Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 33:

The Scout Ship flew towards the Fortress of Solitude keeping pace with the duo it was trailing. Non, ten of his soldiers, Kell, Alura and Alex were on board. Non and Alura were watching the monitors showing the super cousins in flight, while Alex watched the pilot, dreaming of taking control of a ship even larger and more powerful than Kara’s fighter.

Seeing they had at least another thirty minutes to arrive, Alex glanced over at Non to see if he was busy before motioning with her head, silently asking to speak to the man.

He followed her off the bridge and into the dining area where Kell was lounging, engrossed in something on a computer-like tablet.

“Alex, I hope your conversation with Kara went well. Did you find the answers that you sought?” Non asked.

Alex smiled, her eyes lighting up. “I did. I’m in.”

It was a simple statement but Non knew it was the most important one she would make in her life. The General smiled, greatly pleased.

“I do have a request I would like for you to consider.” Alex said a little hesitantly.

Non’s smile faltered, wary because Kara often did this after agreeing to do something for him. It always came at a price with his niece.

“Of course.” He answered neutrally, keeping the smile on his face despite his apprehension.

Alex cleared her throat and met the General’s eyes. “I would like for my friend Winn to accompany us. He serves as my primary tech support at the DEO and is a technological genius. He also has a lot of experience monitoring me in the field and would be a great asset in helping me explore New Krypton.”

Non wanted to groan but maintained composure. While Astra had always been the better of the two of them at tactics, his skill lay in different areas. Astra was a genius at combat, positioning of weapons and ships, knowing what weapons to use and when, but Non’s expertise lay in people and how to utilize their talents for the good of all Krypton.

He watched those under his command, evaluated them and placed them in the best position to succeed based on his observations. He tended to go with his gut about people, just as he had the first time he met a young Kell. He observed the young man for years as they were stuck in the Phantom Zone on the Firebird, watched how he handled himself, interacted with others, his demeanor and bravery. He knew then what Kell could become and guided him in his journey and would continue to do so.

His skills were also the reason he knew Kara better than her own Mother and Aunt in many ways. He understood her, because he had the ability to put himself into other people’s heads, figure out what makes them tick through observation and research.

As far as the humans that were returning with them to Argo, Lois was the mate of Kal El so it was a given she would come with him. On the other hand, Alex was a brilliant scientist with combat training and the ability to explore unknown and potentially dangerous areas, someone who Non had been observing and evaluating since he first met her solely on the basis of how much his niece had been impressed by her. He knew Alex would fit in seamlessly with Kryptonians and their race.

But Winn was someone Non had never met or observed and that unsettled him. He would bring a different dynamic, one that Non had not evaluated in terms of ability or personality.

Essentially, Alex was asking to bring a complete unknown into his carefully crafted plans for the future. She had called it a request, not a demand but it didn’t matter. He wanted the relationship to get off to a good start and needed her to feel as comfortable as possible.

Looking at his protégé, he had a thought. “Kell?”

Not having followed the conversation between the two, Kell looked up attentively. “Yes, sir?”

“I have good news! Alex has agreed to return to Argo City with us and work with Kara to build our new planet.” Non told him.

Kell grinned at Alex and held out his fist for a bump, something Alex had taught him.

“Outstanding! The two of us can continue beating Kara’s bodyguards in training.” He said happily, winking at his smiling friend.

“She wants to bring her friend, Winn, with her. You have met him in combat and socially. What is your opinion of the man?” Non approached this question nonchalantly, not wanting to seem concerned, but genuinely wanting and trusting Kell thoughts.

Kell looked at Alex, expression thoughtful. “When I first met him, he was in a room without a weapon, his comrades either dead or lying incapacitated around him, hiding behind a fallen metal cabinet containing explosive materials, hoping to somehow get past a Dryad in order to stop a nuclear explosion from decimating National City.”

Kell paused for a moment. “He is either incredibly stupid or incredibly brave.”

“So… he is similar to you and Kara?” Non surmised.

Kell nodded, a huge smile on his face. “That would be a fair assessment, sir.”

Non turned to Alex and smiled. “Have him pack his bags and meet us at the Lake House, Alex. Kara has Kelex as her assistant. It is only fair that you should have Winn as yours.

Alex grinned. Despite the threat they were all facing, telling Winn he would be working on an alien planet would make all his life’s dreams come true. She was happy that she could give him that.

While Alex and Winn’s futures were being discussed in the ship, Superman flew in the air at unreal speeds, two hundred feet over the ocean, towards his Fortress. He should have been anxious, his mind on the threat to his adopted planet. Instead, he was smiling and streaking ahead of a recently familiar foe.

“You want me to slow down?” he called out over his shoulder to Kara as she desperately tried to keep up. “It can’t be easy since you have spent most of your life floating in a gym.”

