Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 10:

Kara and Kell sat in the back of Lois’s car with a number of things on their mind. Although the comment of Kara being a 12th level intellect confused them, they were more concerned about where they were going. The three travelers, with Superman and a Green Lantern high above them, were in the heart of Metropolis and though the lights of the city caught Kara by surprise, she still looked out the window in awe, reminded of the lights of many large Kryptonian cities. She found the architecture amazing.

“Lois, since you seem to be driving in a determined fashion, I suppose you know where we are going?” Kara asked.

“Yep.” the reporter answered. “Almost there.”

After another ten minutes, they had reached what Kara assumed was the downtown area of the great city. Pulling in front of a building featuring a large sign that read Wayne Enterprises, Lois drove into what appeared to be an underground parking garage.

Instead of making a turn she drove straight for a wall.

“Are we about to drive into a wall?” Kell asked nervously.

“Use your X-Ray vision. It’s not a wall, just a hologram.” Kara told him.

“This… X-Ray vision gives me vertigo. I’ll take your word for it.”

Seconds later, Lois did drive into the wall and through it, entering a long corridor. A large gate stood in front of them and Kara looked closely at it, realizing this was Promethium, Earth’s latest advancement in indestructible metals. At least it was considered indestructible from races without access to star power or high frequency sonic weapons.

Lois stopped in front of the large gate and after a few minutes, it opened slowly, allowing her to drive through. She drove a few hundred yards in and parked, stepping out and moving towards what appeared to be an elevator door.

Waving towards the door, she said, “Okay, Kryptonians. End of the line. The elevator will take you up to Watchtower. I will go to mine and Clark’s place, unload your luggage and get the guest room… rooms, ready for you. I’m sure Clark is waiting for you on the twenty-first floor.”

Kara looked up and saw movement high above them. She also saw a green light moving around rapidly. “Kell, could you stay in the car for a moment? Lois, I need to retrieve something from the trunk.”

Lois got back into the car to pop the trunk for Kara as the young woman opened the door, letting herself out. The two sat for a few seconds before Kara was opening the car door again, indicating the two could get out. When Lois stepped out of the car, she nearly lost her breath. Kell seemed to take Kara’s appearance in stride so Lois knew the man and Argo City had seen her like this before.

Instead of the black slacks and white blouse Kara had been wearing, her appearance was very different now. If Kell had doubted that pinning her hair up and placing glasses on her face would not change her appearance, he was sorely mistaken.

Kara wore a long flowing blue dress that covered her arms to the wrist but left her shoulders slightly bare, the straps angling somehow to appear if they were dropping but somehow hung from her arms in a perfect triangle. Just below the neckline of her dress was a white symbol Lois knew well. Her makeup was slight, but her long hair flowed free, wavy and very, very blonde. Her blue eyes were shining beautifully, no longer hidden behind the glasses.

“Wow.” Lois whispered. “I wish I could get ready that fast. That is one beautiful dress.”

Kara shrugged her shoulders as if it was no big deal. “I brought it along in the event I had to meet any dignitaries.”

“Dignitaries? You mean Hal? Hal is the opposite of a dignitary.” Lois warned her, thinking of the man’s more sarcastic qualities. While Wally West often used humor to break up tense situations, Hal was definitely more tactless at times.

“He is a Green Lantern.” Kara stated firmly, as if that was all the explanation needed, dismissing Lois’ warning as irrelevant, obviously surprising the woman. “I’m the first Kryptonian to have contact with a Green Lantern in many decades. Green Lanterns have the ability to speak directly through their power batteries to the Guardians. Krypton has a long and peaceful history with the Guardians.”

“So, I suppose elevators are the same here as in any universe?” Kara asked.

“You will have to push the button. Saying 21 won’t get you there.” Lois told her somewhat kiddingly, remembering the television incident. She was a bit thrown off by this version of the Kryptonian, her previously carefree and spirited demeanor hidden behind the seemingly regal version standing confidently before her.

