The dunes of Mars rolled endlessly beneath the twin moons. The inner city of the Martians shimmered faintly, its crystalline and carved rock towers pulsing with psychic energy.
Exiting from a hidden cavern stood Nolan Grayson in robes of nobility. These robes are given to esteemed guest of Mars. The red robes with gold lining were to signified he was a guest of the red Martians. The gold lining signified he was staying with the royal family of Mars.
As the final forces of the Justice League and Green Lantern Corps, departed from the Martian atmosphere, the air rippled, and from hiding, Nolan emerged. His robes Roman like in appearance billowed from a small breeze.
Seeing the league made him reflect. Until the sounds In his arms brought him back to the present. In his arms, he carried a small child with crimson skin and black hair. The child wore a Martian body suit on it's tiny body. The boy looked no older than five, but the gleam in his eyes was unmistakable he was Nolan's son.
Nolan flew through the cavern city as many Martians of different colors, White. Green. Yellow and Red all greeted him with warmth and respect.
"Oh great one it is a honor to see you and the young prince."
Many Martians gave this greeting. Some spoke it, and some others sent it telepathically. The latter being the common way to speak among Martian society.
Nolan landed near the Red Martian royal palace. After being greeted by the front guards, Nolan was in the royal chamber where the Martian king sat. A crimson martian, taller then the average one was draped in gold and bone regalia. The king's blue eyes caught Nolan along with the boy.
Then the little crimson boy flew to the king
"Grandpa..."
The king grabbed the boy and held him with a smile on his face. "Oliver... did you enjoy playing with your father?"
The little boy nodded with excitement, then Nolan spoke.
"How did the meeting go?" Nolan asked, his voice low and weary.
The King's telepathic reply echoed in Nolan's mind.
"The Earth heroes spoke of alliances, and The Coalitions leader Theadus spoke of many things as well. The Green Lantern Corps are massing their number to coordinate against the Empire. Talks about other lantern corps joining was brought up as well. They think they could possibly stand against the empire, they are foolish."
The king then stood up carrying Oliver in his hands before the child decided to fly around the chamber.
"But the Martian Kingdom remembers. The Viltrum Empire freed us from endless civil war... taught us unity, strength, purpose. We will always be allies to those who brought order to our chaos. And we hope you continue to bless us with more children. "
Nolan's serious expression softened, the faintest smile forming on his lips. "Thank you your majesty, and it would be my honor to bless your daughter with many more children, but won't that cause a succession problem?" he said simply.
The Martian king only chuckled.
"Please great one. You are married to my daughter and the father of my grandchild, you can call me father. Even if you are older then me. But to answer your question, no. I am not worried about succession, because I want more viltrumite genes spread throughout our species. That way we evolve, and in the next few hundred years or so. We will be even more powerful then the Burning Martians of old."
"... Then we will take our revenge on the so called Guardians. They robbed us of our power, but through this act they have made us capable of meeting the empire. And through the joining of our people, Mars will be reborn. Instead of a desert planet, it will be one of green and advancement, and my people will thrive."
Nolan saw how the king spoke like so many other species the empire had indoctrinated. They spoke the same words, with the same pride. Nolan would normally smile at how aliens like the Martian king were right to be proud to be part of the empire. But now Nolan just wondered if anything the empire was doing was right.
He then turned to Oliver, the small hybrid now gazing out toward the horizon. "Come on, Oliver… let's go practice some more before we go back to your mother."
The child grinned, shifting his form instantly, his body produced wings, before he turned into a snake and slithered up to his fathers shoulder. Then he turned back into a child and was sitting on Nolan's shoulders.
Then Nolan soared upward into the thin Martian sky, as Oliver laughed as they flew. Nolan's thoughts drifted. He remembered the battle on Earth: Superman's blows that shattered mountains, the betrayal of Jonathan who once stood as an ally, and the sight of his own son, Mark, bloodied and broken underneath Jonathan's son Cain. Debbie his wife never new anything, and he just left them behind.
Nolan knew once Jonathan betrayed him that he wouldn't be able to take on the whole league by himself. Maybe with Mark things would have been easier, but since Mark failed to beat the titans, he knew he was fighting a losing battle. Nolan manage to leave Earth and make his way to a Empire designated safe zone. The Martians. After General Zodd helped to bring the people into the Empire fold. They became like the rest, they worshipped the viltrumites.
