Chapter 20
Brianiac had been kept entirely too busy doing menial tasks usually taken care of by Vril. There were constant system's checks, minor repairs, and sensor logs to attend to. Of course, Brainiac had had to keep a constant watch over the doctor and assistant during their visit. Fortunately, they had not developed any unusual strength. But he wasn't taking any chances. He installed even more sensors throughout the ship.
Now, he sorted through the various transmissions emanating from the third planet. This was his usual method of operation. First, he learned the prominent languages and cultures of a planet and contacted a leader. In this case, he waited for a reply to his earlier message. It wasn't unusual to still be waiting. Brainiac knew from past experience that people often became cautious and fearful when actually faced with the possibility of alien contact.
They are considering their response very carefully, he thought. But in the end he would be contacted. It never failed. They always realized it was too late to turn back. They had to contact him. After all, he knew about them now. Brainiac smiled with satisfaction.
It was time to check on Vril again. As Brainiac entered Vril's quarters, the teen pushed aside his empty food tray. His face tightened in fear and apprehension at the sight of the towering android.
Brainiac noted Vril's response. "I am glad you are better," he said and hoped the teen had learned a lesson and wouldn't lie again.
Vril turned away and his fear subsided a bit.
"You will do well to be truthful with me in the future," Brainiac threatened, his eyes casting a red glow.
Vril's continued silence irritated Brainiac, but the android felt confident he'd made his point. He would leave the teen to rest and think over what he'd said.
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The short confrontation left Vril exhausted. He was greatly relieved when Brainiac's massive frame turned and departed. Vril closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep thinking he had to get to the portal and help Superman return.
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Brainiac returned to the ship's control station and stared out the large viewing window wondering where the Kryptonian was. Vril claimed the alien came to this planet.
"I will find you, Kryptonian!" Brainiac's hand curled into a powerful green fist. "And your crystals!"
Brainiac remembered the crystal stowed in the safe. Quickly, he went to the safe and retrieved it. He held it up and turned it slowly, watching the rays of light reflect off its sharp edges. It was much too valuable to be left in the safe and Vril could no longer be trusted. Brainiac placed the crystal in a pocket of his purple bodysuit. It would not leave his side without a fight.