Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 35:

Kara walked into the Lake House alongside her mother and uncle with Clark, Lois and Alex following behind. J’onn, at Kara’s insistence, had joined them as well but did not look comfortable. They had arrived from Smallville moments earlier, leaving Myriad in the secured storm cellar that once housed Clark’s pod.

She paid no attention to the new car in the drive, expecting it to be Bruce Wayne. The ten Red Shard soldiers who had been left behind were stationed around the house, so it was obvious someone on the cleared list that had arrived. When she walked into the living room, Kara was surprised to see Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance on the couch, six, large coolers in front of them and two brown paper bags next to Oliver.

Kara tensed a bit, not having seen Oliver since before Kell’s ill-fated trip to Star City.

“Oliver, Dinah.” Clark greeted them. “What’s going on? Has something happened?”

Oliver leaned back on the couch, a huge grin on his face. “I heard some news. Lois is pregnant? Are there really going to be more of her? Say it isn’t true, Boy Scout.”

Lois reacted by picking up a vase that probably cost quite a bit of Bruce Wayne’s money, and tossing it at the man’s head. To her irritation, he caught it and casually tossed it behind the couch.

“This world needs more me, Queen.” Lois told him. “Yeah, it’s true. What do you want and why are you here? I’ve been to the bottom of the Earth and Smallville during the last 24 hours and I need a nap. I’m sleeping for two now.”

Oliver laughed, enjoying needling the woman as much as ever. Looking at Clark, he changed the subject. “From what I understand, you Kryptonians all have some sort of jewelry like Kell wore, something to get rid of your powers, right?”

Kell raised his hand. “It’s not jewelry.”

“Okay, but seriously, you have enough for all of you, right?” Looking back at Lois and Clark, the Green Arrow smirked in amusement. “Given Lois’s condition, I’m guessing Clark is going to be spending more, if not all of his time in Argo City very soon and there was no way we were going to miss an opportunity to get Clark drunk before he leaves Earth while Lois has to stay sober.

“I have five cases of long necks on ice, a keg on tap, four bottles of Tequila, five bottles of Vodka and two bottles of rum along with various mixers. I think we all deserve a party after the stress of the last few weeks. Besides, Dinah and I owe Kell for taking a bullet for us. What do you say, Clark? Up for a little alcohol?”

Clark shook his head and sat on the other couch facing Oliver. “We have been drunk together. Remember how that night turned out? Because I don’t.”

Oliver brushed it off. “Exactly, but drinking a glass of Zatanna’s enchanted champagne does not count because as you said, we don’t remember it. So, are you game?”

Before Superman could respond, Non was gone and back in a second. He snapped the red sunlight cuff on his wrist, walked over to the cooler and grabbed a beer. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. I haven’t had Earth alcohol yet and I believe I deserve it. If Brainiac attacks during the party, we can easily be battle-ready when we take these cuffs off. Now that Kara and J’onn have successfully developed a weapon to prevent Brainiac from using the Anti-Life Equation and Red Shard have the perimeter secured, we can take a night to relax and celebrate. I haven’t had anything besides wine since… anyway, this ‘ beer’, sounds fabulous right now.”

Oliver raised his eyebrows, eyes wide, apparently just noticing an old friend was in the room. “J’onn?”

Clark spoke up, answering Oliver in a neutral tone. “Kara has asked him to spend time with us and he has agreed.”

Oliver shook his head, stood and walked up to the Martian looking him in the eye. “I’m not partying with Hank Henshaw. I want to see my old friend, the detective who got me out of so many scrapes with the law that I would probably be serving as many life sentences as Luthor.

“So… let’s hang out, Detective John Jones. Arthur and Mera are going to be here soon. If we are going to have a reunion of the Junior Lifeguard Association, let’s do it right.”

J’onn’s previous discomfort gave way to a smile, which stunned Alex. The man morphed into his Martian form and then back into the form of another dark skinned man she had never seen before. This J’onn was Oliver’s height but less bulky, lighter skinned, slimmer, smaller ears, and an infectious grin. Alex had never seen him like this before. He looked so relaxed.

Oliver smiled widely and even Clark grinned. “Now there is my favorite Martian Manhunter. I got a lot of alcohol, J’onn. You gonna help us out?”

John shrugged his shoulders. “It’s good to know that even though we age, some of us never change, Oliver Queen. I would hate to not partake of my share and leave you feeling even worse in the morning.”

Oliver sat down beside Clark and put an arm around his friend’s shoulder. “Come on, buddy. We can put the whole ‘I want to hide the Kryptonite here’, ‘I want to hide it there’, blah blah blah on the back burner for a night. Remember, this is the guy who saved you from that Bizarro freak when he kicked your ass.”

“I know…” Clark admitted.

“And saved you when Aldar was about to beat you to a…”

“I had that.” Clark said quickly then looked sheepishly at J’onn and smiled. “Okay, I needed a little assistance. I was only nineteen.”

“And Detective Jones saved my ass from that axe wielding maniac, Vartox.” Oliver reminded him. “That axe could have seriously left a mark on my face and that would have hurt Dinah. Honestly, Dinah probably owes him for that. I doubt she would appreciate waking up next to a guy with a disfigured face.”

Dinah snorted. “Your face is your only redeeming quality. If it was scarred, you would be waking up next to whatever hooker you paid for that night before she emptied your wallet and scrammed while you showered.”

