Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 02:

“Spock, what took you so long?” Kara asked, having difficulty lifting the last stabilizer. “Give me a hand. I called you over a half hour ago.”

“Will you please call me by my designation?” the frustrated robot asked, extending his arms from his body and grabbing one end of the stabilizer.

“Why would you want me to call you Kelex? There are 2,364 Kelex units in Argo City. Don’t you want to be special?”

“No.” the robot replied succinctly.

Kara shrugged her shoulders, not caring. “You are mine, I programmed you myself, so you are unique. But somehow, I screwed up when giving you a personality. You should appreciate being an individual. However, if you insist on it I will call you Kelex. Spock was really cool though. He was a Vulcan from some Earth broadcast Father picked up when I was seven. The show was ridiculous, but I thought Spock was cool. Now, help me install this stabilizer for atmosphere maneuvering then perform a systems check on the engines while I inspect the shields.”

“All for a standard flight simulation?” the robot asked.

“Nope. We are taking her out.” Kara told him enthusiastically. “We are on a timer though. Mother will be awake in approximately four hours and I’m not sure Aunt Astra sleeps. This has to be quick.”

“You received permission to leave Argo City for a flight?” Kelex asked doubtfully.

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “I wasn’t told I couldn’t leave Argo City for a flight.”

“Yes, you were… many times.” Kelex argued. “Would you like me to play back numerous conversations you have had with General Astra and your Mother?”

Kara stopped what she was doing and looked impatiently at her mechanical friend. “We are about to undertake an important secret mission. It is time we retrieved Kal El. Just follow my lead, friend.”

If Kelex was able, he would have rolled his eyes. “Kal El, if he survived, has been on Earth 30 years. It is highly probable he will not wish to return with us, even if you were to find him. What do you plan to do if he refuses to accompany us back?”

Kara smiled at the thought. “Then we get to spend several weeks on Earth with our personal Kryptonian tour guide. Relax, this will be fun. I left a note for Mother and promised we would be back in six weeks.”

“The trip itself will take at least four weeks just to reach the Horizon.” he pointed out.

“Not with the route we are taking. A few days maximum and we are in Earth’s atmosphere. I’m thinking we could head to the United States area. From the stray radio signals I’ve picked up on Krypton as a child, that seems to be the coolest place… although the Beatles are from a land called the United Kingdom. The Beach Boys and Elvis though…”

“No.” the Kelex unit told her. “I’m not going.”

“Excuse me?” Kara asked incredulously.

“There is only one route that could allow us to reach Earth that quickly. I believe you named it yourself. The ‘Wormhole of Death’.” Kelex needlessly reminded her.

Kara waved her hand dismissively. “That was just a nickname. I’m sure it will be fine. You know what a great pilot I am. A few evasive maneuvers here and there, and we are home free.”

The robot’s arms were moving wildly now. “No. This is not a good idea. You will likely not have to worry about your mother’s reaction because you will be dead! Only the shields of our battle cruisers could make it past the Asteroid Belt surrounding it and then accelerate to Lightspeed 3. The likelihood that a ship this small can survive the possible crushing affects when we reach…”

“Kelex! I’ve figured it out, done the math. There is a 72.3 % chance that our shields can survive the trip there and back. If I do this right, we could be back in six weeks while spending most of our time on Earth. We have this, okay?” Kara said excitedly.

“72.3 percent chance? Now I feel much better. Any direct strikes to the hull by asteroids before we enter the wormhole can weaken the shields and cause the ship to implode in the wormhole if it isn’t crushed by an asteroid first.” The disgruntled robot said sarcastically.

“So we don’t hit any asteroids.” Kara told him, not seeing the big deal. “Have I ever let you down? When we tunneled under Argo City to reinforce the shields…”

“You were grounded for three months.” Kelex retorted.

“But not because I was wrong! It worked! ” Kara exclaimed. “When I cloned genetic materials into live animals and birds you said I could potentially create monsters, but I didn’t, did I? When will you have faith in me? All you ever do is doubt my abilities.”

