Universal Union Book 3, Part 1
Jenni Debbage < jdse08662@blueyonder.co.uk> 
Rated: PG-13
Submitted: November 2001



This story is for those who have asked me so kindly to 
continue the saga of Lois and Kal-El and their life on 
Krypton.  For those of you who are new to the list or 
archive it is necessary to have read the previous stories 
in this series to understand book 3.

I have to thank my beta readers Carol Malo and Sarah 
Murray, who is also my editor, for their continued help and 
encouragement while I've been writing this story.  From the 
moment I began Universal Union I knew where I wanted this 
story to end but I didn't realise just how many detours it 
would take or how long it would be for me to get there.  
And, even now, I see doors opening on new chapters of life 
on Krypton... if anyone is interested in discovering what's 
inside.  

Meanwhile, I hope that this 3rd chapter does not 
disappoint.  And feedback is very welcome.


Universal Union
Book 3
The Battle for Krypton


Chapter One
Whispers and Accusations


The weeks passed and time had certainly eased Lois and 
Kal's rawest sadness.  The couple had returned to Elvar as 
soon as Lois' injuries would allow and there, wrapped in 
the care and understanding of their family and friends, 
very slowly they began to heal.

And one good thing came from their disastrous visit to 
Veren.  Realising that Lois was much in need of a 
diversion, the Vers had agreed to allow their daughter 
Gellis to return home with the royal couple; a circumstance 
that pleased Lois, as she enjoyed the company of the 
kindhearted and vivacious girl.  Besides, since Etta's 
passing, Lois was in need of a new Lady-in-Waiting and as 
Gellis was nobly born the Council were pleased to name her 
as Etta's successor.  For Lois it wasn't the same, it never 
could be, but she firmly believed that Gellis and she would 
be friends.

The promised apartment bolt-hole in the palace at Elvar had 
been duly set aside and Lady Lois had spent much of her 
time on interior decoration.  It wasn't exactly Lois' 
preferred choice of occupation but since the Council had 
been reluctant to accept Kal-El's suggestion that his wife 
be allowed to attend their deliberations, she was grateful 
to find something to occupy her empty hours.  Hiding her 
feelings of uselessness behind a brave smile and with 
Gellis' enthusiasm to boost her flagging spirit, she threw 
all her energy into re-creating a little piece of her old 
home.

Kal had guessed the extent of his wife's hurt at the  
rebuff and it angered him that his Council should cause 
Lois further pain, but he also knew of the unkind whispers 
that were echoing through the halls of power; Lois', and 
thus his own, popularity was balanced on a knife edge.  Now 
was not the best time to fly in the face of his 
Councillors' entrenched attitude and force them to accept a 
woman's presence in chambers.

No-one could pinpoint exactly when the whispering started 
but it soon became clear that certain members of the 
aristocracy were taking the slanders seriously.  The First 
Lord had very definite suspicions of the source of the 
malicious allegations, but once again nothing could be 
proved.  Indeed, neither Kal nor his family could even tie 
down just who was continuing to spread these tales.  No 
noble man or woman would actually repeat the nasty gossip 
to any of the Els or their closest allies.  Yet the whole 
family was agreed that the young woman should be shielded 
from the knowledge that many of the noble classes were 
bandying the story that her careless wilfulness was solely 
to blame for the loss of the heir to Krypton.

And so Lois was encouraged in her distraction of preparing 
a place of sanctuary for herself and her husband; a ploy 
that would unfortunately rebound on the Lady and the family 
who sought to protect her. 

Totally unaware of the gathering cloud, Lois was putting 
the final touches to her 'home,' aided and abetted with 
great gusto by her energetic Lady-in-Waiting and with more 
subdued encouragement from her quiet sister-in-law.  Back 
on Earth 'Thanksgiving' was fast approaching and Lois had 
decided to celebrate the earthbound holiday in tandem with 
a small house-warming party, and both Zara and Gellis were 
happy to assist her.  It was good to see Lois smile again.

Yet somehow the smile never quite reached her eyes, and Kal 
was saddened that the fire that was Lois was burning so 
low.  The loss of the baby coupled with a certain amount of 
homesickness had robbed Lois of her usual tenaciousness and 
the loving husband would do everything in his power to lift 
her spirits.  The generous-hearted Kal, suffering too from 
their loss, could not foresee that his choice of actions to 
heal his wife would be so cruelly turned against her.

"Well, what do you think?"  Lois enquired, perching on the 
floating platform that served as a stepladder here on 
Krypton.  As she hung the stars and stripes flounce across 
the top of the large window, she frowned in perplexity.  
"It isn't too much, is it?"

"No!  I think it looks very festive," Gellis agreed 
brightly.  "And it does stand out well from the drapes."

Lois had searched through the swatches for a colour scheme 
that would satisfy herself and Kal; both were heartily sick 
of the royal burgundy which predominated in their formal 
suite, and had settled for ivory velvet which she had so 
liked in her bedroom at Ro-Ellion.

"That's what I'm afraid of; it's too gaudy!"

"But it's only for the celebration, it's not like it's 
forever," Zara pointed out helpfully.

"Thankfully, that's true!  I doubt that I could stand all 
this red, white and blue myself for more than a few days," 
she confessed with a giggle as she scanned the room.

Streamers hung from the ceiling lights and little USA flags 
adorned bowls of harvest fruits placed about the room; the 
apartment certainly had a carnival-like air.  In fact, Lois 
would be the first to admit that the flashy bunting was 
more '4th of July' than 'Thanksgiving' but she was pretty 
sure that her Kryptonian guests wouldn't really be aware of 
her melding of the two US holidays.  Besides, she had 
completely missed the passing of 'Independence Day' in the 
emotional trauma of the summer so she hoped that her far-
off compatriots would forgive her mixing of the festive 
paraphernalia .  The youthful American wanted to prove the 
point that not only Kryptonians were proud of their 
heritage and in the vague feelings of isolation that 
ofttimes assailed her, she needed to reassert her roots.  
Lois had never been quite this patriotic back on Earth and 
she reflected this paradox with a wry grin as she turned to 
secure the bright broad ribbon while her helpers learned 
the new skill of balloon inflating.  Lois had recruited her 
scientist father-in-law to invent the 'party balloon' here 
on this highly advanced planet.  And, if he had been a 
little surprised to find his talents put to such a 
frivolous use, he was quite happy to indulge his new 
daughter.  

A light knock fell on the outside door and as Lois called 
permission, Lady Lara appeared in the doorway.

"My dear, come down from there before you do yourself an 
injury," the older woman instructed Lois, completely 
unabashed by the fact that she was addressing the First 
Lady of Krypton.  "I never had much faith in those flimsy 
floatboards, they're much too easy to unbalance.  You 
should have one of the servants hang these banners."

"Lady Lara, Kal and I have already decided that servants 
won't be needed in this apartment... well, except when 
we're having a celebration dinner," Lois conceded with a 
grin.  "Cooking was never one of my skills and I don't 
suppose that was one of the subjects Kal had to learn when 
training to be First Lord.  And I doubt that I'd cover 
myself in glory if I succeeded in poisoning all my guests 
at my first dinner party."

The dowager Lady returned Lois' teasing laugh but 
nevertheless, swallowed a silent sigh of relief as she 
watched the agile young woman lower the platform and jump 
lightly to the floor.  "Thank you, Lois!  And speaking of 
dinner, I thought I would bring along someone who might be 
of some use..."  Lara turned back to the hallway and 
beckoned to the man standing in the shadows.  "Burdom," she 
announced with a flourish as the Ro-Ellion kitchen maestro 
strode into the room.

"Burdom!"  Lois clapped her hands with pleasure.  "Am I 
glad to see you.  I've been puzzling over how to explain to 
the palace chefs, none of whom have your talents I might 
add, just the menu I require for a Thanksgiving dinner."

The chef par-excellence beamed at Lois' compliments and 
with a jaunty bow to his Lady got quickly down to business.  
"Milady, Lady Lara has already explained what you're 
planning and I took the liberty of checking up the 
information in our computer archives.  I was hoping that 
you might be needing my help; there's nothing I like more 
than a challenge, and I'm happy to say that I can 
substitute nearly all the ingredients that would be found 
on Earth.  Once I've worked my magic, I doubt that you'll 
be able to tell the difference."

Lois' heart fell at the word substitute, yet she smiled 
shyly at the helpful cook, not wishing to hurt his 
feelings.   "Thank you, Burdom, I'm sure you'll do your 
very best... ."  Her eyes strayed to the window and up into 
the soft lilac hues of the afternoon sky.  In her mind's 
eye she visited a place that was wreathed by a pale blue 
sky.  "But I should love to taste a real turkey," she added 
softly.

"And so you shall, milady, only on Krypton they're of the 
wild variety and I believe that back on your world they're 
known as capercaillie."  But the sometime prima donna chef 
was not without sensitivity and he sympathised with this 
young woman who had come so far from her home.   He forced 
a deal of heartiness into his voice as he rallied the 
forlorn girl.   "Trust me, Lady Lois, I shall do you proud 
and between us we will treat your guests to a little bit of 
good old USA hospitality."

Fortunately, his chivvying worked and Lois replied with 
some of her old spirit.  "I knew I could count on you, 
Burdom, and we'll make this a party that no-one will 
forget."

*****

While Lois took care of domestic matters her husband 
presided over yet another Council meeting.  At the outset 
the session had seemed to be more friendly and conciliatory 
than those of late and indeed an absentee member had seen 
fit to return to his seat on the Council.

Lord Jun-Li, a seemingly quiet-spoken man in his middle-
years, had been present at Kal-El's investiture and had 
also sworn his oath of allegiance.   Yet without 
explanation, the nobleman had returned with undue haste to 
his homelands, sending his apologies to the Council for his 
prolonged absence.  

The lands of Jun-Li bordered those of Nor, causing Kal to 
wonder whether the reason for this retreat and 
nonattendance was due to the fact that the man was afraid 
of how his rapacious neighbour would view support of the 
House of El, or whether Jun-Li was actually an ally of Rad-
Nor.  Since Li's retaking of his seat on the Council, it 
would seem that the former might be true and the First Lord 
dearly hoped that he had not acquired a 'mole' within his 
Cabinet.

Certainly, his other Councillors seemed to be welcoming 
Lord Li with enthusiasm and, taking in the man's modest 
air, Kal chose to take this reappearance as a sign that the 
floating support of the nobles was now moving in his 
favour.  He had problems enough without borrowing more.

The daily and more mundane business had been duly taken 
care of and now the discussion was moving onto a fairly 
controversial subject, that of the request to join the 
ranks of the Inter-Planetary Federation by the planet Moy, 
a small and somewhat backward world.  This tiny planet was 
situated in the outer regions of the Federation's influence 
and was just beginning to explore space, taking tentative 
steps to reach out to the worlds that shared its galaxy.  
In doing so, however, it had attracted the attention of the 
Taureans and was now in grave danger of being attacked and 
colonised by this marauding race.  In fear, they had turned 
to the powerful alliance of planets for succour, 
approaching the Council of Krypton to be their mentors 
during the process of application.

It appeared, from the heated debate that was ensuing, that 
the assumption of this role was not the given conclusion 
that Kal had first thought.  The Moyans were a people who 
were desperately in need of help and the First Lord of 
Krypton could not resist the urge to give aid to those in 
trouble... if only his Council would agree.

And there was an added incentive to persuade the assembly 
to his will; Moy's situation was very similar to that of 
Earth, or at least it would be in the not-quite-so-near 
future.  The Moyans had already made contact with other 
worlds, while the people of Earth, although probing the 
universe, were mainly of the opinion that they were alone.  
And they were right in the case of their own universe; 
Earth was the only planet in that solar-system which 
sustained life.  If they could only set their sights wider 
then they would find that life of many types abounded in 
the wide galaxies... .  

If only in the meantime, Earth was not discovered by the 
Taureans or some other warlike race... and an even more 
terrifying thought; what if some such race discovered that 
they might develop these extraordinary powers as he and his 
bodyguards had so unexpectedly acquired after spending some 
time under the yellow sun of Earth?  His wife's home planet 
could become a playground for an all-powerful force of 
aliens.  And that was why he had sworn Ching and Poli to 
secrecy; no-one must ever learn of the strange and wondrous 
changes that had taken place, not even his fellow 
Kryptonians.

A noisy confrontation interrupted Kal's worried musings; he 
really must pay closer attention -- the decision reached 
today might provide a precedent for his future suggestion 
that Earth too might fall under the protection of the 
Federation.

"I understand fully what you are trying to say, and I do 
not in any way approve of the vandalism of the Taureans, 
but, like it or not, Moy does not fulfill the criteria for 
membership," Jun-Li intoned with some regret.

Zor!  Kal almost wished that the man hadn't chosen this 
particular session to return to the fold.

"Vandalism!"  Prime Councillor Trey snorted with disgust.  
"I would hardly describe the Taureans' behaviour as 
vandalism... .  Downright thuggery is what it is!"

Thank goodness for Trey!  Just as Zor-El had predicted, he 
was turning out to be a valuable and trustworthy friend!  

"I agree," Li conceded, "but... and I admit that I might be 
wrong here because I have been a little out of touch... but 
the Taureans haven't openly declared war on the United 
Planets nor have they actually attacked Moy."

"No!  But they make no secret of the fact that they hold 
the Federation in contempt and they might well be behind 
many of the covert attacks on our merchant fleets," 
insisted Trey.

"And they kidnapped my wife."  Kal's voice held a barely 
suppressed anger.

"But didn't the Taurean ambassador maintain that the leader 
of the kidnappers was a renegade; a mercenary who saw an 
opportunity to make his fortune when he spotted your wife 
strolling through a fairground without a bodyguard.   He 
probably intended to ransom her."  Jun-Li's words dropped 
into a sudden stillness.  "Of course, I only learned of the 
incident second hand, so perhaps I'm mistaken and I don't 
wish to reopen an obviously painful subject... .  But can 
we hold the whole Taurean nation to account for this 
hooligan's actions?"

Deep inside, Kal seethed at the thinly veiled inference 
that Lois had only herself to blame for her abduction, the 
indictment made more potent by its seemingly mild delivery, 
yet he swallowed an incensed retort.  No-one but the Els' 
closest family and friends knew of the plan to sell Lois 
and Etta into slavery; there had been no proof, and Lois 
was the only living being who had survived the terrible 
debacle.  Most Kryptonians had assumed that Ballen and his 
gang intended to demand a ransom from Kal and his Council 
for the safe return of the First Lady, so the latter part 
of Jun-Li's speech was not unreasonable.

