Jor-El wandered the slums of Kandor when Dev-Em and another soldier spotted him. "Jor-El, we've been trying to find you," Dev said irritably.
"Piss-off," Jor said to him.
Dev went to cuff him when he pulled him in front of him and then pushed the two of them to the ground. Jor then made his escape and took cover behind some cargo containers. Thinking he had evaded them, he cautiously walked out only to have Dev confront him.
"Amateur," Dev sneered and beat the shit out of him. Dev then took the bloodied Jor to Lawmakers Guild apartments section.
Lawmakers Guild
Kara looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was short and conservative, her black dress had the Vex family crest, and she wore and a metal necklace of a sort around her neck. Her outfit separated down the middle while still sufficiently covering her breasts. It was sexy and elitist at the same time.
Dev brought Jor into her apartment with a bloody nose. "I hope you didn't break him," Kara said slightly concerned.
"No, just a little love tap," Dev said and proceeded to smack Jor on the ass for good measure. "He'll be alright."
"He better be," Kara said dangerously. "You can leave now."
Dev left the room leaving the uncle and niece alone. "What's going on?" Jor asked annoyed.
"My father is waiting for you," Kara said referring to Daron. "Along with his reverence."
Kara took hold of Jor's jaw and looked over his face. Jor attempted to resist her only to find Kara's grip incredibly strong. "When my father retires, I will be in charge of this city. Best to remember that," Kara told him.
Jor gave her a defiant look. "Change your clothes and clean yourself up," Kara ordered him as she brought a black jacket with the House of El symbol on it.
"I don't need the rank," Jor told her.
"This rank represents your family, represents their accomplishments, struggles, and sacrifices that have led to you. You will not dishonor it," Kara lectured.
"Fine, whatever," Jor said taking the suit.
"You can use my shower. I don't want you out of my sight," Kara told him.
"Alright," Jor said awkwardly taking the suit with him.
Kara took a seat and used her X-ray vision to examine Jor while he was in the shower. She took a sip of artificially created alcohol she had managed to get the replicator to produce. "A fine specimen indeed," Kara smirked.
Soon thereafter, Kara escorted Jor to Daron and the Voice of Rao inside the dome. "We've been waiting for some time," Daron said annoyed.
"Apologies, father," Kara said dismissively. "Entirely my fault."
Daron gave her an odd look knowing full well that despite their age appearances Jor and Kara were uncle and niece. Jor stared at the Voice's helmet. "We once believed in the Faith of the Seven but now we subscribe to the Lord of Light, Rao," Daron said to Jor.
"I know," Jor said confused as to why Daron was telling him this.
"In the time of creation, Rao looked upon the chaos and saw wasted potential. So, he formed the stars and the planets. Most perfect of which became Krypton," Daron said.
"That sounds like bullshit," Jor doubted.
"It gets even better. Rao sent his only son to Krypton, begotten not made, to provide hope and salvation. That son is here in your presence," Daron revealed.
Jor stared at the Voice uncertain. "Your doubts are understandable. You come from a family of scientists. You only believe what you can see but all true scientists seek to find answers to the universe's mysteries," Voice said to him.
"The difference between us is that you have already come to your conclusions while I remain open-minded," Jor said to him.
"You dare to speak...," Daron said outraged.
"Let him be," the Voice allowed. "The knowledge I possess is beyond your comprehension. You could spend a thousand lifetimes seeking answers with exploration and experimentation and you would not even come close to understanding the universe as I do. For Rao knows all and sees all. For those who know Rao, he reveals any truth they wish to know."
"I'll come to my own conclusions, thank you," Jor said dismissively.
"Perhaps you require a demonstration," the Voice said and then pointed his right hand at Jor. Suddenly, Jor fell to his knees and then fell flat on his stomach as the Voice took control of his body.
"Not impressed," Jor gasped stuck to the floor.
A beautiful young woman with long brown hair and brown eyes then walked in. Jor stared at her in wonder. "Lara-Van," Daron addressed smiling.
Kara eyed her aunt. "Is this to be my husband?" she asked of Jor.
"He requested a taste of the Voice's divine power," Daron lied.
"Really?" Lara said skeptically.
The Voice then released his telekinetic hold on Jor allowing him to stand. Lara looked over Jor feeling an instant attraction for him. This might work, after all, she figured.
"I didn't realize you would be here," Jor said sheepishly.
"Only a fool judges by first impressions. You are from a great house. If you are anything like your father, we will be a great match," Lara said to him.
"Sure," Jor agreed awkwardly.
