The Last Days of Krypton - Kevin J. Anderson [154]
“We can endure, no matter how long it lasts. With my efficient greenhouses, our waterways, and our local energy sources, Argo City could be perfectly self-sufficient for years.”
He felt a lump in his throat, thinking through the cascade of consequences. “There can be no turning back. My beautiful city will never be the same afterward—even if we do somehow survive the comet.”
“Zod has already forced us into permanent change. It’s not your fault.”
The red sun shone like a great burning eye on the events about to unfold. To the east, the sea was strangely calm, and Zor-El tried to draw peace from it, but his stomach was knotted.
So far, he had heard nothing more from his brother besides the terse warning message. Kryptonopolis had been locked down tight even with Zod’s army gone. Posing as loyal followers of Zod and wearing sapphire armbands seized by the Society of Vigilance, volunteer couriers had slipped into the new city. Each one carried a small message crystal that, to most observers, projected innocent images of family members who had vanished with Kandor. Zor-El, however, had hidden secondary messages in the crystals, schematics and detailed explanations of his work with the protective shield. Now it was his turn to help Jor-El. That secret message was tailored to activate only upon contact with his brother’s DNA markers, which were the same as his own. None of the couriers had returned.
Zor-El took Alura’s hand, and they walked out of the tower. It was time to be with the people. “We’ve done all that we can. For the rest, we have to rely on hope and luck.”
“That’s not a very scientific-sounding statement.”
“Even in science there’s a certain element of chance.”
Nervous, yet resigned, crowds had gathered in Argo City’s streets and squares. Many stood on balconies overlooking the five graceful bridges, watching the dust cloud and shadows that marked the forward progress of Zod’s army. It wouldn’t be long now.
“Clear the bridges,” Zor-El ordered. “Bring everyone inside the city. Those who want to take their chances on the mainland should evacuate now.” Staying in Argo City under siege might not be any safer, but this was where he had cast his lot. Zor-El would rely on his technology, his own abilities.
And he had a surprise for the General.
Massive floating platforms loaded with armed troops drew up to each of the five emblematic bridges, and Zod’s warriors disembarked, each contingent led by one puffed-up member of the Ring of Strength. Rumbling siege equipment, heavily armored vehicles, and mobile weapons took up positions along the thin spit of land that formed the narrowest part of the peninsula. Very quickly, all of Argo City was blocked off. But the General held his army back, as if hesitant to fire.
Zor-El smiled at Alura. “He must be worried about what I have up my sleeve.”
“Why are you waiting? You know what you have to do.” Her dark eyes were full of worry. He thought she looked achingly beautiful. “Are you having second thoughts? We may have only a few moments before the attack begins.”
He laughed. “Zod won’t attack—yet. I know his type. He’ll make a grandiose speech, threaten us, and try to make us quake in our shoes. He’s convinced that we have no chance.”
At the forefront of his army, General Zod rode on a command platform surrounded by impenetrable transparent panes that would protect him from any stray weapons fire or overt assassination attempts, even from his own people. Aethyr and Nam-Ek flanked him as the floater pulled up to the central bridge. He looked ready to cross and lead a full-scale invasion. Zor-El, who had moved to a tall building on the bayside edge of the city, crossed his arms and looked down from a balcony at the tiny figure of the General.
Zod spoke into a high-powered amplifier that made his voice so loud that the words clapped against the clouds overhead. “I do not wish to damage this glorious city, but your defiance harms all of Krypton. If I do not receive your surrender within one hour, we begin our bombardment.