to take them to Krypton? Why?" Lois asked, smiling wanly at Harley.
"They are my guests, dear. In case Kal-El decides not to follow through on his part of the agreement." Cera-Zod said coolly.
"Whoa! Kal-El is not a welcher! And he thinks that Lor-Zod is innocent too! You don't need to bring them!" Lois protested just as Joker walked up to them.
"My dear, you look atrocious! Hopefully whatever that is can be cured." he noted.
"I have chicken pox, okay?"
Joker's eyes widened in horror! He then glared at Cera-Zod!
"You never said anything about traveling with a person that had chicken pox! I never had it! She could be contagious!" Joker railed, just as Harley joined them.
"Puddin', don't worry about it. In her case, chicken pox means something different so it's not contagious. She's preggers! Her and Zal-El are going to have a baby!" Harley beamed. Lois looked at her with surprise, somewhat shocked that she knew what Lois herself had not known right away, about her own condition.
Joker's eyes widened before he grinned maniacally(that was actually the only way he did smile), his eyes roving over her.
"Well congratulations! I am now extremely happy that we will be accompanying you to Krypton! We can give Zal-El our congratulations in person." he purred before turning to find someplace to sit. Harley squeezed Lois's arm, not caring about the pustules.
"Hon, you look wiped out. Maybe you should rest?"
Lois nodded and felt kind of bad about not wanting them on the trip. She didn't mind Harley but the Joker was a menace! And they could be harboring criminals by letting them be on the ship!
Joker picked up a magazine and listened as Lois began talking again, about a 'deal'. He knew that Kal-El was going to rescue Cera-Zod's brother. But their conversation implied some kind of quid pro quo? What did Kal-El get out of helping Cera-Zod?
He looked at Harley.
"What do you think is really going on here? We're here to break Lor-Zod out of jail and bring him back to Earth, if Kal-El does not keep his word. But what if he does?"
Harley shrugged.
"Then we go site seeing."
"That is NOT what I mean! If Kal-El does free Lor-Zod, then what does he get out of it? I get the distinct impression that Cera-Zod is doing something for Kal-El?"
Harley frowned.
"Kal-El doesn't want anything, does he? Maybe Lois."
"Exactly. He wants Lois. And the baby she is carrying. Who is stopping that?" Joker asked, now looking directly at Harley.
"You think Zal-El is in danger?"
"I know he is. Let's just make sure that he is sufficiently warned." Joker said, just as Kal-El returned to the ship with Lois's luggage and laptop.
He then saw Joker and Harley Quinn! He clenched his jaw and confronted Cera-Zod.
"What is the meaning of this? Why are they here?" he demanded.
"Just in case you change your mind." Cera-Zod replied.
"The only way that would happen is if you changed yours." he answered pointedly. He then looked at Lois.
"There is a compartment over there that I want you to rest in." Kal-El said, just as Carter Hall came aboard and tossed his duffle bag onto a leather couch!
"I hope you weren't trying to leave without me." he said loudly, before looking around. He smiled at Cera-Zod, who smiled back with interest. He then looked around her and saw Joker and Harley Quinn.
"Jesus! What the hell are they doing here?" he asked. Joker frowned when he saw Carter but Harley grinned and began whispering.
"Do you know who that is?"
"No," Joker answered, "should I?"
"Do you remember the meeting before last, when we kidnapped that winged guy and made him the entertainment for the night by burning his wings with cigarette butts?"
"Yeah, so?"
"That's him!" Harley beamed. But Joker looked doubtful.
"How can you tell? He had on a mask."
"I peered under it. Ticked me off about the wings. I thought they were really attached to his body." Harley sulked.
Meanwhile, Carter was trying to keep his cool, but he now understood why General Lane had felt Lois needed protecting!
"What the hell are they doing here?" Carter asked before his eyes settled on Lois.
"You look like living hell!"
"You will watch your tone!" Kal-El said sharply but Lois waved him off.
"Kal-El, he's really one of Lucy's ex, older, inappropriate...whatever. And I do look like hell, yes. So I think I'm going to take a nap while you all discuss our other guests." Lois said, giving Kal-El a look that said 'behave', before going off to another room and closing the door.
"You were involved with Lois's sister? And General Lane approved of you seeing her? You look a bit..."
"Too old for her? Despite what Lois said, I was never involved with her sister, General Lane knows that." Carter said, a bit miffed that Lois was introduce him like that. He supposed he had it coming for being so blunt about her chicken pox.
