Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Earth
Chapter 14
Astra stood on the platform outside the Supreme Council Chamber in the Central Council Complex with a grim expression. Zod had finally snapped, she thought. He's mad. He truly thinks that he can fool the Kryptonian people with that "anti alien" propaganda crap, when all he's really after is power. He wants to rule Krypton, and gather as much power as he possibly can. He just happens to hate aliens, which makes it a perfect excuse to stage a coup on the planetary government and declare himself king, or emperor, or whatever title he fancies today.
She couldn't believe how easy it was to fan a tiny spark within the public consciousness to a roaring flame, and convince the populace of pretty much anything you say, because of twisted ambition, and shifting the "threat" from one thing that opposes them to the next. By then, the gullible sheep that lived within the general population would be so wrapped up in the other stuff that'd been said that they would eagerly follow them blindly, without realizing where the path they were following led, or what it would ultimately mean. She'd always liked to think that Krypton and her people were stronger than that, more possessed of a common sense and questioning mind. It was painfully apparent that while most Kryptonians were, there were plenty of those that weren't.
Since Zod's little talk had been displayed, the transport hadn't moved, and she knew without question that Zod's troops were in full force on board it, and had hostages, plenty of them, including her sister and her husband. She was determined to rescue those hostages, whether Alura and Zor were aboard or not. Jor and Lara were probably aboard as well, since Jor was also an important leader within the Science Guild. Her main concern was for all the hostages, regardless of who they were, but the fact she had family on that ship as well only increased her resolve.
Astra knew Non would side with Zod. She'd known it since the first rumblings of Zod's little power plays he made started years ago, after he hit the upper echelons of military rank. Non was just as ambitious and just as twisted and power hungry as Zod, so they were certain to gravitate towards one another. The fact they forged a powerful friendship, if either of them were capable of having what would actually qualify as friends, was just one more confirmation of what was to come, and now, after many years, it had finally manifested, as she always predicted.
The only reason Zod had been tolerated at all was because of his House's long standing reputation for honor, and for producing some of the greatest military leaders in Krypton's history. If he had been evaluated on his own merits, rather than the historical ones of his House, he would most likely have never made it into the Sagitari, and certainly wouldn't have risen above Lieutenant, if he had even made it that far. If it had been up to her, personally, he would never have been admitted into the Military Guild to begin with, but unfortunately, that decision hadn't rested in her hands, so there they were in the situation they presently found themselves in.
As Astra stood, lost in thought, but also formulating several plans for how to handle different circumstances with the situation, a Corporal approached her and stood at attention, but waited silently for her acknowledgement. General Astra was well known for not liking being disturbed as she anticipated actions and made plans to compensate for them. The woman was fiercely devoted to her responsibilities and the role she played in Kryptonian society, not to mention the Sagitari itself, but even so, she was fair and just, even if she could be somewhat abrasive and harsh if you displeased her.
The Corporal didn't have to wait long. While her eyes remained on the distant transport, her mind tumbling through scenario after scenario, she responded in a quiet voice, "What is it, Corporal? Report." Her hands tightened only slightly on the rail she leaned upon.
The Corporal blinked a couple of times, with his helmet held under his arm, surprised that she had acknowledged him so quickly. "Ma'am, the team has discovered that the rear emergency hatch had been forced open from the outside before we sent Lieutenant Re to the transport. Since she entered, no one has had any sort of communication with her, and no transmissions from her. She's missed her check in, and though we've assumed she has been able to infiltrate the squads loyal to Zod and his compatriots, there has been no contact beyond the reasonable delay point," the Corporal replied, keeping his voice respectfully calm and even.
Astra frowned, and her gaze on the transport intensified. Lieutenant Miri Zan Re was young, very young, yet she was an exemplary officer, entirely devoted to the service of Krypton and her people, and exceedingly loyal to her top commanding officer, Astra herself. She was the youngest commissioned officer the Sagitari had boasted in its ranks for nearly a millennium. She's barely older than Kara, maybe the same age, give or take a couple of years, as Alex, but she's proven herself time and again to be many cuts above the average Sagitari in all respects, and therefore worthy of her fast tracked promotion. I have never questioned my decision to commission her and give her the rank she holds, and I'm not about to start now.
