Author’s Note: For the purposes of this story, I have chosen to deviate from Lois and Clark in regards to Sam Lane. Rather than any sort of doctor or bionic specialist, I have cast him in the more common role of a military general as in SV, MAWS, and S&L. As you will soon learn, this career path led him to a much more prestigious role in this story. However, Sam Lane does not play a major part in this story beyond setting the stage for our favorite couple.
Prologue
Sam Lane had never intended to go into politics. In all honesty, he hardly considered himself to be a man of politics now, despite the title which would suggest otherwise. He was a general first and foremost – never mind that he’d been promoted to Commander in Chief of the United States of America.
He hadn’t asked for it. Nor had he sought it out. But when faced with a years long war against an enemy far more powerful than the most advanced human weaponry, the country – no, the world – had turned to the one man who had discovered that enemy’s weakness and given humanity a fighting chance. He was elected in an unprecedented landside victory as a write-in candidate. Begrudgingly, he had accepted the will of the people.
He had since used his position to shore up defenses in the United States and abroad. With a new, common enemy to fight, countries of the world had put aside their differences and worked together to push back against the invading force.
One year ago, the fighting had come to a stand-still and an uneasy cold war had begun, their enemy looming in space – ready to strike at the first sign of weakness.
It was then that President Lane first received a message from Lord Jor-El.
He was wary of the Kryptonian noble at first. He’d long come to believe that the only good Kryptonian was a dead Kryptonian. Wherever they had appeared on Earth, they had caused untold destruction and death. They were too powerful, too terrifying, and they took and demanded whatever they pleased without regard for human life. Had it not been for his discovery of kryptonite, they would have overrun the planet and either killed or enslaved all of humanity.
But Sam Lane knew something had to be done to bring this war to an end and so he had, with much suspicion, opened communications with Jor-El.
He learned much about Kryptonian culture and government in their first few messages. Krypton, or rather New Krypton as their first planet had been destroyed, was led by a ruling council at the head of which reigned the First Lord – a hereditary position strictly regulated into hundred-year dynasties, preventing a single noble family from ruling for too long.
The First Lord who had begun the war with Earth was Lord Nor-Zod, forth in the Zod dynasty – a foolish, young man who had begun his reign just after the destruction of Krypton, which had also resulted in the death of his father. Lord Nor was power-hungry and many of the council members feared him. When he set his sights on Earth and the power it’s yellow sun would grant him, no one dared oppose him. But as the humans fought back and the war dragged on, the council began to grumble against Lord Nor, noting the loss of Kryptonian life – in a population already stricken by the loss of their planet.
Jor-El had long been speaking out against the war – demanding that Earth be left to the humans and reparations be made for the destruction they had caused. But his voiced had held little sway. So long as Nor was First Lord, he held ultimate power over the council.
But the hundred-year dynasty of Zod was coming to an end. This was the reason for the cease-fire. The Kryptonians were preparing for a major change in their government. Despite Lord Nor’s demands for a final push against Earth, the council finally stood united against him and determined that the matter of Earth would be settled after the transition was complete.
Jor-El soon revealed to President Lane that the House of El – Jor-El himself – was next in line to reign as First Lord. As such, he wanted to set things in place to enact a treaty with Earth as soon as his reign began.
They communicated back and forth for months – ironing out details of the treaty, involving the leaders of other nations to ensure that proper reparations would be made.
Finally, the day came for Jor-El to take his place as First Lord. As promised, his first act was to propose to the council a treaty with Earth, bringing the war to an end.
Sam stared at the papers on his desk, reviewing the conditions and concessions the Kryptonian council had made. Mostly, they seemed to have accepted the treaty as it had been presented to them. But there were a few small changes.
He looked up at the holographic image of First Lord Jor-El, which stood before him. He’d long since gotten used to the advanced Kryptonian communication technology.
“So Nor-Zod will be tried as a war criminal?” Sam enquired. At Jor-El’s nod, he continued, “It’d be better if he were tried on Earth. How do we know he won’t get off with a slap on the wrist?”
“I can assure you, that will not happen.” Jor-El stated. “Nor will be punished to the fullest extent possible according to Kryptonian law. The council will not be swayed on this, however. He will return to New Krypton to face charges. And, given that your yellow sun imbues him with invulnerability, it is probably for the best.”
Sam frowned but grudgingly accepted the last point. He scanned another part of the document. “And no other members of the council will be charged?”
“As I have explained before, our government would not survive a complete upheaval of the ruling council. Although certain key players in the war against Earth have already been removed or demoted, we cannot endure much beyond this. Our system is hereditary and many of the council members do not have heirs of age to step into their fathers’ positions.”
