Excellent chapter. Excellent resolution to so many of the conflicts you've constructed so skillfully.
My favorite exchange:
A massive explosion shook the ground beneath them. Lok Sim ducked instinctively, pulling his hands over his head.
...
"Keep your head down, do your job, and I'll do mine." Faral said calmly.
"What's your job?" Lok Sim practically croaked, his throat still as dry as sand.
"Keeping you alive," Faral replied.
"Then I wish us both luck."
It was both funny and poignant, and it was exactly the kind of exchange soldiers in combat really have. (I myself am not a veteran, but I have spoken extensively with several.)
And as far as I can tell, you let Lok Sim live! Yay! Now all we have to do is find out if the interceptors managed to capture Rae Et.
I'm so glad Alon is about to suffer a horrible downfall. And I'm impressed that Zara was able to talk to him and maintain the deception without punting him into next week.
But poor Clark! Another year on Krypton? For a trial, where what he believes are his weaknesses will be exposed for all to see? How depressing! I hope he finds the strength to hold on just a little longer. Maybe, if we're lucky, Nor will commit suicide in jail.
But you've left Talan without a reason to live! Now, of all times, she desperately needs to have some purpose in life. I'm afraid that she'll be assigned bodyguard duty for Lord Kal-El, and then what will she do? And what would Clark do?
Please, let Lois hold onto hope! I know it's been almost three years, but let her know that he's coming home! Is there any way for Clark to send a message to her, now that the rebellion has been put down? (Assuming it actually has been put down, of course, and there's not another hand above Rae Et holding the puppet strings.)
I loved Clark's question about Thia, and his conversation with Enza about Lok Sim and her unstated affection for him. If he can fix it so that they can be together, maybe it will give him some comfort.
Keep up the great work, Rac! This is going on my Kerth nomination list no matter what year it gets finished.