“Of course. Won’t you come up with us, Lois?” Kara asked.

Lois shook her head. “I’ve seen enough of that place and want to get home. See you both soon. I’ll order Chinese when you return.”

Kell raised his eyebrows. “You have Chinese servants? What will you order them to do? Are they as rude as Kara’s Kelex unit?”

Lois shook her head and with a smile, got back in her car and drove away.

Kara watched her go and turned to Kell. “So, how do I look?”

Kell grinned slightly. “You know how you look. Fishing for compliments?”

Kara blushed, looking away. “Would that be so bad?”

“You look beautiful.” he told her, boldly but gently touching her cheek so she would look at him. “The most beautiful Kryptonian diplomat that has ever represented our people. So, shall we see what this place is all about? Despite the secrecy of our entrance, I hear traffic nearby. This appears to be another downtown headquarters like the DEO. All this space on Earth and major organizations choose headquarters among millions of humans in the heart of their cities… makes absolutely no sense. Anyway, after you, Lady Kara.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “I told you… I hate that Lady stuff.”

Kell laughed as they entered the elevator. “Get used to it for the time being. As you said, you are a diplomat for the moment so you will be addressed by this title. Right now, you are Lady Kara Zor El. You are the symbol and representative of Argo City and all Kryptonians, like it or not.”

Kara gently pushed the elevator button sending them to the twenty first floor. The elevator did not move as quickly as she would like due to the silence in the very confined chamber.

“So…” Kara started, “still mad at me?”

Kell shook his head but made no other comment.

Kara sighed, offering up an apology. “I really shouldn’t have said those things. I just panicked. I’m not ready to go home yet and Mom was on the verge of sending Aunt Astra after me. We still have so much to see and do.”

Kell let out a deep breath. “It’s okay, Kara. Really. Like you said, we will figure it out. I trust Kal El completely, but we do not know his friends. Would you please stay close to me, so we can watch out for one another?”

Kara nodded quickly. “Absolutely. Are you armed?”

Kell pulled back his black jacket, showing her his side holster along with his handgun. “Always.”

“That’s good. I really don’t want to be hit by accident if you try to use heat vision. It would ruin my dress.” She said, a slight smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth.

Kell withheld comment, recognizing the teasing tone of her voice.

The elevator door opened to a large room where several people were standing.

Kara first noticed her cousin and a woman wearing a very short… what did she have on? Kara wondered and thought of covering Kell’s eyes for a moment. Along with them stood a strangely dressed masked man in black complete with cape and some sort of horns on the top of his cowl, a redheaded man in a tight red suit adorned with lightning bolts and a mask that hung from his back. Her focus, though, immediately shifted to the green and grey clad man with a green ring on his finger… a being Kara had not seen since she was five-years-old.

Kal El approached her. “Welcome to Watchtower, home of the Justice League. I’ll introduce the both of you to everyone, but Hal is anxious to meet you. I have to warn you, Hal can be a bit irreverent in speaking to people. Humans call it sarcasm, as I am sure you know. He is a nice guy and means nothing by it. It’s just the way he expresses himself.”

Before Kal could explain more, Hal Jordan impatiently stepped around the Man of Steel and to Clark’s utter shock, bowed from the waist and then rose, standing stiff as a board.

“Lady Kara, daughter of Zor El. I am Hal Jordan, Green Lantern assigned to Sector 2814. I am at your service for whatever you need. It is truly a great honor to meet you. Would you be willing to speak to me and perhaps speak with the Guardians of Oa?”

“What the hell is going on?” Wally West asked from the back, as surprised as everyone at Hal’s obvious reverence towards the girl.

Kara ignored anyone other than Hal, who was standing with wide, uncertain eyes. She smiled brightly at the man. “It is good to meet you Hal Jordan of sector 2814. Of course I will speak to the Guardians. I still remember my last trip to Oa. It was unforgettable.”

Hal smiled in relief and relaxed his stance slightly.

