AN: Hey everyone! I'm really excited about this fic; it came to me while I was writing something else and wouldn't leave me alone so I gave it the attention it was demanding. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have writing it! Just FYI, this fic starts out as an AU (author's universe) but will spin into the movie verse in my own clever way. There's also hints of Smallville as well as Lois&Clark: The New Adventures of Superman because I love both shows and the characters presented in them. However, there are a few minor adjustments, like the fact that Chloe Sullivan is not related to Lois and Lex Luthor never ended up in Smallville. Oh, and the Justice League is going to make an appearance in here as well. This fic is packed with a lot of potential and I hope it comes across as an enjoyable ride. I write this purely out of my love for Superman and superheroes in general. I claim nothing but my imagination. Everything else belongs to DC.
Also, for those of you who have read my fanfiction Forever Yours and Yours Alone, the Sealing Vow plays a part in this fic. For those who don't know what the Sealing Vow is it's basically an unbreakable vow made when Kryptonians propose and when they are married. It's also repeated frequently throughout married life.
01: The Beginning of the End
In the pale moonlight, a young woman with long brown hair cascading freely down her petite form lingered over the crib of her firstborn child. Lara Lor-Van, the wife of esteemed Kryptonian scientist Jor-El, caressed the warm cheek of her young son, Kal-El. He was almost a year old now but Lara could never get over how special he was. He was her firstborn, the miracle she'd never thought she'd have.
About a year previous, before she knew Jor-El, several scientists had informed her that she was barren. The news made her feel like an outcast. A woman of her standing not able to contribute in the continuance of her race was considered worthless. The knowledge of her predicament had been kept confidential among the scientists and her immediate family but Lara feared she wore her infertility on her sleeve. Everywhere she went, she felt the need to hide. The news had come at a time when she and her peers were supposed to be getting married but who would want to marry her? She could not give a man the reassurance of a bloodline. No, Lara had been certain that she was doomed to a life of loneliness forever.
But then Jor-El, the younger son of the highest ranking noblemen in society, approached her for her hand in marriage. Lara had not been able to comprehend why a man who knew full well of her infertility would desire to bind himself to her. She would not be able to give him an heir. The noble House of El was the oldest in Kryptonian history so why would he sacrifice his bloodline for her, a defective woman?
He had simply told her that the love he had for her was more important to him than a bloodline. And so, once given the Sealing Vow by Jor-El, Lara returned it. They were married before the Council of Elders and their marriage was envied by all women of nobility. Jor-El had been sought after by many but his heart had been stolen by one belonging to the lowest of the noble families. Lara's family couldn't be more proud. Lara couldn't be more grateful.
Jor-El proved that he truly loved her in every sense of the word. Though they respected the laws of their people in public concerning little to no physical contact, when they were alone, the walls of social acceptance dropped. Those moments where Jor-El would hold her in his arms and make love to her were some of the most cherished Lara possessed. In every caress, in every kiss, he made sure she knew without doubt that she was his queen and he would do anything for her.
A month after they were married, Lara longed to return the love Jor-El gave her in the birth of an heir. She knew it was ridiculous and foolish to hope for the impossible but Lara desired nothing more than to have a child. She would pray for hours on end to Rao to grace her with fertility so that she might give Jor-El the greatest gift she desperately ached to give. She knew her husband wanted children; every time they would visit his brother, Zor-El, Jor-El would look upon his niece Kara with yearning eyes. Lara wanted to make that yearning go away.
And then, a month later, her prayers were answered. The impossible had occurred and after eleven months Lara ended up giving birth to the miracle she now gazed so lovingly upon. Her life had been blessed. She asked for no more. Kal-El, the light of her life, was alive and her own. Jor-El had been ecstatic! The yearning in his eyes had disappeared entirely when they laid upon his son. Lara had not only graced him with a child but with a son. Even Zor-El, the eldest of the House of El, had not been able to bring forth a son. The House of El would live on in the home of Jor-El. Lara thanked every higher power she knew of for bringing her little miracle to them.
Smiling warmly, she rubbed her thumb once more across Kal-El's cheek. "Rest well, my son," she whispered. "May Rao protect you through the night."
"Lady Lara, your husband has returned," Key-Gor, the artificial intelligence who served as their housekeeper, informed.
Lara turned to the machine which floated in the air. It looked similar to the morning dew that clung to plants during the dawn, its surface shimmering as the metal moved with each artificially spoken thought. "Thank you, Key-Gor," Lara muttered softly. "Inform him that I will join him in the living room shortly."
"Yes, Ma'am."
As the AI left, Lara turned to Kal-El one more time. Kissing the tips of her pointer and middle fingers, she rested them on his forehead. Her little miracle. "I love you, Kal," she sighed, tears brimming in her eyes.
He sucked in a deep breath, his little chest expanding as his lungs filled with air, before letting out a sigh that ended with a smile. She smiled in return. Leaving him alone, she ventured to the living room. Before her eyes could fully scale the area, a pair of long strong arms wrapped around her waist and twisted her around. Her eyes lit up with happiness as she recognized the secure complexion of her husband. Jor-El's black hair was slicked away from his forehead, as usual, and his brown eyes were full of the expected desire Lara was accustomed to seeing when he returned from a long day with the Council.
"Hello, my love," he said before kissing her tenderly on the lips.
Lara smiled as she returned, "Welcome home, my husband. I missed you."
"And I you," he sighed, letting go of her to sit down.
His sigh told Lara all she needed to know. "They refused to listen again, didn't they?" she inquired, joining him.
Jor-El shook his head. "I have tried everything, Lara. Why will they not believe me? I have run every possible test, every possible theory, but no matter what I try, the outcome is the same. This planet is doomed and the Council is fool enough to think these tremors are just a change in the planet's surface."
"They do feel similar to the ones that occurred in our youth," she admitted. Jor-El frowned. "That doesn't mean I agree with them," she said adamantly.
"I know you believe me," he sighed, taking her hand. "I just wish the Council would."
"You just have to keep bringing it up," she encouraged.
Jor-El shook his head once more. "I'm afraid I can't."
"What do you mean?"
"The Council has forbidden me from saying any more concerning the matter. They ordered me to cease speaking of it all together."
"Those fools will doom us all," Lara exclaimed, standing up. Jor-El's eyes followed her as she began moving around the house in a tizzy. "I will not simply live on, pretending that everything is fine, when we are facing the jaws of genocide! If they won't allow you to warn others then we at least should flee from here before it's too late! We'll take Zor-El's family with us!"