"You are not needed here, Mr. Hall."
"It's Professor."
"Professor, again, you are not needed. The ship will be taking off soon. You should depart now." Kal-El said before turning to see how Lois was doing. Cera-Zod grinned at Carter.
"I don't know what Lois's father was thinking, but this won't end well for you. Kal-El is right. You should leave."
Carter walked up to her.
"Cera-Zod. As I live and breathe. I thought you were a fairy tale. A legend. Dead." he said coolly.
"Which is what you will be when Zal-El sees you near Lois. Go. Or stay. Watching you try and withstand a beat down from Zal-El, or even Kal-El, will be most entertaining."
"There's no yellow sun on Krypton so I think I've got a good chance. Now why don't you tell me why I shouldn't call the police about your two buddies over there?" Carter asked, now looking over at Joker and Harley Quinn.
"Part of making sure that Lois stays safe, Professor Hall, is keeping your mouth shut. That's why." Cera-Zod said. She took out a cigarette, then walked over to Joker and Harley Quinn. Carter stared after her for a moment, before he dragged his eyes over to the closed door Lois and Kal-El disappeared behind. Lois definitely needed watching over by someone that was not Kryptonian.
Meanwhile, Kal-El sat at Lois's bedside as her eyelids began to grow heavy.
"I think flying with you tired me out." Lois said jokingly, as Kal-El grasped her hand.
"It is your pregnancy. I want you to rest. The whole way."
"You want me to sleep for six hours?"
"I want you to rest for however long you need to." Kal-El replied, kissing her hand. Lois soon fell asleep and he left the room. A steward told him they were taking off and Kal-El noted that Carter Hall was still on board!
Kal-El thanked the steward and then approached Carter.
"Why are you still here?"
Carter, who had been reading a magazine on american history, set it down and stood up.
"I'm not going anywhere. Not as long as you have three criminals on board with Lois. I thought no one knew where Cera-Zod was? I mean her not showing up for your wedding is what caused all of this trouble for Lois, right? You must be thrilled to be reunited with your real fiancee. So, you're taking Lois back to her murdering husband, so she can have his child and Cera-Zod and you will get married? Is that how this is going to work?" Carter asked flippantly.
"I'm not going to ask you again to leave." Kal-El said, his tone now menacing. Cera-Zod put out her cigarette, smirked at Joker and walked over to Kal-El, pulling him back.
"If he becomes a problem, he will die too," she said in a low voice, "but keep your mind on our task."
Kal-El nodded and he moved to seat himself very far away from Carter Hall.
KRYPTON-
Lara was too stunned to speak as Zal-El and Jor-El were getting ready to meet Kal-El's ship at the intergalactic port.
"Zal-El, you cannot believe that your brother would do such a thing! We raised him better than that!"
"As opposed to me, right? You could believe that I could do such a thing?" Zal-El asked defensively.
"No one is saying that," Jor-El interjected, "but we cannot greet your brother and your wife with such a heinous accusation!"
"It needs to be dealt with immediately!" Zal-El disagreed. "I do not want him in the same house with Lois!"
"Zal-El, the first thing we need to ascertain is how many babies Lois could be carrying and how she is. The rest can come later." Lara advised.
"You're taking Kal-El's side? is that what you're telling me, Mother?"
"What I am telling you, Zal-El, is that you will not raise your voice to your mother in that way, are we clear?" Jor-El asked sharply. Mother of Krypton! He had enough to worry about here! The planet would self destruct in a month-and they didn't really know if they had that long! His own plan was to examine Lois and then send her and the rest of his family, back to Earth!
"I am sorry, Mother. But if my tone was inappropriate, it is because you both act as if I do not know my own wife! She would not just willingly lay with Kal-El! She would not! And she must be very frightened right now." he said in a low voice. Lara touched his arm.
"I know you are worried about Lois. We will find out what has happened here, without any harm coming to your wife, alright? Now I will stay behind and make sure that everything is prepared for Lois's care. I want you to be civil to your brother. We don't need a family scene in public."
Zal-El nodded slightly. No, there would be no 'family scene' in public. What happened in private between his twin and himself, would be a different story.
Lois awoke, touched her face and grimaced! She still had chicken pox! She had actually dreamt that she was blemish free!
