When Galaxies Divide
By Stopquitdont@bellsouth.net
Rated: PG-13
Submitted: April 2007

****

This monster was started so long ago I can't even remember now.
I started and stopped at least a couple dozen times before
finally forcing myself to finish. If it hadn't been for a little
extra push from my beta's, it would still be sitting on my HD.

I have to say thanks to Jenni Debbage. She'd started beta'ing
this for me, then life got in her way (along with computer
problems). But she's always been a huge inspiration to me. Wanda
Detroit and Erica Dias (MDL) have helped along the way as well.
But I'd have never finished if it hadn't been for Ann Sidbrant.
She pushed me through the final polish. Thanks a lot.

All other disclaimers apply. The characters are not mine,
unfortunately. I borrowed them to play for a bit, but put them
back the way I found them.

****

Silence engulfed the dimly lit space as pure agony invaded his
very soul. Eyes drifting closed, he awaited his fate. He would
welcome the dull void to soon come. Flashes of his life created
the images that he would carry over into eternity...

++++
Krypton: Year 2101 in the third cycle (or March,
1960-Earthtime)
++++

Jor-El paced the sterile corridor, trying desperately to calm
his frayed nerves. Today was the day he'd present his findings
to the Council. Countless hours, a few laughs, and even tears
had been spent inside his laboratory studying the stars in hopes
of finding life on another planet. Eight long years had been
spent doing numerous evaluations. Thousands of probes had
searched the vast expanse of space in hopes of producing the
results Jor and his team would give anything to realize. They'd
thought they'd found other life forms just months before, only
to be disappointed when the surface of the red planet was proven
to be uninhabitable. But not this time. This time there was no
mistaking what they'd discovered.

The chamber doors opened and Jor was summoned inside. He briefly
thought it odd that he had to ask permission to speak during
Council, considering he was the leader of the entire planet...

"... studies suggest that these creatures are completely
compatible with us. Physically, they could easily be thought to
be fellow Kryptonians. Emotionally, they are young in their
beliefs -- a relative new world just as ours is. They are more
apt to make decisions based on sentiment rather than logic.
Technologically, they are light years behind us, but they
exhibit untold promise. Biologically, our only difference lies
in the way their bodies metabolize their yellow sun and ours
metabolize our red sun, though I am certain this difference is
only minimal.

"I feel these people would benefit from a relationship with our
world. Their planet has an abundance of natural resources the
likes of which are unseen here on Krypton. I believe, that given
time to establish relations, our worlds could co-exist in
profitable harmony."

The confident leader paused in his speech to allow time for
those assembled to digest what had been said. He glanced around
the expansive room at the few men curiously awaiting what he
would say next.

Jor pressed the button on his remote to produce another
hologram. "The inhabitants call it simply... Earth."

++++

"There it is, Milord," the strong feminine voice said softly
into the charged air as she approached the portal window where a
tall, handsome man stood.

"Yes, it is, Milady," the man replied as he reached out to pull
the woman to his side so they could witness this moment
together.

The tiny speck before them slowly became a mass of blue and
green hues through the thick glass pane. This moment was years
in the making for the man who'd spent the last decade of his
life devoted to his scientific studies. Those studies had paid
off and today, Lord and scientist, Jor-El, along with his
partner and mate, Lara, were about to realize their dream.

Their's was a journey that had started in Jor-El's youth. Jor
had always been interested in science and had greatly excelled
in that field, even though his birth would someday make him the
leader of his people. His training to become lord of all had
always been a priority during his formative years, but Jor had
been blessed with parents who had allowed him freedom in his
educational choices. So, Jor had been trained extensively as a
scientist, a study most of the greater of Krypton deemed
unnecessary for the heir to the Throne. However, Jor's father,
Zor-El, recognized his son's passion for the sciences and did
not stand in the boy's way to learn.

The esteemed heir had not wasted his gift, using all of his
spare time to learn as much as he could about any and everything
scientific. At only fourteen years, Jor's dream had been born.
He'd begun to study the stars as part of a course his professor
had initiated. During a lecture, Jor began to wonder about the
tiny sparkles that twinkled in the blanket of solid black
hovering above his planet. The wonder turned into a burning
desire to discover as much as he could about his world and the
possibility of any others existing.

Jor's curiosity was often met with confusion and
misunderstanding from his fellow Kryptonians and especially from
the Council of Elders. Kryptonians were an advanced race of
people, highly intelligent and extremely technologically
superior beings. They were also a logical race, making the most
expedient of decisions in all things. For that reason, it wasn't
until Jor grew into adulthood that he could spend countless
hours researching the galaxies the way he had wanted to in his
youth. And his ultimate journey took him ten years to complete.

Now, as he stood with his wife and awaited the arrival of his
ship to a brand new world, he considered all of his work and
effort to have not gone wasted.

@@@@

It had taken two more years of deep probes after Jor's findings
had been presented before the Council had finally agreed to his
requests to make contact with the people of Earth. And as he and
Lara had stood peering through the portal of their ship as it
approached another planet for the first time, Jor had been
overwhelmed. Admittedly, when contact had first been made with
the planet a galaxy away from Krypton, the immature world hadn't
wanted to believe there could be life calling them from beyond
the stars. Talks had taken many months until the people of Earth
felt comfortable enough to allow aliens to visit. That visit had
started a wonderful friendship, just as Jor-El had predicted.

That is... until the day someone discovered his scientific
secret about their new friends and the little world that had
been dubbed 'the sister planet'.

++++

"Do you think everyone will buy this, Jor?"

He stopped the process of filling a syringe with a small bottle
of vaccine he'd developed and looked up at his anxious wife.
"They've already bought this, Lara. No one will question me
because so little is known about Earth. The Council believes
what I tell them about our findings. They do not doubt what I've
led them to believe about this toxin." Again, he lifted the
syringe and finished filling it before turning to administer the
shot to his wife. "If I tell them a toxin must be administered
to enable our bodies to metabolize the yellow sun, they will not
question it." He rubbed Lara's arm with the sterile swab, then
turned so she could inoculate him. "Just think how deadly it
would be if someone was to find out that Kryptonians could be
invincible on Earth."

"You're right, Jor," Lara agreed as she finished with his shot.

"Of course I am, my dear." Jor cupped her face gently and smiled
at her. "This story has to be told or there would be pandemonium
on our hands."

"Yes, Milord." Lara smiled as she leaned forward to press her
forehead to Jor's in a display of affection rarely seen being
shared by Kryptonians.

That conversation had taken place just before the arrival of the
royal transport ship on Earth for the very first time. Over the
next several years, ships would visit the new world often. But
soon enough, the pleased couple that had stood looking through a
small portal with huge expectations of a bright and successful
future with their new friends would see horrific tragedies
before eventually meeting their ultimate fates.

++++
Krypton: Year 2107 in the second cycle (or February, 1966)
++++

Jor-El had taken the Throne as First Lord in the Year 2096 when
his father's aging heart had failed him. Though it was extremely
rare for Kryptonians to experience physical failures before the
age of seventy or eighty, Zor-El's taxed heart had stopped
working properly in only his fiftieth year. Jor was forced to
lead his world years before he'd anticipated. He used his
position as a positive though. His time as First Lord afforded
him much needed lab hours to devote to his passion of
discovering another world. After all, the Council was
responsible for most decisions concerning his world.

It wasn't until the royal couple had conceived their first child
that they realized their many errors in judgment where their
world was concerned. Jor and Lara had not conceived a child
until their late thirties. Their younger years and energy had
been spent on all things scientific. They had been lost in their
discoveries and explorations, somewhat oblivious to anything
else. They'd had hopes of great changes taking place; one of
those things being the practice of birth marriages among noble
families to insure strong alliances in the ruling classes. Jor
had never understood exactly why men felt they had to be more
powerful or important than the other, but he'd also recognized
the essential need to have strong, just leaders. However, such
drastic changes were also a decidedly difficult undertaking
because Kryptonians feared and resented any kinds of change that
might upset hundreds of years of tradition. With the conception
of their child, the Lord and Lady had finally been forced to
take stock of their world. Their children, they decided,
instilled with their values and morals, would best rule their
world someday. They also felt those children would be Krypton's
best hope for change. Of course, with even greater purpose and
direction than ever before, the royal couple was about to embark
on a greater journey...

Jor lifted the small, dark-haired baby high into the air as they
stood on the platform in the palace courtyard. "My subjects, I
give you your heir... my son, Kal-El."

"Kal-El!" the assembled audience shouted back at their lord,
then bowed deeply.

Yon, noble head of his house-the House of Ra, stepped forward to
present his daughter. "And I give you the heir's bride, Zara."

"Zara," the crowd shouted again.

"In accordance with the laws of our world, I bind these
individuals, chosen as mates because of their order of birth,"
Jor began to recite. "Their union will ensure a strong alliance
for our people. May Zor bless and watch over them as they grow
to take their positions some day as our First Lord and Lady."

Shouts rang through the air as Jor concluded the marriage
ceremony that bound his son to an infant girl, the parents of
whom he knew only from their standing in the noble line of their
world. Yon of Ra was head of the Western Hemisphere and held
probationary station as ruler. That meant that in the event of
the ruling El's inability to produce an heir, rule would fall to
the House of Ra. Allegiances between the two houses would ensure
that one or the other house would always reign. The leader of
Krypton hated saddling his baby boy with such a responsibility,
but felt he had no choice. He only hoped Kal grew into a man
that could understand and fulfill his responsibilities with
dignity suiting the House of El.

++++

Jor and Lara took their positions as parents even more seriously
than they had ever taken their role as leaders of their world.
Kal was attended to with all the care and love possible from any
species of being. Many people, including Jor's brother Ti,
always took a moment to point out to the First Lord that showing
such emotion while rearing the heir was foolish and illogical.
Jor would smile and tell Ti and others not to worry. Everything
would be fine.

For a time, life was good for the ruling family and their
people. Kal-El grew into a toddler while his father established
a strong relationship with his Kryptonian subjects as well as
with the citizens of Earth. Krypton was peaceful and prosperous
because of their leader's efforts. And in all the excitement,
Jor and Lara welcomed another son.

"Look at him, Jor," Lara told her husband. The newest addition
to their family slept peacefully in her arms.

"He's beautiful, My Lady." Jor kneeled beside his wife's chair
to get a look at his son.

"I see! I see!" came the voice of a very excited toddler. Kal-El
peered into the blanket surrounding this strange new visitor to
his world. "Baby," he crooned as his tiny fingers smoothed over
his brother's cheek.

"That's right, Kal. This is your brother, Ching," Jor told him.

"Ting!"

The adults laughed at their son's interpretation of the name
chosen for the new lord.

+

From the doorway of the royal chambers, Ti-El watched the small
family in contemplative silence. He'd spent his entire life
standing on the outside of 'Jor's' world looking in. Being born
the son of his father's concubine forced him to have to watch
his brother have the life that was rightfully his.

Though Zor, Ti's father, had been an amazing leader and man, he
had taken a concubine in his youth and they'd quickly produced a
child. Ti had grown up inside the palace as a lord, but without
the rights and privileges of the true heir. Though older than
Jor, because Ti had not been of true noble blood, and had no
connection whatsoever to the House of Ra, Ti was denied the
right to ascend the Throne of this world. While a seemingly
logical race of men considered it perfectly fine to take a
concubine, believing pleased men were more capable of performing
their duties without objection, they did not think it wise to
produce offspring with such women. Over the years various
efforts had come about to prevent such happenings from taking
place. However, on occasion there was a child born to a nobleman
in such circumstances, as was the case when Ti was born.

For years, his treatment as an inferior El had bred hatred in
the older brother's heart and he'd waited until Jor produced an
heir to instigate a scheme to have the lord executed. Ti would
be placed on the Throne in the event of Jor-El's death, provided
he marry Lara. While that might be looked upon as being second
best, Ti considered it to be Lara's proper place. He was born
first and thus, should have been married at birth to the next
child born of the House of Ra. Lara was that child -- his
rightful wife. Jor was the one living as second best in Ti's
mind. However, while children of concubines were given many of
the rights and privileges of other lords, being married at birth
was not one of them. Birth marriages took place among nobility
to ensure continued reign stayed in the proper house and other
houses remained pure. That was also the reason an heir of the
House of El had to be born before Ti could set into motion his
plans. The laws of their people might place him on the throne by
marrying his brother's widow, but it would never allow his
children to continue the birth order. Jor had to produce a son
before Ti could become the true ruler of his world.

Just then, Jor looked up at his brother, and motioned for the
older man to join their small family. Ti stepped forward to get
a glimpse of the new baby El. Plans were taking much longer than
anticipated because of Jor's incessant need to form relations
with that backwards planet. Meantime, another child had been
born into the royal household. No matter, Ti thought. That only
meant there would be two lords he could shape into the perfect
molds.

He smiled wryly, congratulated the obviously proud father, then
cast longing eyes on the child's mother. Lara was disillusioned
to believe herself fond of her husband. A marriage to this woman
would be absolutely torturous at first. But in time she would
come to accept her duty. She would realize the mistakes of their
world in ever placing her with Jor in the first place. Yes, Ti
looked forward to finally joining with his wife. And correcting
the imbalanced morality of the sons of the self-righteous Jor-El
was an added bonus.

An evil, ironic bonus.

Ti loved irony.