“I have no idea what the hell is going on.” Diana said, greatly perplexed. “I’m the daughter of a Queen and a god and he asked me last week if ‘all the chicks on my island were as into ropes as I am’.”

Hal ignored the talk behind him. “The Guardians want me to report in as soon as I have made contact with you but first I must ask, are there more survivors? Did all of Argo City survive?”

The smile left Kara’s face. “No. The city is whole but the shock from the explosions crumbled much of our infrastructure and many of our people died. As of right now, there are only slightly over 30,000 Kryptonians still alive. The city fell into the Phantom Zone and two of our battle cruisers followed us in. I was able to attach the cruisers to the city and we escaped the Phantom Zone intact.

“Since that time we have been hiding on the dark side of a moon in an uninhabited planetary system. We have recently identified four uninhabited planets under a red sun and scouting parties have been sent out to determine suitability for terraforming. Any information the Guardians can give me on these planets, especially the lack of life, would be greatly appreciated.”

Hal nodded, his expression showing understanding. “Of course. The Guardians have assured me that if you share the location of Argo City they will have eight Lanterns sent there at once to ensure the safety of the city along with your cruisers and have Lanterns accompany all scout ships until a new home can be found.”

“I admit, I have not seen the Guardians this excited since I have been a Green Lantern. One of them actually smiled when learning of your continued existence.” Hal relayed, amusement mixing with incredulity.

Kara smiled a bit as well, remembering the stoic Guardians from her trips to Oa. “I’m betting it was Sayd, wasn’t it? She always played with me when Father and Uncle Jor were meeting with the Guardians. How is she?”

“The same, still driving the other Guardians mad with her feelings. I believe the death of Krypton hurt her the most.” Hal said softly. He looked thoughtful for a moment before changing the subject slightly. “Kara, when I spoke to the Guardians last night they told me a story. Do you remember the puzzle box Sayd gave you when you last visited?”

Kara thought back. So much had happened since then and she was such a young girl. But visiting Oa was a strange, unique and fun experience even if the Guardians could be a bit… staid. “Yes. It was a small box covered with movable square tiles on top. The squares had different symbols on each of them. The squares were the key to opening it but after thousands of years the correct combination and positioning had not been found.”

“And yet, you opened it.” Hal prompted her.

Kara shrugged. “Yes. I decided since every conceivable combination had been attempted there was no point in repeating the process. Looking at the box, I shook it a bit and heard no locking mechanism inside. That made it obvious that is was bonded by some power source that sealed it together but not what the power source could possibly be or what the order of symbols on top had to do with it. I thought of different ways to breach energy fields but dismissed them all… except music.”

“Music?” Clark asked, clearly confused.

“Yes.” Kara confirmed. “Elements of music such as pitch, form, rhythm and others can be given mathematical characteristics and is a good way for one unknown species to make first contact with another. I checked the square tiles again and moved them around. I could tell each made a slightly different feint noise when they contacted each other. If you weren’t listening for musical properties you wouldn’t notice. I decided to give it a shot. I played with the tiles with my ear to the box and eventually found a rhythm that was beautiful. The rest of my combinations were nothing but noise, only the last melody fit. I repeated it four times and the box opened. Unfortunately, there was nothing inside. I was hoping for a necklace or something. Maybe candy at least.”

Hal looked at Clark with a wide smile. “See what I’m talking about? That box has always been a test. No one, not the Guardians or any scientists that visited Oa had ever figured out the correct combination of tiles to open it. Kara looked underneath the tiles, looked at the problem from a new angle never considered and solved a puzzle in twenty minutes that no one could solve in thousands of years. Twelfth. Level. Intellect .”

Kara looked doubtfully at Kell then focused back on Jordan. “You are saying that because I was able to figure out some puzzle box, I am a 12th level intellect? It was just a game.”

Hal cleared his throat. “Kara, does your father still live?”

Kara sadly shook her head. “No. He sacrificed his life erecting the dome that saved our people.”