"Lord Jun-Li, I do not think that we can suggest that our 
poor First Lady is in any way responsible for what happened 
to her and she has already suffered a great loss because of 
her innocent misjudgment."

Damn Jen-Mai!  Damn him for stating the one thing that Kal 
had bitten his tongue to avoid; the insidious suggestion 
that Lois had brought the whole sorry mess down on her own 
head.   And the cunning Mai had done it in such a manner 
that he could hardly be called to account.  Damn Jen-Mai!
     
"Oh my, oh my!"  The newest member of the Council looked 
suitably contrite.  "I never meant to insinuate such a 
thing.  My Lord Kal-El, please believe me, I never intended 
to cast a slur upon your Lady's name.  Please forgive my 
indiscretion.  I'm certain that Lady Lois never conceived 
that such an innocent pleasure could result in the loss of 
your child."

Kal stared in mounting horror as Jun-Li managed to 
emphasise the allegation.  Was the man an opinionated fool 
or was he part of a double act; the straight man to crafty 
Jen-Mai's barbs?  Kal-El had never looked so severe, so 
imposingly royal.  The ministers sitting at the long table 
looked decidedly uncomfortable while the prospect of Jun-
Li's speedy eviction from the Council seat he had just 
reclaimed loomed close.

"No-one holds Lady Lois responsible!"  Trey quickly rushed 
to defend the breach.  "Ballen and his cohorts are the 
monsters to blame for everything that happened... and 
whether they acted independently or with an other cannot 
now be verified."  The grey-haired Prime Councillor took 
control, sending his young ruler a silent warning to 
restrain his understandable ire; it would not be politic 
for the First Lord of Krypton to indulge in a heated 
argument on the subject of his wife's culpability.   "Now 
let us return to the business in hand, the Moyans' 
suitability for membership of the Federation... ."

"Yes, that would be best and I still reiterate that Moy 
does not fit the profile... ."

"You have made your feelings perfectly clear, Jun-Li," Kal 
at last managed to speak and with just the faintest trace 
of annoyance.  Much as though his instinct was to defend 
his wife with all the passion he possessed, he recognised 
the wisdom in Trey's warning.  It would only harm Lois' 
position to force his Councillors into an impromptu trial 
over the rights and wrongs of the First Lady's actions on 
that fateful day in summer.  Not understanding her freedom 
of spirit, it was a distinct possibility that they would 
not condone her bid to escape, if only for a few hours, the 
confines of her rank.  Yet Kal firmly believed that most 
men in this chamber were not vindictive and that given time 
and opportunity they would come to appreciate Lois' 
intelligence and admire her courage.  That being so, it was 
now time to turn the spotlight away from his wife.  "But 
regardless of your views, the Moyans have begun to trade 
with their neighbours and... ."

"That may be true," came the snappy retort, "but, as 
they're such a poor planet I can't see that the Federation 
has anything to gain from the trade."  Jun-Li had much to 
say and it was obvious that he meant to be heard.  
Nevertheless, his rudeness was beginning to exasperate his 
peers.

"I doubt that gain or the lack thereof should be the 
yardstick of whether we support Moy's application."  This 
slightly edged comment came from Lord Remy, the oldest 
statesman of Krypton, who also happened to be an uncle of 
Lady Lara on her mother's side of the family.. "And I would 
like to remind you, Lord Jun-Li, that in this chamber we 
accord the First Lord the courtesy due to his rank."

"Oh dear, I do apologise, Lord Kal-El.  I seem to be making 
a terrible hash of my first meeting under your auspices... 
and I did so want to create a good impression... whatever 
can you think of me, my Lord?" stuttered the seemingly 
crestfallen man.  "It's just that I haven't quite 
accustomed myself to seeing such a young man sitting in 
that chair... I keep expecting to see Zor-El ... .  I know 
that you all have had some time to come to terms with the 
loss of our dear friend and leader and I would ask you to 
bear with my blundering, fellow Councillors and Lord Kal-
El... ."  Jun-Li was almost reduced to embarrassed tears 
and round the table heads were sympathetically nodding.

Kal-El knew exactly what to think... the man was clearly an 
accomplished actor or he was a bungling idiot.  In a very 
short space of time Jun-Li had managed  (inadvertently or 
not) to accuse Lois of gross misconduct and to remind 
everyone in this room that their ruler was a callow, 
inexperienced youth, and all seasoned with just the correct 
amount of empathy and regret; talk about killing with 
kindness... .  Kal silently cleared his throat and his chin 
rose in steely determination.  None, witnessing his mein, 
could doubt his authority.

"I think I speak for everyone in this chamber when I say 
that we all regret the abdication of Zor-El and we are all 
much poorer for the loss of his wit and wisdom, none more 
so than myself.  But Zor is gone and he passed the baton to 
me,"  Kal stated with quiet strength.  He studied the faces 
of his Councillors, trying to gauge the effect of his 
words.  When he continued his voice was stern and he leaned 
forward in his seat, his fingertips gripping the table 
edge.  "You might not like it; I'm not sure that I liked 
it... and I certainly wasn't ready for it... but it is 
done.  For better or worse, I took my place as First Lord 
of Krypton and I intend to fulfil my pledge to defend my 
people and my world and to do my duty as Leader of the 
United Federation of Planets.  All of you took an oath of 
allegiance to support my rule and so I ask for that support 
now.  In my opinion, this small planet of Moy is taking its 
first tentative steps towards its place in the Federation 
and make no mistake, they are in danger, Taurean ships have 
been reported scouting that particular quadrant of our 
galaxy.  I sincerely believe that we should protect and 
promote the Moyans in their request for membership."

Silence reigned in the imposing chamber, the seat of 
government for many centuries, as Councillors digested this 
impassioned speech.  Never had their new sovereign spoken 
at such length and with such determination in this Council 
room.  Surprisingly, most found themselves deeply impressed 
by his grasp of the situation.

"Might I make a suggestion, Lord Kal?"  The question came 
from Trey's deputy, the chameleon-like Jen-Mai.  Kal held 
his breath, but granted permission with a slight nod of his 
head and a small flourish of his hand.  Jen-Mai rose to his 
feet to continue.  "It seems to me that both sides of this 
argument have some merit.  So, perhaps, a compromise could 
be reached.  Although Moy may not fulfil the standards set 
by the Federation, there seems to be every indication that 
their peaceful existence is under threat from the Taureans 
and I agree with our dear First Lord, that weaker 
civilisations ought to be protected by more powerful and 
able worlds such as ourselves and our allies.  Therefore, I 
propose that Moy be awarded a probationary membership, 
until its scientific and commercial progress reaches the 
stage where it may fulfil all the criteria for full 
membership of the Federation."
     
Why was it that all Jen-Mai's utterances sounded like he 
was giving a speech?   Yet, theatrics aside, Kal had to 
admit that he was exceedingly grateful for the Second 
Councillor's contribution.   Especially since the proposal 
was quickly voted upon and accepted.  The Mais' camp was 
the last place from which Kal had expected support... and 
why did he have the uneasy feeling that the whole incident 
had been orchestrated?

After a speedy summarization of what had been agreed upon, 
the meeting was wound up and for a short time the 
Councillors exchanged less formal greetings with Jun-Li, 
catching up with his news and chatting about the happenings 
in Elvar since he had been gone.  Soon many of them began 
to drift away, leaving only a few in the large room.

At the head of the table Kal stood with his closest 
advisors, Lords Trey and Remy, who both were congratulating 
him on the success of the Moyan project.  The troubled 
leader, nonetheless, couldn't rid himself of the feeling of 
having been manipulated and he passed on his concerns to 
the two older men.

Lord Trey laid a comforting hand on his young master's arm, 
a telling gesture which would have been quite impossible 
some months ago.  Slowly, as they combined their efforts to 
thwart the elusive enemy, both had learned to value and 
trust each other's qualities and strengths.  Indeed, now 
Trey viewed his task as First Councillor, to protect and 
advise his young Lord, as so much more than a duty.  

"The meeting was hardly a qualified success and I very much 
regret the unfortunate references to Lady Lois, but we did 
scrape through the motion to protect Moy and that was our 
main concern."  The grey-haired man continued to pat the 
tense arm beneath his hand soothingly.  "We must be 
thankful for that.  And I find it hard to believe that Jun-
Li had any ulterior motives behind his words.  I've known 
the man for years; we did our time in the military together 
and sat on many of the same committees, not to mention this 
High Council, and while I admit that he might not be 
exceptionally bright, I have always considered him honest."

"There is nothing so dangerous as an honest, misguided 
fool... .  And we mustn't forget just where his home lies," 
the other ancient advisor cautioned.  "He might very well 
have been persuaded to do Nor's bidding out of fear."

"Exactly what I was thinking, Uncle Remy," Kal agreed 
hurriedly as he watched the small group at the other end of 
the table conversing amicably; a group which suspiciously 
consisted of Jun-Li and Jen-Mai... or was he reading too 
much into the scenario?  And even a connection between Mai 
and Nor had never been proven.  "But perhaps I'm being 
paranoid.  I only know that between them they managed to 
score a few hits against myself and Lois."

"No-one paid any attention to those comments," Remy 
pronounced, with more confidence than he actually felt, in 
an effort to rally his somewhat despondent great-nephew.

"I know what you're trying to do, Uncle, but we both know 
that there are quite a number of people ready to believe 
the worst about Lois... .  I just wish that it had never 
been brought up in this Council chamber."

"Kal, no-one who really matters holds Lois to blame!"  
Again Remy attempted to reassure the perturbed husband.  
"Most of the Councillors were shocked by Jun-Li's foolish 
utterances and even if they did consider Lady Lois' exploit 
a little unwise, no member of this chamber holds her to 
blame for what followed."

"I wish I could be more sure of that," Kal uttered softly 
as he watched Jen-Mai bid the group goodbye and stroll in 
his direction.

"And on a brighter note," Trey's voice rose as he too 
witnessed the approach of his untrustworthy deputy,  
"please tell Lady Lois that I'm looking forward to dinner 
tomorrow night."

"Me too," enthused Lord Remy, the senior citizen having 
completely fallen under the spell of his high-spirited 
niece-in-law.  "I'm always interested in experiencing other 
cultures; I might be a very old dog but I'm not above 
learning new tricks."

Those words made Kal laugh as the image of his oldest 
relation learning to line-dance while the strains of 
country music TV were piped into his apartment, flashed 
across his mind.

"Well, to tell the truth, I'm not exactly sure myself what 
Lois has planned; she's keeping this one very close to her 
chest...  I'm not even allowed into the apartment... ."

"A strange state of affairs if the First Lord of Krypton 
isn't master in his own home," Jen-Mai quipped as he came 
to join them.  "I'm sure that Lady Lois must be planning a 
lovely surprise for all of us."  And his grin was just as 
oily as his voice.

"Excuse me?!"  That last remark had taken Kal-El completely 
by surprise.

"I'm assuming that since this is a small gathering of your 
family, friends and close supporters, that you wouldn't 
leave out your Second Councillor and that the lack of a 
formal invitation to myself and Lady Minerva was just an 
oversight on Lady Lois' part.  Lady Minerva was devastated 
by the slight; she was so looking forward to renewing her 
acquaintance with your lovely Lady."

The nerve of the man!  And how did he get out of this one?!  
Jen-Mai had backed him when it seemed that his wish to 
promote the Moyans would be blocked.  But on the other 
hand, how did he explain to Lois the presence of the Mais 
at her first private dinner party?

Jen-Mai clearly took Kal's silence as assent because the 
smarmy grin grew even broader.  "Good!  Lady Minerva will 
be over the moon!  Tomorrow night at eight I believe.  Till 
then, my Lord and fellow Councillors, I bid you good day."  
A quick bow and he was gone.

"Oh dear," commiserated Remy, "whatever is Lois going to 
say when you tell her?"

Kal could only manage a very un-kingly shrug.

***** 

Chapter Two
House Warming?

Lois paced back and forth in the small bedroom; actually, 
by Earth standards it wasn't a small room, but compared to 
the royal apartment two floors below it was really quite 
tiny.  She hadn't thought she would be so nervous; after 
all, she had hosted a number of formal banquets in the 
palace's dining hall and this was only a small party for 
family and friends. Previously, however, the organization 
had been the responsibility of the seneschal and his staff.  
This was her party, her creation... well, except for the 
actual cooking.

And the thing was, thanks to Kal's stumbling confession of 
yesterday, she wasn't really looking forward to it.  How 
could he have allowed himself to be railroaded into 
inviting the slimy Jen-Mai and his equally annoying wife; 
wasn't Kal a king or something?

Of course, she knew all about Mai's unsought backing of 
Kal's plans in the Council chamber, which had put her 
husband at a disadvantage when it came to refusing the 
request for an invite.  Given Lois' suspicious nature, she 
firmly believed that this new Councillor was a plant and 
that between them, Mai and Li had set the whole thing up.  
What was not quite so obvious, was what they hoped to 
achieve with Mai's presence at this party.  This was just a 
small family gathering... nothing crucial.

Satisfied with her appearance in her long-flowing gown -- 
Lois was becoming accustomed to the more courtly attire of 
Krypton -- she wandered through the family room into the 
dining area, running her hands along the backs of the 
Earth-styled chairs as she moved down the length of the 
table.  Bowls of harvest fruits sat on the pristine white 
cloth, while silver candlesticks and cutlery glimmered in 
the crystal lights suspended above the table.  

As her eye caught a slight imbalance, Lois leaned over and 
straightened a little trio of flags that topped one of the 
fruit bowls.  Her eye was drawn to the other 'stars and 
stripes' decorations that festooned the room.  They were 
out of place given the nature of the celebration, but to 
Lois they were a reminder of her home -- her identity, and, 
as such, they gave her courage to face the future on her 
adopted planet.  

So much had happened to her since she had arrived on 
Krypton; she had experienced the happiest moments of her 
young life, and yet, she had been touched with great sorrow 
and tragedy.  But best of all, she had been granted the 
most beautiful of gifts... the love she shared with her 
husband.  Which was not exactly the first emotion that 
entered her mind as Kal somewhat sheepishly exited the 
bedroom.

"Don't fret, Lois," he gently advised as he came to stand 
behind her, his fingers softly kneading the tense muscles 
in her shoulders.  "It'll be fine, you'll see.  Mother and 
Father, Zara and Gellis, Ching and Poli, the Treys and, not 
forgetting, Uncle Remy, they're all on your side."

