-1Superman in Action FanFic #16

Sins of our Forefathers

It's been too long since I've been back to the Fortress. I can't believe that I've put it off, but things have been so busy since becoming Superman that I haven't really even had time to visit Ma and Pa. I knew helping people would keep me busy, but I never truly expected that it was going to completely take over my life. Beware the decisions you make, I suppose. Still it'll be nice to see father and mother; I just wish it were under better circumstances.

I'm in complete shock about the fact someone tried to clone me. Should I be surprised about it? Probably not, especially considering the two people that I've got gunning for me. If Conduit's not smart enough to do it himself now, then he probably knows someone who is. Considering he wants me dead however, I doubt seriously he's the one behind it. Lex Luthor on the other hand, it almost writes the story out itself. He wanted to buy me and I refused, so what better way to make sure he has his own Superman then by cloning one. The imperfect clone isn't something he'll consider success, but it gives him plenty of reason to keep trying. Then again, perhaps the government doesn't trust me as much as I'd like to believe. Perhaps the President is just biding his time with me in order to create something that can put me in line. Maybe it's not the President at all; perhaps it's one of the many different intelligence organizations out there. I suppose there's any number of possibilities if I think about it. It's almost overwhelming to think that someone would do this, but what can I expect? It's all about power and who can control it. So far it's about making a loyal version of me, but how long will it be before they start trying to extrapolate how to place my powers into a regular human? It's almost certain that someone will eventually try for it. I'm concerned about that. What amount of damage could be done if the experiment goes wrong? At least one life could potentially be lost, but it could be countless if it works and the person loses control. Worse yet, if the person loses their scruples.

I'm almost terrified as to what Batman will find in his search. Hopefully he'll find the location of the last Bizarro and I'll be able to deal with him before something worse happens. I wish he'd be more cooperative on this, but I suppose that cooperating with a man sent to be an arresting officer isn't something I'd be pleased with under the circumstances. The difference is that I'd go to clear my name, he acts as if it's an inconvenience. I truly wonder whom he's hiding under that mask of his. It's not like he has any reason to trust the police, but if he could find some law agency and work within their trust it would be a lot more helpful to him. I wonder if the rumors of him being an ex-mob enforcer are true? There's a real story there, 'Who is Batman?' I bet a ton of people would pay millions for that, and I'm betting lives would be on the line for it. It would be one of the biggest stories out there considering what sort of damage in the criminal world the man's done in his few months on the job. Still, would I want someone to reveal who I was? It's interesting, the one news story everyone's going to want is who these costumed people are, what motivated them into a life of brightly colored uniforms. I think it's best to actually steer away from that if possible. The less a precedent is set on it, the less likely anyone's going to want to dig into who I might really be. Yeah, not set a precedent on a mystery set in front of them. It's just begging for the paparazzi, isn't it? Guess the police will have their work cut out for them. I wish today's standards were more like they were back when the Justice Society were busting criminals. They were mystery men, and while people speculated who they were it almost seemed like there was a respect towards them because they didn't tell. They just allowed their codenames to stand tall, no recognition out of uniform. They avoided parades for them, they didn't display their abilities to impress anyone. They were there to stop Nazi's from overrunning the world, but would still help a little girl when her kitten was stuck in a tree. Those were the days. Nowadays, it seems like anyone is under fire and scrutinized for every little thing they do. As a reporter I should take a guess that I'm going to be put under a microscope not only by the government, but by society too. The public hate mysteries; they want news. Don Henley was right, people love dirty laundry.

I reach Antarctica rather quickly. I wanted to get the answers fast before something worse happened and I wasn't around to see it. Of course getting the answers I require might still take awhile. The Fortress comes to life as I enter it. The moment feet touch the ground the holographic emitters start working. There before me stands Lara, my mother.

"Kal-El, it is good to see you. It has been many months since last you visited."

"I know mother, and I'm sorry for that. Since my becoming Superman, things have been hectic at best."

