Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 18:

Kara collapsed on the bed as soon as the hologram link was cut, her forearm over her eyes.

“Kara?” Kell asked, wondering why she wasn’t jumping for joy. She had just participated in her first council meeting and pulled off a vote she was certain would be unanimously voted down.

“We should have just gone back to Argo or not told them.” Kara mumbled.

Kell sat on the bed next to her. “We agreed that this wasn’t something we should keep from them. Didn’t we? You got what you wanted. You want to stay, to figure out this Anti-Life Equation and if Brainiac shows up, defeat him.”

Kara sat up next to him but looked at the floor dejectedly. “Defeat him? If anything alien comes into the solar system, I will be forcibly removed for my safety to the other side of the Universe. I wanted the vote to allow me to stay but… it wasn’t just that. There is still so much I want to see and do.

“It was bad enough being followed by Green Lanterns who wear thong bikinis but now my uncle will be here with my personal, special forces unit who have dedicated themselves to watching me nearly my entire life.”

She was silent for a moment, then looked up at him. “So tell me, did you have fun at the beach?”

Kell blushed, mind wandering, an image of Kara in her bathing suit, hair wet, slender form…

“Kell?”

The man startled, embarrassed at her catching him daydreaming. “Yes. Yes, I liked it very much.”

Kara gave him a small smile. “I’m glad, because that’s the last time you will see me in an outfit like that until after our bonding ceremony. Forget about me wearing the suit Aunt Lara made for me. Uncle Non would flip if he saw me in a skirt. I wanted to see the Amazon Rainforests, the Alps, the Eiffel Tower, the Roman Coliseum. I planned to make more gold this weekend so we could go to Las Vegas.”

“Oh.” Kell said, finally grasping the problem. He had been looking forward to seeing her in that suit, not that he would ever say that until after they were husband and wife. “You wanted to do all this? What about Brainiac?”

Kara brushed that off. “I’m not leaving my brain behind. Besides, Earth has the answers I need to build the Life Equation. I can’t solve it if I’m forced to return to Argo before I’ve explored this planet.”

Kell was confused, wondering, as the council had, what Earth could possibly offer Kara to help her solve any problem, much less one of such magnitude as to overcome the Anti-Life Equation. “I don’t understand, why do you need to be here?”

Seeing his doubt, Kara sighed and explained, “In Argo City, we are almost all of one mind… Share, love, and protect each other. It is that way because of what we have lost and what we need to do to survive.

“But on Earth, there are multitudes of emotion, ways of life, motivations for the living… for those who do good… motivations for those who commit evil acts. There are those who give and those who suffer… how can I find the flaw in an equation that proves the futility of life so strongly it can turn people into mind controlled zombies when I can’t experience these differences anywhere but here? It makes me so… so… Ugh!”

Kell wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

Kara laid her head on his shoulder. “Yeah, that’s another thing. This? You and me? We will definitely be following mating protocols until the bonding.”

Kell laughed quietly. “We probably should be anyway, right?”

Kara snorted and elbowed him gently. “By the way, you get to tell Kal El the good news. ‘ Hey, Kal, Kara couldn’t keep her mouth shut about the Coluan probe and told her family. Remember your farm you were so gracious to allow us to stay at when we reached Earth? Yeah, it’s being taken over by a Kryptonian General and Kara’s very own special forces unit for the remainder of our time on Earth. ‘ That’s going to go over well.”

Kell shook his head, not agreeing with her assessment. “From what I can tell, it seems to me Kal-El would love to know more Kryptonians. I doubt he will have an issue with it, especially understanding the situation. It could be worse, Kara. It’s your uncle, not your mother. You know you have always been guarded 24 hours a day, right?”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “If you are referring to my personal Red Shard unit, I can recognize all of them. It wasn’t hard to figure out. On Krypton, I would go into shopping malls or the gardens and the place would nearly empty out. But there were always five or six people who remained, trying very hard to act casual. After a couple years, when you see the same faces over and over… at dining areas, at libraries, in the street in front of Thora’s home… it wasn’t hard to figure out.”

Kell nodded. “That’s true, but do you realize those twenty men and women swore an oath to General Astra when you were five-years-old to always protect you, to lay down their lives for you? Of the twenty, they rotate constantly. Five guard you during the day, five guard you during the night, five train and five have the day off but are on call.

“General Non will understand your need to explore and give you the same liberties you have had… well, perhaps not in regard to us breaking a few rules here and there, but you will be allowed to explore. I’m not joking when I say five guards stay outside your residence at night.”

Kara knew this already. “Obviously.”

“Then you must realize the only way you were able to sneak out that night and reach the ship is because General Non told them to let you.” Kell pointed out.

Kara had not thought of that and it showed on her face. Of course, he knew. Astra would have known as well. When Kara thought about it, not one soldier was in the hall or the hangar on her trip to her ship. Despite the late hour, there were always soldiers on night shifts.

“So, you think he would be cool with us exploring?” she asked hopefully.

Kell nodded his head. “He told me before we left to make sure you have fun. He never said, ‘ Kell make sure she stays under guard 24 hours a day. ‘ The Guardians were the ones who insisted on providing Green Lanterns for security.”

