Chapter 35: Not Alone
At the DEO, Kari Miller wheeled into one of the laboratories, where a scientist was going over an old rocket. The doctor was an older man with sandy blonde hair with bits of grey beginning to show. He had a full mustache and beard, a pair of large glasses resting on his nose.
"Professor Hamilton," Kari greeted as she approached. "How goes the study of the Kryptonian rocket?"
"It's going quite well," Hamilton replied. "The technology of Krypton is beyond anything I could've imagined. I only wish we got the chance to see it first hand."
"I imagine it would be a sight to behold." She was about to turn away, but that's when she noticed something on the side of the rocket. "Hello… what do we have here?"
"What is it?"
"There's a compartment on the side of the hull." She pointed at the clear ridges, indicating some sort of panel or door. "I don't see any handle though. Maybe it's opened from inside the rocket?"
"Let me take a look."
Hamilton went over to the cockpit and tried to find some kind of switch or lever to open the compartment. As he did so, he was unaware of an unexpected guest walking inside.
"Looking for something?"
Hamilton immediately shot up, banging his head on the top of the hatch. Kari whipped around, looking surprised.
"Superman! Sheesh, you're worse than J'onn when it comes to sneaking up on people!"
"Sorry about that," Superman apologized, turning to Hamilton. "Who's your friend?"
"This is Professor Emil Hamilton. He's the head of the technologies department here."
"And I must say, it's an honor to meet you, Superman," Hamilton spoke, coming out and walking over to him.
"Likewise, Professor," Superman replied, shaking his hand. "So, find anything interesting in my old crib?"
"As a matter of fact, Dr. Miller here just found a compartment on the side of the rocket. I was in the process of finding a way of opening it."
"Need an extra set of hands?"
"I think we've got this," Kari assured him. "Although, I wonder..."
She took hold of Superman's wrist, pulling his hand towards the panel. Once he touched it, a palm scanner activated. There was a ding, then the panel opened.
"Well," Hamilton let out. "That's one way of doing it."
He opened the compartment and pulled out what could only be described as some sort of massive cannon. It had two handles to hold it with, a long, blue neck with an oval opening at the end with a few pulsating red lights. There was a screen in between the handles with images of a shifting red and black landscape.
"You two might want to take a look at this."
Kari and Superman came over and looked through the viewscreen, seeing the strange landscape. Kari went wide-eyed, practically shaking with excitement.
"This has to be some sort of portal device," she surmised, speaking quickly. "We could be looking at another planet, or another dimension, or- or another plane of existence! This could be-"
"Help me!" a voice called out.
The three of them all perkep up at the sound.
"Did you hear that?" Hamilton let out.
"It came from the machine," Superman reasoned.
"Please! I've served my time! Release me!"
"Time?" Kari repeated. "Then… this is a portal to some sort of prison."
"It looks that way," Superman replied. "Hello. Can you hear me?"
"Yes. "Have you come to release me?"
"Who are you?"
"I am Mala. Where is the council?"
"The council isn't here. My name is Kal-El."
"Kal-El? Please, bring Jor-El. He knows me. He knows I have served my time. Please!"
"Jor-El?" Hamilton responded. "That was your father's name, right?"
"Yes," Superman confirmed.
"Too bad he's not here," Kari lamented. "He could clear this thing up."
"Maybe he could," Superman pondered.
…
Sometime later, Superman took off towards the Arctic, where his Fortress of Solitude remained hidden. As he flew inside, he passed through a vast collection of exhotic and rare alien animals that he had acquired during a tumultuous encounter with an alien bounty hunter once, before reaching the main chamber, made out of the ship he had found in the arctic so long ago. Inside was the digitized city of Kandor salvaged from Brainiac's ship, as well as his data orb and the crystal Superman had used to discover his true heritage. As Superman landed, he placed his hand on the crystal. It sent a beam up to the orb that soon shot out through the room, creating a holographic Krypton around him. As Superman settled into his new surroundings, a hologram of Jor-El soon appeared as well.
"Welcome home, my son," Jor-El greeted.
"Thank you, Father," Superman replied. "I need you to tell me about Mala and the prison she's in."
"That prison is a dimensional plane known as the Phantom Zone," Jor-El explained. "It is only accessible through specialized projectors. If you are asking about it, then you no doubt found the projector that was placed in your rocket.
"Why was it there?"
