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New Krypton - Cosmodrome

“New Krypton Space Central, Lady Zara of the BlackWind leaving geosynchronous orbit for landing at Kandor Cosmodrome requesting permission to land.”

A woman’s authoritative voice responded. “Kandor Cosmodrome, as per the council, permission granted. From all of New Krypton, welcome home. Is… is Prince Kal-El onboard?”

“Yes.”

A sharp intake of breath and then the woman spoke again. “It is well. We shall meet soon.
Communications ended.”

Zara’s expert handling of BlackWind was in evidence as they made their descent. Through economical, graceful maneuvers she settled the deep space vessel down on a stretch of land set aside as the largest of New Krypton’s three cosmodromes.

As Clark looked through the bridge’s main viewscreen, he shielded his eyes which had narrowed in acute discomfort from the unusual red light. It would take some time for his body to make the physiological and mental adjustment to living under the rays of a red sun. Outside spread before him were three massive domes filled with space faring vessels. In the center a towering glass edifice stood. Through squinted eyes he thought it might be akin to the color yellow, but the buildings’ crystal structure glistened and winked in the sunlight, making it difficult for him to examine fully.

He remembered his early days at the Daily Planet when he and Lois had covered several EPRAD launches. On Earth, launch sites were typically built as far as possible from major cities and towns in order to diminish the risk to human life should a rocket experience failure of any kind. In many cases, a launch site was built close to major bodies of water to ensure that no debris was dropped over heavily populated areas.

Here it was different. Only a few miles in the distance was a large population center which he knew to be the capital of New Krypton, the island city of Kandor II.

Beyond the spaceport lay a shimmering landscape of sand, the shade of dark crimson. Enveloped in a flat, harsh red sunlight, the landscape was dotted with unearthly plants that vaguely reminded him of cacti. The land upon which this cosmodrome lay was a desert, but no desert on Earth - be it the Sahara or Gobi - ever glittered in such an unnatural range of scarlet and mauve hues.

A lump settled deep into his throat. Trey, in his most officious tones called this expansive island Clark’s home. But here on the planet that held a large remnant of his father’s people, he felt more alone, frightened and alien than ever before. How could he accomplish all that this trio had asked? Soon, not just Trey, Zara, and Ching, but an entire world would rely on him. How would he learn to work with a people, who even after the month long space voyage still seemed distant and enigmatic?

On Terra …Earth, he wanted to help individuals who were in immediate peril or communities that suffered from a natural disaster. He had his superpowers and could do just about anything to help those people. Here he was being coaxed into a specific role that did not end when he got out of the suit. Now he faced an enemy whose agenda was greater than that of Lex Luthor. Nor wanted to dominate the people and turn back the Kryptonian cultural clock.

Incredibly, Zara had introduced a new relationship into an already complicated situation in the person of his grandmother, Lady Polara Lo. Apparently a noblewoman of strong nature acting as regent until his return. He was eager to meet the El family matriarch.

More than ever, he missed Lois’ determination, loyalty, and strength.

With a deep intake of breath. Clark tenderly put aside memories of his fiancée, family, and home. He turned away from the screen in a decisive move, exited his quarters and walked through the dimly lit corridors without a moment’s hesitation. His head held high, the persona of Kal-El, First Lord of New Krypton emerged and seemed to fill the corridor as he walked toward the airlock. The black and crimson jumpsuit may not have been royal raiment. Nonetheless, with each step, the man who wore it became the embodiment of all those First Lords who held the title prior to him.

With a simple hand gesture, he touched the communication pip attached to his collar and spoke confidently. “Counselor Trey, Lady Zara and Major Ching, we meet at the departure portal in thirty seconds.”

