Chapter One: Goodbyes

Krypton - 35 Years Ago

Shutting the door and stepping further into the small apartment she shared with her father, Sydney Is-Ac immediately knew something was very wrong. Her dad was seated on their beat-up sofa, feet up, browsing through a projection of their digital photo album. A new picture hovered over him every few seconds.

"What's going on?"

"You tell me," her dad smirked. "You're the one out of breath."

Sydney rolled her eyes, tossing her school bag on the end table and joining her father. "The magnets in the lift are broken again. I don't want to talk about it."

Is-Ac shook his head, grinning. His eyes drifted upward to the current photo above them both. A six-month-old Sydney, him, and his wife… ex-wife.

His expression hardened.

"Dad, why aren't you at work?"

"Your aunt and uncle sent us all home early. It's not important. Syd, I've been trying to figure out the best way to tell you this all day…"

Sydney eyed the projected images warily. "Did something happen to Mo… to Astra?"

"She was arrested and sentenced to life in Fort Rozz. Her and Non were responsible for the bombing downtown a few days ago."

"Oh."

"Sydney," Is-Ac stated in that specific paternal tone she hated. Sydney jerked off the couch, roughly swiping away the hologram of the suffocating 'family' memories causing her throat to tighten. "I get it, she's still your moth-"

"Don't," she ground out. "I haven't seen her in three years, and she lost the right to that title long before."

"You're right." Is-Ac emphatically agreed. "But that doesn't change the fact that…"

"No." Sydney started pacing, and her father eyed her sadly. "I'm good. I mean… I'm not surprised. At least she's not dead, right?"

"Syd."

"Look, can we talk about this later? You've already ruined my plans to decorate. Can I at least give you your birthday gift before we delve any deeper into our family saga?"

Is-Ac patted the empty spot next to him on the couch. "Yes, daughter. You can by sitting right here."

"Low blow, using the day against me…" Sydney murmured. Is-Ac raised an eyebrow, giving her another one of his patented looks, and Sydney reluctantly retook her seat next to him. Is-Ac threw an arm around his daughter and pulled her into him. Sydney leaned against his chest. She released a shaky breath, allowing the sound of his familiar heartbeat to soothe her frayed nerves.

Is-Ac began softly, "I know this is hard for you, and it's not going to get any easier if you let it go unresolved. She's … requested to see you – for you to visit her on Fort Rozz." Sydney shifted, preparing to interrupt. "No." Is-Ac said, tightening his hold on her. "It's my birthday, remember?" When Sydney relented, he continued. "I want you to go."

"I… I can't."

"Not for her, or me even. For yourself. You need to tell her how you feel, how you really feel, underneath those walls of steel you have."

Sydney was silent for several minutes, mulling over her father's words. Is-Ac was content to sit quietly, holding her as she contemplated possible outcomes. His daughter was methodical that way – she did not make decisions lightly. Finally, she sighed in defeat. Is-Ac bit back a smile.

"Do Fort Rozz prisoners even get visitation?"

"Rarely, but I'm sure you of all people can convince Alura to approve." The father and daughter separated, Sydney turning to face Is-Ac, eyeing him skeptically. He winked at her in response. "I mean, between Kara and Kal you're practically the House of El's official babysitter, and you never charge them. You have rights."

Sydney couldn't help but laugh at that. Naturally, Is-Ac beamed at the sound.

"You seem to have this all figured out. When do you think I should go?"

"Hmm…." Is-Ac pretended to consider the question. "Now?"

"Now?! But it's your birthday!"

"Nothing would make me happier today, daughter."

"Argh, fine." Sydney stood up, grabbing her bag and heading for the apartment's only exit. Is-Ac followed her. "Oh, wait!" she said, reaching into her back pocket, and removing a small, neatly wrapped box. "I forgot to give you your gift."

Is-Ac gently cupped the back of Sydney's head and tilted it forward. He kissed her on the forehead. "Give it to me when you get back, and we celebrate."