Kelex retorted, “I question your experiments to give you a deeper consideration of the problem at hand. You programmed me to question you. You called it the ‘Wormhole of Death’ because of the dense asteroid belt at the mouth! You have died 7 out of 10 attempts in simulations. You said the likelihood of getting anything smaller than a battle cruiser through that space time continuum would be suicide!”

Kara rolled her eyes. “I was exaggerating! I get like that sometimes when I am frustrated. Besides I made it two out of the last three times. The last time was just a slight deviation that I now know will definitely not work. I don’t believe I said it was suicide. I’m not suicidal.”

“No, but you are arrogant and overconfident. I’m calling your Mother.” Kelex stated.

“I will deactivate you, Spock. Don’t screw with me.” Kara said heatedly. “This may be our last chance. You know Mother is pressuring me to be bonded no matter how much I tell her I don’t want a mate? Well, I met a guy tonight and I kind of… like him. You know what that leads to? Once I am bonded, I know I will get pregnant because she will push me towards that as well. Next thing you know I am up to my eyeballs in diapers and bathing, breast feeding which is terrifying… and that’s assuming I survive the delivery!”

The Kelex unit peered over Kara’s shoulder and dropped his arms in a gesture Kara recognized as relief.

“You are worried about surviving the delivery? I would suggest you worry about the next ten minutes.” Her mother’s irate voice came from behind her.

Kara sheepishly turned around, shaking, realizing she had been busted. “Mother… what are you doing up… at this time of night?”

“I woke to grab a glass of water and found your note. Really, Kara? A note?” Alura brandished the note in Kara’s face. “‘Mother, going to Earth to pick up Kal El. Taking the ‘Wormhole of Death’ so I should be back in six weeks. See you then, love you, Kara.’”

Kara knew she had been defeated. Her estimate of her Alura’s sleep cycle was off, not having factored in her mother’s midnight thirst after consuming wine.

Alura crumbled the note in her hand and tossed it to the floor. “I am sure Non knows about this. I will be having words with him as soon as I am done with you.”

Kara shook her head quickly. “I haven’t spoken to Uncle Non about this, I swear. He has no idea.”

Alura pointed to the back cabin where Kell’s head peaked out. Kara had not noticed him before and was shocked to see him in her ship. “If Non did not know about it, why is he here, sneaking onto your ship while you are working on stabilizers?”

Kara looked at the man, crossing her arms, wanting to know the answer as well. “Kell? You heard the Chief Justice. I would like to know the same.” she told him sternly, desperately hoping to place blame on her Uncle and divert Alura’s withering gaze from herself.

“Lady Alura, what a pleasant surprise. How are you…” Kell started to say before Alura interrupted.

“Cut it out, Kell Ur. What in Rao’s flames is going on here? If Kara didn’t tell you she was planning on taking a short excursion, why are you on board, without her knowledge?” Alura asked raising an eyebrow.

“General Non made me do it.” the man answered quickly.

Kara dropped her head in frustration. Of course Non knew what she had planned. He always knew somehow. But since he was sending Kell to spy on her, maybe he was okay with it. That could work in her favor. Her Mother wouldn’t be too angry at Non.

“It appears the Flamebird is going to need a new commander.” Alura said, no doubt planning General Non’s immediate death.

So, it may not work in either of their favors.

“Look, I’m sorry. Don’t blame Uncle Non. He isn’t responsible for me and my actions. I will return home with you and you may confine me to my usual locations for as long as you decide.”

Alura looked closely at her daughter and stepped forward, causing Kara to flinch a bit. She relaxed when her mother caressed her cheek. “The ‘Wormhole of Death’? Really, Kara? Are you trying to push your boundaries until you get killed?”

“No, Mother. I am sorry. I should have discussed this with you, but I knew you would tell me no.” Kara explained. “I know I can do it though, fairly certain… mostly certain.”

Alura shook her head and sighed. “No… you aren’t sorry. I won’t be able to stop you, will I? It was pure luck I had a headache tonight and woke up. I’m hurt that you would leave me with nothing but a note… but I understand. Astra is right. I won’t be able to keep you here, will I? You won’t be satisfied until you see that damn planet. Where is the nearest jump point that can get you near Earth? Besides the ‘Wormhole of Death’?”