Kara relaxed a bit, knowing he was right. Even her mother was on board, supported her in Council despite the vote being split down the middle. Considering that without Kara’s vote it would have been six to five against her, she supposed they did and would continue to support her even if she had a Kryptonian military escort everywhere she went.

An idea struck her, and she pushed Kell back onto the bed and laid on top of him.

“Kara?”

“Sometime in the next 24 to 36 hours, our rule breaking is going to end. We may as well make the most of the time we have. It’s going to be a long four weeks until we return.” the girl said and kissed him.

The two became lost in each other, both knowing they should stop and neither wanting to.

Until a knock was heard on the door and Alex’s voice was calling. “Kara? Hal Jordan is here. He wants to speak to you.”

Kara rolled off Kell onto her back, both of them breathing deeply.

“And the death of fun has begun.” she grumbled, then stood up, quickly moving to the mirror and running her fingers through her hair. Her lipstick had smudged a bit so a quick trip at superspeed to the bathroom was needed.

The two walked out of the bedroom hand in hand to face a smirking Alex and a smiling Hal Jordan.

“Good morning, Hal.” Kara greeted him brightly.

Hal took the two in, noting Kell’s flushed face and the couple holding hands. “I suppose congratulations are in order. Alex tells me the two of you are… I guess we would call it engaged?” the man asked.

Kara nodded her head. “Yes, that is true. Kell has agreed to be my mate. We will be bonded on our return to Argo City.”

Hal smiled at the couple as it was obvious they were very happy. He felt a bit sad because he was about to cut into the pre honeymoon. “I am sorry to disturb you. The Guardians were informed of the Council’s decision.”

Kara was surprised but shouldn’t have been. “That was fast. I guess the Green Lantern in the Council Hall reported to Oa who then informed you? You could have just sat in with us, Hal. Krypton and the Guardians cannot afford to have secrets between each other.”

Hal shook his head. “I wouldn’t dare to presume. Next time, I would be glad to. A scout ship launched from the Nightwing twenty minutes go. They are in route. Due to the new security arrangement, I have assigned four of the Lanterns -Cruz, Gardner, Rayner and Jade- to patrol the galaxy searching for any signs of intruders. John Stewart will be watching the orbit of Earth and I will remain with you.”

Kara felt a bit better. At least Jade was going away. “I understand. We will leave for Smallville tonight. I need to inform Kal El and make sure it’s okay with him.”

“Whoa.” Alex stopped her, not knowing the events that had transpired over the last few hours nor following the conversation. “Smallville? New security arrangements? I thought we were going to Coast City tomorrow. Sailing, remember?”

Kara looked at Kell hoping he would take this one.

The man rolled his eyes, but dutifully reported what had transpired to Alex. “Kara approached the Council to inform them of the Coluan probe. There was quite a bit of debate on whether Kara should be recalled home immediately or allowed to study the situation in greater detail and perhaps provide help should Brainiac 13 attempt to invade Earth. It was decided by vote that she would be allowed to stay for her remaining allotted time, under certain conditions.”

“Conditions?” Alex asked, prompting Kell to continue.

“Kara has always had a Red Shard unit of twenty Kryptonian special forces soldiers assigned as her security detail.” Kell explained. “They, along with General Non, will be arriving on Earth sometime tomorrow. Kara and I are to rendezvous with them in Smallville at the Kent Farm. That will be our base of operations, at least for now.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “J’onn is going to love this. Twenty-one new Kryptonians. Wow.”

Kell held up his hand. “I would recommend you not tell your Martian friend. While I followed Kara’s lead when we arrived, these men and women are not regular soldiers. They are highly trained and tasked with one goal: to protect Kara at all costs. If they perceive a threat to her, they will kill without asking questions and she will not be able to stop them. Since the Martian is not a native of Earth, they would not consider killing him an act of war and have weapons to destroy him. Shape shifters have tried to kill Kara in the past and have been killed by these men and women.”

Alex placed her hands on her hips, annoyed. “J’onn doesn’t mean her or you any harm… he is not your enemy! He will want to know about twenty-one Kryptonians arriving on Earth!

“He is trying to find information on Brainiac 13, to prepare our forces, but the Justice League is refusing to tell him anything. He only knows what I tell him.” Alex argued, irritated and believing the hate J’onn was receiving was getting out of hand. “Look, the DEO is officially tasked by Congress and the President with protecting this country from possible alien invasion, not the Justice League. We are subject to the President’s authority and Congressional oversight, none of which the Justice League can claim. J’onn is DEO Director… my commanding officer and I am duty bound to inform him of anything I learn so we can do our job.

“Surely you, Kell, as a soldier, understand that?”

The man stood there, gaping at her, eyes wide, unable to respond in light of her anger.

Kara walked closer to Alex, an apologetic look on her face. “I’m sorry, Alex. The Council’s decision was made only a few minutes ago. Hal only knows because a Green Lantern was in the Council chamber and reported to him. No other member of the Justice League knows yet, not even Kal. I promise, I’m not keeping things from you.”