"Your father and I have kept monitoring the news feeds, we are proud of you Kal-El. Your trials have been long and hard, but it seems as if you've stood your ground and proven yourself to be a worthy hero."

"Unfortunately, there's still a great deal of mistrust and that has lead to some rather unforeseen things happening."

"What troubles you, my son?"

"Someone got a sample of my DNA and has cloned me." In the blink of an eye my father's image appears, he and my mother standing shocked at the news I've just conveyed. "Something is wrong with the clones father, they've found some strange white cell that's attacking another unknown cell in the body. It's dumbing them down and making the clone become almost mummified after a time."

"Yes, my son. This wasn't nearly as unforeseen as you might expect."

"You knew that this would happen?"

"Yes, my son."

"WHAT'S HAPPENING?!"

Father's face turned towards the ground with a look of despair. He looks almost ashamed as to what he's going to tell me. "Do you remember me telling you of the Black Zero Campaign, Kal-El?"

"I'm not fully up on all the details, but yes I remember some of the stories."

"It is important that you know my son, the details are vital so you may understand why these clones are not what they should be. The harvest bank, or better to you 'clone lab', had a power fluctuation due to an explosion in one of the upper levels of the High Council science facility. It had caused many of the units to malfunction thus waking clones that had no purpose other than to carry replacement organs for their originators. While scientifically, they were functional beings they were thought as a lesser class."

"Because they were essentially just copies. The only time they were regarded in any higher function is when they were used to replace fallen scientists."

"Correct, and the process of replacement meant that they were given full treatments as a delicate operation. There genetic memories were enhanced more and given the Engram band to make sure that all information wasn't lost. A carefully grown clone with purpose."

"Genetic memory…"

"Something Bertron had taught us a great deal about, albeit indirectly. All life forms seem to have a genetic memory. When cloning it helps the clone to be more like the individual it came from. However, there's a higher chance that not everything the originator knew will make it through this process, thusly leaving it a lesser being due to higher rate of growth and such. They were essentially just farm animals with purpose, or so the council had long believed at that point. So it was taken into account for higher purpose clones that we take care to make the memory as close to perfect as possible."

"And this Bertron showed you this in some manner?"

"Bertron created a prime example, Kal-El! His experiment was to take certain DNA and create an ultimate being from it. He did not know just how long that act would take, but he set forth on the ideal that he would try and try again. Throughout the process it was never taught anything, nor did it know how to speak. The only thing it had were its many varied experiences on its trip through a lab and the tube it was placed in to throw it outside the protective walls of the science dome. The wastelands at that time were a harsh place, even for we natives of the world. In those experiences, this creature had learned pain and suffering after repeated failures. After years it was finally strong enough to survive and took its aggressions out on the creatures outside the dome then onto its masters. The experiment on Bertron's part was a complete success, unfortunately not one he would live to celebrate."

"That's horrid! It killed the people that created it?"

"Yes. Through what little memory was transferred from clone to clone, it remembered that it's 'father' was responsible for its constant abuse, and the others there must've been just as guilty. So Bertron's greatest achievement lead to his untimely death. It is as you say, but it wasn't without it's benefit to our people. The High Council only agreed to work with him so closely on the terms that he would allow us to install a Brainiac interface for independent study, as well as letting some of our scientists in to study first hand. He agreed."

"I remember you saying that they made the concession with a few of their own. The real question is whatever happened to the clone? With as upset as it was, I'm surprised it didn't amble its way towards the cities and start trying to take its anger out on the population."

"The creature disappeared on a ship that came to restock supplies from off world. They discovered the broken dome and the bloody mess that awaited them. When they took off, we assume the creature somehow got on board and left with them. It's reign of terror ended on Krypton, but Bertron's influence had just begun. The genetic memory was a perfect solution to so many problems. It would allow us to replaces any losses and make sure that we would live the scientific age that many Kryptonians dreamed of. We tested it with our own people, improved it to recall everything up to the point the sample was taken, the newly designed Engram band would fill in the rest when the time was necessary . It would also give him any data that might've otherwise got damaged due to anomalies in the growth process."