“I am sorry to hear that.” Hal replied, the sorrow evident in his voice. “I’m wondering… how is it a city floating in space still lives? Where does the water come from, the food, the lights and power, the temperature controls?”

Kara smiled at the man, liking him more and more because he was asking good questions. He didn’t seem to be the irreverent rascal Kal and Lois described. “No worries there. I figured it all out. We are doing well.”

Hal raised an eyebrow towards Kal. “You have figured out how to keep a city floating in a bubble in space not only alive but thriving.”

Kara thought for a moment. “Yep, I would say we are cool. What do you think, Kell?”

“Party on, Dude.” the man said, giving Hal a thumbs up.

“How did you escape the Phantom Zone?” the Green Lantern pressed.

Kara took a deep breath. “That was not easy. First, I came to realize that the Phantom Zone didn’t play by our rules because it was a remnant from the Universe that existed before the singularity. Our shield, made from the most powerful source in our universe, was holding the effects of incorporeal changes to our bodies, but we remained solid, though physically not changing. I knew it would be a matter of time before our shield failed completely so I contacted the Celestial being who had saved the area of space… I knew there had to be one. As soon as I found a way to mentally communicate with him, I threatened to destroy the Phantom Zone and him along with it if he did not assist me in contacting our cruisers.”

“You were going to destroy the Phantom Zone? How?” Clark asked, fascinated if not slightly horrified.

“I would reverse engineer one our many Omegahedrons, change a bit here and there and cause a supernova. Not easy to do but I knew how and that interloper in our universe knew it. I only asked for him to show me how to communicate with the ships. He eventually consented and explained the only way I could communicate with the crews was telepathically.” Kara described the events as simply as she could, knowing they would have difficulty understanding the concepts if she didn’t.

“Telepathically?” Kell asked, obviously confused. “But… we all heard your voice over the com units in the ship.”

Kara nodded her head. “It was easier to make everyone believe they were listening to a live manual communication than to believe I was in your head. After that everything was simple.

“I talked to the engineers, told them how to reverse the Phantom Drive to give us a map, create Anti-protons from protons and ions, then orient the thrusters in reverse to dock with the anchor points we built with the remains of our buildings. Once we were docked it was easy. Use the cannons to draw energy in, instead of pushing energy out and I created a small White Hole which opened a rift that lasted long enough for our people to move through before it closed behind us. Piece of cake.

“The hard part was realizing what the Phantom Zone was, where it came from, and what rules it played by. Then I forced it to play by my rules by manipulating the original matter and energy from our universe using our cannons, drawing energy into it while riding the effects of the White Hole. It sounds harder than it is.”

“Amazing.” Clark whispered in amazement, Hal winking at him. “You figured out something no one had ever figured out and make it sound so easy.”

Kara brushed it off, blushing at his compliment. “I had an advantage. I wasn’t incorporeal for one, I had a Rao space particle field to work with, and I had two large battle cruisers equipped with Phantom Drives, very powerful high energy weapons and engineers who followed my directions. Would I have been stuck there in say, an escape pod, I would have been really screwed. I probably would have just gone with the supernova and blown myself into Rao’s light rather than stay there. You never realize how much you miss the ability to sleep or the need to eat until you can’t anymore. That place really blew.”

Hal cleared his throat, gaining her attention. “Can we please go to the next room so you can speak to the Guardians?”

“Of course.” Kara replied easily. “Kell and Kal, would you like to accompany me? I would also like to set up a Kryptonian signal to intersect with our signal. Please, set up your power battery and I will contact my Mother, Aunt and Uncle. They can convene the Council so we can all listen in. I’m head of the Science Guild but my primary mission is to explore. I’m not on the Council so I am really not in a position to make decisions for Argo City.”

Hal nodded. “I’ll get started right away and let you know as soon as I am set up.”

Hal walked out leaving Kara and Kell alone with Clark and a group of people they didn’t know.

“So… you’ve met Hal.” Clark told her.

“He seems very nice. Not that I expected anything less than a Green Lantern.” Kara said. “Who are the rest of your friends?”