Hal stepped forward and said, “When you are reporting to J’onn J’onzz, why don’t you remind him that this planet would be a suburb of Apokolips if it weren’t for the Justice League! Where was he when Darkseid invaded…”

Kara turned to the man, her disapproving look cowing the interfering Lantern. “Hal, stop. Let’s all calm down. I would bet there have many discussions between the Justice League and J’onn J’onzz, but they aren’t relevant to this conversation.”

The blonde turned back to Alex wanting to diffuse the situation but needing to make sure Alex understood their concerns. “Alex, Kell did not mean what he said as a threat to J’onn, we just don’t want to see him hurt because of a misunderstanding. Red Shard units… they are different. I suppose you could compare them to your Delta Force, the one led by Chuck Norris or maybe the Navy Seals. The difference is these men and women, have much more powerful weapons and do not hesitate to use them. If there is even a possible threat, they act immediately without investigation.”

Kara could see in Alex’s expression that she was listening, the tension leaving her friend’s face. “As far as the DEO’s relationship with the Justice League, you know it is not my place to offer an opinion, but I do trust you and I won’t keep anything from you. You will know what I know. You have my word.”

Alex nodded and relaxed, seeing the truth in Kara’s eyes.

J’onn would hate the idea of so many Kryptonians on Earth, having to trust their good intentions. Trust wasn’t something J’onn easily gave or received since his falling out with Superman.

While there was no official leader of the Justice League, they followed Clark’s lead. He was the glue that held so many different personalities together. Though Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman were the ones who set the tone for the group, Superman was its moral consciousness. If he didn’t trust J’onn, then the League didn’t trust him, so Kara’s assurances meant a lot to her.

“Thank you… I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.” Alex said, throwing Hal a piercing look, then changing the subject back to neutral territory. “So, I suppose I should pack for another trip to Smallville… sounds like so much fun.”

There was no small amount of disappointment in her voice at having their plans disrupted.

“We will still explore, Alex.” Kell promised, catching her disheartened tone. “Kara has much she still wants to see and understand.”

Hal cleared his throat timidly. “Speaking of Smallville, we need to make a detour to Metropolis, Kara. Clark and Lois… well, Lois found Lex Luthor last night and Clark captured him. He is being held in a decommissioned nuclear silo outside of Metropolis. They needed a place clear of electronics. Clark was wondering if you would come to see him. He would have called himself but is standing guard over Luthor and didn’t want to chance having a cellphone around the… whatever he has become.”

Kara cringed at that description. “How bad is it?”

“The parasite is embedded into his brain. He has extensions that curl around his bones, some sort of weapon protruding from his right hand and nanobots in his blood stream.” Hal told her.

Kara looked at Kell who understood. “Looks like you will get to wear the suit your aunt made for you after all. Alex and I will follow in the ship.”

“Thanks. Keep it high and at least two miles away. Do not let Kelex get near me or the host body… not until I can determine how to save Lex Luthor. I don’t need our ship or Kelex hacked or worse, taken control of.” Kara instructed. “Let’s go, Hal.”

Kara was gone in a blur then reappeared a second later, decked out in the suit her Aunt Lara had made for her.

“Wow, this is a really short skirt.” Kara said a little apprehensively. “But I got used to the swimsuit easily enough. What do you think, Kell?”

The slack-jawed man nodded his head. “Looks… great. You should definitely not wear that around your uncle but maybe… we could sneak it back to Argo City.”

Kara laughed, gave him a quick kiss and left the apartment in a blur for the roof, Hal Jordan trying to keep up with her.

Once in the air, she waited for Hal who finally showed up decked out in his green and black.

“I can keep up with you in the air. On the ground is a bit more difficult.” he told her playfully.

“You can keep up with me in the air, huh? If you can beat me to Metropolis, I’ll cook you dinner myself when we get to Smallville.”

Hal wasn’t certain that was a win since he doubted Kara had ever cooked Earth food but nodded anyway. “And what do you get if you win?”

Kara smirked at him. “You are going to help me sneak away from my highly trained babysitters and uncle so I can go to a club again. See you in Metropolis, Lantern.”

Hal was surprised at how fast Kara could fly. He already knew he could not keep pace with Clark in the Earth’s atmosphere but hoped Kara’s lack of flying experience would give him an edge.

He was sorely mistaken when he found her standing high above the clouds of Metropolis with her arms crossed and a wicked smile on her face. “I’ve been waiting, for like five minutes. Want to show me the way to this bunker?”

Despite the situation Hal couldn’t help but laugh. He flew side by side with her, at a much slower pace. “I have to admit, Lady Kara, you are very different from what I expected.”

“Cuter, right? I get that a lot.” She grinned impishly.

Hal smiled and shook his head. “Yeah, that too, I guess but… when I told the Guardians about you being alive, when they told me what you… I mean who you are, I expected someone more… solemn. Serious.”

“You thought I would be a total bore like Uncle Jor? I take after my Father. We are the fun side of the House of El. We left the seriousness and stern expressions to my uncle.”

They both laughed before Kara grew quiet. “Hal, how screwed is Lex Luthor?”

Hal said nothing but looked to his side and met her eyes. Kara could tell by the expression on his face that not even a mask could hide, that Lex Luthor was seriously screwed.

