The Last Days of Krypton - Kevin J. Anderson [44]
“Yes, we really should do everything according to the rules,” Kor-Te added. “That is how it has always been done.”
“Another team will easily confirm what I found,” Zor-El said. “But I had hoped to get a head start on such a large problem, a full-scale research group rather than just me.”
“Rash decisions are often bad decisions,” Jul-Us intoned, folding his hands together. “Thank you both for a most interesting presentation. However, it’s up to this Council to assess the real threats and priorities for Krypton. At such time as we deem this problem to be significant, we will invite the two of you to participate in the study group.”
Though not satisfied, Zor-El saw that they could ask for nothing more at the moment. “We will get the data as soon as possible.”
Jor-El straightened, looking directly at them. He could sense impatience building within him just like the pressure in Krypton’s core. “And when we do, I expect the Council to act promptly and decisively.”
Old Jul-Us nodded sagely. “Of course.” The eleven members were already picking up their documents and debating other civic matters.
Zor-El growled as they passed down the echoing hall, “This isn’t the way things work in Argo City. My people listen, they cooperate, and get things done without dickering endlessly over trivial matters.” He shook his head. “They are deluding themselves. They are delaying—”
“They are the Council.”
CHAPTER 17
When Jor-El came back to the estate, Lara could tell he was frustrated by what had happened with the Council. His brother had departed directly for Argo City; she’d barely been introduced to him.
Trying to change Jor-El’s mood, she showed him the new paintings she had done. By now, Lara had finished the portraits on eleven of the twelve obelisks. Though she continued to touch up the details, each of the symbolic panels was complete and (even if she said so herself) quite remarkable.
Her parents had already wrapped up most of the artwork along the estate’s buildings, and many of the apprentices were being sent back to Kandor; Ora and Lor-Van would spend several more days documenting nuances in the murals, so that others would interpret them properly. The famed artists were in great demand, and they already had a major new project lined up in the capital city. But Lara wasn’t so anxious to leave.
“And what about that last obelisk?” Jor-El asked, apparently glad to be distracted from his other troubles. “What do you intend to paint there?”
“I’m waiting to be inspired.” On an impulse, she blurted, “In all the times you’ve been to Kandor, have you ever taken a few hours to actually see the city—the museums, the humming galleries, the architecture of the crystal temples? There are so many things I’d like to show you, Jor-El. With my parents’ influence, I can get us fine seats for the next opera tapestry.”
He was obviously not thrilled with the idea. “I don’t like opera tapestries. I don’t understand them.”
“And I don’t understand your physics, but that didn’t keep me from getting you out of the Phantom Zone,” she countered. “All it takes is a little care and attention. Come with me to Kandor. Let me show you.”
“An opera tapestry?” he said again, as if pleading with her to choose something else.
“A new epic just debuted, ‘The Legend of Hur-Om and Fra-Jo.’ It has a grand scope, star-crossed lovers, tragedy, and a happy ending. What more could anyone want?” He took her question literally and was about to answer with something specific, but she cut him off. “Trust me in this, Jor-El.”
“All right, I’ll trust you. Go ahead and arrange it.”
They spent most of the following day in Kandor, even though they had no plans until the evening’s opera tapestry. Jor-El was not accustomed to the luxury of simply finding things to do, but Lara’s relaxed mood gradually rubbed off on him. Once his brother did collect the necessary data, he would have to devote all of his time to saving the world. For now,