It has been two weeks since Jor-El agreed to help with the evacuation plan. He had been working tirelessly on the Phantom Drive integration, barely leaving the Rao estate during this entire period.
His dedication was remarkable—I would often find him in the workshop at all hours, surrounded by holographic blueprints and prototype components.
The interstellar spaceship was nearly complete, with around five percent left to finish. The massive vessel stretched across our construction bay, its sleek hull gleaming under the artificial lights.
The Phantom Drive was fully integrated into the ship, but not before Jor-El had thoroughly tested every component. He refused to take any chances with technology that had never been field-tested.
"The drive responded perfectly to all simulation scenarios," Jor-El had reported just yesterday. "Power distribution is stable, spatial compression calculations are within acceptable parameters, and the containment field is holding steady."
During these two weeks, I had been busy preparing everything we would probably require for our new life among the stars.
I collected samples of animal and plant DNA from across Krypton, storing them in specialized preservation chambers. Our new world—wherever it might be—would need to support life, and having genetic templates from our home planet could prove invaluable.
I had also spent considerable time reviewing research on Kryptonian physiology. According to the official scientific documentation, only planets orbiting red suns were suitable for Kryptonian survival. Any other type of sun would supposedly be poisonous for an average Kryptonian.
I knew this was complete bullshit fed to the people by the Council.
The truth was quite the opposite—only under a yellow sun or blue sun would the true Kryptonian heritage emerge. Our people would develop abilities that bordered on the godlike under the right stellar radiation.
The forces of House Rao had also arrived over the past week. Three thousand Kryptonian warriors were back at our estate. These were elite soldiers, each one having undergone training that would make a regular Kryptonian quit. I had put them all on standby, ready for whatever action might be required.
Commander Jon-Sno had done excellent work coordinating their arrival without attracting Council attention. The official story was that we were conducting large-scale military exercises in preparation for the next conflict with the Dheronians.
Today was the day we would meet our ticket to safe passage out of Krypton—General Zod.
"Are you certain about this?" Jor-El asked as we waited in the main study. "Even though Zod is my friend, he tends to do something irrational when he's angry. The information we're about to share with him..."
"I understand your concerns," I replied, "but I see beyond his reputation for anger. Zod is a true Kryptonian patriot. Everything he does, no matter how it might appear to others, is for the good of our people."
Jor-El had arranged the meeting through their personal communication channels. Zod had agreed to come immediately when Jor-El mentioned it concerned a matter of planetary security.
The sound of an approaching vessel drew our attention to the windows. A sleek military transport was descending toward our landing platform. As it touched down, I could see the distinctive markings of the Sword of Rao—one of the two main divisions of the Kryptonian military.
General Zod emerged from the vessel with the bearing of a man who had never known defeat. He was tall and imposing, his military uniform immaculate despite having just completed a long journey.
I walked out to meet him, accompanied by Jor-El and Commander Jon-Sno.
"General Zod," I said, offering the formal greeting appropriate to his rank. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"Lord Rao," Zod replied, returning the greeting. He turned to Jor-El with a genuine smile. "Jor, it's good to see you again, my friend."
"And you as well, Dru," Jor-El replied, using Zod's given name.
Zod then looked at Jon-Sno and nodded respectfully. The two military men acknowledged each other with the understanding that existed between professional soldiers.
"Lord Rao," Zod said, his expression growing more solemn, "please accept my condolences regarding your parents. They were honorable people who served Krypton well."
"Thank you, General," I replied. "Their loss has been difficult, but it has also clarified certain priorities for me."
"I can imagine," Zod said. "The responsibility of leading a noble house is never easy, especially when inherited under such circumstances."
I gestured toward the entrance. "Come inside. What we need to discuss requires privacy."
We settled into the same study where I had first learned about Krypton's fate two weeks ago. Zod took his seat with the alert posture of someone accustomed to receiving critical intelligence briefings.
"What I'm about to tell you," Jor-El began, "must not leave this room. What we've discovered affects not just our houses, but every living being on this planet."
Zod leaned forward slightly. "You have my word, Jor. What's this about?"