“There is the one I call the Horizon. It’s four weeks away though.” Kara said, a spark of hope slowly rising.

“Will your shields hold?” Alura asked.

“Yes, no problem at all. No asteroids, large funnel, less pressure.” Kara told her, her feelings changing from fear to a hint of excitement.

“You have four weeks to reach the wormhole, two weeks on Earth and then right back. No later.”

“Two weeks?” Kara exclaimed. “But that’s…”

“Would you liked to be locked in your room under guard until Argo City is firmly planted on solid ground?” Alura asked, her voice taking on a more ominous tone.

“Can I have three weeks?” Kara asked, daring as much as she thought she could get away with.

“That’s eleven weeks. I want you back in ten. No negotiations. You can ask Kal El if he wants to return with you. When he says no, take two weeks to look around but do not make yourself known to humans. At all. Is that understood?” Alura asked.

“Yes, Mother.” Kara agreed, thinking two weeks was better than being confined to her home for the next year and a half or longer. “So… I can go?”

“Swear to me, Kara… swear that you will come back. I can’t lose you. I’ve lost your father; I can’t lose you too. Astra is on her way with a universal link that Krypton scout ships used to communicate with the planet even through wormholes. I want you to check in with me every 24 hours. If you lose signal you come right back home, understand?”

“Yes, Mother. Whatever you say.” Kara agreed somewhat reluctantly.

“And Kell is going with you.” Alura added.

“I am?” the man asked.

“He is? But… I don’t think spending so much time alone unchaperoned with a man is appropriate. What would the citizens think of this? I don’t need him. I can take care of myself.” Kara argued.

Alura nodded. “Of course you can but he will be with you regardless. You two seemed to hit it off tonight. An extended voyage would be an opportunity for the two of you to get to know each other a little better. Who knows? Before you know it, you may be up to your eyeballs in dirty diapers and breast feeding every couple of hours… should you survive giving birth of course. I trust he is honorable, and no one needs to know he is with you. We will report him as being a member of the exploration team leaving in twelve hours. I believe your Aunt wishes to say goodbye. No doubt your Uncle does as well… from wherever he is hiding in the shadows watching this!” she finished loudly.

Kara heard a cough and a sheepish Non walked in from the hallway.

“You are a complete ass, you know this, right?” Alura asked the man.

Non nodded his head. “I checked her ship yesterday and watched her enhance the shields. Her new stabilizers will be more than sufficient for handling in atmosphere and she will be protected. I have every confidence Kell will act in an honorable fashion. There hasn’t been a murder in thousands of years on Krypton, but all streaks have to end eventually if he does not. He understands that courting does not mean touching, at all.”

Astra walked from behind Non and hugged her niece. “I hate this. Every day, you contact us. This device is secure and will not be picked up by anything other than Argo City’s receivers. I love you, Kara. Be careful. If we do not hear from you at least once every 24 hours, I will disconnect the Nightwing and come for you. Understand? I doubt Earth will appreciate a massive battleship in their orbit, but I will come for you, regardless.”

Kara nodded, excited in spite of the restrictions. “I understand. I love you all so much. Thank you for allowing me…”

“We are only doing it because we won’t be able to stop you forever. This isn’t allowance, it is resignation. At least that is Non’s opinion.” Alura pointed out. “The ‘Wormhole of Death’, Non?”

“I had no idea she would be stupid enough to try that! She is the most intelligent… stupid girl I know!” Non threw his arms in the air trying to emphasize his point.

“She said six weeks! How did you expect her to get to Earth and back in six weeks?” Astra asked him.

“I just thought she would just take longer than six weeks. Better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission and all that! I am sending Kell with her!” Non pleaded his case.

“Yes, I was having my doubts when I heard about the ‘Wormhole of Death’. Thought I might disobey orders and try to talk her out of it before we launched.” Kell admitted.

Now four faces were looking at him, making him think speaking probably wasn’t the best decision and wondering how much he had fallen out of favor with Kara for sneaking onto her ship, especially at his General’s orders.

Kara sighed. “Fine. I will be back, call you every day. I’m leaving before you all change your mind. Load up, Kelex.”