Not slowing down in the least, he eventually felt small hands around his ankles. Thinking she would hold on to him by his feet and attempt to slow him down while tagging along for the ride, he was surprised to find her weight suddenly gone.

As well as his boots.

Stopping in midair, he looked back at his smirking cousin holding his boots.

“Maybe these will help me fly faster. Red socks? Really?” Kara said… then dropped the boots towards the water below.

Kal rolled his eyes and dove after them before they hit.

“Did you really think I would just let them fall into…” he began saying when a red and blue missile struck him from above, sending them both crashing into the water.

Kal knew Kara had her arms around his chest as far as she could stretch. He twirled attempting to spin her off underwater, but the girl held tight. Having enough, he shot to the surface, Kara tagging along. Once they broke surface, she pushed away from him and floated in the cold water.

“You left your boots behind. Those socks look soaked. I can’t believe you wear red socks.” she teased him.

Kal realized she was right about his boots and went back under, eventually finding them. He slipped them on and with a determined look swam up behind Kara who was floating at the surface. He grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arms around her. She tried to wiggle away but was having no luck.

“So Kara, are you ticklish?” Kal asked, an evil grin on his face.

“Of course not… what are you doing? Don’t do that! Stay away from my ribs!” The girl began hysterically laughing and trying to get away as one of Kal’s hand began moving over her ribcage lightly, just enough to make her squirm.

“Stop it! Don’t… this is abuse!” Kara squealed.

Kal tossed her into the water face first and grabbed onto her ankle, slipping her boot off with one hand and using the other to tickle her foot. Bubbles rose up as Kara began laughing underwater. She twisted over and kicked Kal away with her foot, then followed with a splash that could have been considered a tsunami.

Kal dove under the water and popped up in front of her, holding her boot in hand.

“You want to talk about red socks? You aren’t wearing any socks at all!”

“My feet don’t stink!” Kara protested, though laughing. “I don’t need socks! Give me back my boot!”

“Come and take it.” Kal challenged, flying out of the water, only to have Kara land on top of him and push them both back under.

A wrestling match ensued underwater, this time Kal attacking her armpits, another ticklish spot he had discovered while Kara twisted and turned, finally taking her boot back. They both flew to the surface, prepared to launch waves at each other until they heard a clearing of a throat just above them.

Non stood in the air, arms crossed, shaking his head.

“And to think… there was once a time I wished the two of you had grown up together. We are on our way for an important meeting with the Guardians of the Universe to discuss the use of a black-listed Kryptonian weapon with the ability to take over the minds of an entire planet and you two decided this is the time to play games.” Non said, not bothering to conceal his irritation.

Kara floated in the air up to him, shrugging her shoulders. “Carpe Diem, you know? YOLO?” she pointed out and made a move towards Non, flying forward until his hand shot out to her forehead and she stopped, prone in the air.

“You two can play after we are done. Perhaps a snowball fight? For now, I need the two children of the House of El to act like adults for at least two hours. Any chance of that happening?”

Kal El floated beside Kara, a sheepish look on his face. “Apologies, General…”

“Don’t apologize, Kal, grab his feet while I grab his torso.” the blonde ordered.

Kal grinned and did as told, wrapping the general’s legs while Kara knocked him back sending all three into the water and deep underneath.

Superman and Supergirl shot back to the top, rising above the surface, laughing at a very wet Non who joined them seconds later, his eyes closed in frustration.

“Children. Earth’s greatest hope rests in the hands of children.” the man whispered, disgruntled as he returned to the scout ship high above.

“Want to race to the Fortress again? The more you practice the faster you might become. It couldn’t hurt anyway.” Kal El pointed out playfully.

Kara scowled at her cousin. “Keep it up and I’ll find out if you’re ticklish. Heat vision battle after this meeting.”

“You really don’t want to battle me with heat vision.” Kal warned her.

“I really do. First though, I need to take care of this meeting. You will have to try to keep up with what’s being said. Every lab assistant needs to have some semblance of knowledge on the project while they hand over tools to their boss. That’s me. I’m the boss.” She smirked, wiggling her eyebrows at her grinning cousin.

Kal shook his head. “Not on this planet. I’ll give you a head start. When I catch you, we will see who the lab assistant is… sidekick.”

Kara winced. “Ouch. That hurt. Well done.”

The two laughed and flew towards the Fortress.

Shortly before their arrival, Kara admitted, “I need to tell you something. I invited J’onn.”

Kal closed his eyes but kept flying. “Any reason why?”

Kara heard the annoyance in his voice. She knew he would feel this way. “Because Brainiac is going to use some sort of technology to telepathically enter the minds of the human race. I will be using my own technology to hopefully counter his. I need a telepath who knows how this can be done safely without lobotomizing the world. I can meet with him alone somewhere else, but I would prefer he be in the meeting. He can be a great asset.”

“Or make things worse.” Kal grumbled as he continued to fly.

“If he had never kept that kryptonite, would the two of you still be friends?” Kara asked, genuinely wanting to know.