Astra's frown grew deeper as she diverted her eyes from the transport to regard the young man beside her. "You said the hatch had been forced open before Re began her infiltration mission?" she asked, possibilities leaping into her mind one after the other. Could it be what she suspected? Doesn't she know how dangerous this is, what kind of danger she's opening herself up for if she's discovered? Influenced by Zod or not, Krypton is largely xenophobic still, despite our best efforts to educate and inform the people at large. Please, Rao, let her do what you will to be done, but keep her safe from the certain harm she'd suffer if she's discovered, she thought as her hands released the bar she held onto.
The Corporal nodded animatedly. "Yes, Ma'am," he answered promptly. "Whoever beat us to the hatch isn't part of any of our platoon currently here, General." He was wondering what it could mean, himself, but he wasn't sure if he should voice that question or not. "And more, whoever it was managed to slip completely by every detection instrument we have in place. Absolutely nothing registered on any of them at any time, but that would mean it would have had to be an extremely tiny vehicle, only barely larger than the pilot themselves."
That confirmed Astra's theory, and she knew she had better put a lid on this, and quickly. She whipped her head around to face the Corporal more directly, and spoke in commanding, but quiet tones, "Listen to me very carefully, Corporal. I don't intend to repeat myself. If anyone, and I mean anyone catches sight of anything unusual, they are not to report it over open comms, and further, they are not to discuss it with anyone. Let me stress that, they are not to discuss or even mention it to anyone, I don't care who asks. They are to come to me and me alone, immediately and directly, and give absolutely no information to anyone that may question them along the way. This order is exact, final, and cannot and will not be rescinded, in part or whole, all on my personal authorization and responsibility. I don't care if Rao himself steps down from the sky and demands information it is not to be given. Am I understood?"
The Corporal was taken aback by both Astra's no nonsense tone, and the steely gaze she had when she gave the order. Everyone knew that when General Astra gave an order, you could consider it as if it were the Word of Rao, or face the absolutely undesirable consequences of your stupidity. The Corporal had absolutely no desire to face the woman's wrath should he disobey or misinterpret the order. If he ever decided to disobey one of her orders, this would not be the one he chose, and he knew in his very soul that nothing short of the planet blowing up would make him disobey her orders.
"Y-yes Ma'am, General Astra, Ma'am," he replied right on the heel of the end of her sentence. "Is it safe to assume that this order is to be delivered individually to each person individually, Ma'am? That way no one is aware the order was given to anyone else, and it would discourage the urge to discuss it?" he asked, hoping he wasn't overstepping his position, and risking Astra's anger.
Astra smiled slowly, but the smile contained no humor to it. "It would be a safe assumption indeed, Corporal. You're learning a wise practice that will help you advance far in the Sagitari," she said quietly. Her mind was back to the situation on the transport, but Alex and what was almost certainly her doing, was also prominent. If she was going to help, and Astra had no doubt that was the case, especially with their family aboard, she hoped she had the sense to stay out of sight, and if she had to be seen, make sure no one could connect her to the House of El, or have a clue as to her identity.
Astra was pleased with the Corporal's responses and devotion to his duty and his commanding officer. Perhaps he may find his place elevated soon as well, she thought. She decided to keep an eye on him, he'd impressed her. As disciplined as the typical Sagitari was, few of them would understand the need for such a specific and clandestine order without questioning it, even if they questioned it in their thoughts. Curiosity was admirable, but it wasn't necessarily so when it came to obeying unusual orders given by a commander that wasn't displaying any sort of erratic behavior as Zod was. Such curiosity should be dependent upon the behavior and possible mental state of those issuing the orders. Even someone that knew absolutely nothing about Zod would realize he was a madman just moments after encountering him.
"You're dismissed, Corporal. Follow your orders to the letter," she finally said, as she turned her attention back to the problems at hand. Alex, whatever you're doing, please take care and be safe, so you can keep the others safe, she thought.
X
The world seemed fuzzy when Lieutenant Miri Zan Re regained consciousness. Everything was a hazy blur of colors and indistinct shapes, and her head felt like it'd had Fort Rozz dropped on it. She sat up slowly, and shook her head lightly, hoping to clear up her fuzzy vision and muddy thoughts.
