The Prophecy of Rao - Season 1: New Verses
Disclaimer: Based on DC comics' characters and the mythology created in Smallville (i.e. property of the CW network), and created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster but the words are my own.
AU/SML: At the aftermath of Dark Thursday, Cor of the House of El, presumed dead, leaves the Phantom Zone. He arrives on Earth and hopes to begin a better life but mystery surrounds him quickly. He sets to unveil this mystery and find the answers he craves for, guided by the spirit crystal of his mother.
Note:
Rao - the Red Sun God of Krypton and creator of the universe
Krypton - home world of the Kryptonians
Kandor - capital of Krypton
The Phantom Zone - prison dimension created by Jor-El
Collaris - the Blue Giant of Eerie and co-creator of the universe
Eerie - home world of the Yllyan Empire
Lux Eternis - capital of Eerie
Ventu Collaris - Highguard of the Yllyan Royal Court
Chapter 7
The bond promise – part I
Today was not a good day for Corin. It was the day he found his parents dead in each other's arms at the outer gates of Kandor all these years ago still pointing their weapons straight at the gates' threshold. There he had found many fallen warriors of the Black Zero forces. They had withstood their assault and forced the rest to retreat.
It was truly heroic and foolish. That's what he had thought back then. Today he did not think so anymore. No, today was the day of mourning. He intended to do something irrational so he could get even a glimpse of what his parents felt in their last moments.
Back in the prison dimension where time ran in a different fashion he still found the time to celebrate and mourn this day once a cycle. And there too he would do something incredibly irrational and foolish. That moment would bring him close to those he had lost and remind him the price paid.
He always prepared for this day and the week before was not exception. He had sought sources of excitement that could qualify for the thrill he sought. Sadly this planet or at least the city he lived was not the perfect example of that. Of course there was a lot of crime in it but it was not sufficient for his need. There were also underground fights with some dodgy characters but he had no intent of getting involved with them. Of course having contacts in the underworld could be useful in the future.
He craved for something more and he thought the old continent could better provide it so he packed and left for Europe. Choosing a country of residence posed a bit of a problem. He thought of France but that meant running the chance of bumping into his aunt. It was a big country of course but the Devilles had offices everywhere.
His choice led him to the small country of the Czech Republic. He found a small town near the border of Germany. He chose it because it was small and quiet. It was also close to the Sylvani domain. He wanted the chance to go and visit these people who helped him when he needed it most when he first arrived to Earth.
He also chose the town because of its local legends and mysteries. They were not so popular in the world though some thought the people there had the most preposterous and unreal legends and he wanted to find out more about them.
And the last but most important reason was that the town was close to one of Germany's military air bases. He planned to infiltrate it and steal something – whether a vehicle or a plane and make a daring escape. What he found about it was that it was one of the most guarded and that fitted into his thrill plan perfectly. Of course stealing is a crime and he intended to return whatever he would take.
He had booked a small country house two clicks outside the town. It was secluded and shielded by a forest. The road was rural and he got there by cart that he bought in town. He did not want any technological comforts. It was the perfect way to enjoy the surrounding nature.
The house itself was of solid wood and had no electricity just the basics as it was in the century before electricity and other comforts were discovered and implemented into the world's comfort. It had a living room with a fireplace, a table and two chairs, a small bedroom with one oak bed, a small kitchen and a pantry. Outside there was a shed with wood for the fireplace.
"Perfect," Corin said as he examined his new living place. He studied the walls carefully and found a crack where he left his sword and the control crystal.
Satisfied he unpacked and set to study his surroundings. He had brought a few maps and books for the local legends some of which he bought in town. He then sat down and dug in.
In the city of Turin the sun had reached the peak of noon. It was hot as it usually is in Italy and the people were out enjoying the sunlight and the sites. The country is famous for its well preserved history, the Coliseum in Rome, the water canals of Venice, the tower in Pizza, and so many others.
Turin itself is in the northern part of the country, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River, in front of the Susa Valley and the surrounded by the western Alpine arch.
