The other two Kryptonian warriors swept in from either side. Together, the four formed a tight encirclement a hundred meters in the air, fists and feet raining down so fast the cameras caught only a string of blurred afterimages.
On the ground below, Faora burst out of the blast's aftermath, her dark red combat suit trailing a straight line through the air.
Another Kryptonian warrior, broader than she was, followed half a step behind. They swept east in a smooth arc at low altitude, diving toward the vast farmland and scattered homes on the outskirts of Metropolis.
Natasha's pupils contracted.
She spun toward Yongye, her light brown eyes churning with alarm, anger, and a resolve she could no longer suppress. The words came tumbling out:
"Did you hear that? They're going to the farm! Superman's mother is there!"
"Go save her! I promise, you can be with Helen Cho afterward. Whatever you want!"
Yongye burst out laughing. "Natasha, you really are a true superhero. I like that!"
The wreckage of the silver-gray shuttle was still burning above Metropolis. Sparks fell like a rain of iron filings, crackling against the plaza's asphalt and scorching it with black spots.
Faora and the Kryptonian warrior Jaeo raced east at top speed, her dark red combat suit and his dark gold cape streaming side by side at low altitude like two flames stretched into straight lines.
Below them, the concrete grid of the city gave way to rolling farmland. Golden wheat shimmered in the midday sun. In the distance, a few gray-white farmhouses stood scattered across the fields. A pickup was parked in one yard, and several shirts billowed on a clothesline.
The Kent farm.
Faora fixed her gaze on the largest farmhouse in the middle of the property. A cold smile touched