Part 7 (1/2)
”Which my son Tyr-Us is rebuilding along more stringent construction codes,” Jul-Us said, as if that would solve the whole problem.
”Besides, we have always felt tremors,” said Kor-Te. No doubt he had memorized every prior incident.
”Ah, then you have also noted the evidence,” Zor-El added smoothly. ”It is obvious for anyone to see.”
Before they could wander into other bureaucratic dances, Jor-El laid out the basic plan he had developed. ”Without delay, we've got to find some way to release the pressure building up in our core. Who knows how close we are to a critical point? Zor-El took readings at only one of the thermal plumes.”
”A global problem requires a global response,” his brother added. ”All cities must join in the effort. We are all in this together.”
Jor-El narrowed his eyes, sounding determined and hoping that no one here decided to call his bluff. They all knew he was far more intelligent than any of them, frighteningly so. ”Perhaps I should accept that provisional Council seat you offered me some time ago. It is the only way I can be sure you will focus your efforts on the necessary work. With my vote, I could veto any other distractions until this matter is resolved.”
”That is not necessary,” Pol-Ev said quickly. ”Krypton would benefit most if you dedicated yourself to your real work.”
Jor-El stared them down. He could tell he was making them nervous. They didn't want him to serve on the Council any more than he wanted to do so.
”Jor-El is right about our priorities,” Cera-Si said eagerly. ”Provide us with the data you collected, and our objective experts will review it. As soon as the threat is verified, the Council can develop action groups. Both of you should lead them. Then we will send representatives to other cities, see if additional groups wish to join us in the effort.”
”I, for one, intend to look at this data very carefully,” Kor-Te said. ”Do you have it?”
Zor-El looked at his brother awkwardly, but Jor-El sighed. ”Tell them.”
Mauro-Ji leaned forward, putting his elbows high on the bench. ”Is there some problem? If your data is so conclusive that you would rush-”
Zor-El met the skeptical eyes of those staring down upon him. ”I lost my data. There was another eruption, and I was attacked by hrakkas. My equipment was destroyed.”
With a sarcastic chuckle, Silber-Za tossed her long yellow hair. Apparently, their entrance had interrupted discussion on a civic matter she had personally submitted to the Council. ”Then your claims seem premature. Even if your brother supports you, we cannot authorize dramatic changes in planetary policy on the basis of your word alone, Zor-El.”
”Why would you doubt my word?” He could barely control his anger.
”It's not an unreasonable request.” Mauro-Ji sounded conciliatory. ”Just mount another expedition. Gather more data. Come back here and submit it to us. At that point, we will develop our response.”
”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 a.s.sess 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 partic.i.p.ate 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 doc.u.ments and debating other civic matters.
Zor-El growled as they pa.s.sed down the echoing hall, ”This isn't the way things work in Argo City. My people listen, they cooperate, and get things done without d.i.c.kering 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. 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 doc.u.menting 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 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.” 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, though-just a few hours-he allowed himself to enjoy being with Lara.
After a while he no longer even checked the solar clocks, though he did insist on stopping by the offices of Council members Cera-Si and Mauro-Ji, the two men most likely to implement a mitigation plan for Krypton's tectonic instabilities. Jor-El spoke with each man briefly, reminding them that he trusted his brother and his predictions, that they must not ignore this potential for disaster. Cera-Si and Mauro-Ji both promised to do their best-but only after they had incontrovertible proof.
Lara took him to a museum, a sculpture garden, and a quick dinner before heading to the opera pavilion, whose design looked like an unfolding nest of tourmaline parabolas. She settled beside him in the dim auditorium and leaned close to make an amusing comment; Jor-El barely heard her words, distracted by her nearness.
On his estate, Jor-El had always thought he had everything he wanted. Off and on over the years, he had pondered the possibility of a politically advantageous marriage, though he had never seen much point in it. Mauro-Ji made no secret of how beautiful and well connected his two daughters were, but the young ladies were so obsessed with transient fas.h.i.+ons and esoteric gossip that Jor-El could hardly bear an hour in their company. Though many women pretended to adore him, Jor-El always sensed that they were more impressed with his fame than with him. him.
Lara, on the other hand, wasn't trying to woo him for political or financial gain. She liked him because she liked liked him, and he very much enjoyed her company in return. She neither brushed aside his science nor insisted on comprehending it. ”I don't need to understand the details of your him, and he very much enjoyed her company in return. She neither brushed aside his science nor insisted on comprehending it. ”I don't need to understand the details of your work, work, Jor-El,” she had said. ”I need to understand Jor-El,” she had said. ”I need to understand you. you.”
Lights dimmed, casting an ebony blanket of simulated night on the theater walls. The stages levitated, and a holographic representation of the old and ornate city of Orvai appeared, setting the scene.
Lara's eyes sparkled. ”Now instead of you explaining science to me, let me explain the opera tapestry to you.”
”I hope you're a patient teacher. When does this story take place?”
”It's a legend. It takes place in some vague 'long ago.'”
Someone urged them to be quiet. Lights strobed across the stage, and actors appeared. The singing began, and counterpoints of symphonic music clashed with the vocal melodies.