The Death and Life of Superman (72 page)

Superman could almost feel the light bulb click on over his head.
No wonder Emil’s upset.

“There must, however, be some unknown factors that I haven’t been able to account for. I hope you won’t think me morbid, but I charted an energy depletion graph, based on what I’d learned about your powers and physiology.” Emil adjusted the computer monitor as the graph came up on screen. “Now, unless I’ve made a grievous error in compiling my data, your body’s energy levels should have dropped below the point of no return weeks ago.”

Hamilton tapped that point on the screen. From the computed time-line Superman could see that it came well before the Eradicator had placed him, finally, in the Regeneration Matrix.

Emil shook his head. “I don’t understand how your body stayed viable, locked away underground for as long as it was—away from light or any other source of energy, for that matter.”

“I don’t know, Professor. Perhaps some outside agency intervened . . .”

Lois looked at Superman. “Maybe two agencies. From what Supergirl told me about that setup she found you in at the Cadmus Project, you were getting a pretty thorough bath of full-spectrum light there.”

“I know.” Superman looked amused. “I’ve been thinking of sending Paul Westfield a thank-you note.”

“Don’t kid about this!” Lois hugged him tightly. “The professor wasn’t the only one who overlooked the obvious. I knew that your powers depended on solar energy, and I didn’t make the connection either. We could have lost you for good—just from ignorance.”

“Now, don’t
you
start!” Superman cupped her chin in his hand. “You’re not to blame any more than the professor was. It took me half an hour to convince him that I didn’t want to knock his block off. I had a close call, but lots of people have close calls. We’ve all learned from this, but for now it’s over.” He looked at Lois quizzically. “You said
‘two
agencies.’ What, besides the Cadmus factor?”

“Well, call me superstitious, but Jonathan was convinced that he met you on the other side and made you fight your way back.”

Superman got a faraway look. “I do remember seeing Pa, but . . . I don’t know. I just don’t know. I doubt that I’ll ever know.” He peered down into her eyes and smiled. “What’s important is that we’re both alive and well. There’s a lot of living I want to do with you, Ms. Lane.”

“Why, thank you, Mr. Kent! Same here.” Her smile was easily a match for his. “But we still have a lot of loose ends to tie up. You have two lives to get in order, after all. And eventually you’re going to have to make some sort of public statement about your rebirth—or rather, your premature burial. Otherwise, cultists will follow you wherever you go!”

Superman smiled innocently. “I’ll give you the exclusive interview.” He bent down and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m sure it will all work out. But for now, I’m tired of planning battle strategies; I want to plan a wedding! We still haven’t set a date.”

“Shhh . . . we can do that tomorrow.” She returned his kiss on the lips. “Right now I want to get you out of that cape and into glasses and a jacket. Then, I want Italian food and a long, long walk with my fiancé.”

“Italian food, eh?” Superman glanced out the window. “I know a great little place in Salerno.”

Moments later, the curtains fluttered, and they were gone.

Epilogue

Far out in deep space,
a lonely meteor tumbled away from the Earth, away from the solar system, bearing off across the universe the body of the creature called Doomsday.

He was bound tight. There was no air for him to breathe. No food or water to sustain him. It was impossible for him to be alive.

But his fingers twitched. His eyes blinked open. He raised his head and looked about him. He opened his mouth wide, and his chest heaved. Had there been air present, he would have laughed.

For now, there was nothing ahead of him but the void.

Slowly, the creature closed his eyes. He would sleep and wait for his surroundings to change. And when they did, when he again had something to destroy, something to kill, then he would fight to break his bonds.

Then, he would be free . . . oh, yes. It was all just a matter of time . . .

ROGER STERN
is a veteran writer with more than seventeen years’ experience in the comics industry. Among the titles he has scripted are
Action Comics, Alan Scott: Green Lantern, Power of the Atom,
and the text for a series of ninety trading cards produced by SkyBox International commemorating the death of Superman, all for DC Comics. He has also scripted
The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America,
and
Fantastic Four,
for Marvel Comics, written
Superman: The Man of Steel Sourcebook
for Mayfair Games, and several graphic novels, including
Superman for Earth.
He was also the chief writer on the DC Comics magazine
Newstime.
Mr. Stern lives and works in upstate New York with his wife, Carmela Merlo.