The Last Days of Krypton - Kevin J. Anderson [33]
That could happen at any time. Maybe tomorrow, maybe thousands of years from now.
A year earlier, Jor-El had warned the Council that the red sun would eventually explode. After listening to the evidence, old Jul-Us had spoken slowly. “Over the past hundred years or so, other scientists have also mentioned such a catastrophe as a means to frighten the gullible.”
“Even if we believed you, no one can stop the changes in Rao,” said Kor-Te, who was always confident in the security of the past. “The sun has burned without incident for all of recorded history.”
But Jor-El had found an ally on the Council in its youngest member, Cera-Si. “We can’t ignore a problem simply because there’s no immediately obvious solution. Jor-El’s science is impressive. We would be foolish to ignore him.” When Cera-Si had been appointed to the Council, he’d begun his work with great dreams and interesting ideas. Jor-El had placed hope in him, but although Cera-Si had a more open mind than some of the older members, he didn’t have the fortitude to persuade others.
The young man had long flaming-red hair that he bound behind his head with a single gold ring. Because of the red hair, the Priests of Rao had courted him for years, trying to recruit him as one of their number. But he had no patience for the hours of wearing goggles and solemnly staring at the giant red sun. Cera-Si had trouble sitting still and was famous for requesting frequent breaks during long and ponderous Council sessions.
“We need to think in the long term. There are ways we can prepare.” Jor-El began to list options. “We must think beyond Krypton. We can explore other planets. We can be ready to evacuate our people, if it becomes necessary.”
Al-An just laughed, looking at the other Council members to see if they would join in.
“That goes against the prime resolution of the Seven Army Conference,” grumbled Silber-Za, the only female member of the Council. She had long yellow hair, a bright smile, and a razor-edged temper that she directed toward those who dared to challenge her. She was also the reigning expert in nuances of Kryptonian law. “Doing so would expose us to outside contamination. It could be the end of us.”
Jor-El jabbed a finger toward the high ceiling. “Rao will be the end of us if it goes supernova.”
“There’s no reason not to let Jor-El continue his studies,” said Mauro-Ji, another occasional ally. He was a cautious Council member, always willing to give each question due consideration. “It seems only prudent. I say he should draw up his plans, document his ideas. Centuries from now, when and if the sun does become slightly more unstable, our descendants might be glad that we had such foresight.”
“That does seem prudent,” Pol-Ev conceded. “Let the historical record show that we did indeed plan ahead.”
Jor-El had nodded his appreciation to Mauro-Ji. He knew the man had his own reasons for keeping on the scientist’s good side. Centuries ago, the noble Ji family had been powerful and prominent, but in recent years their holdings had fallen on hard times. After they had invested heavily in a new set of vineyards to compete with those in the Sedra region, a blight had killed the vines, and an earthquake had leveled one of their large manor houses. Mauro-Ji often invited Jor-El to social events, weddings, and feasts, as if proximity to the esteemed scientist might increase his own standing. Jor-El wasn’t sure that anyone could benefit from being his friend, given the vagaries of Kandor’s high society.
After looking at his supernova data, the Council members had discussed the matter interminably before finally