!

Name: Kela Bez-Ol.

Title: Councilor, Administrator, Freedome Fighter.

Origin: Technically Mundane even if she is Kryptonian.

Rank: F+ (Krypton's standard grade is F)

Skills: Adminsistration, Acting, Manipulation, Fire arms, (See tool tip)

Powers: N/A

Domains: N/A

Traits: Kryptonian physiology.

Disposition: Neutral, bordering on hostile.

Comments: Kela Bez-Ol is furious that Lash-Rao is acting in such a benevolent and beneficial way towards her people. But, she is also angry at herself for plotting his death. If only more of the Religious Guild was like, Lash-Rao things could have been so much different.

“People! People please calm down, I'm almost done!” Lash called out to the crowd who eventually quieted down. They looked at him with anticipation.

“Now, another piece of information that I must share with you. The terrorist group known has Black Zero has infiltrated sector 68.” Lash called out, and he watched as hundreds of people's faces twisted. While hundreds more were horrified!

“Let us please remember that not everyone a part of Black Zero are criminals, or in fact bad people. They are just swept up in the lies, and proganda that Black Zero whispers to them. When Black Zero was first created, all they wanted was a peaceful resolution to the conflicts between the Guilds, and proper representation of the Labor Guild on the council. These ideals are not wrong!” Lash said to the crowd, and glanced at Kela who looked at him in astonishment.

“But it is how they are doing it. Violence breeds only more violence. I will share with you all right here and now a simple truth. Krypton way of life relies on the Labor Guild. If the Labor Guild were to just unilaterally go on strike for a single day! One day! All of Krypton would grind to a halt.” Lash said, and everyone started to whisper. While the justicars were speaking into their communication links. The officer in charge was gradually making his way towards Lash.

“The Labor Guild is the back bone of Krypton society. Krypton can not function with you, all of you! I am not here to ask for forgiveness. Just as I said when I first stepped onto this stage. I can't fix the past. But I can ask for an opportunity for the future. I'll tell you here and now. What I am doing is part of a new out reach program specifically targeted towards the Labor Guild.” Lash said with a smile, and the justicar officer in charge paused mid step.

“I'm not saying things will be dramatically better tomorrow morning. But if the lowest, of the low of Kryptonopolis can show all of Krypton that they have it in themselves to be better? Than why not the world?” Lash said, as he smiled at them all. He turned to look at Kela and winked at her. If looks could kill, oh my! The death glare she was giving him now.

“I digress, please forgive me. Unlike the city officials that will come and bribe, or threaten you to give up Black Zero? Don't! Don't give them up. What I want you all to do is continue to live your lives. Work hard, come here to the temple and learn, practice, and become better people. Bigger people than what Black Zero has grown into. Because you, all of you! Are the hope of Krypton. Not those terrorists. You!” Lash said, and he tapped his pen microphone and bowed from his waist. And what awaited him was a standing ovation!

Thousands of people cheered, clapped, and praised his name. While hundreds more looked furious. Kela stormed off the stage and disappeared into the crowd. Lash stepped off the stage and grinned at the justicar officer who nodded to him in reply. Not a single shot fired, or a threatening act, and Lash had done more to destroy Black Zero in a ten minute speech than any anti-terrorist act had done in years. The roaring fire in the pit grew once again, the Daylight spell glowed brilliantly. The music started up and people started to dance...

It was 12:01 am when Lash at last called for the feast to end. It was met with sad groans, and whining protests. But everyone here had work in the morning, and the demolition of the park started in six hours! Lash and his robots still had to clean up, the justicars were still on station and were not allowed to leave until the temple square was cleaned out! Lash brewed some fresh hot tylak for them all and told them all to sit. While Praetor, and Epsilon started to clean up. Despite the huge crowd there was not a lot of trash. The Labor Guild understood better than any other guild the need to be tidy! The newly repaired dumpster and compactor earned its weight that night.

“You realize you just painted a huge target on you, and your temple. Right?” Or-Jar said as he came out from no where. He was very skilled in stealth, a few justicars jumped to their feet but Lash gestured for them to sit down. Or-Jar had a warrant out for himself.