"It was part of my plan to save Krypton. Put the population in the Phantom Zone, have one man travel to Earth, and restore ourselves there. The council protested of course. They called me a madman. So instead of an ark, that rocket became a lifeboat. And it's sole passenger, you."
"What about Mala? Who is she?"
The scene then changed to a military rally with Mala in a soldiers uniform standing next to a bearded man in black addressing some troops.
"Mala was a soldier of Krypton's planetary defense unit. Second in command to its highest ranking officer, General Zod. They stood in service to the council for years, until Zod was overcome with a lust for power.
"The time of the council's rule is over!" Zod proclaimed. "These lawmakers and their blind devotion to that machine they've created have led Krypton to ruin! Join me today, and I will restore Krypton to its former glory! We will create a new Krypton, cleansed of the degenerate bloodlines that have poisoned our planet for years! Who will stand with me?!"
The crowds cheered in response.
"He sure knew how to stir a crowd," Superman noted.
"Indeed," Jor-El agreed as the scene changed once more.
This time to the council building where Zod and his forces were launching their attack. Dozens of soldiers began storming the building, shooting down the security guards as Mala and Zod made their way towards the council.
"This council has been disbanded," Zod proclaimed, aiming his weapon at them.
Mala grabbed one of the council members and threw him aside, allowing Zod to take his place.
"Mala and Zod seized the council and would've ruled Krypton till the end of its days," Jor-El continued. "Except for one unexpected obstacle."
Up in the top parts of the building, several men began attacking, being led by none other than Jor-El himself
"You," Superman realized.
"Zod came to me, wanting my help with his plan. He knew of my tendency to clash with the council and offered me a place in his new world order, but I refused to play party to such madness. So, I informed the council of his coming assault so they may repel it."
The guards easily overtook Zod's men, and quickly cornered him and Mala so they couldn't escape. Reluctantly, Mala and Zod threw down their weapons and surrendered. The scene changed once more to the Kryptonian court house. There, Mala and Zod were back to back, chained to a platform on the ground.
"Zod claimed full responsibility for the assault and was condemned to life in the Phantom Zone, much to his anguish."
"You will suffer for your betrayal Jor-El!" Zod proclaimed. "I swear it! You will bow down before me! If not you, then one day, your heirs!"
The projector was then activated, shooting out a beam of energy that engulfed them both, causing them to disappear and the chains to drop.
"What about Mala?" Superman asked.
"The council took sympathy on her, believing she was just following orders. Her sentence was reduced to twenty years."
Superman pondered this, wondering if releasing Mala was a good idea. As if sensing his son's intentions, Jor-El's face became somewhat grave.
"Heed my warning. While the council may have seen Mala as nothing more than an unwilling accomplice, I have always held my doubts of her true loyalties. Tread carefully."
"I will," Superman promised.
…
Later, Superman returned to the DEO and informed Kari and Hamilton about everything he had learned. Both shared in Jor-El's skepticism.
"Superman, are you sure this is a good idea?" Dr. Miller questioned.
"I know it's risky," Superman admitted. "But it's the right thing to do.
"Very well," Hamilton allowed. "Even so, perhaps backup would be prudent."
"Not a bad idea," Superman agreed. "I'll call in who I can while you two get the projector ready."
…
After a few minutes, the three of them, joined by J'onn and Aquaman, were gathered outside of the DEO. Hamilton had the projector in hand, double checking the controls to make sure he understood how it worked.
"Alright, I think I know how to pull her to our world."
"You sure you wanna do this?" Aquaman asked. "For all we know, she could be as bad as that Zod guy."
"Maybe," Superman admitted. "But she's already served her sentence, and several years beyond it. She's earned her freedom. Go ahead, Professor."
Hamilton nodded as he turned a knob on the projector, activating it and shooting out a beam of energy that coalesced on the grass before them. Out of that light, a feminine figure started to materialize, floating above the ground by about a foot. After she fully manifested, she dropped to the ground, gasping. She looked around, taken aback by her new surroundings. She blinked, shielding her eyes from the bright, yellow sun. as her eyes adjusted, Superman walked up to her.
"Who are you?!" She demanded. "Where am I?!"
"My name is Kal-El. I'm the one you spoke to. You're on a planet called Earth."
"Earth? Why are we here? Why are we not on Krypton? Where is the council? Where is Jor-El?"
Superman looked away, sighing sadly.
