Suspicion

In the Haer family, these matters were of little consequence to the Kryptonians in the entire city. Everyone knew that the Zar family had a peculiar lineage born with a scientist as their template.

According to the reports from Kale, the captain of the Zar family's guard, Joe El's recent activities had become increasingly bizarre. He frequented the Creation Room and spent most of his time in his castle.

What lay within the central Creation Room of the city? The Code of Life.

And the more time Jor-El spent at home, the less time he had for Varion.

"Thankfully, I've almost absorbed all this knowledge. Now, I'll let time work its magic. Don't disappoint me, Jor-El!"

As he gazed at the city, the direction of the El family's residence caught his attention. The El family was a significant presence in Krypton, with members even serving on the council of elders. That's why Jor-El had been appointed as the chief scientist, leading Krypton's technological advancements.

Suddenly, Varion became intrigued. Should he pay them a visit? An unmodified, naturally-born Kryptonian, spanning tens of thousands of years?

Although he would eventually betray Krypton, this presented an opportunity for the future, even if it meant Krypton's failure.

"Kale, come with me."

Outside the manor, two birds were already prepared, winged creatures unique to Krypton.

In the city, many Kryptonians enjoyed traveling and playing using these distinctive birds. It was considered fashionable, but Varion didn't quite understand the appeal. He had no control over it, and that left him with little choice. 

No matter the circumstances, the first movers typically faced adversity.

"Di Di Di...!"

Inside the El Manor, Jor-El and his wife Laura were in the middle of an intimate moment when an alert from the intelligence system monitoring the perimeter interrupted them.

Laura grew slightly anxious. While it wasn't forbidden for Kryptonians to engage in such activities, the occurrence was exceedingly rare, happening only once every few tens of thousands of years. So, it was only natural for her to be concerned.

Jor-El reassured her, saying, "It's alright, I'm here!"

"Sir, Varion Zar is outside the manor and requests entry. Shall I let him in?"

Jor-El was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't had much interaction with the Zar family, and their relationship wasn't particularly amicable. Why would the young son of the Zarfamily come to see him?

"Just him?"

"Detecting the presence of Kale Zar as well."

So, there were two of them. What could be their purpose?

Laura suddenly spoke up, "I heard he was born with a scientist as his template."

When Jor-El heard this, he understood. Could it be that Varion came to discuss science and technology with him? He shook his head; regardless of the intention, they should first invite them inside.

Outside the manor, the AI system overseeing the estate opened the gates and led the two visitors inside. As they walked, they soon spotted Jor-El seated inside, the so-called future "ball traitor."

"Hello, Mr. El. Forgive my impromptu visit."

"Varion, it's a rare sight to see you. What brings you here today?" Jor-El playfully quipped, his eyes twinkling with a hint of humor.

Varion couldn't help but sneer internally.

"Ah, where's Mrs. Laura?"

"Oh, she's not feeling well today. She's resting. Do you have anything to discuss with her?" Varion inquired.

Jor-El paused, sensing a shift in the conversation's tone, and locked eyes with Varion.

"Varion, what's troubling you? Is there something you need assistance with? If I can help, don't hesitate to ask," Jor-El offered, his demeanor remaining calm.

"Mr. El, where do you envision the future of Krypton?"

Varion asked, taking a seat, and Jor-El followed suit. They stared at each other, their eyes filled with an intense gaze. Jor-El began to realize that he and the people of Krypton might have misunderstood Varion of the Zar family – he was no ordinary individual.

"Varion, what are you getting at?"

"It's just a thought. According to Krypton's history, we have always existed in the universe, constantly expanding and migrating. Whenever a planet reaches its limit, we seek out a younger and more fertile one for transformation."

"We start anew, yet now that Krypton has stopped rotating, it seems the leadership has no intentions of leaving. Mr. El, can you shed light on this?"

Jor-El's expression remained composed, but inwardly, he was taken aback. He had raised this concern with the Elders more than once, but their response had consistently been to dismiss it – to ignore it and believe everything would resolve itself.

However, he was a scientist, solely a scientist, not a politician. He understood better than anyone what the future of Krypton held. If others refused to acknowledge it and take action, what could he do?

"Perhaps the Presbyterian Council and the higher-ups have their own reasons? That's what I can offer, Varion," Jor-El replied, taking a sip of water to moisten his lips, as though the act could ease the shock within him.

"Why hasn't the rest of the Kryptonians been informed of this? Do you remember your responsibilities, Mr. El?"

Jor-El set his water glass down and showed some irritation, "You need to understand, Varion, that I'm Krypton's Chief Scientific Officer, not you. Regarding the rest, I'm merely a scientist, not a politician or an Elder. If you seek answers, perhaps you should address these questions to others outside, rather than coming to me for them."

"Do you comprehend?"

Varion nodded and straightened up. Before leaving, he turned and remarked, "Do you believe that the future of Krypton should rest on the shoulders of your unborn child? Do you possess the authority to make such a decision?"

With those words, he exited without further comment. Jor-El couldn't help but sense that the young master of the Zar family possessed knowledge, perhaps about Krypton's future.

As for Jor-El's unborn child, he hadn't heard about Jor-El and Laura expecting a child. It was clear that nobody had informed him about these matters.

"Are they gone?" Laura asked Jor-El when she emerged from the room.

"Laura, I believe our child will be the future of Krypton. It cannot be otherwise. Krypton has no hope, but our child has boundless potential."

Laura gazed at her swelling belly with a motherly fondness. She too anticipated the arrival of their child, though the timing didn't seem ideal.

"Everything will be alright, won't it?"

"Undoubtedly, I promise," Jor-El assured as he embraced Laura.

It took a while for Jor-El to speak his mind, and the two of them embraced each other.

"That boy from the Zar family might be aware of something."

"What do you mean?" Laura inquired.