“I'm sorry, but please excuse him. The temple is neutral ground. Please respect that.” Lash said to the officer in charge who used a few of the gods, and goddesses names in vain. Which earned him a glare from Lash.

“Yes, I did realize that. Black Zero will use everything in their power to destroy me, and the temple now. Right now they are checking with their contacts at temple prime and learning that if I die this outreach program dies with me.” Lash replied, and continued to clean up.

“Then why? Why would you do this? Black Zero was willing to leave you alone! By Rao, even if you are alone in your beliefs about the Labor Guild that would made you saint all on its own. The Labor Guild would have told stories about your for generations. The foolish priest who tried to change the world through opportunity, instead of violence!” Or-Jar screamed at him! Lash was surprised by the mans emotions. Or-Jar had always been very controlled, except for his fear of Lash as a Ligadian.

Lash stopped to reevaluate Or-Jar. The man had changed for better in many ways. Most likely from the blessings that Lash bestowed onto him. When you are magically infused, most people tend to change! He was dressed in a tailored made suit, Kryptonian style. Black shoes, black slacks, black vested coat, with white trim. He had a clean shaven face, and head. No piercings in his ears anymore. He moved with grace, and confidence. A sense of pride filled him now that wasn't there before.

“Granting serenity, and hope to those that live with out it. That is always worth while. Things are changing, Or-Jar. Krypton needs to change with the new, or it will be left behind. We can't live by the old rules anymore. Brainaic taught us that we can't be isolationist anymore. We have to start looking towards the stars. All of us! Otherwise we'll be left behind.” Lash said, a soft golden glow covering him for a brief moment. Something that was noticed by everyone near him.

“Who's Brainiac?” Or-Jar said, his eyes wide in disbelief.

“The alien machine that took Kandor. That was his name, he is, or rather was from the planet of Colu. This was not the first time aliens attacked Krypton. Nor will it be the last. We have to stop trying to hide, stop trying to limit our peoples potential. Our destiny is not to die here on this world at each others throats. But to reach for the stars with determination, and a smile on our faces.” Lash said to him with a smile of his own.

Congratulations User! Minor Acting has evolved into Basic Acting.

Effect: The User is able to play a part so well that they can incite emotions, and is even able to bypass certain sensors, and tools that can detect lies.

Effect: Sub-skill obtained, Manipulation.

Lash was really laying it on thick right now. He could almost see Or-Jar struggling with his bald face lie. But the best lies were born from truth. If Krypton wasn't destined to be destroyed in a few weeks this would be a beautiful set up to a story about people reaching for the stars. Eventually, Or-Jar looked at Lash straight in the eye and nodded with determination. Lash had obtained another follower. A few actually, including the justicar officer in charge who had listened to the whole conversation.

“What can I do to help?” Or-Jar asked Lash.

“I would like a message to be passed on to someone. They are part of the Science Guild, Jor-El.” Lash replied, recognition passed through Or-Jar's eyes. “I request his presence at my temple to discuss the future of Krypton. As soon as possible.” Lash finished, Or-Jar nodded and left soon after with a blessing from Lash.

The council of Guilds knew Brainaic's name, along with a select few. But a majority only knew him as the master of the mechanical monstrosities. His name was never released to the public, nor his planet of origin. Most Krypton's didn't even know that centuries ago they had fought off another alien invasion. It was of course on an isolated portion of the planet, and while the occupation lasted several decades. All trace of it was erased from Krypton's history. Specifically by the Religious Guild. Since Rao had created the universe. Why would Rao create beings that meant ill towards his chosen children?

Lash paid the Bylock Syndicate, and the Labor Guild volunteers 500 credits per person. Which was a lot of credits. He also paid the justicars who technically didn't have to be paid, but they didn't complain. The festivals tables, chairs, silverware, utensils, etc, etc were broken down into ambient magical energy. Epsilon, and Praetor returned to their recharge station. Lash returned to his home for a nice long shower and two hours worth of Meditation before it was time to start the next day...