Five minutes later the pair landed inside the silo through the spot where a nuclear missile had once stood ready for war.

Hal pointed to the room in front of them, then a staircase off to the right. “Launch room is in there, but the fallout shelter is underground two levels. Lead shielded, cleared of electronics. It was the best we could do.”

Kara descended the stairs leading into the fallout shelter, surprised at the number of people present. She recognized Lois standing with Wally, Diana and Bruce from Watchtower. She recognized the very large, long-haired, tattooed man along with the red-headed woman from the club in National City. The blonde man decked out in green with a bow and quiver on his back along with the blonde woman decked out in very tight black were new.

“You must be Kara.” the blonde man greeted her and offered his hand which she took. “I’m Oliver Queen.”

“And I’m Dinah Lance.” the blonde in black told her, offering a genuine smile. “This is Arthur and Mera.”

Oliver stepped close and whispered to Kara. “Clark says if anyone has a chance of saving Lex it would be you. If you can’t, that’s okay. Don’t let the fact that he has tried to kill your cousin several times and hundreds of people in the process influence you. We are sure you will do the best you can… if you want to. If not, we all understand.”

Kara looked around and saw Diana, Lois and Wally nodding in agreement.

Apparently when it came to Lex Luthor’s life, Kal was the only one who cared.

“They are through there?” She asked, pointing to the reinforced, lead-lined door at the other side of the room. Bruce nodded and Kara walked through and approached Kal El.

He was standing over the bench Lex Luthor was laid out on, steel bars wrapped around his torso pinning his arms to his body and steel bars binding his feet. She took one look at the thing inhabiting what was left of Lex Luthor’s body with her X Ray vision.

“Kal, I’m sorry… maybe if I’d gotten to him sooner, but there’s nothing I can do.” she told her cousin.

Kal El let out a breath. “Yeah, I know. What I can’t understand is why this thing is keeping him alive. With the nanobots, the parasite attached to his brain, the thing could have killed him anytime. I’m not sure if Lex is even there.”

Kara agreed. The man who was once there was gone. The only way she could get that parasite out of his brain would be to lobotomize him which was pointless given his blood was ruined and internal organs useless.

Suddenly, the man who used to be Lex Luthor sat up, breaking the steel bars that had been wrapped around his body.

“I have not killed this vessel yet because I was waiting for a chance to talk to you, Kara El, daughter of Zor El.” the creature told her.

Kal El put an arm in front of Kara and they both backed away, eyes lighting up.

“If I wanted to harm you, I would have found the many places Lex Luthor replicated and stored Kryptonite. I want the two of us to have a discussion… alone.” The parasite said.

Kara glanced at Kal El who shook his head slightly and she agreed. This was no time to split.

“No. You wish to speak to the House of El. Here we are, so speak.” Kara ordered the creature. “I know who you are Brainiac. Do you always speak through intermediaries or do you have the courage to speak to us face to face?”

The creature smiled, and Kara felt as if its eerie metal covered eyes could see through her.

“I send probes ahead of my visits to learn of my enemies before I arrive. Imagine my surprise when I discovered another survivor of Krypton’s death had arrived on Earth. I should have suspected the House of El would save both of their children… they are the favored House of Rao after all. The first family Rao created before all others. Isn’t that what you have been taught?”

Kara ignored him. A story told over the eons meant nothing to her now. “If you know there are two of us, I doubt your surprise was pleasant. Whatever you want with Earth, you must ask yourself if it is worth your very long existence coming to an end.”

Brainiac laughed, a sound that chilled Kara to her core. “You know what I want, at least you should. There is only one thing this planet could have that I would be interested in. I want what Darkseid was unable to obtain.”

“Can’t figure it out yourself? Guess you aren’t that smart after all.” Kara commented.

“I doubt you will be able to either. The equation dates back farther than even my life. Once it is in my possession, the entire universe will be under my control. You, however, are an added bonus.”

Kara snorted. “You think I’m a bonus? You are sorely mistaken. There is a reason you never tried to invade Krypton. You knew you would fall like all the rest who tried.”

The creature smiled. “Four thousand years ago, I captured a Guardian of Oa. Before I could download his knowledge, he bravely killed himself. As he died, he granted me a prophecy. He told me my fall would come at the hands of a girl with hair that resembled sunlight and a mind so great that even the Guardians would be in awe. The child would come from the House of El. I had no desire to test the prophecy until I was sure I had the knowledge and power to defeat Krypton, but before I could conquer the planet, it exploded. I was no longer concerned, even when a survivor announced himself to Earth, a male child.

“But now… you are here. The prophesied girl I am supposed to fear. Seeing you now, I understand the prophecy was the rambling of a dying Oan. You are no threat to me. You will make a fine trophy though, something to add to my collectibles gathered from the Universe.”

Kara snorted. “I reject men who want me as a trophy… you will have no better luck than they did.”

“Perhaps,” the creature rasped, “But I would love to see what is in that head of yours, determine if you are truly a threat, or just the child you appear to be.”

Kara’s eyes narrowed as she responded, “Appearances are often deceiving.”

