The Last Days of Krypton - Kevin J. Anderson [52]
“We have been safe. Haven’t we?” Pol-Ev looked around. He moved a heavily ruffled collar out of the way of his waxed and pointed beard. “Krypton has always been safe.”
“It appears you haven’t been entirely safe. I saw your destroyed moon from space.”
“You spied on us?” Cera-Si’s face turned nearly as red as his long hair.
“I did due diligence in order to better welcome Krypton into the fold of galactic society. Believe me, there are outside threats you cannot even imagine.” Donodon smiled. “Someday you may be glad to have a superior protective force around.”
Al-An, usually the tiebreaker and peacemaker on the Council, said, “What is your stake in this? Are you a representative of this…enforcement group?”
“I am an explorer who seeks the right opportunities. That is all.”
In a huff, Silber-Za said, “So you want us to submit to the rule of an intergalactic police force?”
Donodon’s tendrils wriggled with apparent agitation. “You misunderstand what I said.” The blue-skinned alien selected a device from another pocket, adjusted its settings, and sprayed a glowing rectangle in the air that shimmered like a projection screen. He displayed a host of images, monstrous villains, destroyed worlds, enslaved populations. “You have been safe thus far, not because the dangers don’t exist, but because none of them have found you yet. Rest assured, they will. Krypton cannot remain hidden forever.”
Zod leaned back as a thrill shivered down his spine. “Exactly.” He could already imagine several ways to prepare the world for the inevitable; the Council certainly wouldn’t do it.
“You threaten us?” Old Jul-Us pretended to be indignant.
“I only suggest that you would benefit greatly from the protection and peace offered by an alliance with other civilizations.”
Unannounced, a pale-haired figure passed through the arch and strode bravely across the tiled floor to the base of the granular podium the alien had created. He extended his hands, shouting upward. “Council Head Jul-Us, all Council members—think of everything this rare visitor can teach us! I have come to speak on his behalf.”
From high above, Donodon peered down at the unexpected visitor. From his own seat in the special balcony, Zod leaned forward, not at all surprised to see Jor-El take charge like this. The scientist’s face seemed to be shining with hope and fascination. He boldly stepped to the base of the sand-and-earth pedestal, calling upward as if he and Donodon were the only two adults among a group of children. “Please excuse the Council’s abrupt reaction. This is all very new to us.”
“Jor-El, your interruption is unprecedented!” Jul-Us said.
“Everything about this event is unprecedented. We must learn more about this emissary before jumping to rash conclusions. It is the only logical way to proceed.” He placed his hands on his hips, forcefully meeting the gaze of the Council Head. The other members muttered to each other. “And you all know that I am the best-equipped person on all of Krypton to engage in these discussions.”
“He does have a point,” Cera-Si said, loudly enough to be heard in the hushed audience chamber.
“But we are in charge here!” Silber-Za insisted.
Turning back to look at the eleven Council members, Donodon said, “While I must respect your traditions, I shall choose my own comrades.” The visitor made a gesture with another device, and the platform began to dissolve, falling back down into the hole in the floor, the grains streaming smoothly back to their original positions with a hissing, rushing sound. The hexagonal floor tiles flipped up into the air, then reseated themselves, interlocking perfectly.
The crowds in the viewing stands