++

Kryptonian society was one of rich, stoic character -- ideals
and beliefs carefully molded and shaped into duty-driven and
often times, perverse ways of life. Carefully held together by
centuries of traditions, upheld by unwavering laws with severe
consequences, change was not welcomed by the ruling classes. A
Council of Elders, put into place by the House of their birth,
ultimately decided the fates of the masses. However, in the few
short years since Kal's birth, Jor-El had begun to take a more
active role in leading his world. Introduction of new
proclamations had caused unrest among the nobility. The leader
was asking for such things as fair wages for underclassmen,
equality in education, and an authoritative voice during Council
sessions.

The Council consisted of three men, highly educated and deeply
loyal to upholding the Kryptonian way of life. Trey, of the
House of Ur, was Council Head. Though only the age of Jor-El,
the lofty position as Head Elder had been placed upon his
shoulders when his grandfather became too ill to continue his
duties. Trey's father had passed the torch to his son, citing it
a wiser choice because of Trey's younger age. The population
believed that the longer one held his position, the better off
everyone would be because there would be fewer changes taking
place. That fear of change, of advancement, was what Jor
considered to be the only downfall of being Kryptonian.

++

"Why do they stand so fast? Can't they see I only have the best
interests of my world in mind?" Jor clicked off his hand-held
recording device and rubbed his temples. His frustration grew by
the day. He'd presented another proclamation to the Council,
only to have it shot down in seconds. He simply wanted to take
his children with him on a trip to Earth. The Council had argued
that the future of their world rested on the shoulders of those
two boys. They were not certain of the consequences such a trip
would have on the children. Jor argued point after point to no
avail.

He pressed his device again. "One day... it is my hope that one
day, this world will realize all of its mistakes." With a heavy
sigh, Jor placed his device in the drawer of his desk and rose
to retire for the evening. He and Lara would leave during the
morning hours for a scheduled diplomatic trip to Earth. He
needed his rest.

+

Ti watched from his position in the corridor as Jor made his way
toward the private side of the palace, then entered the State
Room. He opened the drawer on the desk and lifted the small
recording device from its spot there. He'd never understood why
Jor felt the need to talk to a machine. Although he was
certainly glad he had. Those talks with that machine would help
seal his brother's fate.

The recording device was safely tucked inside the pocket on Ti's
tunic before he hurried from the room. There was a lot to do if
his plans were to be successful.

+

Jen-Mai paced outside the doors to Trey's chamber. He'd tried
desperately to make sense of what he'd heard that day in the
corridor. There was no way he could be correct.

On the morning of the departure of the royal transport to Earth,
Jen-Mai had been running late on his way to the hangar. Official
ceremonies took place for almost everything on Krypton, and the
departure of the royal transport was no exception. Jen had
rounded a corner when he saw Jor talking with another lord. Jor
was apparently giving this other lord some kind of
instructions...

"Do you remember what you have to do?" Jor asked the other man.

"Perfectly, Milord."

"Very well. Do as much damage as you can. I want them to know
who is in control."

"And the Council?"

"I will handle them. It's time for this world to realize all of
its mistakes." With that, Jor turned and left.

Jen-Mai, afraid of being seen, had pressed himself against the
wall, out of sight of the departing men. What had all that been
about?

Not sure, and certainly unwilling to question his leader, Jen
had dismissed the entire conversation.

That was until today...

@@@@

Jor-El was utterly speechless as he looked out across the
destruction and devastation before him. Concrete heaps remained
where once tall buildings stood. Everywhere fires burned and
smoke was so thick it threatened to choke the life from the few
bodies still scurrying around, attempting to make sense of what
was going on.

And death... Everywhere there was death.

"So many gone," Jor whispered.

He'd hardly been able to believe his ears when he'd gotten the
distress call from the White House. Washington had been attacked
by Kryptonian forces a few hours before. Thankfully he and Lara
were already on Earth for a scheduled political conference that
would take place at the end of the week. Jor had ordered his
transport to divert from their destination in Metropolis and
arrived as soon as possible in the capital city of America.
However, it had not been soon enough to save Washington and
several other large cities around the world from mass
destruction.

Jor wanted to die. These people had put their lives into his
hands and such tragedy had taken place. He turned when one of
his soldiers approached. "What has happened here?"

"We are unsure, Milord. I have spoken to witnesses and they
say... they say..." the man stammered.

"They say what?!"

"Well... Sir, they say that two men flew into the city and began
to destroy the buildings... with their bare hands." The young
soldier's expression showed clearly the apprehension he felt at
having told his lord such a ridiculous story.

But Jor knew it wasn't ridiculous. He knew it was very
possible... if someone had discovered his secret. His hand
covered his mouth and he turned again to survey the damage.
Dread washed over him in waves as he stood helpless in the
aftermath.

"Milord, what about the First Lady?" asked the young soldier.

Jor's head snapped up at the mention of his wife's name. She was
already in Metropolis. She'd wanted to visit some of the
children's homes, collecting information to help establish
similar institutions on Krypton. He hurried behind the soldier
and his guard toward his transport, ordered the driver to warp
speed, and tried to fight down the rising bile that refused to
remain calm.

++

Jor could only stare at the horrible, steel gray capsule before
him in silence. The First Lady of Krypton lay inside,
peaceful... serene. Metropolis had been in ruins by the time the
transport had reached it. Thick, black smoke had blanketed the
once bustling streets, choking the very life from those lucky
enough to have survived the attack. Lara had not been among that
group.

The lifeless body of the First Lady was found buried beneath the
rumble of the Metropolis Children's Home, blood covering her
delicate features. Jor had shouted out in agony as his guards
looked on. Finally he'd released her and allowed her body to be
taken back to the royal transport.

A thorough investigation had been launched into the attacks,
producing two men from one of the western provinces on Krypton.
They were both positively identified by witnesses as having been
the ones destroying buildings with their bare hands. They were
taken into custody and an official communication was prepared to
be sent to Krypton when the royal transport was close enough.

The First Lord leaned forward and spoke into the silence. "How
will I ever explain this to our sons?" he asked the immobile
tomb.

+

How indeed? Nor asked himself thoughtfully as he watched the
leader of the entire world cave in around himself. Nor, a lord
of questionable character who'd been part of the elaborate
scheme now unfolding, smiled as he turned and walked away. Ti
was certainly not going to be happy with the slight turn of
events. The Lord of El had laid out a precise plan for Nor to
follow, but Nor wasn't one to take orders from any man. Even if
that man was soon to be the effective ruler of the world.

It was best, Nor decided, that Ti-El learn that now.

++

It seemed the entire population of Krypton had shown up to pay
their respects. As many as could pack into the hangar were
gathered to await the arrival of the transport ship that would
return the body of the First Lady back to Krypton. Hundreds of
others littered the grounds of the palace, while still more
filled the city of El. Trey figured most gathered in fear. No
leader nor his immediate family, nor any nobleman for that
matter, had died during service to their world. None had died in
war and certainly none had been killed in such a manner. And
there most definitely had never been one to die in such
circumstances that now faced Krypton.

Trey feared the next few years to come for his world. For a
world that abhorred change, they were in for the surprise of
their lives.

The chief elder had not wanted to believe what he'd read when
the communication came through. The Earth had been attacked by
super-powered beings and the First Lady had been killed. Never
would he have believed that if he hadn't known it could really
have happened.

Just the day before Trey had learned that such things were
certainly possible. When the communication from the royal
transport had been received, Jen-Mai had finally told Trey of
the conversation Jor-El had with another gentleman on the
morning the royal transport departed. Unsure of what it meant,
Trey had gone in search of answers. In Jor's lab, he'd found
documentation that Kryptonians were inoculated when they
traveled to Earth, not so their bodies could metabolize the
yellow sun, but so their bodies *couldn't* metabolize it. Jor
had known of the way the yellow sun would affect them, yet he'd
kept this knowledge from the Council.

There were several recorded communications found in Jor's state
room between Jor and some unidentified man detailing the attack
that had taken place on Earth. Trey hadn't wanted to believe his
leader, and friend, could have planned such an evil and horrible
event. However, the evidence continued to mount. Journals were
discovered in which Jor spoke of the people of Earth as if
*they* were his people. There was mention of how he'd like to
change things on Krypton. Jor wanted to absolve many of their
traditions and customs. He wanted to abolish birth marriages,
outlaw the practice of keeping concubines, and allow the lower
class freedom from having to live a life of service. The leader
spoke of sentiment toward the population and said over and over
how stoic and illogical his race of people really were. He
stated that what was expedient might not be prudent. He spoke of
morals and values.

Then he carefully calculated the destruction of the very people
he claimed to care about. The Council had thoughtfully reviewed
all of this, Trey not having had a choice but to share the
information he'd uncovered. Poor Jen-Mai had looked absolutely
ill as more details came to light.

Trey looked over at the young man. Jen was five cycles younger
than himself, though they had quickly become acquaintances when
Jen took a position on the Council just six cycles ago,
following the retirement of his father. Trey had thought Jen too
young, too naive, but Jen had proven himself very quickly. The
younger man took his duty very seriously and stood strong on
many issues brought before the Council. Yes, Jen-Mai was quite
worthy of his position. That was why Trey did not dismiss what
he'd said. He had, however, looked into things on his own before
going to the Council with his findings.

The Council had convened and decided to investigate even more.
They raked through Jor's personal data as well as his scientific
data. Any matters involving the state were scrutinized through
new eyes. They concluded that Jor's intention must have been
two-fold: devastate the Earth, then rush in as its hero.
Bringing the backing of Krypton's technological advances and
possessing such advanced scientific knowledge, Jor would have
been viewed as a god in the Earth's time of need. They would be
forever grateful and grant him liberties he could not attain on
Krypton.

Being that future endeavors would include the remaining members
of the House of El, Ti was asked to sit in on the late night
debate into the actions of their leader. It was Ti who pointed
out that Jor had argued so fervently to take his sons to Earth.
Could the boys have suffered the same fate as their mother? The
mere thought was enough to drive fear into the hearts of
everyone sitting around the table in the Council Chambers. That
fear would also be what would drive the Council in decisions
concerning the future of their world.

The massive royal transport slowly maneuvered through the
opening into the hangar. Air hissed almost violently as the
steel arms on the docking platform reached out to grasp the huge
vessel. Today it seemed to take hours for the landing to be
completed. Trey simply stared at the scene unfolding in silence.
Finally, the large entry door slid open and guards filed out.
They formed an aisle, lifted their swords to create an archway,
then a hush fell on the crowd as a ceremonial unit began to
march out. Clipped commands were shouted in cadence as the
casket of the First Lady emerged, followed by a very distraught
First Lord.

Distraught?

Trey paused in his contemplation, only to be interrupted by the
thrilled shouts of a toddler.

"Papa!" Kal-El ran toward his father, completely unaware of what
was happening around him. He was simply glad to see his father
again.

Jor pushed around the guard in front of him and bent to lift his
son into his arms, clutching desperately to the small body
against his chest.

"Mama?" The boy asked over and over for his mother, but Jor
could only hold Kal tighter.

From behind the barricade Trey stood asking himself even more
questions. Try as he might to see the man he and the Council had
painted Jor to be the night before, he just couldn't find him.
Jor was... grieving, confused.

"Milord?" one of the Council asked Trey. "The law is clear."

"I'm well aware of the law!" Trey almost shouted before bowing
deeply to the now passing parade. He waited until the capsule
concealing the First Lady was taken from the hangar before he
stepped forward to address the First Lord. "Lord Jor?"

Jor carefully passed his son off to Kal's attendant before
turning to Trey. "The ones responsible are in custody. We will
have them transferred to the confinement quarters in the palace
until a trial can be..."

"Milord," Trey interrupted him, causing Jor to look at him
questioningly. "Certain information has come to the attention of
the Council..."

"What information?"

Trey lifted his downcast eyes and looked straight at Jor.
"Milord, you are hereby placed under arrest for crimes against
the state, most specifically for the murder of the First Lady."

"WHAT?!" Jor's eyes bore into Trey's. "What in Zor's name are
you speaking of, Trey?!"

"In accordance with the laws, you have three days to grieve
before the Council will be assembled to hear this case." Trey's
expression softened a bit and he stepped forward. "Out of
respect of our acquaintance, I am allowing you to spend those
days with your sons. Use them wisely, Milord."

Without giving Jor a chance to say another word, Trey turned and
hurried from the hangar. Jor was left with more questions than
answers, even as he made his way from the room. Instead of the
traditional bow afforded the First Lord, the population turned
their backs.

++++

Jor-El's eyes watered as his memories faded. The most difficult
day of his life had been the day he'd placed the body of his
wife in the ground. Explaining to Kal that his mother was never
coming back was equally painful. And the day his entire world
had turned against him was absolutely devastating.

It had taken two weeks before the Council had, with deep
regrets, reached their decision over his case. Jor had been
shocked when recording after recording had been submitted as
evidence. Sure, he'd made many recordings, but none of the ones
he'd heard. Bits and pieces of each one were familiar, as if
they'd been doctored. However, try as he might, he couldn't
convince the Council of this.

The two men that had actually carried out the attacks told the
Council that they had received their orders directly from
Jor-El. The toxin was withheld, they were told to wait until Jor
was back on Earth for the political conference, then ordered by
the First Lord himself to attack and destroy those cities.
Because Jor had kept the discovery of the effects of the yellow
sun on his fellow man secret, it was hard for the Council to
discount the stories being told or to believe anything Jor said
in protest. Jor insisted that his people's best interest were
close to his heart, a statement that unwittingly helped seal his
fate. Sentiment had always been deemed illogical in Kryptonian
eyes. 'Had Jor-El used logic and common sense, this tragedy
might not have happened at all', argued Jen-Mai, and was backed
by several others who agreed that the First Lord was entirely
too emotional to rule his world, that conclusion proven by the
lord's very illogical behavior over the years.

