Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Life Equation

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 41:

Argo City, 30 years ago

The red fires of Rao’s light danced across the crystalline structures throughout the landscape of Argo City, illuminating the two brothers sitting on a low balcony, watching two twelve-year-old girls playing in the small park in front of the House of El compound.

“From what I understand of social interactions at Kara’s age, the two girls do not seem to be symbiotic with each other. This Thora plays with dolls? Could Alura have not chosen a more intellectually compatible companion for her?” Jor El asked his little brother. “You and I both know Kara is extremely bored and obviously trying not to show it so as to spare the girl’s feelings.”

They observed Thora continuously changing her doll’s clothes while Kara could be heard explaining to her doll how two quarks could collide exchanging a single gluon that can split the quark in two, causing one quark and one antiquark to bounce in separate directions. The little blonde asked her friend for her doll to demonstrate the collision but unfortunately for Kara, the doll was in the middle of being changed for the fourth time.

“You can take the girl out of the lab, but you can’t take the lab out of the girl.” Zor told Jor with a chuckle. “And who would you suggest big brother? Who is intellectually compatible with her? Alura believes Thora may help her relax a bit and enjoy childhood. Thora is somewhat… simple but very imaginative. Her mother is also the top clothing designer in Argo and Alura wants her to be well acquainted with Kara. She believes Thora will carry on the House tradition.”

“Of course, that would be Alura’s main concern,” Jor snorted, looking around. “I count five Red Shard and an additional ten Kryptonian soldiers surrounding a completely cleared out park. A bit overkill, don’t you think?”

Zor winced. “Please do not say the word ‘kill’ around Alura. You know how… focused… she is concerning Kara’s safety.”

Jor did know, very well. Alura loved her daughter deeply, powerfully, since the day Kara had been placed in her arms. When she witnessed the first kidnapping attempt, knew how close her daughter had come to being taken or killed, she was traumatized. No amount of sessions with the Priestesses or healers made a difference. Her daughter’s life became her priority and her obsession. Her husband and daughter were her world above all else and Alura made sure Kara was heavily protected at all times, even if sacrifices like her freedom and social development had to be made. If not for his brother, Jor doubted Kara would ever leave the lab or the compound other than to attend Temple surrounded by bodyguards.

“Your darling brat still has my Atom Splitter.” Jor reminded his brother.

Zor smirked, proud of Kara’s secret incursions into Jor’s lab after he banned her. “That was seven years ago, brother, and I doubt you would want it back. Kara has made it a nice pastel blue shade at the molecular level and added glittering white trimnites all over. It is incredibly beautiful and sparkly… not something the esteemed Jor El could possibly use again.”

Jor El said nothing, knowing exactly whose little hands had taken it when that tool disappeared from his lab during his brother’s Kandor visit, and knew he would never get it back. The man failed to hide his grin, secretly proud of the different methods his annoying, yet beloved niece had used to break into his lab unnoticed. She was definitely her Father’s daughter.

Jor moved on to another topic, one he hated to discuss but could not be ignored. “The radiation spikes from the core are increasing sevenfold. At this rate, we have a year, two at most, before the core is critical. I understand the… War Bunkers, have nearly been completed. I applaud your city’s secrecy and ingenuity. Do you truly believe this Rao particle shield can hold? Extraordinarily little is known about it.”

“It will hold.” Zor assured him confidently.

Jor was more doubtful. “You should consider putting Kara and Alura on Non or Astra’s ship.”

The man shook his head. “They will be in orbit or prepared to launch after evacuating citizens. Neither are sure their ships can withstand the shockwave. The safest place for my wife and daughter will be in the bunker under our compound.”

“The city will still crumble. The buildings will be crushed, our surviving people lost in the darkness of space, limited air and food. It would take a miracle to survive even if the explosion is avoided. You know the radiation spikes; the electrical shocks and wild magnetic field changes will make using a remote or a Kelex impossible. You may not be able to erect the shield at all.”

Zor’s face took on a solemn expression. “That is why I must do it myself. It is the only way to be sure.”

“There will be no coming back… it will kill you.” Jor pointed out solemnly. “Who will save the city from the darkness of space? Who will save our people?”

Zor smiled down at his daughter, who had finally given up all pretense of trying to play with the dolls Thora favored and was now on Kelex’s back, squealing in glee.

“Kara will.” Zor stated simply.

“And who will guide her?” his brother asked, worry lines forming across his brow.

Zor looked his brother in the eye, so Jor could see his certainty. “Kara will be the light that others follow. Only she has the ability to see everything, not just specific parts of the Universe around us like all the other scientists. She needs no guide but Rao.