Kal El thought for a moment. He and J’onn had been close friends before that. While Bruce never trusted anyone who could alter his mind, or really anyone at all, and Diana wanted the kryptonite in Themyscira causing her not to trust J’onn, he would have remained friends with the Martian if not for that incident.

“I suppose so.” Kal admitted. “But Kara…”

“Please, Kal?” Kara pleaded. “I might need him. Kryptonite doesn’t matter right now. Stopping Brainiac is more important than your grudge, isn’t it?”

Kal grudgingly conceded she had a point. “Just be careful around him. If you plan to do something he doesn’t agree with, he will not hesitate to use any means to stop you, including kryptonite. Despite being outnumbered, he would try regardless.

“You should also know he has a special hatred for the Guardians. He believes the Corp stood by and allowed his people to be slaughtered.”

“Didn’t they?” Kara asked, flying up beside him.

Kal shook his head. “The Lanterns do not become involved in civil wars. If they did, they would constantly be stopping Earth’s wars and forcing one government on them. It would be no different than invasion. I don’t like it and neither do the Lanterns, but it is a very grey area, one could easily go from protectors of a planet to conquerors.

“Look at it this way… assisting in stopping crime or battling aliens intent on harming a native species is one thing. Picking a side of a native species and assisting them in war is something different. I could have ended many battles the world has fought by stopping one side or the other… or even both but then I would be no better than a conqueror, forcing my beliefs on another planet. It’s a fine line to walk, Kara.”

Kara could see his point. It was a fine line.

While the Guardians were considered an authority by most higher level planets, many planets did not recognize this authority or care to live under it. The Guardians tended to keep Green Lanterns out of the affairs of those planets unless they attempted to invade another.

Krypton had a partnership with Oa, an equal exchange of ideas and support for each other. If not for that partnership, it is doubtful Krypton would have agreed to answer to the Guardians and Oa either.

The two landed in front of the Fortress as the Scout ship was settling on a flat chunk of ice close to the door. As the group disembarked from the ship, Hal Jordan finally landed, having been left miles behind by the Super Cousins.

As they walked towards the Fortress, they found J’onn J’onzz in his Martian form waiting for them at the door. The Martian had been here many times in the past, but it had been many years ago.

Kara reached out her hand. “Thank you for coming, J’onn.”

“Of course.” J’onn told her, smiling and taking her hand. “I’ll admit, I was surprised you called or Kal would allow me here.”

Kara looked at her cousin guiltily. “I didn’t tell him until twenty minutes ago. We discussed the situation and he is cool with it, right, Kal?”

Kal met J’onn’s eyes and nodded. “Yes, we need everyone to defeat this monster. This is bigger than our disagreements.”

The large group walked into the Fortress, stopping at Kara’s request just past the doorway of the Fortress.

“I need to have a talk with Jor El first. Could I have a few moments?” she asked.

The group didn’t seem to care, not that Kara waited for them regardless. She was already moving towards the center of the Fortress.

Once there, she called out to him. “Ghost Uncle! Show yourself!”

The image of Jor El appeared before her. “Why are there so many people in the Fortress of Solitude? Perhaps you do not understand the definition of solitude?”

Kara glared at the man for a moment. “Where is it?”

“Where is what?” Jor El asked.

Kara stepped closer to the hologram. “ Where. Is. The. Codex ?”

Jor El sighed. “Kal El told you?”

“The question is when you were planning to tell me?!” Kara exclaimed.

Jor El smiled at his niece warmly. “I assumed when you left to go back to where you belong, you would leave Kal El a device to contact you. I had hoped a few months after your bonding, you would become pregnant and I planned to tell you then.”

Kara’s eyes widened, anger erupting.

“You wanted me to get pregnant first? You are such an asshole!” she shouted, flipping the bird at the man. “For your information, I wasn’t planning on having children naturally! Since my Mother insists on grandchildren, I can now build the Genesis Chamber, use the Codex to have babies, then pass them off to Kelex to take care of and Mother can get off my back! Now where is it?”

Jor El actually laughed, infuriating Kara even more. “You have such amazing maternal instincts, it warms my heart. Kal El will give it to you. For now though, I would suggest leaving it in the Fortress until you go back since you have a tendency to break things.

“Now, why are there so many people in the Fortress?”

Kara bit her tongue and tried to control her anger, taking deep breaths. “We are having a meeting with the Guardians.”

Jor El smirked. “Are they upset that you have lobotomized a human, trying to turn inorganic matter into organic matter? Or perhaps you need help determining how Brainiac is entering the system unnoticed?”

Kara smiled wickedly. “The human I performed the operation on is perfectly healthy with no cerebral or physical damage. I also know how Brainiac is entering the system, negated his ability and figured out how to create interdimensional tears through the Universe so I can step anywhere I want to in the blink of an eye.”

