Chapter 52 - Unyielding General Kneels to None - Part 1

Earth-Next day

The members welcomed the next day and got into actions in accordance to their priorities.

In Gotham, Bruce Wayne was heading to Wayne Tech. His day was planned out, starting with working on projects with Lucius. He also intended to use his influence to arrange a meeting between the League and the UN Security Council president.

Meanwhile, on Themyscira, Diana was participating in an intense training regimen, guided by her aunt and mentor, Althea. This challenging routine was designed to push her physical and mental boundaries. Each exercise throughout the day tested her strategic thinking and resilience, pushing Diana beyond her limits.

In Metropolis, Lois and Clark went to the Daily Planet, smiling. The previous night had brought them even closer. When Clark told Lois about Orach's request for an interview, she was initially worried. But, she found comfort in Clark's arms. Their gaze led to a passionate kiss and a night of love making. Lois eventually fell asleep in Clark's arms.

Clark's assurances that Orach wouldn't harm her and he would be there during the interview gave her confidence. She was excited, not nervous, to interview Orach, a visitor from higher realms.

Once they arrived at the Daily Planet, Lois and Clark started investigating CADMUS, something Clark had told her about. She was disappointed in the military after learning the truth about CADMUS and wanted to help Clark stop its experiments. Using data from Bruce, they started building their case against CADMUS to expose the truth.

In Central City, Barry Allen was pulled into a strange case. A body, strangely pelted with what seemed like hail, was found inside a building. This odd case intrigued Barry, and he immediately got to work. In Detroit, Victor had a heartfelt conversation with his father. Despite some lingering resentment, he chose to cherish his time with his dad. They spent the morning discussing the opportunities that Bruce and Orach had proposed. His father, weary from recent events, happily agreed. This opportunity would allow him to spend more time with his only family, his son, and collaborate with him. Hence, they agreed to move to Gotham.

At the same time, in Coast City, Hal Jordan was busy planning for a date. Amidst his planning, he momentarily set aside his Green Lantern responsibilities.

Unlike others, Arthur found himself in a rather different situation. The previous night, he had enjoyed himself to his favorite pastime, drinking alcohol, and now, he lay unconscious, passed out on his bed. The memories of the night before were hazy, blurred by the effects of the last night's merrymaking. Yet, he had a dream that felt all too real, a dream that was vivid and intense.

In this dream, he had met a stunningly red haired beautiful woman. Their initial conversation after a few drinks together, had escalated turning into a night of passionate romance. The dream felt so lifelike, that Arthur could almost feel the softness of her body against his. It was the most realistic dream he had ever had, an experience that was so thoroughly enjoyable that a satisfied grin was still plastered on his sleeping face.

But Arthur, who was still asleep, didn't realize his dream was real. Right next to him, under a thin, sweaty bedsheet with a blood stain, was the woman from his dream. She was very beautiful, her body glowing in the soft morning light from the window.

This woman was Mera, who had initially joined him for a casual conversation the previous night and found herself caught in a moment, fueled by the influence of alcohol. What was supposed to be an innocent talk turned into a night of unforgettable passion.

As the morning light filled the room, the woman woke up. Her eyes fluttered open, and she turned her head, her gaze falling on the sleeping Arthur. A wave of emotions washed over her, confusion, surprise, and a hint of anger. She even for a moment had killing intent in her eyes and used her power to manipulate water near her to make a small dagger. But after the fleeting moment, she realized that the experience had also left an undeniable sense of warmth, a feeling of deep connection that she couldn't ignore.

She looked at Arthur, who was still sleeping. With a sigh, she released the water dagger and sat up slowly, her bare skin revealed as the bedsheet slipped down. She ran a hand through her tousled hair, her mind quickly recalling previous night's events. Despite her best efforts to feel regret, she couldn't deny her enjoyment. Looking at the sleeping Arthur, she wondered if he felt the same. Knowing her absence would lead to questions, she quickly got dressed and returned to the water, heading home.

