Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 04:

Kara stood still, deciding to let her very tall, very strong cousin handle this. He seemed to know this strange, obviously upset man in black who must have been the leader of the welcoming committee.

“This isn’t your concern, Superman.” Henshaw practically growled, making Kara rethink her idea. Apparently her cousin and this man did not like each other.

“It became my concern when they announced themselves as Kryptonian and Alex ordered your men to arm themselves with Kryptonite.” Kal El said.

The man in black stepped closer to Kal El, though he needed to look up to meet his eyes, taking a bit away from his obvious attempt at intimidation. “Aliens are the concern of the DEO. Especially Kryptonians. For the last son of Krypton, this is the second time visitors from your former planet have arrived. They entered into restricted airspace and five…”

“Yes… five US fighter craft fired missiles at them with no provocation on their part. I saw.” Kal El told him, stepping closer and looking down on this Henshaw, only inches separating them.

“They refused to identify themselves!” Henshaw barked back.

“They are Kryptonian! Look at their ship. Do you think it has a radio in it? Kryptonian technology is a bit more advanced than Earth’s. Considering your missiles didn’t even knock them off course, I would think you would realize that!” Kal El’s fists clenched in an obvious attempt to keep from smashing them in the other man’s face.

“They conducted a very high-risk maneuver over the top of one of our fighters!” Henshaw yelled back.

Kara stopped his rant. “You mean, when I inverted and waved to him? I thought that was the best way to show we weren’t enemies since we couldn’t contact them on their primitive communications equipment. I even showed him this.” Kara told him, raising her middle finger.

“ I’m not sure what is going on, Kara, but if they do not drop their weapons I am going to open fire .” Kell whispered.

“ Do not take hostile action, Kell! They can’t hurt us.” Kara said .

“ When you announced we were Kryptonians the thin one ordered their soldiers to arm themselves with something called Kryptonite. I’m no genius like you, but it seems if she ordered something called that, it is obvious it can harm you. I followed you through a suicide run in space, but this is more my territory. Listen to me, for once!” Kell exclaimed.

Kara turned to glare at the man. “ Do not open fire! Kelex, the same goes for you. You may be military here, but I am leading this expedition. Now speak English. Mother always said other species are more at ease when you speak their language. I promise if they open fire, you can both obliterate them, but we do not fire first, ever!”

“ They’ve already fired first by shooting those explosives at us!” Kell responded a little heated . Seeing the expression on Kara’s face had him backing down, but not totally relenting. “Fine, but considering you are unarmed, would you at least get behind me since I am the one holding the gun?”

Kara responded . “I have weapons. My eyes, remember? Those things you couldn’t hit a large target with, even though all you have to do is literally look at the target. Let me handle this and if you speak, use English!”

“ Your mother is right, you are…”

“ What?” Kara asked . “My mother was right about what?”

“ You are stubborn and reckless! Has it ever occurred to you that you may not be right all the time?”

“ I got us here, didn’t I? You didn’t have to follow me, just because my Uncle said you had to!”

“ I came because I wanted to, to make sure you are safe, potential mate or not! All I am asking is that you let me protect you for once!”

“ I don’t need protection!”

“ Really? Because it seems to me we have been attacked since we got here, Lady Kara! ‘Keep a low-profile Kara. Do not be noticed by humans.’ ‘Of course, Mother, I will be the definition of discretion.’ Any of that ring a bell?”

“ This is not the time or place! Speak English and we will deal with this later.”

Kara realized during their slight argument both Henshaw and Superman were looking at her. “Sorry we had a thing to work out… it’s been a tense trip… look if I can talk to Kal El for a moment, he can sort this all out. No need for violence. I promise we are friends.”

Kara smiled and gestured with her middle finger towards Henshaw once again. To her surprise she heard the thin female agent laugh.

“I don’t think that means what you think it means.” the girl told her. Kara dropped her hand immediately.

“What is your name?” Kal El finally asked, a slight smile on his face. “You said Kara Zor El. Of the House of El?”

