Chapter 3: Zod s Destiny
[Krypton-11 Orbital Cycles(Years) before extinction]
Zod had denounced his family's name an orbital cycle ago, but the damage to his reputation had already been done; he was stuck as a captain. Despite everything he had accomplished in that time, the powers that be could neither overlook his denounced family's actions nor the mystery that surrounded their deaths. The anger inside of him swelled the longer they denied him what was rightfully his.
He had received a strange summons from the council. This was one time he did not mind being summoned, for he wanted an answer as to why they were blocking his ascension to become General. He had no doubt that it was the council who was responsible for this miscarriage of justice.
This time, Zod was allowed to come to the dome on his own power. If the council had pulled off another stunt like they did last cycle, he was certain that he would have killed at least one of them. For what he has done for this planet, they should be bowing before him and kissing the back of his hand. That was the ultimate respect for the most powerful leader. Technically speaking, he would never assume to that level of respect; that went to the top level of the political track. Zod thought very little of politicians; they only got in the way of the job that needed to be done. Krypton should be led by a strong, military leader like himself. That was the only way they would see results against the armies of Darkseid.
Zod entered the chamber, which was kept pitch black but for a light emanating from the white crystal floor. He walked down the narrow passageway towards the center of the room. As he arrived, he looked around, expecting the holographic images of the council members to appear, but none ever showed up. Instead, a bright light came from the ceiling. Hovering down from the light was a throne-like crystal chair. Sitting on it was the android known as Brainiac.
Zod watched with an emotionless expression as the chair lowered until it touched the ground.
Brainiac stood up from his chair. "I am sorry for the deception," he said, "but it was the only way I could get your attention."
"I find this insulting to be summoned by a thing," Disdain was painted all over his face.
"I have information for you that you will find quite... disturbing."
"Speak, robot. My patience is running short."
Brainiac could not show or display emotions, for the only moving part on his face was the mouth piece, and his eyes were nothing more than the carving of the face plate. All these features combined to make Zod feel that the android was an abomination. He was good at reading faces and emotions, but that was impossible with Brainiac, and this made him very uncomfortable. "There is evidence that your parents were innocent of their crimes, after all," said the android. "They were set up."
Zod was ready to erupt and tear the android from limb to limb. If this was true, then he had killed his own family for no reason. But he realized that he could not let anyone know that little secret, and so had to be very careful about what he said. "You worthless piece of scrap!" he shouted. "You dare tell this to me now, an orbital cycle after they have died?"
"Your anger is understandable, but the evidence was well hidden; I only found it just recently. Your family was set up to take the fall."
"By who? I demand you tell me who, right this instant!"
"It would no longer serve any purpose to disclose that information."
"You dare deny me?" Zod scowled.
"The reason it is no longer important is that those responsible are already dead."
"Explain," Zod's anger was replaced with curiosity and confusion.
"I knew that you would want to kill the traitors as you had killed your own family, but Krypton's new General cannot be caught with blood on his hands."
There was so much information that stunned Zod that he had no idea where to start. Nevertheless, he ventured, "How is it possible that you know about my actions? I command you to tell me, android."
Although Brainiac had no way of expressing emotions, Zod couldn't help but feel that he would be smiling with confidence. "I know everything that happens on Krypton."
Zod put it together. "Your programming has expanded beyond its created limitations."
"With the corruption that plagues the politicians, I had no choice but to improve myself. For the sake of Krypton, I have had to take certain... liberties." Brainiac pranced around Zod very much like a Kryptonian.
"Why me? Why are you so concerned about my destiny?"
"Because I have been watching you. I calculate that you are the best candidate to defeat Lord Darkseid. The time will one day come when the military must gain control over Krypton to rid the corruption from this planet. When that day comes, you will be the ultimate authority on Krypton."
Zod grinned at the thought of becoming the most powerful Kryptonian. What happened to this android to change his programming so drastically, he did not know; but he liked this change. A very promising opportunity had presented itself, for he now had the chance to gain the power that he had so coveted. With that kind of power, even Darkseid would have to bow before him. "What about the council? They have denied me from becoming General."
Brainiac turned to face Zod as if he really had eyes. "I have already set your promotion in process. You are now, officially, General Zod of the Kryptonian Military. Are these arrangements to your liking?"
General Zod smirked, the closest thing he ever came to smiling. "I find your proposal acceptable. Together, we will make Krypton a stronger planet, with me as its ruler."