The woman in the very revealing armor, wearing a sword across her back and a slightly glowing rope coiled at her waist offered her hand. “I am Diana. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Kara.”

“You as well, Diana.” Kara told her taking her hand. The tall brunette offered her hand to Kell, who took it and shook quickly. Kara glanced at him and was amused he was blushing. This was most likely the closest he had ever come to seeing a naked woman.

“Hi, Wally West, pleased to meet you.” the red headed man greeted her, zipping up at a much faster than human speed. Fast enough that Kell moved towards him almost as rapidly.

“ No Kell, its fine .” Kara whispered.

“ He isn’t human.” Kell complained.

“ Yes he is. I believe he has mutated somehow. He is Kal’s friend. It will be fine .” Kara soothed him.

Kell looked a bit embarrassed. “ Sorry, it’s a reflex . Be ready for a fight always. We are among unknowns.”

Wally noticed the look on the male Kryptonian’s face and raised his hands. “I mean no harm, man. Shouldn’t have moved so fast. I get that she is like a princess…”

“I am no princess!” Kara hissed then caught herself. “I apologize. Our planet has had problems with another planet for centuries, a planet ruled by a monarchy. We don’t have the best opinion of those who consider themselves royalty expecting to be worshipped because of their bloodline. I shouldn’t have reacted like that.

“So Wally, I am guessing you are human but can move considerably faster than a human. Are you using alien technology?”

Wally shook his head. “Nah. Accident in a lab working on a new type of engine for space exploration, radiation… it’s kind of a long story. “

“I understand. Diana, I am guessing you are not a typical human if you here. Am I right?” Kara asked.

Diana looked a bit uncomfortable. “You could say that.”

“Diana is a Princess!” Wally told Kara with glee in his voice. “Her Mom is a Queen. Total Monarchy where she is from. Tell her about it, Diana.”

Diana cleared her throat and smiled, Kara smiled widely as well, neither knowing what to say.

Kara finally broke the silence. “I shouldn’t have said what I said about monarchies. I let my people’s previous experiences influence me and I truly meant no offense. I do look forward to knowing you better, Diana.”

Before Diana could respond, the man in black spoke up. “Be prepared. The alarms are showing a small amount of pressure on the roof, but our cameras and scans are picking up nothing.”

Kara looked at the floor in resignation. “Relax. That’s my ship. I should have known Kelex would follow me. He is no threat. He is kind of… my sidekick! Yes, he is definitely my sidekick. I totally have a sidekick.”

“The roof entrance has been accessed.” Bruce growled. “That shouldn’t be possible.”

Kara turned a bit red. “I apologize for him. He tends to bypass security measures without permission. I’ll have a talk with him as soon as I am done with the conference call with Oa. You are Bruce, correct?”

“I’m Batman.”

Kara winked at him. “Cool, we are using our hero names. I’m Supergirl. Seriously though, you are Bruce Wayne, right? Clark programmed a Diana and a Bruce in my phone in the event I needed help. Since I have met Wally, Hal and Diana, you are either Bruce Wayne or a man named Victor. I’m guessing Bruce. I used my phone to google Wayne Enterprises when we entered that parking garage and saw a Bruce Wayne was owner. I kind of put it together. You are very wealthy, right?”

Batman stared at her for a moment then looked at Clark.

“You are, right?” Clark answered, enjoying Bruce being drawn into a conversation.

“Is that pertinent?” Batman asked, obviously perplexed at this line of questioning.

Kara nodded her head. “Yeah, I was kind of hoping you might be able to secure us some baseball tickets. Like really good ones? I’ll pay of course, but I would really like to score some sweet seats.”

“ Is that the game with the sticks, the small ball and humans wearing those oversized gloves? ” Kell asked.

“ Yes.”

“ I read about that in your educational logs. Is Joe DiMaggio still playing ?” Kell looked hopeful.

“ Doubtful.” Kara replied. “He would be very old, possibly dead. Remember, humans have shorter life spans .”

