(Clark) 'Lois?'
Clark.
I couldn't go through with it.
I couldn't stay away.
Let's just get out of here and go someplace
where they'll never find us.
Oh, yes, yes!
Oh, Clark, I knew..
Thinking about her?
I know she's thinking about me.
This bond that you have with her
it's so different from the way I was taught.
Still, it must be incredible
to learn to love like that.
The mother ship is on fast approach.
'They request your countersign.'
Zara Kala Tai.
The mother ship?
The Royal Transport, Clark.
A floating palace.
It will take us to new Krypton.
Palace?
I'm not sure I'm really ready for a palace.
She will uncloak now.
It's a spacecraft, alright?
I mean, when you say a palace
you don't really mean like a..
...palace.
The Council of Elders is aboard.
Our subjects wish to bid you welcome, Lord Kal-El.
Kryptonian society is held together
by an alliance of Noble families.
Right, right.
Who are represented by the Council of Elders.
Right, the Council of Elders.
They'll be watching you for any signs of ambivalence.
Mm-hmm.
It is vital you adhere strictly
to the Kryptonian customs.
Kryptonian customs.
So that we maintain the support of all the people.
And avoid the upheaval--
That will lead to war.
They are prepared to receive you, Kal-El.
Ready?
I just want this kept low-key, you know?
They don't have to make a big deal over it.
Whoa!
Walk two paces ahead of Zara.
Greet the elders with open arms, palms up.
Say, "Brothers in bonds, I greet thee" thrice.
You're kidding.
Brothers in bonds, I-I greet thee...thrice.
I am Trey, Chief of the Elders.
We are humbled and grateful to greet you.
Kal-El!
(all) 'Kal-El!'
Oh, boy.
What do you mean, Clark's gone?
Well, when you called last night
we talked about someone going off
to see if organized crime
was taking advantage of Superman's absence.
Now, wait a minute.
I didn't necessarily mean you or Clark.
Well, we tossed a coin and he won.
What? Lois, hold on here.
This could be dangerous.
Are you sure he knows what he's gotten himself into?
Chief, to be honest, I'm sure he has no idea.
(Trey) 'Lord Kal-El, Lady Zara..'
The ceremony will begin.
Why does Ching have that funny look on his face?
I probably should've told you about this.
About what?
The ceremony of union.
Union.. Union..
Union?
It makes it legal for us to
consummate the marriage.
- What? - What?
Look, I don't know what kind of arrangement you and Kent have.
I thought you might be free for dinner.
For your information, Ralph, I am an engaged woman.
I am an engaged man!
Not here, you're not.
Here you're my husband.
Kal-El and Zara, married since birth
in accordance with the laws..
I am taken! Dance card filled!
'Off the market!'
Huh! And here is poor Clark
out risking his life for a story
and the minute his back is turned
you're, you're..
Oh, whoa, it's just a stinking dinner!
Well, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Wow! Lois, get a grip!
I'll tell you this as a friend.
You have been a mess ever since Superman left.
Well, we're friends, you know?
And I am sure that he is giving up more than anyone knows
to do what he thinks is right.
Yeah, but did he think about us?
I mean, we need him, too!
Of course he thought about us.
'You don't think it killed him to leave?'
But civil wars would've broken out in his country.
Innocent people would've been slaughtered
if he hadn't returned to lead them.
Protecting the helpless isn't limited to here, Ralph
and that is what Superman does!
Boy, should you be ashamed of yourself!
As you were.
I declare this union complete.
Its consummation sanctioned by the law.
Behold.
The bridal chamber.
So..
This is the village where both Kal-El
and the assassin Tez landed on Earth.
It's certainly less barren than home.
Our master's convinced
that hordes from new Krypton will follow him here.
Less barren, yes. Let me see..
There may be other incentives.
So where is everybody?
Hmm.
Oh, perhaps that palace over there.
I'll race you.
I could learn to like it here.
Locked.
Just rip them open.
- Huh. - 'Hey!'
What the hell do you think you're doing?
Oh, we're playing.
Would you like to play too?
(Nor) That's quite enough.
Survey the village.
Be ready for my arrival.
[telepathically] All will be ready, my Lord Nor.
You will be amazed at how easily
these fools are conquered.
Zara?
Yes, Kal-El?
I'm not sure what to do here.
I-I see.
And are the intimate habits of men and women on Earth
so different from ours?
This fact never appeared in my briefing manual.
That's not what I meant.
(Zara) 'There are techniques to help couples.'
Your cable television shows are most informative.
