Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 32:

Kara had finally woken around noon the next day. At some point, she had been taken back to the Lake House as she recognized the nice mattress she lay on and the satin sheets.

She would have slept longer except for a finger in her ear. Her eyes cracked open and Kal El was next to the bed, his hand pulling away from her ear.

“Oh good, you’re up. It’s almost lunchtime. I thought you might be hungry, so I sent Hal Jordan into Gotham to pick up pizzas. Your Mother has developed a great affinity for Supreme Pizza with extra mushrooms.” Her cousin greeted her, a mischievous look on his face, but concern in his eyes. “How do you feel?”

Kara sat in bed slowly noting Krypto lying on the sheets next to her. The dog was watching her, probably wondering if they were ever going to get up and do anything fun. She also noticed at some point her Mother must have changed her into pajamas. Taking stock of the physical state of her body, she was pleased to find no ill effects or cramping remained.

“I’m fine. The girl? Tam?”

“Bruce, or should I say, Batman, has returned her home. She is fine. She even told him she had never felt better in her life.” Kal reported, a proud smile on his face at what his cousin had done for the young girl.

Kara nodded, pleased and swung her feet out of the bed. “I’ll be in shortly, Kal. My body is awake, but my brain is trying to catch up.”

When Kara walked out of the bedroom, still in her pajamas with Krypto on her heels, she found her mother, uncle, Kal, Kell, Lois and, to her pleasant surprise, Alex in the large living room. Kara had a seat on the sofa next to her mother.

“I’m sorry Lois, but I’m afraid you will be quite bored in Argo City.” Alura was telling the woman.

Lois scoffed at the idea. “There is no media in Argo City. There won’t be any media on the new planet. I plan to start a new ‘ Daily Planet’ and will be the only reporter on the planet. You think that would be boring? There are thousands of stories waiting to be told.”

Alura laughed softly and took a sip of wine. “So long as you base your stories on the truth, and I have no doubt you will, your stories will be information the citizens already know. We have no secrets in Argo City. Our Council meetings are open, our voting is open and there is no need to… ‘cover up’ anything.”

Lois took in the room, noting Alex appeared thoughtful, Non and Kell were looking anywhere but her and Kara was smiling widely, nodding in agreement with her Mother.

With her reporter instincts triggered, she asked, “So, if I were to interview you right now, you would be completely honest, hold nothing back that you would not tell your people?”

Alura shrugged her shoulders. “Of course. Ask me anything. I have nothing to hide.”

Lois’s answering smile was predatory, giving Alura pause, noting the reporter’s eyes were gleaming. “Do the people of Argo City know that your sister is currently disguising herself as you thus giving her control of both the Council and the Military?”

Alura’s face paled. “Well… she has cancelled all council meetings until I return. Our people would be in a panic if they knew… you see…”

Lois pressed the cornered High Councilor. “And if the Council is needed for an emergency session, Astra would pose as you or herself? How would she make emergency judicial or civic decisions without you present?”

Alura said nothing.

“No comment?” Lois asked. Seeing none, she said, “I see, so basically you and your twin sister are deceiving the citizens of Argo City?”

“Not… it’s not in the best interest of the people…” Alura tried to explain, flustered.

Lois raised her hand to stop her. “I think I understand. Now, from what I have heard from sources, after the announcement of Kara’s trip to the Council, it was said that the military, meaning your sister and Non, approved her mission beforehand?”

Alura took a larger drink than the one before. She finally admitted, “Yes… that is what the Council was told.”

Lois continued knowingly, “But in reality, Kara decided to make the trip on her own, take a military craft…”

Kara spoke up quickly. “That was my fighter! Aunt Astra gave it to me for my 16th birthday.”

Lois raised an eyebrow. “So… the military often grants high-powered military craft to citizens on their 16th birthday?”

Kara cleared her throat. “No… not exactly.”

“We can get back to that in a moment.” Lois told Kara and turned back to her mother. “Alura, as I was asking before, did the Council or the Military have any knowledge beforehand that Kara Zor El, Head of the Science Guild, was leaving Argo City in the middle of the night? Or perhaps the decision was made by her family because you felt you could not stop her and eventually she would figure out a way to leave?”

Alura sat, looking as if she had swallowed something foul. “It was more complicated than that.”

“But that is what you told the Council, correct? Why weren’t the citizens made aware of her absence at the time of her departure?” Lois prodded her now reluctant interviewee.

Alura cleared her throat and looked towards Non. “It was all Non’s fault.”

Ignoring Non’s protest to Alura’s accusation, Lois pressed her advantage. “Yet the three most powerful citizens of Argo City all kept her departure a secret for days…”

“How do you know all this?!” Alura snapped.

Lois smirked at the woman. “Because I listen, put pieces together and then know how to ask the right questions. So, why did you keep the citizens in the dark about Kara’s absence?”

Alura glared at the woman but for once her soul penetrating stare was having no effect. Lois Lane was in her element, her world, and Alura was caught like a fly in a spider’s web. Grasping at straws, she claimed, “There would have been panic. The citizens of Argo…”

“And yet you say the citizens know everything.” Lois interrupted. “So… from what I understand, you needed time to spin the story to ease the Council and the citizens worries. I believe, and this is only speculation on my part, that one of the reasons you gave the Council for the Military authorizing Kara’s mission involved her contacting a Green Lantern? Is that true?”

Alura nodded her head slightly, obviously wary of the question. “What of it?”

“Kara had no idea a Green Lantern was even on this planet at the time of her departure.” Lois said.