She sat up just as Carter Hall, slipped into her room. Lois rolled her eyes! This was the last person she wanted to see just as she was waking up.
"We are on Krypton and about to land." Carter told her. Lois looked at him with surprise.
"I actually slept for six hours?"
"You probably needed it. I'm sorry about that remark from before."
"It's true. Look, you really shouldn't be here. Some things are going to happen..."
Carter sat down on the edge of her bed.
"I guessed that. The only reason Cera-Zod would drag the Joker and his side-piece here to Krypton, is if they were planning something. My guess is that it has to do with Lor-Zod. Where do you fit in with all of this? Are you in on the plan?"
"No." was all she said.
"I'm going to need a little more than that if I'm going to watch your back."
"You're not watching my back. You're going to stay one night and then head back home, Professor. I don't know what's really going on here, but there is more to the alliance my father has with you than you're letting on. I don't need anymore trouble."
"I'm here to make sure you return to Earth safely."
"I'm not returning to Earth." Lois said. Carter raised a brow.
"What does that mean?" he asked, not quite understanding.
"Kal-El is going to free Lor-Zod. In return for that, Cera-Zod is going to kill Zal-El. If I agree to just stay with my husband, no one needs to die."
Carter just stared at her for a moment before speaking.
"Okay. A noble sentiment but if you stay with Zal-El, he probably won't free Lor-Zod. Is that why the other criminals are here? In case Kal-El goes back on his word?"
The door to the room opened and Kal-El scowled at the sight of Carter sitting on the bed!
"Professor Hall, tell me why I shouldn't throw you off this ship before it actually docks?" he asked in a cool tone. Carter stood up and faced him. It was clear that Kal-El's interest in Lois was not in a 'brother-in-law' way. And if that was the case, then she needed to tell him that she was going to live with his brother here. General Lane would not like this and Carter needed to make a private phone call...
"I'm here to watch over Lois. I'm not going anywhere. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll get ready to get off of this ship." Carter said, walking past Kal-El and out of the room. Once the door closed, Kal-El looked at Lois.
"He can't stay with us."
"I told him he can stay one night then he has to leave. There will be too much going on as it is." Lois said, feeling nervous. Now was the time to tell Kal-El what she was planning, but she couldn't make the words come out of her mouth.
"You're nervous," Kal-El noted, touching her hair, "there is nothing to be nervous about. I will have Father look you over and then I will make sure you are not alone with Zal-El."
Lois now found the words.
"Kal-El, I don't want you to kill your own brother over me. I couldn't live with it. I'm going to stay here with Zal-El and live with him as his wife."
Kal-El stared at her for a moment, then spoke.
"What did you say?"
"Kal-El, listen to me! Help Cera-Zod free Lor-Zod and then go! Go back to Earth! But your family will be torn apart if Zal-El is killed!"
"I am not about to let you live with that animal or allow him to raise any children whatsoever that could be mine! He isn't even fit to raise the ones that are his! Hopefully none of them are!"
"You're better than this. And you're acting as if killing your own brother is no big deal. You couldn't live with it. You just think you could. But I know you."
"And I know you! It would kill you to be the wife of a man that was so despicable! Your father would be deeply disappointed! No! That is not..."
Carter opened the door quickly!
"We have docked and your brother and father are not waiting for us to come out! Zal-El looks pissed!" he said sharply. "Lois, you should get your things."
Kal-El walked out of the room to find that his father and brother were indeed on board! Zal-El almost gaped when he boarded and saw Cera-Zod.
"Cera-Zod. I see you have brought 'friends'."
Harley Quinn threw herself on Zal-El hugging him! Zal-El did not return the embrace but now looked at the Joker who grinned.
"Zal-El, it is wonderful to see you again! Lois and Kal-El offered us lodging with you."
"Zal-El!" Jor-El snapped. "WHO are these people? And Cera-Zod...where have you been all of this time?"
"It's nice to see you too, Jor-El. I am here to support my family during their time of need. My understanding is that the House of El has taken over all of my family's property?"
"Yes," Jor-El answered, "but you are more than welcome to stay there. With your friends."
Cera-Zod got the hint. She glanced back towards the compartment Lois was in, before looking at Zal-El again.
"Your wife is charming. Though I can't imagine how you thought you were going to make her me."
"Fortunately she isn't." was Zal-El's reply before he began walking back towards the compartment. Kal-El stepped out and closed the door.
"Zal-El."