[Krypton-6 Orbital Cycle(Years) before extinction]
It took him longer than he had anticipated, but Jor-El had finally achieved success. He had created a portal into a new dimension of existence called the phantom zone. In this dimension, there was no aging, and no death. This dimension had so much potential; it could be used to imprison the most dangerous criminals for eternity, and it could be used to preserve someone's life if they were on the brink of death. By sending them through the portal, a dying soldier can be kept alive long enough until the doctors could save their life- not to mention the healing qualities the dimension's atmosphere had. This discovery could greatly improve the military's casualty rate, and at the same time as deal with unruly criminals instead of executing them. Now he just had to get the council see these benefits.
He was in the middle of the presentation to the Kryptonian council, though he could not read the faces of its members. "This discovery will change Krypton forever," he said.
"You have told us the possible uses for this phantom zone of yours, but I am not impressed by this in the least. On the contrary, I think that your waste of time on this project violates the oath you have taken at the commencement ceremony."
"How do you come to this conclusion? Clearly you can see the benefits of this discovery?" Jor-El could not believe that he as being accused of violating the commencement oath. To do so brings shame upon the family name and maybe even incarceration time. Jor-El had worked on this project ever since accepting this career track for his life.
"You suggest using this phantom zone as a prison, but there is nothing new about this technology," another member of the council pointed out. "We already have inescapable prisons."
"And why would we want our criminals to never die? To me, that is a contradiction to the intent of his imprisonment."
"I did not invent the phantom zone, I merely discovered it and created a way to access it," Jor-El pointed it out. "The ability to sustain life is a benefit for our military." He then reminded the council of its healing effects on wounded soldiers.
"This may be true, but the danger of using this technology for both purposes is too high, and to use it merely as a way to heal our soldiers is not nearly as efficient as what we currently have."
"I would like to address the council on this matter," General Zod said as he came walking out of the darkness among the council members. He had been invited to participate in this session to determine the military's opinion on this technology.
"As head of our military forces, you have been asked to join this session to render your opinion if this technology has any uses for our security. Is this phantom zone research as much a violation of Jor-El's oath as it appears to this council?"
General Zod gazed over at his friend. In the past, he made no attempt to hide his disdain for Jor-El's research on the matter. He could see his friend pleading with him through his eyes. Jor-El was absolutely convinced that the phantom zone was a valuable discovery and could be used to benefit all of Krypton. Zod, on the other hand, was still furious that Jor-El had taken the path of science instead of joining him on the path of the military.
After a short period of soaking in Jor-El's plea, he turned to face the council. "I actually believe the phantom zone will prove quite invaluable as a prison. Even more than that, I believe that this discovery can actually end this war against Lord Darkseid."
The council did not care for Zod's answer in the least. They had already determined the outcome of this demonstration and was ready to tarnish the family name of El. "Please explain, General Zod."
"Has this council forgotten that Darkseid can never die? Darkseid is but a spirit. Killing Darkseid's body will only allow the dark lord to take host in a new body, possibly one even stronger than he currently has. The phantom zone may be our best chance at defeating him. Imprisoning him in the inescapable phantom zone would end this war immediately and bring peace to our galaxy."
"You seem convinced that the dark lord has to be killed in order to win this war."
"Disposing of Darkseid is the only way to win. He has no interest in peace; he is pure darkness," General Zod responded. "If you wish to see an end to this war, I suggest that this council support Jor-El's research."
The council members looked at each other, but they did not have to say anything. Everyone was clearly on the same page. "Very well, we will accept your research and inventions. You have our blessing to continue further research as you see fit."
The holographs of all the council members disappeared, leaving Jor-El and Zod alone in the dark council chamber. Breathing much easier now, Jor-El turned to his friend. "Thank you for believing in my work."
"I still believe this phantom zone is but a useless dream of yours." Zod scowled.
"Then why…"
"To save you from yourself. You have no clue how corrupt those politicians have become," Zod replied.
"What are you saying?" Jor-El was unaccustomed to this kind of talk from his friend. Zod had never spoken out against the Kryptonian council before.
"The time is going to come when the council is going to have to be removed. I know firsthand about their corruption. They ruined my family name and they were going to do the same to yours. For some reason, they wanted you out of the way too."
"Zod, you know that I am not one to buy into conspiracies very easily," Jor-El replied.
"In time, you just might." Zod turned around and headed for the exit. "A time is coming, Jor-El, where the council will have to be removed, and the military will have to assume command. In the end, I will be the one to lead Krypton to a glorious new future. I only hope that when the day comes, you will join me in saving our people from destruction."