Kara's Dilemma
Chapter Two
Disclaimer: See chapter 1.
Author's note: Kara is 12 when she arrived on Earth and Alex is 16. The first chapter was set up to be like a general summary of what happened before. This chapter is when the story truly starts and diverges from canon.
Chapter Two
The first day of school was a nerve wracking one. Jeremiah and Clark managed to get a set of falsified documentation for Kara. She is now Kara Danvers, daughter of Eliza and Jeremiah and sister to Alex. Kara lovingly ran her fingers across her new name when they showed her new paperwork. It was a new beginning for her and even though her hearts still bore the scars from her tragic past she is determined that her new future will be one that her parents would have been proud of if they were still here. They have enrolled her at the local high school where she will be attending as a 7th grade while Alex is in the next building over as a member of the sophomore class (10th grade). Alex walked Kara to her first class of the day before departing for her own class.
Alex stopped before room 114 and looked at her new younger sister. She gently ran her hand over Kara's blond ponytail before leaning forward to whisper in her ear.
"This is it. Day one. If you have, any problems I want you to call me. I will have my special watch that Clark made for us and it will alert me if you need me. I gave you a copy of my schedule so if you need to find me you'll know what class I'll be in. I know you can do this but if you need me do not hesitate. Be careful and I'll meet you at the cafeteria entrance when lunch starts. Alright?"
Kara nods solemnly and pulls up her courage determined that she can handle this new challenge before her. Her first class of the day was Algebra. The classroom was half-full when Kara arrived. She chose one of the seats on the far side of the room closest to the windows. She gingerly sat down at the desk and took out a notebook and pen like Eliza taught her and looked to the front of the room where a young woman sat reading that day's edition of the Daily Planet. The woman placed her newspaper down when the bell rang that signaled the start of class.
"Good morning. My name is Miss Clemens and I will be teaching Algebra. In a few minutes, I will be passing out a few things. First, I will be handing out your assigned textbooks. I will also have a copy of the assigned sitting chart that will be passed around so I hope you like the seat that you chose today because it will be your seat for the rest of the semester. Finally yet importantly, I will be handing out a short quiz. I know a few of you took pre-algebra as an advance course option last year and I just want to get an idea of where you all are as far as what you remember and what we will need to focus on more in the upcoming semester. Without further ado let's begin."
The process of handing out the books went smoothly and quickly. The aforementioned seating chart was quickly passed around and filled out and within 15 minutes, Miss Clemens began handing out the quiz.
Kara briefly browses the book she was given then hastily puts it away when the teacher begin to hand out the quiz. Kara read over the whole tests before answering the first question. It didn't take her long to complete the exam and once she is done, she is completely puzzled as to why they are teaching such basic concepts to people her age. She has learned similar concepts when she first started the academy at the age of five. It isn't until Kara hears the boy next to her whine and complain to his friend about how hard and impossible the questions on the quiz are that it dawns on Kara while she may find the content extremely easy the same could not be said about her peers. She quickly concludes that she should not compare her previous educational experience to her current one.
The bell finally rings to signal the end of class and the teacher collects the exams. Kara quickly gathers up her belongings and follows the crowd out into the hallway and into her next class. School was a very exciting and peculiar experience for Kara especially with all the upheaval the past month has presented her she is looking to a bit of normality that a structured system of the school environment only to be disappointed. It was nothing like the school environment she has experienced before. Krypton's learning facilities are of the highest caliber with the finest laboratories and facilities as well the most advance teaching AI systems to take full advantage of the typical Kryptonian's eidetic memory and fast absorption and retention rates. The Kryptonian academy is strictly structured with a heavy academics schedule that was interspersed with strenuous physical challenge course similar to most military boot camps here on Earth. In comparison, school on Earth feels like a vacation.