“Ha!” Alura nearly shouted. “But she could contact a Green Lantern. We did not send a signal from Argo City to Oa for fear it would be tracked. The only secure contact method we had was Kryptonian to Kryptonian frequencies the Guardians or any other race with the technology could receive. We could not take the risk that the signal would be traced back to our location. By sending the signal from here, it would only be traced to this planet.”

Lois nodded her head and smiled as if understanding before dropping the proverbial hammer. “But you didn’t know that when she left. At any point during her supposed mission, was it planned beforehand that she contact a Green Lantern?”

Alura shook her head, her jaw clenched.

“So you lied to the Council.” Lois stated before changing the topic. “Moving on, was there not a Council meeting where the issue of Brainiac 13 was brought up? I believe you made the deciding vote due to a tie. Do you remember details of that meeting and the proposal you approved?”

Alura nearly growled at the woman. “Of course I do. My daughter was deeply involved in a deadly situation and it was not easy to allow her to remain on Earth while it was facing such a threat.”

“That couldn’t have been easy.” Lois agreed. “Yet the terms of the proposition were that if Brainiac posed a direct threat to Kara or Earth while Kara was here, she would be moved immediately back to Argo City, correct?”

Alura nodded her head. “That was the ruling.”

“Yet, she has had direct contact with Brainiac 13 twice, spoken to him, been attacked by one of his drones, been attacked by an enemy in possession of Kryptonite who was activated by Brainiac, and boarded a scout ship to attack thousands of weaponized drones launched by Brainiac. She then proceeded with General Non to Apokolips in an attempt to observe, test weapons and make close contact with Brainiac 13’s ship. Not only that, but she landed on Apokolips minutes after Brainiac had left the system and fought dreggs and parademons.

“Does the Council know of these events and if so, why have they not enforced the Council decision that she be brought back to Argo City immediately?”

Alura’s face turned red, and she took her final drink and poured another glass. “The situation is fluid. You should be thankful she has not returned, or Brainiac would have already popped up directly over Earth.”

“I am thankful, and I sincerely mean that.” Lois agreed, looking at Kara with a grateful nod. “But that isn’t the question. The question is why the Council’s decision, one that you made, not been upheld? What are the fluid reasons why she has not returned and does the Council know of these reasons? You’ve said there are no secrets among the citizens or with the council… is that not correct?”

Alura looked Lois in the eyes. “No comment. From what I understand of media on Earth, you have heard that quite a bit, right?”

Lois smiled, loving every moment of Alura’s discomfort. “Perhaps another subject. Why are there three positions on the Council not contingent on elections?”

Alura answered this one quickly. “The offices of Chief Justice, the Military High Commander and the Head of the Science Guild cannot change without causing turmoil among our infrastructure.”

Lois nodded her head, expecting that answer, it made good sense that those were not elected positions. “Yet all three of the uncontested positions are filled with members of the House of El. The second-in-command of the Military is another member of the House of El by marriage to the sister who is the leader of the people in both Military and civil affairs at the moment. Would you say that the House of El is in complete control of Argo City, despite its democratically elected Council and this situation will not change once a new planet begins to be settled?”

“Our people are happy! They trust us. If they were not happy, they would call for our removal.” Alura snapped.

Lois raised an eyebrow. “And I suppose if the people call for it, anyone, say the leader of the Military would step down?”

“Of course not! I mean… what I meant to say… you see…” Alura floundered, unable to come up with a good rebuttal.

“I think I understand.” Lois told her comfortingly. “The House of El controls Krypton.”

“There would be no Krypton left if it weren’t for the House of El!” Alura shrieked.

Lois raised her hands in peace. “I’m not disputing that. I’m just trying to get the facts straight because I never want to report anything that’s untrue. Everything is so open in Argo City, there are no secrets to keep, so it sounds like I won’t have to. I think I have everything I need for now, Alura. Thank you for the enlightening conversation.”

Turing to Kara, Lois asked, “Kara, could I ask you some questions about the science guild?”

Non looked at Kara and shook his head. Kara rolled her eyes, ignoring her Uncle’s warning. “I believe in complete honesty and have no secrets, right, Kell?”

Kara looked towards Kell who shrugged his shoulders unhelpfully.

Kara rolled her eyes at him.

She knew Lois would understand nothing about her work if she didn’t dumb it down and she had no plans to. “I would love to answer any questions you have about science, Lois.”

Lois shook her head. “My questions have more to do with your position in Argo City as the Head of the Science Guild. I understand you have served your people in this capacity since you were twelve-years-old. How were you appointed to such a position at such a young age?”

“Well, someone had to save our race and nobody else knew what they were doing.” Kara told her with a forced smile.

“I see. As Head of the Science Guild, what sort of governing body is over you?” Lois asked.

Kara became confused. “Over me?”

Lois nodded her head. “Who do you answer to? Is there a council among the Science Guild, an oversight committee? Or do you answer to the High Council? Who approves your projects?”

Kara snorted. “Who approves my projects? I approve them.”

“So, you don’t approach the Council with propositions on new experiments?” Lois asked carefully.

Kara was confused. “Why would I approach them? They couldn’t possibly understand what I am doing. They know I take care of Argo City and don’t ask questions.”

Lois sat back a bit, ready to pull her trap on the unsuspecting blonde. She had heard others, mostly Non, mention that Kara could be a bit arrogant at times. Though she hadn’t seen it, Lois suspected it was more than a little true when it came to her work.

Baiting the proverbial hook, Lois asked, “So, you don’t answer to anyone? What about your fellow scientists? I assume they know about your projects. How much input do you receive from them?”

