“Our world is doomed!” said Jor-El. He faced a group of leaders and scientists on his home planet of Krypton. He spoke with anger, not in fear.

“The fate of this planet, and everyone on it, rests in your hands,” Jor-El continued. “Earthquakes have rocked Krypton for many months. Tidal waves have flooded our coastlines. Volcanoes have erupted at the edges of our cities. If we do not act now, everything we have worked for will be destroyed!”

Behind the group of scientists stood a strange, metal figure. The figure, a supercomputer in the shape of a man, stepped forward. His metal head and glowing eyes towered above Jor-El.

“This is nonsense, Jor-El,” said the supercomputer. “Krypton has revolved around her red sun for millions of years. Our planet will continue to revolve for a million more. Safely and peacefully.”

“Not according to my research,” said Jor-El.

“Your research is wrong,” said Brainiac calmly. “My brain has been going over your figures for the past several weeks. And the answer I come up with is this: Krypton is simply going through a phase. In a few months, the volcanic activity will stop.”

“That’s impossible,” said Jor-El.

Brainiac’s eyes glowed brightly. “Have I ever been wrong before?” he asked.

Jor-El was silent.

“I am not wrong this time, either,” said Brainiac.

As the metal man spoke, the crowd nodded. They were calmed by his words.

“With all due respect, there is always a first time for being wrong,” warned Jor-El. “The pressure inside our planet is growing. This is not simply a phase. This is the entire destruction of our world. We must leave Krypton before it explodes!”

Someone in the chamber cried out in alarm. A murmur of panic passed through the crowd. Brainiac raised his hands.

“Jor-El fills you with fear,” Brainiac said. “He controls you by frightening you.”

“No!” said Jor-El. “I do not seek power. I only seek the safety of my fellow citizens.”

“If you care for their safety, then you will keep silent,” said Brainiac. The lights in his metal skull were blinking angrily.

Another figure stood up. It was Vond-a, leader of the science council. She stepped onto the floor and stood between Jor-El and the robot.

“I agree with Brainiac,” she said. “Your words will only panic the good people of Krypton, Jor-El. If Brainiac’s supercomputer brain tells him that the planet is safe, then it is safe.”

Jor-El knew it was useless to argue. He had been warning the scientists for weeks.

The scientists never listened. Now, Jor-El bowed his head. He said, “I will obey the decision of the council.” Quietly, he left the chamber.

Brainiac watched Jor-El walk away. Dark thoughts hummed through the supercomputer’s brain. Jor-El is right, he thought to himself. Krypton will explode. But these fools must never know. An evil smile crossed Brainiac’s face. Jor-El must be silenced.