Chapter 51
In that cold, gray, region at the top of the world, the sun barely peeked above the horizon. It offered only feeble rays of light to warm the frozen landscape. The autumn equinox was fast approaching. Soon, the sun would sink completely below the horizon and leave the region cloaked in twilight for four months.
Amid this harsh barren land of snow and ice rose the Fortress of Solitude. It resembled a fairy tale's ice palace. A permanent layer of frost covered the sharp outer planes of the structure's crystalline lattice. Inside, the resplendent Fortress, Kal-El and Valia slept, the bed covers crumpled around their nude bodies.
Valia awoke first. Memories of the night swirled in her mind. Passion had superseded logic last night and caution had been thrown to the wind. A feeling of living for the moment had driven their passion. However, later, heartfelt discussions had replaced the passion.
Their time together was almost over. All too soon, their destinies would diverge and their paths would never cross again. Valia did not wish to dwell on this or the future. Not now. For now, she would enjoy the few days, or hours, she had left with Kal-El.
She rolled over, propped herself on an elbow, and gazed upon him. He was on his side and faced her. His thick black hair was mussed. He wasn't the perfectly attired, polished prince and she liked him this way, unadorned and slightly mussed. It made him all the more appealing. She smoothed a strand of hair off his forehead.
He eyes flickered open and she asked, "Sleep well?"
He smiled. "Yes, very well." He snaked an arm from beneath the covers and wrapped it around her. He drew her to him and kissed her with care and affection. When he broke the kiss, she saw the sadness in his eyes.
"I must check on the cities that were damaged," he said.
She heard, and felt, the sorrow in his voice. His moral compass was so strong. He put helping others above his own desires. The night and its memories were firmly in the past. The outside world, not only beckoned, it demanded their attention.
"I understand," she said. "I should check on Chad-In and Thar-An's progress." Regret colored her feelings, but not her sense of duty.
And thus, their day began. Their paths already diverging. Their futures already forged.
# # # # # #
Kal-El stood in the computer chamber wearing his Superman suit. He glared at one of the screens. He was listening to the latest news from Metropolis. A local newscaster, standing outside the county jail, reported that Lex Luthor had come forward this morning and had announced that he was the CEO of the Lexicon Corporation. Lex, had said, he was distressed to learn that two of his employees, men he had trusted and only recently hired, were responsible for the kidnappings of a father and son.
The broadcast cut to an image of an impeccably dressed Lex Luthor talking to reporters. He recited a well-rehearsed statement. "Unfortunately, or perhaps we can say fortunately, justice has already been served. Both men are dead. I contacted the police the moment I was informed two of my employees were involved in this horrible crime."
The image returned to the newscaster. The newscaster said that one man, Michael John Corben, had confessed to murdering his partner, Ernesto 'Ernie' Gonzalez, and dumping the body in the Metropolis River.
"The police are currently dragging the river," the newscaster informed viewers. "In a bizarre turn of events, Mr. Corben became violently ill this morning and died at the Metropolis County jail where he was being held. Law Enforcement and doctors have not released any details on what exactly happened to Mr. Corben. On the expert advice of Dr. Emmet Vale, an employee of Lexicon, Corben's body has been released to Mr. Luthor and the Lexicon Corporation for further analysis. Dr. Vale stressed that there is the possibility of a contagious disease in regards to Mr. Corben. This would obviously present a health threat to the city. Mr. Luthor stated that his company is the only place in Metropolis with the facilities, doctors, and resources to properly handle this unusual situation."
An anchor man in the studio asked the newscaster, "Rob, can you tell us more about how contagious this disease is and should the citizens of Metropolis be concerned? Are we talking about an epidemic here?"
Rob shook his head. "According to Dr. Vale, there is minimal risk to the city. The real concern is for anyone who had contact with Mr. Corben. Dr. Vale is asking anyone who interacted with the deceased to please, come forward and undergo an examination at Lexicon. There will be no charge for the examination. Dr. Vale believes Mr. Corben was infected by a substance at Lexicon while he was hiding out there. The doctor says the substance is considered lethal and moderately contagious. Mr. Luthor said his corporation will examine Mr. Corben's body and issue a full report as soon as possible."
Valia entered the chamber. She instantly spotted Kal-El's furrowed brow and sneer. "Trouble?" she asked.
"Luthor. Some things never change."
"Your earth enemy," she said then lowered her head, sad by what she had to say. "Kal-El, I talked to Thar-An. He and Chad-In could use my help aboard Brainiac's ship. I told him I would return after I rechecked all of your computer systems." Her bottom lip quivered. "Our time together is almost over."
He placed a hand under her chin and lifted her head so that their eyes met. "Don't apologize." He studied her face, memorizing her features, then bent and kissed her, his lips soft and warm against hers.
At last, he stepped away. "I'll check on the damaged cities. When I return I'll take you to the ship. That should give you enough time to complete your work."
She nodded and blinked back tears. She had to be strong, she'd made her decision. Her people needed her help now just as Kal-El's planet needed his.
He strode to the walkway then glanced back for one more look before raising his arms and lifting off the floor. In a flash he was gone. A vortex of wind followed in his wake tossing her hair and clothing.