Kara laughed. “They don’t work on my projects, they can’t keep up with what I need to do. I just keep them working on life improvement products for the citizens while I am focused on the whole of Argo City.”

“Life improvement products?” Lois prodded.

Kara nodded. “Skin creams, foot powders, new oral cleansing devices, more effective crop harvesters, maintenance of Kelex units… those kinds of things.”

Lois was stunned. “You are about to terraform a new planet and you have your scientists working on foot powder?”

“It’s important.” Kara insisted. “Wait until you are living in our residence and smell Uncle Non’s boots and you will realize how important it is. His boots no longer smell thanks to the foot powder my scientists made.”

Lois closed her eyes, not wanting to think about that. “What about the running of Argo City? Does the Council or your scientists have access to the major systems such as weather, water supplies…”

“Of course not,” Kara shook her head. “I’m not leaving the fate of my home in the hands of those… scientists, who are very good at their jobs.”

Lois chuckled at Kara’s attempts to hide her true feelings. “So, you are saying that you control every aspect of the city, even the temperature. If you got out of bed one morning and decided you want cold weather, you could simply drop the temperature of the entire city regardless of citizens wishes. Is that correct?

Kara looked at the woman strangely. “Why would I do that? I like the temperature set at 74 degrees during the day and 70 at night. Why would I change it?”

“What if a citizen wanted it changed? Or the Council?”

Kara genuinely looked puzzled by the question. “I suppose if the Council had access to my systems they could do as they wished. Good luck getting past my security measures.”

Lois looked at her sharply, finally getting Kara to nibble at the bait. “So not only have you saved the lives of everyone in Argo City, but you control their lives too?”

“No! I wouldn’t put it that way.” Kara exclaimed.

“What way would you put it?” Lois asked innocently.

Kara let out a deep breath, grabbed her Mother’s wine glass and took a long drink, wishing alcohol could affect her at the moment. “You see, my systems are extremely sensitive. If the wrong person got a hold of them, that person could wreak havoc, possibly kill our citizens.”

“And yet you are the only one in control and have been on Earth for a while now, putting not only yourself but all of Argo City at risk just by being the only one with access to the life support systems of the city.” Lois stated.

“My systems are automated.” Kara responded heatedly.

“For how long?” Lois asked. “Heaven forbid, if you were to die, how long could the people survive since no one has access to your security systems?”

“Mother?” Kara asked, her voice rising in pitch. “Would you like to explain to her why… I don’t plan to die. I also will not leave the life support of my home in the hands of lesser scientists. The balance is too important. Tell her, Mother.”

Alura waved her hand towards Kara. “I’m done.”

Lois smirked and continued. “Who decided what type of animals and birds live on Argo City?”

“I developed them from surviving DNA and changed the DNA sequencing to make them non-threatening to the citizens then cloned the appropriate number.” Kara told her warily, though her pride couldn’t help but come through in her answer.

“Did the Council have any say in what creatures could exist?” Lois asked.

Kara nearly laughed. “Why would I ask the opinion of people who could not understand what I am doing or what needs to be done?”

Lois nodded, continued her line of questioning. “So you know what is best for Argo City?”

Kara nodded. “Now you are getting it.”

“But isn’t the Council responsible for the safety of Argo City?” Lois asked.

Kara stared at the woman and clenched her fists to relieve tension. “No, they are responsible for keeping the peace among the citizens, leaving the science to me. They just relax and enjoy the life I provide and let me worry about the details.”

Lois laughed out loud, seeing the arrogance she had suspected in Kara coming to light. “Wow. I thought your Mother, Aunt and Uncle controlled Argo City. But you are essentially a god to them.”

Kara’s cheeks turned bright red, her anger finally coming through. “There is only one god Kryptonians worship and that is Rao!”

Lois nodded her head. “Yet you control every aspect of their life, even the food they eat, the wildlife that surrounds them and the temperature of their environment, begin projects and experiments with absolutely no oversight. You can basically do what you want, whenever you want.”

“That isn’t true!” Kara exclaimed angrily.

“Isn’t it? What part did I get wrong?” Lois asked calmly.

Kara face was definitely red now. “You… you… you wouldn’t understand!”

“Because I’m human?” Lois asked curiously.

Anger evident along every line of her body, Kara exploded. “No, because you aren’t me! When I built Argo City back from the ground up, I was surrounded by idiots who offered wild suggestions and had no idea what they were doing! My father gave his life to save our city and someone had to take charge before we all died, so I did!”

Lois raised her arms in a calming gesture. “I get that, Kara… I really do. I’m just trying to understand a bit more of how life works on Argo City. I will be raising my child there after all… and I’m not saying you are wrong.”

Kara took a deep breath, obviously working to calm down. “Fine. As I said, there is nothing I have said that my people do not know about.”

“Your people?”

Kara said nothing, glaring at the woman.

Lois hid a smile. “Let’s talk about Military projects. Since there are no secrets, there is no reason the public can’t know about that. I am interested in the process of how weapons are designed. Are you approached by a Military committee with requests for specific weapons?”

Kara continued to calm herself and shook her head. Then nodded. Then looked very confused. “Aunt Astra or Uncle Non usually ask me if it’s possible to make something and I make it.”

Lois looked at her blankly. “That’s it? You four are sitting around the table having dinner and your Aunt or Uncle says, ‘Hey Kara, can you make me a superweapon?’ and you say, ‘Sure’?”

“Well, sometimes they come to my lab or ask me in the gym during training.” Kara corrected.

“And what weapons have you created for them? Or are you allowed to say?”

“The usual. Missile upgrades, stronger pulse cannons, and the solar storm cannon… can I talk about that, Uncle Non?”