The little group assembled inside the airlock. He stood by Lady Zara’s side and waited for the massive gray and red doors to open. Each of them was dressed in Kryptonian aristocratic garb of crimson and black. Ching took the ceremonial black robe that had been draped over his arm and arranged it around Clark’s shoulders. The gesture was simple, yet compelling. Even Trey, who had seen Jor-El wear that same garment, stood without a word, although the pained expression etched across the older man’s countenance spoke volumes. Within seconds the Terranean, Clark Jerome Kent – would now come face-to-face with the inhabitants of his new world, as Lord Kal-El.

Unexpectedly, the departure portal was filled with soaring music, the sounds of which had never touched Clark’s ears. Yet somehow, it sounded vaguely familiar. At the first strains of the composition, his companions stood at stiff attention. He watched in mute fascination as the music seemed to have a different effect on each of them. Unshed tears sprang into Trey’s eyes, who knew this melody quite well. It was announcing the presence of Krypton’s First Lord. Hearing it, the old man allowed himself a slow exhalation. The mission of finding the son of Jor-El was a success.

Ching’s lips pulled into a rare smile, as if hearing those notes indicated the end of their journey. It was the smile of a warrior keen to enter combat. The expression hid the raw emotions of a man whose beloved was to be given to another.

Zara seemed almost weary. This mission was to serve a twofold purpose; get her away from Nor and to find her bondmate. Both purposes were accomplished. Now, if Kal-El did not succeed in the removal of Nor, her hand would be given to the disgraced nobleman.

Clark noted how Ching Hia’s fierce expression softened for a moment when he turned briefly to gaze at Zara as if for the last time. No doubt while onboard ship they allowed themselves the fantasy of someday being together, but now that their mission was done Ching would once again become Lady Zara’s bodyguard and nothing more. That realization must surely be hitting home for the man's face hardened like a closed fist, and he quickly looked away.

Zara, stood resolutely at Clark’s side, first gazing longingly at Ching and then dejectedly to her betrothed. The downcast expression on her face indicated clearly which one of them she truly wanted by her side.

A frisson of pain lanced through him. He understood Zara’s sadness only too well. The beautiful woman with striking brown eyes who should be here, with her gentle hand enfolded firmly within his, was untold light-years away.

As a group they walked through the wide portal and entered a huge terminal. Its vaulted ceiling was full of scarlet light and air, a welcome change from the tightness of the BlackWind.
The music continued, the notes slowly fading until it became nothing but background sound. It surprised Clark that the place was empty; only a small group was there to welcome them after such a long and significant space flight.

Before them stood five people; all but one he recognized from his lessons on the El family and New Krypton’s High Council. The middle-aged man with black hair and dark brown eyes which seemed to look him over with amused contempt, was Counselor Jen-Mai. For some odd reason, he made Clark feel instantly uneasy. The councilman’s body language indicated he had no desire to be here, and that Clark was not worth his notice. He decided to ask Ching about Jen-Mai later once they were in the Palace Royal.

A petite woman with a calm smile, dark blonde hair touched with gray and soft blue eyes was his aunt, Lady Alura. Due to Zor-El’s illness, she acted as head of the family and ran the El family business dealings. She and Lara had been close friends when his mother was alive and stood by her side when Jor-El and Lara exchanged vows. No doubt in the days to come they would have much to talk about.

Beside her stood a young woman with delicate features and hair so blonde and shining that it reminded him of a field of Kansas wheat at noon. This had to be his cousin, Kara. Looking at her, it was easy to imagine what Alura had looked like at the same age. She seemed shy but had kindness in her eyes. Zara had said she was being trained to run Abondar-El, his family’s estate. To handle duties like that at such a young age, took discipline and strength. He suspected her easy manner concealed a strength she didn’t reveal often. Clark wanted to get to know her better and hoped the opportunity would happen soon.

A white-haired old man possessing a stooped figure held himself back from the crowd, his calm, rheumy gray eyes studying the returning young lord with something akin to joy. Just as Clark was repelled by Jen-Mai, he was drawn to this man’s fatherly warmth, and innate compassion. In many ways, the man reminded him of Mike Lane.