Jor El frowned. “You can cut through seven dimensions of time? Impossible. To do that, you would need…”

“A device no larger than my palm. Yep, I did it. And it’s ten dimensions. Sorry you weren’t capable of figuring it out first, Ghost Uncle.” Kara pointed out with a large smile. “We are having a meeting with the Guardians to discuss my idea of building Myriad to counter Brainiac’s…”

“Have you lost your mind?” Jor El’s hologram practically shrieked. “Myriad was blacklisted for a reason! If you attempt to enter the minds of billions of sentients while Brainiac is doing the same, the worst case would be the mental destruction of all human life! The best case scenario would be you becoming brain dead! Of all the stupid ideas you and my Brother have come up with, this one is definitely in the top five!”

Kara shook her head, frustrated. “This wouldn’t even make the top twenty… and I greatly disagree with your ‘best case scenario’. I do not plan to enter the minds of seven billion sentients unless there is no choice. I plan to counter his neurological connection with mine, locking us in a battle between his mind and mine.”

Jor rolled his holographic eyes. “He will have direct access to your mind and plant the Anti-Life Equation.”

Kara crossed her arms. “No, we will be on an even playing field. I will counter him with Myriad’s Q Waves, then place the Life Equation in his mind. I believe it will destroy his neurological functions and perhaps weaken or destroy his link to his ship. The Green Lanterns will be able to break his shield allowing Kal and his friends to invade the ship, taking out Brainiac’s physical form.”

Jor El was quiet at her explanation, appearing deep in thought. “I can see your plan has merit… assuming you can overpower him mentally. Have you developed a Life Equation?”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “It’s coming along nicely.”

Jor El scoffed at her. “It’s coming along nicely. I’ve heard that from my brother hundreds of times, usually before an explosion occurs.

“Have you considered erecting a particle shield over Earth? He may well send androids to distract Kal El and his comrades preventing them and the Green Lanterns from attacking.”

“I ran the numbers in my lab.” Kara told him. “There isn’t enough power on Earth to build a planetary shield, not even with the number of Omegahedrons in the Fortress. It’s a big planet. Any weak spots can cause the whole thing to collapse and endanger humans below it with possible radiation. If the Lanterns focus on his shield, the ship can be brought to Earth.”

Jor looked doubtful. “Even if the Green Lanterns try to break the shield, he will have many weapons on board to defend the ship. It will not be as simple as merging hundreds of power rings into a single blast to destroy the shield. Getting the ship to Earth…”

“I have half a plan for that, okay?” Kara told the hologram. “This meeting is about Myriad.”

Jor El raised an eyebrow. “You are asking for the opinion of others? This is a new development. I assumed you acted as your Father, doing whatever you want without any oversight.”

“You mean my Father and you?” Kara snapped, knowing the truth. “Don’t act like you are such a rule abiding citizen. I know about all your projects. For instance, absorbing inorganic material into knowledge crystals, making weapons with Sunstone that could open up “ small vacuums in space ” to suck enemy ships into. Do you remember that time you were so sure you could improve Rann Transporter technology by opening atomic reactions into the subatomic field, risking small scale supernovas on the other side? I also know about the gravity cannon that threw Parallax into the sun. I don’t think you asked anyone for permission for that project, did you? And what about the time you were convinced you could take out the Sun Eater and redistribute the radiation to mix with Phantom Zone energy…”

“Enough!” Jor El practically shouted. “I see your point. Asking for permission has never been a strong suit of the House of El. Let’s begin this meeting so everyone may leave the Fortress and I can reclaim my solitude.”

Soon enough, the guests had been brought in and Hal Jordan had his power battery showing a hologram of three Guardians. She recognized one who her Father had met with on their last trip to Oa and believed him to be a scientist.

Kara explained her plan to those in the room.

Silence followed.

“You know how reckless this is?” J’onn finally asked. “I realize you have used some celestial being to telepathically communicate in the Phantom Zone but if you miss Brainiac’s signal you will have to enter the minds of every being on this planet! You would hear the thoughts of everyone, feel the belief, the certainty of the Anti-Life Equation, breaking through your mental barriers. That is a tall order for the best telepaths in the Universe. You are not a telepath.”

Kara looked at the Martian and nodded her head. “I will know when he launches his telepathic attack. Q Waves do register on the universal scale and they are the only way I know of to manipulate and enter a sentient mind so he will be using Q Waves. Myriad does the same and I can counter before he enters human minds. Even if he succeeds, I can enter his mind, plant my equation in his mind and cause him…”

J’onn shook his head and crossed his arms. “That is extremely dangerous. Not only to humans but to yourself. Have you considered the difficulty in trying to fight a being who had been reading the thoughts of the billions of sentients caught in his stasis fields? He has experience. He could very well force you out of his mind despite Myriad.”