"The band was created as a stop-gap measure so that they had ways to complete data on DNA samples they already had in storage. It wasn't just so holograms would have faces for orphaned children or the High Council wouldn't lose the brilliant scientific minds."

"Essentially."

"That also explains how Bizarro knows who I am and where I came from."

"Exactly. It is essentially you, just deformed. And that was by design.

"To what end?"

"The scientists didn't improve all Kryptonian DNA for this. When the Black Zero campaign happened the clones found a way to distribute a serum to all Krypton that would make the necessary changes to the body for this particular upgrade. If they killed or stole samples of blood they could make clones for their army that were not only loyal, but know what their enemies knew. They were adept at this, it went far and with some disastrous results. Entire Houses fell from their reign. That is until High Council came up with a solution."

"What did they do?"

"They introduced another serum in the same manor the clones did. This enhancement created a cell that would attack the genetic memory cells that were being created, but also it would attack the genes themselves, turning them into something like what you have described."

"Genetic memory cells?"

"Cells basically carry a great deal of information about the body, they contain everything that a person is. The cell was the perfect way to enhance the way we carried memory. While to a degree beings already have it, our scientist were able to improve on it to the point of carrying all our knowledge from clone to clone. Think of it almost as a living wetworks facility. A drop of water can store much information, but a tank of water could store entire worlds of data in them. The body was giving us a grand opportunity."

"To what degree do other beings have this memory?"

"It has varying degrees. Mostly it just took on physical characteristics, but some exhibited the behaviors and even some retention of stronger memories that their originator had. Our best test before we improved it had a shade's memory of their progenitor. Snippets of knowledge that it could not comprehend into any logical conclusions, yet impressive by standard of other tests. "

"In improving it, Krypton facilitated what was to come."

"It seemed perfect, but yes, Black Zero showed us the errors of our ways. The general that ran their organization, Qel-Zod whom was cloned from one of the greatest military leaders Kor-Zod, was very thorough in his quest to keep a constant flow of new clones. The House of Zod was known for strong minds and arrogance. Qel-Zod believed that in his new age of Krypton the originator houses would fall leaving position for new leaders. Qel-Zod would take his rightful place as not only the new leader of his house, but of this new Krypton. The council had heard enough of this madness, they resolved to kill the clones. The Kryptonian armies found ways to lay traps for them. Sending intel of new advancements meant to wipe them out. Giving them hope that they would defeat their originators they sent many unto their deaths. After awhile the clones couldn't trust the intelligence because they'd followed so many leads that they were being eliminated in greater numbers. Qel-Zod demanded that they listen, that the effort should remain as one instead of splitting into factions. Of course the tighter he held his grip, the more they ran to other ideas. Soon, they were so few in numbers the armies lead attacks on the cloning facilities. It was just a matter of making sure that any new clones would be tainted and unusable by the clones. The white cell did it's job. Some of them were grown flawed from the outset, some of them retained their memories long enough to become mad by the transformation. They killed countless of their creators before succumbing to the effects of the tampering."

"How did Qel-Zod die?"

"He was brought up on charges in front of the High Council. The stomachs of the council leaders had weakened by that point. So much death and destruction had been wrought, another death was just seen as pointless. My personal belief, it was because the council members had not been introduced to a killing first hand. It was one thing to conduct experimentation on cadavers and surgeries on living beings, but death by some sort of violent act was sacrilege to them. The hypocrisy of it all. Death by violence wasn't sacrilegious to them by any means, it was just their way of saying that they preferred not to dirty their hands. Further hypocrisy is that the council were the instigators to the war! They allowed the clones to become nothing more than livestock and then when they asked for equality sent the armies to fight unto genocide. They just wanted to make it look like they were taking the high road once again. A lenient and merciful council."

"So they just wanted to get him out of sight and put him in a cell?"

"It a manner they did, but that does not concern this matter for right now. The point of it all is that any clone based on your DNA is doomed to failure."