But all present in that terminal faded into the background against the tall woman with shoulder-length platinum hair, held in place by a circlet of silver. Her stance was firm in its noble bearing and her presence seemed to fill the chamber. A staff of polished metal and crystal held firmly in her left hand. She wore a white flowing dress edged with silver fabric. Violet eyes flashed as if drinking in his presence, wordlessly expressing that she welcomed this lost son of Krypton home.

Trey stepped forward, bowed deeply towards the woman, then stood and turned to Clark, saying in deferential tones, “My Lord Kal-El, allow me to introduce your grandmother, Lady Polara Lo.”

Bowing at the waist, Clark spoke the words of formal introduction Trey had taught him, “Greetings to you, my lady. It is with much joy we have come to our new home.”

Lady Polara bowed her regal head and responded in kind, “The joy is mine. To ultimately see my beloved grandson again after so many years.” Without another word she drew closer and took him in her arms, catching him in a fierce embrace. The hug caught him by surprise, as he had been told that Lady Polara was not the warmest of people. Obviously, the report had been in error.

Afterward Polara released him, Clark was formally introduced to other members of the group. All save the old man. “My Lord?” A gentle voice from the rear of the group was heard.
Trey cleared his throat, realizing he had committed an error in etiquette, said, “Ahem. Pardons, Dever. Lord Kal-El, permit me to introduce Dever. He was the personal valet to your father.”

“After so many years to see my late master’s only child again. Does my heart much good. Welcome to New Krypton, First Lord Kal-El.” With those words, the elderly man bent one knee and bowed deeply in respect, but not before a few tears trailed down his cheeks.

Clark, moved by this outpouring of emotion, knelt beside him, and raising him up said, “Please don’t do that. I…I am …” He was at a loss for words.

Lady Lo came around to the old gentleman, placed a firm hand on his shoulder and said serenely. “Dever, all is well. Remember who you are and whom you serve. Please alert the household staff we shall arrive shortly.”

The old man straightened and resumed his dignified stance. “Yes. As you wish my lady.” He turned to Clark and said, “All will be as your parents Lord Jor-El and Lady Lara would wish.” He bowed again and departed down the corridor and through the door. Clark watched him in respectful silence. Evidently, not all Kryptonians were not as unemotional as his traveling companions had been.

His grandmother cleared her throat and said, “Perhaps we should move outside. The people of Kandor II, our capital city await.”

Silently, the heavy metallic outer doors of the cosmodrome’s terminal swung open. Abruptly, air, warm and humid like Kansas during harvest time, swept into the room, filling his mind with memories and weary heart with courage. Then suddenly, the first true sights of New Krypton filled his vision.

Hundreds of people stood outside they wore colorful bright clothing. When the crowd saw Clark, as one they bowed and said in unison, “Hail, First Lord Kal-El!” The vibrations from all those voices raised together was deafening.

***

Lady Lo looked over at what in her mind was a tiny representation of the city’s populace. She then turned and glared at Jen-Mai and said in clipped tones, “He is the son of Jor-El and my daughter Lara as such he deserved a better welcome than this.”

The man’s smooth voice answered without a hint of deception. “I thought since the young man was raised as a commoner on Terra and is not accustomed to our ways he should be brought along …gradually.”

“The people should know who the First Lord is.” She countered fiercely. “The House of El is one of the oldest noble ruling families of Krypton. The name El translates in Kryptonian to "of the star". Kal-El’s family line extends back thousands of years, to a time when tribes of Kryptonians still waged war against one another across the continents. * I shall not have a member of such a distinguished family line disrespected in any way. Is that understood Jen-Mai?”

He bowed and said gruffly, “Yes, my lady. As you wish.”

Polara sensed rather than heard the sneer in the councilman’s voice. He was among the contingent of noblemen who considered bringing Kal-El to New Krypton a colossal miscalculation.

She would have to prove to him and the rest of those gentlemen that her grandson's presence was the right decision for all the people of New Krypton.