“I suppose we will see.” The creature said as tentacles shot from its arms towards the cousins. Superman grabbed the two from the right hand and Kara grabbed the two from the left, all four tentacles reaching for Kara’s head.

The Supercousins were preparing to use their heat vision when a blast of light shot between them, striking the Coluan drone in the head, his body disintegrating instantly.

The two turned to find Kell, rifle in hand, continuing to aim at the spot the Coluan slave had been.

He looked at the cousins, determination on his face. “Kelex tracked the signal into deep space. He was careful. It went past Jupiter and then disappeared into nothingness. He suspects Brainiac has the ability to open untraceable breaches at any time. He was definitely transmitting to this thing.”

Kell looked towards Superman. “I’m sorry, Kal, but if she is attacked, I will act.”

Kal nodded. “I expect nothing less. We knew Lex was gone, Kell. Now we know for sure what he is after. You showed Lex Luthor mercy by killing him. I’m just sorry it had to come to this.”

Kal looked at Kara who was staring at the place the Brainiac drone had been. “You okay?”

“Has Diana returned from Themyscira with the drawings of the pieces?” Kara asked quietly.

Kal shook his head. “She didn’t need to go. She drew them from memory.”

“Good.” She replied, then asked hopefully, “Can the original tablets be destroyed?”

Kal shook his head. “Diana and I have tried. The pieces are indestructible. We have no idea what the rock is they were carved into.”

Kara thought for a moment. “But they are safely hidden? Is there any record he may have gotten that says where the pieces are?”

“None.” Kal El assured her. “Kara… as much as I hate to ask this, have you considered going back to Argo City? You are definitely a target now. Perhaps you could study the pieces, return home, then transmit any information you discover to me. The pieces of the Anti-Life Equation are not all he wants with this planet now… he wants you.”

The blonde brushed off his suggestion, seeming to come out of her daze. “Not going to happen, Kal, especially now that I know he is coming. The House of El does not run and we never leave family. My father would never leave your father in a time like this and I won’t leave you. We will figure this out.

“For now, let’s go to Watchtower. I need to see those drawings. Once that’s done, I can work to complete the Anti-Life Equation and introduce variables that prove it wrong. Besides, don’t worry about me, I will have back up very soon… which reminds me, we need to borrow your farmhouse for the next few weeks. I’ll let Kell explain.”

Kal raised his eyebrows. “Of course, you can use it whenever you want. There is no need to ask.”

“Glad you feel that way because General Non and twenty Kryptonian special force soldiers will arrive there, sometime between tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night.” Kell told him. “Surprise?”

Kal El laughed and shook his head. “Well, Kara, you’re right… we won’t have to worry about calling in back up. Let’s go to Watchtower then we can go to Smallville and prepare for our guests.”

Kara let out a relieved breath. “Thank you for understanding. I was barely able to convince the Council to allow me my remaining time so I can prepare a defense against Brainiac and the Anti-Life Equation. They would only agree if my bodyguards and uncle were present.”

Kal El nodded his head, understanding. “We are grateful for any help you can give.”

Twenty minutes later, Kara, Kell and the Justice League were on the 21st floor of Watchtower.

Diana handed Kara a sheet of paper with drawings of three pieces of the Anti-Life Equation.

Kara looked at them for a few moments, then handed the sheet to Kal El who immediately burned it. “I don’t recognize the language but there is enough there that I can partially translate the numbers and some of the words. I need a lab. Is there an empty room in this building? One that is completely silent?”

“There is the Kitchen.” Batman told her.

“Thank you, Bruce, but I need to get this done first though I would definitely appreciate food afterwards. A Cherry Coke would be awesome as well.” She added as an afterthought.

Batman pointed at the elevator. “It’s our training room. We call it the Kitchen. It’s large and soundproof. Fifteenth floor.”

“Huh, ok. Still wouldn’t mind that Cherry Coke.” Kara said as she smiled and moved towards the elevator. She stopped Kell when he moved to follow. “I need to do this alone, no distractions. Understand?”

Kell nodded his head, not liking it but doing as she wished. He was rewarded with a bright smile then the elevator door closed.

“We can watch her on the monitors.” Bruce told him.

The entire room had a seat, watching the girl entering the training room which was currently void of all holographic and robotic enemies.

No one said a word as Kara knelt in the middle of the room, then crossed her arms over her chest, closed her eyes and lifted her face towards the ceiling.

She stayed this way for five minutes, whispering in Kryptonian.

“She is praying to Rao for wisdom.” Kell explained quietly, seemingly afraid to break the reverent moment.

The room remained silent, eyes mesmerized by the screen showing the Kryptonian deep in meditation.

Kara stood up abruptly, eyes still closed, then began walking. Her hands rose in front of her, touching imaginary screens, tossing some aside and staring at others despite her eyes remaining closed.

“What is she doing?” Kal El whispered to Kell, even though Kara was not in the room.

“I have no idea.” the man admitted, greatly confused at her actions.

