Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 67
by
Jason Richard
Clark Kent stood on the bridge of the Ark of Krypton and consulted with Braniac.
"Checking," said Braniac, scanning through his memory banks. "There are only two species known to Kryptonians who have the potential to draw power from yellow sun energy. The Kryptonians, of course, and the Daxamites."
"Who are the Daxamites?" asked Clark.
"Technically they are descendents of Kryptonians who colonized a planet near Krypton," said Braniac. "But after centuries of isolation they are a genetically distinct race for all intensive purposes. They, like the Kryptonians, were destroyed when that sun went Supernova."
"So only those from that genetic line have this power?" asked Clark.
"Correct," said Braniac.
He felt uncomfortable asking this, but he did, "And the likelihood that anyone else survived that catastrophe?"
"Zero Percent," said Braniac. "Transmissions from other alien species that combed the wreckage reported evidence of only one hyperspace trail leading away from the solar system before it disappeared. Yours."
Clark breathed a sigh. "So, that red sun technology wouldn't help Earth prepare for other threats. It could only be used against me."
"Possibly," said Branaic. "But there is another possible way Kryptonians might have survived. While Kryptonians stayed on their homeworld for the most part, there was a particular group kept offword. Krypton's criminals were stored in an alternate dimension known as the phantom zone."
"And those criminals wouldn't have been affected by the explosion?" asked Clark.
"Correct," said Braniac. "However, all the technology that connects this world to the phantom zone would have been destroyed as well, therefore those criminals wouldn't have no way of returning to this world. I calculate a one percent chance that one of those criminals might escape."
"But it's still a chance," said Clark, disappointed.
"I deduce that you intend to release this red sun technology to the world," said Braniac. "I would advise against this, Kal-El. As things stand right now this technology can only be used against you. That is a fact. Would you endanger yourself over a one percent chance?"
"It's not just that," said Clark. "It's about trust. What if these criminals do break out of the phantom zone and people find out I destroyed a way to fight them? Even if they don't break out. If people find out about both of those things their faith in me could shatter."
"A logical point," said Braniac. "But then why did you not do the same with Kryptonite?"
"I doubt even this Ark has enough to defend against what you suggest," said clark.
"In all likelihood, not," said Braniac.
"Then what would be the point?" said Clark. "But then…" he sighed, doubting himself just a little. "Kryptonite is a heck of a lot worse for me than a red sun. Maybe, if I'm being honest with myself, I'm just more afraid of Kryptonite. After all, Kryptonite is also an energy source. Can I say people would trust me if I don't share that knowledge?"
"I couldn't say," said Braniac. "But your fears are slightly misplaced. It is impossible to make an entire population trust you simultaneously."
"True," said Clark. "I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't trust me, and are waiting for me to make a mistake and change the general public's opinion of me. That's part of why I can't afford to make mistakes."
"Very well," said Braniac. "As far as these weaknesses go Kryptonite can be dangerous to humans in the wrong circumstances. Even with adequate shielding accidents will happen. I think that is something people will understand. If you insist on retaining people's trust, then the red sun technology should be sufficient."
Clark nodded and said, "Thanks. Alright, I'll go talk with Lytener."
…
Lytener couldn't wait to finish work. All day at Lexcorp he was looking over his shoulder, expecting someone to either call him out for talking with Daily Planet reporters, or demand he hand over the blueprints to the red sun technology. He felt like he was going mad just waiting for something to happen.
Then, as he was walking out the door of the building, breathing a sigh of relief that another day was over, something did happen.
"Hey Edward," said Lois Lane, hiding in the corner next to the front door.
Edward froze, then turned around slowly. He was tempted to turn away again upon seeing Lois Lane's face.
"So," said Lois. "I hear you've been talking to Clark?"
"Uh," said Lytener.
"I heard you came to the Daily Planet spooked out of your mind, demanding to see me, then you spoke to Clark and suddenly I didn't exist." Lois stepped forward and crossed her arms. "I have trouble believing you're giving him inside information instead of me."
"No! No!" Lytener protested. "It has nothing to do with any stories and...I don't want any of this to get out and...c...ould we go somewhere else? This is the last place we should be seen together."
Lois nodded.
…
Fortunately Lytener knew where the camera's where outside the building and they were able to avoid them. They then caught a cab, and the entire trip Lois just glared at him while he stared forward, avoiding eye contact like the plague. Soon they sat in a coffee shop, where Lytener looked down and Lois still glared.
"So," said Lois. "Something you want to tell me?"
A lot, thought Lytener, though he said, "No, not really."
"Are you sure?" said Lois. "I can't see Clark Kent stealing a story out from under my nose. Too much of a boy scout, but since Luthor was outed Perry White could have him on anything. So what's going on with you?"
He told as much truth as he dared, "It's a personal matter."
"You have a personal matter with Kent, whom you've never met?" said Lois skeptically.
Lytener hesitated, then said, "I have no social life...and no family here in Metropolis. I was looking for you because...you're the only person I've spoken to outside work...and I can't trust anyone there. But when Clark offered to help me out he was just so…"
"Nice?" said Lois. "I guess that does sound like him."
Lois figured it made a certain amount of sense. She thought she saw him literally helping some old lady cross the street the other day. Then again that Clark could be devious when he wanted to be. He'd have to be to bug Bruno Mannheim's car. Could he be stealing a potential story about Lexcorp right out from under her nose?
"So this is personal, and has nothing to do with Lexcorp?" she said sharply.
Lytener resisted the urge to swallow nervously and lied, "No."
Lois regarded him suspiciously for a moment, then said, "Fine. Call me when you have more info for me."
And she got up and walked away. Lytener, meanwhile, finally exhaled, hoping she hadn't noticed him holding his breath.