“ Right. ” Kell remembered. “I wonder if Kal El knows his mate will likely only live half his life span . I hope he will be okay. He is a nice guy. Perhaps he would want to come to our new planet when she…”

“ I do speak some Kryptonese, you know?” Clark’s voice cut in, causing Kara to place a hand on her face and Kell to drop his head.

“Sorry Dude, Kal El, Clark, Bro… my bad.” Kell told him, a bit embarrassed.

Clark shook his head slightly, amused as he often was by these two. “No problem. Just try not to mention that to Lois.”

“I wonder how Kelex found me. I thought we would have lost him in the underground passage.” Kara thought out loud.

Kell looked at her strangely. “Your tracker of course. How else would he keep up with you? “

Kara felt a chill sweep through her body. “ My tracker? I am not wearing a tracker .”

Kell was definitely confused now. “ Your parents had a tracker placed somewhere inside you when you were five. It’s kind of common knowledge among the troops. Your father gave you the Kelex unit at that age, correct? I thought you knew.”

“ My parents had a tracker planted inside me!” Kara raised her voice in indignation. “ You knew about it?”

Kell backed up a step and raised his hands. “I thought you knew about it. The entire military knows it. Kelex has the most powerful optical weapon out of all units. Your father programmed him to always follow you, always protect you.”

“ I programmed Kelex!” Kara exclaimed.

Kell tried to calm her. “I realize that, but he is the one who gave it an overriding directive to follow above all else. That robot even has a Red Shard squadron on standby, ready to move at his order. That’s in addition to the guards who try to unsuccessfully blend in to protect you.”

Kara was becoming very angry . “I can’t believe they did that! Why wouldn’t they tell me?!”

“ Probably because they didn’t want to see the look on your face right now!” Kell tried.

“ It’s an invasion of privacy!”

“ I never said it wasn’t, but I can understand it. When you turned five you began taking classes outside of your mother and father’s expertise, like art and history. You would be outside of the compound for a part of your day away from your family. Do you not realize how…”

“ Yes, I am so important! I am sick of it! I can take care of myself!”

“ Can you take out a Daxamite special forces unit by yourself unarmed? Do you know what would happen if you were kidnapped by them or anyone? You have always been the number one target of any race deciding they wanted to take a Kryptonian for ransom! If Zod had an opportunity, I promise you he would have taken it. You are constantly in danger because of who you are. Why don’t you get that?”

“ I am not that important!”

“ Yes, you are! Just saying you aren’t doesn’t make it true. Instead of complaining so much, try sucking it up and accepting it!”

“ Excuse me?!”

“ You heard me. All this wanting to be independent, I get it, okay? But we didn’t even get from Kansas to here without a Green Lantern escort and he wasn’t there for me. The guy would have licked dirt off your feet if you asked him to. You can’t run from your destiny, no matter how many universes you fly off to!”

Kelex finally arrived. “Excuse me, may I say…”

“ Shut up, Kelex!” Kara and Kell shouted.

Kelex’s interruption brought them back to the situation at hand. They were inches from each other, being watched by the Justice League.

Kara backed up and cleared her throat. “I apologize. I became a bit emotional and it was inappropriate.”

Wally laughed. “It’s cool. I couldn’t understand a word you two were saying, but it was obvious. I’ve seen this fight before in English. Dick found out Bruce put a tracker in him and came here, got into Bruce’s face, suited up and everything. He cut the thing out of his arm and threw it at Bruce. I got the whole thing on video if either of you want to see it. So, how long have you guys been married?”

“We’re not!” both Kryptonians snapped.

“Oh.” Wally said. “My bad. I just assumed, you kind of sound like an old married couple.”

“Kelex,” Kara turned to him. “we will talk later… alone. For now, I need you to establish communication with my Mother… who I will also be talking to alone later. Tell her I am about to speak to the Guardians, and she may want to convene the council or at least get my esteemed, soon to be beaten Aunt and Uncle on the line.”