“It’s not a secret.” Non replied. “Kara developed an Alphahedron, a larger scale Omegahedron that can absorb half the power of a star and drain solar rays from surrounding stars and planets then unleash the energy in a powerful wave of mass destruction… a huge concentrated blast that will disintegrate anything in its path. We hope to never be in a position where we have to use it.”

The color drained from Lois’s face and her mouth opened slightly in awe. “Holy shit.”

“Indeed.” Non agreed. “I said something similar when we first tested it.”

The reporter shook her head. “That’s… what if an enemy were to somehow reach the surface past the ship’s defenses? Are there ground defenses?”

Lois had directed the question to Non, but it was Kara who answered. “The enemy really doesn’t want to do that. That reminds me, Uncle Non… I need to modify the you know what, so it doesn’t affect you know who… I mean Lois, of course.”

Non dropped his head, wishing that Kara would just shut up.

“The what needs to be modified?” Lois asked, now very invested in this topic and a little worried. “No secrets, right?”

Kara looked at Non who shrugged his shoulders. “You started this.”

Alura spoke up then. “She doesn’t like to talk about it, Non, you know this.”

Kara sighed, rubbing her temples to relieve the tension building from Lois’s inquisition. “I did it and I have no problems answering for it. Besides, Alex already knows.”

Forcing herself to relax, she replied, “My father started developing a virus as a last defense of our planet, but the project was put on hold when saving Argo, saving our people, took priority. After things were settled on Argo City, I finished his work. I will need to modify it so if it is ever used it will not affect humans. It’s called the Medusa Virus.

“Father named it after the mythological creature from the human stories. It’s an airborne virus that can be released into the planet’s atmosphere. It cannot be stopped by any filter or chemical suit. If an invader steps onto our planet, the virus will be released, entering their bodies and turning all fluids, blood included, into a stone like substance. It is fast and wide spread. Should the worst ever happen, it will be used.”

For once, Lois was struck silent, wide-eyed, trying to wrap her mind around the idea of such a weapon.

“Holy shit.” the woman finally whispered, shivering despite the comfortable temperature in the room.

“I said much the same thing when I heard about it.” Non agreed.

“And you are the only one who has access, Kara?” Lois asked, her voice a little shaky.

The blonde shook her head. “I don’t have access. Only my Mother, Aunt and Uncle have access. As leader of our military, Aunt Astra would be the one to make the decision to initiate its use with the consent of the High Councilor… my mother. If Aunt Astra were unable to give the order, Uncle Non would initiate its release with mother’s approval as he is second-in-command of the military.”

The room was silent, even Kal El looked shocked.

Lois cleared her throat. “So… the House of El has the only access to release a biological weapon that would kill any invaders immediately.”

Kara nodded, her expression earnest. “I wish it weren’t needed but I would rather be responsible for the death of thousands of enemies than risk the life of one Kryptonian. If any race wishes to make war on us, they will die. Being the Head of the Science Guild is not all about setting temperatures and creating cute animals. I have to make hard decisions and I know that every project I complete could be life or death.”

“So, no… I don’t trust the other scientists. They aren’t me. I realize that sounds incredibly arrogant, but I cannot trust the survival of Krypton to those who could make mistakes. I may make mistakes, but only ever in controlled environments… and I never give my people something or have done anything that could harm them.

“I live with the pressure that every decision I make could possibly end my race if I am not perfect so what makes you think I’m going to allow these decisions in the hands of lesser scientists?” Kara’s tone was matter-of-fact, showing no emotion, but Lois was finally beginning to see and understand why the weight of the entire Kryptonian race rested firmly on the young blonde’s shoulders.

Kara’s gaze was locked on Lois as she continued, her tone serious, her tense posture a testament to how much anger she was holding back. “Does the House of El have immense power over Argo City and all Kryptonians? Yes, we do. Do I receive special treatment? Yes, I do. I get fighter crafts for my birthday. I wear the best dresses, I am unquestioned, and I have no oversight.

“I am also followed everywhere I go by bodyguards and have trackers embedded in my bones. I am treated like some celestial being by my people. Kryptonians are ordered not to approach me, speak to me or even touch me. Areas I walk through are cleared out by my bodyguards because ‘ Rao’s Hand ‘ is not to be distracted.” Kara tone was now decidedly sarcastically, Non and Alura looked away, obviously realizing the younger El was still highly irritated about these revelations even if she understood their necessity.

“The House of El has a lot of power but it is necessary for now. Do you think I enjoy not being able to sleep soundly at night, my mind never turning off, afraid that if I make one mistake it could end us all?

“Lois, I never asked for any of it. I just wanted to hang out with my Father, come home to eat with my family and be tucked into bed by my parents. Life isn’t fair though. I was chosen for this and I have no regrets about my actions, I cannot afford to. I trust in Rao to guide me.”

Lois was silent after that, not knowing what else to say. Yes, the House of El controlled what was left of Krypton, had been the most influential family even before the planet’s destruction. But without the House of El, there would be no surviving Kryptonians. It was also obvious there would be no future for those survivors without the House of El, especially the young blonde whose eyes were glaring at her with an icy blue, cold intensity.

She finally took a breath, shivering under the weight of that glare, the silence of the room becoming too much. “We should probably keep everything that was said here off the record.”

Non nodded in agreement. “Now you understand… that is the blessing and the curse of being a part of the House of El, even by marriage like myself and Astra. The problem is our people do know these things about us… they recognize how much power we have because they are the ones who gave it to us… and they are the ones who trust us to not abuse it.