While Clark busted out laughing, Oliver sighed, knowing that was true. “I saw some Oreos in the kitchen, J’onn. Oreos and Tequila. You know that’s your favorite.”

Detective Jones smiled, obviously pleased, and crossed his arms. “I expect you to always have Oreos for me, Oliver. Don’t forget how many messes I had to clean up for the Blur and the Green Arrow with the Metropolis Police Forensics department.”

Kara punched Clark’s shoulder, giggling. “The Blur?”

Clark sighed. “It was what the media called me when I first started out. I stayed in the shadows helping people, no cape or suit, never stopping to talk to anyone or even showing my face. Lois and the Daily Planet gifted me with that name. I wasn’t crazy about it. Oliver used to complain constantly that I didn’t make myself known in a more public fashion. He got his wish when Zod showed up. I didn’t have a choice but to go public and confront him.”

“Clark used to complain about my drinking.” Oliver pointed out.

“I was afraid to step up and be a symbol of hope,” Clark continued.

“And Clark complained about my drinking.” Oliver repeated.

“You complained that I wasn’t able to make the tough call when all I was trying to do was keep my friends and family safe.” Clark reminded his friend.

“And Clark complained about the time I tried to murder Luthor… and my drinking.” Oliver said, grinning, the room laughing with them.

Kell zipped outside and was back with multiple cuffs, snapping one on himself. “I’m in.”

“We all are.” Alura surprisingly decided. “Rao knows I could use a drink. I’ve been wanting something alcoholic since I found out Kara visited Apokolips. If I get… what’s the word… smashed, it’s all Non’s fault for being so stupid by letting her talk him into it.”

Arthur and Mera walked in at that moment, hearing Alura’s proclamation. The big man grinned. “Great. There is a game room with a pool table and a bar. Let’s move this party in there. Get your jewelry, Kryptonians. Let’s see if you badasses can hang with us.

“Alex Danvers, you may want to stay out of this. I don’t think you have enough meat on your bones. I suppose you could handle one beer before you passed out.”

“Line up the shots, Fish Sticks. Break out your wallet too because there is a pool table here.” Alex smirked at the large man. “Wait, can you play pool? I know it sounds like a water game, but it isn’t. I hear you aren’t as coordinated on dry land.”

Arthur smiled. “I’ve spent more time in bars on dry land than in the water, Danvers. That’s a challenge I can’t refuse. I don’t have any money on me though so I’ll have to bet with Bruce’s fancy toys. Somebody drag Hal’s ass out of the sky and let Lady Kara see the real Hal Jordan and not the kiss ass he pretends to be around her.”

The party moved into the spacious game room, complete with the full long wet bar, multiple couches, pin ball games, poker tables and a pool table.

“Bruce may have a permanent batarang up his butt, but the man knows how to pretend to have a good time.” Oliver admitted, agreement coming from the entire party as they moved into the room.

The party kicked off in fine fashion, beer and liquor being consumed by everyone, except Lois who had a gleam in her eyes as she played around on her phone watching the partygoers loosen up.

Kara had never tasted such a beverage but like most on Earth, she found that she enjoyed it. She was pleased to see everyone getting along, especially J’onn and Clark who actually grinned at each other a couple times, as Oliver regaled the group with tales of their past exploits. Hal joined in and he took his ring off to enjoy a few drinks. Kara was glad to see his less serious personality coming out and wished the man were like this more often instead of treating her like royalty.

She also found that Kell giggled a lot when slightly intoxicated and found it cute.

When everyone had stopped laughing at the look on J’onn’s face when Oliver described one of their more reckless adventures, Kara asked, “Okay, somebody tell me what the Junior Lifeguard Association is.”

Clark moaned and didn’t seem inclined to answer so, unsurprisingly, Oliver took it upon himself to explain. “When we started out, we were just a merry band of loser vigilantes except for Detective Jones. He kind of kept us in check… mostly. I was beating up muggers, Clark was saving kittens from trees and using his heat vision to burn his symbol onto whatever surface was around. Wally stumbled upon us and couldn’t stop tripping over his own feet or stopping period. He usually just hit walls or Clark would catch him. Arthur was smaller, blonder and didn’t have a fascination with tattoos. He also didn’t have hair that resembled a 90s grunge rocker. Hal wasn’t around yet… which was cool.”

“Screw you, Queen.” Jordan piped up, causing laughter from the assembled group.

“Let’s see… Zatanna caused more problems than she solved and spent more time trying to sleep with Clark than actually helping. We didn’t know Amazons existed, I was the only rich guy in a suit fighting metahumans and aliens and Vic was always off brooding, so we never knew where to find him. Watchtower was located in a crappy old building with a clocktower. I guess you could say we weren’t the most organized team.” Oliver admitted.

J’onn took a large drink and shook his head. “You weren’t a team. You were a disaster, a bunch of kids who spent more time arguing with yourselves than fighting villains. I never had a headache in my life before I met you all.”

“Hey! We did our best. Clark named us after we met Arthur who, oddly enough, was also trying to kill Luthor.” Oliver continued. “It seemed appropriate since his only skills were saving drowning idiots like Lois and ecoterrorism. He hadn’t met Mera yet to keep him in line. Dinah was a gun for hire…”

“I was not!” Dinah denied quickly.

“Yeah, I have to agree with him on that, Dinah. You nearly blew out my ear drums when I had to save him from you.” Clark admitted, his first mug of beer now empty and Lois not hesitating to fill the next one. “Although, you did fire an arrow at her, Ollie.”