Nolan had decided to stay in hiding on the planet even from the empire. He was reflecting on what Jonathan told him before him and his wife were sent and trapped in the phantom zone.
"Nolan you don't have to do this. Earth, and it's people can change the empire for the better. Not just with hybrids, but they can save and redeem us. Please see the truth Nolan. The empire will keep expanding until only Viltrume is left, and then what. A universe of different types of hybrids fighting for control? Or worse we expand into the multiverse and try to conquer everything. Please tell me Nolan what would be the point of trying to own everything?"
Those words echoed in his mind as he made it to Mars. The King had taken him in. The King's daughter, Vay'lara, had grown close to him. She was curious, brave, and unlike the rest of her kind. Her telepathy was soft, her laughter disarming. And in time, Nolan's isolation had given way to something else, something dangerously human.
Within months, they were married, and within a year, Oliver was born. The second Martian-Viltrumite hybrid in recorded history, and a type two as well. The first and other recorded was General Kregg Zod. That man does his father General Zod the Conquest proud.
Five years had passed since then.
As Nolan watched his son break through the clouds, radiant with joy and potential, he couldn't help but whisper to himself. "Mark was like this to, until I got to him." Nolan looked at his hands seeing the blood of his victims on them. He didn't know why he felt this way, but then another thought came to mind. He couldn't hide forever.
The thought chilled him. The Empire would find out about Oliver eventually. He's a rare type two and the empire will only see him as a weapon for their infiltration missions. Nolan new he had to safe his son.
His son? Nolan had a quiet realization. Nolan missed Earth, and not just the planet, but Debbie's warmth, Mark's laughter, even Jonathan and his family. The guilt was constant, eating through even the Viltrumite conditioning that once defined his very being .
He floated up beside Oliver, who hovered excitedly. "Father?" the boy asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Yes, my son?"
Oliver hesitated, his telepathic voice shy but clear. "Are you gonna take me off planet soon?"
Nolan smiled faintly. "Yes son I will very soon. Tell me how would you like to meet your brother."
Oliver's eyes widened. "A brother? I have one? Is he like me?"
"Not exactly," Nolan said, looking toward the distant stars, toward Earth. "He's more like me in appearance, and powers."
The boy's eyes gleamed with hope. "Will he like me?"
Nolan's jaw tightened, emotion flickering beneath his calm tone. "He'll love you, Oliver. You're his blood." He said it quietly, but there was weight behind every word. Nolan didn't know if Mark was even alive and if he would be happy to see him. He wonder How Debbie was and if she was safe.
....
Meanwhile aboard the Tamaranean flagship the Burning Conquest, orbiting far beyond Saturn's shadow:
The fleet's black and gold hulls gleamed under distant starlight. Inside the landing haul, Tamaranean soldiers bowed deeply as the massive airlock doors hissed open.
Anissa stepped through as her presence radiated pressure. Beside her, Blackfire strode with the casual poise.
The soldiers dropped to one knee as Anissa approached. "The Goddess Dawnfire, and royal princess have returned, All hail the Dawnfire,... All hail the royal princess" one said. " All hail the Dawnfire,... All hail the royal princess." The soldiers said in repeat.
Another soldier stepped forward. " "My queen," he said, voice trembling with respect, "General Zod awaits your transmission. He wishes to hear your report."
Anissa nodded curtly. "I see. Thank you."
She gestured toward Galatea, unconscious and slump in Blackfire's hand..
"Take the Kryptonian clone to the laboratory," Anissa ordered coldly. "Expose her to red sunlight continuously. Begin genetic scans immediately. She is a potential breeding mate for the Grand Regent. See what modifications can be made."
"Yes, my Queen," the soldiers replied, hauling Galatea away.
As the chamber cleared, Blackfire followed Anissa down the corridor, their boots echoing in rhythm.
Anissa spoke to Blackfire. "Tell me, greatest granddaughter," Anissa said, her voice cold and silky. "Did you find your sister while on Earth?"
Blackfire's eyes narrowed. "No, Matriarch."
Anissa tilted her head. " I see...And what of a mate? You were given permission to choose if you found a suitable candidate."
Blackfire's smirk returned. "None suitable yet. Only one man worth keeping around for a few decades. He is very attractive and funny. From what I saw he is a strong and talented person with good pedigree."
Anissa chuckled softly. "A shame. But if he survives what's coming, I permit this companion and any children that you may sire should that occur."