“As I am sure you know from your life with Kal El, power can be a curse. One must police themselves in this situation. It is not easy, and I hope one day it will end but that time is far in the future. There is a plan my wife and I are developing that will hopefully provide more oversight. I would be glad to tell you about it, Lois.”

Lois was surprised anyone wanted to answer any questions after Kara admitted that the House of El held complete control over Argo City and none of them denied it. “I’d be glad to ask you some questions, General. Could I first ask what is it like to work under your wife? She is your only commanding officer, is she not?”

Non grinned wickedly. “I love to work under her. She can be very demanding, and I have no problem obeying her every command. Whatever she wants, I give it to her… whenever she wants. Serving her needs is my greatest joy in life. I mean that in a completely professional manner of course.”

Kara and Alura groaned, Kell and Kal tried to pretend they were part of the chairs they were sitting in, Alex chuckled and Lois, for one of the few times in her life, blushed.

“I see… wow… okay… what were you saying about a plan…”

Non explained, more serious now. “It’s a plan discussed by the House of El over dinner, brought up casually over the years. As you have discovered, that’s how most of Argo City’s decisions are made. As we look forward to a new home, it will be one of the first measures enacted and the groundwork will be laid soon. I have been grooming the person who will be in charge for years now, ever since I saw him about to attempt a jump on a damaged ankle that he could not hope to make to save a girl who was in grave peril… Kell.”

Kell looked at his General, obviously surprised. “Me?”

Non nodded his head. “You. There is a reason I refused your request years ago for Red Shard training. I was never grooming you to be Kara’s Mate. I am glad that worked out, though Lois will accuse us of gathering more power for the House of El.

“We, my sister-in-law, wife and I, have spoken for years about an expansive government. Some things will have to wait until we are settled and begin truly growing our population, but some things can and will be put in place very soon.

“As of now, Argo City is patrolled and protected by soldiers. When we land on our new planet and begin to spread out and populate it, great tensions will arise, much like what occurred after Krypton was destroyed.”

Lois cut in, still wanting to guide the interview. “What sort of tension?”

“Arguments may turn to physical confrontation, stealing from others for fear they may not have what they need for survival, things of that matter. Order will need to be kept. However, historically having a military police state never works out well for the citizens. There needs to be a separation of military and police. We need a police department that is full of members who are good at calming arguments, maintaining composure in the face of whatever crisis may come and can defend innocents without using lethal weapons.

“Kell is a protector. He will be forming a police force, one modeled off police forces similar to some on this planet… countries like Great Britain that do not carry guns. The idea will be to protect the people, not oppress them. Only our military will be allowed to carry weapons and that is only during training or combat. I suppose you would say we will have a strict gun control policy.”

Kell sat back and took that in. “You want me to be a… ‘cop’?”

Non laughed at the expression on his protégé’s face. “Yes. It is a great responsibility. You will be starting something not even our former home had, and Rao has gifted us another who can assist you. Kal El knows what it is to protect the innocent without violence, yet both of you recognize when it has to be done because no other choice remains. The two of you will work together to bring a new peacekeeping force to our planet while the military focuses on protecting our planet from enemies beyond. There will be an automatic spot on the Council for the head… the two of you can work that out between yourselves.

“Other non-elected positions will be developed so the number of Council seats open to citizen elections shall grow as well. The elected shall always outnumber the appointed, sort of a check and balance to ensure the House of El does not become dictators.

“So… what do you think, Lois?” Non asked, a knowing smile on his face.

The reporter wasn’t sure what to think. She had no idea so much planning had been put into the future already. “Honestly, it sounds… impressive.”

Non clapped his hands. “I am glad you approve. Now we just have to lie to the citizens as to why the Mother of the next member of the House of El is pregnant before marriage, either by human customs or Kryptonian customs. What do you think, Alura? Would you like to conduct that interview or perhaps the High Priestess?”

Alura smiled and folded her hands, leaning back into the chair. “I would love to conduct that interview. I’m sure we can think of some way to… spin it… isn’t that what you called it earlier, Lois?”

Lois glanced at Kal who was no longer looking at her.

Instead of answering, Lois looked towards Kara. “Kara, is it true that you were on a beach wearing almost no clothes, breaking cultural protocols with your mate before bonding and you threatened to shove a Green Lantern’s power ring up her ass, just for speaking to your mate before he was actually your mate?”

Kara’s disbelieving eyes turned towards Alex, who had listened quietly, though intently to the discussion concerning her potential future home.

“I thought it was a funny story and I was proud you stood up to her! I didn’t know it was going to be front page news for the Argo City Gazette!” Alex defended herself, raising her hands in surrender.

Seeing she had Kara backed into a proverbial corner, Lois zeroed in on the blonde to put the spotlight back on her soon-to-be cousin and off herself. “What about the other clothes you have worn, the skirts, tight tops and pants, rolling up t-shirts to show those six pack abs…”

“Pizza is here. Interview is over.” Kara said immediately getting up from the sofa and moving quickly to the door to meet Hal.

“Lois,” Non spoke, “I can understand your concern. Seeing what corruption has done to the human race in areas such as politics can make anyone wary. What you will come to understand is Kryptonians are different. We don’t desire power for the sake of having it. What humans see as power, we see as responsibility. Every citizen does their part to ensure the happiness of our people.”

Lois thought for a moment. “Zod was Kryptonian. Didn’t he lead a group of soldiers in a coup attempt to grab that power for himself?”

Non nodded. “Yes, he did, and citizens and soldiers united to stop him, imprison him. I’m not saying Kryptonians are perfect. Zod was an abnormality, the type we must always be prepared for. I am just saying, I think once you begin to know our people, you will realize there are many differences between us and humans. I wish you could be on the Council but unfortunately, that can’t happen.”