Kara nodded her head. “Exactly. I don’t have the experience… but you do. I need you with me, J’onn… I need your help. We would both be hooked up to Myriad. Best case scenario, the two of us take on Brainiac. The worst case is we will have billions of minds to heal.

“Your people communicated using telepathy, correct? You know what it feels like to connect with a large population. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I can only do this if you go in with me.”

J’onn was taken back by her admission. Listening to her plan had him ill at ease. He didn’t believe her capable of taking on a creature like Brainiac alone if what he had heard from Alex about this creature was true.

But he never expected the girl to ask for help either. Her plan gave him chills. If anything went wrong, it could be disastrous, not only for the two of them but for humanity as a whole.

The room was dead silent, watching the Martian as he stared at nothing over Kara’s shoulder, obviously thinking on what she had said.

Finally one of the Guardians spoke. “As to the first question, the use of Myriad would not be considered an invasive act since it is being used for defense of the planet. The second question should be if it is worth the risk to you, Kara Zor El. Jor El, what do you believe her odds of success are?”

The AI looked at Kara, an unexpected smile on his face. “I’ve learned to never doubt her when lives are on the line. If she believes this can be done, then it can be done. As for the risk to herself, that is her decision to make.”

A Guardian stepped forward, shaking his head. “No, it isn’t. There can be no chances with your life, Kara Zor El. Those of us gifted with visions of possible futures have seen a greater threat than Brainiac rising up in the Universe. You will be needed to stop that threat.”

Kara stared at him, her face showing no emotion. Tilting her head, she took a deep breath and asked, “What is this future threat and when is it scheduled to arrive?”

The three Guardians looked at one another. “We do not know. The gifted are only shown visions of possible futures. There will be a threat…”

Kara raised her hand, interrupting him. “I understand that, but would you not agree that Brainiac 13 is a great threat as well? That he has been a threat for hundreds of years to a great many civilizations? That there will always be great threats to the Universe?

“Rao would not have guided me here, to this time and place, if I were not meant to assist in stopping this threat. I will fight whatever battles come my way in the future, all of Krypton will. But worrying about the future is pointless when we have a threat to consider now.

“I won’t live in isolation until this future threat appears either… if it ever does.”

The Guardians met J’onn’s eyes. “Do you believe this can be done?”

J’onn looked at Kara who had worn a calm façade throughout the entire discussion.

She wasn’t the bright, goofy alien he had met when she first arrived. He understood now what Alex had told him in her briefings… that there were times Kara appeared supremely confident, almost regal, just as she did now. He could see there were many sides to the girl.

He smiled and walked towards her, offering his hand. “Partners?”

Kara smiled widely and shook it. “Partners.”

The two looked back towards the Guardians who, as usual, were still not smiling.

“It appears that we must hope for the best.” The Guardian on the left of the center stated. “There is one task that could be helpful to you, Kara Zor El. We have something you should see that may be beneficial in your quest to form a Life Equation… something your Father and Uncle were offered but refused.”

“No!” the AI of Jor El spoke up quickly and loudly, surprising the room. “It is not worth the risk. My brother and I refused for a reason. You will not allow my niece to see it!”

“That is her decision.” The Guardian in the center said. “If she wants to prove that life is worth living, she should see where life began.”

Kara’s eyes widened. “Wait, where all life began?”

The same Guardian nodded his head. “You need to come to Oa. The House of El has wished to study the power rings for decades. To understand the emotional spectrum which powers the rings, you have to see the Source. Your father and uncle never wished to see it. If you are committed to this dangerous path, you must see the Source… The Wall. It’s the beginning of everything, not just the physics of our universe but of emotions, the celestial wave, the…”

“She can figure that out for herself.” Jor El cut in. “She does not need to see the measure of emotions. She could easily become a part of the Wall if she were to go too far. Regardless, it will change her… and not for the better.”

Redirecting his focus to his niece, Jor El implored her, “Kara, please… I do not want this for you… your father would not want this for you.”

Jor El using her father stung. She was intrigued but the idea that even her father, who lived life by throwing caution to the wind, refused to see whatever this Source was, held her back. Her father feared nothing, but he and his brother feared this. “I… I believe if Uncle Jor is against this, I should follow his guidance. I will prove the Life Equation on my own.”

The Guardians nodded. “As is your choice.”

Kara stepped closer, suspecting the Guardians were about to disappear. “I will be sending plans through a Green Lantern for a device that can tear through space, time and gravity, offering the Universe to whoever possesses it, to be able to travel anywhere in a manner as simple as a taking step. I would like this device to be copied on Oa.

“Brainiac is using this technology to appear wherever he wishes. It is most likely how he pulled off the surprise attack on Apokolips. This would allow you to station as many Green Lanterns on Oa as you wish and have them appear anywhere in a second, without the need for power ring portals.

“I have also developed satellites to counter this technology, rendering my device useless for traveling directly to Earth’s surface, but it also prevents him from appearing over Earth with no warning. This approach allows the Lanterns to arrive outside the protected area and he will not expect so many to be able to appear at once as he approaches Earth.”