"I'm sorry… the council, Jor-El, Krypton… they're gone. Krypton was destroyed many years ago. You and I are the only survivors."
Mala gasped, a hand going to her mouth. Kari saw this and cautiously approached.
"Superman, maybe you should take her somewhere quiet. This is… alot for someone to take in."
"The DEO has a mountain retreat a couple miles out," Hamilton suggested. "Perhaps we can move this there."
"Not a bad idea," Superman agreed.
"We will accompany you," J'onn offered. "Just in case."
"Got it. Arthur, mind taking care of the Professor?"
"Not a problem," Arthur agreed.
Arthur grabbed Hamilton as J'onn took hold of Kari's chair. Superman then picked up Mala and flew off with her, much to her astonishment. She looked down at how high they were, then back at the flying (or in Arthur's case, water riding) heroes.
"Can everyone on this planet fly?"
"Only some. You will to, once you absorb enough yellow sunlight."
Mala grinned at the prospect.
...
At the cabin, Superman immediately got to work testing Mala's abilities. Kari and Professor Hamilton stood by, both of them taking notes on everything that happened. Arthur was off to the side, playing solitaire with himself as J'onn watched over the two scientists. Superman held his hands up as Mala punched at them, testing her strength. One punch was strong enough to actually knock Superman into the fireplace. Aquaman looked up at the noise.
"Hey, this place is a rental. Try not to trash it."
"It's alright, Aquaman," Superman replied before turning back to Mala. "guess you still don't know your own strength."
"I suppose not-" Mala relented before suddenly grabbing her head and kneeling over in pain. "My head… what's happening?!"
"It's alright," Superman reassured. "Your senses have just become heightened. They can be overwhelming, I know."
"My skull… It's on fire..."
"You can control it. Focus on me. Focus on my voice. Concentrate on only what you want to see and hear."
Mala took several deep breaths, trying to do as Superman instructed. Slowly, she uncovered her ears and cracked open her eyes. The pain slowly began to subside, to which Mala let out a grateful sigh.
"Thank you."
"That's what I'm here for."
…
Later, the group was outside near a pile of firewood.
"Now remember, concentrate on the wood," Superman instructed. "You'll feel a pressure behind your eyes. When you feel it, take a breath, then open them as wide as you can.
Mala nodded before closing her eyes, taking a breath, and opening them, sending out small beams of heat that started cooking the wood. She focused harder and actually set the wood on fire.
"Yes!" she cheered, turning to face them.
Unfortunately, her heat vision was still active, causing all of them to duck in response.
"Ok, you can shut the eye beams off now!" Aquaman insisted.
Mala quickly closed her eyes and the lasers stopped.
"Guess we still have some work to do," Superman noted.
…
Later, Kari and Hamilton were going over some notes as Mala was testing out her newfound strength. Bored with smashing logs with her bare hands, the kryptonian turned towards the doctors. She grabbed Kari's chair by the seat, lifting it effortlessly into the air. Kari yelped in shock, clinging to the arms. Hamilton was lifted up in Mala's free arm, held aloft by a single foot as he struggled to maintain balance.
"Incredible," Mala marveled. "And we two are the only ones on the planet with these powers?"
"Well, with this specific power set, yes," Superman confirmed.
"And you two are completely helpless against me?"
"More than most, actually," Hamilton admitted nervously. "I am a rather old man with no real fighting skills."
"And I'm forced to rely on this very delicate wheelchair to get around," Kari added, equally nervous.
"Fascinating," Mala responded.
"Mala, put them down," Superman told her.
With an air of reluctance, Mala set both Hamilton and Kari down. The latter was instantly tended to by J'onn as Superman approached Mala. He gave his new companion a stern look, to which she looked away with mild shame.
"I apologize," Mala told him. "These new powers are just… so invigorating."
"I know," Superman agreed. "But there's a condition on you staying here. You can't ever use your powers to hurt people."
"Oh, of course," Mala agreed, throwing her arms around him. "I would gladly follow your lead, Superman."
She then planted a kiss on his cheek, causing everyone present to recoil. Aquaman let out a cough, attempting to save Superman from the awkward situation.
"Uh… Hey Supes… Doncha have… uh… y'know..."
"Yes," Superman let out. "I'll deal with it."
He then pulls Mala free from him.
"Alright, I think we're ready for a night on the town."
He then picks her up and flies off with her.
"We should probably follow," Aquaman decided.
"Agreed," J'onn nodded. "Will you both be alright?"