Jen-Mai also offered up the eye-witness account of the lord's
conversation that morning in the corridor. Jen was unable to
identify the other man because the man's back was turned to him,
but there was no denying the First Lord's identity. With the
events that followed, the things that had been said that day
were incredibly damming. Again, Jor argued that holograms had
been doctored because at the very time that conversation had
taken place, he was preparing for his trip with the First Lady.
Being that she alone was his only witness, he was once again
discounted.

The Council also pointed out the contents of Krypton's legal
proclamations. Declarations were in place to protect less
advanced worlds from attack or manipulation by Kryptonian
forces. By invading Earth, Jor had broken that proclamation. Jor
*was* First Lord. Thus, indirectly responsible for the actions
against the weaker world. He was also responsible for the First
Lady, who had lost her life because of something her husband had
done. His actions constituted treason, and the punishment for
treason was separation and dissolution of the molecules.

So, Jor waited for the moment he would leave his world for the
last time, heartbroken that his beautiful wife had suffered due
to his failure to protect her. He longed to be with her, and yet
he feared for his sons. With his and Lara's deaths, the lives of
his boys now lay in the hands of his brother and his world.

'Zor, protect them,' he prayed silently.

+

Ti watched in silence as the doors of the separation chamber
closed on his brother. He didn't miss the tear that trailed the
man's cheek or the pleading expression on his face. Not being
able to help himself, he stepped forward.

"Wait!" The guards stopped, allowed him to approach. "I would
like a final moment with my brother." They bowed slightly, then
stepped back far enough to give Ti privacy. He opened the doors
and waited until Jor lifted his head. "My brother," he began
softly. "What kind of brother would I be if allowed you to enter
eternity with dissolutions?" Jor's brow knitted together in
confusion. "You see, dear brother..." Ti stepped a bit closer to
make certain no one would hear him. "You were absolutely correct
about those recordings."

Jor stared at Ti for a long moment before his questioning eyes
cleared. "Why?"

"To rule, of course."

"But Kal-El will now become the leader," Jor pointed out.

"Yes. I do regret plans changed slightly..."

"You didn't intend for Lara to die?" Jor asked in a moment of
total clarity.

"No. She, too, was supposed to take her rightful place."

"She would have never..."

"Been my wife?" Ti asked sarcastically. "No, but she would have
made a wonderful trophy nonetheless."

"And now? You'll have to orchestrate the deaths of two more
before you can be considered to head of the Throne."

"Oh, my dearest Jor-El. Don't you know it is much more ironic to
lead through example?" Ti reached forward and clapped Jor's
cheek. "Leave this world knowing that the delicate little minds
of your bastards will be carefully shaped into brilliant,
calculating machines." Ti waited... waited for the fear to well
within Jor's very soul. Instead, he received a look of pity, of
regret.

"I leave this world knowing that every life, no matter how it's
touched over time, has an ultimate destiny. The destinies of my
sons are greater than the will of *your* mind."

This time it was Ti-El who looked confused. His brother often
spouted out such garbage. And every time it seemed to have the
desired effect it was aimed to have.

Ti stepped back and waved dismissively at the guards. He glared
at Jor as the doors once again closed him inside his tomb.

One last deep breath, a single turn of a button, and the First
Lord of Krypton was no more.

Deafening silence engulfed the room; Ti allowed his brother's
final words to simmer deep in his soul. Jor was wrong. A
person's destiny is created merely by his life. And he intended
the lives of his nephews to be very different from what his
brother had intended for the youths.

++

Kal and Ching were left with only one living relative, Ti-El.
Because Kal was only three, Ti was given discretionary rule over
the young lord until Kal's maturity. Though his authority was
limited in political affairs of his world, Ti's control of his
nephews' educations was endless. And he chose to sculpt Kal into
the kind of ruler he would have been had he been allowed to take
the Throne.

Of course, taking the Throne was exactly what Ti felt he should
have been allowed to do. But because the traditions of his world
ran so deep and his people were so narrow-minded and often too
paranoid, not to mention the bumblings of the idiots he chose to
associate with, Ti was forced to rule through Kal-El.

Ti looked around the state room in which he stood -- the very
room that had been occupied by his brother just a short time
ago. There would be many changes in here, he thought as he
looked up at a picture of Lara.

"I believe I could have broken that independent spirit, Milady,"
Ti said to the image. "I would certainly have enjoyed the
battle." He shook his head and turned to make his way over to
the chair behind the desk, sitting slowly as he remembered the
conversation he'd had with Nor about the death of the First
Lady...

~~

"What have you done, you incompetent..."

"Watch your tongue, Milord," Nor told him with a slight grin.
"You wouldn't want to say something you'll regret."

"Nor!" Ti looked around to make sure they had not been
discovered in their hiding place. "You were supposed to follow
the plans."

"The job was done, wasn't it?"

"No, it wasn't. The First Lady is dead!"

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were fond of the dearly
departed."

"I *needed* her to become the First Lord, you idiot," Ti pointed
out through clenched teeth. "Now I'll be forced to be only
discretionary ruler."

"What's the difference?" Nor rubbed his nails against his tunic,
effectively ignoring Ti.

Ti grasped Nor's tunic and backed him hard against the wall.
"The difference is that instead of being allowed all those
freedoms I promised you, now you'll have to answer to a
toddler."

Nor briefly looked concerned with his present position before
smiling. "I have wealth, a wife, and a few ladies willing to do
whatever I want. What more could I ask for?"

"I don't even know why I bother with you." Ti shoved him, then
backed away.

"You bother because you don't like getting your hands dirty."
Nor straightened his tunic.

"Obviously you don't either. Those two fall guys you've
recruited better not open their mouths."

"Oh, please. They are very loyal to their lord."

"And they had better be very dead once they're sent to
Confinement Island," Ti warned.

"Learn now, Ti-El, that I do not take orders from any man."

"*You* learn now, Lord Nor, that I know more about you than any
other living being. You cross me and you'll join the First Lord
in the separation chamber!" With that last threat, Ti turned and
strode away from Nor.

~~

Ti lifted his hands, fingers touching, elbows resting on the
desk. Yes, things certainly hadn't worked out quite the way he'd
wanted them to. Nor had suddenly began to think for himself,
others were getting drawn into his scheme, and now he would be
forced to wait years before the realization of his dreams could
come to pass. But even now, in the early stages of this new
journey, he could picture the end results. He could see the
cold, calculating ruler he would have been come to pass in the
form of Kal-El.

He smiled and leaned back in his chair. Oh, yes, he truly loved
irony.

++++
Krypton: Year 2110 of the fifth cycle (or May, 1969)
++++

The child's wide brown eyes stared up at the man hovering above
him. His three year old mind did not understand why his mother
and father weren't there. He'd been told nothing about guilty
verdicts nor executions. He didn't understand what death was.
The only thing he knew was that it was story time and his uncle
was not looking for a book to read to him. Where were Mama and
Papa?

Ti smiled at the infant he held in his arms. Kal and Ching had
only been in his care for a few days, but each night he'd come
to their chamber to impart some words of wisdom to them. He had
read somewhere that words spoken to children during their
formative years never left them. Kal had been with that
insufferable couple for three years, hearing only Zor knew what
kind of sentimental trash. Ti had his work cut out for him.

Once Ching was passed to his attendant, Ti turned to focus on
the toddler waiting patiently. Kal whimpered as Ti lifted the
boy in his arms.

"Kal-El, one day you will be the most powerful man on this
world. You are the First Lord and you hold the fate of many men
in your hands." Ti carried the boy over to look out the huge
window into the darkness. "See there, Kal? That is your world.
Together we will make it great."

The young child stared at his uncle for a moment before turning
to gaze out the glass. He didn't understand his uncle's words,
but as long as the man would be there to help him, then he
guessed everything would be okay.

++++
Krypton: Year 2112 in the eleventh cycle (or November 1971)
++++

Ti's only regret in his plan to get rid of Jor had been the
resulting situation on Earth. By quoting humanity laws during
Jor's trial, the Council had also saved Earth from further
Kryptonian influences, at least for the immediate future. He
hated the dirty little planet; it was too loud and chaotic for
his duty-driven mind and formal personality. He'd never
understood why 'relations' had to be established. Ti felt
Kryptonian forces should have just taken over and done with
Earth what they wanted at will. However, some morality remained
embedded in the population of Krypton and the Council ruled to
continue diplomatic relations with the small planet. And, as Ti
was only discretionary advisor to the young lord, he held no
authority to order otherwise.

It was with great protest that Ti accompanied his First Lord on
a trip to the 'sister' planet. The Council felt familiarizing
the ruling authorities on Earth with their young leader was wise
and should start immediately. So, Kal was packed up to make the
long journey across the galaxy to be introduced to the various
leaders of the other planet.

Another ironic twist, Ti thought as he walked slowly along with
the members of the Council and several politicians, including
leaders from various countries, as the men followed Kal-El. Jor
had argued to bring his sons to Earth, and the Council had
insisted the trip was too dangerous, Now, as ruler, the young
boy led them along the hallways of the White House while the
President of the United States conversed with Ti and Trey about
diplomatic matters.

The leader of Krypton found himself strangely attracted to the
many paintings that lined the walls. He was too young to
understand what the words beneath the paintings said, but didn't
much care anyway. He was more interested in the beautiful colors
on the canvases. Color was practically non-existent on Krypton,
where everything was dull grays, browns, or black. At home, the
brightest colors he saw were the silver and blue of his shield,
which adorned the fronts of his uniforms.

Suddenly Kal stopped in front of a portrait and stared intently.
He felt he should know the man in the painting, yet couldn't
quite remember. Behind him the men stopped, almost falling over
themselves at the unexpected pause, and Ti came to stand at his
shoulder.

"This is Jor-El, our former leader, Milord." The arrogant man
took every opportunity to appear to be the perfect subject and
uncle to his nephew. It was imperative that others viewed him as
only the wisest of instructors and never believe he'd influence
his nephew in any political way. The young man's decisions had
to be seen as his own.

Kal glanced up at his uncle. "This is... Papa?"

"Yes, Kal, that is a portrait of your father."

Kal looked back at the painting. Why would there be a portrait
of a bad man in this place? Why would they want to see his face
each day? The boy looked up at the President. "This man was
bad."

The President frowned down at the lad. "Yes, Milord. We leave
his painting as a reminder of the cost of misplaced trust in a
leader. We believed in this man and he betrayed us."

"And for that betrayal we continue to be most sympathetic," Trey
told the President. "Shall we proceed with the meeting?"

"Yes, of course." The President led the Council into the
conference room for a meeting on how best to continue diplomatic
relations between the two planets.

Ti smiled down at Kal. He'd repeated the same story over and
over to his nephew since becoming the child's guardian. He'd
painted a vivid picture of what a horrible person Jor-El had
been. The child wasn't receptive at first, but over time young
Kal had come to believe what he was being told about his
father.

Kal had already forgotten about the bad man in the painting as
he hurried into the huge conference room. He'd been told he
could play in the large chair at the head of the table. It
wasn't often he was allowed to play, and he was going to take
advantage of it.

++++
Krypton: Year 2115 of the first cycle (or January, 1974)
++++

One year slipped into two and two into three. Kal proved quite
quickly that he was of incredible intelligence, and Ti took
pride in shaping the boy's character, which was easy to do at
such a young age. As the boy grew, he became more obstinate, but
the older man felt as if he was a proud father as Kal was slowly
molded into the kind of person he'd envisioned.

While Kal was being groomed to be a ruthless leader, Ching was
being educated to be the First Lord's chief advisor. Ti took
time to instruct the lad how to see things in a way that would
most benefit the needs of the ruling house as opposed to the
needs of the population. Although Ching was still very young,
the older man knew that it was never too early to create the
kind of personality best suited for his needs. Ti had discovered
right away that Ching was not as strong as Kal. The younger lad
was easily manipulated and led astray -- perfect for the task Ti
had in mind for him as the boy grew into a man.

"Feared," Ti often told them. "That's how a world should view
its ruler."

And he took every opportunity to impart on the royal brothers
the attitudes that would render those kinds of results. The boys
were taught that only the strong survive; they were the royal
brothers and didn't have to answer to anyone or anything; they
were told their needs came before anyone else's; they were
taught to take and never give; they were guided to always make
sure their desires were satisfied regardless of who else they
might hurt.

"It's not selfish because you're the First Lord," Ti had told
Kal.

Both boys were growing to be strong and focused, expedient in
matters concerning the state. After all, expedient, logical
authority was exactly what the population needed.

++

Three years makes a difference when you use the time wisely.
Ti-El had indeed done that, taking every opportunity to instill
the Council with his own ideas about how Krypton should be run.
Though things hadn't miraculously changed in the direction Ti
wanted, there was definitely a curve in the direction the
logical ruling body had once striven to keep straight and
narrow.

One such curve was in how certain relations were carried out
with Earth. Ti had convinced the Council that extending an
invitation to a medical team to come and study with the
scientists of Krypton would strengthen the bridge of trust that
was being rebuilt after the devastation caused by Krypton on
Earth years earlier. Earth readily accepted the invitation in
hopes of the superior scientific advances of the Kryptonians
finally helping to answer some of the mysteries long sought in
the laboratories back on Earth. It never occurred to anyone that
Ti's offering was of the sadistic nature and not of noble
intentions.