“It will be a lonely path, but she will have a faithful companion. Her Kelex will be by her side, no matter what, until she enters Rao’s light from this plane of existence.”

Jor El shook his head, not happy with that reasoning and genuinely concerned about the challenges Kara would one day face. “A Kelex is an assistant… a tool, not a companion.”

The impish grin on Zor’s face told Jor his brother had done something to the Kelex unit, something probably not allowed by the High Council.

“Zor… the waver only allowed for advanced weaponry and greater storage capacity in his memory banks and faster computing abilities that outmatched other Kelex units, nothing more.” Jor El reminded him.

“I must have read it wrong. These things happen.” Zor shrugged his shoulders, not concerned. “Do you remember Kara’s idea about creating an organic computer?”

“Yes.” Jor answered slowly, a shiver running down his spine. “I am grateful you turned her down. It would have been a bloody mess… literally.”

Zor laughed at his brother’s description, knowing he was right and remembering Kara’s pout when he told her no. “I decided that organics shouldn’t have all the fun. I simply copied the electrical impulses of a Kryptonian brain and created a perfect match using binary and nonbinary…”

“You made an AI.” Jor said, cutting him off. “Artificial Intelligence was forbidden for a reason, brother!”

Zor did not seem concerned. “Let’s think about that. What would be considered artificial? We are all made of the same basic building blocks of the Universe. He has protocols of course, a mandate to protect Kara above all else but he will challenge her. He will question her, help her grow, comfort her… he will love her.”

Jor was still scowling. “It will be soulless.”

“Who and what has a soul is left in Rao’s hands.” Zor replied. “Observe him now, interacting with Kara. While he is complaining, something that no Kelex should do by the way, he is allowing her to hold onto his back and floating her around the park to amuse her. Brother… that was never a part of his programming!

“In the six years he has existed, Kelex has grown to love her. He refuses to admit it because he doesn’t recognize his feelings for what they are, but he is sentient and continues to evolve. He will always be there for her, not just because of programming that could become corrupted, but because of love and devotion.”

Jor appeared thoughtful, watching the two companions as the grumbling AI and his cackling charge floated around the park. He said nothing so Zor assumed he was good with his additional upgrades.

“What does Kara know?” Jor finally asked.

Zor’s face became grim. “She knows about the instability of the core but believes Tomar Re will retrieve the stellarium, and all will be well. She also knows why the bunkers are truly being built but does not believe they will be needed. I have not told her what will happen when I activate the shield.”

Zor paused for a moment. “What of your plan, Jor? Will Lara be going with your son?”

Jor shook his head. “The pod will have to be small, versatile enough to evade and blend in with the pieces of our home as they blast into space. Should Kal be born before the destruction, he will be sent alone. I will send my lab and the Codex with him. Perhaps he may be able to use it one day… somehow.”

Zor had never been happy with his brother’s idea and made his position known once more. “He would be better off with his parents on the Nightwing.”

“No, he won’t. I am not confident our battlecruisers can survive. Even if the Nightwing and Flamebird were in orbit, Non and Astra still plan to land and evacuate citizens if it is at all possible. It is a dangerous undertaking. He will be safest on Earth. He can activate the crystal when he grows into a man. I have downloaded my conscience and knowledge into a program…”

“That is so creepy.” Zor cut in.

“It is not!”

“It is so! It’s like your brilliant personality will live forever without Lara to tell you when to shut up. Please, go on though. Why Earth? He will be different, more powerful than the human race. They will fear him. He will be an outcast among them, and that is saying something for humans.”

Jor waved his hand dismissively. “As you said, Brother. His fate is in Rao’s hands.”

“Send him to Oa.” Zor suggested once again.

Jor El shook his head. “Earth has many problems. Humans are a new species but one that is in constant danger from itself. Kal El will grow strong, become one of them and yet remain one of us. He will show them a better way. He will give them hope and when needed, he will save them all. No matter where he goes or who takes him in, he will have his Mother’s heart. I have a message prepared for him. He will hear it one day and understand.”

Zor’s eyebrow rose. “A message? What message? ‘Hi, I’m Jor El, the father who shot you off to Earth. I realize humans are crazy but maybe you can straighten them out. Good luck.’ That sort of message?”

Jor took a deep breath, closed his eyes and began speaking. “ You have traveled far, little one. But we will never leave you. The richness of our lives shall become yours. All that I have, all that I learned, everything I feel… all this and more I bequeath you, my son. You will carry me inside you all the days of your life. You will make my strength your own and see my life through your own eyes, as your life shall be seen through mine. The son becomes the father, and the father the son. ” **

Zor listened with wide eyes and began laughing hysterically.