Please.
If you were Lois, I'd know exactly what to do.
It'd be natural.
But this whole thing..
You and I..
Together..
We're not a couple. We're a political solution.
So your heart isn't in this.
My heart? No.
No, my heart is waiting for me back on Earth.
Lois is my heart.
I was an outsider there, uh, incomplete
until I met her.
You saved yourself for her.
Well, yeah.
I saved myself for Lieutenant Ching.
It's very Kryptonian, actually.
You see, my heart isn't in this, either.
Then we're agreed.
Not partners in bed
but partners.
Partners. And friends.
I-I hold you in high esteem, Kal-El.
Forgive the intrusion, I don't mean to interrupt your, uh..
Uh, your handshake.
You're not intruding, Trey.
So I see.
And you wanted?
Your presence.
We must prepare for arrival on new Krypton
and it appears, um..
you're not occupied.
Oh.
(all) Kal-El!
Uh, look..
From now on, you don't have to do this.
It's tradition.
I know, but it's driving me crazy.
Up, everyone. Up, please.
Up.
I don't believe I've said congratulations, Lord Kal-El.
Congratulations.
Ching, listen.
There's something that I want to make very..
I understand, Kal-El.
'We're all prisoners of duty, I know.'
It's how ardently we embrace our duty that concerns me.
Disturbing news, My Lord.
It appears Lord Nor and a party of his followers
have vanished from new Krypton.
Where would they go?
It's believed they're, um..
They're on their way toward Earth.
Ho-hos.
Twinkies.
Ding-dongs.
Snickers?
Huh. You feeling hungry?
Jonathan, you know I never eat this stuff.
Well, then, uh, why are we stocking up?
They're his favorites.
And I know when he comes home, he's gonna want them.
And since he doesn't have any problems
with cavities and cholesterol
then why not?
That's spoken like a true mom.
Martha..
We've talked about this.
There's still a small chance that
Clark might not get back alive.
I know we've talked about it.
And you know what I said then?
"My boy is coming home."
- Martha, you-- - Jonathan.
My boy's coming home.
(Nor) 'Villagers of Smallville.'
'Forgive me for interrupting your tedious lives.'
'It can't be helped.'
'A change in leadership has occurred.'
'So report immediately to your municipal headquarters'
'for details of this joyful news'
'along with work and dwelling assignments.'
(officer) 'Freeze!'
Oh!
'Oh!'
Yield to the forces of Nor!
Oh! Look!
Well, well..
Isn't this an awkward moment.
Let me attempt to smooth things over.
Friends, do not, I beg of you
think of me as some alien creature.
'Some being who shares nothing with you.'
Rather think of me as a God.
Stern.
Unforgiving.
Invincible.
I neither like you nor need you.
Resist me
and die.
Well..
Now that the ice is broken
my men will sort you according to strength, age and health.
- Aah! - Oh!
- Here. - Where you going?
To call Lois.
This Lord Nor is the enemy that Clark went to Krypton to fight.
(Jimmy) 'Lois.'
Hey, have you talked to Clark?
Uh..
He managed to call last night.
I'm not sure when I'll see him.
(Jimmy) 'Boy, he's gone, Superman's gone.'
He's gone. Superman's gone.
Lois, you don't think..
I certainly do not that..
Jimmy, that's ridiculous.
What? I was just thinking, with all this hard work
they could both burn out.
Oh.
Oh, oh, that, oh, that.
Why?
What were you thinking?
I want a simpler life. Simpler life.
- Lois, it's Martha. - Hi, Martha.
Is everything okay?
Well, it's kinda hard to explain.
A terrible thing is happening. These peop..
Martha?
Hello, Martha?
- Jimmy? - 'Yeah?'
Could you keep trying the Kents?
There's something wrong with the Smallville lines.
(Nor) Well, although we got off to a rocky start
I think it's safe to say
things are back on track, isn't it?
[shouting] Isn't it?
- Alright. - Yes, sir. Whatever you say.
(Nor) Your enthusiasm touches me deeply.
As part of our urban improvement plan
my men have begun a few modernizing touches.
Voila.
'Smallville has been surrounded by a force field'
'that cannot be breached.'
Completely cutting us off from the rest of your world.
Oh..
And another beautification effort.
'My palace.'
At least for now.
'So, to review'
since I am absolute ruler
it follows you are my slaves.
Behold your ruler and bow down.
We don't do much bowing here in Kansas.
No.
See, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
Down! Respect!
'On your knees, slaves!'