Lois huffed. “Because I’m a human, right?”

To her surprise, Non laughed and shook his head.

“No, it’s because the only reporter on the planet would be furious if the House of El had any more members on the Council. I suppose you and I can sit together and watch the meetings.” he finished, winking at her.

Kara heard them laughing as she helped Hal line pizza boxes up on the table, taking her time so she wouldn’t have to face more of Lois’s questions… questions that had her questioning herself now.

Hearing someone coming up behind her, she turned, expecting Lois, but instead, she found a somewhat nervous-looking Alex. “Hey, can we grab a couple of these and go outside? I’d like to talk to you away from everyone.”

Kara nodded, her mind on alert as she grabbed one of the extra-large pizzas. She quietly moved towards the door not wanting to bring attention to them. “What’s going on? Has something happened while I was sleeping? This is why I never sleep. Of course I don’t exactly remember going to sleep…”

Alex interrupted her, pointing out, “Kara, you passed out after a nearly fifty-hour procedure during which you refused to take a break.”

Still annoyed by Lois’s interrogation, the blonde began to protest, “I couldn’t take…”

Alex raised her hand, shaking her head in understanding. “I know, Kara. I get it, it’s like a song. You can stop in mid chorus and then pick it up again, but it will never sound the same. Rhythm is everything. That’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Kara was surprised that Alex’s words were nearly the same as she had told Kelex days ago. “So, what would you like to speak about? While I am working on the Life Equation, perhaps we can travel? Maybe we can take Mother to Paris? I would like for Kell to take me to the Eiffel Tower. I read that it is romantic, but I want him to come up with the idea himself. His gift of an engagement ring was so romantic, and I hear Paris is the city of romance, right? We never did go sailing. Would you like to go sailing?”

Alex looked around and motioned towards the lake. “Let’s take a walk.”

Kara, though slightly apprehensive, still managed to wipe out the pizza while staying by her friend’s side as the two quietly walked around the edge of the water until they were a good distance away from the house. She knew her guards were nearby, but they were giving the two an illusion of privacy.

When they stopped, Alex closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “A few days ago, I had an enlightening conversation with your Uncle. Has he said anything to you about me? Do you know what he has offered me?”

Kara shook her head, wondering what the offer could be. It was obvious from her Aunt and Uncle’s reaction to Alex that they both greatly admired her as Kara did. Yet they couldn’t have possibly thought Alex would be interested in a position in their military, no matter how many cool weapons they had. “He hasn’t mentioned anything to me.”

Alex nearly cringed. A part of her hoped Non wasn’t telling the truth, that Kara had at least some idea of what he wanted from her, just to avoid this very situation.

She closed her eyes, sucking in a big breath. Blinking, she looked at the encouraging expression on her friend’s face, gaining a bit of confidence. “He has asked me to come to Argo, to be a member of the House of El, to work in the Science Guild… with you.”

Kara’s face showed the surprise that Alex expected. The Agent had no idea what she expected next though and was without any expectations, waiting on Kara’s response.

“Work with me? Doing what?” Kara asked, quietly, not meeting Alex’s eyes but turning to stare at the water.

Alex sighed, her legs no longer seemed to want to hold her up. She sat down by the water line and crossed her arms. After a moment, Kara joined her in the grass, neither girl looking at the other.

Glancing at her silent companion, Alex thought through how to phrase what she wanted to say without appearing like she was butting into Kara’s life… at least in a bad way. After talking with Winn, she knew she wanted to work with the blonde and was excited by the opportunity, but not if Kara didn’t want her or was feeling forced to take her on her team.

She finally decided to just talk, leaving nothing on the table. If she and the blonde were possibly going to work together, there needed to be no secrets, no awkwardness between them. “You are not just going to terraform a planet, you plan to jumpstart evolution by billions of years, right?”

Kara nodded her head, noticeably relaxing slightly. “That’s my plan. I can only clone so many animals. The water and air will be livable, but we cannot live on a planet devoid of life. I suspect the former life that inhabited the planet may come to fruition again. I’m not sure what that will mean, in terms of possible diseases, threats of predators, possible food sources, things like that.

“Argo City will remain protected by our shield while I observe the ecosystem developing. I know how to do it, but there are millions of variables I will have to react to. Rebuilding a planet in such a short time will be a dangerous undertaking but one I am confident I can accomplish.”

Alex chuckled, not surprised by the answer, nor the blonde’s confidence in her abilities. “And I suppose you can do all this yourself, monitor the growth of a planet that should take billions of years in a couple of years, while taking care of your other projects? You plan to go into the field on your own, conduct studies, take samples, eliminate harmful viruses?”

Kara nodded her head. “That’s the idea.”

“When do you plan to sleep?” Alex asked.

“I don’t.” Kara answered simply.

Alex smiled at the blonde fondly, knowing Kara meant what she said and would try to accomplish everything by herself. “Kara, you can’t do it on your own. Everyone needs help sometimes, even you. Non believes I can help you… be your partner… that with my skills, I can be your eyes, ears and hands by exploring the planet, gathering the data, going into the unknown regions and doing whatever else is necessary. That gives you the freedom to do what you do best: putting all that information together in your brilliant mind and creating life, guiding the process while overseeing your other projects without wearing yourself out.

“I’ve spent the past few days thinking of nothing else… and I would very much like to be your partner. I think the two of us, as well as your other scientists, could make a great team.”

Kara looked at Alex, an incredulous expression on her face. “You would want this? To be my partner? To leave your home? To go into possibly hostile regions, risk your life for a race that you owe nothing to?”