Jor El was immediately irritated. “What do you find so humorous?!”

Zor wiped his eyes, trying to catch his breath. “ ‘The son becomes the father and the father the son?’ What does that even mean? He will probably fear some body switch. People say I am arrogant, but… wow. My strength, my eyes, all the constant annoyance that I feel with everyone around me is with you, son.

“Have you considered asking Lara to record a message instead? Perhaps she can download her conscience into a program instead of you.”

Jor shook his head. “Lara won’t do it. She thinks the idea is… creepy.”

Zor began laughing again before Jor punched him on the shoulder and asked, “Have you considered leaving a message for Kara?”

Zor sobered up quickly. “I give her messages every day: Never let fear stop you; Dream of the impossible and then make it happen; Bow down to no one, ever; Do not give up, do not surrender and never ask for mercy but be prepared to give it to others; but most importantly, every night, Alura and I tell her how much we love her.

“Those are all the messages she needs. Everything else is already inside her.”

Jor took that in for a moment and grinned, looking at the blonde girl below who was now doing pushups as her Aunt Astra had taught her. “Are you training her to be a soldier or a scientist?”

“I’m helping her become the hero she already has the heart of.” Zor replied, pride and love for his daughter evident in his eyes.

“I like my message better.” Jor told his brother and stood. “Much more poetic and inspirational in my opinion but I always have been the more eloquent of the two of us.”

“And I have always been the more attractive.” Zor retorted with a laugh and standing as well, shouting down to Kara that it was time for dinner. He walked inside with his brother for a family meal, neither knowing how many would be left but no longer taking any of them for granted.

Smallville

“You have to leave, Mother.” Kara told Alura. “There is no other way. I will cut the satellites off for five seconds and open a tear into our home.”

Alura shook her head, not liking this idea at all. It had always been her intention to stay by her daughter’s side and ensure no harm came to her. Now her daughter and brother-in-law were suggesting she run. “I will not run…”

“Mother! You are not running! Our people will need you because for the first time since the cruisers joined with the city, the Nightwing will disembark. There will be panic… and Aunt Astra must be on that ship, leaving you as the only one who can calm our people.”

Alura opened her mouth to argue but then stopped, seeing the wisdom in Kara’s words. Non was not on Argo City but the people believed she and her sister both were. If Astra were to disembark, Argo City would be turning to Alura for answers, so she had to be present to provide them.

The explanation was actually simple: The Council’s decree was being followed and with Brainiac approaching Earth’s system, it was decided the Nightwing would retrieve Kara and bring her home. According to Astra, rumors were already being whispered among the citizens about the new travel device Lady Kara had created.

Alura would have to call a Council meeting as Astra was disembarking. There was no other way to handle the situation without raising questions the House of El did not want to answer.

Alura took in her daughter’s bright blue eyes. They were shining like comets and took her breath away. She saw Zor El in her daughter’s eyes.

“I can’t lose you.” Alura told her quietly.

Kara nodded, understanding. “I know what is at stake.”

“You don’t understand, Kara. I don’t care about Argo City and what your death would mean to our people’s survival.” Alura replied, extremely agitated. ” I can’t lose my daughter… I can’t lose you! Why do I have such a bad feeling about this?”

“Because I will be out of your sight,” Kara smiled, not surprised at her mother’s reaction. “I promise I can handle myself. I have Kell, Alex and my Guard with me. We are in Smallville… no androids would have a reason to come here. Now, go and dress. Our people will soon need their High Councilor.”

Alura drew a deep breath, nodded and walked to the scout ship to retrieve a dress before she could cry.

Once she was safely in the ship, Alex stepped up beside Kara. “You do realize androids are totally going to attack this barn, right? He is going to find the source of Myriad immediately and the artificial component of his brain is sending them straight for you.”

Kara sighed and looked at her partner. “Yes, I know. It won’t be a big deal. I will have you, Kell and my Guard.”

“Me? I will be in National City or Metropolis, where the real action will be. What makes you think I would stay and protect you in Smallville?” Alex asked in false shock, the smirk on her face belying the seriousness of the situation obviously trying to help the blonde relax.

“What makes you think I don’t have a self-destruct code for that lightsaber?” Kara asked, trying to keep the grin off her face. “I gave it to you so you could protect my ass. Have you not heard what a big deal I am?”

Alex patted her on the back, then gripped Kara’s shoulder with a squeeze, a grin appearing through the smirk. “You are lucky I like you so much. I guess I will make sure no one bothers you when you go mental since I am already here.