"Kal, this is a family party, not a skirmish; there 
shouldn't be sides!"  Lois shrugged his hands off with some 
vexation.  Suddenly she stilled, then abruptly whirled to 
face Kal once more, her face showing signs of inner turmoil 
as mentally she counted her guests.  "Kal, that's thirteen 
people sitting down to supper!  It can't happen!  It's very 
bad luck!  We have to invite someone else."

"Honey, whatever are you talking about?  And it's far too 
late to send out an invite.  Please calm down."  He 
attempted to take her hand that was forcefully poking his 
chest.

"Thirteen is a very unlucky number... and haven't you heard 
of the Last Supper? What am I saying?!  Why would you have 
heard of the Last Supper?!  Having thirteen guests to 
dinner can only lead to disaster," Lois almost wailed.

"Is this religion you're talking about?  Because, you know, 
I never really thought you were religious, or superstitious 
for that matter."  A rather worried Kal had caught hold of 
Lois and he pulled her closer, running soothing hands up 
and down her stiffened spine.  "You're just obsessing, 
sweetheart -- and I know that I'm wholly to blame for that 
-- but you must know that I wouldn't ever let Jen-Mai or 
anyone else hurt you." 

"I'm not religious or superstitious, not normally anyway," 
she conceded, "but things haven't exactly gone very well 
recently and I'm not about to borrow trouble.  We have to 
find someone else to come to our dinner."

As his wife frowned in concentration, Kal waited with a 
sense of dread to hear what her solution to her problem 
might be.  It didn't trouble him just how many people were 
seated at the table but looking along its length he had to 
admit that it did look somehow unbalanced.  Ching would be 
alone in the middle of the table with no one seated 
opposite him and even that table plan had caused some 
disruption between the couple, Lois having placed Zara 
across from the handsome Captain (the Lieutenant having 
been promoted due to his competent handling of the 'Ballen 
affair.')  Kal had thought her matchmaking in this case was 
just a little obvious and he had insisted that his two 
bodyguards should change position.

In fact, Ching or Poli would only be considered as suitable 
guests at a family gathering such as this, and now that Mai 
had wangled an invitation, he wasn't completely sure that 
both men should still attend.  Still, when he had made his 
misgivings known to Lois, she had immediately poo-poohed 
his idea, insisting that she was happier to have the 
servicemen than the obnoxious noble couple.   Besides, she 
didn't wish to hurt the sensibilities of her two friends by 
revoking their invitations and, as this party was the first 
thing that Lois had tackled with enthusiasm, Kal had 
quickly waived his objection. 

Lois took a turn around the room while she figured out just 
who would be available to fill in at such short notice; the 
guests would be arriving very soon.  The bird-like 
physician, Tamar, would have been the ideal choice but he 
was out of the city attending a medical seminar.  Then 
inspiration struck!  The Els' long-serving major-domo, who 
was almost part of the family.

"Ernst!"  The troubled hostess cried in relief.  "Kal, 
contact your mother, she won't have left yet, and tell her 
to bring Ernst with them -- it really ought to be another 
woman to balance things out, but beggars can't be 
choosers," she muttered as she headed in the direction of 
the kitchen.  "I'll go and tell the staff to set another 
place at the table... ."

"Lois!  No!"  Now the equally troubled host halted his 
wife's swift exit with a few words that sounded ominously 
like a command.  "You can't invite Ernst, he's a serv. . . 
ant... ."

His voice died away as a sense of deja vu overtook him.

"Yes, he is.  And don't start with that again.  Etta was 
also a servant to begin with and you admitted that you were 
wrong about her.  Besides, you've known Ernst since you 
were old enough to know anyone, so he's much more than a 
servant," Lois challenged.

Kal ran his hand through his thick dark hair, a sure sign 
of agitation.  He couldn't refute either of Lois' 
statements, yet Ernst was not Etta.  "Lois, he's an old man 
and he's set in his ways, he'll be uncomfortable on the 
wrong side of the fence."  Now Kal was almost pleading.  He 
really didn't object to Ernst sitting down to dinner with 
them; nonetheless, he just couldn't shake this unnerving 
feeling that something wasn't quite right with the 
arrangement.  But he loved Lois, so he attempted to 
explain.

"I admit that Etta dined with us at Scheih-Ellion, but that 
was an informal setting... ."

"This, Kal," Lois' arms waved around the room, "this is 
supposed to be an informal setting... ."

"Please, Lois, just let me finish," and he paused a moment 
to see if she would interrupt once more.  His wife 
maintained a sullen silence.   "We were all young at 
Scheih-Ellion, more open to accept change.  Yet, even Etta 
was ill-at-ease with the arrangement to begin with.  This 
is different; my parents, the Treys, they wouldn't really 
understand... but if they were the only ones involved, I 
wouldn't object so strongly, but the Mais would feel 
insulted... ."

"Good!  Because, if it wasn't for them inviting themselves 
at the last moment, we wouldn't be having this difficulty!"

"I can't argue with you there!"  Kal offered Lois a rueful 
smile.

"And  you know I don't hold with such old fashioned 
prejudice."  With an answering, gamin grin Lois came to 
stand in front of her husband, leaning into his, at 
present, unyielding body and looking up at him with that 
intriguing mixture of mischief and supplication  "And you 
did say that in this apartment we could leave all the pomp 
and ceremony behind us and just be ourselves."

The First Lord could not resist his Lady when she charmed 
him in just that way, but he wasn't about to give up 
without one final attempt to persuade her to his way of 
thinking.  "Lois, sweetheart, I'm not just being awkward 
here, I really believe that this won't be a good situation 
for any of us.  And, before you go accusing my people of 
being bigoted and backward, just remember that you're 
reacting out of an old superstition."

"I know," Lois had the grace to blush, not really 
understanding her own perversity, "but thirteen is such an 
unlucky number for me.  I was the thirteenth student to 
receive Luthor's award and my date with that monster was on 
the thirteenth day of the month too and we all know how 
that turned out."    

"Lois, that was the first time that I actually got to speak 
to you, so you can't expect me to think it was an unlucky 
day."  Kal lowered his head until he touched her forehead 
with his own.  "Please, Lois, trust me on this, having 
Ernst here would be a worse omen than unlucky thirteen and 
it wouldn't be fair to thrust him into such an uneasy 
gathering."

Surprisingly, Mad Dog Lane conceded defeat and graciously 
too.  With a swift about-face and with only a quick quip, 
she whirled around and went to enquire of Burdom's progress 
in the kitchen.  "Well don't blame me if things go terribly 
wrong, remember I did warn you." 

But she softened her words with a gentle smile and a kiss 
blown in his direction.  Kal could not forbear to smile at 
his wife's retreating back, his appreciative eyes lingering 
on the velvety material that clung to every curve as she 
cheekily wiggled her hips in his direction.  Kal recognised 
Lois' resolve to put aside her qualms and determined to 
emulate her brighter mood.  After all, what could go so 
terribly wrong in a simple family dinner party in this his 
own home.

He sauntered after his desirably impish wife into the 
kitchen.  The tempting smells that were wafting through the 
open door drew him in -- where he earned a swift smack on 
his hand from a now composed hostess as he attempted to 
sample some of the canapes laid out on silver trays.  So 
much for being king!

*****

In the beginning, it seemed as if the young couple's fears 
might have been unfounded.  Jen-Mai chose to be 
conciliatory and though his Lady could, in Lois' eyes, be 
nothing less than aggravating, the two were behaving 
amiably.  And it had very soon become apparent that the 
First Lady's apprehension over the question of unlucky 
numbers was nullified as, on the heels of the Els, the 
ancient Lord Remy arrived with a similarly ancient widow.

The old man's eyes twinkled and the lines on his face 
creased as he leaned to whisper conspiratorially to his 
great nephew and his lovely wife.  "On the way here, my 
dears, I had the strangest feeling... something about 
numbers and bad omens... I didn't really understand, but 
there was something I could do about it.  The Lady Brenna," 
and his gaze strayed to his partner who was being welcomed 
by the elder Els, "is an old friend, or rather the widow of 
an old friend.  She doesn't get out much... and as I was 
passing her house, I sort of hijacked her.  It will do the 
old lady good to be in some company and I hope I've solved 
your problem."  This last was directed at the decidedly 
abashed but grinning Lois. 

"Thank you and thank goodness for telepathy, it certainly 
has its uses."  The now happy hostess reached to place a 
light kiss on the grizzled cheek.  "Uncle Remy, you are the 
best."  Then she hurried over to the little group comprised 
of her parents-in-law and her unexpected guest, leaving her 
likewise surprised husband to explain the details to her 
saviour.

"I'd like to add my thanks too, Uncle.  Lois was in quite a 
state earlier; it seems that number thirteen is considered 
bad luck on Earth, especially in dinner guests; purely a 
superstition, of course... ."

"But you didn't need any added evil portents considering 
who is coming to dinner."  Remy's voice took on a more 
serious tone as he asked the question that had been 
troubling him since the previous day.  "Do you expect 
trouble?"

Kal shook his head slowly and finished on a shrug.  "I 
don't see what Mai could hope to gain from attending this 
party... unless, of course, he just hopes to bait Lois and 
believe me, Minerva-Mai can do that without trying."  The 
worried young leader's gaze rested on his wife as she 
strove to put at ease a rather flustered old lady, who was 
feeling something like a fish out of water.  "I just pray 
that Lois can keep her temper in check and that Jen-Mai 
doesn't have anything more sinister in mind."       
"Well, Lady Brenna is a harmless old soul and the family 
has always supported the Els, so I figured she'd be an 
innocuous addition to the party."

"Much better than Lois' suggestion!"  And as his uncle 
lifted his eyebrows in a question, Kal gave a out an 
apologetic laugh.  "Believe me, Uncle, you do not want to 
know!"

"Unsuitable, hm?!"  Remy's glance also fell on the 
effervescent young creature who had landed in their midst 
very close to a year ago, and both his gaze and voice 
softened.  "She has a lot to learn, Kal, but she is so 
quick witted... .  Have you noticed, she never makes the 
same mistake twice?  But don't change her too much; I like 
her just the way she is."

"Don't worry, Uncle, I *love* her just the way she is," Kal 
sought to reassure.  "It just makes me so angry that my 
enemies use Lois to get at me."  A familiar shard of ice 
was forming in Kal's heart while he reprised all that Lois 
had been through.  "It's just so hard to live with, knowing 
that because of me, Lois is in danger.  I keep remembering 
how it was for Uncle Zor when he lost Rochelle... ."

"That's not going to happen again," the quiet voice 
affirmed as Remy laid a feather-light touch upon his great 
nephew's clenched fist.  "Most of the aristocracy were 
horrified by that tragedy and now they support you... ."

"Then who is spreading these damaging rumours about Lois 
and why do I feel that there are forces out there just 
waiting to pounce..."  Kal abruptly cut off his burgeoning 
fears, aware that Lois very often picked up on his moods, 
yet he could not stop his next thought.  "Perhaps I should 
have left her safe on Earth."

"Nonsense, my boy!  I'm certain that Lois would be the 
first to refute that suggestion."  Remy scolded kindly.  
"And if, as Trey and I suspect, Jen-Mai is responsible for 
the whispering campaign then someday he will trip himself 
up.  The man has far less intelligence than he thinks and 
his conceit will be his undoing.  Have patience!"

"I'm convinced he's one of Rad-Nor's creatures," whispered 
Kal, "and now he has an accomplice in Li."

"Very probably, but this is neither the time nor the place 
to discuss such things.   This is Lois' party and she's 
gone to a lot of time and trouble to make sure we all enjoy 
ourselves and I for one am going to see that her efforts 
were not in vain."   And with a last encouraging wink to 
Kal, he joined Lois and his 'date' for the evening.

And indeed there had been no time to pursue the topic of 
Jen-Mai's possible treachery as the man and his wife 
arrived with the Treys and as the few servants who had been 
appropriated from the palace staff for the evening, 
appeared from the kitchens, handing round tempting hors 
d'oeuvres and wine, Kal chose to heed his great uncle's 
counsel.

The small group was soon seated around the table partaking 
of a meal which would have graced any American household at 
Thanksgiving.  Burdom had surpassed all Lois' expectations 
as her tastebuds were tantalised by flavours of home.  Even 
the native Kryptonians were pleasantly satisfied with the 
hearty food from a distant culture.  The conversation too 
was agreeable and, if one discounted the contributions of 
the inane Lady Mai, most interesting.

So it was most unexpected that the first salvo was fired 
while the diners delighted over a scrumptious dessert of 
pumpkin pie, served with a large scoop of Krypton's version 
of ice-cream.  

"Excellent, pumpkin pie," Jen- Mai announced, much 
satiated.  "I congratulate you, Lady Lois, and your chef on 
such a delicious dinner.  I had not thought to enjoy such a 
rustic meal, but I'm happy to admit my error."

"Thank you, Lord Mai," Lois attempted to accept his words 
graciously but her spirit bridled at the word rustic; did 
he honestly believe that the bland Kryptonian food, that 
she'd been forced to consume on many occasions, was 
preferable?  Granted, the native eating habits might be 
considered more conducive to good health, but she did so 
miss revelling in 'comfort' food and she was pleased that 
Kal had seen to it that she was often indulged with tidbits 
from Earth, even if they were simulated.
  
"And am I correct in saying that this 'Thanksgiving' is an 
old American custom, celebrating the early settlers' 
survival in their new land of America?"  Mai asked with a 
tinge of self-satisfaction.

"Yes, my lord," Lois was determined to play the role of 
indulgent hostess to the hilt.  "In the 1620s the Pilgrim 
Fathers decreed a day of prayer and thanksgiving to 
celebrate their harvest and survival.  You must have done 
your homework well," this last was said almost under her 
breath but Jen-Mai, sitting two places down on her right, 
caught her words.

"Indeed I have!  In fact, I've particularly made a study of 
your culture, Milady; which makes me wonder why the 'Stars 
& Stripes' are displayed so prominently."  The artful Lord 
raised his hands to point out the various red, white and 
blue decorations.  "Surely they are inappropriate at a 
ceremony of prayer and giving thanks.  And nowhere in our 
archives on the history of your nation have I found 
anything that suggests that this gonfalon was even thought 
of at this particular period."

"Well no, I don't suppose it was," the dismayed American 
girl acknowledged; trust Mai to be able to give her a 
history lesson on her native country.  "I admit that I 
mixed up my holidays a little.  The 'Stars & Stripes' came 
much later, during the War of Independence, but I didn't 
think anyone would mind."