I greet you
as subjects of new
new Krypton.
Well, if the FBI doesn't handle these things, who does?
No phone calls are getting through to Smallville, Kansas
and the phone company doesn't know why.
Well, then transfer me to the Pentagon.
Oh, what are their business hours?
Hello?
This is crazy.
Maybe I am, too.
Clark?
- Clark? - Mmm.
Oh.
I'm going crazy.
And I'm talking to myself.
That's a sign, isn't it?
Now I'm asking myself questions.
Oh, this could be a problem.
Or maybe I'll learn to enjoy it.
You're just an illusion.
Not here.
Oh, God.
Oh, if this isn't real, I don't want to know.
Mmm..
I told you I'd come back.
Mmm! And you did. Kiss me.
I don't have a lot of time.
I had to see you.
Why are you here?
- Change of plans. - Oh, don't stop.
What about your people?
They're here, too.
Don't ever leave me again.
I won't.
(Trey) 'Lord Kal-El.'
Family friend?
Very friendly.
Sir, forgive me for reminding you
how critical your presence is at the palace.
Palace?
Temporary palace.
It-it floats.
Yes, Trey. I know.
(Trey) 'Yes, well, in that case'
I suggest you unhand your friend
and, um, return to your troops and your bride.
I hear you.
If it were my country, I'd want to kick Godzilla's butt, too.
(Ching) I'm sure you would.
Ching, they took him away.
He was here, and they took him away.
And do you have any idea how much
cookie dough ice cream I've eaten tonight?
- Where is Clark? - In the palace.
I don't see any palace.
That would be correct.
Ching..
It's cloaked.
So that even now, it is hovering undetected over the city.
Well, I've got to tell you
seeing him for less than a minute
was almost worse than not seeing him at all.
Almost, but not.
Yes. Kal-El too, said he was very bumped.
Bummed.
He was bummed.
(Ching) He feels your absence deeply.
I try to tell him that a Kryptonian
must disregard his own feelings.
Oh, right.
Like you're not sick inside
that Clark's married to the woman you adore.
How's the marriage going, anyway?
Any squabbles? Tiffs? Door slammings?
Zara and Kal-El do not have time for tiffs.
- Lord Nor is here. - Why?
(Ching) 'When he learned he would have superpowers on Earth'
it made conquest too tempting to resist.
Well, we have to do something. We have to tell someone.
Earthly force is useless against him.
And if Kal-El cannot successfully
lead our men against Nor
then he will colonize your world.
Then all our dreams..
yours, mine, and Clark's will be lost.
This is why he had to leave you.
And, yes, it...does
make me sick to see Zara with Kal-El.
But not as sick as if both our worlds were destroyed by Nor.
So this isn't just about your people anymore
but mine as well.
Ching, I want to see Clark.
There's no way your customs will allow it?
Actually..
...there is one custom that might interest you.
As your advisor, Kal-El
I regretfully endorse
a preemptive strike by our forces against Nor's.
We have no idea where he is
or whether we outnumber him.
Well, my guess is we do.
And a guess isn't good enough.
I have my people's lives to consider.
By "Your people" do you mean us?
Or the ones on Earth?
Everyone.
But if we do attack, the big losers
will be the people of Earth, trapped in the crossfire.
Perhaps Kal-El's loyalty has been compromised by...sentiment.
If by "Sentiment" you mean that I value human life?
Yeah, I'm kind of a nut that way.
Husband, may we speak?
I know this is difficult.
I just don't like slaughter being discussed
like it's an inconvenience.
Every war harms the innocent.
Look at that map.
What do you see?
Troop deployments, mountains, borders, rivers.
Yeah, well, I see neighborhoods, parks, schoolyards.
Places where people expect to be safe.
Now, I will not rob those people of their futures
just because Krypton cannot solve its problems at home.
If that's what you want me to do
then I have no business being your leader.
A bit of domestic discord?
You don't know the half of it.
Be patient, my lord.
The first few days of any marriage
are bound to be strained.
Trey.
Lord Kal-El, I have brought you something important.
- What, you found Nor? - No.
Have an estimate of his troops?
No.
His attack plan?
No. I have brought you a selection of concubines.
Sorry?
It is our custom for Nobles to ease their tensions
with the help of professional care-givers.
Guys, I am trying to hold this unstable alliance together
long enough to defeat Nor's army
and you guys are talking concubines?
If you'll just take a moment
to inspect these women.
I do not inspect women, Ching.
I'm telling you that-that..
...that this could be a really good custom.