++

Kal stood tall and proud as he awaited the arrival of the group
of physicians and scientists from Earth. As ruler, it was his
duty to personally greet all guests. The transport had docked
and the people from the sister planet slowly began to trickle
forward.

The young lord shook hand after hand and bowed appropriately to
each member of the Earth team.

"Milord," bellowed a deep male voice as he reached forward to
grasp Kal's hand. "I've looked forward to meeting you for some
time."

Kal grasped the man's hand with a strong confidence years beyond
his age. "I welcome you to my world," the lad told the man. He
held the larger hand for a beat, which to his subjects would
signify that he expected an introduction. It made no difference
to him that these people were of another world. He was First
Lord, and he expected to be treated accordingly.

The man seemed to understand perfectly the lord's gesture. "I am
Dr. Sam Lane," he told Kal.

"Dr. Lane, I've read of your work." And he had. His uncle felt
that Kal should be well informed of the happenings of Earth. It
would prove helpful in years to come.

The doctor raised his brows in surprise.

Kal released the man's hand. "Don't look so surprised, Dr. Lane.
I am First Lord. It is my place to know of your world."

"Yes, but excuse my bluntness, Milord, you *are* still a bit
young."

"That may be so, but I've been ruler of my world for some time
now. It was felt my education should start immediately. When I
am officially crowned First Lord, I will be a strong, confident
ruler."

Sam could only stare at the lad. It was hard to believe that a
youngster could be so... so... stuffy.

"Sounds pretty awful to me."

Kal's eyes shot toward the new speaker. A girl, no more than
seven, stood behind her father. Her dark curls fell below her
collar and her wide eyes constantly searched her surroundings.
For an instant, Kal felt a mix of emotions he'd never
experienced before. But he quickly dragged his uncle's words to
the forefront of his mind...

'Kal-El, you are ruler of your world. You don't have time for
games or silly infatuations with girls. Females are here for the
man's pleasure and to produce heirs. In time, you can take any
you like as your own. For now, remember that wasting your time
with girls would only prove to be your weakness.'

And there was no time for weakness.

Kal focused on Dr. Lane, who had started to speak again.

"I do hope it was okay that I brought along my daughter, Milord.
Her mother has passed and there was no one to attend her needs
back on Earth."

"As long as she does not interfere with the work we are trying
to accomplish..." came the voice of Ti-El.

"Oh no, Milord," Sam hurried to assure Ti.

Ti glanced at the young girl. "I'm sure we can find her a
lady-in-waiting so that does not happen."

"That won't be necessary..."

"I'm sure the First Lord would agree with me on this." Ti
glanced to Kal for confirmation.

"Of course," the boy said. He cast one last glance at the young
girl before stepping to the side to greet more of his visitors.
Girls meant weakness. Weakness was intolerable. A weak ruler
would be the death of his world. Continuing to chant those
words, Kal presented himself as the picture of perfection as he
greeted his guests.

From her position beside her father, Lois Lane watched as the
rude little boy shook hands with another man. Everything about
him made her skin crawl. He stood, ramrod straight, in his
perfectly tailored suit as he spoke meanly to the adults around
him. He barked orders loudly and his subjects hurried to obey.
Not even his hair dared be out of place. Well, if being a lord
made you act like that, she was glad she was just an ordinary
old girl!

++

Ti-El stepped away from the receiving line, watching the Earth's
first medical team on Krypton depart to their assigned stations.
He fought to hide his smile. It was all happening just as it
should...

The minute research began, dark changes would as well.

Little did Ti know that the start of another kind of change had
begun during that first meeting as well. It might be years and
countless trials before a peaceful coexistence would be
attained, and there would be years of devastation and horror,
but positive change would come... all because a little boy had
met a certain little girl.

++++
Krypton: Year 2117 of the ninth cycle (or September, 1976)
++++

His small arms struggled as he lifted the Dre once again. The
pain was almost unbearable, but he couldn't quit. He hadn't been
told to stop.

'And you never quit', he recalled the words spoken to him almost
daily.

"Aim for the gut, Kal!" Ti shouted at his nephew.

Kal heaved a deep breath, planted his feet, and thrust forward
to plant a devastating blow to his opponent's mid-section,
sending the larger youth flying backwards to land with a thump
on his back.

Ti clapped slowly as his grin spread across his face. "Very
nice. Very nice." He stopped and placed a hand on Kal's
shoulder. "I must say, you fight with the precision of a man."

"Thank you, Milord," Kal replied formally; his uncle had never
encouraged familiarity.

"Now, go prepare for your daily lessons. Education should
include the mind as well as the body."

"Yes, Milord." As Kal deposited the Dre he held on the floor, he
addressed his opponent, "Next time, lead with your left arm. I
could have broken your jaw." He flashed an expression of
absolute contempt at the boy still lying on the floor. Next time
he *would* break his jaw, just to teach him a lesson.

Ti's grin widened. Yes, indeed. Kal was proving to be every bit
the model student.

++

Ti stood at the large window of his state room, looking out over
the palace courtyard, a slow smile spreading across his face.
His scheming had taken ten long years, but reports had recently
begun trickling in of unexplained deaths in the Eastern sector.
An unknown virus had started infecting the population. Because
the source was not known or even the components of the deadly
infection, death was the result. Kryptonian scientists and
medical teams scurried to identify the source and find a cure.
It had been so long since such trivial diseases had affected the
population, they had been caught off guard.

With a smirk, Ti turned to face one of his subjects.

"And those vile creatures on that ball of trash? Have there been
cases of this virus there yet?"

"Reports from Earth should be coming in most any day, Milord,"
the man informed Ti. "I was assured the virus has been
planted."

"Very good." Ti downed the drink he held, then waved his hand to
dismiss the young man from his presence. In his mind, he was
already reviewing the accident that would be necessary to take
the life of the guard who'd just left his office. One couldn't
afford to have too many loose ends. With any luck, all hell
would break loose in the next few weeks and the population would
be forced to scurry for their lives.

++++
Krypton: Year 2120 in the sixth cycle (or June, 1979)
++++

Ti's fury grew by the second as he watched Kal from a distance
down the corridor. The boy was... flirting with a girl. They
were both smiling and laughing. This was an outrage! Didn't the
boy know there was about to be a war?! The man marched up to his
nephew and cleared his throat loudly.

Kal immediately grew silent and turned slowly to face his uncle.
He'd known what he was doing was inappropriate in the eyes of
his uncle, but he'd been unable to help himself. His body was
changing so rapidly lately and the female population held
tremendously more appeal as the days passed.

"What are you doing, Kal-El?"

"I was just speaking with her, Milord."

The girl took the time to slip away from the confrontation she
saw coming.

Ti continued to stare down at his young lord. Maybe it was time
to start Kal's manhood training. The boy was extremely advanced
in all other areas, and this one appeared to be no different.
But right now there were more pressing issues.

The man sighed and reached out to squeeze his nephew's shoulder.
"It is time to start the second phase of your training." He
steered Kal in the direction of the communications room. "In due
course we will address this matter, but you are needed now."

Kal went along silently. He'd heard of the 'manhood' training
that lords underwent during their teenage years, but because he
was First Lord and fairly sheltered from the general population,
he wasn't exactly sure what it was. Like everything else in
Kal's life, education was imperative to his position and he
would embrace this new instruction with all the zeal and
enthusiasm he'd embraced any other instruction. But...

"Milord," Kal asked Ti. "What is so urgent? Has something
happened? Does it concern the issues surrounding the virus
outbreak of 2117?"

"Indeed, Kal-El. We've received communications that several
members of the Kryptonian research team on Earth has been
attacked by a group determined to rid the planet of our
people."

Kal stopped and stared up at his uncle, now all business. He'd
started strategic and military logistical training when he
turned eleven. Though only 13, Kal had already proven in
simulations that he could very well lead his forces during
battle.

"How many casualties?"

"First estimates near a hundred or more."

"Then there's little time to waste." Kal hurried toward the
communications room, Ti on his heels.

The older lord's plans had fallen into place perfectly. The
virus that had affected the population in 2117 had lasted for
more than two years and had taken the lives of more than 100,000
Kryptonian men, women, and children before a source and a cure
could be found. Several drugs had been produced to slow the
disease, but the true cure took more than two years to find.
What had shocked and appalled the population as well as the
Council was that the virus strain had been carried from Earth.
Similar to the common cold, which had been cured in the last
century, the vicious bacteria would attack the respiratory
system, eventually leading to severe pneumonia and ultimately
resulting in death. Needless to say, Kryptonians were uncertain
how to handle the situation.

Of course, the very same strain had affected the population of
Earth, too. More than 200,000 victims fell there. As with those
on Krypton, Earth was torn over the situation. They pointed the
blame across the galaxy. The result, just as Ti had
orchestrated, was a huge rift in diplomatic relations between
the two planets. For more than a year, tensions boiled just
below the surface, ending in an attack by a rebel group against
Kryptonian citizens living on a campus in Tokyo.

++

Kal hurried to the bank of computers that had been built for
communications both with other Kryptonian vessels and with
various world leaders on Earth. Though as advanced as
technologically possible, instant communication across the
galaxy was not possible. More often than not, information was
hours old by the time it reached the palace. For speedier
transmissions, information was passed between transports at
various points along the distance between planets. Still, this
form of communication took time.

"You do not need to be here, Milord," said Trey. As chief of the
elders, he held supreme power until Kal officially took the
Throne. And even after, Trey would hold disciplinary power to
rebuke the lord should he break the law.

"I think he does, Trey," Ti was quick to tell the lord. "His
training has been extensive. Let him prove his worth."

"But, Lord Ti, the lord is only in his thirteenth year," Trey
argued.

"And we're both here should he make the wrong decision."

Trey finally sighed and bowed to indicate that Lord Kal should
proceed.

Kal stepped up to the computers and addressed the admiral
sitting at the controls. "How many casualties?"

"One hundred one, Milord," the admiral informed him as he held
out the most recent transcript.

"And the situation?"

"The remaining citizens are only forty nine. Two of our top
scientists have perished."

"Who is in charge there?"

"President Zhing. However, he denies involvement in this
affair." The admiral passed over a transcript of the
communications with President Zhing.

Kal read for a few moments before turning back to the admiral.
"Have we got a transport en route?"

"There was a transport just outside Earth's atmosphere. It was
there to evacuate our citizens from the planet because of the
breakdown in diplomatic relations."

"You mean, this group attacked knowing we were pulling out?" Kal
was appalled. He'd learned in classes that kind of action was
inexcusable in military strategy. A great nation should face its
opponent head on.

"We should strike back, Milord," Ti told him.

"We shouldn't be rash," Trey pointed out.

Just as Kal was about to make a suggestion, another transcript
was printed from the computers.

"'We're being attacked! Request permission to fire! Request
permission to fire!'"

Kal's eyes shot around to his uncle's.

"Our forces are under fire, Kal-El. What does a
commander-in-chief do in this situation?"

Kal turned and his hand hovered over the keyboard.

"Kal-El, we have to move," Ti told him with urgency. "By the
time our communications reach our forces, it could be too late."
When Kal stood in indecision, the lord turned to Trey. "Should
we remain rash now? Our men are dying!"

Another communication was printed out. "'I repeat,'" it read,
"'we're under attack! Request permission to fire!'"

Kal glanced at his uncle once again, unable to give the order
demanded. It was so easy in the simulation exercises, but no one
died there. People would die here; real, live people!

Trey rushed forward and typed furiously. The communication that
went forth read, "'This is Lord Trey. Permission to fire
granted! Defend yourselves at all costs!'"

Silence engulfed the room as Kal stared blankly at the bank of
computers. He'd seen enough holograms to know what would happen
now. And the Kryptonian weaponry was much more advanced than
that of the Earth forces. There would be hundreds of casualties.
All they could do now was await word that it was over, that
Earth had once again been devastated by Kryptonian forces. He
looked up when Ti grasped his shoulder.

"It's what's most prudent, Kal. A strong ruler can never show
weakness."

"But there will be hundreds of deaths," Kal told him.

"Hopefully not our forces." Kal glanced down at the computers
again. "Kal, death is part of life, part of war. It cannot be
avoided. And we do what we have to do to survive."

Kal had to admit his uncle was right. Death, life... one was
part of the other. "Very well, Milord." The young man turned,
dreadfully waiting for the news of the destruction he was
positive his world would soon reap.

Ti stepped up to Trey's side. "We should send a regiment that
has not been inoculated against the effects of the yellow sun."

Trey turned horrified eyes to Ti. "That's where I draw the line,
Ti-El. You've seen the devastation just two superpowered men can
do to a world. Think of what a whole regiment can do."

"And how incredibly quickly this could all be over with?" Ti
shot right back.

"For whom? Let us not forget that *we* wrote those humanitarian
laws. It would be unlawful to break them... even for us." Trey
stared down the other lord, adamant that the Council would not
waver on this decision.

Ti heaved his indignation at the Council Chief before turning
back to focus on the various transcripts of the events taking
place a galaxy away. How he loathed that insufferable man! He'd
wanted Trey to join his team, but learned years ago that the man
was loyal to the House of El. Trey had taken his position as
chief of the Council just two years before Jor-El was placed
upon the Throne. Almost the same age, Jor and Trey had grown up
and studied together. The two had also developed somewhat of a
friendship. Ti had taken great pleasure during Jor's trial
witnessing the obvious distress the Council Chief was under. It
had been quite difficult for Trey to accept the idea that a man
as honorable as Jor had always been, could have committed crimes
against his very own people. For Ti, it hadn't hurt one bit that
Trey had suffered more than others during certain phases of his
plans. It only heightened the irony of it all.

