Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from DC or Marvel. Characters such as Superman, Jor-El, Zor-El, and Alura In-Ze belong to DC Comics. Only original characters such as Von-Ra El and elements created for this story belong to the author.
Chapter 12 — council conflict (part 2)
The Council Hall of Krypton was never quiet.
Even before the official proceedings began, murmurs echoed between the towering crystalline pillars. Representatives from the great houses filled the elevated seats that circled the chamber like a tribunal.
Political aides whispered behind their superiors.
Scholars from House Ze reviewed datapads.
Military officers from House Zod stood like statues behind their delegates.
And members of House Vex spoke softly among themselves, their quiet conversations carrying the unmistakable rhythm of strategy.
At the center of the chamber stood the circular speaking platform.
Today, that platform belonged to Von-Ra.
Beside him stood Jor-El, hands folded behind his back, posture relaxed but attentive.
Across the chamber, the councilors watched.
Not casually.
Carefully.
Like judges observing a defendant.
The High Councilor from House Ze raised a hand, and slowly the whispers died.
"Let the session begin."
The sound of shifting chairs faded into silence.
The councilor's voice carried easily across the chamber.
"Today's agenda concerns three matters requiring review: planetary resource allocation, military distribution, and updates from the scientific directorates."
A faint rustle passed through the chamber as several councilors adjusted their seats.
Then the councilor turned his gaze toward the center platform.
"Von-Ra El. You requested the floor to present your recommendations regarding these matters."
A pause.
"Speak."
Von-Ra inclined his head respectfully.
When he spoke, his voice was steady.
"Krypton's prosperity has always depended on balance."
Several councilors leaned back slightly, listening.
"Our technological advancement, our planetary infrastructure, and our military strength all draw from the same finite pool of resources. Thorium, krytillium, stellar alloys, energy crystals."
He gestured lightly toward the chamber.
"But our current allocation system is inefficient."
That word immediately drew attention.
Across the chamber, Morl Vex slowly lifted his eyes from the datapad he had been pretending to read.
"Inefficient?" he repeated softly.
Von-Ra continued.
"House Ze manages planetary resources with exceptional discipline. No one disputes that."
Kara Ze inclined her head slightly.
"But the distribution of those resources between the military, infrastructure, and scientific development has not evolved for centuries."
A murmur spread across several seats.
Von-Ra let it happen.
Then he continued.
"We invest heavily in maintaining existing systems. We invest heavily in maintaining the fleet."
At this, Thar Zod shifted slightly in his seat.
"But scientific advancement receives only the remnants."
Jor-El said nothing, but the faintest hint of approval appeared in his expression.
Von-Ra folded his hands behind his back.
"Krypton prides itself on technological superiority. Yet we devote fewer resources to research than we did five centuries ago."
Now Morl Vex leaned forward.
"That is a very serious claim," he said.
His tone was smooth.
Almost pleasant.
But the room knew better.
"Are you suggesting," Morl continued, "that the council has been mismanaging Krypton's development?"
Von-Ra met his gaze calmly.
"I am suggesting that our priorities may require adjustment."
Several members of House Vex exchanged glances.
Morl tapped one finger lightly against the armrest of his chair.
"And what adjustments do you propose?"
Von-Ra spoke without hesitation.
"A moderate redistribution of resource allocations."
That word — redistribution — immediately stirred reactions.
Several House Ze advisors leaned toward their councilor, whispering.
Across the chamber, Thar Zod's eyes narrowed slightly.
Von-Ra continued.
"Specifically, an increase in funding for scientific development programs."
At that moment, Jor-El finally spoke.
"Advancements in energy systems, propulsion research, and planetary engineering could yield long-term benefits for every branch of Krypton's government."
A quiet scoff came from the Vex delegation.
Morl tilted his head slightly.
"And where," he asked gently, "do you intend to find these additional resources?"
Von-Ra did not hesitate.
"From excess military reserve allocations."
The reaction was immediate.
Thar Zod's chair shifted sharply against the floor.
"Excess?" he repeated.
The word came out like a challenge.
The chamber grew noticeably quieter.
Von-Ra did not retreat.
"Our fleet is the most advanced defensive force in this sector. A marginal reduction in reserve stockpiles would not weaken Krypton's security."
Thar Zod's expression hardened.
"A marginal reduction today," he said slowly, "becomes a strategic vulnerability tomorrow."
Behind him, several Zod officers nodded.
Von-Ra responded calmly.
"And stagnation in scientific progress becomes a vulnerability of a different kind."
The two men held each other's gaze.
Across the chamber, Morl Vex watched with growing interest.
He loved moments like this.
Moments when ambition collided with authority.
He leaned back again, smiling faintly.
"Fascinating."
His voice carried across the chamber.
"A scientist proposing to weaken the military."
Thar Zod's eyes flicked briefly toward him.
But Morl wasn't finished.
"And for what?" he continued.
"Research projects that may or may not yield results decades from now?"
Von-Ra turned toward him.
"For advancements that ensure Krypton remains the most advanced civilization in known space."
Morl chuckled quietly.
"My dear Von-Ra," he said, "Krypton already is."
A few quiet laughs followed from House Vex.
But Von-Ra didn't smile.
"History shows that civilizations which believe they have already reached their peak begin declining shortly afterward."
That comment silenced the laughter instantly.
Even Morl's smile faded slightly.
Across the chamber, several councilors exchanged thoughtful glances.
Kara Ze spoke next.
Her voice was calm and measured.
"House Ze has no objection to expanding scientific research," she said.
"But resource extraction and distribution operate within very precise margins."
She gestured slightly toward the chamber.
"Every increase in allocation must be taken from somewhere else."
Von-Ra nodded.
"Which is why I propose efficiency reforms in addition to redistribution."
That caught attention again.
"Efficiency reforms?" Morl repeated.
"Yes."
Von-Ra activated a small console on the platform.
A holographic projection appeared above the floor.
Supply chains.
Energy grids.
Industrial outputs.
Even Morl Vex leaned forward slightly now.
The data was… detailed.
Very detailed.
Von-Ra spoke again.
"These systems have not been re-evaluated in centuries. Small adjustments in transportation networks, production cycles, and material processing could increase overall efficiency by nearly twelve percent."
Several scientists in the chamber began whispering.
Twelve percent was not a small number.
Jor-El glanced sideways at Von-Ra.
Even he hadn't expected him to reveal this much preparation.
Across the room, Morl Vex slowly sat back again.
But this time he wasn't smiling.
He was studying Von-Ra much more carefully.
Meanwhile Thar Zod spoke again.
"If your calculations are correct," he said slowly, "the military would not lose resources."
"Correct."
"And scientific programs would gain funding."
"Yes."
Thar Zod studied the holographic projection.
Then he crossed his arms.
"You have prepared this for some time."
Von-Ra gave a slight nod.
"I prefer arguments supported by data."
A faint smirk appeared on Jor-El's face.
Across the chamber, Morl Vex exhaled softly.
"Well," he said quietly.
"This meeting just became interesting."
The council chamber filled again with whispers.
For the first time since the session began, the balance of the room had shifted.
Von-Ra was no longer simply defending a proposal.
He was forcing the council to consider change.
And every house present could feel it.
The debate was far from over.
In fact—
It had only just begun.