"Is there no way to save them? Bizarro wasn't evil, he was just misguided! He needed someone to show him how to become the man he proclaimed himself to be."

"There once was a way, but it has long since been lost."

"How do you mean?"

"It was given to Brainiac to formulate a curative to the white cell. If it were the case that we were on the brink of extinction he would give us the formula to start immediately cloning the scientists. That way we could start to deal with whatever catastrophe had lead us to the event and then rebuild the populace once it was deemed safe."

"Why didn't the High Council get the formula?"

"Because if a corrupt or sympathetic member had it, the war could start again. Brainiac was impartial and could be counted on to observe the conditions and judge whether the formula was necessary to distribute."

"Another hypocrisy and ironic too. They'd kill every clone until they would have to use them as lifeboats. That's monstrous."

"Many consider that area to be the golden age of Krypton."

"Some say our golden age on Earth was during World War II. I don't believe that either, how can we have a golden age in the middle of a slaughter?"

"You are wise beyond your years, Kal-El."

"I wish it was any use to me now. I'm trying to find a way to save the last of the Bizarros from his fate. How long do these clones usually last?"

"The longest any of the imperfect clones lived was 15 minutes. It either was killed by its creator or seized in the death throws of mummification."

"I'm going to have to accept his fate…"

"If human engineering has come as far as the internet has allowed us to believe, there is a possibility someone of great genius could compensate for the white cell. However, I cannot say any attempt would be successful. For all I could care to venture it may only allow the clone live under the conditions of its metamorphosis. Unfortunately it is all speculation at this juncture, my son."

"The scientists with my DNA were trying to circumvent it. We shut them down, but the lead scientist still has one that he's been making modifications to. They've used the other 4 as lab rats to experiment on while they come up with ideas on how to stop the white cell's attack."

"Four deaths for the sake of one clone. I have studied such atrocities that have happened on this planet, and makes me realize I was correct in my decision to send you. "

"These people make me sick. There's so much death, destruction, and chaos! Yet, there are those that thrive on it! I do what I can, but is it enough?"

"It sounds as if you are no longer sure that you are doing the right thing."

"I don't doubt that what I'm doing is the right thing. I wouldn't give up being Superman, but what I'm unsure is if I'm going to be able to make the greater difference. People are going to look at me for more and more. I don't want them to give up on the police or firefighters because it's easier to scream my name. Bizarro was in that need, and he trusted me to help him because we wore the same colors. He couldn't think of anyone better to trust than me. I'm trying to save what life exists in the last clone, before it ends up like its predecessors."

"Why do you care so much about this clone?"

"Even in his altered state, he was the closest thing to blood family I had. Almost as if I had a little brother."

"Someone whom you could share your experiences with that could understand what you've been through."

"Is it so wrong to want that?"

"No, my son. It is quite logical. You are alone in this world, even with all of its people. There is no one with whom you can speak of Kryptonian matters to. No one that you could bring here to talk with about growing up knowing you were different, yet not knowing where you came from."

"That's exactly it. Ma and Pa have lived the frustration of wondering why I was so different with me. When Pa finally told me that I was adopted and showed me the rocket, it gave me a sense of wonder and hope that at least I might get answers. It was a wonderful experience and it has given me the parents I never would've known otherwise, neither sets of parents could understand the amount of loneliness I feel."

"I know my son, but take courage that you are not alone. So long as you have family, whether blood or adopted, you will always have someone."

"I know father, thank you. I don't often let this get to me. After seeing Bizarro though, it twisted me. I guess it's just never hurt as bad than as to have something so close to being family yet having it taken so far away."

"I am sorry, Kal-El. Still, perhaps this is a small blessing. Though he may have given you some small comfort, he would have essentially been another you. Eventually, even with the best of people, jealousy can turn a soul dark."

"You think he'd eventually resent being me?"

"He would essentially be living in your shadow regardless of how differently you treat him. There would be no way for him to differentiate himself in any manner that would not always remind him that he is a copy of you."

"I guess that's what they call a mixed blessing."