Lash came out of his home and walked towards the main portion of the temple and decided to add a piece to it. Above the altar he crafted a crystal chandelier, with at its center was a Daylight enchanted orb. During the day it would glow with yellow sun energy, while at night it would shift to silver color of Earths moon. This was done by design.

He went to the kitchens and prepared a simple breakfast feast for the volunteers today. Several hundred had signed up, and he was sure more would arrive later. Epsilon arrived half way through preparation with dozens of people in tow. He greeted everyone with a tired smile. After everyone had been fed they took their tools and started smashing the lot down. Lash smash!

Once morning had officially been declared music started to play from the temple. Nothing so boring as lethargic hyms from the temple prime. But music straight from Kryptonopolis Artist Guild musical concert hall. Despite what the different guilds say about the Labor Guild. They do know how to demolish a lot in quick time. They were brutally efficient, and thorough in their work. The pile of discarded scrap was carried over to the dumpster for retrieval at a different time. As a small team slowly fed the debris into the compactor.

The whole project which Lash expected to last a few days, was finished by noon! Lash was ecstatic! He paid everyone 500 credits, which was amazing for only six hours of labor. Then he fed them all lunch and sent them on their way. The whole lot just beyond temple square was nothing more than another square city block of empty concrete. Lash was currently painting a massive Raoism scripture ritual circle, again with Vohc the builder god as the focus.

“I think the Flamebird would be jealous at how often you invoke, Vohc's name.” A man's voice called out to Lash. Lash turned to look and was struck dumb.

Jor-El stood off to the side with a smile on his face. Clark Kent was the spitting image of his father Jor-El. Same chiseled jaw, genuine smile on his face. Jor-El was 6'2”, with blue eyes, short black hair, athletic build uncommon among the Science Guild. He wore a green polymer flex suit, with the house of El combat suit above it. Unlike the justicars, the science combat suits looked like they had been grown in a vat of primordial soup. Then stretched across a metal surface. Very organic, but still practical!

“I was not expecting you so soon, though I won't complain. Greetings unto you, Jor of the house of El. May the light of Rao guide you on your path!” Lash said with a smile and bowed from his waist.

“May the light of Rao keep you safe in the days to come, War Priest Lash-Rao.” Jor-El said in return. “Please continue, it is not often I get to see a priest of the Religious Guild in action.” Jor said with a genuine smile, and curiosity alight in his eyes.

Lash continued to inscribe the ritual circle. All the while Jor kept his silence, and obvious questions to himself. What had said was true, most ceremonies done by the Religious Guild was long drawn out affairs. While the ones held behind closed doors were far more complex, and ritualistic. Of course Lash was doing most of this simply for appearances. When he was finished he asked Jor to step off of the lot this was going to be messy.

Lash poured his magical energy into the inscription and the entire lot glowed with green to bluish energy. This was Lash identified color for magic. He cast the spells Sooth, Nature's Supplement, Daylight, Essence Imbuement, Decomposition, Entanglement, Restoration, Mud Marsh, Nature's Kiss, Growth, Regrowth, Druid's Grove, Weather Control, Alteration, Recycle, Fabrication, Life and Death Manipulation, and Bending.

A seismic tremor on a mild scale flowed over the lot and made the surroundings shake lightly. Jor's eyes grew wide as the entire concrete lot collapsed on it self. He almost jumped into the ritual to help Lash. But held back just in time as tree's sprouted from the ground and grew hundreds of feet into the air. The concrete broke apart into pieces and broke further down into bits of rock, and dirt. Plants grew from the soil that came in a variety of colors, and appearances. Bushes with neon colored leaves, flowers the size of the average man. Tree's with trunks so wide it would take five people to wrap around it in a hug. Branches that stretched out towards the skies above.

From the center of the partial-grove came a 'natural' spring of water that flowed through the city park. Dirt pathways were designed, and crafted through Material Shaping by Lash, along with a few bridges that went over the water channels. Daylight lamps were scattered through out the park so people could see, but also for the plants themselves. Though these lamps gave of red sun, not yellow sun. Lash created a self contained park in sector 68. In front of Jor-El.

“What do you think!?” Lash called out as he came from the bushes towards the stunned silly scientist.