“Why do I have to go?” the robot asked.

Kara gave the robot a withering glare and he slowly floated into the ship with his head down. “Kell, make yourself useful and secure the cargo bay since you are hiding there already.”

The ship prepared for takeoff, Kara in the cockpit, she gave them a big smile and wave, then blasted off, for the first time entering actual space.

The two sisters and uncle watched their greatest love launch into the unknown.

“Wait, she didn’t have our authorization codes.” Alura realized.

Non smirked. “I told you she would find a way around that. Astra dear, perhaps I should prepare the Flamebird for a rescue, in the event she is stuck in the ‘Wormhole of Death’.”

Alura shook her head. “No, she was told to take the Horizon, four weeks, two weeks on Earth and then back. She shouldn’t need rescue from the Horizon.”

Non snorted. “Two weeks? I reinforced her shields myself and placed a second Omegahedron without her knowledge if it is needed. She is taking the ‘Wormhole of Death’ as she lovingly refers to it and will be spending at least six weeks on Earth. I swear for a mother and aunt, how is it I know her so much better than you two?”

“Have the Flamebird ready for departure if needed.” Astra said, realizing he was right and wanting to kick something… mostly Non.

The object of their concern wanted to scream with glee, having gotten enough space behind her and free of the dark side of this moon. She could actually see bright stars. She didn’t scream though. She had to maintain decorum since she had an unwanted guest on this mission.

An unwanted, hot guest who just entered the control bridge.

“So… you are upset?” he asked in way of greeting.

Kara shook her head. “Of course not. At least I am not upset at you. I should have known Uncle Non would guess what I was doing and send a bodyguard along. Just… relax. We will be on Earth in a few days. You can do your exploring, I’ll do mine… I am sure you understand under the yellow sun we will have no concerns in regard to our safety. Honestly, I am just relieved Mother didn’t have me stunned and placed under house arrest, guards at the door and everything.”

Kell agreed. When he had first saw Alura, he saw a look of fury on her face, one that gave way to acceptance of the situation. He understood what Non had meant. When Kara set her mind on something, she made it happen.

Her father, Zor El, had saved what was left of the Kryptonian race.

Kara, in turn, had saved them from a timeless void, discovered the secrets of the Phantom Zone and identified an escape route. Then she spent her teen years tirelessly bringing the remains of Argo City to life once again.

Kara Zor El, with her father as her role model, accomplished whatever she put her mind to. At least most of the time.

Then it occurred to him what she said. A few days to reach Earth? Surely he didn’t hear her right. “Wait, a few days? You told your Mother it would take four weeks to get to the Horizon.”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “Yeah, I did… and it would. But unfortunately on missions, plans change. We are taking the ‘Wormhole of Death’.”

“The same wormhole you were destroyed in simulations 7 out of 10 tries according to Kelex?” he asked to be sure, hoping this was a joke.

Kara brushed off his concern. “I have it now. No big deal. But… I understand if you want off. I can turn, take you back to Argo, so long as you swear not to tell anyone.”

The man shook his head and smiled, taking the seat next to her. “You are going to need a copilot. I wouldn’t miss this.”

“I would.” Kelex said from the back. “Can you take me home? I won’t say anything.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “I’m serious, Kell. You didn’t sign up for this.”

The man shrugged his shoulders. “If I had known you were going, I would have asked if I could come regardless.”

“Why?” Kara asked. “I would think you were tired of long journeys by now. You did say you wanted to stay on Argo City and protect its people.”

“Yes, and I meant it after meeting you in person. But this is not a long journey. We are going to a planet we know has life and the company is much more pleasant. Not many people can say they went on an exploration expedition to Earth with the legendary Kara Zor El. It’s the kind of adventure I have wanted to undertake my whole life. Not sure about this ‘Wormhole of Death’, but if you want to take the risk, I am game.”

Kara smiled at the man, thinking it would be nice to have a friend with her and definitely liking his attitude.

Especially one that looked like him and was not scared of a little danger. Perhaps he was different than most soldiers. Not that Kryptonian soldiers were scared, they were just… formal… and very intimidated by her Aunt and Uncle.

“How is your English? I plan to land somewhere in the United States.”

