Superman: The Ark of Krypton
By
Jason Richard
"So," said Lois, sitting on her couch as Kara sat across from her. "You really think we don't need Luthor to fight Apokolips?"
"I'm sure of it," said Kara.
"Alright," said Lois, cracking her knuckles. "Then I'm game. It will be nice having someone with super senses help with the investigation. Still, as much as it pains me to admit it, we might want to get Clark in on this. I'd rather not take any unnecessary chances."
But this "Clark" was actually Kal-El, and Kara knew he had other things to do.
"Oh," said Kara. "You mean Mr. Kent? He's…uh…helping superman look for Apokolips agents, seeing if he can find anything unusual."
"Is he now?" said Lois. "Should have known he'd be aiming high. Oh well. I'm sure we'll be fine. Anyway, I've got all my notes on criminal activity that Lexcorp may be behind. You can take that with you and when you're done we can decide where to start tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan," said Kara.
…
"So we have no plan," said Clark, dejected as he sat in the control room of the Ark of Krypton.
"I suppose not sir," said Brainiac. "I cannot find any leads on Apokolips technology here on Earth. If they're physically here, then they've hidden themselves well."
Clark breathed a heavy sigh and rubbed his chin in thought.
"Brainiac," said Clark. "I know you're still jamming any signals to and from deep space, but Apokolips must be monitoring the situation on Earth somehow. How many possible methods are there for them to do this?"
"To do this while remaining hidden," said Brainiac. "From both my scanners and any technology here on Earth, I can calculate only three options. First, a team on Earth has been entrusted to manipulate things behind the scenes and is authorized to do so without checking in regularly. It would be difficult to call for backup, but this route would give them the greatest chance and remaining undiscovered. Second, they are using Earth technology that has been enhanced. I am avoiding jamming Earth's communications, so they could potentially get past me this way, but it would run the risk of getting overheard by other pieces of Earth technology. Third, a series of cloaked probes going back and forth through Earth's atmosphere, transmitting only when they are out of range of my jamming signal. The transmission of information would be slow, and going out in the open to leave the atmosphere would increases risk of discovery, but it would give them secure lines of communication to their home world."
Clark sat there and gave it some thought.
"We can work on a way to detect cloaked probes leaving the atmosphere," said Superman. "Both us and the world governments. As for a team here on Earth we can all search for evidence of extraterrestrial technology and go from there. If they're using Earth technology…well…that could be a problem. Most governments have some sort of privacy laws, and for good reason. We can't just listen in on random communications."
"Especially if they're using the most common form of communications," said Brainiac. "Cell phone towers. It would run the most risk of discovery, but we cannot rule it out either."
"Lots of opportunity to compromise the privacy of innocent people if we pursue that," said Superman. "And that's not an option as far as I'm concerned. I'll have to think about what to do about this."
"In the meantime," said Brainiac. "I'll get to work on the other methods."
"Very good," said Clark.
…
Lex Luthor sat at his desk in a virtual conference with his shareholders. Bruno Manheim was listening in, though unofficially of course. At his side, Mercy graves stood with a notepad, writing things down.
"We're making excellent progress," said Luthor. "Both the Apokolips probe and the Colu probe are yielding incredible results. I predict we'll be able to protect ourselves from alien invasion within the month. Three months at most.
The shareholders seemed pleased at this information.
"Right," said Luthor. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
And he shut off the feed.
Luthor took a deep breath.
"I notice," said Mercy. "That you didn't mention your other plans for the Colu probe."
"Need to know basis my dear," said Luthor. "Need to know basis. The Colu's arrogance is their undoing. The data stored on it extensive. I don't even need the physical shell anymore. No, that will have a much more…practical application."
"You sure?" said Mercy. "Do we really want to go after Superman now?"
"As I said," said Luthor. "Under my leadership Earth will be able to protect itself in at the most three months. There's nothing to worry about."
"I hope you're right," said Mercy. "And I know you're always right, but this time I hope it all the same. I…I can't claim to wrap my head around the data from the Apokolips probe, but your scientists look nervous whenever I bring it up…very nervous."
"Right," said Luthor. "We won't make our move until we're absolutely certain our technology is ready to protect Earth. But Superman has interfered with my…ahem…associate Mannheim's operations for far too long. It might not be now, but Superman will be dealt with eventually."
"I know," said Mercy, smirking. "And as I said, I know you're always right."
Luthor grinned at that.