“And Lois was… well, she was Lois.” Oliver said, winking at the woman who shot the finger at him. “We all had to tell her our identities so she would stop spending so much time figuring them out and do something useful.”

Arthur clapped his hand on the bar. “Enough reminiscing. Drinking games. Robin Hood, line up the shots.”

Tequila shots were placed in front of all at the bar.

“What is this drinking game?” Kara asked.

Oliver shrugged his shoulders and looked over the bar. “Lois, you’re sober and have a long, successful history with drinking games. Any suggestions?”

Lois grinned wickedly, her eyes gleaming even brighter if that was possible. “Every time Alura says something that makes her sound like an elitist snob, or a bit…”

“We got it.” Clark said quickly, cutting her off.

“Every time Kara says something nobody has a hope or care of understanding.” Non suggested, getting the idea quickly. Kara gave him an irritated look but let it go for once, the beer helping to mellow her out quite a bit.

“Every time Kell giggles like a schoolgirl or looks at Kara with dopey eyes, we take a shot. Also, every time Lois rolls her eyes or looks at someone like they are an idiot even though she was the one dating an alien for a year before he finally had to tell her.” Oliver added, a sidelong glance at the woman whose mouth had fallen open in dismay.

“I figured it out… after six months.” Lois protested.

Alura shook her head, straightening her shoulders and back. “I doubt you will have any luck with me. I am the High Councilor of Argo City, not an elitist or a snob. I represent my people with dignity and am above such…”

“Shot!” the bar patrons called out in one voice.

Alura grumbled but grudgingly took a shot and nearly spit it out, instead barely choking it down. Before she could complain, Oliver had a lime slice to her lips. “Suck it. I put salt on it. Trust me.”

Alura did as directed and relaxed a bit, eyes wide in surprise. “That was interesting.”

“You should be careful, Mother.” Kara warned her. “I researched this drink on my phone. Tequila is much stronger than our wine. It has a higher alcohol content due to molecules of isobutyl alcohol, isoamyl and ethanol. The biggest reason is the yeast strain and the carbon…”

“Shot!” the bar called out once again. Kara frowned but did as the group demanded, though she felt her information was relevant to the conversation and very interesting.

The conversation started up again, different topics until Lois called for attention. “Look everybody. Kell is staring at Kara with those wide, worshipful eyes, wishing they could get hitched and screw each other already.”

“Shot!” the bar called out once again.

“That’s not what I was doing…” Kell protested before Alex nearly poured the shot down his throat as he was speaking.

“Break time. Everybody grab a beer mug. Time to teach the wine sipping Kryptonians how to chug. Kara wants to learn about Earth. It’s our duty to teach her.” Oliver told the group.

Hal raised his hands. “It’s my duty to protect her…”

“Just shut up and drink, Hal. We promise not to tell the Guardians.” Clark said slowly, grinning like a fool, eyes unnaturally bright. “Kara Zor El takes care of thirty thousand lives. She doesn’t need protection and even if she did there are twenty superpowered soldiers outside and a bad ass little Kelex unit protecting her. Take a night off.”

The bar was silent in shock for a moment before Dinah spoke up. “Damn it, if Boy Scout says we have to drink, it’s time to kick this into overdrive. Break out a karaoke machine. I’ll let you all have the privilege of hearing me sing for free. Most people have to pay at the door.”

Lois rolled her eyes at the woman’s ego.

“Lois rolled her eyes! Chug!” Curry yelled.

The drinking continued while Dinah sang, and Kara was extremely impressed with her voice. After three songs, she stopped and stumbled back to the bar, taking another shot and chasing it with a longneck beer.

Alura stood up on shaky legs. “Kara, sing. Sing for me.”

Kara shook her head. “I don’t know any songs.”

“You’ve memorized like a hundred songs since we have been here.” Kell pointed out, beer sloshing over the rim of the mug as he waved it at her. “I’m not sure any Kryptonian has ever said this, but don’t be modest, Kara Zor El. I can’t sing worth a damn and one of us should in this marriage.”

Kara pushed him playfully and he fell off his stool, laughing on the ground before J’onn picked him up, the Martian shaking his head at how bad Kryptonians handled liquor. It seemed to be stronger than Kryptonite.

“I think that’s the whole point of Karaoke. It’s supposed to be sung by people who suck.” Mera pointed out. “Boy Scout, you and Red Arrow should do a duet. Come on, you are drunk enough!”

Clark and Kell looked at each other and grinned, before stumbling a bit to the machine. Lois beat them there and selected the song, ‘ Here I Go, Again’ by Whitesnake.

“Why am I not surprised?” Clark asked.

Lois batted her eyes at him, a smile lighting up her face. “I’ve waited for years to hear you sing and this is going to be the one. C’mon babe, for me? If I have to be sober, give me something. I’m carrying your super child and moving to another planet so the little one doesn’t destroy my uterus. It’s the least you can do.”

Clark pointed out the words on the screen to Kell who sort of understood what was going on. The music blasted the room.

And most everyone in the room covered their ears, listening to two Kryptonians who could not sing worth a damn, doing their best to keep up with the music and sounding horrible in the process.

The two finally left the stage to cheers, mostly because they were done. Kara wrapped her arms around her mate.

“ That was horrible. It sounds like a Garu being eaten by a Blood Bloom plant. Thank you for trying .” Kara consoled him with a deep kiss.

“I’m not that drunk!” Non shouted, seeing the two. “Break it up children, before I get a water hose. That’s an Earth thing, right?”