“H..H...How did you do that!? I have never seen such a thing. Even with chemical growth formulas, and the best glow lamps in Krypton such a thing would have taken months to accomplish. You did it in minutes!” Jor-El yelled in astonishment as he started to run through the park. He was not the only one. Hundreds of people started to walk through the paths. Feeling the plants, and trees. Many with in sector 68 had never seen a flower before.

“I could have done more if I had more room.” Lash said with out shame. He welcomed everyone to come explore the park. He started to craft signs about the rules and regulations of the park. Keep it clean, no littering, etc, etc. Don't be a dick!

“This flower is extinct!” Jor-El yelled from the flower garden area. He was speaking about a bell blossom flower. It had a massive bell shaped flower petal core, with its stigma portions hanging down. When wind would blow by it would give off a natural chime.

“Not on temple prime it's not.” Lash said with a smirk.

“Good design with the glow lamps. Part of the parks natural beauty, but will ensure the plants have plenty of artificial natural light to grow. Natural pricite stone for filtration of the water.... Nanites!? That was how you did this!?” Jor-El shouted and came running over to Lash with a broad smile on his face. Nanites were still in the experimental phase.

“We should talk privately.” Lash said to Jor-El who agreed with a grin...

Lash brought Jor-El to his home and made hot tylak for the scientist who was shooting off questions in rapid succession. This was the scientist from the house of El that Lash had heard about from Kara. She had watched her father Zor-El, and her uncle Jor-El talk for hours about things way over head. But she loved to listen to them talk. It was so animated, and full of life. Lash was able to keep up, but only barely. His Science, and Skill/Power/Spell Trainer ability was getting huge amounts of experience.

“So you are not using nanites?” Jor-El asked in confusion as he sipped his third glass of tylak, and then took a bit of a pastry that Lash had made for him.

“No, the Religious Guild has figured out a way to tap into a Universal Energy from another dimension. I have a built in implant that allows me to call, and direct that energy. So I guess I am using a different kind of nanite.” Lash said, his Acting prompted him a bit of experience. It was based on truth, if only barely.

“Like the Phantom Zone? I've theorized that the Phantom Zone could be used to not only power our cities, but could also be used as a form of travel through the universe.” Jor-El said, and his face went down cast.

“Faster than light travel.” Lash continued, and the light returned to Jor-El's eyes.

“Yes! Yes! Exactly! We could skim the outer edges of the zone, leaving the inner depths to the people we have in stasis there!” Jor-El continued, in this Krypton origin they had started to use the Phantom Zone as a prison for their worst criminals. Since while in the zone you didn't need to eat, drink, or sleep. But were exposed to a total sensory deprivation. Most people went insane!

“If only the Science council would listen to me! We could...could....” Jor-El said, pausing at the end. Before he could continue.

“Saves Krypton's future?” Lash supplied an answer, and Jor-El's head snapped up to look at him.

“What do you mean?” Jor-El asked, he swallowed his saliva and reached under the table towards something in his sleeve. Lash felt a electrical static pulse, it was a signal baffling field.

Lash raised an eye brow at him and glanced at the table, or rather his hand under the table. Lash was sure the move was purely innocent to most people. But to Lash it was plain as day. Jor-El had created the field not only to prevent unwanted listeners from hearing their conversation. But also to prevent anyone from helping Lash in case Jor-El needed to kill him. Which is also why the wrist mounted energy pistol in Jor-El's other hand started to warm up.

“When Brainiac pulled Kandor out of the ground. It destabilized the tectonic plates of Krypton. That is why we get tremors everyday now. Despite what the Science Guild assures the rest of us. The instability is getting worse. We have approximately...” Lash looked at his clock for dramatic effect. “One month, and two....weeks before Krypton is due to explode?” Lash said in a very nonchalant voice.

All color drained out of Jor-El's face. His left eye was twitching with unbridled rage. Not at Lash specifically, but Lash could assume it was towards the Religious Guild. Jor-El would assum the Religious Guild knew of the issue but was keeping the whole matter a secret. Or something around those lines? Or maybe Jor-El was just angry in general. If the science council had listened to him, everyone could have been in the phantom zone right now and they would be flying towards another habitable world.