The city is renowned for its art galleries, restaurants, churches, opera houses, piazzas, parks, gardens, theaters, libraries, museums, and other venues. On a history note, the most famous thing in it is the Shroud of Turin. It was also the first capital of unified Italy, the capital of Duchy of Savoy and the Kingdom of Sardinia. It is the place for universities and education most praised in the country.
It is also the place for aristocracy where numerous very rich families have made their nests and spread their wealth. There was also presence of the most powerful companies in the world – Luthor Corp, Queen Industries, Merlyn Global Group, Wane Enterprises, and Deville Industries.
A young woman, twenty seven years old, with short dark hair and inquisitive bright green eyes walked out the Grand Mall of 8 Gallery and headed down Via Nizza. The Mall housed before the old factory of Fiat where the famous test track was. She reached the subway station Lingotto and boarded the subway. She left at XVIII Dicembre and moved to the piazza where she had a meeting.
She expected a friend that would give her the schematics for the German military airbase Gundach located the near the Czech border.
"Ciao bella," A voice called for her in the crowd. She saw him and smiled. He was spot on as usual.
"Ciao Luca," She embraced him briefly. "Did you bring it?"
"You are always business, no fun, Jordana." Luca reproached her.
"Business is business and fun is fun." She countered.
"Yes, I brought it." Luca said. "Let's seat over there. I'm thirsty."
"You get only coffee."
"It is the best in the world."
They sat in the nearby café and ordered cappuccino with lots of cream. They sat in silence for the first part and just enjoyed the busy masses and the tourists floating around. Then Luca took out the schematics that he had rolled in their oblong box.
"Here they are." Luca said and his face took on a serious note. "I had to ask for many favors to obtain these. I hope its worth."
"It is." Jordana replied and put them on the table. She would have a better look at them at home of course but she needed to ascertain they were the genuine article.
"I have to warn you though." Luca said. "What I learn is that the place is like fort Knox. The Germans keep some of their precious secrets in there and would not see it kindly if someone was to poke around uninvited."
Jordana smiled. Of course the Germans wouldn't but she had to. "I'm aware of the risk but it is unavoidable. What can you tell me of the guards' rotation schedules?"
"I have obtained those too." Luca said and took out another document showing the desired information. "Your window of opportunity is small but not impossible. The target is in here and it is guarded twenty four seven. There is always a guard there at all times." He emphasized on the last sentence to ensure she understands.
"Of course it is but you are wrong."
"I am?"
"Yes," Jordana did give him a possible target but her real target was next to it. She did not to run the chance of raising alarms prematurely. "The target isn't easy but the guard is no problem."
"You don't plan to kill him, I hope?"
"No, I will simply stun him." Jordana said. She always brought with her the teaser gun.
"That will give you what five minutes?"
""Three, but they are more than sufficient." Jordana said and satisfied with the desired information packed everything and placed it her bag. "Thank you, Luca, it is most appreciated."
"Anytime, Bella," Luca replied. "See you around?"
"Yeah, see around." Jordana said and left the café. Now she needed to ensure Luca will not follow her. He had that bad habit. He still did not know where she lived and she wanted to keep it that way.
Corin woke up the next morning. He felt the rejuvenating power of nature. He had not slept that well in weeks. The weather in Montreal was continental but the city was in a river so it was not perfect. In winter it could go to minus forty and in the summer to plus forty with one hundred percent humidity.
He freshened up and dressed. He wanted to visit the town's library where he needed to find some more information about a local legend that had caught his eye yesterday. If he understood the Czech language correctly, it was about the man from the stars.
He got in the cart and slowly went on his way to town. The country side was beautiful and he enjoyed every moment of it. The slopes of the mountain were covered unevenly with grass and sporadic groups of small trees where the birds have made their nests.
He reached the town in two hours. He had to endure as well the claxons of the passing cars that did not enjoy his chosen vehicle as it slowed them down. The library he sought was on the other side of the town on a small hill overlooking a valley.
He parked his cart outside earning some surprised looks from the locals. Apparently they were not used to seeing outsiders riding carts. He imagined the visitors here were all cars or bikes but he enjoyed the simplicity of it.
He entered the library and immediately asked for the legends stand. The librarian showed him the section and he dug in. Finding it was difficult as everything was in Czech and very little in English. But for Corin this was only a challenge. He had gotten to learn the language on the way there and he needed a bit more time and he would be quite proficient in it.
