Clark & Lois – When Worlds and Universes Collide - Matchmaker Chronicles V 8 29/36
By KenJ <ken.janney@kjanney.com>
This version is rated PG-13
Alpha 023 x Gamma 004 x Tau -120 – Canon Lois and Clark universe also called – Prime
Alpha 023 x Gamma 004 x Tau -124 – Alternate Prime - Lori and Clark
Alpha 023 x Gamma 025 x Tau 036 – Alt 1, Alt Clark and Kryptonian Lois – (Alt 1 )
Alpha -120 x Gamma 255 x Tau -190 – Alt 2 Kryptonian Lois' home universe.
Alpha 023 x Gamma 025 x Tau 040 – Alt 1 alternate (Alt 3) Alt Lois and Alt Clark
Previously
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A/N – Alt 2 is Kryptonian Lois’ home universe.Rena jumped to her feet and shouted, “Liar! You knew as did I that they were all family.” She turned to the council and said, “I apologize for my outburst. If it please the council, I wish to speak.”
Trey replied, “You may proceed.”
“Thank you, Lord Trey. I Rena, sister of Nor of house Na state for the record that Nor knew from the start that the auxiliaries assisting house El were in fact all family members. I also state that he knowingly recruited non-family auxiliaries to assist in the capture and possibly even the murder of the members of house El.” She pointed at the baby in Lois’ arms and said, “He even tried to order me to kill that baby. I had tried to stop assisting him completely, but my will was not strong enough. It wasn’t until I finally got the truth out of my sister that I found the strength to turn my back on him and his desires.”
Gan-Ce, in a soft tone enquired, “What was this truth that you heard from your sister that caused you to turn your back on your brother?”
Rena was weeping as she answered, “That as children, he … abused her.” Strong passion entered her voice as she continued, “Nor is a monster. Just the thought of him sitting on the throne as High Lord convinced me that it would signal the end of society on New Krypton. He doesn’t deserve to live, let alone rule. It may have been too late, but I did wake up to just what a monster Nor is and I repudiate all that he stands for. I am ready to accept any punishment that the council determines I deserve.”
Gan-Ce asked, “When did you find this out?”
“A short time before the final battle.”
"Did you participate in that battle?”
“No, My Lord Gan-Ce, I did not. I stayed on the sidelines, frankly tempted to join family El in their efforts. I saw that family El was more than holding their own and that they had the means to capture and confine the family and supporters of Nor so I did not interfere. I had determined that if the combat were going against El that I would come to the council myself, however before I had the chance I saw the travel pod containing yourself and Lt. Ching land. I knew that justice would be done as a result of your intervention. That was when I presented myself to you.”
“That could have been too late.”
“I realize that, but this was my family that I was turning against. I would beg the council to take into consideration the fact that Fina lived in terror of our brother, even more than I. She should not be held responsible for her actions.”
“Your concern for your sister is commendable. What about your other brother and cousins?”
“They will have to speak for themselves. I speak for myself and Fina because she is too weak to speak for herself.”
Nor sneered at Rena, “You’ve killed us all.”
“No, brother, you have killed us all. Your hubris knew no bounds. Your desire for power clouded your reason and you were willing to go to any length to achieve your goal, the position of High Lord of New Krypton. I’m happy that you failed because no one would have been safe, not even your brother or sisters. We could be seen as a threat to your rule just as that baby was. You would have forced Zara into a life bond against her will to cement your claim. How long would she have survived the ceremony? A day, a week, a month, perhaps as much as a year? You would have eliminated her as well. You wouldn’t share the power with anyone.”
“What about your plans to subjugate the people on the planet below. You said that they would serve you or die. Is that how a ruler treats his people? No, that is how a vengeful god treats those who fail to worship him the way he wants them to. I have news for you, you are no Rao! Rao was kindness and love.”
Trey addressed Nor, “Nor-Na, how do you plead to the charge of high treason?”
Nor gave a sardonic laugh, “Not guilty.”
Gan-Ce said, “Your own words have put the lie to that statement. Lord Trey, I submit that Nor-Na stands convicted, by his own words.”
Trey nodded his agreement and then said, “The council will deliberate and return with a verdict.”