“She is in her lab,” a new voice spoke up, surprising them all. Kelex had floated into the room quietly. “Remember me, Kell? Kara’s personal protection unit? Relegated to babysitting Green Lanterns the past few days or deactivated when the two of you are up to, what I suspect is, no good? You should know by now that if you have questions about her or her behavior, I am the expert.”

Kell ignored the comments, and noted Alex was behind the floating tin can.

“Kelex, would you please tell us what Kara is doing?” Kell asked with only a hint of annoyance.

Kelex took a moment then answered. “Your sarcasm has been duly noted. She is in her lab on Krypton. Her hands are moving the screens and holograms that she needs or discarding those she doesn’t.”

“Her lab?” The question came from Diana, the others looked similarly puzzled.

Kelex nodded. “Something her father taught her when she was very young. She can put herself into a trancelike state, her mind completely replicating her lab in Argo City, her equipment, her knowledge banks, down to the smallest detail. She only does this when she is deep in thought over a problem and does not have immediate access to her lab. I haven’t seen her enter a trance since she was in the Phantom Zone, learning from the celestial being she called Aethyr on how to mentally communicate with her fellow Kryptonians.”

“When will she snap out of it?” Kal El asked.

“When she has solved whatever she has set out to solve.” the robot said resignation in his voice. “Before the Phantom Zone, she did this seven times on jungle expeditions, making her father wish he had never taught her this skill. The last one went on for sixteen hours and he had to sedate her.

“It is not recommended to disturb her at this time. All we can do is wait.”

None of the Justice League members left the building, watching the Girl of Steel, her eyes remaining closed while pacing, reaching out for monitors that were not there, swiping them away, her finger drawing symbols into the air for the next three hours.

Then Kara stopped pacing and began speaking louder, her arms raised from her side in an almost questioning gesture. Kell tensed, thinking someone may have entered the room but saw no one on screen.

“Is someone outside the room?” Kal asked Bruce.

Kelex knew there was no one. “She is talking to her Father. When she is confused, needs guidance or has questions, she asks him for help.”

Kal and Kell felt lumps in their throats, watching Kara grabbing her hair in frustration, asking Zor El questions about equations neither could hope to understand.

“ Why is this not clear?! I almost have it! I can almost taste it. It’s bitter and wrong but I have to know it to form a counterargument! What am I missing, Father?!” Kara suddenly yelled. “ I know you told me to never try to measure emotions, but I don’t have a choice! If I don’t, he will! ” ” She dropped to her knees and began praying once more to Rao, begging for his wisdom.

Then she stood up again, walking around the room, drawing in the air with her fingers, swiping away holograms that were not there, mumbling equations over and over again.

Kara yelled out in frustration, hands wrapped in her golden locks once again.

“Sometimes, extreme intelligence combined with extreme stubbornness can be a curse.” Kelex said sadly.

“We need to get her out of this.” Kell decided. “Kelex, you have seen this before. Any ideas?”

The robot shook his head. “There is no sedative on this planet that could affect her much less a needle to inject it. She will have to come out of it on her own, no matter how long it takes her.”

“And if she cannot figure it out?” Kal asked, obviously concerned.

“She won’t snap out of it unless she solves the problem or is sedated.” Kelex told him. “She has always figured out whatever the problem is. Her father only sedated her that one time because he was worried about her health.”

The room became uncomfortable, several began worrying after hearing this, except for Bruce who was absolutely intrigued.

Kell stood up and pulled Alex to the side. “I didn’t bring the comlink and I don’t think Kara took the time to grab it. Do you remember where it was?”

Alex smiled slightly and reached into her pocket. She handed Kell the small device. “You Kryptonians are forgetful. I thought she might need it if her mother called.”

Kell let out a relieved breath. “Thank you.”

The man stepped to the back of the room and made the call. To his surprise, it was General Astra who answered.

“ Kell! Where is Kara? Is something wrong?”

“ Kal El found the infected host. Brainiac spoke to Kara through it. He definitely wants the Anti-Life Equation. We believe he can breach the galaxy and leave no trace. That’s not the current problem though. Kara saw the pieces of the equation that are here on Earth, asked to be alone and now…”

“ She has retreated into her mind lab, hasn’t she?” Astra guessed.

“ Yes. It’s been hours. She is close to pulling her hair out.”

“ Has she begun talking to her father yet?” Kara’s very concerned aunt asked.

“ Yes.”

“ She needs to be sedated… damn it, there is nothing to sedate her with on Earth. Do you believe it would be possible for Kal El to knock her out safely?”

“ General?” Kell asked, confused by that request.

“ Forget I asked .” Astra told him. “ Dumb idea. She doesn’t need any shocks to her system. It has to be subtle. She won’t snap out of it until she solves whatever problem is in her mind. If she is asking her father questions… has she began praying to Rao again?”

“ Yes… is Lady Alura available? Perhaps her voice…”

“ She isn’t available at the moment and would be no good regardless. She always freaks out when Kara gets into these states. Kelex always keeps a light sedative on him so she can fall to sleep naturally. The only thing I can think of is… you have to kiss her.”

Kell was taken back by that. “ General?

“ She loves you Kell or she would not have asked you to be her husband. She will come back to you. Remind her of reality, get her out of her own head . Call me back if it doesn’t work.”