"How so?"

"Allowing him to die so as to spare him a life of expectation. Constantly knowing that since he's another me he'll be expected to act the same way I do on every matter. Never getting his individuality. Yet as much as that might be the case, if they've managed to get the last Bizarro's genetics straightened out I have to save him. I won't allow him to die just because of what might happen."

"Your morals and wisdom do you justice Kal-El."

"Again, father, I wish it would do some good where the clone is concerned; where all people are concerned! The path I follow is difficult, and I knew it would be. I've done so much for the citizens of the world that they think I can do it all, that they don't need anyone else. So I do my best to follow up on that hoping that those who are paid to do this sort of thing will back me up instead of standing back and watching as I do it myself. So far very few have understood that."

"Do not despair, you have followed your path admirably. My hope is that those you inspire will help you to the rising challenge of this evil you face. There are so many taking up codenames and uniforms. Even one that wears the colors and symbol of the fabled Green Lanterns. These people will try to take up the challenges that cannot be answered by Superman. Kal-El, you are but one man. No one can reasonably ask you to do more, for even your abilities are limited. There will be those voices that beg you to do more, but for those with understanding such as your police allies, they will help defend you. I'm sure that in the fullness of time when you meet these other defenders of this world they too will understand your plight. Perhaps even much like those of yesteryear you will band together to meet the challenges that no ordinary human can face, while the humans take up arms beside you for the things that Superman is not truly needed for. Whatever the turnout may be, just do as you have always and you will always be right."

"I am father, sometimes though the scope of it all still boggles me if I think too much of it."

"It is understandable, I felt that way when I came to know that Krypton would be no more. Some days when I worked in my lab I was very calm and composed, then I would realize the doom that we faced. It became very overwhelming, but I would soon regain my composure to make sure the rocket would be built quickly enough to allow you to escape. I was concerned that my efforts would not be nearly as effective as they could be, that in my final attempt to secure your future I would doom you as well. There is a comfort Kal-El that comes in the knowledge that you have thrived in your survival. That somehow my final message to you was heard."

"Final message?"

"There was a recording playing throughout your journey to Earth. It taught lessons to you, though you could not yet comprehend them. It was often done for children of Krypton. Think of it as the equivalent of playing Beethoven for newborns. They soak things up, gain appreciations, and ultimately expands their minds. As you would've neared your destination the final recording would have played a message that sent our love with you, my son. I cannot say why I sent it when I knew you could not fully comprehend what its meaning was. I suppose it was so that in some manner you would not be afraid."

"What did is say?"

"Live as one of them, Kal-El, to discover where your strength and your power are needed. Always hold in your heart the pride of your special heritage. They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son." I bowed my head as much as father did. He's right, there's real good out there in this world. Someone needed to light the torch, and others will come towards the light. He looked towards me with sympathetic eyes. "It still holds as true today as it did then, my son."

"Thank you, father. It did help." I smile slightly.

"What will you do now?"

"I'm going back to Gotham City and try to help this Batman with finding and stopping Dr. Teng from activating his last clone."

"Your news feeds seem to be rather wrapped up in this man, Dr. Li Teng."

"What do you mean?"

"He and several other scientists have been found locked up in an abandoned bunker outside of Metropolis."

"What?!"

"They were kidnapped by several men lead by another scientist they named as Dabney Donovan."

"I don't know any Donovan. Did they say how many scientists were found in the bunker?"

"Fourteen. They all say Donovan had come to them with some sort of problem, injected them with something and the last thing they remember before being rendered unconscious is a some sort of troops that hauled them away. Details about these troops are scarce."

"I've got to get back to Batman! If they've made more than just one clone of each scientist, they could've made more Bizarros."

"Go, Kal-El! Put an end to this madness."

"I will, father. Thank you again."

"You are welcome, my son." I rise from the ground and take off at high speed. I need to get back to Gotham before Batman decides to figure this out alone. If I'm right and there's more than one of these still out there then Batman could get killed and Gotham could become a war zone.