Nor stopped them, “Lord Trey, if it please the council. I would ask mercy for my family. My brother is a stupid, blind, weak fool who would follow me wherever I led him. His wife obeys her husband and would stay by his side simply to protect him. My cousins are the same. If any of them had any intelligence they would not have followed. Let the blame fall on me.”
“Your words will be taken into consideration.”
Trey nodded to the rest of the Council. The Council all stood and filed out of the room.
And now -
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Chapter 29 – The New High Lord
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Universal Locator Designation
Alpha -120 x Gamma 255 x Tau -190 – Alt2
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Nor and Jen-Mai had both been led away to confinement and the Council had retired from the public audience chamber to their private meeting room away from the public.
Half an hour later the council returned to the chamber. Once they had returned they sent the guards for Nor and Jen-Mai.
Once they had been brought before the Council Trey stood while the rest remained seated.
“Nor-Na, you have been found guilty of high treason. Your actions in the trial by combat has made a mockery of our laws and traditions. Your attempts to usurp the position of High Lord of New Krypton through the use of treachery, threats and bribery have been discovered. This Council repudiates your actions and therefore you are found to be guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors. The sentence is it that your atoms are to be scattered across the galaxy. This sentence is to be carried out immediately.”
“Jen-Mai, you have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit high treason. Your sentence is the same as that of Nor and may Rao have mercy on you both. Guards, you may remove the prisoners and place them in confinement until the sentence of this Council is ratified by the High Lord as is required by our laws.”
Nor sneered and said, “Then I look forward to a long life since there is no High Lord.”
Trey replied, “That remains to be seen. Guard, you will escort the prisoners to confinement.”
The guards led both prisoners out.
After they had passed through the door, Kal-El rose to his feet and Trey acknowledged him, “Lord Kal-El?”
Clark spoke, “Lord Trey, Jen-Mai has been on the surface for a period of time and as a result has acquired the power of invulnerability. Will your system be able to affect his structure?”
“I don’t know. Let me ask someone who should know.” Trey summoned Gen-Ta. When he arrived the question was posed.
Gen-Ta’s reply was not hopeful. “It is doubtful if the device will affect him. We may have to return him to New Krypton in order to perform the execution.”
Lois spoke up, “Lord Trey.”
“Lady Lois?”
“Lord Trey, we have the means to strip him of his powers and remove his invulnerability. If you will allow, one of my counterparts can bring it aboard. It will also assure that neither Nor or Jen-Mai will break free and escape to the surface.”
“Please proceed.”
Lois sent, /”Lori, please bring a sample of Kryptonite aboard. We need to strip Jen-Mai of his powers and make sure he and Nor do not escape their fate.”/
Lori replied, /”Be there in two shakes.”/
“It is on the way, Lord Trey.”
Trey asked, “Have the others that were transported aboard recovered as yet?”
The chief of the Councilor Guard reported, “They have Lord Trey.”
“Send a detachment to the infirmary and have the members of the family Na brought here.”
While they waited, Trey said, “Rena, please stand.”
Rena steeled herself. She knew that her fate could easily be the same as that of her brother and Jen-Mai. Slowly she stood and moved to the center of the room in front of the Council. She turned to face her judges.
Once she was facing them Trey spoke, “Rena, the Council finds mitigating circumstances in your case. However, you are not absolved of all guilt so sentence must be passed. We find you guilty of assisting in violating the customs of ritual combat. For that you are sentenced to one year of menial labor in the fields of New Krypton. Similar sentences will be given to all those New Kryptonian currently in the infirmary as supporters of Nor-Na.”
Rena replied, “I thank the council for its mercy. There are additional individuals that I can name as those that assisted, however it should be noted that they were deceived by Nor into the belief that the El family auxiliaries were not family members as is required by ritual and were acting in that belief.
Trey replied, “Noted. Please provide the list and we will investigate.”
“Gladly, Lord Trey,” was her reply.
Just then the members of family Na were brought in. Each was wearing manacles.
Trey addressed the guard, “Please, remove their shackles.’
Once they were all freed they turned to face the Council.
Trey addressed them, “This Council has investigated the circumstances of the conflict below.”
Ran-Na said, “Lord Trey.”
“You may speak, Ran-Na.”
“It have just been told that the auxiliaries helping the family El are in fact family members. Is this true?”