Jor-El stopped her pacing by gripping her shoulders with firmness. "Lara, as much as I admire your passion, I'm afraid I cannot agree with your words."
Lara stood, shocked. Was Jor-El really willing to allow them to die? "Why would you say such a thing?" she asked, tense.
Jor-El's expression clouded with sorrow. "The Council not only forced me to vow not to warn but also not to leave. I had to vow that neither I nor you would leave the planet."
Lara felt her knees quake beneath her. Unable to support herself any longer, she collapsed onto the couch. She buried her head into her arms, resting them on her knees. She tried desperately to keep the sobs to herself but her shaking shoulders and quick breaths betrayed her. Kryptonians rarely displayed such emotion but Lara couldn't help it. Jor-El sat down beside her and rubbed her back.
"Dearest?" he pressed, "What is the matter?"
Lara shook her head. Speaking with her head still bowed, she sobbed, "We were graced with a son… only to bring him into a dying world! What cruelty I have wished for! Kal will never grow old. He will die a child. And we will never see his life unfold because we will die with him!"
"Dearest," Jor-El whispered, his voice now thick with emotion, "if we are doomed to die, at least we will do so together."
Lara peered up at him through her tears. Unable to say another word, she latched onto him, holding him with the desire of never letting go. Their days were numbered and both knew it.
o0o0o
Jor-El walked into the Hall of Knowledge early the next morning. Greeted by scientists of lower rank, he inclined his head to each greeting as he made his way to his chambers. Sighing deeply once away from prying eyes, Jor-El rubbed his own, remembering the night before. Lara had been so distressed. He knew she would be. It had taken every ounce of inner strength he possessed not to break down beside her. He was just as terrified. According to his research, the planet had perhaps a month left to live. The implosion was nearly upon them and he was forced not to utter a word!
He knew that the Council's actions were solely out of fear. The thought of wandering in space, searching for a new place to call home, terrified him just as much as them. But he at least had the sense to face fear over death! Before being forced to take a vow of silence, he had shared his discoveries with everyone in the scientific community and they had shared the information with others. The news was entirely credible since it came from him; he didn't boast but it was well known that he was a scientific protégé. When the citizens of Kandor, the capital city of Krypton, had learned of the coming doom, planet-wide panic ensued. It was this panic that forced the Council to order Jor-El to a vow of silence.
He was ordered to clear his scientific chambers of all evidence of Krypton's fate the following day. Though passionate, Jor-El was also a man of the law. For the most part he respected and upheld the decisions made by the Council though he publically displayed his opinions – whether for or against – without fear. He had openly accused the Council of their cowardice but agreed to silence if that was their wish. He may be headstrong but he wasn't stupid. The laws protected the people, and even if he was of the higher nobility, he was not above the law. So here he was, standing in his chambers about to wipe away all traces of evidence of his planet's death.
A knock disrupted him from the task ahead and he turned. Standing in the doorway, clad in a suit of armor, was General Dru-Zod. Over six feet tall with short black hair and a well trimmed beard, Zod stepped into the room, his presence alone demanding respect and attention. His gray eyes surveyed the walls lined with Jor-El's calculations. A frown fixed across his thin lips, Zod nodded as if confirming something he already surmised.
Though they had attended the same establishment of education, Jor-El had not developed a close relationship with Zod. They were what one would consider acquaintances but neither would claim they were friends. The man was highly respected, a military genius, but there was something about him that gave Jor-El pause. Unlike most of his colleagues, Jor-El didn't blindly follow after Zod with utmost devotion. He respected Zod for what he was but he also felt there were certain conflicts of interest between them. While Zod tended to handle situations with force and fear, Jor-El felt it important to reason, to listen, and to resolve with as little conflict as possible. They both shared a tenacity of iron wills in the tasks they undertook but while Jor-El was willing to step down and respect the planet's other leaders, Zod stepped down contemptuously when rejected by the Council.
"Jor-El, it's been a while," Zod said.
Jor-El agreed. The last time he'd seen Zod, the general had tried to talk the Council into forcing families to enlist their firstborn sons or daughters to the military. Naturally he had been turned down. The military would grow the way it always had: if a young man or woman reached the age of 18 and was desirous to enter the army, they could enroll. The system had worked for ages and it wasn't about to change. Jor-El was one of those on the Council who had voted against Zod's proposal.
"Is there something I may help you with, General?" Jor-El asked cordially.
Zod waved his arm to the different calculations and scribbled notes littering Jor-El's walls and multiple flat surfaces. "I think we both know what you can help me with, Jor-El."
Jor-El sighed. "I don't think that a scientist's scribbles would be of much help to you."
"Come now, Jor-El," Zod chided, "All of Krypton is aware of your findings concerning the planet's core."
Jor-El didn't say anything. Instead he busied himself gathering various papers, stacking them in neat piles so he could burn them more easily. Zod slammed his hand on the table next to him to regain his attention. Jor-El breathed heavily through his nose. "What do you want, Zod?"
"Krypton is dying," Zod muttered. "Both of us know this! You may not have spoken to me of your discoveries directly but I've heard enough to confirm my own suspicions. I may not be a certified scientist like you but you and I both know I could have been if I chose not to go into the military. I have been reading Krypton's wavelengths for months. I know a disabled core when I see one."
"If you know, why are you here?" Jor-El asked, his patience starting to wane.
Zod's demeanor changed a little. He knew Jor-El felt threatened and if he wanted him to join his cause, he needed to be civil. Placing his hands behind his back, Zod took a couple of steps back. His actions proved in his favor as Jor-El's tension eased. "I am here, Jor-El, because the people look up to the House of El. You are of the highest nobility."
"And how would my favor with the people help you?"
Zod smiled. Right to the point, as usual; Jor-El hadn't changed. "I feel that the Council has crossed the line," he said, beginning to pace. "As you well know, my duty is to protect and preserve our race from threat."
"Are you implying that the Council has become such?" Jor-El demanded.
"Indeed, my friend," Zod replied without pause. Jor-El's eyebrows rose. "You are the greatest scientist Krypton has had in ages. To suggest that the planet is imploding is either the ravings of a madman or a man who is desperate to save his people from destruction. We both know that you are not mad and we also know you are not fool enough to gain attention by spreading false rumors. Therefore, you are telling the truth. You took the truth to the Council and they rejected you, making you vow not to disclose the information further. They want to cloak the destruction of our race with false securities."