Kara nodded. “That’s me. My Father and yours were brothers. Your father was the older brother. My father said he was born because the Genesis Chamber screwed something up the first time. But he was joking, so don’t be offended… probably not the best joke. Just trying to lighten the mood. Uncle Jor was really cool. You are Kal El, right? Is there some place we could talk… like in private? Not surrounded by people with weapons?”

“We can talk at the DEO.” Henshaw told her.

“No, we will not. If what she says is true, and I have no reason to doubt her, they will not be taken anywhere near Kryptonite.” Kal El said immediately. “They will come with me.”

“If they are telling the truth! The last Kryptonian who visited Earth unexpectedly was Zod!” Henshaw said not backing down.

“And I am the one who stopped him! No Kryptonite needed. This is not a discussion.” Kal El said, not giving an inch.

Kara and Kell looked at each other with wide eyes.

“Hold up! Zod is here? Where is he?” Kara asked, for the first time showing a bit of panic.

Kell looked towards the ship. “Kelex, contact General Astra immediately. Inform her that Zod is alive and on Earth. Send one of the cruisers. I’m going to find him and the General can bombard his location from orbit. Take Lady Kara back into orbit!”

Kal El raised his hand. “Stop, General Zod isn’t on Earth… not anymore. He tried to…”

“Yeah, invade.” the girl assumed. “He’s like that. I bet he wanted people to kneel before him or something right? Aunt Astra arrested him when he tried to start a coup. He went crazy in court, told my Mother that one day she would ‘kneel before Zod’. I think he is what humans would call a drama queen. Is he locked up?” Kara asked.

Superman shook his head. “I was forced… I had no choice… I didn’t want to…”

“He’s dead.” the female agent told her.

She and Kell let out deep breaths. “Thank Rao. That’s a relief. I always told Uncle Non that he would find some way to get off Krypton during its destruction. That man was a… total… horse’s ass. That’s a saying here right?”

Alex Danvers and Superman both chuckled. “I’m guessing you aren’t a fan?” Kal El asked.

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “When we get word to Argo that you killed General Zod, there will be a huge party and you will probably get a statue next to my Father’s. I’m sorry… wait…” Kara realized looking at Director Henshaw. “You aren’t judging our race by one man, a criminal to my people, are you? That’s not really fair. We never judged humanity because of that Hitler dude. What about the guy who made the call to drop atom bombs on innocent civilians along with military targets, causing mass destruction? Krypton conducted an expedition to this planet peacefully in the fifties… it is 2020 right?”

Henshaw met her eyes with a hard look. “Kryptonians were here?”

“Yes,” Kell answered. “They were the definition of discretion.” He said, looking sharply at Kara.

Kara thought of saying something about Kell’s sarcasm but honestly she was starting to enjoy it. Not bothering to look at him, she decided it would not hurt to play it safe since this Director Henshaw was being an ass. The blonde used her X Ray vision on the agents, searching for weapons, then looking closer, seeing the organs inside, the blood running through their veins, then peered even deeper to the atomic level and subatomic level.

Then she did the same to Director Henshaw and was shocked.

“Hold up! Chill for a sec!” Kara said, shocked at what she saw. “This is so cool. Can I speak to you alone, by my ship, Director?”

Henshaw eyed her carefully and then looked at the very irritated man still holding a very powerful gun.

“Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you. He does what I tell him to.”

“I do not! I have a backbone! I’m not your…”

“Quiet, Kell.”

“Okay.” he said quickly.

“Come with me, Director. Kal you might want to come as well.”

The three walked around the ship, still in sight of the DEO agents and Kell.

“Director Henshaw, I understand you are not happy to see us, but I would like to speak to the human in charge.”

Henshaw’s face and Kal El’s chuckle told her she was right on.

“I am in charge.” the man told her quietly.

Kara patted him on the shoulder, causing him to flinch. “I am a scientist, Director Henshaw. I developed yellow sun solar lamps on Argo City. Because the council determined them to be too dangerous, they restricted the use to a gymnasium on one of our battle cruisers. But I did have one light source I kept secretly for myself. Sometimes in my lab I would turn the lights off and use the solar lamp to increase the sensitivity of my vision. I learned that I could see spaces in the subatomic level, not even my microscope could pick up. I just checked your cells and you are definitely not human. Your atoms and molecules are in constant flux. You must be a shapeshifter. Does your organization know you are not human?”

