Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 95
by
Jason Richard
"You know," said Lois into the phone at the police station. "I'd normally be furious that someone else got such a big scoop, especially on Lexcorp, but seeing as I'm behind bars right now I'll just be glad someone caught Luthor red handed."
"And that his prisoners were freed and get now get treatment for their conditions?" asked Clark.
Lois smiled, "Yes Clark," she replied. "That too."
"So," said Clark. "The trial is tomorrow?"
"Yeah," said Lois. "So...can I count on you as a character witness?"
"Well," said Clark mischievously. "I'm not so certain you'd want me to be there. I'd be under oath, after all."
"Hilarious," said Lois, rolling her eyes. "Seriously though, what do you intend to say?"
Clark took a deep breath and said, "I will be honest. You're not the most compassionate person I've ever know, but you'd never shoot a man in cold blood."
"That'll do. Thanks," said Lois. It was at that moment that the police came over to tell her time was up.
"Talk you to later," she said, before hanging up.
…
That very day Edward Lytener got a very unusual visitor. Right outside his cell was none other than General Sam Lane. Lytener could only think of one reason why a general would be there to see him.
"My technology is not for sale," said Lytener. "At least not while I'm behind bars. Besides, hasn't the military reinstated its contract with the now pardoned Lex Luthor?"
"You haven't heard have you?" said General Lane. "That pardon is being reevaluated in light of recent events. When we issued that pardon Luthor was, as far as we knew, the only game in town, what with you being his employee. Now that you are a free agent you are our best alternative. On top of that Superman dug up a dirty little secret and the Daily Planet told the world. Lexcorp is on shaky ground right now. Believe me."
So Clark Kent did follow up on the lead. That was good, but how did he get Superman in on it? What method did that man have for contacting the alien hero? Lytener couldn't wrap his head around it.
Still, it didn't mean he was safe from Luthor yet, and seeing those men in their mutated state had been a terrifying experience for him. Technically he was never supposed to see them. He'd gotten an anonymous message and managed to catch a glimpse of them. It had scared the living daylights out of him.
"So here's where we stand," said General Lane. "The public is putting a lot of pressure on us not to work with Luthor. You, on the other hand, are old news. If you could supply us with weapons to help us stave off the Kryptonian breach that Superman says is coming then I can put you under my protection."
"Seriously?" said Lytener, rolling his eyes. "All military technology comes from Lexcorp. He'll have back doors installed into everything. Why would I seek refuge in a fortress my enemy holds all the keys to?"
General Lane smiled, "Not all of our technology comes from him. I tend not to put all my eggs in one basket. I have a facility with technology from Lexcorp's biggest competitor, Star Labs. They designed this prison you're in right now. Imagine that, but with the military protecting you. It would still be a prison, but you would be safe."
It was tempting, very tempting. In fact, it might work out well for him. If he did succeed in creating technology that could protect the planet that might get him a pardon of his own. However…
"There is a catch though," said General Lane. "You must confess to framing my daughter."
Lytener froze up, "No deal."
"Come on," said General Lane. "We both know she didn't kill Luthor. My daughter hasn't got it in her. Confess, and…"
"No deal," said Lytener coldly.
General shook his head and said, "I can give you the resources to work, and you know what's coming. Would you risk the planet over this?"
Lytener regarded him coldly and replied, "Would you?"
General Sam Lane leaned in close to the bars and Looked Lytener right in the eye. Lytener stood up and did the same to the general. After a few minutes neither of them said anything, until eventually, the general sighed, handing Lytener a card through the bars.
"My number," said the general. "Just in case you change your mind."
Lytener took the card and looked at it, thinking it over as the General left. Whatever his feelings on Lois Lane, this was something he'd want to keep around.
…
They were growing impatient. Their plans had been halted yet again. It would take some time before they could open the portal again, but they might be able to let at least one Kryptonian out of the phantom zone. Just one. He could be their partner in defeating Superman, and perhaps steal the knowledge they needed from Edward Lytener as well. It would be tricky. The one they released couldn't know the true nature of the information Lytener had. As a Kryptonian, he'd realize that such information could be used against him just as much as it could Superman. They would have to play it carefully.
For when they released General Zod.