++

Krypton dealt a lethal blow to the island of Japan. A good
portion of the city of Tokyo had been destroyed. The Japanese
forces surrendered quickly and a team of diplomats from Krypton
were sent for a summit with all of Earth's world leaders. The
summit lasted more than three months. It was finally agreed that
only fifty researchers from each world would stay on the
opposite world. Both civilizations realized the importance of
advancing the sciences, but had witnessed the devastation of not
utilizing all avenues of communications. Satellites and
computers would be more widely utilized and peace talks would be
ongoing. Though not all of their differences had been worked
out, the major battles had been settled.

Having Earth exactly where he wanted it for the time being, Ti
concentrated his efforts on Kal's 'manhood' training. A lord's
'manhood' training included sexual education as well as what was
perceived to be 'proper etiquette' in dealing with the opposite
sex. Of course, where Kal was concerned, Ti would make sure the
young man's perception included the right mix of arrogance and
power.

The sexual workings of the female body were detailed. Such
instruction was deemed necessary to a wife's satisfaction with
her husband, hopefully enough so that she would agree to produce
many heirs to ensure the continuation of the noble line. For a
logical people, such perversion should have been out of place.
However, men ruled Krypton and with their arrogance certain
customs and practices were adopted, most simply to satisfy their
desires. Thus, the need to 'control' their lives and everything
in it, including the women.

Ti told Kal that a man was happier when he sought the physical
gratification of his body. Growing up ridiculed for being born a
mistress' son, had led Ti to instruct Kal closely concerning
concubines and children. 'It would be wise not to procreate at
all with anyone other than your wife,' he'd imparted to his
nephew. The law might grant a concubine's child many of the
rights and priveleges of nobility, but it also bred hatred for
those things not afforded that same child. Ti certainly didn't
want to have to deal with a bitter bastard child of Kal's
somewhere down the line.

'Take precautions,' Ti had told the younger El, 'when you share
your bed with caregivers and concubines.' Though the older man
was adamant about not producing children with one's mistress, he
passionately supported Kal having as many affairs as the young
man saw fit to keep him satisfied.

'Dominance is a man's right,' Ti informed the teenager. 'And
becoming emotionally involved in any way, to *any* woman, would
be the mostly costly mistake ever made.'

With constant reminders from Lord Ti about the weakness he'd
displayed during the skirmish with Japan, Kal wasn't entirely
sure his pride could withstand another blow dealt from a weak
mind. So, Kal embraced his new training and Ti led instruction
with the knowledge that Kal would be shaped into the image he'd
perceived perfectly.

++++
Krypton: Year 2125 of the second cycle (or February, 1984)
++++

Kal had completed his formal training two full years before
others his age, the fruit of individual instruction and advanced
intelligence. This early completion of his formal education
afforded Kal more time to spend preparing to take the Throne on
his twenty-first birthday. At sixteen, Kal was introduced to his
birth wife, Zara. He quickly assessed her as spoiled and too
outspoken for her position. He looked forward to their union and
making her conform to proper station.

Over the next two years, Kal began to attend more and more
Council proceedings, diplomatic conferences with Earth, and
traveled both to other districts on Krypton and to Earth. Under
Ti's subtle guidance, Kal began to form pictures of how he would
like to see things changed.

And change had already begun. Relations with Earth had steadily
gone in the direction that Ti wanted. The battle with the rebel
forces in Japan had sealed the image Ti was trying to establish
Krypton to be. The people of Earth now feared another
devastating blow from the more powerful sister planet. Talks
grew more and more tense, eventually leading to the dissolution
of the Inter-Planetary Research Foundation. All non-citizens
were immediately transported back to their home world and a no
trespass order was issued by each planet. Of course, Earth
really had no means to travel to Krypton. Their technology, even
with Kryptonian help, had not advanced that far. And Kryptonian
leaders had not been foolish enough to provide Earthlings with a
means for space travel -- yet another way they continued to
express their dominance.

Ti couldn't be more pleased. Things were progressing just as
planned. Earthlings viewed Kryptonians the way he wanted them
to, and each day proved to be more fruitful where his nephews
were concerned. They were stoic, unemotional beings. A perfect
incarnation of the visions the elder El had manifested during
his youth.

++

Kal's eighteenth year marked his 'coming of age'. In a
traditional ceremony, the Council sanctioned the First Lord's
right to further his manhood training under the guidance of
professionals. In other words, they gave him permission to
engage in sexual activities. While it was unlawful for a woman
to enter into her birth marriage soiled, young noblemen were
encouraged to perfect their sexual expertise in order to keep
their wives contented. Of course, if the wife failed to please
her husband, he was free to seek out his pleasure in the form of
concubines and caregivers.

In short, the men of Krypton were not unlike those of Earth.
Both sought pleasure in women, welcomed physical release. But
Kryptonian views on marriage were radically different, and
fidelity didn't exist, except to the government. Men, noble men,
could have as many affairs as they desired. The women, however,
were expected to remain faithful, the exception being
caregivers. Further, nobility were united at birth and marriage
was considered a duty. Divorce was unlawful except under certain
conditions, mostly of treasonous nature.

The same was not true for the lesser classes of the population.
The lowest class was those of servitude: attendants, laborers,
professional caregivers, and so on. If one was unfortunate
enough to be born into this class, their entire line was forced
into service. The lucky people were born into a kind house and
would be provided for very well. Others simply strove to make it
from one day to the next.

A middle class consisted of noble guards, professional workers
such as physicians and scientists, and instructors. Though held
in high esteem by nobility, there was still no mixing of the
classes. People from both the lower and middle classes were free
to marry anyone of their choosing, provided their mate remained
inside the same class. All was tradition on Krypton that dated
back almost as long as the planet had existed.

Ti, being completely Kryptonian, had also taken ample time to
impart on Kal his personal wisdom of marriages and women. Ti had
ignored the young man's hormones and convinced him that a
strong, powerful ruler would enter into his birth marriage
clean. Kal's wife had been chosen because of longstanding
tradition and it was crucial that he claim her confidently and
boldly. Ti explained that remaining unsoiled until his union
would ensure a bridge of trust with the birth wife; an
uncooperative wife could make Kal's, and Ti's, life
insufferable. And too, it was easier for Ti to deal with Kal
*without* interference from overactive hormones. The older lord
knew too well that young men who'd had their first sexual
experience were often consumed with desire. He wasn't about to
risk years of carefully crafted plans because Kal couldn't keep
his uniform on!

And his training ran deep, so it wasn't hard for Kal to agree to
remain unsoiled until he was united with his wife. Ti knew
exactly how to manipulate his nephew to his liking, and soon the
young man began to look forward to 'taking what was his.'

++

Talks between Earth and Krypton finally reached an uneasy
compromise. It was agreed that the leaders of Earth would allow
the First Lord himself and the Council to return for a summit in
the hopes that some accord could be reached in a personal
exchange. Kal, in his youthful exuberance, was thrilled to have
the chance to make a return visit to the sister planet. He
hadn't visited since he was a child and with preconceived ideas
instilled by his uncle, Kal looked forward to assessing the
weaker planet. He'd already decided that when he took reign, the
'sister' planet would become a complete Kryptonian nation.

Kal arrived in a small town just outside the cities of
Metropolis and New York where he was greeted by the President of
the United States, the Japanese President, the British Prime
Minister, and several other world leaders. A large park served
as the informal setting for the meeting.

"It is nice to finally meet you, Milord," the US President told
Kal.

"Long overdue," Kal returned with a firm handshake. Since his
last meeting with the head of the country, there had been a
couple of elections and there was a new leader. "Shall we try to
reach some form of agreement over our continued
communications?"

"All business and right to the point," the leader told Kal. "I
like that." He turned and held up his hand in the direction of a
building just across the way.

As they walked the distance across the expansive lawn, Kal
couldn't help but look around this other world. It was brighter,
louder than his world. People were rushing about, attending to
the business of their lives, unaware that their fates might be
determined today.

Once inside a large conference room, the meeting began with the
young lord quickly establishing himself as spokesman for his
world. He made points and suggestions that men twice his age had
failed to touch. To say the powerful men of Earth were impressed
was an understatement. Kal-El had certainly proven that when he
took the Throne, he would be a very capable ruler.

As part of their continued bridge to peace, Kal was given a tour
of some of the larger cities. First stop was the heart of
Metropolis, where he visited some of the large institutions and
centers. The American President felt that if the First Lord
could get a taste of life on Earth and a feel for what people
were really like on the sister planet, Kal would make more
compassionate decisions and a permanent trust might be
established.

A stop on the tour included the Metropolis Institute for the
Advancement of Medicine. Inside one of the laboratories, Kal was
reacquainted with a man he'd met as a child.

"Lord Kal-El, I'd like to introduce you to head researcher, Dr.
Sam Lane." The President held up his hand toward the
white-haired gentleman.

"I believe the lord and I have met," Sam said as he grasped
Kal's hand.

"I must say that your name sounds familiar," Kal agreed.

"I was part of the first research team that came to Krypton."

Kal furrowed his brows in concentration for a moment before
dawning came. "Ah, yes. During my eighth year."

"It's good to see you again, Milord." Sam released his hand and
smiled. "You've certainly grown."

Kal merely nodded at the man. "As I must." He turned to take a
look around Sam's lab. "This facility seems to be very
advanced."

"Yes. Due in part to help from your world."

Kal turned back to the man after studying the various
instruments. "I must admit that,	 until this trip, I was unsure
of what this world had to offer mine. I was certain that a world
as advanced as Krypton could not possibly need the help of a
fledging world..."

"Kind of egotistical of you there, Lord," came the voice of a
young woman who had stepped up to join the conversation.

Sam shot the girl a glance that clearly meant for her to hush,
but Kal hadn't noticed. His eyes were glued to the girl. He'd
never seen such a lovely young woman before. She was a small
figure with long, dark hair and piercing brown eyes. But what
caught Kal's attention was the air of confidence she seemed to
radiate.

Dr. Lane turned to Kal, clearly embarrassed. "Milord, you
remember my daughter?"

At once, the first time he'd seen this girl came rushing back.
His mind allowed him to recall that moment of hesitation he'd
felt during their initial meeting. "Miss Lane," Kal said, his
mind reaching for her name. What was it? Lois! Yes, that was it.
She'd been most obnoxious the few times Kal had seen her while
she'd been on his world. Though he'd dubbed her trouble, his
subconscious had filed her away in some distant corner of his
mind. "Lois, was it?"

"You remember?" she asked as she glanced at Kal's offered hand.

His lips quirked in what could have almost been perceived as a
smile when she refused to take his hand. He let the limb drop
back to his side before speaking again. "How could I forget? You
insulted me every time I saw you."

"I only told the truth... and I'm not sorry I did," she told him
with a firm set to her jaw.

"You were not asked to offer an apology," Kal told her, somewhat
amused with her outspoken behavior.

"She will be though," Sam spoke up and shot a threatening glance
at Lois.

"I will not apologize for speaking what I believe," Lois told
her father defiantly.

"Lois, please." Sam's jaw was tightened and he spoke through
clenched teeth.

Kal was slightly taken aback for a moment. He'd heard that women
on this world were defiant, but to witness it was another matter
altogether.

Lois noticed Kal's expression and quickly leapt to drill him
about it. "What's-a-matter, *Kal*?..."

Everyone around Kal took an audible gasp when she used his
name.

"He's the First Lord, Lois," her father hissed.

"It's strange, huh? Seeing a *female* actually have something to
say," Lois continued as if she hadn't heard her father.

Kal finally found his voice. He'd been much younger when she'd
insulted him before. He wasn't about to stand by for her to do
it now. "The female population of my world has plenty to say.
'Yes, Milord' and 'What may I do to please you' are among the
most memorable comments from both intelligent and *stubborn*
women!" Kal's anger had peaked slightly and he took a half step
toward Lois.

"I may be stubborn, but at least I'm not an assh..." Her father
quickly covered her mouth to keep the rest of her insult from
coming out.

"You will say no more!" Sam turned his head to look at Kal. "I
offer you my most humble apology, Milord."

"As you should," agreed Trey quickly. "The First Lord does not
have to be subject to these outbursts. We came to Earth on
invitation..."

"Lord Trey," started the President. "I assure you this situation
will be handled."

"Enough," Kal said in a firm voice without taking his eyes from
Lois. Her outburst had unexpectedly sent a burst of fire through
his body. Rather than being perturbed by Lois, he was...
entranced. But he had to rectify the situation immediately. She
was female; she was weakness. And weakness was something he
could not afford.

"I will forget this took place." With that, Kal turned and left
the room.

The President stepped up to speak into Sam's ear. "For your
sake, you should send that girl for formal training."

Sam nodded his head before turning to point his daughter in the
direction of his office. She glared at him before stomping away.
The doctor could only sigh and follow. What would he do with
her?

++

Kal had said he'd forget the incident in Sam's lab took place,
but his mind wouldn't let him do that. The feisty young woman's
image kept coming to him over and over. Never before had he
witnessed such an outburst from a female member of the
population. Women on Krypton rarely spoke in public, and they
certainly never insulted a man! What kind of barbarians were
Earthlings rearing their daughters to be?

Suddenly Kal was brought from his thoughts by a loud boom.

"What was that?!"

"I'm unsure, Milord," came the voice of the driver.

Another boom followed; it sounded like an explosion and this
time it was close enough to be felt. The vehicle they were
riding in shook violently, jarring the passengers inside.