Henshaw’s mouth dropped open and he looked up at a smirking Superman.

“Only his second-in-command, Agent Alex Danvers, and I know.” Kal El told her, pointing to the agent in question. “His name is J’onn J’onzz from Mars and he is the biggest threat to this planet.”

“I am not!” the newly revealed Martian said.

Kal continued. “He can not only shapeshift to resemble any human, he can also read and control minds to an extent. He can’t read Kryptonian minds which makes him fear us.”

Kara nodded in understanding. “I get it. He can kill any of Earth’s leaders, assume their form and control the minds of those around him. He could easily take over countries, start wars, promote his own agenda. I can see how dangerous he is to humans. Not even Zod had that ability. Thank Rao there is a Kryptonian on this planet to keep an eye on him. Does the Green Lantern in this sector know of his presence here? Have you had contact with the local Lantern? This is Sector 2814 correct? I am sure he or she would be very interested in a non-human species secretly infiltrating one of the Human Governments.”

“I am no danger to humans! That is not what I do!” Henshaw denied again.

Kara tilted her head, a frown on her face. “Yet you lead a team of human agents who don’t know of your true identity. You are the Head of a Human Government Agency that has threatened us.

“Perhaps you have the best intentions, but if you don’t improve your attitude, I will expose you. Like all civilized races, I have the capability to contact the Green Lantern Corps and report invasive acts of any aliens on another race’s planet. I arrived to speak to humans and explore this world peacefully, not be threatened by an alien imposter deceiving humans.

“So… what’s it going to be, J’onn J’onzz? Are you going to be more welcoming or does this have to get messy? I didn’t come all the way across the Universe to start trouble, but the American Government did break the rules of engagement and I have a suspicion you ordered that action. If anything happens to me, a battle cruiser a thousand times larger than my little ship with a crew of two thousand Kryptonians will attack this planet to retrieve me and they won’t negotiate. I can guarantee you don’t have enough of this ‘ Kryptonite ‘ to be a problem before they decimate this world. Your call but make it quick. I only have a limited amount of time to explore Earth before my Mother orders me home.”

Henshaw let out a breath, a defeated look on his face.

“They are your responsibility.” the Director told Kal El.

“And if you try anything, I am your problem, J’onn.” Kal El assured him. “You will be the next guest in one of your glass cells. Keep the Kryptonite in your alien prison locked up. I am not sure what is going on, but they are obviously Kryptonian. We both know what she said is true. Do you want to be responsible for two thousand Kryptonians attacking this planet? Send your agents away, now.”

“You two really don’t like each other.” Kell commented, walking up to the three. “Sorry. I could hear everything. So, no alien bonding on this planet. Lady Kara, as a scientist can you discover a weakness in this species?”

“Duh,” Kara told him. “That means…”

“I know what ‘Duh’ means. There is no need to curse me. I just asked a question.” Kell said, an offended look on his face.

” ‘Duh’ isn’t a curse, Kell! It means you asked me a stupid question, not that you are stupid. My father told me that all shapeshifters, regardless of their planet, are threatened by extreme heat sources. Sort of like the lasers I can emit… no, shoot, let loose, whoop ass. Sort of like I can whoop the shifter’s ass with my eyes. Ass is a term humans use to refer to their buttocks, but it can also describe a person with a negative attitude.” Kara happily explained.

Kell had asked a really good question to further her argument against the shapeshifter. She continued, “For instance, Director Henshaw, alien in hiding, lying to humans, controlling a government sponsored organization and the biggest threat to this planet, is acting like an ass. I am not unreasonable, Director Henshaw. As a diplomat, I request an actual human, in addition to Kal El, to help me explore the planet. Since Agent Danvers seems to know you are not human, perhaps she could be my diplomatic liaison?”

Henshaw looked sharply at her then dropped his shoulders in resignation. “That will be her decision. You may ask her yourself.”

“No problemo, dude.” Kara agreed.