Elsewhere, the hawk couple, were in the midst of a debate. The departure of Orach, had initially seemed like a good opportunity to suggest their fleet to invade Earth. However, the emergence of another possible Super Saiyan, Diana, had shocked them.

The appearance of one Super Saiyan, Orach, had been scary enough, but now another one, Diana, had emerged. Even though Diana had not yet mastered her new power, her mere existence was now enough to make them cautious. Hence, after much debate, they decided to wait and observe. Maintaining their false identities, they continued their day.

Robin and Batgirl informed Bruce that all the locations they visited were empty, even with Cyborg's assistance. It was clear that Amanda had relocated their operations, likely going deeper into hiding. After hearing this, Bruce called them back to prepare for the day ahead.

In the evening, after Lois and Clark returned to their apartment, Clark went to his Fortress of Solitude. With the help of the fortress's AI, modeled after his father, Clark began studying the schematics of the Phantom Zone projector. After noting the required materials, he was spotted as a blur in various parts of the world, gathering these materials. He then instructed the AI and helper bots to construct the projector, which took two hours. After construction, he took the projector outside for testing.

Clark conducted three tests, gathering data with the help of a bot. In the last trial, he entered the Phantom Zone wearing a Kryptonian spacesuit for safety. After collecting enough data and experiencing the effects firsthand, he exited the Phantom Zone and turned off the projector. He then stored the projector back in his fortress and contacted Bruce to inform him that the projector was now complete.

Unbeknownst to Clark, activating the projector sent a ripple through the Phantom Zone that was detected elsewhere. In a distant space sector, an AI system aboard a spacecraft recognized the unique signature of a Phantom Zone projector. This spacecraft, now a relic of a lost civilization, had its engine modified with Phantom Zone projector technology. This allowed it to detect the activation of a similar device, even from light-years away. At present, the ship was hovering over an old colonial outpost, a desolate reminder of the once-mighty Kryptonian empire, which was discovered by the ship's crew.

"They... all of them withered after being cut off from our homeworld for so long," said one of the men who landed on the outpost. His gaze fell on the skeletal remains of their brethren.

"But look at them," another man interjected, his voice filled with pride. "Even in death, they held their weapons. They died defending this outpost."

"Enough!" a female voice cut through the somber atmosphere. She was their leader, a powerful warrior. "We follow the General's orders. We are fortunate to have found this outpost and its technology and weapons that can help us rebuild Krypton. Now, get back to your duties. Collect what we need."

The team responded, "Yes, Ma'am!" and resumed their work. Their leader looked at them, then turned to the man in charge. This man was like a ray of hope in their tough times. He had led them through hard situations, always strong and inspiring. He was their General, their trusted leader, and the last hope of Krypton, General Zod.

She stood beside the General, noting the blend of anger and sadness on his face. The devastation of their world and the loss of their comrades had deeply impacted everyone. Despite his personal struggle, the General stood strong, guiding them towards the hope of their civilization's rebirth. At that moment, Zod was absorbing the desolate aura of the entire outpost, using it to fuel his determination to restore Krypton at any cost.

Just then General Zod received a message from Jax-Ur, who was on their mothership.

"Jax-Ur, reporting in, General Zod," a voice came over the comm link in Zod's spacesuit.

"Acknowledged, Jax-Ur. What's the news?" Zod asked.

"The AI has detected a Phantom Zone projector in sector 2814," Jax-Ur reported.

Zod thought for a moment. "Only a Kryptonian could access the Zone. It must be Kal-El. He survived," he speculated.

"Jax, order the AI to set a course. We leave in an hour," Zod ordered.

"Understood, General," Jax-Ur responded.

Zod turned to the woman next to him. "Faora, gather what we need in an hour. Make sure to get the World Engine first. I'm going to the ship now."

"Acknowledged, General," Faora replied and started giving orders to her team.

Zod returned to the ship and studied the planned route. "We'll soon meet…Kal," he murmured.

An hour later, the ship's phantom drive activated and the ship disappeared, heading to its next location.