"Jor has a lived a chaotic undisciplined life. Hopefully, you can bring order to him," Daron said to Lara.
Lara smiled at Jor. "Chaos is a ladder."
"God damn," Jor said amazed by her.
"The marriage ceremony shall be tonight and then Lara, my dear, you shall officially be an El," Daron said to her. "Don't be late," he said to Jor.
Later that day, General Jayna-Zod entered Daron's office only to find Kara sitting behind the desk. "Where is the Supreme Chancellor?" she asked annoyed.
"He's not here," Kara said vaguely. "I sent for you."
"What is this about, Nyssa," Jayna asked.
Kara stood up and walked towards Jayna. The name "Nyssa-Vex" had been Daron-Vex's daughter, but she had perished before Kara's arrival to the time period. Since Nyssa had lived in Kryptopolis and there was a strong resemblance between the two, Kara took on her identity.
"I have my father's ear, and I am next in line should anything happen to him," Kara reminded her.
"We are not a monarchy," Jayna shot back.
"Oh, don't I know it. It's been a bitch getting the allegiance of all the major houses in this city. Still, I have yet to have yours," Kara said.
"You are young and have only lived in Kandor this cycle. Why should I give my allegiance to someone I don't even know?" Jayna asked.
"I've noticed we have lost at least a dozen officers to leadership challenges. Your own daughter, Lyta killed her commander giving herself a promotion to captain," Kara noted from a datapad.
"It was hard fought," Jayna said uncomfortably with the subject.
"Primitive is what I call it. Officers should be promoted by merit," Kara said to her.
"And most are," Jayna excused.
"And yet every officer has a threat over their head that a physically superior subordinate could challenge them. It creates a toxic environment," Kara said obviously.
"We are defined by our physical prowess. A leader that cannot fight cannot inspire others to follow him," Jayna argued.
"You have doubts about my leadership. Shall we settle it here?" Kara asked wide-eyed.
Jayna scoffed at her. "You can't be serious."
"But I am," Kara smiled dangerously.
"I will give you no mercy," Jayna told her getting into a fighting stance.
"And I will never ask for it," Kara recited.
Jayna went for a punch. Kara cupped her hand and started to crush it. Jayne tried to withdraw her hand only to find Kara's feet cemented to the floor. Jayne punched Kara to the face with her left hand nearly breaking her hand. Stunned, Jayna tried to kick her only for that to fail as well. Kara gave Jayna a light punch to her chest bruising a few of her ribs. Jayna fell to a knee devastated. Kara then let go of her hand and took her by the neck.
"Should I now be the general of our armed forces?" Kara mocked.
Kara released Jayna to the floor. "How are you so strong?" Jayna gasped.
"Rao's light flows through me," Kara said vaguely. "I think I have made my point clear. Combat ability is not enough to be a leader. A leader must have intelligence, sound judgment, critical thinking, and expertise. As far as I can see, your daughter is only a blunt instrument."
"It has been a tradition for as long as the Military Guild has existed," Jayne said to her.
"Things change," Kara told her. "Leadership challenges stop today and any subordinate that murders their superior shall be branded as a traitor. You, of all people, know what that means."
"Yes," Jayna replied seriously.
"Your son, Dru, is unmarried. You will give him to me and our houses shall be joined," Kara said to her.
Jayna gave her a shocked look. "I shall tell him."
Science Guild
In the Science Guild apartment complex, Zor, Alura, Non, and Astra came together for dinner. "I'm surprised you have decided to have a child. You were so against it before," Astra remarked.
"Well, Zor does have a responsibility to provide the House of El an heir," Alura excused.
"But you have a younger brother, do you not?" Non asked Zor.
"Jor is...defiant and irresponsible," Zor said delicately.
"A pity," Non said sympathetically.
After dinner, Astra pulled Alura aside away from the men. "What are you doing, sister? You know that mental abnormalities exist in our bloodline."
"I am willing to take the chance," Alura said.
"It's the reason why Non and I never had children," Alura pointed out.
"It is already done. If we work together, she may turn out alright," Alura said.
"Of course you have my full support. Non and I will do all we can to keep Kara on the right path," Astra pledged.
"Thank you," Alura said gratefully embracing her twin sister.
Genesis Chamber
Kara looked over the small capsule that contained her embryo. The capsule would enlarge over time as the embryo became a fetus. Brainiac 5 casually entered the room and scanned the embryo with a data scanner. "No genetic defects detected," he told her.
"My parents haven't come to visit since the conception," Kara mused.
Brainiac 5 gave her a sympathetic look. "Be your own mentor. Show your younger self someone cares about her," Brainiac 5 suggested.
