Chapter 23

On Kandor, Valia and Kal-El returned to the Administration Building to find Chad-In in Dora's office working at her computer. A lunch of fresh fruit, cheeses, nuts, breads, protein spreads, and various juices awaited them on the long conference table.

As Valia and Kal-El entered the office, Dora said, "Please, help yourselves to some food."

Noting the puzzled looks on Valia and Kal-El's faces at the sight of Chad-In, Dora quickly explained, "I want Brainiac's ship monitored continuously thus, I made the decision to inform Chad-In about Kal-El and who he is and where he's from. Chad-In has just established a link with the ship. I thought it best if he and all of us worked from my office."

Valia nodded her approval then Dora said, "Kal-El, I hope you enjoyed seeing our city. I'm so grateful you had an opportunity to see some of your Kryptonian heritage."

"Yes, I'm grateful, too. I enjoyed this morning very much." Kal-El cast a quick glance at Valia before adding, "Thank you Tynth Dora, for insisting I see Kandor. I'll never forget my visit here or the people."

Dora had noticed the slight change in Valia and Kal-El's demeanor toward each other when they entered the office. Now she'd also noted Kal-El's quick glance at Valia. It seemed the tour of Kandor had brought the two closer together.

Chad-In's excited voice broke up Dora's thoughts, "Brainiac has received a message from the third planet. He seems very pleased."

"Can you download the message?" Valia asked as she hurried over to stand beside Chad-In.

"I think so, give me a few seconds." Chad-In entered data on the keypad and soon the message was displayed on the screen.

Valia frowned at the screen. "I can't read the language, perhaps Kal-El can?"

Kal-El strode forward, stood behind Valia, and read over her shoulder. Kal-El's dark brow furrowed and his jaw tightened as he translated what appeared on the screen. "It says a meeting with Brainiac is requested for tonight. The sender also mentions they have access to Kryptonian technology." Kal-El silently noted the coordinates given in the message were located in Metropolis.

"Do you have any idea who could have sent that message?" Dora asked.

"Yes," Kal-El answered, turning slowly to face Dora and Valia. "Lex Luthor, he stole several of my crystals and attempted to create a New Krypton on Earth. I stopped him, but the crystals were tossed into space along with the island of New Krypton. I have retrieved all but one of the crystals."

Valia asked, "Where is the last crystal?"

"Aboard Brainiac's ship," answered Kal-El.

Chad-In said, "When Brainiac leaves his ship for the meeting, then we can safely test the portal. Perhaps you can retrieve the crystal then?"

Kal-El's voice was firm when he said, "I will be the one to test the portal. And I won't be returning, at least, not right away. I must stop Lex Luthor and Brainiac then I promise to return and help Kandor."

"Someone should go with you," Chad-In said. "We need someone to alter the ship's logs so Brainiac never discovers you were aboard his ship or here, on Kandor. It's a safeguard for Kandor as well."

"I agree," said Dora with authority. "We don't want Brainiac knowing we can control the portal."

Valia spoke up, "I volunteer to go with Kal-El. I have the most knowledge regarding the ship's systems." Valia noted her mother's worried expression.

However, Dora quickly conceded. "Valia, you'll go with Kal-El." She pointed at her daughter and added sternly, "But only to edit the ship's logs then you'll immediately return to Kandor."

Valia nodded. "I'll need a few things from our quarters and my lab."

Two hours later everyone waited in Dora's office for Brainiac to depart his ship. Kal-El, in his Superman suit with the oxygen tank over his shoulders and eight crystals safely tucked in his cape, stood before the office windows watching the sun set for a second time. He cherished every second knowing this might be the last Kandorian sunset he would ever see.

Valia sat in the small conference area in her eggplant colored outfit rummaging through a sling-style pack resting on her lap. The pack contained personal items and several technical devices. The family crest on Valia's tunic top would serve as a com badge.

Chad-In sat near Dora's monitoring station, sipping a hot beverage while conversing with Thar-An. It would be Chad-In's job to operate the portal and monitor Brainiac's ship while Kal-El and Valia were aboard it.

Dora sat alone at the long conference table. Her eyes wandered from person to person. Finally, they came to rest on Kal-El. He looked like a prince watching over his kingdom. He stood before the windows gazing intently at a home he'd never known. At a world he'd never expected to visit. What will happen to him, Dora wondered. He, she knew, faced the greatest challenge of them all. The hopes of two worlds rested upon his broad shoulders. Huge responsibilities for someone so young, she thought, but noted that Kal-El appeared confident in himself and his abilities.

Next, Dora turned her attention to Valia. Her daughter was so determined to avenge her father's death. Dora watched her daughter test her equipment. She hoped Valia did not become over aggressive in her pursuit of Brainiac and do something foolish. Dora swallowed hard over the lump in her throat. She could not even consider the possibility of losing her only child.

At last, Dora's eyes came to rest on Thar-An and Chad-In talking quietly. Thar-An had been a steadfast friend for many years. Dora trusted his sage advice and relied upon his scientific knowledge. There had been times when Dora needed a shoulder to cry on and Thar-An had provided that, too. They each had suffered the loss of a beloved spouse.

A feeling of unease settled upon Dora. She tried to shake it off as she gazed upon the setting sun. The future was completely out of her control. There was nothing she could do once Valia and Kal-El stepped through the portal.