“Yes, it is.”
“But, how could this be? We were told that there were only three members of the El family present. We all thought that they were renegade New Kryptonians helping them. Where did they all come from?”
Trey addressed Kal-El, “Perhaps you could explain?”
Kal-El stepped forward and spoke, “Those that you fought against were all members of the El family, gathered from across time and space. They were brought here by a friend of the El family to ensure a just combat following the traditions of New Krypton.”
Ran-Na had a mystified expression as he said, “Across time and space? How is that possible?”
“It is hard to believe, just accept that it is fact. Those you faced were all members of the El family. The most distant relation being a nephew and his wife, uh, bond mate.”
“Lord, Kal-El, if that is actually the case then I ask your forgiveness. Nor had told us that they had to be non-family members. He told us that was why he recruited non-family to help us.”
Ran-Na turned to the Council, bowed and said, “Lords of New Krypton, ignorance is not an excuse. I did willingly participate in this … this travesty. I willingly accept whatever sentence this Council decides is warranted.”
Lord Trey addressed them individually, “Fina, your sister has informed the Council of your circumstances and finds these to be mitigating in your case, therefore this Council sentences you to one year of labor in the fields of New Krypton. Your punishment is the same as that of your sister. The punishment is not severe and will serve to benefit our population as it is served out.”
“Ran-Na,” Trey looked around at the members of the Council and receiving nods continued, “Ran-Na, Gam-Re, Col-Re yours and your bond mates sentences will be the same as that of Rena and Fina. We accept that you were all duped by Nor-Na into this serious breach of the traditions of New Krypton and had no malicious intent.”
“Your sentences will begin as soon as we return to New Krypton. There will be no need for you to be confined. You may return to your quarters.”
As a group family Na, those that remained, bowed to the Council and filed out.
Once family Na had exited, Trey next addressed, “Lord Kal-El and Lady Lois-El.”
They rose and faced the council.
“This council proffers its most profound apologies for the actions of Nor and his associates. It is the decision of this council that we will depart and no longer bother you or this planet.”
Kal-El spoke up, “Lord Trey and elders of New Krypton please allow me to address the Council.”
“Speak Lord Kal-El.”
“The Lady Zara told us what precipitated this trial. It is my understanding that Gee-Ra desired a member of the house of El, specifically, Kal-El to form a life bond with Lady Zara thereby uniting the houses of El and Ra. Unfortunately, Kal-El is not available. Lord Trey, I may have a solution for you.” Clark gestured for Alice to join him. Once she was standing beside him he continued, “Lord Gan-Ce you have acknowledged your granddaughter. Gentlemen, Alice, Lord Gan-Ce’s granddaughter is here from an alternate universe. The Kal-El of that universe was also unavailable and an alternate solution was found. I will allow her to explain. Alice, if you will.”
Alice turned and placing her closed fist over her heart bowed to the council.
Lord Gan-Ce said, “You may speak, granddaughter.”
She straightened up and said, “Thank you grandfather. In my reality we also had difficulty with Lord Nor and although the path followed was different the outcome was the same. Lord Nor’s death removed him as a threat to our society. As Lord Kal-El has stated, Kal-El was not available to form a life bond with the Lady Zara in our reality. I personally have seen evidence here that the same resolution could be affected. In my reality the Lady Zara and the former Lt. Ching committed to a life bond and jointly rule. I say the former Lieutenant in that he retired from the military and assumed his family name of Ka. Ching-Ka and Zara Ching-Ka have ruled with distinction and honor ever since. They are held in the highest esteem by all New Kryptonians. One of their daughters in my closest friend and I have spent a good deal of time with them as a family. Next to Lord Kal-El and Lady Lois theirs is the most honorable family I know. I have spoken.”
When she had finished speaking and sat down, Elka stood and addressed the elders, “If it may please the council, I wish to speak.”
Gan-Ce asked, “Who might you be?”
She moved over to stand next to Clark. Turning to face the Council she placed her closed fist over her heart and bowed.
Lord Trey said, “You may address the Council. Please identify yourself.”
She said, “I am Elka Ka-El daughter of Tel-Ka granddaughter of Zara and Ching-Ka.”
Gan-Ce asked, “You are the granddaughter of Zara as Alice is my granddaughter?”