“Your turn, Miss Twelfth Level Intellect.” Kell told her.

Kara strolled up to the machine and recognized a few songs she had memorized. She chose ‘Black Velvet’ by Alannah Myles.

The crowd quieted, listening to her voice sing the song perfectly, an almost haunting tone to her voice. When she was done, she looked at the quiet crowd.

“Was that good? I haven’t sung in a long time.” She asked. Normally Kara would have been nervous about something like this but the alcohol here was much stronger than the wine in Argo City. She felt free and more intoxicated than ever before. The blonde honestly wasn’t sure she would be able to fly at this point.

Oliver chuckled from behind the bar. “Seriously… is there anything you can’t do?”

“She can’t surf worth a damn even though she can fly.” Alex pointed out.

“She never cleans up after herself.” Alura added. “Her room is a mess. She also talks with food in her mouth during dinner at times. She trips constantly over her shoes she leaves on the floor. She can’t have a conversation with her scientists without making them feel like idiots. She also snorts when she laughs.”

“She snores so loudly, Daxam could probably hear her.” Kell added.

“She blows things up constantly in her lab. Even better, the first time she tried to clone water, she nearly drowned.” Non told the group. “Kelex had to blast the lab door open for the water to drain since it had filled the room from floor to ceiling. You should have seen the little blonde girl washing out of her lab in a giant wave.”

“She is incredibly arrogant.” Alura pointed out. “She gets that from her father.”

Lois raised an eyebrow, incredulous. “Are you for real, Alura? Her father? You think she is arrogant because of her father? Are you out of your damn mind?”

“She also has a possible porn addiction.” Alex told the group before Alura and Lois began a conversation which would end with one of them calling the other a primitive.

Kara looked indignant at Alex’s accusation. “Those are educational videos!”

“How much education do you need? You must have downloaded over two hundred videos!” Alex asked, holding back a laugh.

Alura looked very confused. “Wait, what is porn?”

“Videos of people having sex… very detailed versions.” Arthur happily pointed out, at least until he saw the look on Mera’s face. “At least that’s what I heard.”

“Kara!” Alura shouted, horrified.

“They are educational videos!” the blonde insisted.

Kell raised a shaky hand. “Can I watch?”

“No!” Alura and Kara said quickly. Kara replied, “I’ll teach you everything you need to know. Thanks to my educational videos that are not porn, I know a lot.”

Oliver began laughing and J’onn and Clark joined in. Soon the whole bar was laughing.

“I can’t believe the fate of the Universe is in the hands of a porn addict.” Lois said. “I guess we know what the Hand of Rao is being used…”

Clark placed his hand over Lois’s mouth before she continued that sentence.

“Okay,” Oliver decided. “Time to break out the pool sticks. Danvers seems to think she can beat the greatest archer on Earth in a game that involves angles and steady hands.”

“The greatest archer who would be dead if Kell hadn’t taken a bullet for you.” Alex reminded him. Moving towards the table, she asked, “Seriously, what would you do without Kryptonians saving your ass, Queen?”

“I’ll have you know, I saved Clark from Zod!” Oliver exclaimed, frowning at Alex.

Clark looked up at him, in wide-eyed disbelief. “What? You saved me from Zod? I must be drunker than I thought.”

“Yeah, of course I did.” Oliver replied. “You were getting destroyed. He was beating you like you stole a family heirloom. He knocked you so hard into the ground it caused a crater and I stepped in and fired an arrow into the back of his head.

Clark remembered. “Yeah, an arrow that bounced off and did no good. I had to clear my head and grab him before he incinerated you.”

“Exactly.” Oliver agreed. “I was a great distraction. I even winked at him, shot him the finger, threw him completely off his game. It gave you a great advantage. You’re welcome. I could have been seriously injured but I was out there for you, buddy.”

Lois nodded. “Yeah, you definitely didn’t beat Zod on your own. I threw my computer monitor at him when the two of you crashed into the Planet. He looked at me like I was an idiot and you grabbed him from behind.”

“He almost killed you too!” Clark reminded her.

“You are so ungrateful. You’re welcome for the distraction. Remind me not to do it again.” Lois told him.

Curry raised his mug towards Clark. “I stayed the hell out of it. I knew you had it, buddy.”

Thirty minutes later, Alura was on the couch with Krypto and Lois, teaching them both Kryptonese, Alex had beaten Queen twice in pool before he retreated with Non to the kitchen for a game of beer pong. She continued her streak against Curry while Kara and Kell snuck off into a bedroom, hoping no one would notice due to the levels of inebriation.

Clark was left alone at the bar with only J’onn and an uncomfortable silence fell between them.

“So…” Clark started, feeling the need to say something and way past the point of being drunk.

“So… you are really leaving?” J’onn asked.

“Yeah,” the man nodded. “I can come back anytime I want, simple as a step thanks to Super Cousin, but only in emergencies. It’s probably time I moved to the next chapter of my life.”

J’onn nodded and Clark caught a hint of sadness on his face. Seeing John Jones instead of Hank Henshaw was throwing him quite a bit, reminding him of better times.

“Want to go outside?” Clark asked.

J’onn laughed. “Usually when that is asked in a bar, it involves fighting. Unless you take that cuff off, I’m not sure you are in much shape and I have no desire to fight you.”

Clark grinned and stood up, stumbling slightly. “I thought we could use some air. I might need a hand walking out though.”