“Ask your questions, Jor-El. What you say here will not leave this room. I give you my word.” Lash said, as he leaned back into his chair. All good humor had drained out of him.

“What does the Religious Guild know?” Jor-El asked.

“Nothing... They believe what the Science Guild believes. That your math is wrong, and there is no danger. Yes, the quakes will grow worse before the tectonic plates stabilize. But they will ignore the facts because it would lead to them losing their power. Losing their power is so far outside of their method of operation that anything that could threaten it. Even the destruction of the planet. Just doesn't even enter their minds as a possibility.” Lash replied, and waited for the next inevitable question.

“Then... How do you...” Jor-El asked, now even more confused.

“What do you know about time travel, Jor-El?” Lash asked, and Jor-El leaned so far back into his chair that he threatened to tip over.

“That the very idea is laughable. That even if it was possible it would take centuries of careful planning before even the most benign attempt would be possible.” Jor-El asked, as he tried to work the problem scientifically.

“You are absolutely right. But, hypothetically if it was possible. One could ask all sorts of questions of the hypothetical time traveler.” Lash said, with a smile at Jor-El.

“Does Krypton explode?” Jor-El asked, and Lash cast Phantasm to illustrate the story.

“It does, the shock wave sends debris across the known universe. The planet Daxam which shares the same system with Krypton is covered in debris and experiences an ash filled winter for decades. Killing most of the population. While the rest of Krypton spreads across the cosmos where portions of it exposed to cosmic radiation and changes it on a fundamental, and chemical level. One specific type is Green Kryptonite, which is the most abundant. This causes a great deal of trouble and harm for Clark Kent, or as you know him. Your son, Kal-El.” Lash said, finishing with a picture of Superman.

After that, Jor-El turned off his wrist mounted blaster and deflated like a balloon. No one knew about Kal-El. Except for Zor-El his brother. Who was preparing another ship for his daughter Kara to go to Earth with Kal. Something that Lash also talked about. He also explained that Kara gets stuck mid way to Earth due to a technical issue. Something that neither of them had considered.

But then Lash talks about all the things that Superman does, along with Supergirl that eventually arrives on Earth. They have a long and hard life. Growing up different, but they do as Jor, and Zor intended. They help lead humanity into a brighter future. Superman helps stop cosmic ending issues, and he does eventually marry and have children of his own. His adoptive parents Johnathan, and Martha Kent are good people. Simple farmers that help teach Kal right from wrong. Building on the foundations that Jor, and Lara started.

“I'm here to ensure you send them. Kara, and him both need to go to Earth. It is a not a joke for me to say that not only the future of Krypton, but the future of Earth, and hundreds of worlds like it will be saved by you, and wife's sacrifice. My only question I have for you, is why haven't you sent him already? Our historical records show that he left weeks before Krypton exploded.” Lash asked the question that had been bothering him.

According the Erik the gamer there was several different versions. One version had Clark leave the planet just as it was exploding. Another had Clark, and his ship matter transfer to the Phantom Zone just as Jor-El spoke of and used FTL to get to Earth safely. Another version had Clark leave weeks before the planet exploded. During a civil war between the military, and science houses. Then there were a dozen more comic origins but Erik didn't remember them all.

“The future of Krypton? Don't we all die?” Jor-El asks, his depression was unsettling.

“Not all of you. Kandor is still technically intact. Brainiac miniaturized the city and keeps it in a bottle. Yes, a bottle. Along with hundreds of other cities from different worlds he has collected. Kal-El rescues Kandor, and eventually de-miniaturizes it. Then there is Argo city, the 'shield' your brother is working on is far more...Effective then he first believed. Before you ask, why can't you just take Kal, and Lara to Argo to wait out to the storm? Millions of people in Argo still die. I won't gamble with the population of over a hundred planets on that chance.” Lash said to Jor-El dashing out that hope real quick.

“But we survive, Kryptonians I mean?” Jor-El said, a light in his eye started to grow.

“They do, yes. Eventually with the help of Superman, and Supergirl another planet is found near the Sol System. They establish it as New Krypton and your peoples legacy continues.” Lash said with a smile.