Kell turned off the hologram in time to see Alex approaching Kal El.

“Clark don’t be angry… I just have a suggestion. Do you think a small amount of Kryptonite may work the same as a sedative?”

Superman quickly shook his head. “I won’t allow it. I appreciate the thought, but I can’t take that chance with her.”

“I could yell at her.” Lois suggested. “That usually brings Smallville under control. I’ve practically made a career out of bossing Kryptonians around.”

“I have this.” Kell told them, moving to the elevator. Soon he was stepping out into the training room, his nerves on fire.

Kara was walking around in circles, her face slightly turned up as if she were looking up at screens that were not there. Her eyes were still closed but her mouth was working.

” Δy = y* − y f (x + Δx) = y * Loneliness + alienation + fear +… plus what? Self-worth/mockery and… what? Self = darkside, no, can’t be right, think… misunderstanding times… what? It’s there! Emotions… I know they shouldn’t be measured Father, but I have no choice! They shouldn’t but they can, and they will! He will do it! Life = death, but before that, the steps… damn it!”

“ Kara? Kara listen to me .” Kell whispered leaning into her, placing his arms on her shoulders.

“ Stop, I can’t be disturbed!” Kara shouted. Kell guessed she wasn’t speaking to him but to some interruption in her head. At least he knew he was reaching her on some level .

“ I was in danger of believing life was futile for a long time.” Kell said softly. “Then I touched your hand and looked into your eyes. Life isn’t futile because I love you. How could I love you if life was futile?”

Kell placed his hands gently on her cheeks and kissed her. Kara’s body went rigid, resisting for a moment then relaxing against him, her arms wrapping around his neck.

When he pulled back, she was staring at him, eyes wide open.

“Hi.” he greeted her.

Kara smiled, a blush covering her cheeks. “I did it again, didn’t I?”

Kell nodded his head. “You’re back now. That’s all that matters. I think you’ve had a bit of separation anxiety from being so far away from your lab.”

“I’m sorry.” Kara said shyly. “I never wanted you to see me like that. Did anyone else see me?”

Kell glanced at the camera over Kara’s shoulder. “Just Alex… Kelex… Kal El… the rest of the Justice League… it doesn’t matter. You are trying to help them, and they know it.”

The blonde shook her head, embarrassed. She knew when she went into these states she looked a bit crazed as she blacked out the world around her. Kara had seen the videos of when she had what her father had always called ‘an episode of brilliance’. The girl didn’t feel brilliant right now.

“How did you sedate me?” she asked, seeing no needle in Kell’s hand.

“I kissed you.”

“You kissed me?”

“It was your aunt’s idea.” Kell told her, a smile on his face and completely stress free now that Kara was back.

“Wow. Thanks for having my back, partner.” Kara said before her smile faded and she no longer stopped trying to hide her frustration. “It was all for naught though… I failed. It was almost there but… he won’t be able to figure it out without the pieces. He will attack Earth, try to find the pieces but… if I could only figure it out first…”

Kell stopped her. “Kara, Rao knows I am no scientist. Even if I were, I wouldn’t be anywhere near your league. But just as a casual observer, I don’t think you can solve this equation.”

Kara looked at him sharply and backed up. “I have to. How can I form a counter…”

“To something you are certain is not true? How can you solve an equation that is false? Maybe that’s why you can’t figure it out.

“Kara, you know life isn’t futile. We wouldn’t be here if it were… you would have never worked so hard to give our people a good life, to find us a new home. Instead of focusing on an equation an evil creature could possibly use to fool living beings into believing life isn’t worth living, why don’t you play to your strengths and prove without a doubt that life is beautiful and full of love and hope?”

Kara closed her eyes, contemplating his words. “How could I solve an equation that isn’t true? Play to my strengths.”

Kell shrugged his shoulders. “It’s why I killed that Brainiac puppet with a rifle instead of heat vision. Using Kryptonian powers aren’t exactly a strength of mine yet.”

Kara understood what he was saying and realized he was right. Focusing on her enemy’s weapon would be a waste of time. She had to create her own… except Kara had no pieces of the puzzle to help her.

Kell was watching her eyes, how they seemed totally unfocused. He lightly gripped her shoulders to get her attention off wherever her mind had wandered. “Hey, we have all night. We are in Metropolis, Kal and Lois are here. You still have dresses in the ship. Let’s go dancing tonight. We only have one Green Lantern and he seems like a cool guy. We might get to see the Amazon in normal clothes… or clothes in general. What do you say?”

Kara’s focus immediately returned, and she smiled. “That sounds like a great idea. The only dress on the ship is the one I wore to the last club…”

“The one that looked gorgeous on you. Let’s go, this empty room is giving me the creeps.”

The two reached the 21st floor where Kal El greeted them at the elevator door, pulling Kara into his arms.

“You okay?” he asked.

Kara nodded her head and smiled. “I know what I need to do now. It won’t be easy, but I won’t leave this planet or you until it is complete. When I am finished, you will never doubt, even in your darkest times, that life is beautiful.”