"How is my power level?" Kara asked concerned.
"You're losing more power than you're gaining from your sun. However, at this rate, you have nothing to worry about. Your cells have an overabundance in reserves," Brainiac 5 assured her. "I also have developed a solar bed for you at the fortress."
"Thanks," Kara said appreciatively.
"There was a controversy at the Military Guild. You gave the order to clear the rankless of Black Zero. There was pushback from Lyta-Zod, a platoon leader," Brainiac 5 said.
"I talked with her mother, Jayna-Zod," Kara told him.
"We're playing a dangerous game. What if we get caught playing both sides against the other?" Brainiac 5 asked.
"We conquer the city and then the planet," Kara said simply.
"There will be bloodshed," Brainiac 5 predicted.
"As far as I am concern everyone here is already dead," Kara replied sadly.
Military Guild
Kara entered the Military Guild barracks gaining odd looks from all soldiers. Rarely did a lawmaker ever come to inspect the barracks. However, due to her rank, no one got in her way. Kara entered the battle arena and found two officers fighting to the death in a leadership challenge. Kara noticed Major Dru-Zod and Captain Faora-Ul watching the duel. The combatants fought fiercely in hand-to-hand combat. Finally, the victorious challenger snapped the neck of the other.
Kara then went over to Dru. "Councilor," he bowed his head respectfully towards her.
"I gave General Jayna-Zod orders to end this practice," Kara said peeved.
"Apologies, I didn't receive those orders," Dru said smugly.
Kara nodded realizing what was happening. She entered the arena and walked over to the victorious challenger. "What is this, Sir?" the officer asked Dru confused. The audience chuckled at Kara.
Kara then backhanded the officer to the jaw breaking his neck. He fell to the floor dead. The officers in the audience became silent. "Anyone else want a chance to promote?" Kara asked them.
No one came forward. "A word, major," Kara said to Dru.
Dru escorted Kara to his office and closed the door behind them. "You embarrassed me in front of my men," Dru said annoyed.
"And you disobeyed orders. Let's call it even," Kara said.
"It's our tradition," Dru insisted.
"Fine but anyone that wins a challenge will be killed by me soon thereafter," Kara said to him. She took a metal globe of Krypton and crushed it in her hand.
Dru stared at her. "There's only one way you could have this power: yellow sunlight," he realized.
"Well...no shit," Kara smirked.
"You're no warrior," Dru said of her.
"Pardon me if I don't play fair," Kara said dismissively.
"My mother informed me of your marriage proposal. What game are you playing?" Dru asked.
"I require the House of Zod's support, and I want control over the Military Guild through you. In return, you will rise through the ranks quickly," Kara offered.
"Then I accept your offer," Dru agreed.
"One last thing: Lyta is to end her affair with Jor-El, or I'll order you to send her into the shit," Kara threatened.
"As you wish," Dru allowed.
Lawmakers Guild
Jor arrived early and met with Daron, Kara, and the Voice. "You're early for once. The marriage ceremony isn't for another hour," Daron smirked upon seeing Jor.
"There's not going to be a ceremony," Jor said smugly.
Daron and Kara looked at each other. "What the fuck do you mean by that?" Daron asked impatiently.
"You tried to end my relationship with Lyta. Shouldn't have fucked with me," Jor said to Kara.
"If you don't marry Lara, I'll send Captain Lyta into the slums over-and-over again until she's killed or disgraced," Kara threatened.
The Voice then entered the chamber. "Marriage must be for love and commitment. What Rao brings together, let no man separate. Jor-El is right not to take this decision lightly. However, if you do marry Lara-Van you will have the opportunity to work with your brother, Zor-El, in the Science Guild," the Voice said to him.
"As his subordinate?" Jor scoffed.
"As his equal," the Voice clarified.
"Well...I'm sorry. I can't. Tell Lara I'm sorry," Jor said and then took off.
Kara glared at the Voice. "What are you doing?" Kara asked him.
"Carrot and stick," the Voice said to her.
"What the fuck is a carrot?" Daron wondered.
Kandor Slums
Nura came to Mon in private as he looked out into the night sky. Mon stared at the bright light in the sky, the planet of Daxum. "The Military Guild is mobilizing. They'll be here tomorrow," she said.
"We have a new target," Mon said showing his datapad showing Lyta-Zod's face.
Nura looked over the picture. "I didn't know General Zod had a sister."
"That's because she dies tomorrow," Mon replied confidently.
Nura closed her eyes and concentrated. "No, she lives, but it is a fate worse than death."