Kara made it through the rest of the morning (English and study hall) without any more surprise exams or problems. She hurriedly walked to the main cafeteria doors to wait for Alex. It didn't take long before her sister arrived and she followed Alex to the food line. The Danver's took into account how many calories Kara must eat per day so in addition to giving her money for lunch they also packed her a bag full of high protein granola bars and a couple water bottles. Kara follows Alex to a long lunch table of to the side of the large cafeteria. Alex introduces Kara to her friends before taking her seat. Another student immediately takes the seat next to Alex leaving no open spots so Kara opts to take her lunch to the outdoor courtyard where some of the students are eating. This also affords her with the opportunity to eat the food she purchased and the bag that Eliza packed without undue attention from the other students. Kara was just finishing her purchased lunch and was about to start on the bag of granola bars when Alex joins her in her small table.
"Sorry about that. I just wanted to touch base with a few of them since I haven't seen them all summer long. What did mom pack for you?" Alex asks her as she reaches for the bag before Kara curious as to what is inside.
Kara offers Alex one of the granola bars she has. Alex took the proffered food.
"It's alright, Alex. I didn't mind. I actually preferred to sit out here. The sun feels great."
Alex smiles at Kara. "Cool. So how's the day going for you?"
Kara launches into a description of her day so far. She tells Alex tells about the exam in first period along with her concerns that she might have done too well in the quiz. Alex assures Kara that it will be all right. If the teacher gets suspicious as to how Kara knows the answers they can just play it off as Kara having already taken Algebra at her old school and that it was a subject she enjoyed and excelled. As the warning bell that signals the end of lunch rings Alex tells Kara that after school, they can go over the curriculum for the next years and she can answer any questions or concerns the younger girl may have.
Kara helps Alex gather their litter and then she follows Alex's direction to reach her next class, Introduction to Earth Science. Kara steels herself before the class starts hoping for a challenge but based on previous experience and Alex's description of the class she knows that this class will also be disappointing. Kara felt out of place and chose to sit in the back of the room to make it easier to observe the whole class and the teacher. As predicted, the class was very far behind Kara's level. When she notes how the students mocked one of the other students who excitedly raised her hand to answer the teacher's question she decided to lay low and not draw attention to herself. The rest of the day quickly passes by. Once the last class of the day lets out, she walks to one of the big trees just outside of the main campus doors to wait for Alex so they can walk home together. She watches as the crowd walks by her, taking notes on the social interaction of the other students and noting how others treat some of the other students. Kara was puzzled as to why certain individuals are being isolated and picked upon by the others and she made a note to ask Alex about it.
The conversation that evening during the dinner meal revolved around the first day of the school year. Alex tells Eliza and Jeremiah about her new classes and how she plans to join a few of the school clubs. Eliza then turns to Kara and asks how her day went. Kara smiles shyly and begins to describe her day. She tells them how easy she found the lessons and her confusion as to why certain individuals were picked on by others. Alex and Jeremiah tried to explain the high school hierarchy and the social clicks that can be found amongst the halls of the school. Despite their well-meaning efforts to explain all they manage to do is to further confuse Kara and left her with the impression that standing out is a very bad thing.
Lay low and keep your head down became Kara's motto while at school. She quickly figured out the grading schemes and strategies used by the teachers from the itinerary they pass out in the beginning of the semester and decides to keep her grade average around the 88% - 90%. Grades that are good enough to pass and to make the Danvers' proud but not outstanding enough to draw unwanted attention to herself.
The week passes without any mishaps. Kara was very glad to be done for the week. It has been a very frustrating week. She has been bored to tears with all of her courses. Following the given itinerary, she has completed most of the required assignments for the semester for all of her classes and it is a true challenge not to fall asleep during class. The only class that she truly enjoys is Art Class.
As advance as Krypton was focus has always been prioritized for scientific and technological advancements not on creative pursuits such as creative writing or painting. These subjects was not really covered in the academy so for Kara these were new and novel ideas. She loves them. She loves the idea that by stringing a short series of words she can help explain her innermost emotion, to use passion and feeling not logic to get her thoughts across to someone. She loves the splash of color upon the canvas, and how it can encapsulate the joy, sorrow or fear of the artist. These were emotional outlets that allows Kara to work through her grief over the loss of her old life. While the Danvers' slept, Kara can often be found writing and filling journals with written Kryptonese describing the feeling of sorrow she feels at the thought that she can never look out her window ever again to see Rao sink into the horizon over the view of Argos City in the twilight. She would sometimes sketch to show the laughing or smiling faces of friends she has lost and family members that has gone on to meet Rao's light.
