Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 107
by
Jason Richard
"So," said General Zod from within The Phantom Zone. "You're the son of Jor-El. The resemblance is striking."
"And you're General Zod," said Superman. "I know you intend to release the Kryptonian criminals into this dimension and unleash them on Earth. What will you do then?"
"Right to the point I see," said Zod. "That's kind of refreshing actually. The mysterious benefactors who are helping us escape tend to talk in riddles."
"You don't actually know who they are?" asked Superman, surprised.
"They won't tell us," said Zod. "But that doesn't matter. If they can get us out of here, then I don't care who they are."
"Fine," said Superman. "But you didn't answer my question. What are your intentions?"
"Get my people out of here," said Zod, shrugging. "Right now that is my only goal."
"You realize that most of the Kryptonians there are criminals," said Superman, concerned. "And when they get to Earth they'll have vast, godlike powers. Would you really unleash them on the innocent people here?"
"I will admit I've considered that," said Zod. "But most of the men here are loyal to me...at least the ones that can safely leave. Seems you start aging swiftly when you leave The Phantom Zone. My men and I will keep any genuine criminals under control."
"So you intend to live peacefully with the people of Earth?" asked Superman skeptically.
Zod chuckled, "Why do you sound like you don't trust me?"
"I've seen footage of you staging a coup," said Superman. "I'm concerned you might try to do the same thing here. Will you?"
Zod thought about it and said, "I suppose that depends on the Earthen people."
"You mean if you don't like how their running things you'll step in?" asked Superman crossly.
"Naturally," said Zod. "And I speak from experience. If Krypton had just done what I'd said and accepted their birthright, they'd be on a planet with a yellow sun, not red, and they'd be alive. I only wished to protect them from such a fate."
"That's not what I do," said Superman. "I use my power to protect people who cannot protect themselves, not subjugate them by force."
"Why Kal-El," said Zod. "I protect the defenseless as well, I just take things a step further, protecting people from themselves as much as an enemy."
"So long as they do everything you say and don't think for themselves?" accused Superman.
"Well," said Zod, shrugging. "When you're so much better at thinking than everyone else it's only natural. Again, I was right about Krypton. I may have been mistaken about the kind of threat that finished them off, but the fact remains. A threat ended them, and without natural powers, it would not have done so. Until I see evidence my way doesn't produce results I will continue to do things my way, and yes that includes subjugating people by force. But don't worry yourself about it. One my people are in charge are powers will serve to protect humanity as well..."
"Save it," said Superman, disgusted with this man. He then thought it over and took a deep breath. "Look. If this could be about letting your men out of that prison to live their lives in peace I think we could work something out. But if you have any intention of subjugating the people of Earth to tyranny, especially with the power of the sun at your disposal, then it will be my duty to stop you. You speak of protecting us from threats, but you're giving me very strong evidence that you are one such threat."
"An open challenge," said Zod, pleased. "I appreciate that, more than your father's treacherous scheming anyway. So be it. You have your convictions and I have mine. Time will tell whose convictions win the day. We shall meet again soon."
And Zod walked off. Brainiac turned off the pod, as it was obvious to anyone that the conversation was over.
"So now what Kal-El?" said Brainiac.
"I want you and Kara to keep working," said Superman. "Find out who these benefactors are and if there is a way to stop them from opening the Phantom Zone. I'm going to talk to Earth's governments to see what else we have to work with."
"Very good Kal-El," said Brainiac.
…
Within the Phantom Zone, everything bathed in red light, Zod strolled up to the mouth of a cave. Ursa, Zod's right hand, lay casually against the mouth of the cave smiling in contentment. Zod strolled up and nodded to her.
"How's Non doing," said Zod.
"Same as always," said Ursa, stretching her arms. "Whimpering and grunting. I told him he should calm down for when he went into The Phantom Zone, but he just kept panicking, and now he'll panic for eternity if we can't get out of here."
"Yes," said Zod, a big smile on his face. "I'll admit, you were right about that."
"I can tell," said Ursa, grinning at him. "You came back here with a much better attitude. It's written all over your face."
"Seems a shame we'll be leaving soon," said Zod. "But we cannot leave the others here."
"Especially Non," said Ursa.
At that exact moment, they could hear the monstrous man screaming in terror. The man had been hiding in that cave the entire time.
"Soon Ursa," said Zod. "Soon all our woes will be over." for most of us anyway, Zod thought, thinking of his new grey hairs.
"You might want to tell Non," said Ursa. "Though I don't know if it will help. Anyway, what about the Earth people?"
Zod grinned, "They will submit to the wisdom and protection of the new Kryptonian nation, or they will suffer the consequences."
Ursa smiled evilly and said, "Music to my ears Zod. Absolute music."