Hamilton nodded.
"No harm done. Go make sure it stays that way."
The two nod before J'onn flew up and Aquaman leapt into the air after him.
…
That night in Metropolis, Superman and Mala stood on a rooftop, surveying the city. Superman kept looking around at the streets until something caught his eye.
"Down there," he pointed out.
Mala looked and saw a suspicious figure standing outside the Metropolis Bank. Mala x-rayed the inside of the building and saw several men cleaning out the vault inside.
"I… I see them. They're like… ants."
Just then, the crooks started running out of the bank with their stolen goods, getting into a getaway car and driving off.
"Two of missing," Mala noted. "Where are they?"
Superman x-rayed the building and saw two more crooks sneaking out the back.
"Got them," Superman let out. "You go after those two. I'm going after the others."
Mala nodded, watching as Superman flew off. She spotted the other two crooks heading for a car. She smirked, then dropped down in front of them. The two crooks looked at each other for a moment before turning back to Mala and began driving forward. Mala just stood firm as the car came closer and closer before finally hitting her. It bent around her, leaving her completely unphased. She then grabbed the car by the hood, tearing it in two and dumping the two unfortunate crooks on the ground. One of the thugs pulled out a gun and started shooting at her, but the bullets did little more than bounce off her as she approached. She grabbed the gun and crushed it in his hand, causing him to cry out in pain as she tossed it aside/
"You will return what you have stolen."
"Y-yeah sure," The other crook pleaded. "Just don't hurt us."
She grabbed them both by their shirt collars, grinning maliciously.
"Beg."
"Mala!" Superman called out, having thwarted the other robbers. "Put them down!"
Mala glanced back, then callously dropped the thugs.
"I've apprehended them, as instructed. They've agreed to return what they've stolen."
"But you can't just-"
Before Superman could finish, the sound of sirens filled the air. He turned to see several cops approaching the area. Among them was Inspector Dan Turpett, who was taken a back by the scene.
"Yeesh, Supes," He let out. "You do this?"
"Not exactly."
Mala stepped forward, standing up straight.
"I am Mala, second in command to Superman."
This caused a bit of a stir among those present. J'onn and Aquaman, who were watching from a nearby roof, both winced at her declaration. It was made even worse by her next words.
"I offer you my promise to this world, that I will follow the examples of Superman and the Justice League, of just and fair rule."
Whispers immediately started springing up about what Mala had said, the aforementioned Kryptonian being hastily escorted away. Aquaman let out a breath, rubbing at his beard.
"Well… this is gonna be a train wreck."
…
Back at the cabin, Mala was laying on a couch in front of a TV, watching a report on her exploits.
"And it seems 'Mala mania' is sweeping across the city. Earlier today, the newest Kryptonian made a bold declaration about her plans for her future on Earth, plans that have many residents of Metropolis talking."
"If you ask me, that woman's nuts."
"How could someone like her become a Leaguer? She belongs in Strykers, or an Asylum."
"Superman's more than enough for this town. We don't need some loose cannon flying around."
With each comment, Mala scowled more and more at the TV.
"Earlier today, a press conference with Aquaman of the Justice League was held regarding Mala."
Aquaman came onto the screen with a serious expression on his face.
"I want it known first and foremost that the Justice League does not see themselves as any form of ruling body. We exist to protect the Earth, and will always respect the sovereignty of its nations. You have my vow as a fellow monarch."
Mala's eyes narrowed at that as the reporter came back onto the screen.
"Despite assurances from the League, Metropolis' famed entrepreneur Lex Luthor had a rather startling revelation for the public."
"It has recently been revealed that Superman's new partner is in fact, a former Kryptonian criminal, linked to an attempted takeover of her home planet. Now she's served her time, to be sure, but for some, criminal tendencies don't diminish. I can imagine the same can be said for aliens like her. If I were Superman, I'd seriously consider sending Mala back to whatever prison she came from."
No!" Mala snapped, leaping to her feet. "I'm never going back! Never!"
She then used her heat vision to fry the TV, leaving it a smoking wreck. She was panting heavily, seething rage.
…
Later at the DEO, Superman was meeting with Kari and Hamilton about the situation. Neither scientist looked happy.
"Faraday's looking into how word of Mala's incarceration got out," Kari reported. "So far, he's coming up empty."
"Unsurprising, given how good Luthor is at covering his tracks," Hamilton voiced.