Alex had been watching the exchange, having a fairly good idea of what was going on after she heard the words ‘Green Lantern’ being thrown about. Whoever this female Kryptonian was, she appeared smart, excited, and happy despite flipping off everyone multiple times. J’onn had told Alex it did not take Superman long to discover his true nature and the agent had been surprised that Clark had not turned him in. Instead, they had a tenuous agreement to stay out of each other’s way since the discovery of Kryptonite. That agreement, unfortunately, meant Superman refused to help the Government in any manner, help that could have saved DEO agents lives in many previous engagements.

Now the blonde-haired alien was walking toward her, a bright smile on her face.

“Agent Alex of the House of Danvers?” she greeted her.

Alex nodded slowly. “Alex works fine.”

“Ah,” Kara realized, understanding now, “Alex, short for the female version of the name Alexander. That would be Alexandra, correct?”

“Yeah… and I couldn’t hear your name very well. I stopped paying attention after you said Krypton.”

Kara understood. “I can understand why. Zod was a real ass without powers. I could imagine the trouble he caused on Earth. But it appears the House of El was there to stop him. I’m not surprised, there are many heroes in the history of our House. I have no doubt Kal El is another in the long line. Although I’m not sure what his outfit is all about, I am not surprised. His mother had a flair for the dramatic when it came to her fashion choices. No doubt that suit was sent with him by his parents. Anyway, I have a request and it would be groovy if you would say yes.”

“Groovy?” Alex asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kara decided to rephrase her request. “Out of sight, cool, a gas? I would use more recent slang but before my Father and I could capture more recent periods of time like the late 90s, Krypton was on the brink of destruction. I’ve been very busy since my city was blown into the Phantom Zone and… it’s a long story.

“Anyway, since you missed it the first time while you were ordering your men to load their weapons with a material that is possibly harmful to our kind, allow me to introduce myself again. My name is Kara Zor El. Would you like to hear my proposition? I mean that as an offer, but not in reference to prostitution. I understand that is a thing on Earth as well. My Father didn’t want me to know but I discovered it on my own. Something about renting a Mate for a short period of time for the purpose of sexual intercourse with no emotional involvement, bonding or risk of exile from society.” The blonde said without pause.

“Ask your question.” Alex told her, cutting off the rambling.

Motioning Alex away from her fellow agents so they could talk more in private, Kara explained, “I have come to this planet from far away in a very short time. I spoke to your boss, who I understand you know is an impostor, and he is not opposed to the idea. I plan to research this planet and the culture fascinates me. I would like for you to accompany me on my travels, help me understand the human race better.”

Alex was surprised to say the least. Accompany a funny and very awkward alien on a tour of Earth. The agent looked over towards the men staring at the two. “It seems you have Superman. He is very knowledgeable about the human race. He has spent his entire life here.”

Kara could understand her confusion. “Yes, wait, why is he called Superman? Doesn’t matter right now. I plan to ask him many questions… however, I would also like to understand this culture from a female’s point of view. Perhaps girl time. A couple of cool chicks who can peace out?”

Alex took in the strange girl and glanced at J’onn then took a hard look at Kara’s obviously protective… whatever he was, male friend.

Kara must have sensed her hesitation. “You are an agent who I am assuming deals with aliens with nefah… nefer… bad intentions, correct? This could be an opportunity to study me as well and learn about my culture. I assure you, Zod notwithstanding, our culture is peaceful. It would be an equal exchange of information.”

The Kryptonian’s demeanor seemed sincere, but Alex still felt a bit doubtful. Unlike J’onn, she had no problem with Superman, even finding their rivalry humorous, if not a bit irritating and pointless. She trusted Superman but it was obvious even he wasn’t sure what was going on.

“Have you ever been interested in science, Alex?” Kara asked.

Alex looked back at the girl, giving her full attention to her now.

“I’m a bioengineer.” Alex told her.