"How do you know this transpired?" Jor-El whispered, agitated. "I have told no one but my wife about making that vow."
Zod smirked. "I have my ways of finding out what I need to know and I needed to know what the Council's word was concerning your proposal. They threatened to remove you from their inner circle! Does this not show you the audacities they are committing?"
"What are you suggesting?" Jor-El wondered, though he had an idea where Zod was going with this.
"It has come to my attention that the Council is corrupt," Zod said firmly. "They would rather quell in fear than admit to the people of the coming disaster. They are a threat to the survival of our people and must therefore be removed."
"You can't storm into the council room and force a coup, Zod!" Jor-El cried. "This is treason! The Council is meant to protect us!"
"Exactly, Jor-El!" Zod snapped back. "Refusing to alert the people of Krypton's destruction is not protecting us!"
"And you think causing a coup and dividing the people is?"
"There will only be a division if the people are foolish enough to believe the Council's word over mine," Zod snapped.
Jor-El shook his head. "I want no part in this, Zod."
Zod slammed his fist on the table. "Jor-El! You can't stand idly by. You've told me before that the Council is full of fools."
"There may be some who are foolish but they do what they feel is right."
Zod reared backwards, breathing heavily. "Then I will do what I feel is right."
"What are you going to do?" Jor-El asked, fearful.
"I only desire the Council to allow whoever wants to leave Krypton to do so," he said simply. "If they choose to stay and die, then so be it. Those who leave with me will ensure that Krypton lives."
"If you are going to leave… you will need ships."
Zod smiled to himself before turning to nod. "Yes."
"That's why you came to me," Jor-El murmured. "You want me to build crafts sufficient to travel through space for long distances of time."
Zod nodded. "Yes."
Jor-El breathed heavily. He thought of Lara and their son, Kal-El. The Council had forced his hand in such a way that he alone couldn't save his family. But, if Zod orchestrated a coup and forced the Council to let anyone who wished to the power to leave, should he not help in the cause by building ships? He didn't want to side with Zod but the man's proposal was the only one to ensure his family's safety.
"I'll give you twenty four hours to consider my proposal," Zod offered. "I trust in that time you will keep this conversation from the Council." Jor-El came out of his silent musings, nodding to show Zod that he agreed to his terms. "I will visit you again tomorrow. Good day, Jor-El."
"Good day, General," Jor-El responded, his thoughts and heart racing.
o0o0o
Lara was expecting company that evening. While Kal-El crawled around on the floor, she busied herself making a famous Kryptonian dish consisting of vegetables and grains. While the food cooked, she cleaned up the living area and checked the wash room. All seemed to be in order… until Kal-El broke the vase in the entryway while trying to stand up. Alerted by the crash, Lara rushed down the hall, finding Kal-El crying loudly amidst a pile of water and broken glass. She managed to pick him up right as the door opened.
"Lara, I brought… company," Jor-El paused, seeing his panicked wife, frantic child, and the broken vase.
"What happened?" Kara, Lara and Jor-El's seven year old niece, asked as she and her parents, Zor-El and Alura In-Ze stepped into the hallway.
Embarrassed, Lara shifted Kal-El onto her hip and replied, "Kal was simply being curious."
Zor-El chuckled, ruffling Kal-El's short black hair. "He's definitely your son, Jor."
"And what is that supposed to mean, brother?" Jor-El asked in good humor.
"Well, the vase obviously wouldn't have broken if he wasn't trying to be adventurous," Zor-El said. "Mother often said that you liked to meddle in anything and everything growing up."
"I will take that as a compliment," Jor-El replied, "as it is required for scientists to be inquisitive in order to discover the secrets of the universe."
Alura met Lara's eyes and both shared a small smile. Both knew their husbands loved to spar with one another. Though they contended, they were also fiercely loyal, relying on the other in anything and everything. Zor-El was the eldest by five years. Both he and Jor-El had inherited their father's strong build and incredible height but unlike Jor-El, who connected more with his mother, Zor-El was considered a doppelganger of his father. He was the calm, relaxed type who went with the flow and made decisions after weighing them heavily on his mind. Jor-El, on the other hand, was impatient and spoke his mind despite whatever consequences may follow.
"Don't worry about the mess, dear," Jor-El consoled to his wife. "I'll take care of it."
Lara gazed at him gratefully before ushering her relatives into the living room. Kara bounded over to the sofa and hopped up before turning to Lara and asking if she could hold Kal. It was apparent that Kara desired siblings but Alura had been adamant of having only one child. It was her condition in marrying Zor-El and he had consented in order to win her hand. Lara could never understand why Alura, a woman without barren issues, would desire only one child. Lara would love to have many more but she didn't dare tempt fate. She had been blessed with one and he was enough. Though she wished her sister in law would see things differently. It was not her place, however, to suggest Alura consider having more children.
"Of course you may hold him, Kara," Lara smiled, placing a bubbly Kal into Kara's arms.
"Hello, dear cousin," Kara said, hugging Kal-El affectionately.
Kal-El smiled and clapped his hands, his bright blue eyes lighting up at the sight of Kara. It was no secret that he loved his cousin. Every time Kara came over, Kal-El's eyes brightened. The parents of both children hoped that such affection would continue as the two increased in age. Settling in, Alura and Zor-El took the opposite sofa while Jor-El, after cleaning the mess in the hall, occupied his favorite chair near the window.
"So, dear brother, why did you invite us over?" Zor-El asked. Like Jor-El, he liked to get to the point when matters were of a serious nature.
Jor-El watched Kara and Kal for a moment. "Kara?"
"Yes Uncle?"
"Will you kindly take Kal into his room and play with him until dinner is ready?"
Kara smiled, oblivious to the fact that her uncle desired she leave before discussing his thoughts with her parents. Tossing the long blonde hair she had inherited from her mother over her shoulder, she said, "Of course, Uncle, I'd be happy to." Hoisting Kal-El inter her arms, she disappeared down the hall with a spring in her step. Jor-El waited until he heard the faint sliding of the glass door stop, signifying it had closed.