"I think they look quite splendid," Lord Remy interposed 
smoothly, "and I don't think it matters a great deal here 
on Krypton."

"Husband, they're a keepsake from Lois' world."  As if on 
cue Minerva-Mai's sickly sweet voice joined the 
conversation.  "A young girl, so far away from home, needs 
such reminders.  There's nothing untoward about that... 
unless... ."

"Unless they're an indication of where Lady Lois' true 
interests lie."

"Jen-Mai, just what are you inferring?"  From the head of 
the table Kal-El snapped the question; the young ruler had 
had his fill of innuendo.

"Only that perhaps your wife regrets her coming to 
Krypton," came the slick return.  "I do not suggest this in 
a derogatory manner, but perhaps the Lady did not quite 
understand what would be required of her.  It's clear that 
she finds her duties oppressive, hiding away as she does in 
this Earth-style apartment.  Mayhap the Lady would be 
happier to return to her world."

There was a pregnant silence as those around the table 
absorbed the full meaning of Mai's statement.  But the 
malevolent couple had not yet finished.

"Earth beings evidently lack the Krytponian strength of 
morality and honour that our rank demands... "

". . . and poor Lois can hardly be blamed for something 
that is beyond her," Lady Mai added injury to her husband's 
insults.

The stillness stretched for a seemingly interminable time 
until the screech of Lois' chair being forcefully pushed 
back broke the frozen tableau.

"Now listen here, buster... ."

"Lois, stop!"  

This time there was no mistaking the power of command in 
Kal's words and, amazingly, Lois found herself sinking back 
into her chair, while Jen-Mai could not quite suppress a 
sly sneer at what he supposed to be the First Lord's 
chastisement of the Earth girl.

"Jen-Mai, you are a guest in my house and as such, 
Kryptonian hospitality forbids me to deal with you as I 
would earnestly wish."  Lord Kal-El proceeded with icy calm 
to wipe the look of triumph from his Councillor's face.  
"In every way, Lois stands head and shoulders above you and 
your spoiled spouse, and I would not further insult her by 
asking that she accept your apology."  The infuriated First 
Lord rose from his place at the head of the table and took 
a few menacing steps towards his prey.  "Leave our presence 
now, but know this, if I ever discover that you have 
repeated these insinuations outside this room, I will have 
you and your wife arraigned for treason."

"My Lord, I protest," Jen-Mai stuttered, realising that he 
had miscalculated and very aware that the man who pulled 
his strings did not tolerate failure.  He was being well 
paid to undermine the marriage of the First Lord and Lady 
and Rad-Nor would not be pleased if he had overplayed his 
hand.

"Get out of here, now!  Before I call the palace guards and 
have you thrown out!" 

Confronted by the implacable countenance of Lord Kal-El, 
the Mais had no choice but to obey and they scurried 
ignominiously from the apartment.  The group left behind 
gazed in some astonishment and awe at the metamorphosis of 
the youth who had shown such potential, into the powerful 
commander of all Krypton.           

A somewhat hysterical laugh from Lois eased the state of 
shocked tension.  "Well, that went well, wouldn't you 
say?!"

"Good riddance, is what I say," Lady Brenna announced 
undramatically.  "Never could abide the boy... and his 
father was no different.  Mai, the elder, was a friend of 
my brother when we were children -- and a fair weather 
friend at that, always making mischief and blaming others 
for the trouble he caused.  The son is obviously just as 
untrustworthy.  Take my advice, Lord Kal-El, and rid 
yourself of that weasel before he has a chance to cause 
more bother."

To say that the gathering was somewhat startled by the 
elderly lady's outburst was a definite understatement, Lady 
Brenna having been conspicuously quiet during the meal.  
Yet, it warmed the hearts of the First Lord and Lady to 
know that they had acquired another champion at this 
worrying time.  Indeed, the rest of the dinner guests 
assumed the lady's rallying tone and the mood lightened, 
allowing what was left of the party to be judged a great 
success.

The young couple who went to bed that night mutually 
decided to put the distasteful altercation from their minds 
and to bask, instead, in the warm afterglow of affection 
left by their family and friends.   Much later, however,  
as Lois slept in his arms, Kal stared into the darkness and 
recalled Lady Brenna's recommendation.  If only he could 
banish his troublesome second minister; yet, perhaps it was 
preferable to keep Mai under his eye.  Unwittingly, his 
hand tightened on Lois' hip, bringing her from sleep.

"Kal, what is it?"  So attuned to her husband was Lois, 
that she easily picked up on the depth of his distress.  
"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, sweetheart.  Go back to sleep."

"Kal, whatever gave you the notion that you could fool me?"  
Lois rose up on her elbow and, as her eyes adjusted to the 
darkness, she could make out the drawn frown on her 
husband's face.   "It's Jen-Mai, isn't it?  He hates me... 
and I don't know why... it's not as if I've done anything 
to him; though I have to be honest here... I agree with 
Brenna, I don't much like him either and I certainly don't 
trust him."

A tender hand reached out to cup Lois' face.  "It isn't you 
he hates, honey, it's me; you're just a way for him to get 
at me... ."

"Oh, that makes me feel a whole lot better, Kal," Lois' 
laugh was ironic, "knowing that I'm just a means to an end; 
not even worthy of a feeling."

"See, that just proves what bad taste Jen-Mai has; you are 
worthy of so many emotions and all of them wonderful."  The 
young man's thoughts were switching to more pleasant 
pastimes than discussing the inconvenient Mai.  "Have I 
ever told you how lucky I am to have found you?"

Kal reached up to brush the lips that hovered so near his 
own and with a quick change of mood he rolled Lois onto her 
back, fitting his body along her side and beginning to kiss 
his way from her lips to her ear.  For some moments Lois 
allowed his assault, then gently pulled back.

"I know your plan, my Lord," she whispered huskily, ". . . 
to distract me... ."  Her arms went involuntarily around 
his neck and she leaned into his kisses.   "I just want to 
tell you that it won't work... .  Oh, yes please."  Kal had 
just found a particularly pleasing spot.  "But I haven't 
finished with you yet... ."

"Neither have I," Kal laughed against the silky skin of her 
long neck, his breath sending shivers through her body.

Deciding that a little distraction wasn't a bad thing, Lois 
pressed her curves ever closer to her husband until they 
were almost as one.  "We can discuss this later... much 
later," she breathlessly conceded.
 
With Lois this close, Kal lost all power of cognitive 
thought.  "Anything you say, sweetheart, anything you 
say... ."

A few days later, their world fell apart.

*****

Chapter Three
Witch-hunt   

Kal-El stood on the same terrace from where his wife had 
surveyed the preparations for his inauguration so many 
months ago.  Now winter was approaching and a heavily 
leaden sky hung oppressively over the city and the 
surrounding countryside; the rust-shot grey of the clouds 
reflecting in the metallic sheen on the wide river mouth.  
Soon the snows would fall and his lands would once again be 
held in an unforgiving grip of ice and snow.  Kal shivered 
inside his heavy greatcoat, pulling the cloned fur collar 
up closer to his cold face.   Why did the law decree that 
scientific interference in weather patterns should be 
outlawed? he mused.

And yet, the vision of sheltering in front of a roaring 
fire with Lois warmly tucked against his side while outside 
the winter winds whistled and rushed their way across the 
frozen landscape, did have a certain appeal.

The thought brought a dreamy smile to Kal's face as he 
watched the crowds mill about in the streets below -- most 
of the traffic appeared to be headed in the direction of 
the Palace approach-road.   Strangely, Elvar seemed just as 
filled with noble visitors as it had on that far off day in 
summer.   Was there some celebration day pending that he 
had perhaps missed?  He very much doubted that; the history 
of his people had been one of the first things that had 
been taught him when he was a child.

This was, of course, the day of the open Council session -- 
once in each season, the nobles of Krypton were invited to 
join a public meeting where they could raise matters of 
concern with the First Lord and his serving Councillors.  
But, normally, that wouldn't create such interest to 
explain the large number of visitors.  

More importantly, there was one individual addition to the 
populace of Elvar that caused Kal great unease.  Yesterday, 
while Lois and he had attended the formal opening of a new 
addition to Elvar's public library, Kal had been 
disconcerted to spot his elder sister, Keira, amongst the 
crowd that had gathered in the wide square outside the 
building.  

The First Lady had been particularly requested by Elvar's 
local governors to open the 'Earth Wing' of the library -- 
a department solely devoted to written publications, film 
and TV productions, as well as copies of famous paintings 
and sculptures from Earth.  While on Earth, in addition to 
watching Lois and planning how best to engineer an 
introduction, Kal and his bodyguards had spent some time in 
visiting museums(from traditional to state-of the-art), 
art-galleries and libraries and had scanned the most prised 
artifacts and books, so that on their return they could be 
recreated here in Elvar.  

The creation of the wing, where the people of her adopted 
city could learn of her native planet, and the city 
fathers' invitation that it should be opened by herself, 
had touched Lois deeply.  During the proceedings, the young 
woman had displayed all the more endearing facets of her 
complex personality, from earnest and intelligent at the 
dedication ceremony, through to elated and witty at the 
less formal lunch -- and Kal was content to notice that 
Lois had won the approval of the local community.

While Kal stood aside to allow his wife to be feted by the 
assemblage, he surreptitiously scanned the room for a sight 
of his elder sister or her unwelcome spouse -- he seriously 
doubted that the paranoid lord would let Keira-Nor come 
alone into the enemy camp.  His search, nonetheless, proved 
futile -- his sibling was definitely not inside the 
library.

On a whim, he concentrated and sent a telepathic welcome to 
his sister, enquiring also as to her well-being.  The short 
answer was unexpected and the content both mystifying and 
shocking.

<Fear not for me,> came the reply. <Look to your own wife!>

Quickly seeking out his mother, Kal had demanded to be told 
if she had known that her eldest daughter was in town.  
Lady Lara, a worried frown creasing her brow, had drawn him 
aside and explained that a hand written message had been 
delivered at Ro-Ellion, informing her of Keira's presence 
in the city and appealing to her parents to stay away from 
the Nors' residence as any contact would only exacerbate 
her already uneasy situation.  

It was clear that the state of Keira's marriage and home-
life caused the Dowager-Lady El much consternation and the 
caring son was reluctant to add to his mother's agitation 
by pursuing the matter, yet, from that moment, Kal had been 
unable to rid himself of the notion that Lois was once 
again in danger.  Unfortunately, he had no idea what kind 
of assault Rad-Nor had planned this time -- so he prepared 
for every eventuality.

The day's Council meeting, being a public one, would 
necessitate the opening of the grand-auditorium to the 
assembled aristocracy and thus could allow access to a 
daring assassin.  This was a highly unlikely scenario -- 
all visitors having to pass through the palace electronic 
security system -- but the First Lord had decided to take 
no chances and had reinforced the palace-guard and alerted 
his own and Lois' personal bodyguards to be more vigilant.  
After dinner the previous evening he had spent some time 
with Captain Ching, divulging his suspicions and his fears 
to his long-time friend and being assured that Ching would 
guard Lady Lois' life with all his considerable resources.

Satisfied that he had taken every conceivable precaution, 
Kal-El left his lookout point, high on the castle ramparts, 
and went to enquire whether his Lady was ready to attend 
her first open-Council session.

*****

The wide doors slid open and the royal couple walked slowly 
into the great Council chamber.  Lois had been in this hall 
but once; back then she had been a supplicant, seeking 
permission to lead the oath taking at Kal's coronation and 
so intent had she been on the success of her mission, that 
she had paid little attention to her surroundings.

On that occasion, the grand gallery had been dark and empty 
and partitioned off from the floor of the Council room  -- 
not so now -- the hall-divider had been removed and every 
available space was filled with the higher echelon of 
Krypton society; and all discussing with their neighbour 
the mysterious telepathic suggestion that they attend this 
open session.  At first, each recipient had concluded that 
the request had been issued by the Councillors, but on 
arrival in Elvar, this assumption was found to be wrong and 
the source of the enigmatic message had not yet been 
discovered.  Their curiosity pricked, most of the nobles 
elected to attend the meeting in the hope that their 
questions would be answered.

The deafening hubbub stilled as the Council, led by the 
First Lord and Lady, filed inside and took their places.  
Lois sat in the smaller of the two thrones that were placed 
side-by-side just a short way inside the entrance, and took 
advantage of the moments, while the ministers settled into 
their chairs, to look around her.  The large gallery was 
circular and rose steeply to the lofty ceiling, where a 
number of doors punctuated a balustered walkway.  Somewhat 
disconcerted by the sea of faces that stared back at her, 
she turned her attention to the body of the hall.  The long 
Council table had been moved to the back wall and the seats 
placed in a horseshoe shape, facing the audience, with 
Prime Councillor Trey at the head of the curve.

When silence reigned, Lord Trey rose to his feet and 
declared in resonant tones, the second public session of  
Lord Kal-El's governance duly opened -- Lois had missed the 
first due to her poor health following the loss of her 
baby.  Trey then continued to give an account of all that 
had been done since the last meeting, the laws that had 
been passed, the problems that had been solved and the new 
projects that had been undertaken, mainly the construction 
of a futuristic irrigation system in the central deserts of 
Krypton that would alleviate the problems of drought and 
prevent disagreements over water-rights such as Jen-Mai had 
with his neighbour during summer.  A number of queries on 
these issues from the assembled company were answered by 
the ministers in question and their advisors and then the 
Prime Councillor moved on to new business.

Lois felt her attention span beginning to wane as the rigid 
and highly traditional meeting droned on.  She had been 
intrigued to hear of the irrigation scheme, as it had had 
some bearing on what had befallen her during summer, but 
when the talk veered into technical data, the discussion 
soon went over her head.  Instead, her wandering 
concentration centred on the immobile form of her husband.  
Part of her mind had been aware that, for some considerable 
time, Kal had not been totally focussed on the proceedings, 
but was intent on studying the audience... as if he were 
keeping watch on something... or someone.
  
Kal was trying to promote an outwardly calm demeanor, but 
along his clenched jaw a muscle twitched -- a sure sign to 
Lois that her husband was not as unruffled as he would like 
to appear.  Her gaze followed along the line of his stare 
and finally, her eye alighted on his particular quarry.  
High in the middle of the balcony, almost in the shadow of 
the balustrade, sat a black-robed couple -- stiff-backed 
and pale of face.   As Lois watched, their senses seemed to 
sharpen -- Keira blanched in apprehension while Rad-Nor 
smiled evilly in anticipation.

