Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 63
by
Jason Richard
30 hours earlier.
In the far reaches of space, near the gamma sector, a diamond asteroid belt circled a massive solar system. A unique phenomenon in the universe, these asteroids were made of pure carbon crystal, and glittered in the light of that system's sun. For thousands of years its origin was a thing of mystery, it's galactic significance that of sacred space, and its view a rite of passage for many an extraterrestrial species coming of age.
And Lobo the bounty hunter was going to love blowing it up.
"Showtime!" the giant, extraterrestrial, heavy metal biker dude said from the cockpit of his cruiser as his weapons charged. It would take a few moments once the laser cannons were ready and his faster than light drive was charged to 25% power, but once he was…
It was ready.
"LET'S DO THIS!" He cried as his ship sped at amazing speed threw the cluster of giant space diamonds, blasting them to dust with his laser cannons.
"YEAH!" he cried, throwing his fist in the air. He was having a great time. Within half a micron he had reduced the entire thing to dust.
"Guess that's a dust belt now," said Lobo, pulling some sort of drink from a jug and chugging it like there was no tomorrow. A few drops spilled to the floor, and proved to be acidic as it fizzled and melted the metal surface, just a little.
At that moment he got a call. His vidscreen showed some sort of alien, but hidden in the shadows.
"Lobo," said a deep, menacing voice. "What possible reason could you have had to destroy the diamond asteroid belt?"
"I felt like blowing something up," said Lobo, wiping the corrosive liquid off his face. "What more reason do I need?"
The alien sighed and said, "Regardless, I have a job for you."
On another view screen Lobo saw the details. He was to get the Ark of Krypton, a ship that landed on a planet called earth and was protected by a powerful being known as Superman. He was to get a little extra if Superman could also be captured alive. Lobo skimmed most of it, and the part that caught his eye was the money amount.
"That's a lotta cash," said Lobo, grinning as he stroked his chin. "Don't worry, I'll get your little Ark. The Main Man is on the case."
…
Present Day.
"So that's the gist of it," said Clark as he leaned over the porch railing. He stood with his Earth parents Jonathan and Martha Ken on the porch of their farmhouse watching the sun go down. Things were bearing down on Clark these days, but it was nice to have someone to go to for advice.
"Alright," said Jonathan as he and martha sat back on the rocking chairs. "So what's bothering you about this? Seems like this Lytener is trying to do the right thing."
"That's true," Clark. "But I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. I mean...should I destroy the weapons completely? What if there are other species out there that are hostile with powers like mine, and the red sun lasers are the only way to stop them? I can protect the earth, sure, but not from an army of things as strong as me."
"Oh Clark," said Martha Kent, laughing. "I can't believe you're worried about this. How many aliens have visited Earth since you arrived? I think you're the only one."
"But they're out there," said Clark, turning back to them. "Braniac said so, and I've no reason to doubt him."
"Well," said Jonathan, "You certainly can't let that technology stay with Lex Luthor. You could...I don't know...take the weapons, but save the designs on your ark? It would be the safest place for them, and then they'd be there if you needed them."
"That makes sense," said Clark, sighing. "I just hope people trust me after this."
"Some will," said Martha, standing and putting her hand on his shoulder. "Some won't. You can't control that. All you can do is make sure you are worthy of being trusted...which you are. I can't think of anyone else I'd trust with all this. If others can't see that, then that's their problem."
Superman smiled and said, "Thanks Ma, and thanks Pa."