"Get the President underground," came the voice of one of the
Secret Service agents over the radio in the front of the
vehicle.

The convoy raced through the streets of Metropolis to an
underground bunker while explosion after explosion took place
around them. It would be more than an hour later before they
discovered what had happened.

++

From his position sitting behind his desk inside the State Room
of the royal palace back on Krypton, Lord Ti-El gazed out into
the night sky. His mind was fixed on what he knew was taking
place a galaxy away. For months he'd been planning this event.
He'd chosen his army carefully and meticulously -- a group of
Earthlings who were tired of the way their world was being run.
Negotiations took place and agreements were reached. A small
attack vessel, along with a few Kryptonian rebels had been
conveniently lost in space, then 'found' by a group of
'concerned citizens'. The rebels on Earth were taught how to fly
the vessel and use the weaponry, then patiently awaited Ti's
order to attack. He'd chosen the time when Kal-El would be on
Earth. They believed him when he'd told them that if the First
Lord died, Ti would be made ruler and appoint the rogue general
to a mighty and important position on Earth.

Ti smiled slightly, knowing Metropolis was under serious fire.

++

"Milord, from what we can ascertain, these forces were gunning
for you," a guard informed Lord Kal-El.

"What?!" Kal was in disbelief. Had the invitation to come to
this planet been a ruse so he could be killed? He turned to the
President for an explanation.

"Believe me, Milord, I have no idea who is responsible for
this," the President hastened to inform him.

The ground shook as the fire got closer.

"We have no choice but to defend ourselves," Trey told him
regretfully.

The young man sank to a chair and stared across the room. The
situation was just like the one during his thirteenth year all
over again. Except this time, *he* was the one being fired
upon.

"Milord?" Trey asked, "Should I give the order?"

All of his training insisted this was the only avenue. Under
attack, you fight back. Yet, some part of him would not allow
him to give the order to send countless numbers to their deaths,
even though he was the target of their aggression.

And countless deaths were exactly what it would be. Kryptonian
forces were too strong for those of Earth. Untold millions would
die if the fight escalated beyond the constant bombing going on
outside.

Trey took a deep breath before turning to a guard. "Defend your
First Lord."

"Yes, Milord." The guard hurried from the room to convey his
order.

"You can't do that! Earth will not recover," the President said
desperately. "Lord Kal, please don't allow them to do this."

Kal would have heard most any other suggestion, but none was
forthcoming as he stared up at his Council Chief.

"It's what must be done. Your life hangs in the balance,
Milord," Trey told him.

"I have no choice," Kal finally managed in a strangled whisper.

"As Council Chief, my first priority is the protection of my
lord," Trey informed the President. "The safety of your world is
secondary here."

The President's eyes filled with anguish and he sank to a chair.
He knew the horrible destruction that would follow.

++++
April 1984 (or Year 2125 in the forth cycle)
++++

The President stepped up and bowed to Kal-El. The attack on the
city of Metropolis had escalated into something just short of
complete and total devastation for much of Eastern United
States. The rebel forces had not only acquired a Kryptonian
attack ship, but several ground-to-air weapons as well. When the
order was given to defend themselves, Kryptonian forces launched
immediately.

Though certainly more adept at military strategy, the Royal Army
received quite a fight from the rebel forces. After only a week
of constant fighting and thousands of deaths, mostly innocent
civilians, the rebel forces were rendered powerless. The
President and majority of the Earth's leaders agreed that the
only hope for survival after such devastation, compounded by the
mass destruction of years past, was to become an official
Kryptonian nation. A summit was organized aboard the Royal
Palace and one by one, the leaders of the world bowed to their
new ruler.

The Council had moved quickly, refusing to give Kal much say in
the events that led to this moment, actions completely in
contrast to their past political standing with the sister
planet. The education he'd received to become ruler of his
people had prepared him for such events, and he'd fully intended
to make Earth a Kryptonian nation in the future. Yet, that
education and knowledge had failed to include information
regarding how he'd 'feel' about any situation. Though he
remembered the voice of his uncle telling him that he should be
proud he'd conquered an entire world, he didn't feel like he'd
conquered anything.

He'd seen the faces of those fighting for their very lives; he'd
learned a little of the lives that these people led. He might
have been stowed away in a bunker or on the royal transport
during much of the trip to Earth, but he was not deaf. He could
hear the desperation in the many voices around him, the pure
anguish and defeat.

"... from this day forth... be your humble servant..."

Kal focused long enough to hear the end of the President's
speech, then bowed before he spoke. "As a nation of Krypton,
this world shall thrive again. Welcome to my service." As if on
autopilot, he responded with the appropriate words, the
appropriate actions.

Is that what they were doing? Going through he motions?

"Kal-El," the crowd announced as they'd been instructed to do,
ripping him from further contemplation.

The President had led the conference to make this choice,
fearing the whole world would perish if he hadn't. He dropped
his sorrowful eyes to the ground and heaved a deep breath. Maybe
death would have been better.

++++
Krypton: Year 2125 in the sixth cycle (or June 1984)
++++

Kal hurried down the corridor toward Council Chambers. The royal
transport had just docked from its extensive trip to Earth and
so much had happened that he hadn't planned on. But there wasn't
much he could do about it now. In his absence and in the absence
of the Council, Ti-El had been provisionary ruler. When news of
the attack on Earth reached Krypton, Ti immediately formed a
team to discover the traitor who had been able to smuggle an
entire ship, crew, and so many weapons from the planet. Under
the newly formed task force a small group believed to be at
fault was arrested, tried, and executed immediately.

Kal received news of the trial just a day before docking back on
Krypton. For the first time in his life, he was extremely angry
that his uncle would act so rashly. He'd always somewhat feared
Ti-El, but in the short time he'd been on Earth, Kal had aged
well beyond his years, and he viewed Ti's actions as reckless.

The lord burst through the doors of the Council Chambers causing
Ti to raise his head from where he sat looking over transcripts
before him.

"Ti-El, what have you done?!"

Ti raised his brows at the young man; Kal's use of his name
apparently surprising him as much as the anger dancing behind
his nephew's eyes. He waved his hand for the guards to close the
doors, then rose to his feet. "How dare you question me?! I am
your teacher! My wisdom far exceeds your youth!"

Kal stopped and stared at his uncle. "Milord, you should not
have acted so rashly."

"Rash? You think I was rash?" Ti pushed a file across to Kal.
"Every detail is in there. There was no mistake. I acted well
within the law."

Kal lifted the file and began to read through the transcripts.
When he was done, he had to admit that the law had been followed
to the letter. Before he could speak, Trey entered the room.

"Lord Ti-El, explain yourself!" He took the file Kal held out to
him, looked over the information, then said, "You will still
have to face a formal review."

"Yes, I'm aware of that," Ti told Trey.

"Very well. There is much to do now." Trey left the chambers and
the lord with his uncle.

"Kal, what I've done was for your protection. What would this
world be like if men like that were allowed to remain alive?"

The young man agreed that an attack against his own people was
not something he wanted. It would be years before Earth
resembled a livable civilization again. He certainly didn't want
to take the Throne to a mess like that right here at his own
doorstep. Yet, there was a part of him that just couldn't grasp
everything that had happened.

"Has an intense probe been done?" Kal rubbed his eyes, suddenly
feeling very tired. "We need to know how deep this goes."

Ti relaxed his stance. "I have combed the population and have
not found further betrayal. I would trust that the task force
I've formed will be kept in tact to continue to keep such
treason from happening again."

"Yes, of course. The Council is going to appoint a lord to be
provisionary ruler on Earth as well."

Ti blanched at that. "I can't say I envy that, Lord."

"There will be those that will jump at the chance to rule a
world."

"Most certainly." Ti watched his nephew drop heavily into a
chair. "What it is, Milord?"

"I'm still not sure how this whole protected nation thing came
about," Kal told his uncle.

"Kal, you will inherit not one, but two worlds."

"I know, I know, but..." Kal leaned forward with his elbows
resting on the table. He was sure he'd had every argument he
could possibly have with himself. But something continued to eat
at him.

Ti stepped up and laid his hand on Kal's shoulder. "It will all
work out, Milord. You'll see."

Kal sighed heavily, then rose. "I'm sure you're right."

"I am. Believe in my wisdom, Kal. I have taught you well. You
hold two worlds in your hands just waiting to be shaped. Don't
allow sentiment to cloud your judgment and crush either one."

The young man nodded slowly before leaving the room. With great
power also came great responsibility. In two and half short
years, it would all belong to him. Kal prayed to Zor for the
wisdom to sustain him.

++++
Krypton: Year 2128 in the second cycle (or February, 1987)
++++

Kal stood upon the platform overlooking the palace courtyard as
throngs of people awaited the moment Trey would declare him the
official First Lord of Krypton. The royal crown was taken from
the holding case, where it had been since Jor's execution, and
placed upon his head. He recited the ceremonial declaration and
bowed deeply to his subjects.

Though he'd been First Lord since his youth, Kal had been
limited in his position. Not anymore. Today his world truly
became his. He inherited not one, but two worlds, to shape into
something extraordinary. He'd embraced his education with high
expectations, only faltering slightly when Earth was declared a
'protected Kryptonian nation'. He'd stubbornly dismissed his
distress as a moment of weakness and vowed to take stern control
of his Throne.

He would also be the kind of ruler his father hadn't been.

A satisfied smirk marred his usually stoic expression as he
turned back to Trey for the second half of his ceremony. His
birth union to Zara would also be sanctioned this day.

Zara was a stranger to Kal; he knew her only from communications
with her father, had only met her once. It was believed that
marital relations would be more profitable if the bride and
groom were not allowed to get to know each other before the
union. Kal had looked forward to those relations for some time
now. He grasped Zara's hand with a strong male confidence and
recited the ancient words to bind him to his wife. Not only
would he take control of his world today, he would assert his
authority over his house.

++

Kal heaved as he struggled to catch his breath. When he could
breathe again, he fell over on his back beside Zara.

"Most pleasurable," he said softly, obviously thrilled with his
first sexual experience.

Following the union ceremony and an elaborate celebration, Kal
and Zara had been led to the bridal chamber by the Council, as
was tradition. While Kal had appeared excited, Zara dreaded
every second. There was an awkward silence for several moments
before he'd told her to sit, explaining his expectations of her,
both inside bed chambers and out.

"Milord, our union is a duty to me. I will perform it
flawlessly," she'd told him with no emotion.

She had been nervous as Kal had undressed before her. Completely
nude, he'd terrified her, evident even to him in the slight
tremble of her body. The young lord slowly and deliberately took
the lead. Though she hadn't enjoyed the experience as Kal had,
Zara hadn't protested either. For years she'd been told that
Kal-El was a serious man, unemotional, with little time for
anything other than rule of his worlds. And he'd proven it
clearly.

The young wife hadn't minded Kal's treatment, though. As the man
receives 'manhood' training, the woman receives 'womanhood'
training. Zara knew exactly the things to do to convince Kal
that all was well. Those kinds of lessons had proven necessary
to allow women betrothed to unlikable nobles to cope. Although
noble women considered it a great honor to fulfill her duty to
her world, it was never said they had to like it.

+

Kal rubbed his hand across his stomach, then sat up to look at
Zara. He hadn't told her she could get dressed, so she'd
remained where she was. "Zara, I know you did not enjoy this
experience as I did. My uncle has told me of the 'womanhood'
training."

The young woman slowly sat up, eyes wide with surprise.

"Relax," Kal told her. "I do not fault you for how you feel. I
know you see our marriage as a duty. I also view this marriage
as a duty. That is the only way we could thrive in our appointed
positions." He shifted to face her more fully. "I cannot lie and
say I hadn't looked forward to this night. I have saved myself
in hopes that we would form a strong bond."

"I am most pleased you chose to share my awkwardness and loss of
innocence with me, Milord."

"But I am afraid it has not created the bond I sought." He
looked at her with expectant eyes. He'd asked her how she truly
felt.

Zara looked down as she spoke. "This is my duty. I will perform
it to the best of my ability."

"And would you prefer to do that as friends or enemies?" Kal
wanted a more direct answer. This woman was a stranger to him.
He wasn't indifferent to her, nor was he partial to her. He
felt, that given time, they could coexist in harmony, if she was
so inclined.

Zara lifted her eyes to look at him. "I would prefer to do it as
acquaintances," she told him truthfully.

"Very well." Kal climbed from the bed and slipped his robe on.
"Welcome to the House of El, Lady Zara." He bowed and left her
alone. Once inside his own bed chamber, Kal had to admit that he
felt a sense of relief that his wife didn't want to become more
intimate inside the bounds of their marriage. There was
something about her he just didn't care for. Besides, if he
didn't have to coddle some woman, he'd have more time to rule
his worlds.

++

Ti-El couldn't be more pleased with his nephew. The young man
had only taken reign of his world three months prior and already
had set the Council afire. The very day following his official
crowning and union, Kal ordered a meeting of the Council. During
chambers he set forth new protocol as it pertained to his reign.
There were guidelines issued for the proper performance of duty,
consequences outlined for failure, and three new task forces
instituted to assess the state of the world and that of Earth.
Appointments were made and new orders issued. Kal ran a tight
ship for a leader of such tender youth, insisting on nothing
less than perfection, proving it over and over in the few shorts
months he'd been ruler.

Ti smiled again as he stared across at the young lord in his
thoughts. Kal was talking to one of his admirals about
preparations for a trip to Earth. The young ruler was unaware of
the true state of that little world. Yes, it was being rebuilt,
but not for its population. It was being rebuilt for the good of
Krypton. The vast resources were being utilized for gain of the
controlling world while the population of Earth was slowly
forced into servitude.