“We have less than four hours. Non is gearing up the ship to drop off Justice League members around the world then he is coming back to Metropolis. Just take this guy out so we don’t miss out on the fighting in the big cities. I want to leave this planet famous and fighting robots in a wheat field isn’t going to get me the attention I deserve.”

Kara chuckled at her friend’s ribbing, appreciating Alex’s attempts to distract her, noting the brunette’s underlying concern and knowing there would be plenty of action around the world in a matter of hours… especially in Smallville.

Kell walked up beside Alex with something in his hand, a small object he handed to Kara.

“What’s that? A new interdimensional tear device?” Alex guessed, looking at the small, hard crest of the House of El that was slightly larger than the size of Kara’s palm.

“Take off your outer armor… and your boots.” Kara told her, a grin playing about her lips.

Alex was surprised but decided to go with it. Soon, she was in her black body suit.

“Want me to take anything else off? Everything after this comes with a price.” She said, eyebrows wiggling suggestively.

Kara shook her head, becoming a bit more serious as she took the beautifully designed silver crest and placed it in the center of Alex’s chest, right underneath her collarbones. “You are not a member of the military. You are a member of the House of El and it is time you started dressing like it.”

The crest glowed and Alex stiffened, feeling the nanotech armor releasing from the glowing symbol and covering her body in sleek, black body armor trimmed in silver, tight yet flexible and a lighter weight than her previous Kryptonian combat armor. The boots the nanites formed were comfortable and also light, the traction from the soles would keep her from slipping, making it much easier to maintain her balance in battle.

“You will have to use your current helmet until I can come up with something better. This is a next gen prototype field armor to replace our current combat suits. Feel like giving it a test drive? I promise it is stronger than your other armor and lighter. I also added a clip on the waist for your lightsaber which won’t be in the standard combat suits.”

Alex looked over her torso and legs, raising her arms in front of her, fascinated by the metal that contoured to her body so well. Her fingers didn’t lose flexibility and her movement was fluid. It truly was like a second skin.

“What am I ever going to get you for your birthday, Kara?” Alex asked playfully though her voice choked up in gratitude. Throwing away all pretense, she hugged the blonde, whispering in her ear, “Thank you.”

Kara smiled widely at her, pulling back to clearly see the appreciation in Alex’s expression. “I think keeping me alive today will be enough. You can also make me cupcakes.”

“I need to speak with Kal and Lois, then prepare myself. Kell, could you gather the Guard? I would like a word with them as well.” Kara walked off quickly without waiting for a response. From what she understood of marriage, he should do what he is told without her needing a verbal confirmation.

At least she hoped that was the case.

It was probably not the case.

Kara approached the wheat field where Lois and Clark held each other and were having a whispered conversation. They stopped speaking when she approached them.

Kara offered a large smile to Lois, but the reporter could tell it was strained. “Let’s cut straight to the negotiations, Lois. You are carrying the next generation of the House of El. I don’t suppose there is any way I can convince you to accompany my mother to Argo City?”

Lois gave her a blank look, showing no emotion. It was one Kara had not seen before and she did not believe it was a positive sign. “By the look on your face, I would guess that’s a hard ‘no’?”

Clark nodded sadly.

“Until we leave, this is still my planet. It will always be my planet. I’m not going to leave while it is being attacked.” Lois told her, arms crossed, not giving an inch.

“And I suppose you would be upset if I just opened a tear and pushed you through into our home.” Kara guessed, only to be met by Lois’s glare. “I certainly don’t want to upset you. I understand alien abductions are no laughing matter. The fear of probing is legitimate when certain races are involved.

“I don’t feel comfortable with you here though. Earth will be an extremely dangerous place to be, Lois.”

Lois scoffed. “I know how to pick up a gun and aim. I was a military brat.”

Kara looked at a resigned Clark. He had told her Lois would not leave the planet, pregnant or not, during this battle. Deciding talking Lois into going to Argo City wasn’t going to happen, Kara took another approach.

“That’s a shame. Kryptonians could have been inspired by this story. Our people have survived and thrived but not had any true victories over an opponent since the last war with Daxam. I say ‘war’ but it literally only lasted twenty-two hours. This could have been a truly inspirational story. I guess it was not to be.” Kara told her, the disappointment in her voice obvious as she turned to go.

“Kara, wait!” Kara smiled slightly before she wiped it off her face and turned back to Lois, obviously having Lois’s attention. “What story? What are you talking about?”