Alura and Zor-El glanced at one another. It must be serious if Jor-El didn't want a child to listen in. Intrigued, they leaned forward slightly and waited for Jor-El to speak. The young scientist seemed to be heavily stressed. Unable to sit still, he leapt to his feet and began pacing. His wife, brother, and sister in law followed him with their eyes, their expressions displaying the growing worry with each silent minute that passed.
Finally, after what felt like an hour that was in reality two minutes, Jor-El stopped pacing and sighed. "I have a predicament," he confessed.
"Well, that is apparent," Zor-El deadpanned. "The pacing is evidence enough."
Jor-El scowled. "Now is not the time for sarcasm, brother." Zor-El shrugged. Jor-El cleared his throat. "General Zod sought an audience with me this morning."
To this, Zor-El and Alura perked up. "Did he really now?" Zor-El asked, intrigued.
It was not lost on Jor-El that his brother seemed excited. He raised an eyebrow. Could Zor-El already know about the coup? It wouldn't have surprised Jor-El in the slightest if that was the case. Zor-El may not be as uptight as him but he possessed just as brilliant of a mind as his younger brother.
"What did he want?" Lara asked.
"He came to me with a proposal. He plans to storm into the Council of Elders and force them to allow any citizen the right to leave the planet if they so wish."
"You don't seem to approve," Alura surmised.
Jor-El ran a hand through his thick short hair. "I don't approve of his method…"
"But…?" Zor-El prompted.
"All of you know that Krypton is doomed. Staying on this planet is the same as committing suicide."
"Then you agree to Zod's proposal?" Lara asked.
Jor-El's shoulders slumped slightly as he let out a heavy sigh. "I agree but I also disagree."
"Are you going to stop him then?" asked Alura.
All three stared at Jor-El intently, watching his every move. He sat in stillness but his thoughts were running rampant. His family obviously was in agreement with Zod's plan to persuade the Council to his cause. His wife held a hope in her eyes, the first small bit of emotion he'd seen all day that wasn't radiating with doom and gloom. He knew how she felt. He himself had felt hope from Zod's proposition. But could he really oppose the Council? Would that be treason? But what was the point in worrying about treason when the planet was going to explode in a month? What did Jor-El have to lose? Live or die; those were his choices. Well, in that logical sense, it wasn't hard to decide which one to pick.
Taking a deep breath, he looked at his wife and firmly stated, "We will support Zod."
Lara started, reaching for his hand. The situation was proper for physical contact. Her fingers curled around his and squeezed them gently. "Jor, are you sure?"
Jor-El nodded with absolute resolve. "Yes. With Zod we will live. With the Council we will die. We cannot sit idly by as the world falls to ruin around us. Zod has asked that I construct the vessels that will take our people into space. I will start working on them tomorrow."
Zor-El was the first to break the stillness. "I will stand by you, brother."
"As will I," Alura said.
Jor-El looked at his wife. Lara, however, was staring down the hall towards their son's room. "For the sake of our son's future, I will follow and support you in this venture, my husband."
Jor-El inclined his head. "Thank you. We will keep this to ourselves until Zod confronts the Council."
There was a murmur of agreement. The atmosphere was heavy, each adult filled with anticipation and anxiety. It was a welcome relief when Kara and Kal-El appeared, asking if dinner were ready to quell their hunger. Leaping at the opportunity, Lara directed everyone into the dining area where they passed the evening away in false cheer for the children's sakes.
Lara and Jor-El went to bed that night fretting over the coming day and all it would bring. They tried to console one another through physical contact; it was a good distraction while in the moment but after, their minds again returned to the uncertain future.
"I am doing the right thing, aren't I?" Jor-El whispered in the darkness, holding his wife closely to his chest.
Lara kissed his bare skin just above his collarbone. "Yes, Jor, you are."
Jor-El sighed, some of his fears suppressed. Having the support of his wife was incredibly important to him. He was positive that if it had been solely up to him, he would not have had the courage to defy his fellow council members. But Lara's words from earlier whispered through his thoughts concerning their son's future. Kal-El had to live. Jor-El would never allow his son to perish because of the idiocies of old men and women. Yes, they were doing the right thing.
Jor-El kissed the top of his wife's head. "Thank you, Lara."
Lara smiled as she cuddled closer to her husband's warmth, her arms tightening temporarily around his broad chest. "Forever yours and yours alone," she sighed against his skin.
A smile also graced Jor-El's lips as he repeated the Sealing Vow to his wife, "Forever yours and yours alone."
o0o0o
In the morning, Jor-El pretended to treat the day like any other. He promptly left his establishment shortly after sunrise and headed for the Hall of Knowledge. He had cleared his theories of Krypton's instability after Zod left so his chambers were practically bare; the perfect setting to start drawing up the blueprints of the ships he was going to build.
Grabbing a writing utensil, Jor-El sat before a large blank page for a moment, contemplating designs that would be sufficient for lengthy space travel. The usual Kryptonian designs were filled with crystal spikes that stuck out in all directions around a cylinder body but he felt it unwise to create a mother ship in this fashion. His forehead creased in a deep frown, Jor-El considered all the ships he had come across from other intelligent beings. Some had many outcroppings and tentacles while others had surfaces as smooth as glass with ventilation holes.
Sighing, Jor-El just decided to start drawing and see what ideas came to be. Two and a half hours later, he grumbled in frustration, crumpling up the hundredth outline of a ship with dissatisfaction. "This is harder than I thought," he muttered to himself as he stretched. Just as he was about to set to work on another attempt, someone cleared their throat behind him.
"Good morning, Jor-El," came the gruff voice of General Zod. Jor-El turned to watch Zod come into the room eyeing the large piles of crumpled up papers that had been tossed unceremoniously over his shoulder. "Working on an experiment?" he asked, his toe touching some of the papers.
"You could say that," Jor-El responded, standing up.
Zod frowned, obviously wanting to know more but unwilling to voice the desire. Instead, he decided to ask, "Have you thought of my proposal?"
"I have."
"And?"
Jor-El sighed. "I want you to understand one thing perfectly clear, General."
"A request?" Zod wondered, his tone with a hint of warning.
Jor-El shook his head. "No, I do not require a sum of bribery as you may have thought."
Zod relaxed. "Oh. Well then, what is it?"
"The only reason – and I mean the only reason – I am deciding to accept your proposal is for the sake of my family's safety. In no other circumstance would I defy the Council."