On the armrest of the throne by her side, Lois was 
conscious of Kal's hand clenching, but she had been so 
intent on trying to figure out what was distressing her 
lord that she had missed Lord Trey's request for any other 
business and she had been blind to Lord Jun-Li's rising -- 
it even took some moments before her mind correlated Li's 
words.

"I accuse the Lady Lois of the house of El..." here Jun-Li 
paused for effect and to allow his now captive audience to 
appreciate fully what he intended to say.  "I accuse Lady 
Lois-El of dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming the 
First Lady of Krypton; I accuse her of attempting to 
corrupt the culture of our world and breaking down the 
social structure; and finally I accuse her of espionage for 
her home planet, Earth."

The shocked silence was tangible -- then uproar ensued as 
the aristocratic lords and ladies could not refrain from 
questioning the truth of what they had just heard.  They 
rose from their seats and addressed each other, even 
calling out their opinions to acquaintances situated 
further away in the auditorium.  Some were quick to credit 
the charges while many dismissed them out of hand, but most 
were simply incredulous.  

Lois was stunned.  She wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry 
-- or perhaps scream -- yes, screaming would be good -- but 
whether from fear or shock or anger she couldn't be sure.  
All these emotions were chasing through her brain and she 
was unaware that she had started to tremble.  How could 
they charge her of these crimes?  She wasn't even sure if 
they were crimes.  And if they were and she were found 
guilty, what would be her punishment... would she be 
disintegrated?  Would she end up in a containment chamber 
as a mass of floating molecules?

Slowly, she became aware that Kal's arm had slid around her 
shoulder and that his hand had taken hold of her shaking 
ones.  She could see that his lips were moving as he leaned 
closer and she tried very hard to concentrate on his words.

"Courage, Lois!"  He turned her stiff body to face him and 
looked deep into her eyes as he whispered, trying to 
reassure her of his love and support.  "This is nonsense!  
No-one will hurt you. Lois!  I won't let them -- I won't 
let them separate us!"

A loud banging could be heard in the large chamber.  From 
somewhere Trey had produced a gavel and was continually 
bringing it down hard on the arm of his chair.  The noise 
levels dropped steadily as people began to obey his call 
for order and to once more sit down in their places and 
attend the Prime Councillor.

"Order!  Order!  I will have order!  Anyone who will not be 
silent will be evicted!"  Trey's voice could now be heard 
as the tumult settled.  "These are serious charges and must 
be investigated!  If, of course, my Lord Jun-Li can 
substantiate these accusations."

"Indeed I can, Lord Trey, and will produce the validation 
at the First Lady's trial," Jun-Li pronounced. 

"Trial?!"  Lois mouthed, her voice having deserted her some 
moments earlier.

An alarmed Kal-El squeezed his wife's shoulder and leaned 
close to her ear as he attempted to explain in hushed 
tones.  "When one noble accuses another of wrong-doing then 
a trial must be convened to investigate the charges.  It's 
the law!  But they can't find you guilty!  You haven't done 
anything!"

"Why doesn't that reassure me?!"    

"Sweetheart, don't be afraid!  I can't stop the trial but 
they need my permission to carry out the sentence!"

"Great!  Even you've got me guilty before the trial 
starts," Lois bemoaned hysterically.

"Honey, that's not what I meant... it's just a 
precaution... ."

The couple's whispered conversation was interrupted by Lord 
Trey, who having conferred with his fellow Councillors, 
once more addressed the assembly.

"In accordance with the law of Krypton, I have no choice 
but to commit Lady Lois-El for trial.  However, before I 
do, I would like to enquire of Lord Jun-Li what proof he 
has that the Lady is a spy -- I wouldn't have considered 
that Lady Lois would have the technical expertise to 
communicate with her home planet."

"That might be so, but I have it on good authority that 
Lois Lane has twice been in contact with Earth," Li stated 
somewhat pompously.

"Yes she has -- and on my good authority."  Lord Trey was 
pleased to take some of the wind out of Jun-Li's sails, 
especially since it seemed that Remy and Kal had been 
correct in their estimation of this foolish lord.  "Knowing 
that Lady Lois was concerned for the family she left behind 
on Earth, I instructed our communications experts to log 
into Earth's telecommunication satellites and Lady Lois was 
able to 'phone home.'  I doubt that I need to state that 
our technicians were able to disguise the source of these 
calls.  There were two conversations, one to her mother and 
the other to her sister and both were of short duration.  
I, myself, am of the opinion that these conversations 
should remain private, but if need be, the transcripts can 
be made available for examination."  Trey used the ploy 
that his adversary had earlier and stopped to allow that 
information to be assimilated by the listeners.  
"Therefore,  as no other communications with Earth have 
been reported by our monitoring system, I rule that the 
charge of espionage against the First Lady be dropped."

"I agree!"  Lord Remy was quick to second the motion.

"And I!"    A lord from the gallery stood to attention.

"Agreed!"  

And from the gallery came various calls of assent as 
noblemen rose to be counted.  For a few moments Lord Jun-Li 
seemed rather confused.  His gaze covered the mass of 
bodies before him, but then, seeming to draw inspiration 
from some unknown source, the man's backbone stiffened and 
he spoke again.

"Perhaps I have been a little hasty in my assumption that 
the Lady was spying, but that does not negate my other 
charges.  Do you intend to dismiss these too, Lord Trey?"

Sadly, Lord Trey could not do so -- the law demanded that 
the charges be answered.  Sending an apologetic look to the 
royal couple he now considered dear friends, he raised his 
gavel and brought it down in a single hard blow.

"I commit Lady Lois-El for trial!  She will be brought 
before her peers to answer the said charges, tomorrow one 
hour before noon.  Till then, she will be held in a 
containment chamber, guarded by the Lords Jen-Mai and 
Remy."  Heads were nodding throughout the vast auditorium -
- the law was being upheld and all was being properly 
conducted.  Trey continued, "the Lady will be allowed the 
companionship and the counsel of her mother-in-law, the 
honourable Dowager Lady of El."  

The first minister held his breath for some moments as he 
waited to see if anyone would object, but, though there was 
a hum of conversation at this last statement, no one made 
any formal complaint.  Lady Lara was a highly respected 
individual, and Jun-Li and whoever else had been 
responsible for this new attack did not feel sufficiently 
sure of themselves to also malign this well thought of 
noblewoman.

With another bang of the gavel Lord Trey intoned,  "I so 
decree!"

A detachment of guards appeared by Lois' side; ones she had 
never before encountered -- it seemed the Council were 
taking no chances that her guards might be sympathetic to 
the forlorn prisoner's plight.  Within minutes she was 
removed from her husband's embrace, Kal reluctantly 
allowing his arms to fall away from her.  He watched Lois 
as she was escorted from the room, his heartbreak showing 
clearly in his expressive eyes.

"I love you," he mouthed, not daring to speak.

Lois held back the tears that threatened and for the first 
time since arriving on Krypton, she wondered if she had 
made the right choice in leaving Earth.

*****

A worried and very despondent Lord Kal-El, tossed around in 
his bed -- it was just far too big and far too empty for 
his comfort.  This was the first night, since Lois had been 
ill due to the miscarriage, that they had slept apart and, 
even then, he had slept on a smaller bed which the Lady Ver 
had thoughtfully provided in the sleepchamber.  Kal was 
finding that he didn't like being separated from Lois one 
little bit.  He couldn't even talk to her inside his head 
as she was locked inside a shielded chamber.  Thank 
goodness she had his mother to keep her company and Uncle 
Remy to guard her -- he refused to think of the other of 
her turnkeys.  The thought of her being lonely and afraid 
tightened the band that  had circled his chest in an iron 
grip ever since the moment Jun-Li had stood up and began 
with those dread words...

'I accuse...'

Kal could no longer keep still and, jumping up from his 
bed, he strode to the window and threw it open.  The icy 
blast of wind that hit him was no colder than the dread 
within his heart.  How could he have let this happen?  The 
fact that Rad-Nor was in town clearly meant that he was up 
to something nefarious.  Kal  had been so sure that he had 
covered every eventuality, but he had been intent on 
guarding Lois from a physical attack and thus had allowed 
himself to be ambushed by a more subtle assault.

A gentle knock fell on the bedroom door and a sympathetic 
and familiar voice spoke to him telepathically, <Let me in, 
My Lord, I know that you're awake... it does no good to 
brood... maybe we could talk...> Ching's thoughts died away 
-- afraid that perhaps he had been too presumptuous.

But the habits of a lifetime are hard to ignore and the two 
had shared their secrets and their worries; their joys and 
their expectations ever since a ten-year-old Ching had been 
assigned to take care of Kal; a boy just three years his 
junior.  Together they had shared their academic lessons 
and also learned how to fight and protect themselves.  
Ching had been there when a young Lord Kal-El had struggled 
to study the arts of leadership, politics and protocol and, 
just as importantly, the art of military strategy.  This 
was the custom on Krypton -- that the heir should be united 
with his personal bodyguard from a very early age, in the 
hope that a bond would be forged that would be impossible 
to break.  And so it was with Kal and his Ching.  Within 
moments the door opened and a relieved Captain stepped 
inside.

"Can't sleep, eh?" 

"No... I miss her, Ching," Kal acknowledged with a sheepish 
grin.  "One night apart and I fall to pieces.  Doesn't say 
much for the omnipotent ruler of Krypton."

"It just says that you love her," Ching intoned gently.

"And yet, for all that, I couldn't protect her."  Guilt and 
disgust coloured every nuance as the tortured husband flung 
himself across the room to stare out the window once more.  
But Kal wasn't finished castigating himself.  "What kind of  
husband am I to allow my wife to be sent for trial?". 

"A beleaguered one, Kal! " In private moments like this, 
the formal relationship between the two men would be 
dropped -- it was a consensus they had reached long ago.  
Ching moved closer to his friend's side.  "There was 
nothing else you could do.  It's the law -- you had to 
uphold it.  Lord Trey knew that."

"Thank goodness for Trey; at least the charge of espionage 
was dropped."  This was certainly the most serious of the 
indictments  and Kal was only grateful that Lois would not 
be so charged.  Turning to face Ching, he declared 
belligerently,   "If she's found guilty, I won't ratify the 
sentence.  I won't have her censured or allow them to 
divorce us or send her back to Earth and I definitely will 
not sign papers to have her disintegrated and confined in a 
containment chamber -- no matter what it does to my role as 
First Lord."

For Kal's peace of mind, the Captain decided not to indulge 
the younger man's fretting and he let a small amount of 
impatience tinge his words.  "Well, you can forget the last 
one.  The charges aren't serious enough to warrant the 
ultimate penalty.  And, besides, Lois didn't do anything 
wrong.  No one is going to find her guilty."

"I wish I could be sure of that... but you saw Jun-Li.  
He's pompous and self-opinionated  and he believes he's on 
a witch-hunt to save Krypton from the evil alien... ."

"I couldn't disagree with you there, but I doubt that the 
other Councillors will back his bigoted charges.  After 
all, the Council and most of the aristocracy were more than 
happy with your choice of an Earth woman for your wife.   
Now Lois might be a little more independent and feisty than 
what they're used to, but I think that most admire her 
courage.   It took a lot of guts to escape from Ballen's 
mob."  Ching could see that his words were making some 
impression as the dejected slump of Kal's shoulders firmed 
determinedly.  "Rad-Nor might have found a pliable tool in 
Jun-Li, but the rest of the Councillors won't be so easily 
manipulated."

"You think that Rad-Nor's behind this?"  Kal asked, at last 
showing some signs of animation.

"Don't you?!"

"Oh yes!  I believe that Rad-Nor's responsible for all of 
it -- from the beginning -- Lois' poisoning, Rochelle's 
death, the kidnapping!  And now this crazy trial!  If only 
we could prove it!"

Ching nodded his head in agreement, then added 
speculatively,  "I wonder how Jen-Mai will vote on the 
verdict?"

"That will be interesting.  I don't doubt that he's another 
of Nor's paid lackeys but I suspect that he has too healthy 
a respect for his own skin to actually risk coming off the 
fence.   No, he'll wait to see how the wind blows before 
committing himself and Nor will let him.  Nor won't risk 
losing both his pawns if this doesn't go his way."  Kal 
took another turn around the room and dropped into a chair 
by the fireplace.  His hands rose to cover his face then 
pushed up into his thick dark hair.  "I'm sure you're right 
and Lois will be acquitted... I just wish I knew she was 
doing okay."

"Well, you can't contact Lois or your mother, but I stopped 
off at their suite on the way here and found Lord Remy 
firmly camped out for the night in the antechamber and he's 
not about to move for anything.  The anteroom isn't 
shielded."  Kal's eyes brightened at Ching's information.  
"And, I found that I'm pretty well acquainted with the 
captain of the guard detail, so I had a quiet word and 
warned him that there could be some attempt made on the 
First Lady.  He promised me he'd stay alert and let us know 
if there was any trouble."

"Was it Mica?"  At Ching's nod of affirmation he went on... 
"then Trey did as I asked."

Captain Mica was one of the Security Forces who had 
accompanied them on their journey to Earth.  In fact, it 
was he who had led the small detachment which had been sent 
to the surface on short shopping trips for Lois' favourite 
things and, though Kal had allowed only his two personal 
guards to remain with him on Earth for very good reasons, 
he considered Mica to be a competent and trustworthy 
officer.  Kal was relieved that Lois was in his care... or 
his custody, whichever way you chose to look at it.  But he 
refused to give into melancholy again; after all, brooding 
wouldn't help Lois. 

"Thank you, Ching, for keeping your head while I acted like 
a spiritless wimp... ."

"It wasn't my love who was imprisoned -- I don't know how 
I'd act if Zzz..."  Ching's voice died away as his skin 
flushed a dull red.  His love for Lady Zara-El was 
completely unacceptable and he was never quite sure if Lord 
Kal was aware of his deep feelings.  It was definitely not 
something that the two men had ever discussed.

The First Lord watched the gamut of emotions chase across 
his friend's face.  The relationship that his sister shared 
with his bodyguard was something that would need to be 
addressed soon, but not at this particular moment... Lois 
had to be rescued first.  So, with much regret, Kal chose 
to pass over his friend's mistake.  He extended a hand and 
squeezed Ching's shoulder -- offering a silent gesture of 
commiseration for what Ching had to consider would be a 
hopeless love -- even he could not be sure of a happy 
ending for the couple.  