Sam grumbled some more under his breath and Jor-El sighed. “President Lane, please. I understand your position. Earth has suffered incalculable loss at the hands of my people. We offer what reparations we can in the form of technology and other resources to help you rebuild and recover. The council has agreed that all Kryptonians should leave Earth’s solar system apart from a small embassy which, I hope, will allow our peoples to continue communications and one day establish trade agreements. We cannot undo what Lord Nor has done. I can only hope that we find a way to move forward.”
“Of course, Lord Jor-El,” Sam nodded. It wasn’t easy for him to not demand more, after all they had endured and lost. But he knew Jor-El was trying his best to make this work for both of their peoples. If he could not get the backing of the council, the treaty would never go through.
But there was one new condition on the treaty which confused Sam. He jabbed a finger at the problematic portion of the document. “What’s this oov-re-ah-she-al er-vish? I’ve gotta be pronouncing that wrong.”
Jor-El offered a slight smile at his attempt but he looked uncomfortable. “Ah, the uvrreoshial urvish. Forgive me, President Lane. I tried to reason with the council about this but they were undeterred. It is an old Kryptonian tradition and not something currently practiced in most of Earth’s nations as far as I am aware. But the council argued that it is not unprecedented in Earth culture and...”
“But what is it?” Sam interrupted, apprehensive about what this could be after such a buildup.
Jor-El heaved a heavy sigh before answering. “I believe it is what you would call a Marriage of State.”
Sam blinked. He looked back at the papers, noting mentions of a union and other such language which confirmed what Jor-El was saying. He returned his gaze to the hologram and shook his head. “An arranged marriage? We don’t do that here.”
“It is not unheard of in Earth’s culture,” Jor-El argued. “European monarchies frequently set political unions. And arranged marriages are still practiced in India and…”
“This isn’t India and it isn’t ancient Europe. This is the United States of America,” Sam stated firmly.
Jor-El remained calm. “Our treaty is with Earth, not only the United States. But I do understand your point. You are the figure-head for Earth regarding this war and your country does not practice arranged marriages. As I stated, I tried to argue against this proposal by the council. They would not be swayed. They consider it a matter of both tradition and insurance. They are convinced that this union will prevent any future retaliation from Earth against New Krypton.”
Sam was flabbergasted. “Us against New Krypton?! We’ve can’t even get to Mars. How would we ever attack New Krypton?”
Jor-El shook his head in seeming agreement with the sentiment. “They foresee that Earth will one day advance in space travel. I suppose they like to plan ahead.” He sighed again. “Nevertheless, I was unable to dissuade them from pursuing this condition. Without the uvrreoshial urvish, they will not ratify the treaty. My son has already agreed to enter into the union for the cause of peace between our peoples.”
“That’s all well and good for your son. He’s practically a prince. But who do you propose we put up as his bride?” Sam asked. He had a bad feeling he already knew where this was going. “We don’t exactly have princesses around here.”
Jor-El looked uncomfortable again. “Traditionally, a daughter or niece of the opposing Lord would take part. As you stand as the figure-head for Earth, the council feels it is appropriate for the bride to come from your family. You… that is… you do have two daughters. Do you not?”
Sam scowled. “No. I won’t ask that of them. Lucy is far too young. And Lois… no. Even if I were okay with this, she would never accept it. I could never ask her to.”
The Kryptonian sighed but nodded. “I suspected as much. I can take this back to the council. Try again to persuade them… though I doubt it will do any good. Perhaps there is someone else we might propose – the daughter of another of Earth’s leaders – though it may take some time to convince the council to allow this. In their minds, you are the leader of Earth as I am the leader of New Krypton. To propose the daughter of a lesser family… many will consider it to be an insult. I had hoped to bring a swift end to this war. But I assure you, I will continue to work towards that goal. It simply may take longer than we intended.”
Sam heaved a sigh of his own. If this cold war lingered any longer, it was only a matter of time before someone screwed up and insighted another battle. Earth could not endure more loss. Neither, he thought, could New Krypton. Jor-El was clearly trying his best but he had admitted many times that the council was a hardened group of men, set in their ways.
An arranged marriage… he couldn’t fathom that Lois would ever agree to it. She was too headstrong, too driven. She’d just completed her first year of college. She had plans for a career as a journalist. How could he ask her to do this?
But what choice did he have?
For the good of the Earth, he had to at least ask her. He could explain that it was the fastest way to end the war and send the Kryptonians home. She’d probably still say no – and he wouldn’t force her if that was her choice. But on the slight chance that she might say yes… he had to ask.
Looking up at Jor-El, he nodded firmly. “Give me a day to consult with my daughter. I’ll give you her answer tomorrow.”
“Very well, President Lane. Tomorrow.” Jor-El lifted his hand in a gesture of farewell and then his image disappeared.
Sam rested his head in his hands and groaned. Lois was not going to like this.