“We haven't launched the ships because we still need a specific part. Something that I no longer have control over. A phantom zone generator key. More specifically the exact frequency to open the zone, and exit the zone. Each shuttle has a generator. But we need that key so Kal, and Kara can go in, and come out.” Jor-El says at last.

Attention User! Quest updated!

Help Jor-El find the phantom zone frequency key.

Help Jor-El, and Zor-El launch their children ahead of schedule to avoid the catastrophe.

“Is that the only thing you need? Please understand me Jor-El. This is the main reason I came here. I am holding nothing back right now, I am taking a huge risk not only telling you about time travel, and your families future. But also the fact that you can easily report me, and my mission is blown.” Lash said, completely ready to sprint from the temple and go solo on the operation. He was pretty sure he could make a shuttle on his own, or buy one from the Dream Store.

“We also need the codex. We went to combine it with Kal-El. So the genetic memory of our people may live on.” Jor-El confessed the last part of the plan. “Though, I am not sure we need it anymore if our people continue to live on past the destruction of our planet.” Jor-El finished.

Attention User! Optional Quest created.

Recover the Codex, and help Jor-El infuse it into Kal-El.

“If we can get both. We'll do so. But the priority is the ship, and getting Kal, and Kara off planet before the destruction of the world. Agreed?” Lash asked Jor-El who nodded in understanding.

It was late! Lash walked Jor-El towards the transportation hub taking no chances for the scientist safety. Plus it let Lash see more of the sector. Crap this place was in fucking ruins! He came back to the temple with out any issues except for a few people watching him as he moved. Epsilon had fed, and paid the children, and teenagers who came to use the education center, and gym. Lash locked up the temple except for the front door as always. Then went home and went to bed. Tomorrow was going to be busy. But at last, Lash had made progress towards his goal.

Beep..Beep... The motion sensor went off. Lash groaned in dismay and got up out of bed. He went towards his study and checked the camera's. A justicar was moving towards his front door. Rank was set to primus third in command...Kursta? Lash went to his door and opened it up as she came to it. She stood there outside the door for a bit before Lash gestured for her to come inside. She did after a bit of hesitation. He closed the door behind her and followed her into his home. She took off her helmet and look back at him.

“Can I stay here tonight... I'm still in recovery for the next few days. I... I'm scared.” Kursta said, as she jumped more than once at a shadow. Lash flipped through his Magical Perceptions and caught several ghosts surrounding her. Echoes, and fragments. No real personality, but they attached to her because she was still a medium.

Lash reached out and cast Unburden removing the echoes from deathly plain. An eerie wail followed in their wake. A wail that Kursta could both hear, and feel. She whipped around looking for the source, and nearly stabbed Lash when he hugged her. She was shaking like a leaf, and tightly closed her eyes. Burrowing herself into his chest. He picked her up and took her to his bedroom. He gently pulled off her clothes, and pulled her under the covers. She clung to him like a life line, and soon fell asleep thanks to pheromone manipulation from Lash's Nature Domain...

Lash opened his eyes a few hours later. His Clock gave him a silent alarm like always. Kursta was wrapped around him, and was breathing easier than before. He softly stroked her naked skin, but kept himself polite. Now was not the time for sex. She need a safe place, not someone to take advantage of her. Though many would argue that sex can be a form of comfort that was not how Lash worked. Something that pleased Lash, at least that part of his personality was intact after Qetesh.

He reached out with Connectivity and linked onto Kryptonopolis net. Then started to look through information networks. He pulled up the blue prints of the genesis chamber where the codex resided. Technically as a priest of Raoism he could preview the building. He'd have to, while Connectivity had evolved, and leveled. Krypton cyber security was impressive, even for a magic user. Lash assigned one of his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits to analyze the genesis building. While he went to look for the phantom frequency key.

He assigned another Virtual Intelligence tech-Spirit to look for the key. While he connected towards Zor-El in Argo city. Thanks to Jor-El for establishing that little connection. Zor-El didn't know everything, at least not about the time traveling bit. He was under the impression that Jor-El had found a like minded individual from the Religious Guild -->>

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