Giving himself an internal shake, Kal returned more 
optimistically to the problem in hand,  "Nevertheless, I 
needed you to pull me out of my blue-funk and for that, I 
thank you, but we really should get to bed... being tired 
and listless tomorrow won't be much use to Lois.  I might 
just contact Uncle Remy first, though."

"Good idea, Kal." Ching bowed his head slightly.  "If you 
should need me, I'll be right across the corridor.  
Goodnight, Kal." 

"Goodnight, Ching."

Once alone, Kal spoke telepathically with his Uncle and was 
reassured that everything was well.  Lady Lara had arrived 
some time earlier with Jor-El and both had dined with Lois, 
inviting Lord Remy to join them.  The old statesman was 
able to inform his great-nephew that Lois was in good 
spirits and that anyone wishing to harm the First Lady 
would do so over his dead body.  With a surprised grin, Kal 
told his uncle that he hoped that would not be necessary 
and with a lighter heart, a lonely First Lord managed to 
find sleep.

*****

Thankfully, for Kal's equilibrium, Lord Remy had chosen not 
to inform his great-nephew of the conversation he had 
overheard after both he and Jor-El had left the ladies to 
their night's rest.  Alone, with a woman she had come to 
trust and rely on, Lois curled up on the silken counterpane 
of the bed and gave way to a flood of tears.

"Oh, my dear," Lara sat softly down by her daughter-in-
law's side and very tenderly smoothed her hand up and down 
the weeping girl's curved back..  "You have a good cry, 
Lois; it will do you good... ."

"Maybe I shouldn't have come here... ."  Her words were 
muffled by the bed cover and by her tears.  "No one wants 
me here... ."

Lara strained to hear and was swift to reassure.  "Lois, 
you know that's not true!"  The older woman pulled against 
the supine body, dragging the sobbing young woman to face 
her.  "Lois, Kal loves you, and he needs you here with him.  
He needs his wife."

"He needs an heir... and I kill babies... ."  Lois refused 
to look into her mother-in-law's face and her fingers 
tangled in the silk coverlet.  

Shocked to the core by the dejected child's statement, Lara 
placed her hands on either side of Lois' face and forced 
her to look into her eyes.  "Lois, no!  That's just not 
true!  You are not to blame for the loss of the baby and I 
don't care who says differently or how many times they say 
it -- they are wrong and unforgivingly cruel!"  Once 
certain she had gained Lois' attention, Lara went on, her 
voice imbued with determination.  "My dear, I want you to 
listen to me... really listen.  My son is a remarkable 
young man and I've known, almost from the time he was born, 
that he was destined to lead my people -- and he will be a 
fine leader, perhaps even a great one.  But Kal is not 
infallible, and his role is an isolating one.  He needs 
advice and support and love to help him to fulfil his 
destiny.  The counselling he can get from his ministers -- 
and not all of it will be good, but that's a topic for 
another day --   and he has family and friends who love him 
dearly.  But none of that is enough."  The elderly 
noblewoman paused to assess how deeply her words were 
affecting her listener and she was not disappointed; Lois' 
smooth brow was drawn in concentration.  "It would seem  my 
son is so made that he needs to share his life with one 
special person and in all of the wide galaxies, Kal chose 
you, Lois, to be his anchor... his safe haven... the other 
half of his soul."  Lois' sobs had stilled and the silence 
of the room was broken only by the sizzle and spark of the 
glowing fire burning brightly in the grate.  "When first 
you arrived, dearest, I admit I was a cynical and selfish 
old woman, doubting that you could be any of those things 
for my son and selfish enough to want them only for Kal's 
sake.  Now that is no longer true.  I want the best for my 
son and for my daughter too.  Lois, you have made a place 
for yourself in my heart; you are quick-witted and 
persevering... ."

"Annoying, you mean..." Lois interrupted with a watery 
smile.

The surrogate mother returned the smile and raised a hand 
to brush away the tracks of her daughter's tears.  "... . 
resolute... and courageous beyond measure, and you are no 
longer alone.  For as long as I have breath in my body, I 
will be here for you.  So, please, my dear, you mustn't 
give up."

A hiccup surprised Lois and she laughed self-consciously, 
but the glow was back in her soul.  "Give up?!" she 
snorted.  "Lois-El never gives up!"

Another hiccup and the two women fell giggling back onto 
the bed.  Outside, Remy listened quietly at the door.  He 
had been a little worried for his beset young relative.  
The old man had not been blind to the fact that Lois was 
putting on a brave front all through the evening meal.  
However, it seemed that Lady Lara-El had managed to console 
her and to lift her spirits to such degree that they were 
laughing... . 

Good!  The old lord laughed too.  He had always known that 
that niece of his was made of the right stuff, even when 
she had been a flighty young girl and was chasing after her 
shy betrothed.  Poor Jor-El!   He hadn't stood a chance 
against his birth-wife -- he still didn't -- but then Jor 
never seemed to mind; he was happy in his laboratory.  And 
they were a contented couple, each sure of the other's 
love.  

That night, keeping a lonely watch, Remy settled himself on 
the large couch in front of the fire,  his old bones 
grateful for the warmth.  Earlier, his fellow supervisor, 
Jen-Mai, had paid a short visit to assure himself that the 
accused was still under lock and key, then had taken 
himself off to spend the night in more suitable quarters.   
Jen-Mai enjoyed his comforts.  In the quiet of the night, 
the old man sent up a fervent prayer to the fates, that the 
younger Lord and Lady of El would also be allowed to share 
a long and happy married life.

*****

Chapter Four
My Lady's Champions
      
The large hall with its lofty auditorium was, if possible, 
even more crowded than the day before.  Word of the 
shocking trial of Krypton's First Lady had obviously spread 
like wild fire and many high-bred Kryptonians who had been 
missing from the previous day's proceedings had decided to 
make the trip to attend the hearing.  This being a public 
trial, there was also a section set aside for the 
accommodation of the lower classes of the city.  

Since the early morning hours, a great number of ordinary 
citizens had turned up, queuing patiently, like a huge 
undulating snake, in the castle approach road. The people 
of Elvar liked their youthful, energetic Lady and they had 
come in their thousands to publicly offer her their support 
in her time of trouble.  From all walks of life came My 
Lady's champions  --  city councilmen, merchants, bankers, 
artists and craftsmen.   Representatives of all these 
classes would be allowed inside the chamber, while the 
others would follow the trial on huge holoscreens set up in 
varying positions throughout the city.  Elvar was a like a 
busy hive of bees; abuzz with anticipation and an uneasy 
fear.

A wall of speculative sound hit Lois as she walked into the 
grand chamber, preceded by her two lordly jailors and 
flanked by her guards.  The captain of the guard detail had 
spoken only a few words to his charge, yet somehow he had 
managed to convey to Lois that he had her best interests at 
heart.  Captain Mica's covert, yet heartening smile sent 
fleetingly in her direction just before the heavy doors 
parted, gave the Lady of El the courage to enter the room 
with a firm step and her head held high.

Lois had been somewhat puzzled, and more than a little 
upset, to find that she had been given no access to a 
counsel for the defence.  Over dinner the night before, her 
in-laws and Lord Remy had sought to explain the Kryptonian 
judicial process.  Lord Jun-Li would begin the prosecution 
and all those who had, or thought they had, incriminating 
evidence against the accused would request Lord Trey for 
permission to present the 'said evidence' to the court.  
Similarly, those wishing to challenge these alleged proofs 
and those wishing to speak in defence of the accused would 
petition Trey for the right to speak -- any person, from 
any walk of life had the right to a hearing.   Afterwards, 
the defendant would be judged, on the evidence presented, 
by the High Council and by the First Lord.

The Earth girl had been appalled to learn that such a 
supposedly sophisticated civilisation should have retained 
such an unfair and archaic legal system.   It appeared to 
her that it was easily open to abuse; a Councillor might 
have a vested interest; goodness, in this case Jun-Li was 
the prosecution!   But, when she had voiced her very strong 
objections, she had been assured that Jun-Li was only one 
man and that the other members of the Council could be 
trusted to judge impartially.  Lois was not completely 
convinced.  However, after a good deal of soothing and 
persuasion, she was willing, for the moment, to reserve 
judgement.   When had she grown so docile?  Back on Earth, 
she would be shouting her protests to the rafters or, at 
least, writing about them in her college newspaper.  But 
that was the whole point, she was far from Earth, and one 
thing she had learned on her adopted planet was that 
sometimes prudence was a virtue.  Lois Lane was receding 
and Lady Lois-El, First Lady of Krypton, was emerging in 
her stead. 

Silence descended on the auditorium like a blanket as all 
eyes turned to stare at the slender figure of the accused 
as she was led towards her chair.  It was the same throne 
as yesterday but it had been moved to a small dias on the 
opposite side of the room.  Lois sat composedly and stared 
straight ahead at the larger, empty throne, refusing to 
acknowledge the surely, disapproving gaze of the crowd and 
unwilling to show them her hurt and her loneliness.  She 
was hungry for the sight of Kal.  Did he too feel empty and 
afraid?

There was not long to wait.  Within moments the doors 
opened once more and the Councillors paced solemnly into 
the room and quickly joined Remy and Jen-Mai in their neat 
horseshoe formation.  

Then, all in the great chamber stood as one body and Kal-El 
was there and, for Lois, the rest of the world faded away 
as she was caught and held in his warm, sherry-brown stare 
-- the emptiness was filled and the fear fled.  Inside her 
head, she could hear his soft, husky voice repeat these 
words of comfort. 

<Don't be afraid....  You're my wife... . I won't let them 
harm you... .>

Kal-El wanted to say so much more, but even this small 
message was risky; the law forbade any telepathic 
communication with a defendant.  But there was no 
legislation against a smile or a glance, and he beamed 
gently, with heartfelt relief on his wife, studying every 
inch of her beautiful face and form.  Kal was not fooled by 
her rigid posture -- he knew what it cost her to stand 
stoically before the curious crowd, and she must suspect 
that many of them were out for her blood.  The First Lord 
believed, optimistically, that this was not actually true 
and that his Lady would find many champions in the midst of 
his people.  But there was no time for further speculation 
as Lord Trey was formally opening the trial.  The room 
quietened.
     
Standing, the noble lord began.  "By the power invested in 
me, I call upon Lady Lois-El to answer the charges brought 
against her, by Lord Jun-Li, minister of the High Council 
to Lord Kal-El and the planet of Krypton."  His voice 
continued in a monotone as he read the list of  charges... 
dereliction of duty... gross misconduct... the malicious 
intent to corrupt the moral and social structure of 
Krypton.

Lois wondered if Trey had really needed to use the word 
malicious with such relish -- that certainly couldn't have 
done her chances much good -- while Kal worried whether his 
and Lois' plans to dismantle the class-ridden society could 
possibly have been discovered.  They had been very careful 
to discuss this only in private and in places where they 
considered themselves secure... but, had they grown a 
little lax?

The formal charges had been read and Trey was requesting 
Jun-Li to step forward and present his findings.  The 
little man rose pompously, seeming to swell with the 
righteous power of one who knows he is on a crusade to 
triumph over wickedness.  The self-appointed exorcist 
trooped centre-stage and in a voice that would be the envy 
of many a bible-thumping pastor back on Earth, he began his 
indictment.   

"My Lord Kal-El, Councillors, noble men and women and 
citizens of Elvar, it gives me no satisfaction to stand 
before you today and bring such charges against the First 
Lady, but nevertheless, I feel that I must do my duty to 
save my planet from the influence of one who was not born 
or raised with the high intellect and moral standing as we 
on Krypton."  The magisterial gentleman paused for effect.  

Kal hid a sceptical grimace behind his hand -- Jun-Li was 
reading from the same script as Jen-Mai -- and yet, he was 
worried; just how much did this witch-finder know?

Satisfied that his audience was hanging on his every word, 
the little prosecutor continued.  "As some of you may know, 
I have been in seclusion on my own lands for some time and 
recently, I returned to Elvar to take my place on the High 
Council of Krypton.  It pained me to discover the changes 
that have taken place in the royal city, and indeed, in the 
lax attitude I discerned amongst my fellow aristocrats, 
many of whom were discussing Earthen television and cinema 
productions and listening to very strange music -- if music 
it can be called -- churned out by young men dressed in 
very weird costumes and with their faces painted in bizarre 
patterns -- young men who, I have since found out, on their 
own world enjoy creating mayhem and have no respect for 
authority... ."

"You've been watching Punk Rockers and I agree, it's hardly 
musical.  Why don't you try  Country Music; you'll find it 
much more melodic and soothing," Lord Remy interrupted 
informatively.  "And you can learn how to line dance too -- 
a very good way for we elderly people to keep in shape."

"Very good for the heart and circulation," a voice from the 
hall suggested with authority and following the sound, Kal 
spotted it's source, another diminutive Kryptonian had 
risen from his seat in the audience, Physician Tamar. 

"If it's culture you're seeking, Earth has an abundance of 
classical music... ."  This voice came from another section 
of the auditorium.

"And some excellent playwrights and novelists... ."

"Opera... ."

"Ballet... ."

Jun-Li's head was moving from side to side as men and women 
stood to add their support for Earth's entertainment media.  
Inside, he was shrinking as he felt himself losing control 
of the situation.  His mentor would not be pleased.

"Pornography... ."  A drawling, cultured voice prompted 
sneeringly and Kal was almost certain who had spoken, but 
Rad-Nor was too far away to be sure.

"Yes, exactly!"  The prosecution seized on the suggestion.  
"Television channels and videos of men and women doing 
unmentionable things to each other."  Jun-Li smiled in 
satisfaction and more than a little relief.

"Oh, Lord Jun-Li, are you suggesting that there is 
something immoral about sexual relations between a man and 
a woman?"  Trey asked mildly.

"No, of course not!  There's nothing wrong in normal 
relationships between a husband and wife,  as long as they 
keep their affairs private.  I'm talking about certain 
types of broadcasts which promote all sorts of perversion 
and bestiality."

"Then, please enlighten us, Jun-Li."  For the first time 
Lord Kal-El joined the discourse.  "I'm afraid that I've 
never viewed such broadcasts but you appear to be an expert 
on the subject.   Nor was I aware that our tracking systems 
were picking up such communications.  My Lady asked to be 
allowed to listen to some of her favourite musicians and 
also tune into a number of mainstream television programmes 
-- all of which I'm sure would meet with your high-blown 
opinions."  All eyes were rivetted on the young, yet highly 
disciplined man sitting with ease on the large throne.  "I 
doubt that Lady Lois-El should be held accountable for 
whatever else is finding its way, illegally, onto the 
holoscreens of Krypton.  As you, obviously, watch these 
broadcasts and seem to know a great deal about their 
transmissions, then I'd say that the security forces would 
be interested in asking you some questions."
 