“Yes, Lord Gan-Ce.”
“You may speak.”
“Honored members of the Council of Elders I simply wish to add my testimony to that of Alice. My grandparents, Zara and Ching-Ka have ruled New Krypton in a most honorable fashion and I am proud to claim them. They have guided New Krypton through some serious and trying times with wisdom and compassion. I say with all humility that there has never been a more beloved pair on the throne of High Lord in the history of Krypton or New Krypton. I have spoken.” She returned to her seat.
As she was sitting, Gan-Ce turned to the other members of the council and said, “Fellow elders of New Krypton, it would appear that the object of our search for a new leader of our society has been right here all along. The testimony of my granddaughter and that of the granddaughter of Zara and Ching would appear to be conclusive.” Gan-Ce turned to the gallery and addressed Zara and Ching, “Lady Zara, Lt. Ching.”
Zara and Ching both stood and moved in front of the council bench.
“Lady Zara, what say you in this matter. You were promised to Kal-El as a birth wife. He is not now available. Would you willingly accept Lt. Ching as his substitute?”
Zara looked at Ching and said, “He hasn’t asked.”
Just then the proceedings were interrupted by the arrival of Lori who bore a lead box in her hands.
Lois stood and addressed the Council, “Lord Trey and the Council, this is Lori-El bond mate of another Kal-El. In this box is the means of stripping Jen-Mai of the powers he acquired on the surface. It will be necessary for all of the guards to vacate the cell while Lori-El deals with him.”
Trey addressed the head of the guards, “Follow her orders to the letter.”
The head of the guard detachment gave the closed fist salute and bowed to Lori, “Yours to command.”
Lori gave a half bow and said, “Lead me to his confinement,” and left following the guard.
After they exited, Trey said, “Lady Alice Ben-El this council thanks you for your testimony. Lady Elka-Ka-El the council also thanks you. Lord Kal-El and Lady Lois, this council also thanks you and commends you on your restraint. It would appear as though you had it in your power to have killed your opponents as easily as you disabled and captured them.”
Clark said, “Lord Trey, we have learned that with great power comes even greater responsibility and I quickly learned that I could not act as policeman, judge, jury and executioner for moral reasons. Any criminal I capture I give to the appropriate authorities to deal with as they see fit. I long ago learned it was the best way.”
Kal-El continued, “Lord Trey, from discussions we have had with other members of our family, we realize that it would be a mistake if New Krypton were to follow the course you outlined. New Krypton should not isolate itself. It would be mutually beneficial if New Krypton and Earth were they to maintain full diplomatic relations. There is much to be gained by both sides as far as trade of goods and information. With your consent we can begin those trade negotiations using the Superman Foundation as the intermediary.”
“Lord, Kal-El that is most gracious of you considering what our people did to you and your planet.”
“Much harm has been done, but more good can come of it.”
Trey replied, “You are very wise, my friend. We will talk more.”
Zara spoke up, “Lord Trey, if it is the determination of the council that Lt. Ching and I become the leaders of New Krypton we should make that transition of power before we leave orbit. In that way we can establish the diplomatic relations which have been suggested.”
Trey turned to Lt. Ching and asked, “What are your wishes in this matter?”
Lt. Ching performed the closed fist bow to Trey and said, “If it please the council I would beg a conference with Lady Zara, alone.”
Trey looked right and left and receiving nods from the other members said, “Granted.”
Lt. Ching and Zara exited the council chamber. In rather short order they returned with Lady Zara resting her hand on his outstretched hand and Lt. Ching addressed the council, “Lord Trey and members of the Council of Elders, it is my wish to relinquish my military title and resume my family name, Ka. Also, I have asked the Lady Zara if she would consent to forming a life bond with me.”
Trey turned to Zara and asked, “Lady Zara, how say you?”
Zara replied in a serious tone as befitted addressing the council, “I have accepted the offer of Ching-Ka to form a life bond with him. If it please the council we would request the bonding ceremony be conducted at the earliest convenience of the council.” Turning to the gallery she continued, “We also request Lord Kal-El, Lady Lois, Ka-El and Elka Ka-El be present.” As she finished speaking formally she started to smile.
Looking around Trey said, “We will conduct the ceremony in one hour.”
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