The two slowly made their way to the back of the house and exited, taking in the fresh air.

“Kelex monitors everything in the ships, records everything.” Clark told him softly. “While you and Kara were building Myriad… he, umm…”

“He played mine and Alex’s conversation for you.” J’onn realized, sighing.

“I didn’t know what I was hearing at first.” Clark admitted. “He just told me I needed to hear something and then it started playing. I couldn’t stop listening.”

J’onn laughed softly. “Over the years, I’ve been known to look into people’s minds without permission and learn things that were none of my business. I am hardly one to judge, Kal El.”

Clark smiled at the Martian. “You always called me that. You never called me Clark unless others were around.”

“I suppose I wanted to remind you that you were connected to Krypton. You always felt you weren’t, and I knew it made you feel guilty. You never felt you fit in on Earth or Krypton.” Seeing he had the Kryptonian’s attention, he confessed, “I’ve made mistakes, Kal El. But… if I could go back and change things… I wouldn’t. Protecting you and Alex has been the most important thing in my life since I met you both. I couldn’t help my wife and daughters, but I was determined not to fail you two. There is something you should know, though I don’t suppose it matters now since you are leaving.”

“Bruce has Kryptonite.” Clark guessed.

“I ran a scan over his manor and the Batcave for Kryptonite radiation. There was a very faint presence but not much.” J’onn told him, before continuing. “As important as that is, that’s not what I wanted to tell you. I want you to know I never wanted to hurt you. I know we disagreed, and it broke the bond we had but I never stopped loving you or trusting you. I saw you as a son… and I always will. Even if I were exposed in the process, I would never have allowed Kryptonite to be used against you.

“We will probably never agree on Bruce Wayne, but I never stopped trusting you, Kal El. I never will.”

Clark took a deep breath and found it difficult. He felt a tightness in his chest, almost painful. Seeing the face of John Jones brought back so many memories of good times and bad times in Clark’s life.

“I’ve made mistakes too, J’onn. When I was younger, after my Dad died you got me through it. Without you and Oliver I don’t know what I would have done.” Clark admitted.

“Kryptonite hurts. It’s one of the few things I fear on this planet. I let my fear of it overcome my…” Shaking his head, he looked up at J’onn, truly seeing his friend for the first time in a long while. “I forgot who you were. I understand where you were coming from and while I still don’t agree with it, I do know you would never use it to hurt me. I wish we could work through this, talk for days like we used to and one day, we will. I really want to… it will just take time.

“I know you were at my mother’s funeral. Afterwards, I went to the barn loft and a big part of me hoped you would be there, despite my words, but you weren’t… and that hurt more than I ever thought it would.

“I’ve missed you, J’onn.

J’onn placed a hand on Clark’s shoulder. “I’ve missed you too. I wish we could have more time, but I understand why you must leave. You deserve to go, Kal, to be with your people… your family. You have given so much to this planet, but now it’s time to have what you want.”

Clark shrugged his shoulders, a smile on his face. “I’m sure we will have plenty of time to talk when Kara drags you to Argo City for visits.”

J’onn groaned. “I don’t think shifters would be welcome there. These special forces soldiers do not approve of shifters of any kind. Considering what has happened or almost happened to Kara over her life, I suppose I can’t blame them.”

Clark laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “It sounds like what Kara says, goes and whatever she wants, happens. She has become attached to you so I don’t think you would count. Whatever the two of you shared, it must have been beautiful. I’m sure you will have a free pass in Argo City.”

The Kryptonian’s brow suddenly furrowed as his face took on a worried look, the apprehension in his voice hard to miss. “J’onn… she’s going to be okay, right?”

“I swear to you, Kal. I will do everything in my power to ensure she is. I’ve become greatly attached to her as well.” J’onn squeezed the man’s shoulder. “She is going to need you, Kal El. I know she seems so strong and confident on the outside but a part of her is still a scared little girl who misses her Dad, a young woman who is weighed down by the pressure of keeping her people alive. In the short time she has known you, she already looks up to you. Stay strong for her and she will take confidence in that.”

Clark nodded, sensing the sincerity in his voice. He wasn’t sure how much Kara looked up to him, but she definitely loved him as he did her. He knew her confidence was hiding many emotions underneath that she did not want anyone to see.

“Alex will be good for her.” J’onn continued. “But you… you will be more than a cousin to her. She is going to need you to keep herself grounded. Maybe you can teach her a bit of humility. You are Superman. You are good at making the impossible happen.”

“J’onn?”

“Yes?”

“I think I’m going to need help walking back inside. Mind giving me a hand?”

J’onn placed his arm around Clark’s shoulders. “I will never mind giving you a hand. Just place one foot in front of the other and we will get there.”

Argo City

Astra sat in her favorite chair in the residence common room. Though all of the chairs and sofas were comfortable, this was the one Astra claimed for herself. She used it for reflection during times of stress, annoyance, anger, and grief over those who were lost, to help her relax.

Today the chair was in use due to stress and the chair was not helping at all. Her husband, niece and sister were on Earth, which was under direct threat from possibly the greatest foe Astra would ever face and she was on the sidelines.

Picking up her commlink, the Chief Engineer of the Nightwing picked up immediately. “Yes, General?”

“How close are you to completing Lady Kara’s work?” Astra asked. “We need that interdimensional traveling thingy as quickly as possible.”

The man looked a bit worried. “Are we in danger of being attacked?”

“How do I feel about people who answer questions with questions?” Astra asked, doing her best to maintain a calm façade.