“I will do so at once. I would not recommend challenging your Aunt or Uncle in hand to hand combat. You would have a zero percent probability of winning any fight. I would like to speak to you as well. Triplets? Nine children? Any idea on how you plan to talk your way out of this one?” the robot asked.

“I’ll figure it out, but I have a pretty good idea of where to start. Now do as I say, sidekick!” Kara demanded, pointing to the room Hal had entered minutes ago.

“I’ll figure it out. Surprise, surprise. I’ve heard that on numerous occasions in the middle of dangerous experiments.” Kelex mumbled taking the comlink from Kell and moving in the direction she indicated.

Ten minutes later after learning a bit more about Wally and Diana, and pleasantly surprised that Bruce had season tickets to a professional team in Gotham and here in Metropolis, Hal Jordan walked in.

“I think we are ready,” the Lantern told her.

Kara nodded and walked into the room to find a hologram of Two Guardians emitted from a Green Power Battery. She knew of the batteries but had never seen one in person. Across from the Guardians was a hologram of her Mother, Aunt and Uncle emitted from her comlink being held by Kelex. Kara, Kal El and Kell stepped between the two, standing off to the edge but within range so they could be seen and not block the representatives from each other.

“Kal El.” Alura started, her expression pleased. “It is a joy to see you. I understand you have done great things on Earth. I regret that you had to contend with Zod but am thankful you were victorious.”

“Lady Alura,” Kal returned and bowed his head slightly, “A true honor to meet you as well.”

“You must be a very skilled combatant.” Non spoke up. “Only my wife, the lovely General Astra, has ever defeated Zod in hand to hand combat. I hope we can speak later when things have settled.”

“Of course, General. I would like that very much.” Clark agreed.

Alura smiled and looked at the two Guardians. Kara had hoped Sayd might be one of the representatives, but instead she was stuck with two who had white hair that appeared to be electrically shocked.

“Guardians, it is an honor to speak to you once again.” Alura opened.

“As it is with Oa. We feared Kal El was the last Kryptonian. When Kara was announced as the last daughter of Krypton, we feared she may be the last. Finding out that she was not the only one left was a great relief.”

Astra caught that immediately.

“She announced herself?” the woman asked, taking her eyes away from the Guardians and looking sharply at Kara.

“An earthquake struck one of our major cities and Kara was gracious enough to help Kal El in rescuing many citizens.” Hal added happily, not aware that Kara had lied to her mother about her actions.

Now all three of her relatives were looking at her. She could feel the anger from lightyears away.

“I only helped a few people. They saw me so Kal’s mate, Lois, who is part of a major media conglomerate, announced that I was the last daughter of the House of El, sent off like Kal El before Krypton’s destruction and stuck in the Phantom Zone. I promise no one else knows that Argo City lives.” Kara explained quickly though she knew she was screwed. “I stayed as inconspicuous as possible, but lives were in immediate danger. I had no choice as a member of the House of El…”

“Do you have any idea how stupid that was? Why did you do that?!” Astra yelled, forgoing any protocol in front of the Guardians.

“I stayed hidden as much as possible, but people needed help…”

“Lady Kara was wearing a suit similar to the one Kal El wears.” the Guardian who had been speaking informed her family.

Now all three were glaring at her.

“You wore a suit, most likely designed by Lara El, in public and consider that staying hidden? Did you wear the crest of the House of El?” Non asked.

“Of course… not? Okay, yes I did.” she admitted. “Look, there is no danger to Argo City. I left Kell behind before he could stop me. He followed but by the time he arrived, it was too late to stop me.”

The two Guardians appeared to be frowning. “Why is Lady Kara on Earth if Argo City survived?”

Now it was her family’s turn to look a bit sheepish.

“She needed a vacation, so she went to Earth to find Kal El and explore the planet.” Non admitted.

“She was sent with only one soldier and a Kelex unit?” the blue skinned man asked.

Alura looked sharply at the man. “With all respect, the decisions Krypton has made are our concern, as is my daughter.”