Blackfire eyes lighten slightly from Anissa's statement. "I understand. Thank you matriarch."
They entered the Grand Council Chamber... a cavernous room of gold, obsidian, and flowing energy conduits. The air shimmered Inside, the lights dimmed, and a holographic projection flickered to life. The sigil of House Zod spinning slowly before resolving into the towering image of a man. A tall, broad-shouldered figure with a commanding presence.
General Dru-Zod.(Conquest)
Both women immediately dropped to one knee as their armor shifted, sleek black body suits phasing into ceremonial armor with capes. A crest appeared across their capes: the House of Zod.
Anissa bowed her head. "I, Commander Anissa Zod the Dawnfire, Matriarch of the Tamaranean House of Zod, and it's ruler, greet you, Great Patriarch."
General Zod lifted a hand, his voice deep and thunderous. "Stand, my daughters. There is no need for strong formalities when among just family." He turned, revealing his scarred on his left face going down his eye, his black beard trimmed close. His black battle armor gleamed under the holographic glow, the House of Zod insignia proud across his chest.
The two women rose, and the holographic glare caught the edges of their faces.
Zod's expression remained unreadable, but his words carried weight like gravity itself. "Tell me," he said, his tone slow and deliberate, "how was Earth?"
The room was silent except for the low hum of the hologram.
He leaned forward slightly. "And how were the hybrids ?"
The question hung heavy in the air, an unspoken storm on the horizon. And then the transmission crackled, static hissing as Anissa lifted her chin.
"Father," she said with a bow, "you will want to hear this."
Anissa then explain her encounter with Cain. Mark. And the Kryptonian clone.
Zod paused before speaking. "... I see. So a type 4 hybrid that survived, and has a metagene too huh... Nolan is missing and Jonathan is in the phantom zone."
Zodd began to rub his chin. "I haven't heard of the phantom zone in a long time. And the projector is destroyed. Well that's unfortunate there were plenty of kryptonians survivors in there me and the grand regent could have used. But all of this is interesting indeed. Well I have to finish my mission here on Almerac. Then I will be able to make my way to Earth in around 5 to 6 months. At least If I fly there by myself. The damn princess escaped so I been tearing the planet in half searching for her."
Anissa and Blackfire said nothing and only stared.
"Oh well I can leave today anyway.... The grand regent said we need the planet along with the queen and princess. I guess two out of the three will work. Anissa you and your fleet will make your way to Almerac to ensure the peoples acceptance of the empire is a smooth transition. I held back a little so don't destroy the planet."
"Yes Father."
"Blackfire, you will head back home and keep a eye out for your sister."
"Yes grandfather."
"Good, I will begin my way to Earth then." The transmission ended.
Behind zodd was a setting sun and a surrounding city in near ruins covered in smoke. Infront of Zod was the palace of the Royal House of Almerac. Where a pile of corpses laid. The royal queen knelt in tears over her husband the kings corpse.
Zod just look down at the queen. "Well my queen I will have to cut our time together short. I thank you so much for your hospitality."
The queen with rageful tear filled eyes glared at Zod. "You monster, why do this? The people of Almerac were willing to join the empire?"
Zod just smirked. "My queen you mustn't tell lies. I have lived for a ungodly amount of time, and I have met a lot of women in my life. So I can saw with 100 percent certainty I I know when you are lying. Led filled walls. Sonic machines secretly placed in every home. And lets not forget that your daughter and husband were in league with the Coalition. I know a trap when I see one."
The queens blue eyes opened wide. "But...how?"
"My queen the empire has many secrets, just be glad this isn't the old days. I would have destroyed half of this world and impregnated you and your daughter. Then kill the children or have them kill each other if they didn't meet my standards. And do it over and over until I was satisfied. But I have plenty of children now, and I learned from my old ways. But.... I will destroy this world and break every bone in your daughter's body before bringing her back to you. That way you know your place. So do we have a understanding?"
The fear stricken queen only nodded with tears in her eyes.
"Good. Now be good and clean up this mess. My child will be here in a few months and you will give her the same quality greeting you gave me. And if I find your daughter I will bring her back in one piece. This I swear on my houses name."
Zod then levitated into the sky and took off into space. His blood was pumping for the fight ahead. Not only with the hybrids should they fail their assignment. But the heroes of Earth, and the house of EL. Zod hasn't had a great fight in a century so he was excited at being able to cut loose.