++++
Krypton: Year 2128 of the sixth cycle (or June 1987)
++++

Kal entered the communications room of the palace, quickly
received the nightly report, then retired to the study for
cocktails with his uncle.

Ti looked up at the young man when Kal entered the room. "Kal,
my boy. You're looking well."

"I'm feeling well, Milord." Kal sat opposite the older man and
reached for the offered glass an attendant held for him. He took
a generous swallow before looking over at his uncle. "And you?
How is my uncle?"

"Your uncle is very happy at the moment. I have just left
chambers and a very skilled caregiver."

"Ah." Kal watched the blue liquid in his glass, his thoughts
drifting to the night before. He'd summoned Zara, hoping to
create at least a bridge between them. However, the young man
had been far from happy about their time together.

With each night that passed with his wife, Kal grew more and
more dissatisfied. Zara was extremely unresponsive, leaving him
cold and frustrated. Yet, his arrogance kept him from seeking
the attentions of a caregiver. He felt that she should conform
to *him*, his needs and desires. Not just merely perform her
duty. Each time he sent for her he'd tell himself that she
*would* do as he said, even if he had to force her. And each
time some part of him refused to cooperate with him in his
bravado. Instead, he'd stumble through their encounter as
quickly as possible, then send Zara away.

Ti's brows knitted as he studied his nephew. "What is it, Kal?
Are there problems within the chambers?"

Kal looked over at his uncle, took a sip from his glass, then
sighed. "To tell the truth, I've been more concerned with my
worlds than my loins." Not a total lie, but for the first time
in his life, Kal was unable to tell his uncle the truth.

Ti laughed heartily. Yes, indeed, he'd taught the boy well.
"Very admirable, but a man must keep himself happy. Now,
wouldn't you like me to recommend the services of a skilled
professional?"

For a brief moment, Kal thought it odd one should think of women
that way. Skilled professional? Was that how others viewed
caregivers? Were they truly skilled?

"I would think your wife would keep you satisfied," Ti continued
before Kal could answer. "However, a man can find an abundance
of... variety with others."

Kal wanted to ask what Ti meant by variety, but decided he
didn't want to know. And he wasn't sure seeking out a caregiver
was wise either.

As if sensing what the younger man was thinking, Ti spoke.
"Milord, why do you hesitate in this matter? You are well within
your rights to seek out whomever is most capable of pleasing
you."

"I know this, Milord." Kal sat up and placed his glass on the
table before him with a notable thud.

"Then do it, Kal," the man urged. "There are things those women
do that I'm sure a noble woman never would."

"And why is that, Lord Ti?" Kal asked, suddenly very perturbed.
"Why is it that even inside chambers with your own wife, does a
noble man feel the need to be so reserved? We are instructed on
how to treat her, yet she's only instructed on how to pretend.
Why shouldn't her womanhood training include the same kind of
instruction?"

"Please don't tell me you've developed emotions towards your
wife," Ti said in disgust.

Kal was shocked into silence. Had he developed emotions toward
his wife? He often thought about her when she left him, both
inside and outside chambers. A few times he'd caught himself
wondering what kind of person she was. He'd even thought to
speak with her in a less formal tone. But emotions? As in strong
feelings? That was an entirely foreign concept for his logical,
unemotional race. Yes, he felt... *something* for Zara, but
strong emotion was not it.

"Not in that sense."

"Thank Zor. You've seen how emotion and sentiment have corrupted
Earth. Don't allow that to happen here."

"Rest assured, the interests of my worlds are foremost in my
mind."

"Then it seems to me you're just frustrated otherwise." Ti
smiled at his nephew. "Nothing a good caregiver can't take care
of."

Kal sighed heavily. He *was* very frustrated physically. "Maybe
you're right."

"Quite," Ti agreed. "Shall I call for one?"

Kal rose from his chair. "Yes. Send her to the guest chamber in
the State Wing." He turned and strode from the room. He might
have decided to seek out another woman to share a chamber with
him, but he'd be damned if she'd share his personal space.

++++

The many stars that stretched into the farthest reaches of black
void suddenly seemed so menacing as Lois sat on the platform of
a Kryptonian vessel bound for a world and life that she greatly
feared. She, along with about fifty more Earthlings, had signed
a pact with the Kryptonian Council. Though a great deal of
reconstruction had been completed, living conditions on Earth
were still not the most hospitable. Many people struggled
desperately to survive. Many were forced into service of the
Kryptonian throne, and lately, there had been others who signed
agreements to serve on Krypton for a period of one year, in
whatever capacity the royal court chose for them, in order to
return to Earth in a more profitable capacity.

It had been a long few years. The countless struggles, all the
pain... even working as her father's assistant was a difficult
life. Lois felt in some small way that coming to this world
might make a difference, if only in her mind. She'd always known
she'd somehow make a difference in life. Not a mere change, but
a huge, noticeable difference. At one time, she'd thought she'd
do so as a reporter, dreams of working for the Daily Planet
fueling her to achieve success during her education. Never had
she dreamed she'd make a difference in the way she would attempt
by coming to Krypton. She was a strong individual, but lately
the fire that sustained her had started to die down. And
apparently her tendency to jump into the deep end without
checking the water level first was a serious personality trait.

Like so many others, Lois hadn't been too shocked when war had
broken out between Earth and Krypton. Many had predicted it
would happen sooner or later. What had shocked so many was the
leaders of Earth surrendering to the other world. A 'protected
Kryptonian nation' was not even close to what the population of
Earth had become. They were mere puppets in play that they
didn't have the script to. And she was tired of the scenes.

Her father had argued with her for hours over her decision to
sign a pact with Krypton. She'd tried to explain to him that it
was the only way. She truly believed that if she could see Lord
Kal-El, speak with him privately, she could convince him to look
into matters on Earth. She would quote his own law to him. Those
rigid bastards followed the law so strictly that they'd have no
choice but to do something.

She rose from her seat on the lounge and approached the
observation rail. The transport traveled so fast that it seemed
like they were sitting still. She could clearly remember the
first time she'd traveled across space. She had been a girl
then, but the excitement and wonder would always remain with
her. Of course, it had been slightly deflated when she'd met
that horrible little boy. Even at eight, the First Lord had been
mean. He'd made an awful first impression and every time she'd
seen him after that had been just as awful. Whether it was
because she disliked him so much or just a child being a child,
Lois had taken every opportunity to annoy him. She'd called him
names, picked at him about his clothes, his hair, and even said
something mean about his parents.

And that had been the day she'd started to look at the lord as
more than the leader of a world. Lois had started to see him as
a little boy.

~~

Why did she have to go to classes? Lois thought as she followed
the other kids down the hall. She was the only Earthling child
here, but she was forced to sit through boring classes with the
Kryptonian kids. What's his name? Troy? Trey... Yeah, Trey! He'd
decided it would be best to keep her occupied. 'And since he's
the head of the Council,' her father had said.

The group passed a corridor on their right side and Lois'
curious eyes searched the bright white expanse for something,
anything, more exciting than the geography of Krypton. She was
thrilled to see Lord Kal running their way.

'Look at him', she thought. 'He thinks he's so much better than
anyone.'

She glanced ahead to see her group turn the corner and quickly
made the decision to stay and rattle the little jerk's cage a
bit. She waited with folded arms as he approached.

"Where ya' off to in such a hurry?" she asked as her neared.

Kal stopped in front of her, barely winded from his run down the
corridor. "Why aren't you in class?" he countered.

"None of your business," she replied. "Shouldn't you be in class
learning how to pick on my people?"

"I don't have time for games today," he said as he started to go
around her.

"Think that's what your daddy said the day he killed all those
people?" Lois wanted to cock her arm in triumph when her words
stopped the boy dead in his tracks. He slowly turned back to her
with an expression she'd never seen on his face before. "I'll
bet you'll grow up to be just as mean as he was."

Kal took a deep breath and stood a bit straighter. "The ruler of
his world is not mean. He's stern in his rule."

"Call it what you want. It's still plain ole mean." Lois
shrugged her shoulders a bit. "Who knows? Maybe you'll have a
bit of your mama in ya'. Maybe you'll be whiny and mean."

"What does that mean?"

"I heard your mama was nice and that's why your daddy killed
her. He didn't want her to turn you into a patsy, crying all the
time. Taylor, a girl back home, says your daddy was just crazy.
She says her daddy said that you and your brother were supposed
to go on that trip, too. See? He didn't like you neither!"

And she stopped. The air left her lungs in a rush when she
looked into the eyes of the little boy in front of her. Huge
crocodile tears had filled his eyes and he stared at her, pain
marring his normally controlled expression. Her daddy had
grounded her once for saying mean things to others. Most of the
time she simply spoke the truth, nothing intended to be hurtful
in any way. But since she'd met this boy, all kinds of things
had rolled off her tongue. She just couldn't help herself. She'd
hadn't liked the First Lord from the moment she first saw him,
and upsetting him was too easy.

So why did she feel so bad about upsetting him now? He was
trying so hard not let his tears fall. His lip quivered
slightly. If her guess was right, he'd never had anyone pick on
him to the point of tears. Suddenly she saw more than just a
mean little person. She saw the little boy behind his brown
eyes. And she felt a bit of his pain. She'd lost her mother and
wouldn't like it very much if someone said something about her.
This boy had lost both his parents. It didn't matter what they
had done. They were his parents.

"I'm... I'm... " she stammered, almost to the point of tears
herself.

Kal lifted his arm and swiped at his eyes with the sleeve of his
suit. "You're what? Mean? You must have gotten that from your
mother because your father is quite nice," he spat at her, then
turned and strode away.

Lois was left in utter disbelief. He had never stood up to her.
All the times she'd picked on him, all the things she'd said...
He had always just looked down his nose at her and continued on
his way. But this time he would have made the Earthling kids
proud.

"Way to go, Kal," she said softly to his retreating back. "Way
to go."

~~

That had also been the day he'd become Kal instead of just Lord
Kal. She'd never called him that, of course. She did continue to
take shots at him every time she saw him. Only he began to throw
them right back. To an outsider, you would have thought they
were just friends sharing good natured ribbing with one
another.

And maybe on some level that was the way she'd viewed it as
well. It wasn't long after that encounter that Lois and her
father left Krypton. Lois had been excited to return home, but a
little saddened as well. It was years later before she realized
just why.

Back on Earth, she returned to her childhood, only occasionally
thinking about the mean little Kryptonian ruler. It wasn't until
she started junior high school that Kal became a pastime for
Lois. She began to keep up with him. More than once she asked
herself why. Why did she care? Then she'd argued she didn't.
That she just wanted to know his plans concerning her world. By
the time she saw him again in her father's lab she probably knew
as much about the First Lord as anyone could without actually
being him. Or at least she liked to think so.

But what had shocked her was the thrill that had coursed through
her veins that day in her father's lab so long ago. It had been
difficult to think straight, let alone talk. Yet, she'd been
unable to help herself. Standing toe to toe with Kal, pushing
his buttons, had been irresistible.

And absolutely intoxicating.

Even in the midst of an all out war, barricaded within the
shelter beneath her father's lab, there was no denying the
attraction she'd felt for the First Lord. She'd argued fervently
against it; denied it, even. But it was there.

Why? She'd asked herself so many times. She was attracted to the
one man that could literally end her life. Sure, he'd grown into
a handsome man. That was still no reason to be attracted to the
devil!

There was more. As she'd stared down the lord of all, Lois had
seen more behind those dangerous brown eyes. It was a mere
glimpse, but it was there. She wasn't sure if it was compassion
or just wishful thinking on her part. Call it traces of his
mother or hope in a better life, whatever you want. It was
there.

That was why she was aboard a space ship headed for a world and
life that would forever change hers.

++

The transport ship slowly entered the docking bay of the large
hangar on Krypton. Loud hisses and a hue of vapor escaped the
enormous machines as the vessel settled into place with a
clang.

One by one, the individuals who had given a year of their life
to the First Lord's service stepped from the transport. Worried
and hopeful eyes roamed their strange new surroundings, thoughts
running wild as to what would come next. They were told they
would be debriefed, then assigned tasks suitable to their
station in life. But first they were searched, photographed, and
issued an identification card. An auditorium was utilized to
present the three hours worth of holograms about the life they'd
be expected to lead.

Inside his state room, Kal perused the file of photographs taken
of the Earthlings that had arrived for service. He had not been
pleased when the Council had decided to start this new 'phase'
of their relationship with Earth. For reasons he still
questioned, the Council had been adamant and so the offer was
made to the Earthlings. An offer of better living conditions in
exchange for services.

Though still not very happy the Council had taken such
liberties, Kal had to admit that the few Earthlings that had
made the journey had adapted quite well and were performing
their duties beyond expectations. He figured there was something
to be said for safety and a decent meal each day.

Only the second group to be brought to Krypton had just arrived,
and he liked to look at the files before handing them over to an
advisor to issue assignments. His shuffle through the photos
came to a halt when he saw a face he recognized.

It had been so long since he'd thought about her. Lois Lane. The
only person who'd ever had the audacity to stand up to him. Even
as far back as childhood she alone had challenged his position.
He'd thought of her over the years, wondered what she was doing.
He'd known she'd survived the attacks on Earth because he'd
inquired about her. He'd known she worked as an assistant in her
father's lab. So why had she agreed to come here?

"This woman..." He held the electronic device up to the advisor.
"Why is this woman here?"