There was a hum of conjecture about the hall and Jun-Li 
squirmed with the air of a trapped rabbit as he regarded 
the mass of curious faces surrounding him.  This was not 
the way things were supposed to be going.

A tall, serious-faced gentleman in military uniform stood 
to attention amid the confusion and marched to the front of 
the gallery.  Commander Jace, head of the communication's 
security section, cleared his throat loudly in order to 
gain the attention of the Council and the crowd.  The 
gossiping died away.

"First Lord and Councillors, perhaps I can throw some light 
on the subject in question," the soldier formally addressed 
his government and when he received permission he quickly 
continued.  "I am sorry to inform you, but our monitoring 
systems have been picking up unlicensed communications of 
the nature that Lord Jun-Li has described.  We believe that 
they are being bounced off a transmitter on the space 
station Caytan, but so far, we have been unable to locate 
the receivers, mainly due to the fact that the 
transmissions are shielded by highly expensive and 
technical wizardry.  If Lord Jun-Li has any relevant 
information, it is his duty to bring it to us."

Lord Kal-El leaned towards his security officer.  
"Commander Jace, is there a source here in the castle and 
do you suspect my wife of any wrong doing?"

Jace cleared his throat once more and, momentarily, Kal was 
afraid that he had asked such a direct question -- was Jace 
an enemy -- would the man lie to incriminate Lois?  Yet, 
Kal had always found Jace to be a trustworthy and helpful 
official.

"I'm afraid to tell you, sir, but yes, there is a pickup 
point here in Elvar city.  Unfortunately, none of our 
monitoring systems have been able to break through the 
cloaking and pinpoint the exact spot."  

"Then these vile transmissions are perhaps being received 
in Lady Lois-El's Earth-style apartment," Jun-Li pointed 
out sharply with emphasis on the words vile and Earth-
style.

"No!  I can tell you, without a shadow of doubt, that the 
First Lady is not the culprit."

The residents of Elvar amongst the throng began to look 
uncomfortably askance at their neighbours.  Who was 
receiving these signals?

A covert sigh escaped Kal's lips as he let out the breath 
he had been unconsciously holding and a quick glance at 
Lois informed him that she too had been devoid of the 
ability to breathe.

"And you have proof of that statement, Commander?"  Jun-Li 
enquired, his self confidence slipping slightly

"Yes, indeed!"  Jace was warming to his task, extremely 
glad to be able to help the royal couple and especially the 
young Earth lady who had shown such an interest in his 
position and was so grateful for the assistance he had 
given her.  "Lord Kal-El, when you requested that a 
communications network be set up to provide Lady Lois with 
transmissions from Earth, I decided to oversee the 
procedure myself.  All the First Lady's transmissions and 
communiques are recorded and monitored electronically,  and 
if there were anything untoward the techno-intelligence 
systems would have brought it to our notice.  Even shielded 
transmissions would register, though we wouldn't be able to 
decode them.  However, no such messages have been 
recorded."

"Then Lady Lois-El is not the guilty party?"  Trey cross-
examined.

"I can retrieve the monitoring files from the system and 
play them for the court, if it were necessary.  But I can 
assure the court that, though we cannot say for certain who 
is receiving the transmissions, we can definitely rule out 
Lady Lois-El as the recipient."

"Then I doubt that we need to hear these recordings at 
present."  Trey faced the gallery and announced decisively,  
"And, since it seems that our First Lady has no knowledge 
of the illegal transmissions from Earth, I'm dismissing the 
charge of corruption." 

"But, Lord Trey, what about the new department at the 
Library of Elvar devoted to all the publications and 
culture of Earth?"  Jun-Li whined.

Again, from the gallery, another gentleman rose in deep 
dudgeon.  "My Lord, I protest!  Everything held in our 
library is legal and of a highly moral standing."  On this 
occasion, it was the leader of the city fathers who gave 
vent to his indignation.  "And even if it were not, while 
Lady Lois-El graciously opened our new wing, she did not 
choose the contents or exhibits, though she was a very 
helpful and knowledgeable source of information."  And 
satisfied that he had cleared up this point in favour of 
the girl he had come to respect and admire, the gentleman 
returned to his seat, a ghost of a smile hovering on his 
lips.  He had omitted to tell the gathering that the First 
Lady also asked many astute questions regarding the 
administration of the city -- somehow he felt that the 
aristocracy weren't yet ready for the revelation that they 
had a disciple of Earth's feminist movement within their 
midst.  

"The charge is dismissed," and as Trey spoke, in a similar 
action from the day before, he banged the gavel to enforce 
this announcement.  "And Jun-Li, if you do have any 
pertinent information, I suggest you talk to Commander Jace 
at the end of these proceedings."  Trey's warning to Jun-Li 
was clear -- drop the charge or find himself suspect.  
"Continue with your other charges, Lord Prosecutor, and 
let's hope that you have something more concrete than you 
have yet produced."

A harried and somewhat shrunken Jun-Li bobbled forward to 
address the gathering once more.  "Yes, Lord Trey, the 
charge of trying to subvert the social structure of 
Krypton."  Both the First Lord and Lady stiffened 
perceptibly at these words.   "The question of Lady Lois-
El's choice of Lady-in-Waiting, namely the serving girl 
Etta."

Relief flooded the royal couple and the dowager Lady of El 
-- the only other Kryptonian present who understood a 
little of Kal's and Lois' purpose for this world.  Thank 
Zor, that the elevation of Etta was Li's target.   But this 
contretemps gave warning of how carefully the couple would 
have to be in pursuit of their long term goal; caution must 
be their watchword.

Heaving a sigh of resignation, Trey sought to enlighten 
this foolhardy Lord.  "Lord Jun-Li, at the time the Council 
sanctioned Lady Lois' choice of Lady-in-Waiting, we can 
hardly turn around now and charge her with the crime of 
subversion -- you might as well indict the whole Council.  
Move on to your next charge."

A pregnant pause stretched out while the chief prosecutor 
remained immobile, staring off into some undefined point in 
the auditorium.  It seemed as if he had run out of steam.  
Kal, however, was not fooled; he was exactly aware of what 
Jun-Li was seeking -- instructions from his master.  And it 
seemed that these silent orders were issued swiftly as the 
pretentious accuser returned to his task, yet with less 
than his earlier enthusiasm.

"Fellow Councillors, I intend now to show where Lady Lois-
El's true loyalties lie and in what low esteem she holds 
this world of Krypton."  The censorial voice had developed 
a distinct wobble and the man took a deep breath before 
proceeding.  "It has come to my notice that a few days ago 
the Lady of El gave an intimate dinner-party in her private 
apartments to celebrate an American holiday... ."

"And this is a crime?!"  Lois could not contain her 
exasperation.

"Lady Lois-El," the First Minister reprimanded.  

"Sorry, I'll be good," Lois offered with a semi-contrite 
smile.

Jun-Li was getting his second wind and he grinned 
superciliously at the defendant.  "Not in itself, no!  But, 
Prime Councillor, the Lady's state of mind regarding 
Krypton is relevant to my final charge."

"Then please hurry along with your point, Lord Jun-Li, this 
trial is lasting over long," Trey warned.

"It appears that the Els' private apartment was adorned not 
with the symbols of Krypton but with the paraphernalia of 
Lois Lane's native land, commonly known as the Stars and 
Stripes."

There was nothing common about the Stars and Stripes and 
Lois almost jumped right in, but she had learned her 
lesson.  "Lord Trey, may I speak?"

"Of course, Lady Lois-El," The grey haired chairman of her 
judges and jury emphasised her Kryptonian title.   "It is 
perfectly correct for you to speak in your own defence.  
Please, go right ahead."

For the first time since Kal had strode into the room, Lois 
rose to her feet and faced this preening pigeon, and 
controlling her racing heartbeat, she calmly asked,  "Lord 
Jun-Li, what is that design you are displaying on your 
chest?"

The man appeared flustered for some seconds.  "What has 
that got to do with anything?"

"Please answer Lady Lois' question," Trey advised.

"It's the crest of my family, the badge of the House of 
Li."

"And does this badge decorate your home, Lord Li?"  

"Of course it does!  Every noble house on Krypton displays 
the badge of their house!"

Lois nodded her head sagely in agreement.  "And would I be 
correct in assuming, if you or any other noble travelled 
outside Krypton, that you would still wear your crest and 
adorn your living space with the symbol?"
 
"Indeed I would, girl!"  Li was rattled.  "And I would be 
proud to do so!"

 "Jun-Li!  My wife has a title and you have not been given 
the right to dispense with it!"

The First Lord's warning cut sharply into the charged 
atmosphere and yet, in truth, Kal was desperately trying to 
repress a grin -- he knew exactly where Lois was headed.  A 
harassed Li bobbed a quick bow in acknowledgement.

"I have no quarrel with you on this point, Lord Li," Lois 
admitted reasonably.  "Where I come from we don't go in 
much for family crests, but we do have national flags, 
which the people of Earth also are proud to show.  I had 
not thought that the enlightened population of Krypton 
would believe it criminal in others that which they 
themselves consider an honour to do."

"Touche, Lois," smiled Kal from behind his hand as the rest 
of the audience grinned in growing esteem of this spirited 
young lady.

"I believe the Earthen expression is 'hoist on your own 
petard.'  Now, if you've finished, Lord Prosecutor, perhaps 
we can all go home?"  Lord Trey was of the opinion that 
most of the Council and witnesses in the hall were growing 
increasingly irritated with the proceedings and he was 
ready to wrap the whole thing up. 

"But, My Lord, I have not yet addressed my final and most 
serious charge," Li desperately sought permission to plead 
his case.  He was only too cognizant of what might be his 
miserable future if he failed to gain a conviction... 
presuming, of course, that he had a future.  Why ever did 
he get in bed with the devil?

Trey was conflicted -- this trial was a travesty of justice 
and he should, by rights, throw it out.  Nonetheless, to do 
so might not be in Lady Lois' best interests; too many nit-
picking aristocrats would remember that she had not been 
found totally innocent.  He had to let this farce play to 
its conclusion.

"Very well, get on with it, Lord Li, and let's make this 
worth the court's time."  Trey could not hide his 
annoyance.

Jun-Li would have like a few moments to compose himself, 
but conscious of the mood of impatience that pervaded the 
hall, he decided that speed was of the essence -- and 
surely he would find support from his fellow nobles for his 
final indictment.  After all, the girl's actions in Veren 
were bordering on criminal negligence and so he would 
prove.  Li stepped forward with renewed conviction.

"I wish to review the happenings of that fateful day in the 
city of Veren when Lady Lois's wilful pursuit of her own 
frivolous pleasures led to the tragic loss of all our hopes 
-- the heir to the House of El and the throne of Kryton."

In the lofty chamber, filled with overheated bodies, one 
could hear a pin drop.  More amateur dramatics, Kal thought 
as he reviewed the audience, trying to gauge their reaction 
to this last pronouncement.  Unhappily, he was entirely 
aware that some of his class actually agreed with Li's 
summation.  So intent was he on his study, he did not 
immediately realise that he was being addressed by his 
wife's prosecutor.  Lord Kal-El turned an imperious eye on 
the little man -- two could play at theatrics.

"I beg your pardon, Lord Jun-Li," he drawled with emphasis, 
"I did not hear my correct title..." Li had addressed him 
only as Lord Kal-El,  "... so I was not aware you were 
talking to me.  Perhaps you could repeat the question," Kal 
ended helpfully.   

"First Lord," Li stressed, annoyed by the rebuke, yet 
heedful of the fact that this juvenile leader was actually 
in the right.  "I asked if you were angry when you 
discovered that your Lady had left Veren Castle without 
your permission or without any security detail."

Kal did not answer straight away, remembering that there 
had been anger mixed in with all his other emotions that 
had assailed him on discovering Lois was missing; he was 
not, however, about to admit that in this forum -- rather 
he chose to focus on another part of Li's assumptions.  "My 
Lady was not a prisoner in the castle and she didn't need 
my permission to go where ever or how ever she wished to 
go."

The disapproving prosecutor looked decidedly sceptical and 
Kal-El cringed inwardly.  He  wasn't being totally 
dishonest but he was being a little economical with the 
truth.

"Come, come, First Lord, you surely don't expect this court 
to believe that you hadn't warned your wife of the danger 
of wandering around the streets of Veren without a 
bodyguard."  Jun-Li had sauntered to the front of the 
gallery again and swept a magisterial hand over the hall; 
this line of attack was going well and he could sense the 
audience hanging on his every word.  He was, however, 
disconcerted when he turned to face his quarry -- the boy 
was smiling... .

"As a matter of fact, Lord Jun-Li, I had assured my wife 
that she was completely safe in the city of Veren."  That 
wasn't the total transcript of that conversation between 
Lois and himself, but it was definitely all that he was 
about to divulge.  "Perhaps, my Lord Prosecutor, you should 
charge me with misinformation, for it was certainly my 
assurances that prompted Lady Lois to leave the castle with 
only her friends... ."

"Or I should be charged with failing to ensure the safety 
of my royal guest!"

Another, different voice joined in the cross-examination 
and all heads turned to discover who was the late arrival.  
Standing on the central stairs of the auditorium was an 
imposing man of middle years, his entourage filling the 
stairway behind him all the way to the still open doors.  
The noble Lord of Veren with his Lady by his side, held 
sway over the expectant throng.

"Lord Dax-Ver, your arrival is most... unexpected!"  Jun-Li 
stammered, plainly flustered by this turn of events.

"I fail to see why, Councillor."  Dax took a few steps 
forward but remained some way above the floor of the hall.  
"I heard of this trial yesterday and I came poste-haste.  
If blame is to be apportioned for the abduction of the 
First Lady, then I am here to accept my punishment."

Breaking the tableau and determined to regain the upper 
hand, which was not an easy task while he had to look up to 
the man, Lord Li laughed disparagingly at the newcomer.  "I 
don't think, Lord Dax-Ver, that you can be held accountable 
for those within your city or the exploits of the First 
Lady."

"I disagree, Jun-Li!  As Lord of Veren, I am ultimately 
responsible for all that happens within its boundaries.  
And, knowing I had royal guests, I should have made certain 
that my security forces were especially vigilant -- Ballen 
and his cutthroats should never have made it through the 
gates."