Kara raised her hands in a questioning gesture. “I had a crazy idea, one that would be a lot cooler than you standing on a Metropolis street firing a gun at a few androids.

“I was thinking of you on the bridge of the Nightwing… seeing the battle unfolding around the world in real time, having a firsthand view of the solar storm cannon in action for the first time. You could watch the heroics from a point of view no reporter would have. You could tell Earth and Argo City what it was like to be on a large spaceship in the middle of a battle, saving a planet, destroying an enemy ship. You should easily win another… Pulitzer, I think you call it, one last hurrah before leaving Earth for good, get one over on your nemesis, Cat Grant. I have no intention of offering this opportunity to CatCo or any other news outlet, so you are the only option this story gets told.

“But I suppose you are right. It is important that as many people as possible are carrying weapons on the streets of Metropolis, shooting bullets at killer androids that will have absolutely no hope of stopping them.”

Lois looked at her closely, searching for signs of deception. “You are saying if I go with your mother, I would be let onto the bridge of the Nightwing?”

Kara looked as if she were in deep thought. “Aunt Astra is probably preparing the ship as we speak. If you hurry, you will have time to get there. I can let Aunt Astra know you are coming and will be brought to her. It is your call, but you have to decide now.”

“I’m in.” Lois said immediately, kissed her husband and then ran towards the farmhouse.

Clark looked suspiciously at his cousin who seemed too proud of herself. “You sure about this?”

“There is no safer place for her to be than on the Nightwing during this battle. It will certainly be safer than the streets.” Kara replied.

“And your aunt will let her on board? Because if she doesn’t and Lois is left behind, you know she will make life hell for both of us.” He said, looking really worried.

Kara smirked, not doubting the man. “Lois will be on board. Besides, the story does need to be told and Aunt Astra will understand. Our people need to know of the heroics of this planet and those who fight for it with their lives. They should know that, though we are small, Krypton will not cower in fear from those who commit evil. They should know that there is much bravery and honor among other species.”

“On the street, she would find trouble. On the Nightwing, she will be protected… so long as she stays quiet and doesn’t get into Aunt Astra’s way. She may not be so safe if she doesn’t.” Kara saw her cousin still looked concerned. “Are you okay with this?”

Clark thought for a moment then nodded. It made the most sense. Lois would see the battle from a reporter’s dream perspective, and he wouldn’t have to worry about her being killed on the ground. He smiled and nodded to her.

Happy that she had solved that problem, she began walking towards the house. She had a quick word about Lois’s plans with Non who withheld a grimace and then she hugged her mother tightly. “When I tell Kelex to turn off the satellites, I will open a tear and you will walk through. Do not waste time. The sooner you are through, the better. He is too close to worry about tears now and knows we won’t be surprised but I want to keep the satellite shield up for as long as possible. I love you, Mother. We will be together soon, I promise. You and Kell still owe me a trip to Paris.”

Alura reached out and touched her daughter’s cheek, trying to hold herself together. Kara and Alura were the same height, yet every time Alura looked at her, she saw the short, skinny girl with wild blonde hair, dirt covering her dress and face with an innocent smile that hid the mischievousness she and her father had gotten into.

“Rao is with you, Kara Zor El.” Alura stated, her voice heavy with emotion. “Show this monster the power of Krypton. Show him we live.”

Placing a kiss on her daughter’s forehead, she stepped back and grabbed Lois’s hand. Kara nodded to Kelex to cut the protective barrier and used her device. The air shimmered and both women walked towards it, disappearing as if they faded into the wind. She immediately cut the connection and Kelex reactivated the barrier.

Kara let out a deep breath of relief, feeling some of the pressure in her shoulders dissipate. “That’s two concerns that have been taken care of.”

Rather than preparing with J’onn or addressing her guard, Kara decided to take a moment and walked out the back.

She stared out over the open fields, as beautiful as the first time she saw them. Not for the first time, she wished she could hear her Father’s voice, feel his hand holding hers as she took in the scenery around her.

Despite the ongoing preparations for war, the farm was surprisingly peaceful. Kara knew this would not last, knew the very house she was standing behind could sustain major damage. The barn she would be in would be a target. Her Guard, her new sister and her mate would protect her and J’onn in their vulnerable states but only with handheld shields. The weakness from above would cause them to be spread thin as they needed to cover both sky and ground.

She knew Brainiac had solved the Anti-Life Equation, or he would not be on his way and she had to take out that weapon. The rest would be relatively easy as, in his arrogance, he had fallen into their trap.

Now, it was on J’onn and Kara to make it possible for the trap to be sprung… everything was riding on the two of them and she knew Rao was with them.

