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Many years ago…

The planet’s name is Krypton. The city is known as Kryptonopolis. It is a great city far advanced in science and culture than most in the known galaxy. Today however it is a city gripped with fear.

In the chambers of the Imperial Council all manner of representatives were gathered together. They made up their own smaller council that dealt with businesses of science, agricultural affairs, social affairs, and even Krypton’s military forces. All represented by the color of robes they wore and further indicated by the symbol of their houses branded on them. Where the smaller councils sat grouped together the higher Imperial Council, the true heads of Kyrpton’s power, sat above the others.

Whereas most of the other council’s members were younger, some more seasoned, officials the Imperial Council housed the elders of state. They watched as the smaller council members were arguing among themselves after the great tragedy that befell the planet; only those in the military council remaining quiet.

Floating in his own personal platform the Chamberlain for the Imperial Council brought the others to order with “Silence! The Imperial Council will have silence!” As everyone’s bickering and banter finally died down the Chamberlain once again spoke with “Councilors of Krypton, the Imperial Council is just as concerned as you are with this grave matter at hand but they, as should you, will not degrade themselves into an uproar!”

“It is any better for our own citizens then?” one of the members of the social affairs council spoke up while standing. “Even now they are as much in turmoil as we are while we sit here debating.”

Some of the others murmured their agreements before one of the science councilwomen stood and added “We barley survived the first encounter. What is this creature, Brainiac, returns and claims another city?”

The councils began to stir again. Voices raised and soon fingers were being pointed at. Still despite all of this the military council remained silent. Only a small few among those in the other council were collect and calm while their fellow councilmen and women argued.

“Order!” the Chamberlain called. “This council will come to order!” When everyone finally settled a hand was raised among the science council, to which the Chamberlain replied “Thank you, sir. This council recognizes Head of the Science Council, Jor-El of house El.”

Standing Jor-El bowed his head, a silent thanks to the Chamberlain and the Imperial Council, before addressing everyone with “My fellow council members, yesterday Krypton did indeed face one of its darkest days in all of recorded history. What was once our grand capital city of Kandor has now become an empty crater. A reminder of the threat this Brainiac now poses. But what our Chamberlain and our Imperial Council says is true. We cannot let ourselves fall into a disorganized mob. We must assess our situation and prepare if this threat returns.”

“What would you suggest then, Jor-El?” the same head of the social affairs council spoke up and asked. “Our weapons barley managed to fight the creature off. And even then it still succeeded in claiming Krypton’s great city in the process. Until yesterday we knew our technology was the most advanced in the cosmos. How can we hope to survive another attack from other threats when we cannot even stop the last Coluan himself?”

Everyone began to speak up again, Jor-El silencing them by speaking louder and saying “We won’t accomplish anything if we chose to constantly give into our fears. We need cooperation!” At this some of the councils seemed to murmur agreements. “Brainiac could be plotting his next move even now. For all we know it could derive from our own fears against him. Which is why we cannot falter now. If he does return then we must show him that Krypton is not weak with the loss of one city, but still stand strong as ever.”

There was a small applause from some in the councils; especially the science council itself. Still other remained silent. Even the Imperial Council itself did not speak, all of their words being projected more-or-less through the Chamberlain himself.

Finally someone from the military council stood, the Chamberlain saying “This council recognizes General Dru-Zod, head of the Military Guild.”

Like Jor-El he gave a small bow of his head before saying “I agree with councilmen Jor-El. If we hope to defeat Brainiac we must stand united. Divided we are weak. Together we could be unstoppable.”

“I trust you have a plan of action then, General?” one of the councilwomen asked. “After all was it not your superior who failed to stop the enemy’s first wave of attacks against Kandor?”

“It’s true that the former General was not as tactical in his approach as we’d hoped.” Zod began. “In fact it was his same misguided actions that lead to his death. But I am not so bull-headed as to simply charge in with weapons unleashed against an unknown foe.” He then pointed and said “Councilmen Korth-Om was only half correct earlier. Our technology was the greatest in the cosmos. But only in our means of exploration. Transportation. Preservation and agriculture. But how long ago have we had a true advancement in Krypton’s weapons?” More murmuring among the council, even to where the Imperials looked at each other, concerned with Zod’s proposal. “Perhaps the real reason the Coluan succeeded is because we’ve been lax and content in our so-called dominance in this system. I propose we begin further developments into our military forces. By any means necessary.”