Kara eyes sparkled as she smiled wider. “Have you ever wondered what is really in the space between atoms? It isn’t a vacuum like humans believe. Would you be interested in seeing a method and technology, that can rearrange atoms, protons, electrons, molecules, DNA, creating life where there was none, turning crushed ground into fertile soil, recycling and replicating water so a city never runs out or wastes a drop? Would you like to see a power source the size of a baseball, that can power a city for thousands of years while burning no fuel, completely safe, radiation free? Would you like to know how it powers ships and creates stronger shields than anything Star Wars or Star Trek ever imagined? Would you like to see a communication device that allows me to speak to my people in the far reaches of the universe, even though wormholes?”

Alex was shocked at these claims but the look on the blonde’s face told her she was not lying. She wasn’t sure if this girl was even capable of lying. A feeling in her gut told her she could trust this Kara Zor El. “You would give me this technology if I hang out with you?”

Kara shook her head, dashing Alex’s hope. “I’m sorry, our second rule of interplanetary encounters forbids us from handing over technology. The first being never strike first and only in defense. Some planets are not ready for those technological advancements yet and must follow their own path in developing technology, so they don’t suddenly harness something they don’t understand and annihilate themselves accidentally. It has happened before to other planets. But I can show you the devices. I can tell you truths you never imagined. You would get to fly in a spaceship that I just piloted 40,000 light years in complete safety through a wormhole. I can show you weapons that are more than the equivalent of throwing tiny high projectile rocks. Spend a little under six weeks with us. You help me understand the culture from a female standpoint and I will show you things that will blow your mind, dude.”

Alex looked once again at Henshaw and saw he appeared resigned. He must be reading her mind, something that irritated her to no end.

“Deal.” She agreed with no hesitation.

“Yes! Okay, let’s find out were Kal El wants to go so we can talk. I need to explain how Argo City survived, why I am 8 years younger than him and give him an important choice to make. This is going to be so much fun!”

Kara walked quickly over to Kell.

“ I need a favor .” she told him in Kryptonese.

“ Wow, Kara Zor El needs help. I am humbled, my Lady.” Kell responded .

Kara huffed and placed he hands on her hips, staring at the man. “Done?”

“ Yes. What do you want me to do? I live to serve, Lady Kara. Whatever you wish, as my General commands.” She wondered if Kelex had replaced Kell with his suddenly sarcastic attitude.

“ I thought you wanted to be here?” Kara said, confused.

“ I thought you wanted me here. It’s becoming obvious you don’t. I’m not an idiot. I get it, okay? Kara Zor El doesn’t need anyone. What task do you require of me?” Kell inquired in the same attitude.

Kara was a bit taken back by his attitude. Kell had followed her lead since they left Argo City but now he appeared irritated. She didn’t need help, but she had liked him wanting to help. It was something she could think on later.

“ I need you to make peace with the Martian, shake his hand and use your thumbnail to scrape his hand. Act like you can’t control your strength. In other words, act normal.”

Kell shook his head, realizing he had just become a DNA sample collection unit.

Instead of complaining, he moved towards the Martian and offered his hand. “I realize we got off on the wrong foot, J’onn J’onzz, human imposter. I believe we should start again. On behalf of myself and Lady Kara, I offer our friendship.”

J’onn hesitantly took the young Kryptonian’s hand and flinched, both at the strong grip and the scrape over his hand.

“Careful!” the Martian told him.

Kell nodded in apology. “I apologize. I am still getting used to the increased strength I have on this planet. I am sure we will see each other… unless you plan to kill a world leader and take his spot? Not sure I could find you then.”

J’onn turned and walked away quickly, getting into his SUV and leaving, a trail of dust following him. Kell looked at Kal El somewhat confused. “I thought that was a joke. Sarcasm? I thought it would lighten the mood.”

Kal El laughed and walked towards Kara, finally having a moment to soak this in. Kryptonians lived. And not just any Kryptonian, but a member of the House of El. A pretty, sunny, very smart girl who claimed to be his cousin, who knew his father well enough to tell stories about jokes between two brothers.

The two stared at each for a moment before Kara launched herself into his arms. “I knew you were alive. No one else was sure you even made it, or if you could survive at such a young age, but I knew. You are an El.”

Kal cautiously placed his arms around her then hugged her tighter. It had been a long time since he had been able to hug anyone as tight as he wished.