"Even so, he might be right," Superman admitted. "My father said Mala was more ambitious than the council believed, but I doubt even he knew the scope of her tenacity."
"Might there be some way for her to repair the damage she's done?" Hamilton suggested.
"With what she said, it would take a miracle," Kari pointed out. "I mean, she made it quite clear that she doesn't exactly respect the human race. She tossed you and me around like ragdolls for shits and giggles."
"Still, we should at least try," Superman decided. "I'm going to arrange an interview for her to try and clear the air."
"And if that doesn't work?" Kari asked.
"... then get the projector ready."
The two doctors nodded.
…
That night on the roof of the Daily Planet, Superman and Mala were meeting with Lois for an interview. Lois was less than thrilled with the arrangement, her anger plain on her face.
"I misunderstood Superman's role on your planet," Mala explained. "I have no desire to rule humanity. I want to help it, as Superman has."
"Yeah right," Lois muttered. "And I'm Wonder Woman."
"Excuse me?" Mala questioned.
"Oh, nothing. So, Mala, what are you to Superman?"
"I am Superman's aid and confidant. I am at his beck and call."
"Ah, so it's that kind of relationship."
"No," Superman insisted. "I mean… it's not like that."
"Then how is it, Superman?" Lois had the slyest, snarkiest grin on her face as she pressed the issue.
"I… me and Mala… I'm just helping her adapt to Earth."
This caught Mala off guard.
"What?" She let out. "You would spurn me? The last woman of your kind?!"
Mala then turned to Lois, who backed away nervously. Mala's face became downright murderous.
"Oh, I see. You favor the touch of these inferior creatures."
"Hey, who are you calling-"
Before Lois could finish, Mala darted forward and grabbed her by the throat, choking her.
"You've seen your last yellow sunrise, woman!"
"No!" Superman let out, darting forward and grabbing her fist.
He then threw her back, sending her crashing onto the roof of another nearby building.
"Are you alright?" Superman asked.
Lois coughed, holding her now bruised throat as she gave Superman a thumb's up. Just then, Mala suddenly got back up and darted towards Superman, who quickly caught her and wrapped his arms around her.
"I'll never go back to the Phantom Zone!" Mala swore. "I'll destroy every human on this planet first."
"That's what concerns me," Superman commented, flying off with her.
"So that's it, then. You actually care about these creatures."
"I care for everyone. Though you're pushing it."
"If General Zod were here, the planet would be ours by now."
"Well, I'm not General Zod."
Mala struggled desperately to escape, then her eyes locked onto a large building. It was shaped somewhat like a UFO on stilts, a perfect target for the power-hungry kryptonian.
"No, you're not."
She quickly elbowed Superman in the chest before grabbing his arm and flipping him over her. He went flying into one of the buildings stilts, causing it to buckle. The building began to topple over as Mala made her escape, prompting Superman to fly up to the building and grabbed hold of it. As it pressed against Superman, a second set of hands quickly joined him. He looked and saw J'onn across from him, helping him carry it.
"Thanks for the assist," Superman told him.
"You go after Mala. Aquaman and I will handle this."
Superman nodded before taking off, allowing J'onn to place the building back into place. Once it was aligned, Aquaman used his trident to fuse the pillars back into place. After the building was secure, J'onn was confident enough to let go, lowering himself to Aquaman's position.
"Mala's allegiances have become all too clear," the Martian declared. "We must send her back to the Phantom Zone."
"Assuming she hasn't smashed the projector yet," Aquaman replied as the two took off.
…
Back at the DEO, Superman arrived to see Superman arrived to find the doors ripped open. Many guards were all over the place, severely injured or worse. Following the trail of destruction, Superman reached Professor Hamilton's lab. There, the scientist was on the ground, his clothes scuffed and several lacerations and bruises on his body. Dr. Miller was in a similar state, her chair bent beyond recognition.
"Professor! Kari!" he let out, helping them up.
Hamilton cracked an eye open, letting out a wet cough.
"Mala… we tried to stop her… She got the projector."
Superman clenched his fist in response, fearing what would happen with the projector in the wrong hands.
…
Out in the woods, Mala carried the projector to a safe enough place before activating it. A beam of energy shot out, depositing a man dressed in similar garb to Mala and sporting a beard. The man dropped to the ground, gasping as Mala lowered the projector.
"Welcome to Earth, my love. I know you'll love it here."