Yllyans in deference to Kryptonians had the ability to read and understand with lightning speed. They needed just a few weeks to learn a new language and speak it as though they were born with it and thus their knowledge in many areas was superior.
The books Corin sought did not contain much of the legend he wanted to learn about. So he had to ask the librarian. She found him some manuscript written forty five years ago that had what he sought. Reading proved beyond difficult so he had to ask her again for help. She promised she would even translate it in English. He thanked her and left the subject alone for now.
He focused on the maps of the region and specifically those around and in the German base. The base was in the mountains surrounded by a dense forest. The base had two runways or at least that was what was marked on the map. Corin imagined this was the general map and if there were any alterations they were not present.
He had to thus see for himself. He found the closest route to the highest vantage point that could overlook the base. He left the library and headed there. He estimated it would take seven hours with his cart to reach that point and he did not want to lose any time as it would get dark and then going back to his house would prove challenging.
Seven and half hours later, he reached his destination. The rest of the way he took on foot. His goal was one very tall tree. He arrived at the foot of the tree and took out his climbing gear as the closest branch was three meters above ground. With a few attempts he succeeded in climbing to it. From there with diligence, he reached the top and could see everything several miles around.
He noticed that the military base stood at the foot of a high peek surrounded by dense forest and lots of fences. There were four runways. Two were near the main hangar buildings with eight guards – four at each hangar door. The other two runways were on the other side of the watch tower. Near the end of one of them, he saw stationed half a dozen aircrafts with no guards.
This was not easy but then again if it was it would not have been half as challenging. He took a mental picture of all surroundings and gates. They were heavily protected. He figured the fences were most certainly electrified. He also noticed the guard dogs who he imagined were trained to bite on sight.
He saw the main building huddled straight at the foot of the mountain which gave him the idea. He would enter through there as it seemed less protected and he figured the Germans did not consider anyone crazy enough to pick that side to enter into the base. There were bound to be guards of course but less which was good for him.
He observed for awhile longer then made his way down the tree and hurried to his cart. There he took a piece of paper and drew a map of everything he had seen. He needed to make a battle plan and have several exit strategies. He stopped to think about the hangars. There must be something of great value in there to keep that many guards.
He also had to decide when to enter the base. The most logical thought was under the cover of night. But he was not your ordinary thief. He decided its best done during the day. He needed the time to see what to take and what better place to learn that than the main building itself and its computers.
A plan started to form in his head. They would not suspect him taking the plane at all. He would forge even the flight plan and then return it and then make a run for it. He just needed to select the right craft. Satisfied for now, he took off and set for his country house. He would make his move tomorrow as it was the day of mourning.
Jordana left her apartment in Turin. She had called a cab.
"Aeroporto," She told the driver who nodded and got moving.
Jordana did a mental inventory of everything she needed after she lands on German soil. Logically she could not take everything with her otherwise it will raise suspicion. Her contact would provide her with what she needed.
Her thoughts were focused on her mission. She needed to retrieve the data from a reconnaissance aircraft parked next to the Germans super plane. She had accessed her boss's database to learn more about it just in case things go south.
The plane apparently was state of the art – the best in the world. It was better than anything the Americans, the Russians or the British possessed. The designer of the craft was a veteran from World War II and who apparently had worked for the Nazis. In his time that craft was impossible to create as the technology was not advanced enough.
She had gone through the specs the British Intelligence – MI6 had managed to steal some four years ago. But she doubted the Germans had not noticed and thus they had definitely made some changes. Still it was one very impressive plane. It had vertical takeoff and grappling landing gear meaning it could land in the most preposterous position or latch itself vertically to a building or a mountain peak.
The plane also possessed stealth capability and the ability to fly lower than almost any radar detection grid. Its state of the art sensors array gave it unfair advantage to any aircraft. It could scan and detect an enemy fifty – sixty percent further than any other craft or sensor grid.