Zal-El remembered that his father was watching.
"Move aside." was his response.
"Lois is feeling..."
"WHAT MY WIFE FEELS IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!" Zal-El yelled, unable to believe that Kal-El had had the nerve to bother her in an indecent way during the trip! What other purpose could he have had to be in the compartment with her?
Zal-El's one eye grew huge when Carter stepped out! Who was this?
"Who. Are. You?" Zal-El asked in a murderous sounding whisper.
"Zal-El, this is Professor Carter. General Lane, your father-in-law, asked him to accompany us." Kal-El said.
"For what purpose?" Zal-El asked. He wondered how upset Lois would be if he just killed this man right now?
Lois appeared, looking kind of shy.
"Hey, Zal-El. I know I don't look that great but it's because of my pregnancy, which I know you know about. Professor Hall here is just looking out for me. So is Kal-El."
"So am I." Zal-El said and walked over to her to pick her up! He then walked away from Kal-El and Carter, with Lois in his arms. A small gurney was brought aboard and Zal-El placed Lois on it.
"Zal-El! I'm not an invalid!" Lois protested, a bit embarrassed and touched at his caring.
"Hello, Lois," Jor-El said, looking her over, "I am Jor-El, father of Kal-El and Zal-El. I am happy to welcome you in to our family. I want to get you back to our home so I can examine you. We need to find out how many babies you are carrying..."
"And whose they are." Zal-El said, glaring back at Kal-El. Lois looked over at Kal-El with surprise. His answering look mirrored hers. Zal-El then walked off with one of Jor-El's assistants. He was pushing the gurney Lois was on. Cera-Zod, Joker and Harley Quinn had left the ship as well.
Jor-El walked up to Kal-El and Professor Hall.
"Professor Hall...I am familiar with your work concerning Egyptology. I did not realize you also worked as a bodyguard? Your presence here is unnecessary. Kal-El, I am surprised you allowed this?"
"General Lane insisted on it. He too believes Zal-El is a murderer." Kal-El said coldly.
Jor-El said nothing to that.
"Fine. Professor we will find you a room that is near Lois, but does not disturb the time that she should have alone with her husband."
"Lois won't need anytime alone with him." Kal-El argued. "And until certain matters are settled, she should sleep alone."
"Professor Hall, you will be returning to our compound with us. Could you wait outside for a moment?"
"Gladly!" Carter said, feeling the family hostility wash over him like a blanket! He picked up his duffle bag and walked down the plank.
That left Jor-El and Kal-El alone.
"Before you say another word, son, you should know that Zal-El is under the impression that you raped his wife."
"Where would he get that idea?" Kal-El asked, sounding unworried.
"He would not say but I do believe he believes it. I want you to stay away from Lois until things are settled. I plan to ascertain how many babies she is carrying and whom they belong to. And whatever the results are, we will get through this like a family." Jor-El said, turning and walking off the ship. In the back of his mind, he was thinking that maybe it was not too late to press a marriage between Kal-El and Cera-Zod. That would certainly keep down trouble.
Kal-El stared after his father. Things would have to move quickly if he and Lois planned to have any chance of a life together on Earth.
Lois awoke from the drug Jor-El had given her earlier, to find herself ensconced in a comfortable bed. She looked over and saw that Zal-El was sitting in a plush chair next to her.
"Zal-El?" Lois asked tiredly. "Where am I?"
"In our bedroom. Father gave you medication for the varicella and he is running tests now. You should rest." he said softly.
"Zal-El, you have to listen to me about Kal-El. There is something between us. There always will be. But I am here to be with you. As your wife. So whatever the results are, let's just try and be a family, okay?"
"Lois...how can you be so forgiving? If any of the babies are my brother's, they were conceived in rape. And yet you're acting as if it was a real relationship...to protect me from killing him." Zal-El said, picking up her hand and kissing it.
"Zal-El..."
"Just rest." he said as he eyed his father at the door. He stood up and walked over so that he could meet his father in the hallway.
"Well?" Zal-El asked.
"Lois is carrying only two babies. One is yours and one is Kal-El's." Jor-El said solemnly. Zal-El scowled.
"I will inform Kal-El that one of the babies is his. Then tomorrow, as a family, we will find a solution to this problem. Go and be with your wife now." Jor-El counseled his son. Zal-El took a deep breath and was about to return to the room, when he noticed the door that belonged to that nosy professor, quickly close!
