Chapter 24

After a long busy day at the Daily Planet Lois was happy to be driving home with Jason. Richard had offered to bring over dinner and a movie for the evening. Lois had gladly accepted since she was too tired to cook and still upset with Perry. When would he stop assuming she had an exclusive on Superman? Apparently, Perry had failed to notice that Lois had not gone running back into Superman's arms when he returned.

Lois slowly pulled her car into the garage and turned off the engine. For a moment she sat lost in thought, only Jason's small voice brought her back to the present.

"Are you going to get out of the car Mommy?"

"Oh, of course sweetie. Mommy was just thinking." Lois didn't need Jason to be worried about her. "Do you have your backpack?"

"Yes, Mommy," Jason answered and opened his door. "I can't wait for Daddy to come. What movie is he bringing?"

"I don't know. It'll be a surprise," Lois said absently. She was thinking about Superman and wondering if he was okay. Before she closed the garage door she scanned the evening sky. A few wispy gray clouds drifted in the darkening sky. Everything looked calm.

Let's hope it stays calm, Lois thought.

Later, as Lois prepared Jason's bath a dark blue Town Car drove slowly down the street, turned, and parked near her house.

Ernie, the driver, said, "So, what's it going to be tonight? Think there'll be any visitors?"

Mick, the passenger, said, "Can't say. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. I brought plenty of coffee and donuts though."

The two men got out and stretched for a few minutes. Finally, after spitting on the ground a few times they were ready to return to the car and sit and watch. Both hoped tonight would be more exciting than last night. Richard's arrival an hour later was duly noted by the Town Car's occupants.

"Looks like he's got dinner with him," Ernie said peering through his binoculars.

Mick, using binoculars, added, "Yeah, and it looks like he's got a video, too."

Ernie lowered his binoculars. "I'm betting this means Superman isn't showing up tonight. Don't you?"

"Yep," Mick agreed. "Ya know, I kinda don't think the lady's into Supes anymore. Looks like it's this guy. Ya know, dinner last night and again tonight."

"I'm thinking the same thing," Ernie said scratching his bristly cheek. Then an interesting thought occurred to him. "Hey, I wonder how Supes is taking this?"

"Could be off somewhere smashing things." Mick gave a hardy chuckle imagining a super-powered being smashing giant boulders. "A pissed off Superman could do some damage, ya know."

"Yeah. Wonder where he would go to let off some steam?"

An interesting idea occurred to the Mick and he said, "Ya know, there hasn't been any mention of Supes for a day or two. Do ya think he really is off smashing things?"

"Was just wondering the same thing." Ernie got out of the car, craned his head back and peered up at the night sky.

Mick exited the car, too and stretched. "Think we should call the boss and tell him it looks like Supes won't show up?"

"No," Ernie said emphatically. "He has an important meeting tonight and 'we are not to call before midnight.' Those were his exact words."

"Okay, okay." Mick held his hands up as if surrendering. "I get it. Don't want to piss off the boss."

Both men looked up at the starry night sky then got back in the car. Mick was thinking to himself, hope the boss's meeting is more exciting than this, us just sitting here watching a house.

# # # # # #

Brainiac moved his ship into a polar orbit around the Earth and activated the ship's stealth shields. The shields deflected all radar signals and absorbed all light making the ship virtually invisible. Following standard operating procedures, Brainiac programmed two sensors to maintain a lock on him during his Earth visit. If trouble arose the sensors would initiate intervention and retrieval procedures.

Next, Brainiac turned his attention to the communications console. After entering some data, Brainiac smiled. He'd programmed the ship's scanners to systematically search the third planet for Kryptonian life-signs.

"I will find the Kryptonian, and his crystals," sneered Brainiac.

With the programming complete, Brainiac checked on Vril. The teen sat in bed studying a computer pad. The towering android still made Vril uncomfortable and he did not immediately look up when Brainiac entered his quarters. A bald spot behind his left ear was a vivid reminder of Brainiac's recent assault. The Kandorian doctors had shaved his short blond hair before performing the delicate surgery of removing a life-threatening blood clot. A thin white adhesive patch covered the wound acting as a bandage and stitches.

"You appear much better," Brainiac said. "I am glad to see you doing some work. Your presence is needed at the control console."

Vril remained silent a moment pondering his life with Brainiac. The android relied on Vril's help to run the ship while pursuing his conquest of technology and destroying whole civilizations in the process. It was a pattern Vril had finally decided should come to an end no matter what the cost. He didn't have a definite plan yet, more a determination to not help Brainiac in his quest to annihilate another planet.

Vril kept his eyes on the computer pad as he said, "I know you need my help. I'm sure I can return to my duties tomorrow."

"Very well." Brainiac was pleased to hear Vril would resume his duties in the morning. "I will be gone for a few hours." Brainiac approached Vril and said, "It is time for your medication."

Nervously, Vril tilted his head and pushed aside his shirt collar exposing his neck. Brainiac injected the medicine and left. Once the android was gone, Vril relaxed. He laid the computer pad on a side table and rested his head on his pillow. He wondered about Superman. He needed to get to the portal and help Superman return.

A few minutes later he heard the airlock open and close.