It had also a wide array of weaponry – air to air missiles, air to ground, railguns firing 2500 round per minute, tracking heat system that could find even a rat on the ground and burn it, 2 napalm missiles, and four strikers. The striker is a missile that after being fired splits into 24 smaller ones and deliver a terrifying barrage. The last attribute was an anti-anti aircraft missile. If anti-aircraft weapon fires at it, the plane fires one of his own designed to take that missile and then target the anti-aircraft weapon itself.
She also saw a picture of the projected cockpit. It was again state-of-the-art and required a retina scan and biometric measurement just to start it then the pilot would need to enter a top secret password to allow for takeoff. Fortunately her contacts in the Bratva, the Russian mob, had secured her that much. She felt it necessary being prepared for all possible outcomes. If everything goes according to plan she would not need that but one never knows. The loveliest saying said that 'hope for the best prepare for the worst'.
The cab pulled before the airport and after paying she left for the front desk to put her luggage through and get her boarding pass. She stopped to have a coffee as she had more than 2 hours to spare before it was time to board. As she sat and drank her coffee, she noticed the news. Apparently, there has been another sighting of the Metropolis Red Blue Blur.
Jordana shook disapprovingly head. "What is it with Kryptonians and showing off?" She whispered to herself. The police thought it to be a menace and she agreed. No one needed be outside of the law to deliver justice. That's why there were authorities on all planets to ensure the public safety and take down the criminals. In some ways this blur, this vigilante was as criminal as the ones he delivered.
Her time passed quickly though she watched all the news connected to this Metropolis vigilante. She knew he was Kryptonian though she did not know his name. Her mother on the other hand knew who he was but was not telling her. She would find out sooner or later. Now, looking at her watch she saw it was time to board. She paid her coffee and left for the customs area where she presented her passport and ticket. She then found quickly her gate and got on her plane.
Early in the morning, Corin woke up. He freshened up and sat down for a small breakfast. He needed some energy – a few fresh fruits, a pint of prune juice and a toast. He packed and left his house.
Outside the sun had not yet risen. Everything stood in the twilight and as far as covers go this was perfect. Corin was ready. He jumped in his cart and drove. His route would take him close the boarder where he would make his way to the top peak. From there he would free climb to the building below and get in.
Of course, all sounded pretty easy. Corin did not believe so. He was certain that although the guards on the mountain side would be less than those on the ground it suffices for only one to raise the alarm. He needed to tread carefully in order to avoid that very outcome.
His plan involved a German flight uniform and a dose of luck. He had learnt sufficient German for that but a prolonged conversation would definitely show he is not German. Once he gets his hands on a uniform things would get easier. He needed access to the mainframe and from there he could choose his next steps.
At some point the sun rose and he checked again his plan map using the orientation points he spotted yesterday on the geographic map. He found he had already covered more than seventy percent of his route. In just two and a half hours he could reach his destination. He still needed to tread carefully. There was bound to be a sentry around.
Jordan's plane had landed in the early hours of the day. She had left the airport and headed for the rally point where she would meet her contact. She arrived there but her contact had not yet come. Checking her watch she estimated she had come half an hour earlier.
She paced around as she could barely stand still. She was close now to her target. She had waited long time for some excitement. Her last mission did not go according to plan and her superiors grounded her for awhile.
"Guten morgen, fräulein." A voice came out of the shadows. "It is a beautiful day."
Jordana kicked herself mentally. Out of all that excitement, she did not check the area for surprises. And the second thing that annoyed her was the constant game these shadowy types liked to play but if she wanted to have her things she had to play along.
"Every day is as beautiful as the flowers that grow on it."
The man came out of the shadows. He was short but stalwart. He carried two large duffle bags and a suitcase. He put them before Jordana then returned to the shadows only to come back with one last duffle bag. He handed her a pass badge and a uniform.
"That's all you will need. Your window of opportunity is between ten and eleven."
"I thought I would go around nine."
"Negative," The man shook head. "Around the nine is the time for drills. You will be spotted easily as you would be out of place."
"Very well," Jordana said and took her bags. "Is there anything else I need to know?"
"Everything else you would need is in the green bag." The man said and walked away. "Good luck, fräulein."
Jordana checked the contents of each bag and nodded satisfied. She had now everything she needed to carry out her plan and nothing would stand in her path. She took the train for the border and prepared for her mission.
To be continued…
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Lordheaven