Sydney nodded, smiling. Her father opened the door for her, and she stepped through it. "See you later, Dad. Love you."

"I love you, Syd."

Krypton's overpopulation had no impact on the life of a member of the Great House of El.

Kara Zor-El's bedroom was huge. Sydney was certain her own bedroom could fit into it three times, at least.

She stood in the doorway of the room, watching Kara for a moment. Each time she saw her younger cousin, she seemed taller. Much to her chagrin, Kara was growing up. She couldn't believe the girl was already thirteen.

"Sydney!" Before the older teen could blink, Kara's arms were wrapped securely around her middle. "I missed you."

"I was just here three days ago," Sydney pointed out. Kara's arms tightened in response, and Sydney returned the hug, leaning down to whisper conspiratorially into the girl's ear. "I missed you too."

Kara beamed, shooting Sydney a quick smug look that screamed, "Duh, of course you did." Sydney shook her head in disbelief nodding toward the bed.

As the duo got settled, Kara jolted as if remembering something. "Isn't it Uncle Is-Ac's birthday? I wasn't expecting you today."

"Change of plans, kid. Have you seen Alura?"

"Not since this morning. Sorry."

Sydney nudged Kara with her shoulder. "Hey, what do I always tell you?"

"No apologizing for things I'm not responsible for," Kara chanted.

"Right."

Kara paused, a rare look of deviousness passing over face. "Sorry."

"Brat." Sydney smirked.

"In my defense, you always apologize for things you have no control over."

Sydney paused in shock, Kara was becoming more observant. Rao, she was growing up. She gave the girl a playful shove, retorting, "Yeah well, you're supposed to be better than me Kara Zor-El."

Kara smiled briefly, before her mood seemed to shift. Sydney watched her deflate, eyes furrowing in concern. "Syd, I do owe you an apology."

"Oh?"

"I… well. I was playing around with the Spy Beacon… the one Astra gave me, yesterday." Kara shrugged. "I knew I wouldn't see you for a while, with Uncle Is-Ac's birthday coming up. I… don't have many friends, and Kal is great, but he's a baby. I guess I was feeling lonely, which is dumb..." The self-depreciating words drew Sydney closer the girl. "Anyway, Mom found me and suggested I call Aunt Astra."

"She was here yesterday?"

"Yes."

Sydney knew the fact that Astra was in the House of El, the house of Krypton's head Judicator, the day of her arrest was no coincidence. Did Alura really use sweet Kara to lure her sister into a trap?

"Okay." Sydney replied, simply. "What happened?"

"We got to hang out for a while, it was great. Then, Mom came and they talked."

"Then?"

"Aunt Astra left before I could say good-bye."

Sydney stared at the girl for a moment, confused. A feeling of great respite washed over her, as she realized Kara did not know of Astra's arrest. "Kara, what exactly are you apologizing for?"

"It's not fair that I get to see her when you hardly do."

Sydney vehemently disagreed. Okay, well mostly disagreed.

For the record, the fact that Astra and Kara had any contact at all following her and Is-Ac's separation years ago, was Sydney's doing. In fact, during one of the last conversations she had with her mother, she made the woman promise to continue to see Kara; Kara was… sweet, innocent – just a kid, and she adored Astra.

Granted, Sydney was fourteen at the time, only a few years older than Kara's ten. So they both were 'just kids.'

Nonetheless, Astra had agreed.

A fact that haunted Sydney on her best days, enraged her on her darkest, and fueled this growing jealously she felt towards Kara – The Girl Who Had Everything – a mom and dad who were together, a life of wealth and privilege, Astra's affection…

To be clear, Sydney hated herself for feeling this way. The thoughts usually stayed buried in the recesses of mind, and when they surfaced she felt sick. But, they were there.

They did exist.

Sydney willed the thoughts away and turned towards her martyr of a cousin. "Kara, I'm glad you got to see her. You don't have to apologize for that."