Wally walked up to her at human speed. “So, Beautiful Mind, you don’t see anyone who isn’t really here, do you?”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “If I see them, how would I know if they are or aren’t? And why are you calling me ‘Beautiful Mind’?”

Wally, looked for help, only seeing a smirking Lois and decided it would be best to answer before she did.

“It’s just a movie about a really brilliant guy. True story.” he told her.

“Yeah, a guy who was psycho and had an imaginary friend he believed in most of his life.” Lois clarified. “So, since we were all listening in on you two love birds, I understand we are going clubbing tonight? Sounds like a great time to have an engagement party.”

Two hours later, the entire group was in an upscale club in downtown Metropolis, one that Bruce and Oliver both frequented as part of their secret identities and had no problem reserving a section of tables.

Kara and Kell spent most of their time dancing, taking time to stop occasionally and learn about their new friends.

Clark reached out to Kara. “Think I could pull you away from your mate and have a dance?”

Kara took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. It was obvious from how stiff her cousin was, he was not used to dancing with anyone besides Lois. She didn’t mind.

“Is this okay?” Kal asked. “I’m not much for faster paced songs. Lois is the one into classic rock.”

Kara pulled him closer, laying her head on his chest.

“I’ve wanted to hold you since you were a baby.” she told her cousin. “Despite the situation we find ourselves in, meeting you, getting to know you is one of the greatest experiences of my life. One day soon, you will live with us on Argo and eventually on new Krypton. Our family will be strong. The two of us, guiding a new planet, how can we not succeed?”

Kal was surprised and pulled back a bit. “Kara, you know I can’t.”

Kara smiled knowingly and nodded. “But you will, eventually. It won’t matter that you don’t live on Earth because when this planet is in danger, Krypton will always be here to defend it, even if it’s just the two of us and my Mate… and my special forces team. But you will be among your people, much sooner than you think.”

Shaking his head and sighing, Kal started, “Kara…”

Seeing him about to disagree yet again, she held up a finger to his lips, silencing him as she began to understand. “You really don’t know, do you?”

“Know what?” Clark asked warily.

Kara giggled happily. “You haven’t heard it? I suppose you have been busy. I barely heard the heartbeat the day after I met Lois, but it is there. If you don’t get her under a red sun in the next couple months, your child will be shattering her ribs from the inside and destroying her internal organs.”

Kal was shocked, his eyes wide as he looked over at Lois who was smiling at him from their table. To his relief, she wasn’t drinking alcohol… yet.

“I don’t… Do you think she knows?” he asked, still stunned over the revelation.

“I have no idea.” Kara admitted, her tone turning serious. “Kal, there is something you should know.

“The average lifespan of Kryptonians is around 160 years. On our new planet, we will have to live longer to populate it. We have always had the technology to extend that average but the High Council decided not to use it thousands of year ago in order to live natural lives so we can join Rao when he calls. I can keep her alive, young. The two of you could have two hundred years together or more.”

Kal was speechless, holding onto his cousin but his mind a million miles away. Light years in this case. “Would Kryptonians even accept us? My child, half human and half Kryptonian?”

Kara nodded and smiled warmly. “Yes, without question. You are the Head of the House of El and your deeds have reached the ears of Argo City. You, my dear cousin, are already a legend among our people.

“I realize you love Earth and understand you cannot leave with the current threat, but Lois needs to and soon. In fact, given the threat to us, it may be a good idea for you to consider evacuating Lois and your child to Argo City until the pregnancy is done.”

Kara gave him a few moments to digest what she was saying before she continued with another matter he needed to think about. “Kal, not to give you an ultimatum and I’m not saying you need to decide now, but you should take into account that Kryptonians living under a yellow sun are practically immortal… you would outlive all your loved ones for generations. Knowing you now… the wonderful man you have become, I just can’t believe this would be a future you would want.”

Looking up at him and seeing the torn look on his face, she hugged him closer. “Believe me when I say your son or daughter is important to the future of not only our House, but the future of Krypton… as are you and Lois. You may not see it now, but it is true… so just think about it. For now, Lois will have to stay in Argo City during the pregnancy. Your baby’s heart has just developed so she has a little time.”

Clark looked back at Lois once again, seeing her laughing with Arthur Curry.

“She is going to break into the DEO… steal Kryptonite… and kill me.” he whispered, his expression a cross between panicked and elated.

“I’m sure she will be happy.” Kara assured him.

“I told her we couldn’t have children.” Kal admitted. “I didn’t know. I just assumed…”

“It will be fine.” Kara assured her cousin. “One thing though, Kal, and this isn’t negotiable. You are going to have to marry her before or when we reach Argo City. Sorry, but those are the rules.

“So… congratulations! Once we kick the hell out of Brainiac, we will have a new member of the family! Maybe Mother will stop pressuring me to have babies if she can spoil yours instead.”

Clark laughed with her and looked at Lois once again, seeing that Curry had bought her a beer.

“I’ll be right back.” Clark told Kara quickly and moved towards his love, deciding how he would prevent her from drinking without dropping a life changing bomb on her in the middle of a high class dance club.

Kara stood on the dance floor and watched him rush off with a happy grin.

“This should be fun.” she told herself and called Kell out to the dance floor once again.