Chief! Trouble in Smallville.
- What kind of trouble? - Don't know.
- What are the facts? - Can't get any.
Well, who there have you talked to?
No one.
Clark's hometown is Smallville.
Have Lois get in touch with him.
- She can't. - Why not?
I'm not sure.
Boy, you're just a fountain of information.
How in the Sam Hill do you even know there's trouble?
A U.S. Spy satellite shows a force field of unknown origin
sealing the city off from the rest of the world.
There's a team of army investigators
on their way there now.
(male #1) 'Hey, chief! Take a look at this.'
I'm Leeza Gibbons, coming to you live from Smallville, Kansas.
Judas priest. Scooped.
My very special guest today is Lord Nor of new Krypton.
Welcome, Lord Nor.
Thank you, Leeza.
So, what brings you to Earth?
We're a caring planet, Leeza.
An advanced culture sharing its bounty
with a more primitive one.
Mr. Nor, the tough questions.
Why a force field?
Why over the entire city?
Well, I don't have to talk to you about crime, Leeza.
The field is basically a protective device
to keep the town safe from intruders.
And not to keep the people of Smallville in?
Well, that's up to them.
Needless to say, it would be vastly safer
for them to remain inside.
And how would leaving endanger them?
Well, they'd be killed.
By me.
These people are your prisoners?
Well, "Prisoners" is such a pejorative term.
What would you call them?
Students.
I aim to educate the people
to accept me as their unquestioned ruler.
And what more do you want?
To educate the entire world along similar lines.
In fact, if there are any kings, presidents
princes, or interested world leaders listening
we really should get together
to discuss the rapid transfer of global power to me.
You can't expect legitimate heads of state
to accept this situation.
Indeed.
And if there's any doubt
we'll start killing two quivering citizens of Smallville
every day until we get a polite response.
Starting with these two.
What are your feelings about being executed?
Concubines?
I thought this was some great, evolved civilization.
I mean, look at me. I'm on a leash.
Yeah, well, look at the outfit they put me in.
Well, actually, I don't mind yours.
So, this must be the bridal bed.
Comfy.
I suppose.
And my Clark, a married man.
A married Lord.
You know, I was meaning to ask you, Clark, um..
Just how married are you?
- What? - Well..
I know that you feel an obligation to your people
and you are a pretty thorough guy when it comes to details.
And you do look good.
Really great in the new suit.
You think it's better than the blue and the cape?
Oh, no, I'm not knocking the blue suit.
It's just that this is more..
More.
And I know that you got married in good faith.
And you are a man of your word.
How married are you?
Lois.
I promised you first.
I can't even explain
how frustrating all this has been for me
posing as a husband
stumbling over these very strange customs.
I'm asked to lead people who don't even completely trust me
and the only time that I feel real
is inside my head
thinking about you.
Well, I'm here now.
Do you mind? I'm on the clock here.
Forgive me, sir, but we thought you should know
Lord Nor has captured the village of Smallville
'and claimed it as his own.'
(Ambrose) 'There's our target, gentlemen.'
Alright, move back.
Attention, space creatures.
I'm Colonel Ambrose Cash, United States Army.
We are giving you a chance to throw down your arms
and surrender at once.
Is it worth reminding the Colonel
that these Kryptonians are probably invincible
and that the only ones in danger are the people of Smallville?
Sir.
Lieutenant, we are under orders.
These United States ain't theirs for the taking.
Yeah, those devils are ignoring us.
Open fire!
Okay.
Return and tell your people
never again to attempt these amateurish tactics.
You can't stop us.
Chief!
Chief, the U.N.'s ordered the world's military
to stand down for the next 48 hours.
They want to negotiate with the Kryptonians.
Sell them on the American dream.
Of course. I lost men out there.
Bunch of weaklings.
(Ching) 'Mr. White.'
The Kryptonian high command
is commandeering this building.
Just hold on there.
Aren't you the fella that took Superman away?
He's also the one that's bringing him back, chief, look.
Superman.
Cool outfit.
Mr. White, forgive the intrusion
but the Kryptonian force in Smallville
needs to be dealt with.
'Since this is a communications center'
'it'd make a great base of operations, if that's alright?'
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, sure.
I'll move in, too. Keep an eye on you.
Lois?
Uh, I-I..
Jimmy, do me a favor. Get Dr. Klein on the phone, please.
What's the current status of Smallville?
All the water and power has been cut off.
The Kryptonians don't need any water or food.
The ones that are being hurt are the people of Smallville.