“I’ve read the educational logs you created. I would say my English is… totally sick.” Kell told her.

“Sick good or sick bad?” the blonde asked.

“Sick good? Groovy, maybe?” Kell replied, eyebrows raised in question.

“Great. Alone we can speak Kryptonese. Around humans we should probably speak English and as little as possible. The last transmission Father received from Earth was when I was ten years old. I believe what they call ‘slang language’ is ever evolving. We should stick to proper English until we understand the current vernacular.”

“Shakespeare proper?” Kell asked.

“Rao, no. Just standard terms. Smile a lot and nod your head. I believe ‘gosh’ is timeless as we have picked it up in different broadcasts through the years. ‘Wow’ is also standard.” Kara explained. “Earth doesn’t exactly hide from the galaxy though. I swear, as open as their broadcasts are, it wouldn’t surprise me if another race hasn’t already invaded the planet. Considering they were nowhere close to building an engine capable of superluminal speed, it is possible they don’t know other civilizations exist or how dangerous some could be.”

“True… but I thought your mother said to avoid contact with humans.” Kell reminded her.

Kara shook her head. “Just when I thought you were beginning to understand me. How can you know a planet without knowing its people? We are identical in physiology to humans so it shouldn’t be a problem. We will blend in seamlessly. Don’t worry, I have this. Just follow my lead, Explorer. Do what I do, and everything will be fine. In and out, no problems… oh, in English I think that is pronounced ‘no problemo, dude’.”

Kell thought of this for a moment and nodded. “No problemo, dude. I saw a reference in your notes in regard to ‘party on, dude.’ Is that related?”

“I have no idea. We should probably just stick to smiling and nodding.” Kara admitted. “Okay, I need to get some rest. Kelex can keep you company on the first watch. Call me if you see any asteroids around. We have two ion cannons on each wing and a compliment of twenty-six seeker missiles, but I would prefer to hold onto those until we get to the really thick belt in front of the wormhole.”

“No problemo, dude. I can handle it. Kara? Thanks… for not being angry about my coming along. I realize my presence probably isn’t what you wanted.”

Kara smiled at the man. He had such a hopeful look on his face. “It’s a pleasant surprise. I’m kind of glad I’m not alone. I’m glad you are here, Kell. Goodnight… or morning considering Argo is now waking up.”

Six hours later, Kara woke, feeling surprisingly refreshed. She supposed the last 24 hours of wakefulness had caught up with her. The blonde had definitely not planned on sleeping as long as she had. Moving quickly to relieve Kell she found him asleep in the pilot’s chair while Kelex watched the course from the copilot’s chair.

Leaning down slightly, she said loudly, “Hey, soldier boy. Does Non know you doze off at your post?”

Kell jerked awake quickly, stood and banged his head on the low ceiling of the cockpit.

Kara couldn’t hold back her laughter and was glad to see a guilty grin on his face.

“Kara. I was… yes, I fell asleep. Kelex said he had controls and…”

“He does,” Kara told him. “I would guess we have two hours before we reach the first asteroid belt. We need to eat. Join me?” she asked, reaching for his hand. The man took it gently, following her to the small crew’s nest in front of the cargo hold.

“I feel privileged.” Kell admitted. “I don’t believe anyone outside your family has ever seen you in so informal wear.”

Kara shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. “We are in space, so I decided to rough it. Humans have outfits like this from what I understand. They are called pajamas.”

“I like you like this.” he admitted. “You look so… relaxed.”

Kara concentrated on opening her rations.

“You… I like your hair.” Kara admitted quietly. “It’s not a standard military cut. Plus, it’s a little frazzled right now. Are Explorers given more leeway in regard to personal appearance?”

Now it was Kell’s turn to focus on his rations. Kara noticed he appeared a bit embarrassed. “Kell?”

“General Non… he took a special interest in me after my father died… he talks about you a lot. When he asked me if I would consider meeting you I jumped on the opportunity. He said… he told me you had three more suitors to… well, in his words, ‘shoot down’. He suggested I take the time to ‘loosen up’ as he called it. He thought you may prefer that. It was a relief honestly. I was never into the standard military fair. I spent most of my youth on board a smaller ship that was ran much more casually. My father felt that pioneers should be rugged, not cut from the same cloth so to speak.”