Zod's countenance brightened immediately. "I understand, my friend. After all, the preservation of our loved ones is the only reason I have decided to take this matter into my own hands." Jor-El highly doubted this but he kept his opinion to himself. Zod looked down at the ground again. "Am I to assume that these rejected ideas are blueprints for ships then?"
Jor-El nodded. "I haven't been able to come up with something that brings absolute resolve to all of my concerns just yet but I should accomplish my desires before the Council meets tonight."
Zod stroked his finely trimmed beard. "That is good, since that is when I am presenting my proposal to the Council."
Jor-El's eyes widened in disbelief as he muttered, "Today?"
"Yes, Jor-El. We only have a month to organize this exodus. All of Krypton must know there is another option besides doom."
Jor-El shook his head, leaning slightly against the table he had been working at. "Most are going to side with the Council."
"Those who do are fools," Zod said simply, shrugging. "I will not force salvation on anyone who does not want it."
"There must be another way," Jor-El muttered. Even now the thought of so many perishing caused him great pain. The means to save them all was entirely plausible at this time. Was there no other way in saving the stubborn as well as the willing?
"Jor-El, we cannot force all of them to change their ways. I will force the Council to allow us to go but the people I will give leniency. When the time comes to defy the Council, will you stand with me?"
This was the one thing Jor-El had been afraid of: betraying the Council and siding with Zod. By so doing, all of Krypton would know that the House of El supported abandoning the planet they'd lived on for over a millennia. This act would cause all to question their faith in the Council which is exactly what Zod wanted. He wanted the people to fear, to compel them to follow after him instead of the trusted system. Jor-El abhorred what his actions would unleash but he had already made his decision. He had to stand by what he felt was best for his family.
Looking Zod straight in the eye, Jor-El stated with resolve, "For the sake of my family, I will."
Zod could hardly contain his jubilation. Jor-El's betrayal to the Council in this matter would set the course of the new age he desperately wanted to create for his people. Nodding firmly, he said, "You are doing the right thing, my friend. I will see you tonight with the blueprints in hand, I hope."
"Good day, General."
Zod turned on his heel and left. Feeling as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, Jor-El returned to his plans. The entire race was depending on him to build ships to secure their future. He couldn't afford to fail them. The stress of such a marvelous revelation caused his heart to race and his palms to sweat. He had hours to make up a fool proof plan. It had to be convincing enough to sway the Council. Maybe it would sway them into joining the cause.
For the second time, he was startled from his plans from a knock on his door. Jor-El peered over his shoulder and nearly had a heart attack. Standing in the doorway, his white robes crisp and pristine, stood Tray-Ur, the head of the Council of Elders. Tray-Ur was responsible for the entire Kryptonian race. He was older than Jor-El; his white hair slicked away from his face prominently displayed bright blue eyes under slightly bushy eyebrows. He was a little rotund but not unhealthy, and the slight wrinkles in his face determined that overall he was a man of cheery disposition. Although at the moment he didn't appear cheerful. In fact, he seemed a little agitated.
"Tray-Ur, what brings you to my humble scientific office?" Jor-El asked, standing up and bowing slightly.
Tray-Ur returned the bow. "I wondered if I could have a private word with you," he said uncertainly.
Jor-El's eyebrows rose. "Of course, my friend." Picking up a small crystal, he turned to the control panel next to his desk and inserted it, twisting it to the left. The door to his office slid shut, enveloping the two men in solitude. "What did you want to discuss?" Jor-El asked, offering Tray-Ur a seat next to his.
Tray-Ur sat, fidgeting with his robes until they lay across his lap without any creases. "It has come to my attention that you have been speaking with General Zod," he said.
Jor-El's heart skipped a beat. Oh no; was Tray-Ur going to punish him? Was he going to send him to the Phantom Zone? How tragically ironic that would be, sending him to the very prison that he invented! Jor-El swallowed but kept his tone of voice steady as he responded, "He came to see me yesterday and today, yes."
"What were you conversing, if I may be so bold as to inquire?"
It was not his place to unravel the plan since the plan was not his own but Jor-El could say that he was in agreement with Zod. "He came to me with a proposition that I have decided to support."
Tray-Ur's shoulders slumped a little and he finally betrayed the first ounce of anxiety. "So it is true then. You are going to defy the Council's order."
Jor-El was surprised. Instead of accusation, Tray-Ur's voice was filled with resolve. "I am," he admitted.
Tray-Ur rubbed his eyes before nodding solemnly. Standing he bowed slightly to Jor-El. "That is all I wished to know."
Jor-El stared. "You're not going to arrest me?"
"No." Tray-Ur walked over to the crystal panel and twisted the crystal to open the door. "I will see you at the evening meeting. Good day, Jor-El." And without a backward glance, he left, leaving Jor-El is a state of utter bewilderment.
"Good day…?" Jor-El's delayed response came after the councilman had disappeared. He was so confused. Swallowing hard, he forced the conversation out of his mind and returned to his work.
Six hours later, he leaned back in his chair, stretching his aching muscles. His work was done. The ship's outer casing was oval shaped but the surface would be made out of a combination of crystals and kantonium, the strongest metal on Krypton. The design he envisioned was huge, large enough to carry a population of three thousand people. It was simple in its outward appearance but the ship's inner structure was something Jor-El took great pride in: five interior floors, one thousand rooms, five eating areas, a common area for recreational activity, a council room, a control room, and two thousand residences sizing differently depending on the families that would occupy them. That didn't include the engine room which was one of the five floors all by itself. The ship would have the capability of hyper speed, incredible shield protection, cloaking effects against enemies, artillery for the most drastic of purposes, and detachability in need of emergency. It would also come with escape pods in the worst case scenario. Jor-El surveyed his work and nodded in approval. It was perfect.
Realizing that it was time to meet with the other members of the Council, he tapped the paper with a crystal, absorbing the blueprints instantly so he could share them at the appropriate time if needed. Straightening his robes, he made a mental note to clean up his office after the meeting. Leaving the room, he swiped a crystal against an outside panel to seal his office from any prying eyes.
The Council of Elders met in the Congressional Center in the city of Kandor. The Hall of Knowledge was ten minutes walking distance from the Congressional Center. Many Kryptonians preferred to ride either animals or vehicles but Jor-El liked to admire the city's beauty by walking to his destinations. He did own a Flygest – a beast with four legs and wings – which he rode long distances. Her name was Haraka and he came in possession of her shortly after he married Lara.
