Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 86
by
Jason Richard
And so Edward Lytener got to work building his new technology in an obscure warehouse. Hunched over a desk using a welding torch to put it all together, this would be the most advanced piece of technology a human being had ever developed.
And when it was done not even Superman would stand in his way.
…
Edward Lytener had changed. That much was clear. Lois Lane had interviewed the warden of the prison where Lytener had escaped, and was simultaneously amazed...and disturbed. Some back alley deal where he traded technology to Luthor was one thing. But a prison break? She hadn't thought him capable of that.
It was as she was walking back to her car that Superman landed in front of her, his arms crossed and a concerned look on his face.
"Figured you'd show up," said Lois. "There's no sign of Lytener, but can't you find him with your hearing?"
"It can be hard to find one voice among so many," said Superman. "Though it helps to know where to look. Actually that's why I'm here. I think I know once place I can look for him."
Lois nodded, "You think he'll come after me?"
"I didn't think much of it at the time," said Superman. "But when I saw him last he assured me he held no grudge against me. But the more I think back on it, the more I realized he seemed...well…"
"Disgruntled?" said Lois, sighing. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised. I'll keep my eyes open."
"And I'll keep my eyes on you too," said Superman.
"Oh really?" she said teasingly. "Should I be flattered, or get a restraining order?"
"This is serious," said Superman. "What if I'm right and he blames you for what happened?"
"I can take care of myself," said Lois. "He's a nice…" she hesitated then said, "Well he was a nice guy, but kind of a whimp."
Superman just frowned.
Lois rolled her eyes in frustration, "What do you want from me? You want me to apologize to him? After what he did? The position he put you in?"
"It could help," said Superman.
"Whatever," said Lois, walking around Superman and going to her car. "Thanks for keeping an eye out."
"Sure," said Superman, flying off as Lois drove off.
…
Bruno Mannheim strolled into the warehouse to find Edward Lytener waiting for him. At least he assumed it was him. The man before him was wearing a strange metallic suit with mechanical gold highlights. As he got closer he saw the man's face and it was indeed Edward Lytener.
"Hey Eddie," said Mannheim uncertainly. "Is this what you've been working on? What is this some kind of battle suit?"
"In a sense," said Lytener smugly. "This suit I'm wearing is actually a hologram, a hard light hologram."
"Come again?" said Mannheim.
"It's a force field that looks like a suit," said Lytener, rolling his eyes. "Come here."
He stretched out his hand and Mannheim, an uncertain look on his face, shook it. Then he frowned.
"That's weird," said Mannheim, "I can see a metal suit, feel heat there, and my hand can't close in any further, but…"
"You don't actually feel anything?" said Lytener. "Not surprising. Unlike heat, light itself is something our touch receptors never learned to pick up on. This suit is not matter. It solid light. To prove it, I'd like you to do something for me.
…
"Shoot you with a bazooka?" asked Mannheim as the bazooka was prepared. "Are you insane?"
As they stood in an open field Lytener waited with his hands on his hips and a smug expression on his face. He said, "I'll be fine. Don't you worry."
Mannheim shrugged, picked up the bazooka, aimed carefully, and fired. The rocket sped forward and hit Lytener head on, exploding in a fiery blaze. After a few moments the fire and smoke cleared and Lytener was fine, still standing there and beaming with confidence, that is until he looked at a readout on his arm. Then he became intrigued.
"Not bad," said Mannheim, impressed. "So this force field can deflect rockets. Still, that doesn't mean it can deflect Superman."
"By itself no," said Lytener. "But the data I just got tells me that this technology is working exactly as predicted, so I'm confident I can take Superman. Well, I have everything I needed. Thank your your sponsorship."
And suddenly Lytener was flying. The hard light surrounding him could be projected anywhere, regardless of gravity, and could effectively carry Lytener with it, effectively giving him the power to fly. Of course Mannheim didn't appreciate this. He was too busy getting angry.
"Everything you needed? Thank you for your sponsorship?" asked Mannheim. "You talk like our business dealings are about to end. But that can't be right. Can it?"
Lytener paused mid air and sighed, looking over at the limo parked several feet away. He pointed his finger and a laser shot out of it, cutting the car in half. Mannheim turned around, saw the destroyed car, then turned back to Lytener, the veins in his forehead pulsing.
"Really Mr. Mannheim," said Lytener. "If I was planning to take my technology with me and leave you with nothing, what exactly would you do about it?"
"We had a deal!" cried Mannheim. "That technology is mine!"
"Come an get it then?" said Lytener, smirking.
And Lytener flew away, leaving Mannheim fuming.