Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 64
by
Jason Richard
Superman's hearing was amazing, allowing him to even hear things on the other side of the world. However, it did have one limitation, and that was when he was sleeping. Brainiac told him he shouldn't need sleep with his power, but despite that Clark still felt the need to...sometimes. Nights were a bit inconsistent for him as to whether or not he felt the need to sleep. Maybe every other night...give or take a few.
When he actually did sleep things outside a certain radius were too quiet for even him to notice. If a robbery or something was happening in Metropolis the gunshots would usually wake him up, but anything outside the city could usually go unnoticed.
This is why when Lobo pretty much crash landed outside Metropolis Superman didn't notice him. Clark Kent was asleep at the time, and after that crash Lobo didn't really do anything that would get his attention.
Except go around the city asking people where Superman lived.
The first person he saw was a homeless guy on a park bench, "Hey you," said the gigantic alien. "Where's this Looper Man live?"
Shaking at this very intimidating looking aline, the man just said, "N...no one knows...I...I mean it's a...a secret."
No one knew? Oh well. Lobo figured he would just have to bring this guy to him, and he held up his laser rifle,
…
While this was going on Superman paid a visit to Star Labs. Dr. Hamilton greeted him enthusiastically as Superman followed him down the facility's corridors.
"I must say," said Superman. "I'm surprised you feel you're finished the the knowledge I've already brought you."
"Finished?" said Dr. Hamilton. "Hardly. We've only just begun testing the medical technology your ark provided, and we're nowhere ready for a working prototype of...any of it really. Still, we at least have a starting point on that front. So, what data have you brought us today?"
Superman held up a flash drive and said, "Scanning technology. I figure it could help predict natural disasters or other dangers to the planet."
"That will be good for public relations," said Dr. Hamilton, accepting the drive. "Though one thing people have been pressuring me to ask...safe renewable energy sources? What actually powers the Ark of Krypton?"
A substance Superman didn't want to mess with. Kryptonite. Kryptonian technology could easily contain the radiation, but Superman wanted that secret out even less than he wanted people knowing about his connection to red sun radiation.
"I have looked into it," said Superman. "But the substance required for Kryptonian power cells are...not in adequate supply for the kind of power production you're thinking of."
That was partially true. The amount of Kryptonite on the Ark could power that ship for many many years but it couldn't power the entire world for very long. Even so, Superman felt a little guilty for being even a little deceptive, especially upon noting Dr. Hamilton's disappointment. Also, if there was enough Kryptonite to power the entire world, would he actually share it? He wasn't certain.
"Well anyway," said Superman. "This scanner technology should be helpful for detecting threats to Earth. At the moment I can't really hear into space, so having a way to detect alien spacecraft approaching is something I'd like to get set up as soon as possible, preferably before a dangerous alien lands on Earth."
And from somewhere else in metropolis Superman heard Lobo shoot his laser rifle into the air, shouting, "Hey Looper Man! Come get me already!" as well as the screams of people running from the heavy metal alien.
Superman, turning around to look at the alien with his X-Ray telescopic vision, said, "I have to go." and sped out the building.
Within moments he was standing in front of Lobo with crossed arms and a stern expression.
Lobo turned and grinned sadistically, gripping his double barreled laser rifle in anticipation.
"Ah hah! Looper Man!" said Lobo.
"Superman," said the caped hero.
"Oh!" said the massive rocker alien, pretending to be apologetic as he aimed his weapon. "I'm sorry, Superman." he looked him over. "Funny, you don't look so super to me."
"What do you want?" asked Superman.
"You for starters," said Lobo. "And your ship. Gonna tell me where that is, or am I going to have to rough you up a bit."
Superman gave a side glance to the people who were watching. Even if they were keeping their distance, they were at risk. Superman wasn't going to stand for that.
"What's your name?" asked superman.
"Lobo," said the other alien. "Greatest Mercenary in the Universe."
"Well Lobo," said Superman. "You aren't taking me, you're not taking my ship, and you aren't hurting anyone on this planet."
Lobo laughed boisterously, "Oh, is that a threat little man?"
"No," said Superman. "Not a threat, just a fact."
Lobo laughed again. "Oh it's a fact huh? Well you got guts, I'll give you that, and you'll definitely need guts to go up against me."
And Lobo fired his weapon, and it was unlike any weapon Superman had faced on earth. The energy from both barrels of the weapon traveled as fast as Superman himself, hitting the hero full in the stomach and knocking him backwards almost twenty feet and making him roll on the pavement below.
As he stood up, actually feeling a little dazed, Lobo walked up, his weapon still pointed at Superman.
"Word of advice," said Lobo. "Before you start making heroic speeches, get your facts straight."
And he fired again.