Kara stayed silent for a moment, focusing on eating her tasteless, hydrated pack. The food was one part of space travel she did not enjoy, but her little ship was not large enough for a kitchen of any kind.

“I’m sorry about your House.” she finally offered. “I know you are the last of your family. They were killed in Argo City, right?”

Kell nodded his head, thinking back to that day. “Hard to believe Argo City once housed over one hundred thousand citizens. Were it not for your father all of Krypton would have died that day. I was on duty on when it happened. He had just gotten Mother and his neighbors into an underground bunker. Your father had just erected the shield but the blast from the explosion, the buildings falling… Father saw a child, wandering in the streets before the final eruption. He tried to rescue the child but was too late. Argo was shot off into space, buildings inside crumbled and my father and that child were under one. My mother saw he wouldn’t make it but ran out to him regardless and was caught in the temple falling down on top of them.”

Kara shivered, thinking back to that day. Over 30,000 Kryptonians lived but Argo City was not built to withstand a planet exploding. Many of the buildings were rebuilt using the same materials, and many citizens were found underneath the rubble in the rebuilding process. She shook herself from her own memory to focus on Kell’s story.

“I was on the Flamebird. Your Aunt and Uncle were the only ships in orbit. Zor El contacted your aunt, said the shield was in place and asked her to evacuate the city states. We landed in Kryptonopolis. I was in the first wave of soldiers attempting to rescue citizens. Unfortunately, because the High Council never believed Jor El, the citizens had no idea what was happening. Many thought we were under attack from Daxam once more and wanted nothing to do with entering a battleship. We grabbed children, carried them to the ship but time was short, the ground erupting in fire.

“I saw a child who had run out of a school that was collapsing. I was able to pull him free before a tower landed on us. I fell and injured my ankle somehow. I know I was limping towards the ship with the boy in my arms when I heard another nearby cry. There was a child who couldn’t have been over ten. She was only thirty feet away, so I began moving towards her when the ground split open. This giant crevice was before me and she was moving farther away. I sat the boy in my arms on the ground, prepared to make the jump, when your uncle grabbed me.”

Kell paused for a moment, the memories of that day beginning to overwhelm him.

“General Non had a small boy wrapped around his neck and a teenage girl perhaps my age under his arm. He told me I would never make the jump, that it was too late. I looked back to the child and saw he was right; the split must have been fifty feet easily and was sinking. I watched the ground beneath her breakup, lava flow over it and she was gone.

Your Uncle helped me to my feet. I held onto my child, one remained hanging on his back and he used his free arm to lift me, help me and the child back to the ship. We made it with only seconds before a lava flow was on us.

We launched and moved to rendezvous with General Astra. She had been trying to evacuate citizens of Kandor. When it became obvious that time was quickly running out for all of us, we joined with the Nightwing above Argo City and waited. Argo City was ejected from the planet in the final blast along with our cruisers. None of us expected Argo to tumble into the Phantom Zone. Once it was clear there was no way to stop it, General Astra and General Non followed the city into the Phantom Zone. If we never escaped, so be it… but we would be near what was left of Krypton.” Kell finished solemnly.

Kara wiped a tear from her eye. “That was a tragic day, so many lives lost, but so many heroes were discovered as well. Millions of Kryptonians died but we remain to rebuild and live on. Krypton was never a planet; it was a people. Father told me that often. We had our problems, but we were one. We still are. Perhaps more so now than ever in our history.”

Kell fought back his own tears at the thought of that day. Kara was right though. Krypton was its people, its heroes, its citizens who worked to make life better for all. The planet did not matter, only the people.

“Where… where were you? If you don’t mind me asking. You don’t have to talk about it of course. I am probably out of place…” Kell’s question trailed off, obviously mortified he’d asked it in the first place.

“You were fifteen and rescuing children from the streets of Kryptonopolis as it was exploding around you. I think you have the right to ask me any question you wish.” Kara told him and took a deep breath as she recalled the events of that horrific day.

