Superman: The Ark of Krypton

Chapter 82

by

Jason Richard

Superman needed to speak with the press, and fast, concerning Lytener. He didn't know what he could do, but at the very least he needed to tell the truth about what happened. He was preparing to speak with someone when he got a call from Brainiac, and apparently it was urgent.

As Clark Kent, still in his apartment, he picked up his Kryptonian communicator and spoke.

"So what's going on?" he asked.

"There's been a complication," said Brainiac. "I know you are concerned about the fate of Mr. Lytener, but something has come up, and it could concern him. Or more accurately it could concern the technology he created that can sap Kryptonians of their power. It seems you were correct. We may very well need it."

The AI had Clark's full attention now.

"I have been intercepting some interstellar communications recently," said the AI. "They were faint, but I realized that they were also heavily encrypted. They also coincided with both times Lobo came after you. It's clear what's' going on. Someone has taken an interest in you and the Ark of Krypton, and they sent the bounty hunter."

"Who are they?" asked Clark.

"I am still trying to determine that," said Braniac. "What is more pressing is they have begun a process I did not think possible. I had calculated a 99.99% that it no one would figure out how to do it, and yet the process has begun all the same. All my scans indicate that someone is attempting to open up the phantom zone near Earth, and they appear to be succeeding.

It was the worst case scenario, and Clark didn't need an explanation as to why this was a bad thing. Hundreds of Kryptonian criminals were imprisoned there. If any of them got out and made it to Earth it would spell trouble.

And if all of them got out…

"Thank you," said Clark. "I'll be sure to let the world know."

Though whether or not it helped Lytener he could only guess.

…

"So you don't remember what kind of technology you made?" asked General Lane in disbelief?"

"I'm sorry," said Edward Lyenter, flustered as he was handcuffed to the table. "Lex Luthor's henchman showed up in the middle of the night and pinned me down. I swear! I'd tell you in a heartbeat if I could. But...but I'm sure I can figure it out again…"

General Sam Lane sighed in exasperation. He had been fully prepared to intervene in Edward Lytener's case if he could get that anti-superman technology, but this was an unexpected curveball. Though in truth he wouldn't put it past Lex Luthor to do something like this.

"Tell you what," said General Lane. "I'll leave my number with you. The moment you remember give me a call and I'll get you out of here."

"No please!" said Lytener as the General got up and left. "I go to trial tomorrow. I'll never live that down. Please! I can learn how to make the technology again! I promise!"

But General Sam Lane didn't listen, instead walking out of the room, despite Edward Lytener's pleading.

…

The trial went about as predictably as possible. Though Superman did go to as many news outlets as he could and shared Brainiacs news, it did little good. Without actually possessing the information for the Anti-Kryptonian tech he couldn't get a plea deal, and while doctors announced that the scientist Lytener shot would live, but even that was no help. Edward Lytener was accused of assault, and the verdict was pronounced guilty.

So Edward Lytener was led away to an armored car where he would be taken to prison. As the police led him away, someone landed in front of him.

"Excuse me," said Superman. "May I speak with him for a moment?"

Given that Superman made the police's job that much easier, they obliged. Superman came up to Lytener, who couldn't even look him in the eye.

"I'm sorry this happened," said Superman.

"It's not your fault," said Lytener, silently adding that he knew whose fault it was.

"I'm afraid there's nothing I can do," said Superman.

"I know," said Lytener, who knew full well what he'd done. As much as Superman had been willing to help him, he knew he wasn't going to break the law and bust him out of there.

Now that he had said his peace Superman heaved a sigh and flew off, and Lytener was led away solemnly.

Before he got to the car, however, he began to hear something. Despite Superman advocating for Lytener with the press, his reputation had still plummeted. For the few people who defended Lytener saying that his technology could help with these Kryptonian villains, the rest of the world responded back saying, "But he didn't know that. He built something to target Superman." in many people's eyes that was inexcusable, and many felt that Superman was being far to forgiving of someone who was clearly dangerous.

And from this mood Edward Lytener heard boos from a crowd the police had to keep at bay as he was led to the prison transport. Boos that seemed to go on forever, and kept ringing in his ear as he was driven to jail, brought out of the transport, and taken inside the gated facility. It stayed with him as he looked at the towers filled with armed guards, went through the orientation, and was brought to the area with the cells.

That booing persisted, until it was replaced by the last thing Edward Lytener expected to hear. Cheers. Were people...cheering his name?

Indeed they were, but the quality of people was...unfortunate. The prisoners were cheering and whistling for him, and it wasn't hard to understand why. Many of these men had probably been busted and turned in to the police by Superman. With technology that could beat him floating around out there, of course they found cause to celebrate. They cheered for Edward Lytener, asking when they'd get their hands on anti Superman guns.

And as Edward Lytener found himself in his cell, sitting on his bunk, he thought back. If only this had remained quiet, he wouldn't be here. Superman could have helped him turn this around if only Lois hadn't…

Lois Lane, he thought as he clenched his fists. This was all her fault.