In an effort to increase Kara's familiarity with her new home the Danvers' encouraged her and Alex to go on exploration trips around town. Alex is an avid surfer and often takes the opportunity over the weekend to drag her new sister along to the beach. Alex tries to teach Kara how to surf but despite Kara's many physical advantages it is not an activity she enjoys doing or learning. She would often ask Alex to let her explore the area around the beachfront while Alex surfs. Alex compromises that if Kara sticks around and watches her surf in the morning she will go with her to explore the many nature preserves around their hometown. Kara swiftly agrees. She loves the idea of spending more time to get to know her new big sister, her favorite person in the world, and to get a guided tour of her new home.
Kara spends part of the morning laying out on a beach towel reading a book. She loves the feel of the yellow sun on her skin. She gently closed her book and placed her head upon her crossed arms luxuriating in the warmth of the sun. Kara's feeling of calm and contentment is disturbed by Alex's words.
"You look like a giant cat napping on a sunbeam."
Kara turns around and sits up looking at Alex. "I like cats, ooh and I like dogs too. The ones you showed in that video was funny. I have never seen so many much cuteness."
Alex laughs at the smile of Kara's face at the recollection of the funny cat video she showed her the other day. They were looking online for some videos that shows example of the different region of Earth when the ad for the kitten video popped up and Kara's interest was immediately peaked. After a few kitten videos, Kara found puppy videos and the rest of the afternoon was spent watching fuzzy pets play around while making cooing noises. Alex couldn't help but laugh a few times when Kara tried to reach across the screen wanting to pet the creatures featured within.
Alex reaches for the towel beside Kara. Once she was done, she begins to pack up her surfing gear. One quick trip to the car to drop of their things and to grab the hiking pack that Alex prepared and they were off. Midvale is a small city on the end of long island strip. Beaches, marshlands, and tidal pools surround the city. Alex took Kara to one of the many waterways that can be found within a few miles of their home. She chose this particular one because there is a small family of otters that live along the shoreline. It did not take long before they found the furry little animals. Kara squealed in delight when she saw how one of the mama otters is swimming along the water with a little baby otter on her stomach fast asleep. She is further delighted when she saw a few of the little otters holding hands as they floated on by. Alex smiles at Kara's reaction. It is exactly what she hoped for when thought of the otters. Along the shoreline, one can also find many breeds of ducks. Kara and Alex spent a wonderful day frolicking amongst the many wild animals and just exploring the area around them. As darkness begins to fall Alex once more lead Kara out of the marshland and back to their car. The whole trek back Kara couldn't stop talking about the animals. She is fascinated by many types of animals they found because animal life is rare in Krypton due to their strained resources. Alex and Kara took many pictures to share with Eliza and Jeremiah.
Kara even sent a couple pictures of the family of otters to Clark. The next few weekends were spent doing the same and Kara loves it. The loss of her home planet will be a wound that will never fully heal but being on Earth a planet that is alive and teeming with life has helped heal the worst of the pain in her soul. What happens next once more broke Kara's heart. An oil tanker was caught in a storm right off the coast of Midvale and somehow their seal on their cargo was breached and the oil they were carrying spilled out. Despite the fact that Superman managed to hear the distress call and only a 1/4 of the ship's cargo was lost this was still over 10 million gallons of oil. The event occurred on a Tuesday and by Thursday afternoon private volunteers and federal aid services to help mitigate the damage to the environment inundated Midvale. Kara and Alex both volunteered to help immediately. Eliza and Jeremiah was unsure if Kara should be allowed to help but the pleading look in her eyes broke down their resistance. The first time Kara saw a dead bird covered in oil she fell down beside it in tears. She gently scooped up the Canadian goose and cradled its motionless form as she took it to one of the other volunteers in charge of taking a tally of the animal lives lost. The day, which started out at barely 6 a.m., was a very long one. Kara and Alex didn't make it home until almost 7 p.m. exhausted and covered in oil. Eliza had them set up an outside wash/decontamination station in the back yard so they wouldn't track the oil all throughout the house. Kara stood under the water spray for over an hour and with copious amounts of dawn was able to manage to get rid of most of the oil from her skin.