Kara's entire demeanor exuded hesitance. Sydney rolled her eyes, grabbing the girl and starting to mercilessly tickle her sides. "Believe me, now?" she questioned, her voice booming to be heard over Kara's laughter.

"Yes!" Kara shrieked.

"Sydney Is-Ac!" The girls separated at the sound of Alura's voice. She stood in the doorway of Kara's room, arms crossed, shooting Sydney a look of pure exasperation.

The Kryptonian equivalent of goosebumps wracked Sydney's frame, as they did whenever Alura's presence caught her off guard.

At first glance, white hair streak or no, she always saw Astra.

"Niece, I've been trying to reach you for the past two hours! Where is your communicator?"

"It's in my…" Sydney pulled the device out of her tunic and quickly deduced that it was drained of battery – dead. Alura realized this as well. "…pocket," she trailed off sheepishly.

"Of course," Alura muttered, shaking her head. "Come with me, we don't have a lot of time."

Sydney glanced at Kara, and the girl appeared as bewildered as she felt. Not wanting to further upset her aunt, she quickly said farewell to her cousin and followed Alura out of the room.

Sydney could not figure out why Alura was presently dragging her down endless halls and corridors she had never seen or even heard of before.

"Aunt… Alura," she huffed. "Would you mind telling me where we're headed?"

Alura checked her timepiece and nodded to herself. She abruptly halted their brisk pace, causing Sydney to bump into her back. She turned to face her niece, grabbing her by the shoulder.

"We don't have much time. Listen to me, Dear Niece." At Sydney's insistent nod, she continued. "I know your relationship with my sister is… rocky, for lack of a better word. But, it is imperative that you visit her immediately. I have prepared a ship, and it is ready to take you to the Phantom Zone, where Fort Rozz is currently stationed."

"That's … why I'm here," Sydney replied slowly. "Dad convinced me that I should see her, tonight. I came here to ask you if I could go. I know it's not exactly standard."

"He figured it out…" Alura whispered lowly, clearly stricken. She rubbed her neck, as if pain, and appeared deep in thought.

"What are you talking about?" Sydney queried, wary of her Aunt's rapidly fluxing moods.

At the sound of Sydney's voice, Alura's usually regal demeanor returned. She tightened her grasp on Sydney's shoulder. "It's of no matter, dear. I'm glad your father was able to persuade you."

As she resumed following her clearly determined aunt, thoughts of confronting Alura about the circumstances of Astra's arrest were swept from her mind.

Minutes later, they finally reached the building's launching station. Alura guided Sydney to a small spaceship. It was cube-like in shape, approximately 2 meters on all sides. It appeared to have room for two passengers.

The teen barely had time to make out two other single-transport pods in the darkened room, before Alura had the ship door open and was typing something into the device's control panel. Sydney was a little taken aback by the fact that the station was empty at only 18:00 in the evening.

Before her mind could finish processing the anomaly, Sydney was swept into the firmest hug her aunt had ever given her. Eventually, she squeezed her back, resting her cheek on the woman's shoulder.

"Aunt Alura, are you sure everything is all right?" Sydney's voice was muffled by Alura's navy judiciary uniform top.

Her aunt clutched her even tighter for a moment, before releasing her and giving Sydney a quick peck on the top of her head. Alura brushed a strand of the girl's ebony hair out of her face, tucking it neatly behind her ear. It was the same shade as her own. She looked her niece in the eyes and said, "It will be."

The words gave Sydney a bone-deep chill that stayed with her even as her ship launched, beginning its three-hour trek through deep space to reach the Phantom Zone.

After two hours, space travel grew extremely boring for Sydney. The fact that her ship was barely moving, did not help.

"Iwad, are you sure this thing can't go any faster?" she asked the ship's artificial intelligence.

"It can go much faster, but your aunt left me instructions to keep us at this pace. Safety first, Ms. Is-Ac."