“You do not like them, General.” The man answered immediately. “I apologize. The designs Lady Kara sent seem simple but are much more complicated…”

Astra raised a hand to stop him. “Have you asked the Science Guild for help?”

The man nodded. “Yes, General… they are having difficulty with it as well. We believe we have it now. We are currently building a device capable of opening a rift that will allow both ships and Argo City to escape this area quickly. The Captain is determining areas of refuge throughout this galaxy we can retreat to if needed.”

Astra thought for a moment. “I want a separate protocol set up for the Nightwing. Pre-program the destination to Sector 2814, Earth. Also, have the Engineering Corp and Construction Corp prepare for an emergency decoupling of the Nightwing from Argo City should it be necessary. How soon can this be done?”

The man looked around, a less than confident look on his face. “Perhaps, if we hurry, two weeks?”

Astra stared at the man, her expression unwavering. “You have twenty-four hours. Make the upgrades to the Nightwing first. In the event Lady Kara needs to be evacuated, I do not want a Scout Ship and Green Lanterns as her only protection, especially if Earth is under attack.”

“Twenty-four hours?” the man actually squeaked as he answered. “General Astra, the technology Lady Kara has invented…”

“Took her five minutes and something called a corndog to figure out. I am sure the Science Guild and Engineers can follow her directions. You are the greatest scientific and technical minds of our race… or does my niece have to do everything?”

The man nodded his head, then shook it, then nodded… then shrugged his shoulders. Lady Kara usually did do everything. “Of course she doesn’t, General. We will do our best…”

“I don’t just want your best, I want it done by tomorrow afternoon. From the time I receive word of our presence being required, I want the Nightwing to be able to launch and reach Sector 2814 in under an hour. You have twenty-four hours to make that a reality, Chief. I will speak to you tomorrow afternoon to ensure it is done.”

Astra ended the holographic call and activated another, this time to the Captain of the Nightwing who appeared before her. “Yes, General?”

“The Engineering and Science Guild will be doing extensive work for the next twenty-four hours on the Nightwing. Keep the ship fully staffed at all times, soldiers at stations. Speak with our targeting chief. I want to know how to measure the strength of a shield and use the Solar Storm Canon to punch a hole through it without destroying the target completely and without scorching the planet below.”

The Captain’s confusion was evident on her face. “General, the Solar Storm Cannon was developed to leave no enemy behind. We have never tried to lessen its power. I’m not sure if we can.”

Astra knew this but had hope her Captain may have some idea. The General asked, “We can determine an enemy’s shield strength, but we have never encountered a shield our pulse cannons cannot penetrate. What would be our first maneuver should we ever encounter this type of shield?”

“Unleash the Solar Storm Cannon, eradicating all traces of the enemy ship. So long as our firing path is not in line with the surface of any planet or our ships, there should be no collateral damage.”

Astra began chewing on her lip, a habit she did while deep in thought that Non considered cute much to her great irritation. “Who helped Lady Kara install the Alphahedron and the solar absorption batteries that can charge the weapon?”

The Captain thought for a moment. “No one. There were technicians who followed her orders, of course, but no one was quite sure what she did or how she did it. They just followed her directions.”

Astra closed her eyes in frustration. “Captain, this Coluan we have been studying, he likely holds countless civilizations trapped on his ship. If we need to retrieve Lady Kara suddenly, I would like to disable his ship without destroying it. I am anticipating his shields being as strong as ours. If we can force our way in with pulse cannons, or ion blasts, that will be sufficient. If not, I want to use the Solar Storm Cannon to break him. If we must treat those civilizations as casualties to destroy the monster and his weapons then so be it, but I would like to do everything possible to avoid that. Millions, perhaps billions of lives are on that ship and I am not ready to give them up.

“Gather a small team from the technicians who worked under Lady Kara, use whatever resources we have and figure out a way to control the strength of the blast. I will give you Kara’s Kelex frequency so he can assist you.”

“May I contact Lady Kara?” the Captain asked.

Astra thought for a moment. “If needed, come to my compound and we will contact her together. Right now, she is busy building Myriad from scraps gathered on Apokolips and Earth. I want her focused on one problem at a time. I hope these tasks are something we can do ourselves. Give me an update every four hours. I’m going to get some sleep.”

“It will be done.” The Captain assured her. “General… are we going to war?”

Astra smiled and shook her head. “No, but If Brainiac 13 starts one, we will end it… quickly. Let’s keep that to ourselves. The people are tense enough with Kara gone. Just be prepared as always, Captain. May Rao be with you.”

Astra leaned back and closed her eyes. The stress of being her and her sister was beginning to wear on her. It was only five in the afternoon but she desperately wanted sleep.

The guest notification sounded and Astra groaned.

“Kelex,” she called to the residence unit. “See who that is and who they are here to see.”

Astra moved to the bedroom but listened closely as Kelex greeted someone and assured her High Councilor Alura was home. Hearing what she needed, Astra reached for the hair clip image inducer that erased the white streak of her hair and turned her into the perfect copy of her twin. Changing into one of Alura’s irritatingly complex dresses was not something she enjoyed, but it was all part of the game.

“General… High Councilor…” the Kelex unit stated, noting discrepancies in hair and addressing her as title programmed into him at Astra’s hands, “Ran Soy is here to see Lady Alura about an issue.”

“Have her take a seat in the common room.” Astra ordered.

Minutes later the woman walked out and found Lady Soy relaxing in her chair.

