Years before Kal-El crashed on Earth, Jor-El sent out a series of probes looking for the best home for him. Thomas Wayne touched one such probe, placing him in contact with Krypton, where he met Jor-El. Their conversation led to Jor-El's decision to choose Kal-El's home. Years later, the probe malfunctions while on Earth, leading to a much less desirable effect.