Jor-El took a deep breath and launched into the explanation. He detailed the core's instability, the Council's century-long cover-up, the mining operations that were accelerating our doom. He showed Zod the same data that LYRA had compiled for me, the holographic displays painting a picture of inevitable destruction.
Halfway through the explanation, Zod's composure cracked. He slammed his fist on the table with such force that I thought the surface might crack.
"I should have known!" he snarled, his voice filled with rage. "They've been weakening the Sword of Rao for years, limiting our operations, restricting our access to information. Now I understand why."
The Sword of Rao was indeed one of the two main divisions of the Kryptonian military. The other was directly under Council control, known as the Sapphire Guard. Over the past decade, the Council had gradually reduced the Sword of Rao's authority while expanding the Sapphire Guard's power.
"It is as if they wanted to ensure that when the end came, no one with the military capability to organize a proper evacuation would be in a position to act," Zod continued, his anger building.
Zod didn't doubt the authenticity of the information. Jor-El was his closest friend, and their trust ran deeper than politics or military hierarchies.
After Jor-El finished his explanation, Zod sat in silence for several minutes, processing everything he had learned. When he finally spoke, his voice was controlled but carried an undertone of deadly determination.
"You have a plan to save our species, and you need my help," he said, looking directly at me. "No matter what it is, you have my full support. Tell me what you need from me."
I nodded and began explaining our evacuation plans. I described the Phantom Drive technology, the ship we had been constructing, and our timeline for departure.
"Fifteen thousand," Zod repeated when I finished. The number clearly angered him—after all, it was so few compared to our total population.
But then he rationalized, his military mind accepting the harsh mathematics of survival. "This number is enough to preserve hope for Krypton. Enough genetic diversity to rebuild, enough cultural knowledge to remember who we were."
Jor-El looked genuinely surprised at how calm Zod remained. Throughout the explanation, the General had maintained his composure, asking tactical questions rather than giving in to emotional outbursts.
Zod noticed Jor-El's expression and smirked. "What? You thought I would do something foolish?"
Jor-El smiled sheepishly. "Well, you can't blame me for having that thought. After all, you've always had anger issues."
Zod grunted in acknowledgment. "Anger has its place, Jor, but not when the survival of our entire species is at stake."
Then Zod's expression grew serious again. "You'll have the Codex, of course. But who will be the ones leaving?"
I had been expecting this question. "I've created a selection system based on essential skills and genetic diversity. Five thousand warriors, two thousand scientists and engineers, three thousand medical personnel and researchers, two thousand skilled craftsmen and technicians, and three thousand civilians chosen for genetic diversity."
Zod nodded approvingly. "It sounds properly balanced."
He stood up and looked directly at me, his gaze carrying the weight of absolute conviction.
"You are the one who has given our race one final chance," he said. "You have gathered the resources, the technology, and the people necessary for this mission. I hope you will lead the survivors and rebuild Krypton among the stars."
I nodded grimly. "That's the plan, General. Not just survival, but eventual restoration of everything we're about to lose."
Zod moved toward the door, then paused. "I have a great deal to prepare. The Sapphire Guard will not be simple to deal with. I need to prepare a plan to deal with them."
The implication was clear. Zod would need to neutralize the Council's military forces to ensure our escape. It would likely be a suicide mission for him and his loyal troops, but he showed no hesitation.
"We understand the sacrifice you're making," I said quietly.
Zod looked back at me one final time. "It's not a sacrifice if it serves Krypton. Make sure our people remember what it means to be Kryptonian, Lord Rao. Make sure they never forget the price that was paid for their survival."
We all watched as Zod walked toward his vessel. His back was straight, his stride confident, showing no sign of the enormous burden he had just accepted. This man was walking toward what would almost certainly be his death, yet he didn't flinch or waver.
The sight filled me with even more determination to protect our people. If Zod could face death with such courage, then I could bear the responsibility of leading the survivors to a new future.
.....
Want to read ahead of the public release? Support me on Patreon at "https://www.patreon.com/FreakyHaru" and get access to:
5 and 10 chapters of all my fanfictions.
Ongoing Projects:
DC/MARVEL: The Kryptonian Emperor
Marvel: Shadow Monarch
ATG: Not a Cannon Fodder
Your support helps me keep writing and brings you more content faster!
Thank You