Alex shrugged her shoulders, still smiling. “I’ve been taking risks my whole life. Yes, I would risk it for your people… I would risk it for you.”

Kara was staring at her, her expression thoughtful, her eyes focused on her companion. Slowly, she smiled and stood, helping Alex do the same. “I would love to have your assistance, Alex.”

Alex cringed at that statement. “Yeah, about that. Do you know what a sidekick is?”

Kara nodded. “Lois explained it to me in really angry detail. She was not happy I was labeled as one by Cat Grant.”

“Yeah… see, here is the thing. I’m no one’s sidekick.” Alex tried to explain.

Kara raised an eyebrow, not sure what that meant. “Has someone asked you to be?”

“No, but it is something a person could fall easily into. I know you have always worked alone. If we do this, we are going to be partners, meaning we work together, side by side. Do you understand what I mean?”

Kara nodded, but she seemed confused by the question, so Alex explained what she meant, knowing they needed to be on the same page so there were no misunderstandings between them. “You aren’t used to working with someone. You are used to people working for you. I will work with you, not for you. It may seem like a trivial distinction, but it makes a huge difference.

“I see our partnership similar to my working relationship at the DEO with J’onn. I will respect your position as Head of the Science Guild when we are with the other scientists, the council, whoever, but when it’s just the two of us, just like with me and J’onn, we talk things out, work together, spread the work out so neither of us burn out.”

The fond expression returned to the agent’s face. “Kara, in this short amount of time that I’ve known you, I’ve come to care about you and your people. I really want to partner with you, but I don’t want to become involved unless you want this too. If you don’t believe you can work with a partner, I don’t want this.”

Kara crossed her arms and closed her eyes, in deep thought while Alex watched her closely.

Kara understood Alex’s point now. Her friend had worked hard to be in a position in her organization where she was second-in-command of both the military aspects as well as the scientific ones. She was taken seriously and respected by her director, her peers and subordinates.

Alex’s pride in her work and abilities matched Kara’s own. By working as Kara’s partner from the beginning, she would gain a reprieve from the judgement of her scientists, giving Alex time to prove her worth to them and the rest of her people. Earth and Krypton were inextricably bound together now, and it would be good for her people to get used to the idea that humans were capable of great things and could help them in ways they couldn’t see now. She knew Alex would win them over and she didn’t doubt Alex’s abilities. In addition, she trusted Alex and the thought of working closely with her friend made her incredibly happy.

“I haven’t had a true partner since my Father died.” she finally told Alex, opening her watery eyes. “You are my friend, Alex. It would be an honor to have you as my partner.”

Kara offered her hand and a grinning Alex shook it. Then she found herself in the tight embrace of the blonde Kryptonian, greatly relieved and contented.

“I want to let you know, and this doesn’t affect my decision to join you, but I am going to ask your uncle if Winn can accompany us. He’s been an invaluable member of my DEO team and I know he can be a great asset to Argo and your people too. He’s really bright and a tech genius… at least in Earth terms.”

“Winn? Your friend?” Kara asked hesitantly, remembering the excitable young man.

Alex nodded, pulling back slightly so she could see her friend’s expression as she picked up Kara’s uncertainty. “Yeah, he’s my best friend, I guess… he’s the closest thing I have to family besides J’onn. We know pretty much everything about each other, have a lot in common, talk about our hopes, fears, heartbreaks… a lot of heartbreaks.”

“He’s your best friend.” Kara said quietly, more to herself than Alex.

Kara smiled slightly. “I have a best friend too, her name is Thora. I wish I had the chance to introduce you when we were in Argo City, but we didn’t have enough time. I’m sure you will get to know her.”

Changing subjects quickly as she was wont to do, Kara said, “I need to call a Science Guild meeting and introduce you, explain what your role will be. Right now though, I need to talk to Kelex about a plan for Brainiac I am considering. Sound good?”

Alex agreed, her smile reaching her eyes in her excitement and Kara pulled her into another hug. “I really am glad you are coming with us, Alex.”

Kara’s smile fell a bit as she added, “I am sure your best friend will make a welcome addition.”

“Thanks, Kara… I’m glad I’m coming, too. I’m really, really happy to be working with you.” Alex’s joy was palatable. She broke their embrace, a huge smile on her face as she picked up the empty pizza box and headed back to the house.

Kara watched Alex walk away with a mixture of emotions. She was ecstatic that Alex was coming along but a part of her felt saddened for some reason. She saw Kelex moving towards the scout ship, so she walked to meet him at the entrance.

Once they entered, she said, “Kelex, please contact Aunt Astra through the commlink and have her connect me to Thora.”

Ten minutes later, after some hassling and complaining by her aunt about not being Kara’s personal messaging service, Astra did as she wished.

Thora’s image appeared in front of Kara. “Kara! I have been so worried about you! How could you not tell me you were going? I had no idea until everyone else found out after you were already gone!”

Kara smiled. “How are you? I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you on your pregnancy.”

Thora rolled her eyes playfully. “No, you haven’t, skipping off to other planets like you have been. Tell me everything going on. So many people have been asking me for details about you. I’m beginning to become a bit embarrassed that I have been left out of the loop.”

Kara should have laughed or felt a bit apologetic, but she didn’t. “I made the decision to go at the last minute and didn’t tell anyone.”

Thora brushed that off. “Whatever. Tell me about your mate! Pictures have been going around and he looks hot. I can’t believe you are finally doing it. Mating I mean. You are going to love being a wife. If you hurry and become pregnant, maybe our children can play together just like we did.”