Her . Chair.

Astra stifled a groan. Everyone in the family knew that was her chair. Rather than telling the woman to get the hell out of her chair, Astra planted a pleasant smile on her face. “Lady Soy, it is good to see you. What brings you to my home? I hope all is well.”

The woman, who was at least 160 years, frowned and looked around the living room.

“I’m being stalked.” The woman whispered.

Astra raised an eyebrow. “You are being stalked?”

The old woman nodded her head. “Everywhere I go, the young Simi boy is near me. I’ve seen him twice today. I’ve seen him two to three times every day. I am a widow and my Mate is dead. I have no wish to find another.”

Astra nearly rolled her eyes and barely held back a laugh. “The Simi boy, he is sixteen, correct?”

Lady Soy shrugged her shoulders. “Just because he is young and attractive, does not mean he has the right to see me every day. I can see the forbidden lust in his eyes when he looks at me.”

Astra closed her eyes and lay back in Alura’s chair. This was the crap her sister dealt with every day. She was glad she was made for war. Killing enemies was so much easier than dealing with these people’s petty concerns. “The Simi boy, he is your neighbor, correct?”

The woman nodded her head.

“And where have you seen him?”

“Yesterday as I was going to the market, he was in his yard. I couldn’t decide if the look on his face was one of disgust or lust. My guess would be a combination of the two. Later, I saw him again in his yard when I returned. What boy stays in his yard for an hour? He was waiting for me. Then he approached me. What he said…” the woman shuddered.

“What did he say?” Astra asked.

“I only had two bags in my arms. He asked if he could take one! It was a ploy to enter my residence. The young man even flexed his muscles! It was most inappropriate!”

Astra leaned forward in the chair and put her hand on her head, breathing deeply to control her growing irritation. “He offered to assist you with groceries? Perhaps he was just being nice?”

“No one with arms like his and such a chiseled face and beautiful hair is nice to me! He is up to something inappropriate!” The woman stated vehemently.

Astra felt a strong desire to reach for her gun but she was wearing Alura’s dress and not armed. “I am afraid I cannot keep him from being in his own yard. I will speak to him about never offering you help again. It shouldn’t be hard for him to agree. That is the best I can do. Are there any other problems? I am awaiting a call from my Little One.”

The woman huffed, not happy with what she considered a lack of action. “Yes, my Faiora blooms are not as bright as they were last year. Is there anyway Lady Kara could fix whatever is wrong with them?”

Astra stared at her for a moment in disbelief. “Lady Kara?”

The woman nodded, smiling widely. “I realize we are not supposed to speak to the ‘Hand of Rao’, but perhaps being her Mother and such a gracious woman, you could ask her? I would love the chance to talk to her. You must be so proud, being the Mother to such a brilliant and brave young woman.”

Astra gritted her teeth. “She is not the ‘Hand of Rao’. That’s not even a thing! The Book of Rao never mentions anything about some holy…”

“She is an angel. There is no need to be humble.” The woman encouraged her.

Astra let out a deep breath. “She is a highly intelligent, reckless, sarcastic, impulsive, twenty-two-year-old brat. She is not an angel, believe me. Unfortunately, as all our citizens know, Lady Kara is on Earth and…”

The woman snorted. “I hoped she would be back soon. We are all praying for her quick return. I am surprised you let that happen. General Astra sending the physical embodiment of Rao to another planet. Such disregard for the safety of our people…”

“That was all Non’s fault.” Astra cut her off quickly. “Regardless, even when she returns, Lady Kara will be working constantly on many projects relating to our new home. Perhaps you can ask for a member of the Agriculture guild to look at your garden.”

“Of course.” The woman’s disappointment was obvious, but she quickly put on a brave smile. “I understand she has agreed to a mate. I have never even heard of the boy. No doubt she wanted someone who would serve her without thought. My cousin’s great-grandnephew interviewed. He was quite disappointed when she did not accept his offer to escort her on a date. He said she fell asleep twice during dinner, but he is such an interesting man I find that hard to believe. I would imagine he was nervous, since your sister is present at all the interviews. You know how she can be.”

Astra raised an eyebrow and sat up straight. “How exactly can she be?”

The woman looked over the residence once more. “Is she home?”

“No.” Astra replied. “Please feel free to speak your mind. I promise what is said will stay between us.”

The woman grinned. “I heard she choked a Councilor during a closed meeting discussing Lady Kara’s mission. She is quite violent, has a short temper and expects people to jump at her every command. I also heard she dares to fight with Lady Kara… physically.”

“Yes, she trains Lady Kara. It is important my nie… daughter, knows how to defend herself. I assure you, Astra is always in control of her emotions and is a model of the perfect Kryptonian. My sister is someone we should all strive to emulate.”

The old woman snorted. “I believe your family tie, may blind you to the truth, High Councilor. My friend’s cousin knows a man whose nephew is friends with a soldier assigned to the Nightwing. It is rumored that she was having… marital relations, with her husband in the weapons bay of the ship on top of proton missiles.”

“Ion F-5 AI… if the story were true. I understand those are my sister’s favorite explosives. Still, I doubt this is true. Just a rumor spread by bored soldiers…”

“Several times! It has happened more than once from what I understand.” Lady Soy exclaimed.

“Has she ever been caught during these scandalous acts?” Astra asked defensively.

The woman shook her head. “No, thank Rao, but she has been heard… loudly. I don’t understand how her poor husband puts up with her. Non must be a saint.”