The Guardians, to Kara’s great shock, showed surprise on their faces. It was brief but the looks were there. “We look forward to receiving the plans for this technology. Once again, Krypton and the Guardians are benefiting from each other. Regardless of your decision concerning the Source, we sincerely hope you visit us on Oa soon, Kara Zor El. May Rao continue to be with you.”

The Guardians were gone.

Kara turned back to the others who had been quiet during this meeting. “May I have a moment with Ghost Uncle Jor?”

Kell stepped towards her and hugged her tightly. “We will be waiting for you. Whatever this Source is, I’m glad you aren’t going.”

Soon Kara was left alone with Jor El. “What is it? The Source?”

Jor El’s appeared a bit angry. “Nothing you ever need to see. No one should see it. The Source is the limitless energy that gave birth to the Universe nineteen billion years ago. Supposedly what the Guardians call the ‘God Wave’, the power that gave the Gods of the Universe celestial power is there and so is the spectrum of all emotions ever felt.”

Kara did not understand. “Emotions are a byproduct of sentient thought and experiences. There is no energy to them, only the electrical pulses to our brains caused by the feelings and our reaction to them. A physical manifestation of our thoughts but no energy exchange is involved.”

Jor El shook his head. “How do you think the Power Rings of the Green Lanterns work? They are powered by the Willpower of the user. When one dies, the Ring finds another being with strong willpower. Emotions can be measured, but never should be. As you’ve just stated, they should be lived and not studied.

“The Source is protected by the Source Wall. If you are tempted to pass, you will be trapped forever. Even just seeing the Source could be devastating whether trapped or not. There is a reason the Guardians are the way they are. Nearly emotionless, beings of pure logic.”

Kara now understood. “They saw the Source, they learned too much.”

Jor nodded. “When you see the Source you understand the emotional spectrum of the entire Universe. However this can interfere with actually feeling emotions. It would prevent you from experiencing emotions for yourself… you would be become a being of pure logic. You would lose your ability to feel any emotion, instead seeing them as another part of the Universe to be measured and quantified. In essence, you would become soulless and Rao’s spark would become buried in your heart.

“You would lose the ability to love, to feel joy, to feel sadness, to empathize with any living creature. Instead, you would see emotions as a researcher sees an experiment. The risk of damage to your soul is too great, Kara.

“You do not need the answers given to you because you have always been able to find them on your own. Your emotions make you special.”

Kara shivered at the implications, remembering how often her Father would tell her, emotions should never try to be measured.

It is in that realization that another thought occurred to her. “The Anti-Life Equation, it came from one who had seen the Source, didn’t it?”

Jor El nodded. “I suspect as much though not even the Guardians are sure. The Source is not good or evil… it just is.”

Kara crossed her arms, deep in thought. “Uncle Jor… what if I run out of time? What if I can’t figure out a Life Equation before Brainiac attacks Earth?”

Jor El smirked. “Then Superman will take care of it. I understand he has a sidekick in a skirt now, in addition to the Justice League and Green Lantern Corp.”

Seeing Kara’s smile, Jor admitted, “I realize I am but a program, downloaded with your Uncle’s consciousness and knowledge… but I can tell you with no doubt, Jor El loves you, no matter how much you annoyed him. I am here for whatever you need… always.”

Kara wished she could hug her Uncle in that moment, but she knew he wasn’t really Jor El.

She walked out of the chamber to find Kell waiting for her. Without a word, she hugged him and stayed in his arms.

“Hey, partner? I realize I’m not up to the science stuff, but could you explain your plan to me? The idea of Myriad possibly causing brain death has me a bit worried.” The man told her.

Kara buried her head in his neck and held him tighter. “You would still love me if I were brain dead, right?”

Kell shook his head. “No, but we could still be friends.”

Kara leaned away and pushed him back, glad to see a smile on his face. “Jerk. I’m going to be fine.”

“You are going to combat the creature mentally and battle him with math. There seems to be some risk involved.” He pointed out. “Why can’t we just do this the old-fashioned way? Armor up, break into the ship, kick his ass? It’s always worked for Krypton in the past.”

Kara wished it would be that easy. “Because, if he broadcasts from space, he can plant the Anti-Life Equation into everyone’s head: yours, the Justice League, mine, basically all sentients on Earth if I can’t figure this out. None of us would be able to fight. That’s why he wants this Equation so badly… it gives him immediate, complete control of a planet without firing a single weapon. Once the Anti-Life Equation is rendered useless, he is all yours. I promise. Just don’t get killed.”

Pausing a moment to gather her thoughts, she continued, “Even if I can damage him mentally, he is still most likely an extraordinarily strong sentient with a highly weaponized ship that could kill you all. If I were him, I would have prepared the ship to be bathed in red sunlight to null our powers and change the atmosphere. It won’t affect Green Lanterns, but it will affect Kryptonians. We will need our armor, oxygen, sealed suits and rely on our weapons, not our powers.”