Jor-El passed many people on his way to the council meeting. Every citizen of Kandor sported the symbol of the House to which they belonged. Usually the symbol was emblazed across the chest but sometimes it could be found in the corner of one's shoulder. The symbol of the House of El was a large curved line. It started from the right, swerving in a large curve to the left, and rested after another smaller curve to the right resting inside of a large five pointed diamond. The symbol meant hope and was the most recognized and respected of all the symbols of the different Houses of Krypton.
Every person who passed Jor-El stopped to bow to him, recognizing his House immediately. Jor-El inclined his head in return. In reality, he didn't enjoy the attention his House acclaimed but his father had taught him that it was because of their family that Krypton had developed into the mighty civilization it was today. It would be disrespectful to ignore the gratitude the people inclined to him and his House. Internally sighing, he held his head high and eventually walked into the inner chamber where the Council met in the Congressional Center.
The Council met around a large rounded table that circulated almost into a full circle. Twenty high back chairs lined the table, more than half already occupied by their owners. The Council consisted of the noblest families of Krypton. Jor-El's family had been on the Council since it was founded over nine hundred thousand years ago. The position was usually upheld by the eldest male in the family but Zor-El had declined the responsibility – which was only possible if another male was available and willing to take it. Jor-El knew his brother desired to be a statesman in the field of overseeing authority. He couldn't uphold that dream if he were a member of the Council so Jor-El had accepted the role. He had no reservations because he knew that he could still be a scientist on the side.
The moment Jor-El's presence was known, the gathered council members' voices dropped in pitch. They had been talking about him. Tray-Ur, Yax-Ro, and Han-Jar stood in a small group near the head of the rounded table. Jor-El's seat was on the left of Tray-Ur. He was a little apprehensive about sitting next to the man who had visited him earlier but a friendly wave from Yax-Ro invited him to join them.
"Jor-El, how is the scientific industry this fine day?" Yax-Ro asked enthusiastically. Like Tray-Ur, he was a cheerful man but his enthusiasm was a little on the childish side. He tended to let his mouth run away with him.
"The same as usual," Jor-El responded. "How are you, Han-Jar?"
Unlike Yax-Ro who was lengthy and filled with life, Han-Jar was short and dull. His hair was blonde with a tint of silver and his eyes were dark like the color of earth. He shrugged and admitted, "I would say lethargic. It has been a trying day."
Jor-El nodded. "I would agree with that statement. My work has left me rather exhausted."
Yax-Ro shook his head, smiling. "I do not understand why you continue to work as a scientist when you are a councilman, Jor-El. You do not need such a profession to pay your dues."
Jor-El smiled. "I do not work as a scientist for the pay, my friend. We both know that a councilman's salary is much higher than what that occupation has to offer. I am a scientist because I wish to be, plain and simple."
"This you have told us a thousand times," Han-Jar muttered. "Logically it still does not make sense."
Jor-El chuckled. "I assume to some it would not."
"Oh, leave him be," Tray-Ur chided kindly. "Every man has his pleasures."
"Except for you, Han-Jar," Yax-Ro joked.
The stout man huffed. "Just because you do not feel that pondering is a pleasure Yax-Ro does not mean I do not have a pleasure of my own to enjoy."
The three men chuckled. Tray-Ur looked around and noted the rest of the council had arrived, each conversing in smaller groups. Clearing his throat, he asked for all to take their places so they could start the meeting. Like everyone else, Jor-El promptly sat down. While Jor-El may have come from the noblest of Krypton families, the leader of the Council was chosen by popular vote. Jor-El himself had voted for Tray-Ur because he wouldn't have been able to be a scientist and the leader of the people at the same time. Tray-Ur had a good head on his shoulders. He was responsible and tried to agree with what was best for the people. He had not wanted to force Jor-El into a vow of silence but the overall voice of the Council forced his hand.
"Let us begin with our youth," Tray-Ur stated, looking to Kar-Lu, one of the only women on the council.
And so it began.
Jor-El had a hard time paying attention; every time a new subject was about to begin, his heart would skip a beat and he'd look to the door, wondering if it would be Zod's turn. He was trying his hardest not to fidget but his nerves were almost to the breaking point by the time the twentieth issue had been discussed and dismissed from the Council. After the most current concern was resolved, Tray-Ur leaned over to him and whispered, "Jor-El? Are you unwell?"
Jor-El swallowed. "Not at all. Why do you ask?"
Tray-Ur frowned. "I think we both know why," he murmured.
Jor-El started, remembering the conversation he'd had with this man earlier that day. Tray-Ur knew full well that he was restless. He was about to betray his fellow councilmen! Of course he was anxious! What could he say in return to such a comment?
The moment was thankfully interrupted as the small mutterings of the councilmen ceased, drawing Tray-Ur's lingering gaze away from him. Jor-El turned as well. General Zod had swept into the room in full martial attire with ten of his finest soldiers. Each one carried a weapon, and what was worse, their fingers were on the triggers.
"General Zod, what is the meaning of this?" Kar-Lu demanded.
"Forgive our menacing appearance," General Zod began, "but I needed to make a point."
Tray-Ur raised an eyebrow. "And what point might that be?"
Zod frowned. "Ignorance is not flattering when falsely given, Tray-Ur. All of you know the reason I am here. This planet's core is unstable. The most revered scientist of our age reported this to you and yet you have decided to sweep it aside as insignificant drivel."
Several council members' eyes shifted to Jor-El before switching back to Zod. Before the general could continue, however, another councilman, Gro-Ren, spoke, "This is utter nonsense! The core is stable! The planet is simply going through a transition of its surface. These claims of the planet's destruction are exactly what you have proclaimed them to be, General! Drivel!"
Several members nodded in agreement.
Zod sneered. "You fool! If you do not believe that the planet is going to explode, then you are under a delusion and deserve death! I cannot force you to see what is clearly before your eyes but, if necessary, I will force you into allowing anyone who desires to leave the right to do so!"
Gro-Ren scoffed. "Leave? You plan to abandon your planet on the ravings of a theory?"
"It is not a theory but a fact," General Zod replied, " and I have every intention of leaving this planet and for the sake of Krypton I am allowing any who wish to join me."
"You cannot expect us to allow such a thing," Kar-Lu snapped angrily. "There has already been enough panic amongst the people over the rumor. If you announce an evacuation it will only cause chaos."