“Though the High Council never believed Jor El, my father believed his brother. Father started working on the shield when I was ten and had barely finished it before Krypton exploded. It happened so fast. Two years wasn’t enough time, but the citizens of Argo believed him over the High Council and helped. It had to be activated underground, wrapping a globe around Argo. Father had not had time to develop a remote to activate the dome. He knew when the ground started shaking… he kissed my Mother and then hugged me so tight. He kissed my cheek, told me he loved me and would make sure I was safe. Then he was gone, running into the subterranean vents and Mother was pulling me into the bunker beneath our home.

“I wanted to go with him. Ever since I could remember, Father would take me to the lab. He taught me so much. He always called me his little partner. I knew he needed me, I just wanted to help him like always.

“But then men arrived, men I recognized as my guards during the day, the ones who tried not to be noticed. They were pushing me and Mother into our bunker. Mother and I were taken to this circular pod and strapped inside. She held me tight and then I heard it. Buildings outside groaning, crumbling. Then the lights went out and we were in the dark. If I hadn’t felt Mother’s hand squeezing mine I would have thought I was alone in space. It was days before my remaining guard, who had stayed outside our bunker, were able to dig us out. I knew Father was gone. Mother had explained to me what had happened. As soon as he had activated the dome, the rock around him would have compressed, killing him. He knew he was going to die but never hesitated. He saved me and despite the destruction, thousands of our people lived.” Kara didn’t try to stop the tears that fell.

“He was a brave man, a legend of Krypton.” Kell agreed.

Kara agreed, thinking of her beloved Father… her partner. “I told myself when we walked out of the bunker I would honor his sacrifice. I organized the reconstruction of his lab. Found his future plans to reinforce the shields and studied every bit of information he had collected about the Phantom Zone. I continued his research, figured out a way for us to escape. Once we were free, Mother convinced the Council to allow me to coordinate the reconstruction of our city. Even before they fully agreed, I began my bioengineering projects. My father gave his life for the people of Argo City and I swore I would make it a good life.”

“You have.” Kell assured her. “So, since I have free reign to ask you questions without three extra sets of eyes on us, why Earth? I understand you enjoy flying and the idea of doing so over a wide-open sky must appeal to you, but you seem to know much more about the planet than an average person. Not that you have ever been average.”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “That’s father’s fault. I accompanied Mother to court at times, but science was so much more fun. I spent so much of my childhood in the lab with him. Earth’s transmissions were the easiest to pick up in the galaxy. We would take breaks and listen to the languages, translating them. We would pick up what humans called television transmissions and despite their species being divided and their -sometimes- violent nature, we found them fascinating. They were loving as well. Funny at times, heroic at others. Despite their primitive technology, they were the most complex creatures we had ever encountered. Father and I loved to discuss them. Many who knew of Earth only saw the darkness of humans, but Father and I also saw the light. Then Jor El told us of his discovery, one that was hidden from the Council in the last scouting mission. He told us what he had discovered about yellow sun radiation and its possible effects on us.”

Kell chuckled at the wonder on Kara’s face. Though many in Argo City would do anything to have the chance of bonding with this beautiful girl, she was often considered out of reach. She was held to a higher standard, treated like royalty and said to be completely devoted to her work. She was also the youngest child of a family consisting of the three highest ranking members of Argo City.

Many guessed she would never find or even care about love, seeing her as a beautiful but cold scientist.

If they could only see what he was seeing now. The love and excitement in her eyes.

Kara was no cold scientist… she was a dreamer… and Kara Zor El had the ability to make her dreams come true.

If nothing ever came from this, Kell was happy that he had gotten to know this side of her, one that those from afar would never see.

He had never been so enraptured by anyone in his entire existence.

“I hate to break up the second date,” Kelex interrupted, “but the two of you may want to prepare. Kara, I would suggest wearing a survival suit rather than your sleepwear. The first asteroid belt is coming up. Kell take the guns; Kara, please get us through in one piece and I will go to Cargo and attempt to pray to Rao.”

Kara looked Kell in the eyes and winked. “Fun’s about to start. You up for this, Explorer?”

“Lead the way, Lady Kara and I will follow.”