Sydney shuddered at the title, resuming her furious typing into the computer system of the ship. Okay, fine. Light hacking was a more accurate term.

Since she left Krypton, Sydney could not shake this lingering feeling of dread. Iwad kept mentioning various instructions Alura had programmed into him. She needed to see what they were for herself.

Now.

"Sydney, I don't believe it is wise to de-encrypt this message. Your aunt gave me precise instructions not to show it to you until your pod is safely docked into Fort Rozz."

"Yeah, yeah…" Now, if she could just figure out her aunt's password…

"Access granted." Iwad chimed. There! She was in.

Sydney read the text as it scrolled down the computer screen. Each line wrenched out a new bolt of emotion.

Once you arrive at Fort Rozz, give the Master Jailer this message. He will free Astra… Bewilderment.

Go to Earth… Uneasiness.

Your ship is programmed with the coordinates of where Kara and Kal's ships are projected to land. Find them… Trepidation.

Your mother was right… Panic.

Krypton is dying… Horror.

Tonight… Devastation.

"Heart rate level dangerously high. Oxygen intake, decreasing. Emergency medical response, activated." A hatch in the ceiling opened and a breathing apparatus fell into Sydney's lap. With a trembling hand, she pulled a plastic bag from the pack. She closed her eyes, taking deep shuddering breaths.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale. Her teachers, her friends, her uncle, Aunt Alura, her fath-… no.

Now wasn't the time.

Exhale.

Sydney sat up straight, nails digging deeply into her chair's armrests. "Iwad, how long until…" She bit her lip, hard, drawing blood. The pain served as a distraction. "How long?"

"Core and mantle temperatures indicate approximately another hour, at least."

"Circle. Us. Back."

"Ms. Is-Ac…"

Sydney's jaw clenched and unclenched in frustration. "Finding Kara and Kal on Earth is a stupid plan. Anything could go wrong, and we could be separated for Rao knows how long. We will head back to Krypton now, and dock Kara and Kal's pods to our ship. We will travel to Fort Rozz together, and then Earth."

"But Alura's orders…"

"Iwad, turn this ship around now!" Sydney shrieked. Immediately, she regretted her harsh tone against the AI, he was just following orders. "Look, I understand that your number one directive is to keep me safe," she amended, "but, I will not put myself in harm's way. We will stop this ship before we reach Krypton's b…blast radius."

Sydney wasn't sure if it was entirely possible, but she heard Iwad release a sigh. "Very well, Ms. Is-Ac. I will follow your orders. A course has been set for Krypton.

"One down Ms. Is-Ac." After forty-five minutes of traveling through space at her ship's maximum speed, Sydney watched with great relief as Kal's pod made it safely out of Krypton's blast radius.

She waved at the baby Kal from her stationary ship, but he did not see her. She longed for his ignorance of their new reality.

"Should I prepare the ship for the docking process?"

She'd spent the entire journey back to Krypton carefully planning this crucial step – considering worst case scenarios, and adjusting her arrangements accordingly. Right now, in this moment, she was all Kara and Kal had. She would not fail them. It wasn't an option.

"No Iwad, Kal is safe. Allow his pod to continue its path to Earth, for now. We'll catch up with him after Kara has arrived."

Minutes later, when Iwad announced that Kara's pod had been activated and was making its way through Krypton's atmosphere, a fraction of the immense weight that had been slowly settling on her chest lifted.

But then it was back, heavier than ever.

"Krypton's core temperature has spiked. Estimated time until internal structural collapse is two minutes."

"Display the countdown. How long until Kara's pod is in the safety zone?"

"Five minutes." No. "Kara's pod has just adjusted to maximum speed. Processing... New safety zone arrival time – three minutes."

Okay.

"Prepare the ship for docking and start the thruster."

"Yes, ma'am."

One minute later, Sydney saw Kara's pod for the first time.