The man looked down at the number on the file before focusing on
his handheld computer to retrieve the information his lord
sought. "Lois Lane, age 20 years. Under reason for coming..."
The advisor turned shocked eyes to Kal.

"Well?" the lord asked.

"Milord, it says... For the hell of it."

For the first time in a long time, Kal did something he rarely
ever did. He smiled. It appeared Lois Lane was just as stubborn
as she'd always been. "Bring her to me."

"Yes, Milord."

Ten minutes later, Lois entered Kal's state room.

Kal was a bit surprised to feel a sudden rush as the door to his
state room slid open. He was actually... excited to see this
woman again. And he wasn't entirely sure it was because he held
complete authority over her new station in life.

He rose from behind his desk as the young woman stepped further
into the room. His breath caught in his throat as he laid eyes
on her. Even from a distance he could see that she was not the
same person she'd once been. She looked weary and seemed more
guarded than he remembered her to be. When she finally lifted
her eyes to his, he noticed the fire that had once danced behind
her dark orbs had long been extinguished, and she appeared less
than enthusiastic about being there.

"Miss Lane..."

"Lord Kal," she said softly, almost too softly.

"I was surprised to see your name in this group," Kal told her.

"Yeah, well, a girl needs to eat." Lois slowly walked around his
large state room, inspecting things as she went.

Kal had to take a moment to let what she'd said sink in. Had the
war done that much damage to the fiery little woman that had
once inhabited this body? He stepped around the desk and to her
side. "My uncle," he told her as she stared up at a large
portrait.

"I know. I've seen him in the transmissions on Earth."

"And what else do you know?" Kal turned to face her, his hands
clasped behind his back.

"I know more about Kryptonian history than I care to," she told
him. She walked the distance to the window and looked out over
the garden.

"Why are you here?"

She faced Kal again. "I thought I could make some kind of
difference," she told him.

"And how would you do that?"

"I don't know."

Kal eyed her closely, certain there was more to her being here
than her desire to make a difference. "Tell me, Miss Lane," he
insisted after a moment.

"How can you live here in all this comfort while so many are
suffering? You have so much and those people, your subjects by
decree, are dying," she told him after a moment.

Kal furrowed his brows in confusion. "What are you talking
about?"

"The people of Earth, Lord Kal-El! Your provisionary leader is
running that place into the ground."

"You must be mistaken. I've read the reports..."

"Oh, the reports...right. Those wouldn't be misleading, now
would they?" She crossed her arms in an act of defiance, one Kal
had seen many times.

But he resented her implication. "I'm the ruler; nothing goes on
that I don't know about..."

"Maybe you don't want to see, then, Lord Kal, that your reports
are wrong. That your eyes are closed." She sighed and sank
heavily down on Kal's chair.

The young man raised his brows at her audacity, but didn't
comment on her actions. He chose instead to take the seat across
from her. "What is actually happening and what you see..."

"What I see is a pompous, arrogant, self-centered bastard who
chooses to turn an entire world into his servants," she
interrupted him before he could finish.

"As I've said..."

"The reports are wrong! For God's sake, Kal, open your eyes! Go
there. See what's happening." She leaned forward to rest her
arms on the desk. "I know you're a tough leader. I'm aware you
expect perfection from your subjects. But look at your world.
It's healthy and prosperous. Kryptonian law *does* state that
all, *all* people under the rule of this world shall be taken
care of. Isn't that called the Humanitarian Acts?"

Kal was surprised by her knowledge of the law, but he took in
what she'd said. Could she be correct? Was the population of his
other world suffering? If so, why did he receive reports that
stated otherwise?

"I will take your words under advisement."

"Under advisement?!" Lois shouted as she shot to her feet. "Get
off your a** and do something!"

There she was. The little fireball he'd met had definitely
returned. And with her came something else. A jolt of excitement
jumped through Kal's system as he looked at her. It was the
first time he'd ever felt such a rush. Yet, all he could think
was how truly enchanting this woman was, completely unlike any
other he'd ever known.

"Is that why you came here?" he said, changing the subject. "Did
you believe I'd see you? Listen to you?"

Lois stopped for a moment, then stammered for words. "Well,
that, not really, um, I..."

"You took a huge gamble with your life," Kal told her seriously.
"I have read your file. You were only a student on Earth before
the war. You have served as laboratory assistant for your father
since then. Such positions here are filled with skilled
middle-classmen. Your education would warrant no more than a
position in a service field. More precisely that of a
professional caregiver."

Earthlings may not be good enough to attend to the Kryptonian
royal family in the form of maids or butlers, but the men
certainly weren't averse to using them as instruments of
pleasure. How... absurd was that logic, Kal thought for the
briefest moment.

Lois turned her head, unable to deny his words.

"Do you know what that means?" Kal asked her when she didn't
speak.

"Yes."

"You'd be subjected to a sterilization procedure, taught how to
pleasure a man, and sent for over and over. If you're lucky, a
noble may find you satisfactory enough to take you as his
concubine. Then you'd be subject to his wishes and only his."
Why did Kal care if this woman knew these things?

And why did it bother him so much?

"I know that!" Lois shouted at him.

"But you chose to come anyway?" He found himself most impressed
with her actions; it was very brave and noble.

And stupid.

"Yes, I came! I was determined that one way or another, I'd see
you and tell you what was really going on back there. I may not
like you very much, but I had to see for myself if you're the
kind of person to let your subjects continue to suffer."

Those last words sank in slowly. Was he that kind of ruler? Did
he care about the conditions in which his subjects lived? He
certainly provided well for his Kryptonian subjects, and he felt
he'd done so for his Earthling ones as well. Was she right? Had
he *not* done that?

"If you'll go to Earth, I'll do anything," Lois suddenly said.
"Please, please go. See for yourself."

Kal had never seen a woman beg for anything, had never seen
anyone beg for that matter. Life on Krypton was more cut and
dry. You fulfilled your duties and that was that. But to listen
to this woman plead with him stirred emotions inside the man he
hadn't known existed.

"I beg you, for the lives of my people," Lois pleaded softly.

Kal slowly rose from his chair, clasped his hands behind his
back and walked around behind his desk. Lois had moved when he
did and stood just on the other side, impatiently waiting for
him to say something. The young leader looked up at the person
before him. Each encounter with this woman came flooding back.
She had stirred something inside him, forcing his subconscious
to realize that he might actually have a compassionate side.

He sat again slowly, on *his* throne, placed his hands in his
lap, then spoke softly. "What do you get out of this?"

"I get the knowledge that you've seen the cruel treatment of
humanity. And if you decide it's inexcusable, maybe a few people
won't have to suffer."

Kal watched her for several more moments. There was just
something about this woman that intrigued him. He could have any
woman of his choosing, yet for some reason, his mind was
beginning to tell him that he wanted *this* one.

"Because of your education and position on Earth, there would be
only one way to keep you from serving as a professional
caregiver." He waited for her to digest that. "I could claim you
as my own."

"Your own?" It only took a moment for her to realize what he'd
said. "I'd still be a whore no matter how you look at it," she
spat and averted her gaze from his.

"I assure you that such women are not treated with disrespect
here. The services they provide are considered a skill."

"No matter how you dress it up, a professional caregiver is
still just a prostitute. Her only duty is to have sex with men."
She glared at Kal, as if challenging him to argue, her mind
clearly processing a multitude of information all at once.

"There should be no illusions here, Miss Lane. The agreement you
signed is quite clear. To break it would constitute treason to
this world, punishable by death."

Again, she didn't argue. Instead, she folded her arms across her
chest again, an act Kal now realized was a defense tactic when
she felt cornered.

He sighed and leaned forward to rest his arms on the desk. "Miss
Lane, I assure you that serving the population would be far
worse than staying here with me." She still didn't speak. "You'd
be well cared for and as my wife can attest, as long as your
duties are fulfilled, I would not bother you."

Lois' head shot around and she glared at Kal. "Or you could just
send me back! Or take me when you go! You're the lord of all.
Why do I have to fulfill any duty if you order otherwise? I
didn't come here to be anybody's whore. I thought you'd
understand that. I thought that once you'd seen me and listened
to me, you'd send me back."

Kal sat back in his chair again. This woman was priceless. She
was in no position to be attempting to bargain for anything, yet
here she was, giving it her all. "And who's to say I have that
much of a conscience?"

Lois looked away, staring out the window.

"Or patience," Kal added softly. "The trip to Earth does take a
month and a man shouldn't be forced to abstain for that long."
He felt it time to give Lois a taste of her own medicine. His
words had the desired effect because Lois was rendered
speechless. At her flush, he continued. "Here on Krypton, the
pleasures of nobility are a very serious matter. We take great
pains to ensure that men are content and well cared for...
especially the First Lord."

Apparently tired of the game they were playing, she leaned
forward to place her hands on the desk and glared at Kal. "I
couldn't care less about the nobility and their sex drives. All
I care about is *my* world!"

"Don't you mean *my* world?" Kal shot right back.

"You may be ruler of all, the leaders of Earth may have decided
to sign some obscene agreement for Krypton to... protect it, but
that world will never be yours. The people of Earth possess
something that you soulless, logical, unfeeling sons of bitches
never will! They have compassion and feeling and determination.
One day they *will* rise again!"

"It's so easy for you to call my people names and conclude that
my house cares nothing for them." He rose to his feet as his
temper flared. "You know nothing of who I am!"

"I don't need to know who you are to know you're just like your
father!"

Her words cut to the core. Kal straightened and stepped briskly
to the door. It slipped open and he called for a guard. "Return
her to the others."

"That's it?! What about..."

"A suitable position will be found for you," he cut her off.
Just liked she'd done when they were children, she wounded him
deeply. She'd also injured his ego. That was something new to
the mighty lord. The damage brewed anger, and Kal acted
accordingly.

Lois could only stare at him for a moment before following the
guard from the room. The cards had been dealt; she'd played the
only hand she could, now she'd have to settle her debts.

++

'For the good of all,' Lois repeated to herself as she was led
to the auditorium once more. She may have to be some lord's
plaything, but she was beginning to believe it had been worth it
just to take Kal-El down a notch.

She had reached him. She was sure. Undoubtedly she'd also hurt
whatever feelings he had. Men tended to lash out in anger when
their feelings were hurt and the Lord of Krypton was no
different. She'd convinced herself he was an unfeeling, soulless
blop of a man when she'd finally admitted her attraction to him.
Any kind of reaction other than loathing was unacceptable. There
was no way she'd ever allow those feelings to become known, so
she'd made up her mind to view Kal as the monster he portrayed.
She'd done a good job until now. She'd needed whatever spark of
good lay buried so deeply within the might First Lord he didn't
even know it was there if this expedition were to be successful.
And though his words were meant to prove that he was indeed a
monster, his reaction to her had proven differently. There was
no denying that he'd been affected by her words.

She'd also known coming here was a gamble. She was left to pray
that some small part of what little heart Kal did have would
soften enough to at least show compassion to the people back on
Earth. Her fate was nothing compared to that of some of her
fellow humans.

++

Inside his library a few minutes later, Kal dropped to his
chair. How dare that woman! Who did she think she was? No one
spoke to him in such a manner.

But she'd given him something to think about. She'd opened his
eyes somewhat.

How was it one small, defiant woman could cause him so much
stress?

Maybe it's because she's the first woman you've ever found
enticing to the senses, his conscience reminded him. Who
wouldn't? Lois Lane had grown into a very beautiful creature.
Even the First Lord could not deny that. Her crass attitude
should have been enough to turn any man away, but for some
reason, it only attracted Kal more.

And what of the accusations she'd made? Were the people of Earth
suffering as much as she said they were? If so, why was he told
otherwise?

He turned his chair around slowly to gaze out into the darkening
sky. For the very first time, he thought about what the lives of
his people, 'all' of his people, might actually be like.

++

Hologram after hologram had been viewed, protocols drilled into
their heads, and a course in proper respect had been the main
focus of the past week. They were taught how to dress, how to
speak, and would soon receive more detailed instructions in
their appointed positions.

Lois sat in a room along with about thirty other women. Most had
been heard at one point or another stating how being able to eat
regularly was a fair exchange for the life they would soon have
to lead. The sterilization procedures, devised as 'protection
against procreation with a hostile people', would begin the
following morning, then a location would be chosen for each
woman. They would be provided with modest quarters and supplied
with a living expenditure. Their only duty was to be on call for
whichever lord sent for them. A handful had been chosen by a
particular lord and would live inside his house or somewhere
inside his province. All in all, everyone had come to accept
their new station in life.

All but one. She sat in the corner, fear gripping her for the
first time in her life. Speaking out for her fellow humans would
cost her innocence, her fertility, and her dignity. Lois could
hardly fathom that she'd gambled at such a price. It was hard to
admit that her arrogance would now be her jailor. Could she
really have been so naive as to think she could have made a
difference? Apparently Kal was as big a royal ass as the more
intelligent part of her brain had always told her he was.

She'd felt there was just no other way. She'd had to try to make
the lord think. She'd been completely prepared to throw a full
temper tantrum to see him if necessary. He just had to see her,
hear her out. That would be enough, she'd convinced herself. He
couldn't be as completely soulless as Earthlings made him out to
be.

Yeah, right, she thought ruefully. Why had she ever believed
that? Was it because she desperately wanted it to be so? Did it
have anything to do with the intense attraction she'd felt for
the First Lord the last time she'd seen him? Maybe it was
because of the insatiable curiosity she'd always had to know
this man? Over the years that interest had bordered on
obsession, pushing her to learn everything there was to know
about the young lord.