Kara didn't speak at the dinner table that evening. The Danvers' left her to her thought because they can tell that she is trying to process what she saw earlier. Once dinner is completed, they expected her to go up to her room and try to get some sleep instead she asked to speak to them all.
Kara didn't know how to start but she knew she had to say something. Seeing all those animals in despair had broken something inside of Kara. She now knew that despite her fears that the Danvers may rethink keeping her with them if she used her alien knowledge she could not stand by and do nothing when she knows she can help.
"I…I didn't know it would be so bad. I had Alex show me some articles on the computer about the potential damage we can expect but to see it in person is indescribably painful. All those animals. They were in so much pain. So many of them have died and many more could die. The waterways were thick with the sludge and I could see some of the otters that some of the volunteered rescued and they were covered by the oil and barely able to breathe. I know Clark said I had to hide my origins but I cannot when I know I can help. Please…I beg you please let me help." Kara finished her plea with tears running down her face and her form shaking from fear and sadness.
Eliza and Jeremiah exchanged looks as they watched Alex sit down next to Kara and place a comforting arm around the younger woman. She turned her own pleading eyes to her parents. "You guys weren't there. It was horrible. I thought I knew what we were getting into but Kara is right it was beyond what I expected. The water was black, there was dead fish floating everywhere and the plants and animals were all coated from top to bottom. I helped one bring in one of the ducks into the cleaning centers and it took them over an hour to clean it. Even after they were done, there was still so much oil all over the duck and I overheard one of the volunteers saying how it may take decades for the area to recover and for the wildlife to come back. If there is anything we can do to help please let us find a way."
Eliza gripped Jeremiah's hand in her own when their eyes met they had a brief conversation that people who knew each other well can do. She turned to her two daughters and smiled. She was so proud of them and will happily help them anyway, she can.
"So, what can we do to help?"
Kara smiled through her tears. "Thank you. I believe I can synthesize a better solution than what they are using to remove the oil from the animals. I, also, believe that from there I can further develop something that can consume or break down the oil that is everywhere without further endangering the environment but I need access to lab and a sample of the oil that was spilled."
Alex jumped up. "I'll get our clothes that we wore today. It'll have the samples you need."
Jeremiah stood up from his seat. "Well then. While Alex grabs your samples why don't I show you around the lab we have downstairs."
Kara worked through the night and by mid-morning; she had two sample solutions to present to the Danvers. She showed them the effectiveness of both solutions. Once Eliza saw how well they worked an idea formed in her head. She called an old mentor, Lucius Fox. Fox is one of the main business managers that manage the Wayne holdings. He is also one of the Batman's main supporters not that Eliza knew that. Bruce has told Fox about little Kara shortly after Clark told him about his little cousin. He did this because he knew that Eliza Danvers was a close family friend to Fox and also to let his friend be aware incase the young girl's presence cause the Danvers' any issues due to her origins. Lucius was surprised but pleased to hear from Eliza. He was intrigued by the idea that she has presented him. As he listened and asked questions, he realized that Eliza was being intentionally vague as to how they managed to develope these new solutions. It didn't take him long to realize that the possible inventor maybe the newest member of the Danvers' family. He agreed to come out and test the same and to see what they can do to mass-produce it as soon as possible.
Lucius Fox took the company jet and by early afternoon, he was knocking on the Danvers' home. He hoped to catch sight of Kara but he was told that the young woman along with Alex was at the volunteer center with most of the batch they had synthesized trying to help. Lucius followed Eliza and Jeremiah down to the lab they had set up in the basement and was amazed by what he saw. The first compound that was meant to clean the oil from the animals without harming them could be the basis for the creation of a new cleaning supply and detergent that is part of the multibillion-dollar industry.