Seconds later, the world exploded.

Her world exploded.

For a moment, the entirety of space was bright white and full of deafening noise. "Set course for Kara's pod. Dock onto it as soon as possible!" she yelled.

Sydney could barely make out Iwad's reply. "Approximately one hundred thousand pieces of the planet are incoming." She yanked the ship's headset communicator on with a strong swear. "Avoid them!"

Sydney felt every near-miss, every clang, as her ship weaved the through endless, massive chunks of her planet. Her eyes were sharp, searching for Kara's pod. Finally, she saw her.

"Pod located."

"Get as close as you can. Enable ship-to-pod communications." Her ship was about twenty feet away from Kara's pod.

"Sy…Syd?" Before Sydney could reply, Kara's pod began to slow. It's smooth, measured navigation around the speeding, hurtling asteroids turned reckless. Sydney resisted the urge to scream her frustration.

"Kara," she asked calmly. "What is happening?"

"My pod took a hit," Kara stuttered, "guided navigation is temporarily down. I'm trying to steer, but there are too many…" By now, Sydney's ship was six feet away from Kara.

"Launch the dock now! Pull her in." Sydney ordered Iwad. "Kara, honey, it's going to be okay. Look at me. Do you see me?"

Sydney was now close enough to Kara to see the tears streaming down her face. She tried to muster up a reassuring smile for the girl, but she could only manage a mild grimace. It seemed to work, though, and Kara waved, her eyes moving to watch as the electromagnetic beam from Sydney's ship locked onto her own pod.

Sydney would have watched the intricate docking process, as well.

But.

A colossal asteroid, the size of an island was headed directly for them.

"Iwad…"

"Calculating evasive maneuvers."

"My navigation system is working again. What's happening?" Kara questioned, hearing the frantic tones in her cousin's voice.

"Everything is going to be okay." Sydney asserted. She quickly manually disabled their comms.

"…chances of survival 17.63%... 90 seconds until impact."

Absolutely unacceptable.

And so, Sydney Is-Ac made a choice.

The only choice.

"Optimize maneuver calculations for Kara's survival, Iwad."

"Processing… Found… Slingshot maneuver #120146EJH."

"Chances of survival?"

"For Kara – 90.47%" Iwad seemed to hesitate. "For you…"

"I don't need to know, Iwad, thank you." The ship and pod, tethered by the magnetic rod, began to rapidly rotate, building speed. "Please, restore communication to Kara's pod. Enable its hibernation sequence."

"Kara," Sydney's voice broke. She forced herself not to start weeping. "I love you. You're going to be okay. I promise." Kara frowned, leaning forward to press her hands against her pod's window. Since they were spinning at the same speed, she could still see the girl. Kara opened her mouth to speak, but her eyes began to droop. Abruptly, she fell backwards against her seat in a deep slumber.

"Releasing now." Suddenly, the spinning stopped, and Kara's pod was rapidly launched in the direction of the Phantom Zone. Dazed, Sydney followed it with her eyes until it disappeared from her view.

Ultimately, she knew her plan had failed. Kal would land on Earth in a few days. Meanwhile, Kara was headed towards the Phantom Zone. The cousins would not be together for a time.

Rao, please watch over them.

"Time until impact?" she asked, numbly.

"Fifteen seconds and counting."

"Thank you, Iwad." Sydney reached into her back pocket, removing the birthday gift she'd planned on giving her father… five hours ago? It seemed like another lifetime.

She unwrapped the small box, emptying its contents, and discarding the rest onto the floor of the ship.

In her hands was a chrome locket. She opened its star-shaped pendant, and gazed at the image of her and her father. It was from Sydney's last birthday – the duo were seated on their couch, Is-Ac's arm draped around her shoulder. Like always, she was leaning against him. They were both smiling.

Sydney closed her eyes, clutching the locket tightly in her hands. She lifted them to rest over heart.

Then, there was nothing.

There was no one.