A/N: I will be posting two chapters today. Chapters 28 and 29.
Chapter 28
Brainiac was furious when he stepped aboard his ship and observed the burnt consoles. The smell of smoke lingered in the air as Brainiac surveyed the damage and realized it was minimal. Curiously, only the sensors and logs had been burned. Brainiac knew the Kryptonian was capable of inflicting far greater destruction, so why inflict such precise damage on only a small portion of the ship? The only reason Brainiac could think of was to hide the real purpose of Superman's visit.
Vril stood hunched in the corridor looking weak and pale.
Brainiac glared at the teen. "What did the Kryptonian want?" His eyes glowed blood red.
A trembling Vril said, "He, he was looking for the crystal. When he couldn't find it, he started fires with his, his eyes!"
Brainiac was not amused by Vril's astonishment at the unique ability. Superman had used heat vision against him and it was not something Brainiac wished to experience again.
"Did he see you?" asked Brainiac.
Vril answered truthfully, "Yes, he told me to go to the corridor so I wouldn't be hurt."
Brainiac pondered Vril's answer. Finally he said, "The Kryptonian is a fool. He cares too much about others. That is his weakness and I will use it against him."
"I need to go back to bed," Vril mumbled.
"Yes, you need your rest. I want you here, in the morning, helping with the controls. I will start repairs soon."
Vril staggered back to his quarters and collapsed on his bed. He pulled the covers over his body and immediately fell asleep. He was thankful Superman had returned from Kandor and had left the ship.
At the large viewing window, Brainiac watched the Earth recede as his ship sped towards the moon. It would only take a few minutes to reach the small gray satellite and begin orbiting it. Once in orbit Brainiac could begin repairs.
As he watched the Earth grow smaller and smaller he felt for the crystal tucked safely in his suit. His desire for the other crystals and the Kryptonian technology mentioned by Lex Luthor was immense, but he told himself, have patience. In due time, in due time.
Presently, a different problem plagued the android. The consciousness of Vril's father. It grew stronger every day. It had actually stopped him from killing the teen earlier. Although the moments were brief, there were times when Brainiac found himself fighting for control. He needed a new consciousness and tonight, he thought he'd found the perfect choice, Lex Luthor. Yes, Luthor was possessed of the same evil as Brainiac and the same desire for power. Brainiac would be hard pressed to find a better choice for a new consciousness.
Brainiac spent the rest of the night repairing the ship and trying unsuccessfully to salvage the sensor logs. After six hours of intensive repairs, Brainiac's body required regeneration. Generally he could go long periods without regenerating, but the last few days had been especially taxing to his systems. Also, Brainiac had not been completely regenerated when he returned to the ship after his battle with Superman. If he was going to destroy the Kryptonian his body had to be at its strongest.
Brainiac completed the last of several necessary tasks at the control station. The most important was programming the newly installed sensors to search the third planet for Kryptonian life signs. He also armed the ship's security systems to take defensive actions in case Superman returned.
At last, Brainiac entered the ship's medical bay and picked up the Kryptonian crystal he had used for twenty-six years to regenerate. He started to step inside the tall rectangular regeneration chamber, but thought of the crystal tucked in his suit. Brainiac replaced the old crystal with the recently acquired one and stepped into the chamber. The energy produced was much more powerful then Brainiac had anticipated, but he was able to accept it. Was happy to accept it. The power and knowledge Brainiac received was beyond his greatest expectations.
Hours later Brainiac stepped out of the chamber with a diabolical smile. "Jor-El, you really were a brilliant scientist. I never knew you possessed so much knowledge regarding the universe. Soon I will possess all the crystals you sent with your son."