The second solution blew Lucius' mind. A solution that can essentially break down the oil but not affect the environment was unheard of. Just in the past hundred years millions of barrels of oil has spilt into the oceans and decades after these events some of these areas still has not recovered. This solution could help resolve the massive issues the oil has caused and he knows that there is a great need for it as well as a great market for the product. He excused himself from the Danvers and headed to the backyard so he can make his call to Bruce to update him on what he has found.
The conversation did not last long but the result was extremely in the favor of the Danvers. Lucius shared his findings as well as the possible source of the inventions. Bruce didn't hesitate and informed Lucius that they will cooperate fully and to draft a contract that will be fair for both parties while he contacted a few of the manufacturing facilities they have to so they can get prepared to mass produce the solutions as soon as possible.
Lucius returned to the Danvers with the proposal that Bruce and himself worked out. He further went on to explain that he is fully aware of who the possible creator of the solutions were and his relationship to Batman. He also agreed that due to the incredible origins of the young inventor that they can make arrangements to ensure her identity and privacy in the future.
Within the hour a courier came with a set of contracts that stipulates that a partnership was set up where the Danvers' will receive 60% of the profits with additional profit negotiations and market share for any future ventures from any products created from the solutions they presented. Eliza made a point that they were not the creators but have been given power of attorney to sign for these. They agreed that the money would be placed into a trust fund that can only be accessed for living expenses and for educational purposes only until the girl reaches the age of majority (18). They decided to place all of the contracts under Eliza's name. They did this since Jeremiah is very aware that certain factions may be watching him due to his work with Superman. Once the contracts were signed, Lucius immediately called Bruce and Bruce got to work kicking the process into gear so that they can mass produce the solutions and help those affected by the oil spills.
Within a week, a large shipment of the cleaning solvent was sent to the temporary headquarters of the volunteers working to clean up the oil spill. Bruce has worked out a deal with the company who owned the tanker and they paid for the solution as well as further shipments that can help with the recovery and rescue efforts. Kara felt wonderful when she heard that her ideas were being utilized to help others. While she was pleased that she was being offered so much money for her creation her true reward was to see one of the little otters happily squeal to one another as they played together.
The volunteers were onsite to help for over a month and the Danvers' sisters volunteered to help on the weekends as their schedule allowed. Kara and Alex would often talk after their parents went to bed and one night Kara brought up the subject of how else she can help. Alex considered the matter for a few moments before asking questions.
"Kara I know from what you told me that Krypton was very far ahead of Earth tech wise but how far ahead is it truly. Can the ideas that was used on your planet work here on Earth? What kind of resources will you need to do this?"
Kara took a moment before answering and revealing a huge secret that Alex was most definitely not expecting.
"I don't know what Clark told you about the pods we were placed. Clark and I were placed in suspended animation so that upon arriving here no time would have passed for either of us. The pods had self-replicating processors that can create the basic nutrients our bodies needed to sustain and keep us in that suspended state indefinitely. There was however, one small difference between his pod and mine. Mine had an AI instructor that was supposed to provide me with as much information as possible during the voyage so that when I arrive here on Earth I will have a knowledge base to build upon so that I may be better equipped to take care of Clark and myself. What my parents and family did not account for is my little side trip to the phantom zone."
Shocked Alex did not know what to say for a few minutes. "When you said it was supposed to teach you how much did it actually teach you?"
Kara winced at Alex's question. "Well it gave me the basics of the Earth economy, languages, and technology. The information was about three decades out of date because it came from the early observation drones my uncle sent. Once those information sources has been depleted the AI proceeded to complete the education I would have received on Krypton based on my genetic identifiers."
Alex nodded along with Kara's answer. "So what else did you learn? What are genetic identifiers?"