He pulled back and Kara smiled brightly and brushed a tear from his eye with her thumb. “It’s going to be okay, Kal El. You have grown so large. I last saw you in a hologram days after you were born. I have so much to tell you. Is there someplace we can speak that isn’t a desert?”

Kal grinned. “Follow me. I’ll fly… I guess your ship can keep up.”

“Can you fly 4 times the speed of light?” she asked.

Kal El shook his head.

“Then yeah, we can keep up. Come, Agent Alex. Time for your first trip in a spaceship.”

Kara, Alex, Kell and Kelex entered the ship, Alex sitting in the copilot’s chair while Kelex hovered between the two.

“Kelex, has it been preserved?” Kara asked her robot companion.

“Of course, shall I begin to examine it, or would you like to save all analysis for when we return to Argo City?” Kelex asked without sarcasm for once.

“What is he talking about?” Alex asked, wondering if she was about to be preserved and returned to Argo City, wherever the hell that was.

Kara explained in an excited voice, “When Kell shook your boss’s hand, he scraped a bit of DNA. I’ve heard of shifters, my Father taught me much about them and other species, but they weren’t exactly welcome on Krypton. Too dangerous. J’onn J’onzz is the first shifter any Kryptonian has ever encountered in decades. I couldn’t pass up the chance to study him in greater detail.”

Alex had a difficult time with that. J’onn wasn’t only her boss, he was her friend. “Don’t you consider that an invasion of privacy? Ethically, as a scientist I would think you would ask his permission.”

The blonde shook it off. “Who gave him permission to assume the shape and life of the leader of a Government department, ironically tasked with investigating what he considers alien threats? That doesn’t seem very ethical to me.”

“That was a different situation!” Alex told her sharply.

“Doesn’t change that it is a lie, whether done for the right reasons or not. I’ve been known to lie a bit myself and have constantly heard from my family that there is no excuse for it, no matter how sweet my reasons. I would of course ask for permission from any human I wish to collect DNA samples from, because this planet belongs to your kind and I am a guest. He irritated me just now, so I didn’t feel like asking his permission. I didn’t give him permission to aim rifles at us, did I?” Kara asked pointedly.

Alex decided this wasn’t the time to argue with the Kryptonian. She was traveling at unreal speeds in an alien ship following Superman. Instead, she decided to change the subject. “So… who’s the bodyguard? Do you always travel with one or is he another scientist?”

Kara looked at her with an open mouth, not quite sure how to answer that.

“Why would you assume he is a bodyguard?” she asked instead of answering.

Alex wasn’t fooled by her non answer. “Because he looked like he was ready to use that big gun to evaporate everyone who looked at you. He seems very protective yet does whatever you say. Is he a military escort of some type? He did tell Kelex to contact a Battle Cruiser while he hunted for Zod’s location. Pretty brave. He seems like the military type in a way. Or is he a boyfriend? If so, I admit you have him well trained.”

Kara didn’t answer her, not wanting to get into that yet. “Do you know where we are going? It appears we are headed South, which has nothing but an icy continent?”

“Probably Superman’s secret fortress.” Alex said offhandedly. “I’ve never been there myself, no one has as far as I know.”

“A Fortress? Why is everyone calling him Superman?”

“I’ll let him explain that to you.” Alex decided, not sure where to even start. Kara accepted this without comment.

“He flies so beautifully.” Kara whispered. “I’ve never gotten to fly outside of the gymnasium, and it has low ceilings. But this… being out in the open, drifting in and out of these beautiful clouds… it must feel… I can’t imagine. I have tried, every time I floated in our gym but never in such a wide-open space at such speeds. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

The two sat in silence, Alex being entranced not by the scenery, but by the look on Kara’s face. Her wide-eyed wonder slightly astounded her, and Alex couldn’t think of when the last time anything had given her the sense of awe the agent felt from Kara. She wouldn’t have to wait long though.

Two hours later, the four had followed Kal El into the Fortress of Solitude. Alex was taken aback by the sheer beauty of the place.

“Oh Rao.” Kara whispered. “It’s Uncle Jor’s lab. I haven’t been here in 34 years.”