"If you do not grant my proposal, I will see it as my duty to disband this Council by force," General Zod warned.
"Such a threat is treason!" Gro-Ren shouted.
"Treason, Gro-Ren, is not allowing the people of Krypton the choice to leave!" General Zod roared. "Such a degree endangers the survival of our race. My purpose is to protect and preserve my people. Any threat that stands in the way of this will be destroyed, even if the threat is this Council."
The room went deathly still. Zod turned his gaze to Jor-El and inclined his head ever so slightly. This was the moment. Jor-El's heart was pumping so hard that it hurt. Inclining his head to Zod, he stood. Every eye was drawn to the movement. His head held high, Jor-El found his confidence. His voice deep and ringing with unshaken resolve, he stated, "I will leave with you, General Zod. You are right; those who wish to stay will die. I and my family desire life. We will leave Krypton and search for a new home where we can continue its legacy."
Leaving his place at the table, he walked around the seated council members with his eyes forward, his stride sure. Cries of treason and betrayal rang all around him as the others voiced their thoughts openly but he did not heed them. His decision was final.
Gro-Ren slammed his fist on the table. "You have made a vow not to leave this planet, Jor-El! You cannot break a vow! It is forbidden!"
Jor-El stopped to stand next to Zod, his gaze filled with fire. "And that vow was a murder sentence, Gro-Ren, which is also forbidden!"
"The planet is not going to be destroyed, Jor-El!" Or-Vax, a dear friend of Gro-Ren, snapped angrily.
There were others who loudly agreed with Or-Vax, their voices ringing loudly off the chamber walls. Jor-El shook his head. Even now they would not listen.
"Silence!" Tray-Ur commanded, causing the vexations to cease. The head of the Council eyed Jor-El without emotion. Bringing the tips of the fingers of both hands to his lips, Tray-Ur closed his eyes. Nobody dared move. Jor-El chanced a glance at Zod but the General was watching Tray-Ur intently, waiting. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Tray-Ur lowered his hands, his gray eyes as firm as kantonium metal. "We shall vote on whether we accept or reject the General's proposition. I am in agreement to allow any who wish the right to do so."
It took every measure of control for Jor-El to contain his surprise. He had not foreseen this in the slightest! From the dropped jaws of his fellow council members, they hadn't either. Tray-Ur didn't flinch from the expressions of shock and incredulity around the room. Even General Zod was surprised but like Jor-El, he only expressed it through his raised eyebrows.
"Very well," Han-Jar muttered, being the first to recover. "I too support the proposition."
Further gasps ensued.
"I disagree!" Gro-Ren snapped.
"As do I," Kar-Lu cried.
"I as well," Or-Vax said with contempt.
"I support," Jor-El voiced, stating the obvious.
"I support," Yax-Ro stated firmly.
Instead of gasps, there was silence. Yax-Ro was renowned for logical sensibility. His decisions were always based on fact. If anyone would deny the proposition, it would be him. But he had agreed. His vote shocked many in the room but Jor-El had found hope. If Yax-Ro was supportive, wouldn't the rest follow? Jor-El waited on bated breath. Finally, one by one, the rest of the councilmen cast their vote. Six others voted against while the rest supported the decision of their head councilman.
Sar-Sol, the other female council member, swung the vote in favor of General Zod as the last to cast her lot. Like Yax-Ro, she made her decisions logically and in the past had been the defining factor of critical issues being resolved, one of them being the creation of the Phantom Zone. Those who voted against her looked at her in contempt but the young woman held her head high.
Tray-Ur nodded. "Then it is decided. General Zod, you are granted to invite everyone to partake in your departure from Krypton. You are not allowed to use any kind of threat whether vocal or physical to enlist others in your cause. Only those who choose of their own free will to leave will accompany you. Is that clear?"
"Yes," General Zod said, his face expressionless.
"We will not be responsible in aiding you in your preparations for departure," Gro-Ren snapped. "In that undertaking, you and all who wish to leave with you are on your own."
General Zod finally broke his composure to sneer. "That is all I expected, Gro-Ren. Jor-El has already drawn up the blueprints of ships sufficient for space travel."
Jor-El nodded. "I will start working on them immediately."
Tray-Ur nodded while those who were against them scowled in dissatisfaction. "Do what you must as long as you are able to keep up the other duties you already are burdened with, Jor-El."
Jor-El inclined his head in response.
"I believe we have come to the conclusion of our meeting," Tray-Ur stated. "We will adjourn until three days hence. Good evening to all of you."
The moment the meeting was dismissed, the council members who did not believe or support General Zod's cause removed themselves from the room. Jor-El finally allowed himself to relax, although the prospect of the coming weeks daunted him. They had a lot to do in order to prepare for departure. Zod placed his hand on Jor-El's shoulder but only for the briefest of moments. Jor-El caught his gaze.
"We won, Jor-El," he muttered. "We are no longer doomed to die."
"You are right, my friend," Jor-El said. "But that is only on the condition that we are prepared before the implosion occurs."
"We will be," he assured.
"If all work together, we will be," Jor-El amended. "Now, if you excuse me, I must return home to my wife and son. Good day, General."
"Good day, my friend."
Jor-El left without a backward glance. When he arrived home he found Zor-El and his family occupying the living room, conversing with his wife.
Zor-El spotted him first. "Jor! What is the verdict? Has the Council made a decision?"
Alura and Lara leaned forward with anticipation. Jor-El nodded, "They have. General Zod's proposition has passed. Whoever desires to leave has the right to do so."
Lara leapt to her feet to embrace him, overcome with joy. Zor-El and Alura cried in delight before hugging each other. Lara's slender arms tightened as she buried her face in Jor-El's chest. The display of physical contact between the two couples may have been frowned upon by other Kryptonians but none of those involved cared; they were too relieved to remember protocol.
"I was so worried," Lara whispered, her form still plastered to her husband.
Jor-El rubbed the back of her head before tenderly kissing the soft dark locks of her hair. "As was I. But all is well."
Lara nodded, finally letting him go. Zor-El and Alura had been bold enough to share a kiss. Jor-El and Lara averted their gaze until Zor-El's laughter signified he and his wife had finished their moment. "I am so glad the Council saw sense!" he said.
"The determination was very close," Jor-El admitted.
"What happened?" Alura prompted.