(Jimmy) 'Dr. Klein? It's Olsen from the "Planet." Hold for Superman.'
Dr. Klein? Yes, it's me.
I'll need your Kryptonite specimen removed from the vault.
It may be the only resolution to the Smallville situation.
I don't know what Kryptonite is
but if Lord Nor has been behaving illegally--
If?
He's holding an entire town hostage.
Why this incessant worry about this stupid town?
Well, maybe Kal-El has a plan of his own.
'We don't know what's going on inside that force field.'
We have no way of penetrating it.
But if we could find a way of infiltrating Smallville
we could look around.
I could go too, my fiancé's from there
and I know the place.
Sir, I really must request
that the wishes of the Elders be heeded.
And I really must insist that we do as I say.
Alright, Superman.
And who are you to insist we do anything?
Who am I, Jen Mai?
I am your commander.
(Drull) This is the green, My Lord.
It says here, this is the most important part of the game.
(Nor) Really?
(Drull) "Left arm remains straight.
Eye remains on the ball."
Fascinating.
I could love this game.
"The grass surrounding the cup is of a shorter
and sturdier variety and should be trimmed to 5/8 of an inch."
Keep it moving there!
Hmm.
"Sand trap."
'"Sand trap."'
Hi, mom, dad.
Clark.
Honey, I can't believe..
Clark had to return because of Lord Nor.
He's here, son. He's made us into his slaves.
I know. So we're going to become slaves, too.
See if we can undo all this mess.
Concubine to slave. Is that a step down?
What's that?
Someone's has to stand up to you!
I'd rather burn the damn golf course
than be your slave on it!
Hey!
(Drull) 'Back to the village!'
'Back to work. Clean up this..'
(Drull) 'You! Carry the rebel!'
Ha!
Anybody call for a cab?
(Nor) Look at our troops.
A lifetime of Kryptonian discipline forgotten.
Don't be so insufferably dull.
All that discipline has left them starved
for a little debauchery.
What's the harm?
It certainly wouldn't be allowed at home.
It certainly wouldn't.
Which is why so many of our comrades
will leave that wretched rock
and follow me here to paradise.
My Lord, the townspeople are begging for water.
Their tongues are blistered with thirst.
The point being?
They'll have what's rationed to them
and not a drop more.
They have their government to thank for it.
They'll all die slow and horrible deaths.
(Nor) No, not all.
The lucky ones will be executed.
From what I've been able to pick up
their master plan is to make city after city surrender.
Metropolis being the first on the list.
Look at us.
I always sort of figured we'd be on our honeymoon
about right now.
Well, at least you're here with me.
Being without you?
That was bad.
And besides..
What?
Well, if you wanna know the truth
it's kind of exciting.
Just seems to be the way our life together is.
Oh, God, do you think that's what
makes our relationship work?
No.
Okay.
This looks like a good place.
For what?
You drilled a well?
Got to get some water to all these people.
(male #2) 'You two! Back to work!'
Alright. Move it along.
Promise me, once in a while
we'll have a quiet evening at home?
- Here you go. - It's water. Shh.
Now, don't turn around.
Be careful.
Careful.
Drink it slow.
(Ran) 'Hey, Drull.'
'See that old guy over there?'
'Use him as your target.'
- 'You watching, prisoner?' - 'No, please, I'm begging you!'
(Ran) 'Drull, freeze him.'
Excellent.
Most efficient manner of execution.
Come on.
Prepare to die.
(Martha) 'Who are you to be accusing me?'
You heard me! I saw all that food you were hoarding!
- It's not fair! - She's lying!
I am not! I saw it myself!
Liar!
Stop at once!
Ran! Drull!
You see what's happened?
You fools, you've lost control of these wretches.
(Ran) 'We'll find him, Lord Nor.'
That's not just a worthless prisoner.
The whole mood of the town is changing.
And I believe I know why.
I've just received some disturbing news
from an unimpeachable source.
Jonathan and Martha Kent!
'Show yourselves!'
Let's see how much he cares for mum and dad.
'Let's go! Out of the way!'
'Move aside!'
It's okay.
'Come on, old man!'
'Let's go!'
I told you you'd be the first to go
if I didn't get what I want.
Well.
What I want is..
...Kal-El.
Lord Kal-El!
'I know you're among us!'
I'm still waiting, Kal-El.
And I assure you, my credentials
in the field of excruciating death
are impeccable.
What do you want with me, Nor?
Where do I start?
I want your throne, Kal-El.
And I want your world.
And I want you gone..
...forever.