“Kara?” Non greeted her, surprising the blonde who had been lost in her thoughts and nature around her.

“Hey, Uncle Non. Some exploration trip it’s been so far, right?” she joked, to lighten the mood and lessen her slowly building anxiety.

The man looked sadly at his niece. “I can stay. The Justice League can find another way to spread out over the world.”

She shook her head. “No, you are an expert at using our powers. You might be almost as good as me. You are needed and I will be safe until you return.”

“Four Green Lanterns are converging on the barn.” Non informed her. “They will help protect you from air attacks. If more are needed, if their shields cannot hold, I will be back in seconds. You just focus on your task… do not worry about the outside world.”

Non reached over and took her face in his hands. Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead and dropped his arms around her shoulders, hugging her. “I love you, Kara.”

“I love you, too.” Kara whispered, hugging her uncle and walking with him to the ship where he gave her one last look and entered, preparing to fly to Watchtower to collect Justice Leaguers and fly them around the world to the cities where they were needed most.

Kara walked to the front and found Kell had indeed gathered the Guard. She saw J’onn and Alex by the barndoor where Alex happily modeled her new armor before the obviously pleased Martian.

Her Guard stood at attention, waiting for her to speak. “I don’t have any inspirational speeches. That’s more Uncle Non’s thing. I’m about to go into the barn and prepare myself. I just wanted to say something to all of you.”

Kara paused then, meeting each person’s eyes. “Thank you. Thank you for everything you have all done for me, everything you have given up to ensure that I had the chance to grow up. May Rao be with us all.”

Having nothing else to say, she nodded to her guard, took Kell’s hand and began a slow walk towards the barn where Kelex waited with Myriad.

“So… this has been a fun trip, right?” Kara asked.

Kell smiled. “I can honestly say, this has been the best, most exciting time of my life. Let’s make sure it isn’t over today, alright? I don’t need a drooling, brain-dead mate. Not that you wouldn’t still be beautiful, but you may forget those Kama Sutra techniques you keep hinting about.”

Kara shook her head, amused. “You say the most romantic things.”

“I do my best.” Kell said before turning more serious. “I won’t say be careful. It would be a waste of words. Just make sure you win.”

Kell kissed her gently and Kara walked inside to find J’onn hugging Alex before she walked out leaving the two of them alone.

“Who’s leading the DEO during this battle?” Kara asked him.

“No one… and no one has been informed or knows a battle is coming. I handed in my resignation yesterday. I’m sure General Lane has someone in my office by now, so I won’t be going back.” J’onn’s expression was thoughtful, but he seemed content, relaxed even. “That was one of several decisions I’ve made over the past few days.”

“The night before Clark’s wedding, I contacted Diana and asked her to meet me outside National City. I gave her all of the Kryptonite that I had stored in the DEO and she took it to Themyscira to keep it safe from those that would harm your people, and that includes General Lane and his ilk. Earth and Krypton will have ties to each other in the future and I will not risk the life of any Kryptonian due to fear and hatred of certain… factions on this planet.” J’onn told her seriously.

“Also, with your cousin leaving, this world is going to need to see more of the Martian Manhunter… and I believe Detective John Jones will be making a reappearance.”

Kara was not surprised. “From what I understand, he is a pretty cool guy… and someone who could possibly keep Oliver out of trouble, maybe… on second thought, good luck with that.”

“He does his best, and I can try, but don’t expect miracles.” J’onn said, chuckling. “So how do you want to do this?”

Kara took her cape off and hung it from a nail on the wall, wearing only her blue body suit. She took her place in front of Myriad where Kelex was locked in, focused and ready to target Brainiac’s signal sometime within the next four hours.

“We place the crystals on us, and we pray. When he attacks, we will act. I will need you to protect certain parts of my mind. I don’t want him to find out about Argo City, or the Nightwing… not until we have sprung the trap and it is too late for him to do anything about it.”

J’onn sat on the ground across from her, legs crossed under him and reached out his hands, taking hers.

“Shall I teach you my prayers or would you like to teach me yours first?” the Martian asked.

“Introduce me to your god, J’onn.” Kara told him, smiling gently.

They both closed their eyes and J’onn began the prayers, Kara repeating his words. Soon it would be time for the greatest challenge of both their lives. For the moment, it was just the two of them, two survivors who had lost so much, yet kept going… two saviors who always put others before themselves.

A Green Martian and a Kryptonian sitting on the floor of a barn, meditating… waiting to battle the deadliest Warlord in the universe.