"General Zod made his proposal. Gro-Ren, Or-Vax, and Kar-Lu were adamantly against it but Tray-Ur, Han-Jar, and Yax-Ro supported it immediately. The others cast in their votes after that, Sar-Sol being the one to tip the scale in our favor."
"Tray-Ur supports?" Zor-El gasped, shocked. Alura and Lara were equally surprised.
"I was just as shocked as you are," Jor-El admitted.
"Do you think that means he is going to come too?" Alura asked, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
Jor-El shrugged. "I am unsure. He didn't exactly say that he was going to go. He only stated that he supported the cause."
"Imagine if he did," Zor-El muttered. "The leader of the Council, leaving the planet!"
"Daddy?"
The adults had completely forgotten that Kara and Kal-El were in the room. Zor-El shared a glance with Alura before turning his attention to his seven year old daughter. "Yes dear?"
"Are we going to leave Krypton?" she asked.
Another shared look from both parents; Jor-El was thankful Kal-El was young enough not to know what was really going on. It was hard enough for the adults to uproot their lives and even more so for a child. Zor-El gathered Kara into his lap. "We're going to have to leave, Kara."
"Because the planet is exploding, right?"
None of the adults were expecting that.
"Um, yes," Zor-El said, impressed. "Kara, how did you know?"
Kara's bright blue eyes twinkled. "I'm seven years old, Father. I'm old enough to know everything there is to know."
Lara managed to chuckle. "She is definitely of the House of El."
Alura, Zor-El, and Jor-El laughed; there was a jest in the family that anyone born into the El family was considered an insufferable know it all to society. Not wanting to feel left out, Kal-El crawled over to the adults and pulled himself up using his mother's legs.
"Hello my little one," Lara muttered, lifting him onto her lap. Jor-El ruffled his hair.
"Kal is coming too, right?" Kara asked forcefully.
Alura chuckled. "Of course he is, dear heart. We wouldn't dream of leaving our little Kal-El behind."
"He's the future of the House of El after all," Jor-El muttered so only Zor-El would hear.
Zor-El chuckled. "Now, now, brother, no need to boast. But if we must, it is clearly obvious that my child is pristine compared to yours."
Lara and Alura shared a look of strain. Kara, demanding attention again, tugged on her father's arm. "Father, can we bring Streaky?"
"That infernal beast wouldn't be able to survive in space, Kara," Zor-El replied.
"On the contrary," Jor-El put in, "the ship will be proficient enough for all – oof!" Zor-El had slugged him in the ribs with his elbow, giving him a look. Jor-El grinned. His elder brother hated his daughter's cat more than any other creature Krypton had to offer.
"Does that mean we can bring Streaky, Uncle Jor?" Kara cried in delight.
Ignoring the distraught state of his brother, Jor-El nodded enthusiastically. "But of course. I was planning on several house pets living in space with us. We can't let all of our animal species pass away surely?"
Kara nodded vigorously, a huge grin on her face. She turned to Kal-El. "Did you hear that, Kal? I can bring Streaky! You're finally old enough to meet him!"
Kal-El laughed, sharing his cousin's excitement. Zor-El frowned. "Now you've done it, Jor," he murmured.
Jor-El chuckled. "If you dislike the cat so much, why did you purchase it, Zor?"
His brother shook his head. Both knew exactly why; Zor-El may appear to be tough as kantonium on the outside but he was as soft as a phoenix feather on the inside, especially concerning his daughter. He gave in to her pleas the moment she asked for a cat.
"If there is one thing your example has taught me, dear brother, it is not to spoil my son," Jor-El laughed, watching as Kara took Kal-El in her arms and carted him to the other side of the room to play with his toys.
"Children… they are the greatest blessing and the greatest curse," Zor-El complained.
Alura shook her head, laughing. "If I recall, when we were courting, you told me you wanted fifteen."
"I am glad you convinced me otherwise," Zor-El replied. "One is more than enough."
Seeing that it was close to Kal-El's bedtime, Zor-El and his family took their leave a few minutes later. After they were gone, Jor-El followed Lara as she took Kal-El to his bedroom. He watched from the doorway as his wife tenderly rocked their son back and forth in her arms, softly singing a famous Kryptonian lullaby in his ear. Kal-El rested his cheek against his mother's shoulder and yawned loudly, his beautiful blue eyes disappearing behind his lids. Jor-El couldn't think of anything more awe inspiring than watching his wife and son together in the pale moonlight. He had come across countless wonders while studying the fabrication and logistics of science but everything paled in comparison to the miracles before his eyes at this moment.
Lara's long dark hair cascaded down her back like the flow of a river. Her voice was that of an angel, the love she held for her son evident in every syllable that passed her lips. Kal-El was curled in her arms, completely at peace in the security and comfort only his mother could give. His small chest lifted and fell in a steady rhythm, his small fist holding onto two of his mother's fingers. Once she was sure he was asleep, Lara gently placed Kal-El in his bed, pulling the covers up to his chin. Jor-El watched as she kissed two of her fingers and placed them on their son's forehead.
"I love you, my little Kal-El," she whispered. "Rest well and may Rao protect you through the night."
She left his side to join Jor-El who hadn't moved an inch through the whole procession. Not allowing her to pass, Jor-El wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a breathtaking kiss. Lara was surprised by such an intimate gesture but soon returned his affection with her own passion, her lips lingering over his longer than usual.
Jor-El chuckled. "You appear eager this evening, my dear."
Lara's cheeks flushed with a beautiful coat of red but unlike her demeanor, her voice came out strong and seductive as she responded, "Only because my husband is incredibly desirable."
Jor-El grinned in pleasure. "Shall we retire then?"
Lara smirked. "Now who is the eager one, Jor?"
He blushed as she laughed. Taking his hand, she led him into their bedroom. The second the door was closed, Jor-El picked her up and carried her to their bed. Setting her down gently, he kissed her. He slowly ran his hands around her neck to the clasp that held up her dress. He managed to remove the hook just as Lara demanded he remove his robe, her hands yanking the fabric from his shoulders. He readily tossed it aside, continuing to claim her lips with his own.
Both were rather eager to be together; the week had been filled with so much stress and uncertainty. The knowledge that they were free to leave and live caused both to feel jubilant. Caressing each other, they deepened their love, celebrating life and the secure hope that had come from the victory won that evening.
What do you guys think of Lara and Jor-El? I promise that things will switch over to Kal-El/Clark's point of view eventually. Be patient and please, please review! :) Thanks for reading!