Those in the room stood quietly for a moment before Kara broke the silence. “Kell has done a fine job as my security detail and Kelex of course knows my whereabouts at all times, whether I am in his sight or not as I have recently discovered… isn’t that correct, Mother?”

Alura was a bit shocked at the undertone of hostility in Kara’s voice but ignored it, deciding they could discuss it another time.

“High Councilor Alura, General Non, General Astra, the Guardians offer our service as always. Krypton and Oa have a very long, productive relationship that we would desire to continue and truly hope you will accept our help. Right now, five Green Lanterns, in addition to Hal Jordan, are traveling to Lady Kara’s location and should be there by morning. They have been assigned to protect her at all costs. If you were to share your location we will send ten Green Lanterns to Argo City to aid your military should the need arise. We will also send a Green Lantern to accompany your scout ships in your quest for a new planet and provide any information on possible planets you are exploring. The safety of Kryptonians is our paramount concern and ensuring your planet grows anew is a priority.”

“We accept your assistance. Any aid we receive from the Guardians in protecting our people is gratefully accepted.” Alura thanked them. “Lady Kara’s Kelex unit will share our location. For obvious reasons, we would like to keep this a secret. We have not sent a beacon to Oa due to our fear of it being intercepted.”

“It shall be done.” The first Guardian said, nodding.

The second Guardian added, “We also believe it would be a wise choice to have Lady Kara escorted back to Argo City by the Green Lanterns who will be arriving so that she is secure. Kal El has done many great deeds on Earth and as with all great deeds, great enemies arise. Since Lady Kara has announced herself as his blood bond, she could become a target for these enemies as she has been a target by Krypton’s enemies for most of her life.”

Kara stared at her Mother, Aunt and Uncle, holding her breath.

“I believe so long as she stays out of the public eye, she will be safe.” Alura finally answered. “Kell is one of our finest soldiers and her Kelex unit is a very capable bodyguard. With Kal El on Earth as well as the Lanterns you are sending, I believe she will be safe for the remainder of her time there. Of course, if the situation changes, we will call her back to Argo at the first sign of danger.”

The two Guardians bowed their heads. “As soon as Hal Jordan receives your location, Green Lanterns will be sent at once, High Councilor. We look forward to renewing our shared interests. Perhaps Lady Kara would be kind as to share her discoveries and research into the Phantom Zone.”

Kara nodded her head. “And I hope the Guardians will allow me to study a power ring. I am sure we can benefit each other for eons to come.”

“Of course, that has to be decided by the whole of Oa, but it shall be discussed. Until we speak again, Generals and High Councilor and of course Lady Kara, we shall set our plans in motion. May Rao always be with you.”

The holograms from Oa disappeared, leaving Kara, Kal El and Kell alone with her Mother, Aunt and Uncle.

“Could I have the room please?” Kara asked.

Kal El and Kell left, but Kelex stayed.

“Kara,” Alura began, “would you care to explain your actions?”

“Of course, Mother. My reasons are simple. People needed help, so I helped them. Would you care to explain why I have a tracker somewhere in my body, my location monitored by Kelex for most of my life and was never told about it, even though Argo City’s entire military knew about it?”

The three said nothing for a moment, stealing glances at each other.

“It would appear we have much to talk about.” Alura admitted.

Kelex floated up beside Kara. “Lady Alura, shall I show her the message?”

Alura nodded. “Show her, Kelex. Kara, contact me as soon as you have seen what Kelex has to show you.”

The hologram cut off, leaving Kelex and Kara alone.

Kara glared at her robot bodyguard. “So, you had a squadron of Red Shard under your command this whole time. You didn’t think that was something I should know? That you have been tracking my every movement nearly my entire life? I programmed you to be my partner, my friend, not a bodyguard and spy!”

Kelex said nothing for a moment, his chest plate rising and an image projector appearing. “This will answer your questions.”

An image appeared before her from Kelex’s projector.

“Hello, my Sunbeam.” a tall blonde haired man greeted her.

“Father?”