The Battle of Smallville was about to begin.

Argo City

Astra stood on the bridge of the Nightwing with a mix of emotions. Fear for her niece’s safety was prevalent but nearly equal was the excitement of an impending battle. She would be in her element with no distractions, no Council meetings, no monotonous drills to oversee.

Today she would do what she was born to do.

Additional fighter craft and soldiers had been transferred from the Flamebird to the Nightwing. She had a somewhat competent engineer in the Alphahedron Room, prepping the orb that had been drained just yesterday in what was announced to the citizens as a test fire.

She had just received word from Alura that she had arrived and was calling a meeting of the Council announcing the danger Lady Kara faced and the retrieval mission the Nightwing would be embarking on shortly.

Alura also informed Astra that a highspeed military transport would be bringing Lois Lane to the bridge of the Nightwing.

The woman accepted it for what it was, knowing it was some type of compromise Kara had negotiated to get Lois and her unborn children off the planet. It would not be a problem… she hoped.

Lois finally arrived, wide eyed, and excited. By her side was the House of El’s Kelex unit, obviously assigned to act as her translator.

Astra straightened her shoulders, turning to greet Kal El’s mate. “Lois, it is a pleasure to meet you face to face. I am Astra and I welcome you to our family. Your ceremony was really beautiful.”

Lois took her eyes from the massive bridge around her and focused on Astra. Though she was physically identical in every way to Alura, save for the white streak in her hair, she carried herself in a completely different way.

Where Alura was stubborn and feisty, this woman was fierce and radiated an intensity that Alura did not have. Alura was the leader of the people but Astra was definitely the enforcer and Krypton’s protector. From her manner, Lois could already tell the woman took both roles very seriously.

“I’m glad to be here, Astra.” Lois replied. “I’ve heard such great things about you from Kara. I look forward to working with you.”

Astra raised an eyebrow. “Working with me?”

“Yeah,” Lois said, “our little team up. You do your thing, I record everything I see, the two of us side by side. Kind of like a symbiotic relationship, you know?”

Astra smirked and shook her head. “Lois, we may be family now, but this is my ship, my military. The only voices that speak on this bridge are mine and my Captain’s.

“There is no family here, only my orders they will be obeyed without question. You will be able to see everything but if I tell you to sit, I expect you to sit. If I tell you to strap in, do so or you may find yourself on the ceiling. Relax, enjoy the ride but do not disobey me.”

Had this been Alura, Lois would have argued, but understanding military protocols, she did not feel the need to, at least right now. “Of course, Astra… General Astra.”

“Excellent. We will get along splendidly.” Astra smiled widely and pointed off to her left. “Take that seat near the first console. You will have an excellent view of the battle. Do not touch anything.”

“What about…”

“Anything.” Astra said again, a steely tone to her voice.

The Captain informed the General that the all clear had been given for decoupling and the Council had been summoned into a public meeting that was being broadcast to the entire city.

Astra gave the go ahead, her eyes switching between her data screens and the view outside. Twenty minutes later the ship was free of Argo City. Astra ordered the ship ahead, giving distance to prepare for the interdimensional tear she prayed worked correctly. She didn’t doubt Kara’s technology, she doubted the engineers and their abilities to implement it.

Looking back towards her home, she felt better seeing streaks of green light circling it, knowing the Corp would keep Argo secure until she returned.

Astra slightly raised her arm and a giant screen appeared before her, twenty different faces looking expectantly. “Unit Leaders, have you ensured that all troops have red sun cuffs on?”

Her unit leaders confirmed they did.

“Those cuffs stay on unless there is a potentially fatal injury. If this occurs, I want to make sure our soldiers know what to do, so please review with the Units what to expect: the increased strength and speed, uncontrollable heat vision, as well as all other possible side effects. If they should fall, they are to remain in place, remove their cuff and keep their eyes closed. Keeping their cool is important. Someone with uncontrollable superpowers can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than our enemy.

“I want wing squadrons hot, ready to launch at my command and ten troop carriers full. Standby for interdimensional jump. I understand it will feel strange going through the breach, but it will pass quickly.”

Raising her right arm across her chest, she saluted her unit commanders and they returned the salute. “May Rao be with us.”

Dismissing the screen, Astra stood still, focused on the task and watching Captain Tre maneuver the ship for the first time in years, freed from Argo City. She could see the gleam in the woman’s eye and felt envious.

“So, what do all these buttons do?” Lois asked.

Astra looked at the woman with an emotionless expression.

“Oh right. I need to be quiet. Sorry. I’ll sit here and watch. You won’t even know I am here.” Lois promised.