Kara fought the urge to roll her eyes and got to the point of her call. “Thora, do you remember when we became friends?”

The girl laughed. “Of course, I do. Even at five that was a hard process to forget.”

Kara raised an eyebrow, alerted now, her suspicions growing. “What do you mean? We were neighbors, right?”

Thora obviously wasn’t sure what Kara was getting at. “Yeah, we were neighbors, but only after the selection process was over. My parents were so excited to move next to the House of El compound.”

Kara raised a hand to stop her. “What selection process?”

Thora looked confused. “You didn’t know?”

Kara shook her head. “I thought we began playing together when your family became our neighbors. We would go to the park…”

Thora snorted. “I wish it were that easy. My parents must have gone through at least three interviews with council members. Then I had to be interviewed. Can you imagine? A five-year-old being interviewed. Then this guy stayed with us for a while. Apparently, he was watching me to be sure I had no violent tendencies… like I could ever be violent. I guess he saw enough because we were moving not long after he left. I was told I could meet you and my parents were so excited…”

Kara stopped her. “Wait. You were interviewed, watched in your own home? Why would your parents go through that? Why would you even… I don’t understand.”

Thora shook her head seemingly amused. “I got the chance to interact with you, become your friend. Every child wanted to but only I was allowed. The children in school were so jealous. We had the best times, even if I couldn’t understand 99% of what you were talking about. I swear… I think you preferred playing with that annoying Kelex unit.

“Why are you asking about this? Let’s talk about bonding ceremonies and what you have been doing. Tell me about your mate and…”

Kara interrupted, cutting the flighty woman off in irritation. “Just to be clear, you went through an interview process, your entire House did, before you were allowed to move next to our compound and play with me?”

The girl nodded her head hesitantly, finally noticing Kara wasn’t happy. “I thought you knew. What’s the big deal? Want me to show you the maternity clothes I am designing for myself? I can’t wait to design yours. No worries, I know all your tastes. I’m making a special suit for Kell for the bonding ceremony. I suppose he could wear his military formal, but I think your Mother has something different in mind.”

Kara shook her head, no longer listening, inwardly simmering in anger even knowing it wasn’t really Thora’s fault. “I don’t have time right now. I just wanted to say hello.”

Thora held up her hand. “Wait, I need details. Everyone is asking me…”

Kara cut the feed off, ending the conversation.

She sat in silence for five minutes, Kelex hovering by her, staying quiet as she worked through whatever emotions and thoughts she was feeling. The robot had seen this many times, knew all her moods, her mannerisms, practically everything about her.

Kara finally spoke, her tone subdued. “I told you that you were my best friend. You’ve always been my only friend though, haven’t you?”

Kelex said nothing.

“Did you know?” she asked.

“No. Thora must have been selected to be your friend before I was activated.” he told her. “Will you bring this up with your Mother?”

“What’s the point, Kelex? It’s done. It’s no worse than finding out I have trackers in my bones. All Thora wants is information she can tell her other friends about what Kara Zor El is doing.” Kara laughed quietly, a lone tear escaping down her cheek before she was able to wipe it away. “You’ve observed normal Kryptonians, how they relate to each other. What is it like do you think? To just be normal?”

“Boring, I would imagine.” Kelex told her. “Look on the bright side. Until you get us both killed, we have each other.”

Kara snorted and smiled at her real best friend, her mood lightening a little. “Let’s get to business. My plan, my half a plan, isn’t going to work.”

“This would be the plan to force Brainiac’s ship to Earth, invade it and use his equipment to counter the Anti-Life Equation with your own?”

Kara nodded her head. “His ship can be knocked down, we know this now. If he isn’t frightened of the Corp or Apokolips defenses, he wouldn’t have needed to use a sneak attack. Megalomaniacs prefer to make a big show when they feel they cannot be stopped. His ship has to be brought down and be boarded. Doing that without harming the trapped civilizations inside though…”

“It may well be impossible. We may have to treat the situation as if those civilizations are gone.” Kelex pointed out.

Kara nodded her head. “We will do what we must. That isn’t my concern right now. Even if I were to use his technology to connect with the minds of humans, I would still be under his control. I would be hooked up to his interface. He would have a huge edge over me, and I can’t allow that… so I can’t fight him using his equipment.”

Kelex shook his head but was resigned to this, knowing where she was going. “I agree. That would be extremely dangerous, for you and the human race. Do you even have what you need?”

Kara nodded. “I think with the sunstone in Uncle Jor’s lab and the metals I retrieved from Apokolips, it is feasible. You know I remember every detail of everything I have ever seen, and I have seen all the black-listed projects. I can build it here, on Earth.”

“You realize if you cannot beat his neural transmission or lose control, you could very well go insane or perhaps have your own neural pathways destroyed. You would in essence be brain dead.” Kelex pointed out.

Kara smirked. “So, I guess I better not lose, huh?”

Kelex’s arms dropped in resignation. “Okay. Let’s build Myriad.”

To his surprise, Kara shook her head. “Not yet. Using Myriad on Earth could be considered an act of war, no matter what reason we use it. We need to talk to an authority. I want to go to Uncle Jor’s lab and converse with him… and the Guardians. They are the ones who have stepped up and protected the Universe at large, made the laws civilized planets live by. They have dedicated their protection to Argo City and assistance in building new Krypton. Before we do anything, I want their permission and advice.”

“You… are going to ask for permission and advice?” Kelex asked, his tone not hiding his disbelief.

“First time for everything, I guess. You know I like to surprise you.” Kara added, laughing now, finally letting go of her dejection. “Just don’t get used to it.”