"But according to my sources, these Taureans were in 
disguise and you could not know what they were plotting... 
."

"Jun-Li!"  Kal's voice was razor sharp.  "At your last 
supposition, you were of the opinion that Ballen had acted 
on chance when he abducted my wife.  I presume that you no 
longer think that's so?"

"And, if we are to assume that Lord Ver was unaware of 
Ballen's presence and the kidnapping plot, then doesn't it 
follow that Lady Lois-El would be just as oblivious?"  Lord 
Remy joined in the interrogation.

"I... I'm not sure what to think..." Li muttered in 
desperation.  "I only know that the Lady was guilty of... 
."

". . .  Of not knowing she was a target of an evil plot," 
Lord Trey interjected, "and that is hardly a crime.  And if 
Lady Lois was a little unwise, then let me tell all of you 
gathered here that she has paid for her misjudgment a 
thousand-fold; to us the loss was of the heir to the 
throne... to Lady Lois and Lord Kal-El it was their child.  
Let us not forget that."  Those in the great hall who had 
come to witness the humiliation of an alien, squirmed 
shame-faced in their seats, while those who supported the 
Els nodded in compassionate understanding.  Satisfied that 
this tragic episode could now be brought to a close, the 
chairman of the judicial body declared, "this case is 
dismissed!"  And with an exultant flourish, the gavel 
descended in a resounding thud. 

*****

The lap of water eddied round the rotting wooden piers of 
the dock and blended with the constant drone of windblown 
sleet on the broken shutters.  The weather this night was 
filthy and this travellers' lodge was certainly no cleaner.  
The troubled, pinched-faced man ran a tentative hand along 
the mantle above the meagre fire and frowned in disgust at 
the smoky-black smear on his finger tips.  He shivered, and 
the cause was not only the dank cold which filled the hovel 
-- Jun-Li was afraid.

Why on Krypton was he here, when he could be lounging in 
warmth and comfort in his townhouse?  Yet, even, Jun-Li had 
to admit that the message, delivered by a black-cloaked 
figure in the corridors of Elvar Castle, did have some 
merit.  Given that his campaign to arraign the First Lady 
had collapsed miserably, he understood that the authorities 
might have some questions for him.  He did not know the 
identity of the messenger, the man's cloak had a large hood 
which had been pulled over his face, but he realised who 
had sent him and the short note that was pushed into his 
hand, instructing him to come here, was not a request but 
an order, and it did not pay to disobey his powerful 
neighbour.  Li had a family at home, and he had no doubt 
that the infamous Lord whose bidding he had chosen to do, 
would have no qualms in taking retribution on his loved 
ones if he failed to toe his master's line.

He accepted that it was his own fault and that if he got in 
bed with a devil like Rad-Nor, then he could expect no 
mercy.  The thing was that he had believed in his crusade.  
He had never supported the popular choice of an Earth woman 
to be wife to the First Lord and, though things hadn't gone 
his way today, he still believed that one day the rest of 
the noble classes would see that he had been right.

Now, for his pains, he was skulking in some iniquitous den 
in the down-trodden district of Elvar's long forgotten 
dockland.  Once, this had been a thriving port where great 
ships had plied their trade across the oceans, transporting 
merchandise to all the lands in Krypton.  But time and 
technology had caught up with the seafaring brotherhood and 
now  hovercraft or short haul spaceships had taken their 
place.  Kryptonians took to the water only for pleasure in 
these modern times and new, luxurious marinas had been 
built in every coastal city to accommodate this leisure 
activity.   This derelict section had been left to the down 
and outs, the people on Krypton who chose to live outside 
the social structure or the law, and in this prosperous 
city there were not many of those about -- the El family 
looked after its own -- as he had discovered, to his cost.

But not only the Els had protected Lady Lois.  Her support 
had come from many houses, not to mention the security 
forces and the important city factions.  Following Trey's 
dismissal of all the charges, Li had stood dumbfounded as 
the First Lord had crossed the Council hall to Lois-El's 
side and formally escorted her from the dock, then, 
throwing caution to the wind the happy husband had swept 
his wife into a huge bear-hug.  The girl had responded by 
locking her arms around his neck and lifting her feet from 
the floor.  The audience had clapped and even cheered, when 
Kal had planted his lips firmly on Lois' mouth in an 
undignified display of affection.  Was Jun-Li the only one 
in the hall to consider the behaviour ill-bred and totally 
unacceptable in the First Lord and Lady?

Much to his dismay, the defeated prosecutor had been 
jostled and pushed aside as the Els, the Vers and other 
well-wishers had joined the Ministers in an ever expanding 
group around the couple -- all offering their 
congratulations to the First Lady on her vindication.  Jun-
Li had slipped away unnoticed and deflated, at least, so he 
had thought.  But someone had watched his escape and sent a 
messenger with the missive that had brought him to this 
awful place.  
    
A soft, furtive knock interrupted his reverie and he 
crossed to the door and tentatively opened it a crack.  It 
was better to be more safe than sorry in this zorforsaken 
hole.  The dim light of the passageway gave away little 
information about his visitor -- except for the fact that 
this person was swathed in a thick dark cloak -- probably 
the same man who had delivered the message.  Li stood aside 
to give the unknown caller access and soundlessly the 
phantom figure slipped inside.

"Zor!  But this place is a mess!" exclaimed the gentleman 
as he viewed the room with mounting revulsion.  "How can 
you stand this?"  Then he laughed scornfully.  "Oh, I 
forgot... you have no choice."  

The shielding hood had slipped back from the visitor's face 
and Jun-Li gasped in    
recognition... he had seen this man before... in the 
castle...  "You!  I know you!   What are you doing here?"  
Jun-Li demanded, fear and bravado vying for position in his 
voice.  Had the authorities discovered his hiding place 
already, and was he about to be arrested?

Still smiling the man spoke reasonably.  "I've come to give 
you your fee for services rendered.  Don't you want it?"

The frightened host relaxed visibly at these words... which 
was a mistake.

"Oh," said Jun-Li brightening somewhat, "I had not thought 
that Rad-Nor would pay me,  since I failed in my 
attempt..."

"Rad-Nor always takes care of his servants."

Almost too swiftly for Jun-Li to contemplate what was 
happening, the messenger stepped closer to his prey and, 
pulling an injection gun from beneath his cloak, he held it 
against the exposed scraggy neck of a shocked Lord Li.   
From the second that the lethal gases permeated the 
blanched skin, Jun-Li felt their deadly effect.  He stared 
in stunned terror at his assailant, clutching at him with 
claw-like hands for support.  But his fingers would not 
obey his clouding mind and he found himself sliding slowly 
down the man's body to the floor -- his sight was fading 
and his breath fluttered within his throat.  With great 
disdain the assassin laid the stricken man on the floor 
and, even before the door closed behind him as he hurried 
away, Jun-Li was no more.           

*****

Chapter Five
Peace and Goodwill
     
The winter months that followed Lois' trial were, for her, 
the happiest and most peaceful that she had spent on her 
new home.  The ground swell of opinion was evidently 
turning in the Lady of El's favour.   Perhaps her adopted 
people were feeling rather guilty for putting her through 
such an ordeal as a public trial.

To make up for their judgmental behaviour over Lois' 
celebration of Thanksgiving, the Council and the city 
administrators had decreed that this year Elvar would enjoy 
a new feastday, the Earth holiday of Christmas.  There was 
no religion as such on Krypton, but its natives were not 
adverse to celebrating a day that promoted goodwill and 
fellowship to all, both strange concepts in this class-
bound society.  Nevertheless, Lois had to admit that, in 
most cases, the noble fraternity really did take 
responsibility for the care of their people.

Christmas lights, strung amidst blue-green pine garlands, 
decorated the city streets and holly wreaths adorned nearly 
every door, prompting Lois to ask if the holly bush was 
native to Krypton.  The more Lois learned about her new 
home, the more she was amazed at how in some ways the two 
worlds were so similar and yet in others, so diverse.

Groups of Carollers appeared on street corners and in 
squares, singing Carols in which the words had no meaning 
for them and yet to the First Lady were at once familiar 
and comforting.  And most pleasing of all was the knowledge 
that it was done out of care for her.

On the day of Christmas, a feast was prepared in the castle 
and Kal generously provided a slap-up dinner in community 
halls around the city and invited all his people to attend.  
The royal family had made a whistle-stop tour of all the 
venues and a happy time was had by all.   With a wry smile 
Lois recognised that she had travelled clear across the 
galaxy to experience a Christmas that wasn't mired in crass 
commercialism.

If there was one fly in the ointment, it was the knowledge 
that once again, their enemies had eluded them.  
Immediately after the trial, Commander Jace had attempted 
to question Lord Jun-Li about the matter of the illegal 
broadcasts, only to find that the man had disappeared.  A 
search had quickly been set in motion -- a search which 
abruptly ended when Li's body was discovered in the run-
down lodge by the old harbour.  Unfortunately the 
subsequent investigation turned up little information.  
Believing firmly in the premise of keeping themselves to 
themselves, the inhabitants of the district had seen 
nothing, and, even if they had, they were not inclined to 
confide in the authorities.  The security chief and his 
team of investigators had reached another dead-end.   But 
one disturbing fact did emerge from the incident -- the 
manner of the man's death.  He had been killed by a lethal 
high-powered injection, the same method used in the first 
attempt on Lois' life.  And as before, the killer had 
donned a personal force field, allowing him to come and go 
without trace.  It was a grim reminder that the unknown 
assassin was still at large.   

Lois' first year on the planet of Krypton ended in the 
blaze of a laser-light show.   As on Earth, the people of 
this planet celebrated the closing of a chapter and the 
birth of a new year.  Soon after the revelries ended, Kal-
El moved his household to their country home, Schieh-
Ellion.  

The freezing weather seemed to slow down the pace of life 
on Krypton and Lois again found herself soothed by the 
sparkling white wilderness and invigorated by the outdoor 
activities in the crisp, clean air.  The only shadow on her 
horizon was the memory of last year's visit when Etta had 
been her unexpected mentor and friend in this strange new 
world.

Thankfully, the whole El tribe decided to join the couple 
on their retreat and Lois had little time to dwell on 
melancholy thoughts of Etta's loss.  Besides, she had a 
task to fulfil -- Lois had not forgotten her mission to 
ensure that Zara's and Ching's love for each other was not 
a forlorn hope, and in the privacy of this winter 
wonderland she found the perfect setting  for her 
matchmaking.  

Surprisingly, Lois found that though her husband was not 
actively encouraging her manipulations, he was not 
attempting to stop her either.  It seemed that the stronger 
his affection for his wife became, the more benign he felt 
toward the attraction between his sister and his friend.  
Kal's love for Lois had become the mainstay of his life and 
he was disinclined to deny these same emotions and 
strengths to two people for whom he cared deeply.

So it was that Zara and Ching found themselves invited on 
many of the couple's outings and very often left alone in 
each other's company.  Truthfully, the First Lord was not 
certain whether this action was wise but he could not bring 
himself to destroy the obvious joy that his sister and 
bodyguard were experiencing.  In the privacy of his country 
estate, he watched a once-hidden love blossom.

On a sun-sparkled day, when the temperature had risen 
enough to tempt the youngsters out of doors, the two 
couples had decided on a sleigh ride.  But such had been 
the beauty of the lake in its snow-clad bower, the four had 
readily agreed to leave the sled and walk in the welcoming 
sun.  For days the skies had been heavy with dark, dreary 
clouds, which at fairly regular intervals had let loose a 
storm of ice and snow, keeping the members of the household 
shut-up indoors.  Now on this bright, calm day, the couples 
delighted in letting out their pent-up energy.
   
There had been a slight altercation at the outset when Poli 
had unfortunately assumed that he would be one of the 
party, but Lois was determined that Zara and Ching should 
have this time together, away from the eyes of others, and 
Kal thankfully concurred.  Poli might be a friend, and one 
that both Lois and Kal trusted, but the unlikely romance 
between the Lady Zara and Captain Ching was one that no-one 
else should witness.  Help came from an unexpected quarter; 
Gellis, being from a land of warmer climes, heartily hated 
the cold and had no inclination to venture out in the 
almost freezing temperatures.  With the consummate ease of 
a natural flirt, she prevailed on the handsome Lieutenant 
to keep her company, and Poli, being the type of young man 
who never turned down a pretty girl, quickly complied.  The 
possibility of yet another unsuitable alliance didn't 
concern Kal.  Gellis and Poli might deal well enough 
together, but there was no special attraction there.  Lois, 
however, did look searchingly at her lady-in-waiting.  Did 
Gellis suspect the connection between Zara and Ching?   And 
if she did, then it seemed she approved.  Or perhaps Lois 
was just reading too much into a chance occurrence.

Having secured the unicorns in a sunlit clearing and left 
them with a bagful of hay, the young people clambered 
happily over the rocky shoreline.  Here, by the water, the 
ice and snow had receded a little, making walking a little 
less hazardous.  A thin skim of ice still clung to more 
shadowed coves, and a competitive game of ice breaking by 
stretched limbs and thrown stones soon developed.  Some way 
from shore a rocky outcrop rose from the silver-skinned 
water and this soon became a target for the two men as they 
vied for position as stone-skimming champion.  

Of course, Lois would not allow the fact that she was 
female to get in the way of her competitive spirit; she had 
been fairly good at this skill back on Earth.  
Concentrating on the task, she smoothly skimmed a flat 
stone across the water and watched in delight as it bounced 
once, then twice, then dipped below the surface.  The 
watchers groaned comically, but Lois was not to be put off.  
Kal and Ching took their shots and showed how it should be 
done.  With ever increasing daring Lois stepped closer to 
the water's edge, until she placed her weight on a slightly 
imbalanced stone, and with a startled shriek, her feet 
slipped from underneath her.  Her howl surprised a family 
of snow geese rooting in the nearby weeds, and with 
protesting squawks and an urgent flapping of wings, they 
took off into the soft lilac skies.  

Quick as a flash, Kal caught Lois up in his strong grasp 
and her cries turned to laughter as he swung her around and 
around.  The sharp fresh air had lent roses to her cheeks 
and her face, framed warmly in its white fur hat, glowed 
with joy.  The enamoured husband could not resist claiming 
a rescuer's kiss.  For long moments all thoughts of stones 
and throwing faded from their minds as they lost themselves 
in the heat of their embrace.

When, at last, they returned to the world around them, they 
found themselves alone.  Lois surveyed her husband with a 
questioning eye.  Since coming to Scheih-Ellion neither had  
voiced their opinions on the r