Astra turned back to the wide space in front of her, lost in thought for a few, quiet minutes.

“Okay, I have to know, how does the viewport work? I know that isn’t simple glass covering the bridge. It’s some sort of clear space metal, right? Why are some of the keyboards holographic and some solid? How far out does the shield reach? Does it light up if it is hit? Is there a power meter so you can check the strength of it? How many people are on board right now? There were twenty unit leaders but how many in a unit? What are wing squadrons exactly? They must be groups of fighters like the one Kara has. Are troop carriers the same as Scout Ships? What sort of chain of command…”

“Stop!” Astra nearly shouted and closed her eyes. “You can’t do it, can you, Lois? You are just like Kara and Alura. It’s physically impossible for you to do it.”

“Do what?” Lois asked.

“Shut up. You just can’t shut up, can you?”

“I’ve never been good at it.” Lois admitted.

Astra took a deep breath. “Fine. I’ve dealt with my sister my entire life and Kara for all of hers. I suppose Rao has blessed me with another who cannot stop talking. Stand beside me and ask questions quietly, one at a time and I will answer what I can. The rules remain. When I say sit then do so immediately. This is an immensely powerful foe we are facing, one we know little about. This is war, not a joyride.”

Lois stood up immediately and raced over to Astra. “I understand completely, and I promise I will follow your orders when we jump. So, let’s start with why the Captain has metal molded around her body connecting her to the ship. What’s that all about?”

Before Astra could answer, the bridge door opened. Not expecting anyone, Astra turned to find a guard escorting someone… someone who was not supposed to be on her battlecruiser at this time.

“Fin!? What are you doing here?” Astra asked, walking up quickly to the young girl, Lois hot on her tail.

“I am supposed to shadow you every day.” The girl answered, not quite meeting the General’s eyes.

“And I left word that you were not to report today. Did you not receive the notice?” she asked. Turning to the girl’s escort, she inquired, “Specialist, why was she allowed on board?”

The man looked at the little girl and then towards his General. “She snuck onto the ship by a provisions container she had emptied. We only discovered her ten minutes ago when she exited the crate and wandered into the halls of Deck 32 after we had decoupled. Shall we return her?”

Astra glared at the young girl who was looking at the ground. “Fin, what were you thinking?”

“I was thinking that we were going to get Lady Kara… and open an interdimensional tear… and use the solar storm cannon… and that you might need me.” The girl answered quietly.

Astra gritted her teeth, wanting to scream. She had an annoying reporter on board already and now she had a pint-sized stowaway.

“Do your parents know where you are?” the irate General asked.

“I left them a note on the kitchen table.” Fin admitted.

Astra closed her eyes and looked at the ceiling in frustration. “A note… it’s always a blasted note. Rao is punishing me all over again.”

Kneeling in front of Fin, she lifted the girl’s chin slightly to look in her eyes. “Never look away when speaking to someone, always look them in the eye.

“We are going into battle, Fin and I do not know what to expect. I am fighting my instincts to send you back to the Flamebird in a fighter, but you are right. If I can’t have Kara by my side, facing an unknown enemy while using brand new technologies, then it is better if you are here… but I do not feel good about this, so are you sure you want to stay?”

Fin met her eyes and nodded. “I know the Alphahedron better than anyone beside Lady Kara. I can watch the order of dimensions when we fly through. I just want to help. Please don’t make me go back, General.”

Astra heard her words, was very familiar with that pleading tone, one that conveyed regret but had no actual regret behind it.

Fighting a feeling of guilt along with relief that someone of Kara’s caliber was available to her, she stood and addressed the girl’s escort. “Specialist Wan, outfit her with a red sun cuff, then escort her to the locker room on Deck 52.”

Turning to the little brunette, she said, “Fin, get out of that dress and suit up. Wan will take you to navigation so you can oversee the jump, then to the Alphahedron room once we have entered the target Sector.

“Specialist Wan, inform the engineers that Lady Fin is to communicate with me, and they are to follow her directions without question. If she is going to be here, I will use her.

“Fin, if your parents are angry… then we will blame General Non.”

A bright smile lit up Fin’s face and she ran out of the bridge, Wan racing to catch up.

“So,” Lois said, “I couldn’t understand a word, but I am guessing from the look on her face she snuck aboard. I like her already. Who is she?”

Astra sighed and prepared to send word to Alura about Fin’s presence. “She is our present and our future, just like her mentor.

“She is the next Kara Zor El.”

A/N ** Excerpt from ‘Superman: The Movie’ – Marlon Brando as Jor-El