"Krypton has a society based on tiered system. Our governing body has several parties each of the parties represents a certain aspect of our society such as law, military, agriculture, transportation and so on. Each of the major parties are usually part of a house. Alliances between the houses are solidified by marriages and contracts each meant to help and improve Krypton. I come from the house of El and the House of Ze. House of El are known as the revolutionizing force in our society. They were the inventors and innovators. Many of my members of my family belong to the science guild that helps improve our way of live through scientific breakthroughs. On the other hand, the House of Ze have been very active in law enforcement and the maintenance of our society through public works. They have members that are part of the judicial system, like my mother who was a judge or my aunt who was a general in the military. Over the years, Krypton has done away with the traditional birthing methods that Earth still uses and has used the birthing matrix. Since resources are scarce in Krypton the ability to bring forth the best possible genetic combination can help ensure the best possible result and least amount of wasted resources. I was born in the matrix but since one of the matrix facilities is under my hours; control I was given a few additional advantages. Normally when a child is created, a path is designated for that child and the genetic advantages that can help that child later on in life is preselected. In my case my parents would have had to choose whether or not I was meant for the science guild or the law enforcement sect but due to my mother's wishes and my father's influences I was given both sets of genetic identifiers so I have more options open to me."
Alex sat back on her bed astounded. It's hard to imagine that the goofy little girl who has been following her around the past few months is essentially a perfect genetic being. "Wow! That is amazing. Is Superman also born the same way?"
Kara shook her head. "No he is not. His birth actually caused a scandal. His is the first live birth recorded in over a thousand years and the only reason he was terminated was because my uncle claimed that he is the result of an experiment on alternative birth practices that can help retain the genetic advantages offered by the birthing matrix."
Alex grinned at hearing this. "So what you are telling me is that you are genetically superior to Superman?"
Kara frowns before answering. "I guess. My genes were the best possible combination for Krypton. While my parents preselected to remove, any gene sequences that can cause any genetically based illnesses that not mean I cannot encounter any illness or disease here on Earth that they did not plan for in Krypton. So while I have the best possible genetic make-up the fact that Clark grew up on Earth means that he may have antibodies that I do not that corresponds to diseases on Earth."
"Alright. I can understand that. So back to the original question. What did you learn?"
Kara smiles wanly at Alex before answering. "Since I was in the Phantom zone for over twenty four years I essentially had more than enough time to absorb almost everything from our scientific annals and most of the annals in military structures and our policies behind our governing bodies."
Once more Alex was stupefied. "When you say everything?"
"I mean everything. My pod had a copy of our whole technology base as well as the complete and latest update from Argo Academy which consists of our whole planet's database." Kara answered.
"Oh my god! That's incredible. Just think of what you can do. Forget lifting a plane with your bare hands your knowledge has the ability to help so many more people than you can possibly imagine." Alex exclaimed. She began to babble about space ships and teleporters when Kara placed a hand over her mouth to stop the torrents of words coming from her.
"Alex until I know what Earth has or what I can accomplish then I can't risk creating something that can do more harm than good. I need to get more information and to do that I think we may need help."
Alex quieted down at Kara's words and as moments passed, she began to understand what Kara meant. Even if Kara had the means to end world hunger tomorrow or remove their reliance on fossil fuel, it would not be a good idea to do so without considering how it would affect the world economy and the quality of life of the people it may affect. In order to be able to do what they want to do they need more information that means more schooling and resources. Alex looked over to Kara who sat quietly besides her watching for her reaction.
"Alright Kara. I think I have a plan but I have got to talk to someone first."
The following morning after breakfast Alex asked her parents if they could talk. She told them some of what Kara told her about having more ideas and about information and technology that can help the world then discussed with them possible options on how to get Kara the resources she needs. Jeremiah was shocked. He knew that Kara knew more about Krypton that Clark did but the idea that she may have some ideas that can be repurposed for Earth's benefit was astonishing. He looked to his wife and saw the worry in her eyes. Eliza spoke first.
"Alex I appreciate that you and Kara wants to help but before we do anything you both must talk to Clark."
Alex wilted at her mother's words. Clark has been a sore subject between Kara and her. Alex is so mad at him for abandoning Kara. She knew from previous conversations with Kara that if she were to mention this to Kara then the younger girl would just square her shoulders before mumbling something about not bothering Clark with the matter or say something about not burdening Clark any further and to just forget the whole thing. Determined that Kara will have what she needs to help others Alex made a decision to talk to Clark herself.