Kell nodded his head, liking the sound of that. “At least I won’t worry about missing a target with heat vision.”

Kara kissed the man lightly. “I need to get to the Scout Ship and contact the Science Guild. Hang out here for a little while with Uncle Non, enjoy the place. All these crystals remind me of the stone forest which is where Uncle Jor gathered most of the crystals and unlocked their secrets.”

Minutes later, Alex and Kara were in the Scout Ship, waiting for the feed to come through from Argo City. Kara had once again changed, this time into her flight suit. Alex stood next to her wearing a small earpiece so Kelex could translate for her.

“Ready for your first Science Guild meeting?” Kara asked her.

Alex shrugged her shoulders. “I thought I would meet them all in person for the first time so… yeah, I think a hologram will be better.”

Kara smiled, noting Alex’s nervousness. “Relax. You’re with me and they do what I tell them to do. You will be very welcome.”

Kara’s words calmed Alex, who smirked. “Yeah, I have no doubt they do what you tell them to do. Have you ever taught them tricks? Roll over, fetch, that sort of thing?”

Kara rolled her eyes at Alex’s obvious sarcasm.

“I took what you said to heart, about trying to do everything myself… things will be different now.” The blonde assured her, seeing the pleasant surprise in Alex’s eyes.

A group of people suddenly appeared before Alex and Kara in the ship’s larger bridge. Alex jumped a bit, ready to defend herself before realizing that holograms popping up were something she would have to get used to.

There were only ten people in the hologram, but Alex knew many more were behind them and watching.

“Lady Kara.” A man greeted her, placing his arm over his chest and bowing his head. “It is a relief to see you are safe.”

“Greetings all. I would like to introduce you to our newest member. This is Alex Danvers. After spending considerable time together and getting to know her and her capabilities, the House of El has extended her an invitation to join with us and help build our new world. She will be working as my partner in the field, in charge of monitoring the evolving ecosystem as it grows, identifying threats whether viral in nature or organic.”

Alex watched the group closely. Though no one said anything, she could tell they were shocked.

One finally spoke the words Alex had been waiting to hear. “A human, Lady Kara?”

Kara nodded her head. “A human who has been accepted under the banner of the House of El… a human who is an expert on biological lifeforms of an alien nature and is one of the leading bioengineers on Earth. She has seen and fought aliens we have only read about, plus she has a vast knowledge of ecosystems like I plan for us to have. She will be the commander and primary scientist in the field… unless any of you want to pick up a weapon and explore the unknown on your own?”

Hearing nothing, Kara turned slightly toward Alex and whispered in English, “Combat isn’t something our scientists are known for.”

Looking back to her scientists, she said, “We will need to rethink our responsibilities now. For the last several years, I have limited what you have been allowed to do for reasons you are all aware of, but it is time to relax those rules. The environment in Argo City is perfect, I can easily monitor and maintain it so now it is time we all focus on preparing for our new home.

“An Ra, step forward please.”

A very tense woman stepped into the hologram, wringing her hands. “Yes, Lady Kara?”

“You are our best geologist… beside me. I want you to take the findings of the exploration crew after they reach the target planet from the Green Lanterns and begin adjusting the terraformer.”

“Me, Lady Kara?” The woman squeaked, obviously shocked.

“Yes, choose a team of ten to assist you.” Kara replied.

“But you said we weren’t allowed to touch the terraformer project.” The woman reminded her boss.

Kara felt a bit sick at what she was about to say simply at the thought of relinquishing control of any of her projects and her heart raced, but her face remained stoic. “Much will be changing. We are the Kryptonian Science Guild and we are about to do something no others in the known history of the Universe have done… it will take all of us.

“Sen Yu.”

“Yes, Lady Kara.” A man stepped forward from the group in front of the hologram.

“You are our best biologist… beside me. I have retrieved the Codex from Jor El’s lab. Choose a team, coordinate with our Medical guild and begin building a new Genesis Chamber.”

There was a collective gasp among the scientists. “You found it? On Earth?”

Kara nodded, scoffing. “That is where I am.”

Alex bumped her elbow into Kara. Leaning in, she whispered in English, “Lay off the sarcasm. The arrogance isn’t helping either.”

Kara nearly rolled her eyes but remained expressionless. “Yes, Jor El’s lab is on Earth, in the possession of Kal El who will be returning to Argo City with me.”

“Ken Tas.” Kara addressed another man who stepped forward. “Coordinate with the Agricultural Guild on the information we receive from our explorers and the Lanterns concerning the composition of the soil, what is available to us to start. Work with the biological and geological teams to properly get an idea of the different terrain. Choose your team to include those with expertise in those specific areas.”

Seeing her next target, Kara called out, “Miya Nel.”