Some of the others discussed this among themselves before one of the agricultural councilmen stood and retorted “To undertake such an act could be dangerous, General. The only sustainable material for our weapons is deep within Krypton’s core. We may risk destroying ourselves in the process.”

“Not necessarily.” He replied before turning and asking “Isn’t that right, Councilmen Jor-El?”

All eyes turned to the head of the science council, who sighed before replying “I and others within the council have considered Zod’s option already. We’ve run our own tests and…some of us believe it could be done.” Some on the other councils seemed surprised before he spoke up and added “But the findings are inconclusive at best. We’ve no real idea what could happen if we drill too far or take too much of the material away. In truth it truly could be devastating.”

“And yet you still say our findings aren’t fully accurate.” The Chamberlain pointed out. “So you do say there’s a chance.”

Jor-El sighed again before replying “Yes. A margin of one.”

“It’s more than enough.” Zod replied before looking up and addressing “Elders of the Imperial Council, I move that we begin productions and advancements immediately. Every minute we waste only allows the Coluan time to prepare for another incursion.”

The elders all looked among themselves, as if silently discussing the matter themselves. All in the chamber went quiet as they awaited to hear what they had to say. During this moment however Jor-El looked towards the Military Guild, spotting one of the members who acted as Zod’s second-in-command. The strong looking woman sensed this and glanced at him as well, the two staring for a moment before their attention was drawn back to the Imperial Council when their head councilmen stood.

The old yet wise looking elder asked “Have you any further suggestions, Jor-El?”

“None at this time, Sir Rozan.” He replied. “But perhaps with time I may be-”

He was cut off when Rozan said “And is your Guild reached a unanimous vote, General Zod?”

With a prideful tone he replied “Yes, sir. All of come to an agreement.”

The elder nodded before saying “Then this council has made its decision. Preparations may begin. On one condition, however. Should a more reasonable alternative be found by our scientist then all productions must end.” He looked back and said “Krypton’s fate now lies with you two, Dur-Zod and Jor-El. Do not fail its people in this darkest hour.” He relaxed before finally announcing “This meeting has reached an end. Rao’s blessing upon all.”

Everyone bowed and replied in unison “Roa’s blessings upon all.”

With that the Imperial Council exited from their seats one-by-one. All others watched before they had retired to their secluded chambers. Even the Chamberlain waited before also exiting the room, at which point all others in their own councils stood to leave.

Zod and two of his military members stayed, he waiting as the room became clearer before approaching and saying “Thank you, Jor-El. Without your research I doubt anything would have swayed those old fools.”

“As glad as I am action is being taken, Zod, this isn’t exactly what I had in mind.” He replied.

“I know. You’re a man of peace. But I am a man of action.” After that Zod put a reassuring hand on Jor-El’s shoulder and said “Do not worry, my friend. You know your council is the only one I truly keep.”

Jor-El nodded, the two shaking hands as indicating Zod needed to leave, before he added “Zod.” The general stopped and looked at him as he said “If I find a better solution, or if things go too far, promise me you’ll stop. Promise you’ll listen to me then.”

Zod was silent as he contemplated before answering “I promise that if that day comes, I will do was it best for Krypton. On that, Jor-El, you have my word.” He glanced back to one of his officers still standing by, the same woman Jor-El had looked at before, and then finished with “I believe you and Lieutenant Lor-Van have your own matters to discuss.”

Zod nodded to his lieutenant who saluted before he walked off. Both Jor-El and Lieutenant Lor-Van waited until the council chamber was empty, devoid of anyone even within earshot to hear them.

Once alone Jor-El began with “Lara how could you? As much as I care for Zod I don’t trust his judgements. Especially if it means risking Krypton’s structure itself.”

“What else could I do, Jor-El?” she coldly replied. “Everyone else agreed his plan was the best course of action. And nothing you or the Science Council had to offer was enough. He’s right. Action needs to be taken.”

Jor-El sighed heavily, rubbing his temples before saying “Lara, please. I know why you’re really doing this. It’s the same reason I’m trying to find a better alternative to making larger and potentially more destructive weapons.” He walked over, holding her shoulders, and added “It’s alright to be afraid.”

“I’m a soldier.” She replied, looking away from him. “I cannot afford to be afraid. Not now.”

He brought his hand to her face, turning it back towards him, and continued with “I’m sorry about your father. He was a brave general. And a great man at that. But I promise you I won’t let that happen again. Not to you or anyone else on Krypton.”