“Excuse me?! Non is as much to blame as… Non is no saint, I assure you.” Astra stated.

The woman grinned wickedly. “I heard that he falls at her feet in worship because he is afraid she may strike him.”

“That is not true! Non does not do as he is told immediately! It takes persuasion at times! Argo City is lucky to have me… my sister! She is a warrior who single handedly defeated Zod and her husband adores her, but he does not worship her.”

The woman nodded her head. “No doubt, when it comes to defending our people, a violent woman is needed at the helm. I only wish she were more like you. You are the example of the perfect Kryptonian. Wise and kind, mother to such a wonderful daughter, leading our people in times of our greatest need.”

Astra scowled. “I assure you I am no saint. I had sex with Zor in multiple labs, in the jungles, in the Council building, in skimmers and fighters in dock and once on top of the Kandor shield generator. I cursed quite violently and profoundly when I am angry and am unbelievably arrogant.

“Also, you should know, your neighbor is not stalking you. He most likely looks at you with irritation because of your consistent complaining. I must ask you to leave now. As I said, I am waiting for a call from my daughter.”

The old woman nodded quickly. “I understand. I still can’t believe General Astra sent…”

Astra’s patience was at an end as she cut the woman off. “Good day. Kelex, escort her out and contact a member of the Agriculture Guild to examine whatever flowers she has in her yard. Make sure they are ‘bright’… whatever that means.”

Astra stood up and moved quickly to the bedroom, not waiting for the woman to leave. She ripped off Alura’s dress and garbed herself in her black uniform. She then activated her comlink to complain to her sister, the pious mother of the so-called angel, about the idiots she has to put up with.

Alura’s image popped up immediately. She had some sort of drink in her hand and… no, she couldn’t be.

“Sister.” Astra greeted her, warily.

“Astra! Look Kara, Astra is on the com. Come say hi!” Alura said, looking to her right and speaking in a slurred tone. Kara stumbled her way into the holo with a glass in her hand.

“Aunty Astra… what happened to your mean streak?” Kara asked, giggling.

“Excuse me?” Astra asked, her irritation spiking now seeing the two obviously having a better time than she was.

“Your hair.” Kara said, slapping the side of her head. “Your mean streak is gone. That’s what we call it when you are mad.” Alura was giggling beside her, an arm around her daughter and it appeared as if they were holding each other up.

Astra ripped the small image inducer from her hair. “The streak of white hair is all your fault, Kara Zor El! Are you two drunk?”

Mother and Daughter looked at each other and began laughing hysterically.

Alura recovered first and lied. “Nope. The Angel of Rao… or is it Rao’s hand, hand of Rao, the brat who watches porn does not get drunk. I am too dignified to become intox… intoxi… umm, drunk. So, what do you want? I know… you can drink with us! We can put your holo on the table and… I’m getting dizzy. Kara, why is the room spinning? Did you do something to the house?”

“Nope, not me. The rotation of the Earth must be screwing up. Beer is so good, Aunt Astra. Not as good as our wine, but Tequila is better. I think this may be my greatest discovery on Earth, even better than nachos!” Kara told her, splashing her drink everywhere as she struggled to stay standing while attempting to help her mother do the same. “Hold on, I need to pee again. This is like the third time in an hour. I don’t think I can make it to the bathroom on my own. Earth’s rotation is still screwed up. Kell! Are you up? I need you to carry me!”

Kara turned to Astra. “Kell and I were in a bedroom just… talking when Kelex came in and stunned him! I think he has all his motor functions back now. At least he is recovered from the stun blast. Between you and me, I think he has had a little too much to drink. We need to have a talk with the High Priestess. These pre-bonding rules are a bit strict, you know? It’s not like we were having sex. Not that I don’t want to because… yeah, I seriously want to get laid. You would not believe how much I have learned about sex since I have been here! We weren’t naked or nothing, just going through the motions, kind of like a trial run. So what if we were practicing? I am so drunk, I have had the best ideas. I think I know how to make rainbows in Argo City! Rainbows and cotton candy are a must. Okay, rainbows aren’t, but they are so pretty. Kell, I need to pee! Hurry up! The hallway keeps twisting!”

Astra watched Kell stumble into the holo and pick Kara up in a bridal carry. He was swaying as well but noticed her. “General, Aunt-in-law, I’m not sure which… I have like four names now and Kara has five. Want to add In Ze to the mix?”

“Kell, I assume you have had too much to drink as well?” Astra asked, her tone showing her disappointment in all three of them.

The man straightened up. “Nope… maybe… a little. It’s fine though. All we have to do is take these silver bracelets -which are not jewelry- off and we are sober as a Church dog.”

“Mice, Kell. Get it right.” Alura said, taking another long drink from her large mug. “Screw it, Church dog has a nice ring to it. I hope Krypto has not gotten in to any beer. He is such a good boy. He is my best friend now! I’m best friends with a dog! How awesome is that?”

“Can I speak to Non!?” Astra shouted.

Kara shook her head. “Afraid not. He is passed out on the kitchen table. He lost four straight games of Beer Pong to Ollie, then just laid face first on the table and fell asleep. I drew ‘ Kara Rocks !’ on his forehead with a Sharpie. Human traditions are so fun. Do you want to see me in my bikini I bought from Victory’s Season? There isn’t much to it but I’m going to get into the hot tub if Kell ever gets me to the bathroom…”

Astra ended the transmission. “Kelex! Bring me a drink… now!”