The woman in the middle stepped forward. “Yes, Lady Kara.”

“You are our best astrophysicist…”

Alex elbowed Kara once again, still whispering softly, “Do not say ‘besides me’ !”

Kara took a deep breath. “You are… very good. I will be sending you schematics on a device I have developed, a device that can open interdimensional tears allowing instant travel to any part of the Universe.”

“I’m sorry, you what?” Miya asked, shocked.

“I have tested the device personally several times. It makes travel instantaneous. The tears can be small or large. I need you to form a team and coordinate with our Engineering Guild. I want a large scale device on both the Nightwing and the Flamebird. I want our ships to be anywhere at any time, allowing them to escape with Argo City, if necessary.

“Talk with General Astra. She will understand what needs to be done. Do not screw this up and ask me any questions you need to because if you get it wrong, anyone entering a tear could be stuck in another dimension… no pressure.”

Miya smiled and nodded her head. “It will be done, Lady Kara.”

Kara wanted to smile at the excitement on the woman’s face but the idea of the woman and her team screwing up kept her from doing so. “We will all have an important role in building our new home. Alex will be coordinating with all of you, compiling the information we receive from the Scout Ship and the Green Lanterns. What happens as the new ecosystem is developed and guiding it will be her job.”

Changing the subject slightly, she asked, “How goes the Science Academy?”

“Over two hundred applicants, Lady Kara.” Miya told her. “We are planning on giving aptitude tests to those applicants and offer fifty spots to the highest scorers.”

Kara shook her head. “No, everyone who wants to get in, will get in. After the first six months, we can review their progress and talk to those who may decide they do not enjoy the work about joining other Guilds. Everyone will have a chance though.

“We will need to schedule instruction times for each of us. I will be lecturing twice a week personally. The need for scientists is greater now than ever in the history of Krypton and growing our ranks will require all of us. There will be no more projects for personal care products. Argo City had what it needs for now.”

“Is the child I requested General Astra to contact present?” Kara asked.

The crowd parted and a nervous, young girl stepped forward… the same girl Alex saw a few days ago standing outside the El compound. The girl appeared timid, looking down instead of looking at Kara.

“Fin Ra Su?” Kara asked the youngster.

The girl nodded her head, keeping her eyes on the ground.

“Look at me, please?” Kara said in a gentler voice than she had previously used when giving orders.

Fin raised her eyes to meet Kara’s.

“I understand you wish to be a scientist. Is this true?”

“Yes, Lady Kara.” The girl replied meekly.

“What Guild do your parents belong to?”

The little girl looked to the floor once more. “My Mother is a member of the Agricultural Guild. She prepares food in the markets. My Father is in the Construction Guild.”

“Noble traits. Your Mother feeds the people and your Father provides homes and schools for our people… so why do you want to be a scientist?” Kara asked, directing the conversation so as to get the girl to confess her heart’s desire.

The little girl took a deep breath and finally looked her in the eyes. “I want to be… like you.”

Kara smiled at the girl, pleased. “If that is truly what you want, then I will do my part to make that happen. To that end… Fin Ra Su, you will not be attending the Science Academy. I will be responsible for your education. You will be my personal assistant, work beside me. Where I go, you will go. It will not be an easy job for I will expect much from you, but I have a feeling you are up to the challenge. Will you accept my offer?”

The wide-eyed girl nodded her head quickly. “Yes, Lady Kara! I would be honored!”

Kara nodded, still smiling. “Excellent. Until I return, you will be shadowing and learning from General Astra. I want you to become familiar with the Battle Cruisers, the Alphahedron, the weapons and navigation systems… also study the Phantom Drives and go over the plans I have devised for replacing them since we no longer have access to the Phantom Zone energy.

“The General will meet you every morning at 6 AM in front of the entrance to the Nightwing. Make sure you are on time… she is grumpy when she is left waiting. When I return, we will begin learning the fun stuff.”

The speechless girl nodded and stood straight, a large smile on her face.

Addressing the group, Kara said, “I want updates every day on the projects. Send them to General Astra and she will forward them to me through our link. Any questions?”

The group answered ‘No, Lady Kara’ in perfect harmony.

“Then may Rao bless us all and grant us knowledge and wisdom.” Kara cut the feed and took a deep breath.

“That was… surprising.” Alex told her.

“I suppose if I am going to work with a partner, I should learn to… delegate.” Kara grimaced, still feeling slightly nauseous. “I really hate that word.”

“I’m proud of you,” Alex laughed, patting her friend on the back. “Besides, maybe you will come to like it. It will give you more time to practice those Kama Sutra techniques and watch more porn.”

“They are educational videos!” Kara snapped, flustered. Alex was laughing so hard now she was crying. Groaning, Kara rolled her eyes, then she too began laughing. “I should probably lay off the educational videos, huh?”

Alex nodded, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. “Come on, partner, let’s go. It’s time to build Myriad.”