[color=gray][indent][indent][i][color=#ffffff]“This fortress contains all the known knowledge of the universe. In particular, the history of Krypton and your ancestors. The technology provided by this crystal creates a place of solitude where you may seek reprieve from this world. A replication of your homeworld, you’ll find the environment and atmosphere within the fortress to be much harsher than that of your adoptive planet.”[/color] The voice boomed.

[color=#ffffff]“The very air is heavier here; Krypton’s atmosphere is nearly ten times denser than that of Earth’s. Its gravitational pull is exponentially stronger, challenging even your already immense strength. You will be able to use the resources here not only to enhance your knowledge of the universe, but also to train your abilities beyond civilian saves. Only then will you be prepared to face the destiny that lies ahead.”[/color]

[color=#3d85c6]“Who are you?”[/color] Clark replied, yelling into the vaulted crystalline ceilings. 

[color=#ffffff]“An ally,”[/color] The disembodied voice replied. A subtle shift in the crystals revealed a transparent column containing what appeared to be a mannequin inside.

[color=#ffffff]“A gift from your Uncle. This fortress showcases his engineering expertise and the ability to tailor it to your specific needs. Kelex-”[/color] The voice commanded as a robotic figure appeared.

[color=#ffffff]“Please help fit the son of Jor-El with his armour.”[/color]

[color=#3d85c6]“You must have a name,”[/color] Clark bellowed, looking around the fortress as the robot approached, handing Clark the suit. The fabric felt almost alive as it wrapped itself around Clark’s arm and slowly spread across his body. It changed from blue to black as Clark suddenly felt the light of the yellow sun concentrated upon his body, restoring his depleted cells.

[color=#ffffff]“Your travels have left you weakened. Zor-El’s suit will accelerate your recovery. Kelex was a loyal servant of your father’s; he will be able to function as an extension of your suit and will grant the sunstone that makes up the armour autonomy to help you in your battles.”[/color] The voice explained. [color=#ffffff]“As for my name,” [/color]

The voice paused as the silver crest of the House of El appeared on Clark’s chest.

[color=#ffffff]“You may call me Zod.”[/color][/i][/indent][/indent][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019ae5d8-259a-77b5-b37c-931c223261f3.webp[/img][/center][indent][indent][color=#e35538]“What happened to my sister, Lex?”[/color]

[color=#38761d]“Cara!”[/color] The surprise was evident in Lex’s voice,  [color=#38761d]“I didn’t know you were in town.”[/color] He continued, embracing his sister-in-law as she approached. She reluctantly returned the gesture, her body tense and impatient while Lex found the words to answer Cara properly.

[color=#38761d]“She’s severely dehydrated, severe to moderate burns across her entire body.”[/color] Lex’s voice wavered, a raised hand against the glass of the observation window.[color=#38761d] “Initial analysis says it’s a metahuman attack, but I’m not as convinced. Scans of the area only show residuals of the woman they had in custody. Her partner-”[/color] He paused,[color=#38761d] “I’m led to believe she has a human partner, perhaps augmented. Equally dangerous none the less.”[/color] 

Lex paused, turning towards Carol. 

[color=#38761d]“How did you get here so quickly?”[/color]

[color=#e35538]“I was on the phone with Lexa when it happened,”[/color] Carol answered, moving beside Lex as her brow furrowed. Her eyes intently staring at her sister hooked up to wires and fluids as the doctors worked to help Lexa regain consciousness.  

[color=#e35538]“I convinced an airman to fly me out the moment I was disconnected.”[/color]

[color=#38761d]“Lexa knew the risks when she joined the D.E.O.-”[/color]

[color=#e35538]“How can you be so cold?”[/color] Carol interjected, turning towards Lex as she the petite powerhouse jabbed a finger into his chest. The blonde woman looked up into Lex’s seemingly emotionless eyes.

[color=#e35538]“That’s your wife lying there fighting for her life. My sister and you’re here spouting theories about what happened to her instead of finding a way to help her.”[/color]

[color=#38761d]“I already have the best specialists in Metropolis here, Cara. I assure you, under my watch you will not lose your sister.”[/color] Lex replied, a firm hand gently removing Carol’s accusatory finger.  

[color=#38761d]“Nor will I be losing my wife. Lexa’s life is in the best possible hands money could buy. There’s no one more suited to saving her.”[/color]

[color=#e35538]“Good,” [/color]Carol replied, [color=#e35538]“I knew I always liked you,”[/color]

[color=#38761d]“You didn’t,”[/color] Lex chided, [color=#38761d]“But that’s kind of you to say.”[/color] He replied with a smile. [color=#38761d]“You’re welcome to stay at the penthouse tonight, Cara.”[/color]

[color=#e35538]“Thanks, [i]bro[/i],” [/color]Carol responded before playfully slugging Lex in the arm. [color=#e35538]“But I’ve got other business to attend to.”[/color]

[color=#38761d]“Cara-”[/color]

[color=#e35538]“I don’t want to hear it, Lex.”[/color] Carol snapped, [color=#e35538]“If that was your sister-”[/color]

[color=#38761d]“I’d let the proper authorities handle it.”[/color]

[color=#e35538]“Just like Club Zero?”[/color]

Lex faltered.

[color=#38761d]“How do you?”[/color]

[color=#e35538]“I checked up on you before you married Lexa.”[/color] Carol replied,[color=#e35538] “You’ve got your own fair share of skeletons in your closet.”[/color]

[color=#38761d]“Then I suggest you learn from my mistakes and not rush headstrong into repeating them.”[/color] Lex replied firmly, grabbing Carol’s arm before she quickly shook him off. 

[color=#e35538]“Leave it alone, Lex. You’re my brother-in-law, but you sure as [i]hell[/i] ain’t family.”[/color] Cara growled. 

Lex held up his hands, watching as Cara stormed out of the hospital. Pulling his cellphone out of his pocket, he dialed quickly before holding it up to his ear.

[color=#38761d]“Hey, you’re on scene right? Look, Clark, I have a favour to ask.”[/color][/indent][/indent][/color]