Slowly she smiled and replied “You’ve always so dependent on logic over emotion, Jor-El. Why you never became a solider like me I’ll never know.”

“I fight with my mind.” He smiled.

“And I with my heart.” She replied before sharing a kiss with him. The two shared a short but intimate embrace before parting their lips, Lara saying “I will try to keep Zod from going too far. But you have to promise me you’ll work as hard as you can to find a better solution, Jor-El.”

“I intend to.” He nodded. “I’m off to join my brother, Zor-El, in Argo City. His facilities have the proper equipment for-”

“I’ll join you.” She smiled while cutting him off.

A bit taken aback by this he replied “But Zod? Don’t you-?”

She cut him off again as she explained “He’ll be too busy on the drilling operations to notice or care. Besides he may be my commanding officer but you are my husband. Not even the military guild can change that. Besides it’s been a while since I’ve seen little Kara. Alura told me she’s considering to join the academy when she’s older.”

Hearing that Jor-El chuckled, the two starting to walk off, and replied “Well I’m sure the two of you will have plenty to talk about. I’m sure it’s better than hearing more ‘boring science talks’ as she put it between her father and uncle.”

Lara laughed at this before saying “Actually there will be plenty for all of us to talk about when we arrive.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

She only smiled and answered “I’ll tell you when we get there, husband.”

As the two walked off Lara hid the fact that she had one hand resting against her belly. Indeed the news she had prepared for Jor-El and his brother’s family would indeed surprise him. It was also the other reason why she was so intent on seeing Krypton safe from Brainiac and any other threats that should arise.

*****

Just outside the city of Kryptonopolis General Zod watched as drilling machines were already being brought out of the city to begin preparations. From afar the massive drilling machines were already impressive. He knew that with planet of due time the rare metals and materials needed to begin making his war machines greater.

As he stood overlooking the scene a duo of his lieutenants, the beautiful but deadly Faora and the large, silent brute Non, approached him from behind. He only glanced briefly to acknowledge them before continuing to watch everything before him.

“General Zod.” Faora saluted. “Lor-Van has yet to return to her duties.”

“I trust she has more personal, intimate matters to attend to, Faora.” He replied, still not turning to see her. “In these dark days even I cannot deny her that.” He smirked a bit before saying “Look at it, Faora. This is the first step in making Krypton stronger. If I didn’t have to answer to those old fools on the council we could have begun these developments sooner. And Brainiac would have known the true strength of our people.”

Faora took a stance next to him and replied “You accomplished this, General. Perhaps this will make the council understand why we need these weapons. Why your leadership will help future generations of Kryptonian children.”

He sneered and retorted “They will not see it. Jor-El may still yet find another way and those idiots will turn to more peaceful logic if it means not having their hands dirtied by bloodshed.”

“Then perhaps it’s time for a change, my love.” She said as she brought her hand up to make Zod face her.

He smiled as their lips came closer before replying “Perhaps indeed.”

The two shared a rough but passionate kiss as the drilling machines began their work. The silent Non stood by as the scene played out before all three of them. Indeed this was the first step into Zod’s gaining strength but it would be enough. For men like General Dur-Zod it would never be enough.

*****

Deep in the reaches of space, beyond the solar system where Krypton was situated, the skull-shaped ship of Brainiac piloted itself toward the next destination. Inside the Coluan mastermind examined his latest prize, the now bottled city of Kandor.

Such an interesting race, these Kryptonians. he thought to himself as he continued to watch the shrunken citizens like an ant colony. For all their advancements and achievements they are still as predictable as the rest of organic life. Yet their fear has made them into their own enemy. They believe I will come to claim their planet or another of its cities. How grand they must think they are. From but one of their greater cities I have learned all that I require. Their technology, while impressive, is nothing but inferior to my own. However the information on this ‘Phantom Zone’ does interest me. Further studies will need to be taken. There is little to assimilate from them and only through need of preservation of the species will I allow Kandor to survive. If the Kryptonians are destine to destroy themselves then so be it. I doubt there is any more they can impress me with. I now turn my attention elsewhere. An entire universe still awaits.

After idling over Kandor a little more Brainiac allowed the bottled city to be taken away on the small hovering plate it was displayed on. It joined the other captured cities and creatures that were brought into Brainiac’s collection. From his command seat Brainiac began to pilot the ship towards the next planet of interest, never thinking that Krypton would prove to have further surprises for him in the future.