Zal-El thought about slipping into his room and killing him in the middle of the night! But now that Lois was here, he needed to change his ways. He returned to their room and closed the door.
The red sun of Krypton awoke Lois and she opened her eyes, now knowing where she was. She then noted when she touched her face and looked at parts of her body, that the pustules were gone! Thank God!
She looked over at Zal-El, who was asleep in a chair. Lois vaguely recalled their conversation from the night before. He seemed determined to believe that Kal-El had forced himself on her and that she was covering for him, to spare his life. She watched her husband sleep as she slipped out of bed, took off the garment that she had been changed in to, when she underwent testing, and headed to a room that had a powerful shower within it.
The water pressure was beyond fantastic! Lois closed her eyes and thought about what she would learn today? She looked down at her belly and saw a slight protrusion. Could she really be carrying more than four babies? Three would be a bit much.
She needed to hurry up and shower so she could find Kal-El. She had to make him understand that she had been serious about her decision.
The door to the shower opened and Zal-El joined Lois, wrapping his arms around her and soon, her breasts were within the deep grasp of his large hands. Lois had assumed that she would want to resist him, but a surge of pleasure crept through her body at just his touch.
"Tell me that Kal-El has not ruined things for us," Zal-El said, his tongue flicking her earlobe, "tell me that you don't see him when you're with me."
"I don't." Lois whispered as his hands played with her nipples, pulling and tweaking them. His thickness found its way inside of her and the heat of his spearing flesh was almost unbearable as it settled into her inner depths.
The water and heat of the shower, felt like liquid fire as Lois rested her head against Zal-El's chest and began to move up and down on his brawny shaft of flesh, over and over again. The heat of their bodies meshed together and Zal-El tightened his muscular arms around her as she continued to bounce up and down.
Soon, Lois clung to Zal-El's arms for support as scalding streams of ecstasy ripped through her! As their passion began to ebb, Lois rotated her hips in slow circular motions, then stopped completely. Zal-El buried his bearded face within her neck. It was like they had never been parted. And he felt as if he could keep from killing Kal-El-for at least this morning.
But he wanted to check up on the Joker and Harley Quinn. There was no reason for them to be here unless somehow, it was to his detriment.
Zal-El was waiting for Lois to dress, when he noted he had missed a call from the Joker. He picked up his phone and left the room, just as Lois emerged wearing a Kryptonian garment that she assumed was meant for her. It as a sheath dress with an 'S' on it. She suspected it was maternity wear.
Not seeing Zal-El, Lois walked out to the balcony and took in the creepy red sun! Could she ever get used to this? And why had she melted at Zal-El's mere touch? She told herself that it was better that she had responded to him. It would make it easier to live as his wife with him. She could not bear Kal-El guessing anything happened between them, when she sat down at breakfast.
Lois heard someone coming up behind her and assumed it was Zal-El. She turned to find Carter Hall standing closer to her than she was comfortable with!
"You should not be here! We have to arrange for you to go back home."
"We both need to leave this planet, Lois." Carter said. Lois could hear a hard edge in his tone.
"What? What's going on?"
"I did a lot of eavesdropping. Jor-El's brother, Zor-El, was here the other night. Late. They want to get their families off of this planet before it blows up!"
Lois's mouth dropped open!
"Krypton is going to blow up? Kal-El and Zal-El don't know this?"
"No one does. Not even the big wigs here. Jor-El should have turned us around and sent us back to Earth."
"When is this happening?" Lois asked.
"They 'think' a month. But it sounded like it could happen at anytime. We need to leave. I've informed your father."
"Okay, wait a minute! Why don't we just ask Jor-El about this first, okay? Then if it's true, we get out of here." Lois suggested. But she could see real concern in his eyes and was startled when he cupped her chin in his hand.
"We ask, we get the answer I know is true, then we get out of here, okay?" he said and Lois nodded in agreement, because there wasn't much else they could do but what Carter suggested. But something else was bothering Carter Hall. The effect Lois Lane, without chicken pox, was having on him.
Lois herself, scarcely noticed her newest admirer, as she turned to stare up into the red sky of Krypton. It would soon be no more and suddenly, she felt as if her life could have more possibilities than sacrificing herself on this planet. Carter's arm eased securely around her pregnant waist, not caring whether Zal-El returned to find them or not. In a month, a week or God forbid a day, none of what they were all fighting about would matter anyway.