The slightest movement made her head pulse with pain, but it seemed to be dissipating slowly as she returned to her senses. Finally, she made it to a sitting position, and looked around. Her weapon was nearby, apparently intact. That was a good thing, she thought as she picked it up and checked it for damage on a smaller scale. Finding none, she secured it, and frowned.
Her hand rose to her face, and she expected to feel her helmet even through her glove, but there was only her face. If she'd been fully aware and to herself, she would have noticed that her helmet was gone immediately, but her full awareness was returning sluggishly. Whatever happened, whatever hit her had hit hard, and very thoroughly incapacitated her. It was getting easier to think, and to move.
She pushed her thick black hair back from her face, and inspected her reflection in a mirrored tile on the wall, some sort of artful decoration she figured. Her face, with its round cheeks that made her look like she spent most of her time smiling, had no bruises, cuts or other injuries. There was only a small bruise forming at the very edge of her hairline over her right temple, and it was barely noticeable. Her eyes were bright, and not glassy. All that considered, she wasn't suffering from a concussion, it seemed. Thank Rao for small mercies.
The memory of her assignment came back to her, and she looked around the chamber she was in, looking for anything that may be useful, or help her be more convincing in acting out her cover. Unfortunately, there wasn't much of anything in that particular chamber, useful or not. Since it was mostly an antechamber for an exit, it made sense that it'd be pretty much barren in the sense of décor.
She took particular notice of her helmet not being anywhere in the room. It shouldn't have found its way off her head, but for the sake of argument, if it had, it would logically be lying around somewhere in the room, she thought, but it was nowhere to be seen. And since it had no method of autonomous travel, that meant someone had to have taken it, she concluded. This doesn't make any sense. If they needed a disguise, why only take the helmet and not my entire uniform? Sagitari don't walk around in civilian clothes and their helmet…unless the person that took it wasn't trying to pass themselves off as a Sagitari, but instead simply keep their identity a secret. That's the only logical conclusion. Now, the next question is why?
Miri paused and listened intently for a couple of moments, trying to get a feel of what was going on around her before she just marched out of the chamber and into potential trouble. She stood as still as a statue for several moments, and then frowned.
No footsteps of Council guards, protection detail, Zod's crew, or anything else. Not even the chatter of Council members and Guild representatives. General Astra was right, Zod and his people are trying to stage a takeover, right now! These thoughts raced through her mind as she reaffirmed her grip on her weapon, and opened the door. She shifted back and forth at the door, making sure both ways were clear before she moved out of the room into the corridor.
Stealthily, she moved along the corridor, hyper vigilant for anyone or anything coming her way. The ship's stationary, yet still airborne. There's no reason to keep it that way if they've already taken everybody off the ship. So, that means they're still on board, and if it were me, I'd move them into the central chamber. There's more room, and the doors are easier to secure, not to mention the fact that a smaller number of guards can hold the position with a forward facing arc of fire coverage, and a protected rear flank. Unfortunately, with the number of goons Zod has in his camp, that means there's probably generous amounts of patrols wandering the corridors looking for stragglers and making sure nobody else gets to the hostages without them being aware of it.
Armed with that assessment of the situation, Miri continued moving cautiously around the corridors. Sure enough, she found patrols walking a concentric overlapping pattern through the whole ship. That meant she was going to have to be very careful with any move she made, and when she made that move, she was going to have to be fast and decisive, with no hesitation. The General was waiting on her signal that she was in, and that she was at the breach point, but getting there was going to be a challenge. If the guards didn't find her, they were almost sure to be using trackers to detect unauthorized signals and transmissions. Miri didn't mind, she thrived on challenges.
X
Alex hovered near one of the skimmers out of sight, watching everything and trying to decide on how and where to make her move. She'd already figured out that in all likelihood, the hostages were in the central chamber of the transport. It made the most sense to her, anyway, and it also made it more problematic for any rescue team to get to them, because they'd have to fight layers of guards, which could easily deter any rescue attempt, given the firepower and manpower on either side.
Whatever you're going to do, Alex, you need to do it, and do it quick. Your family is in there, and Kara's in there, and they're in danger, just like everyone else in there. Every moment you wait is a moment this whacko son of a bitch can do something really shitty, and that's really going to weigh you down if you wait too long to stop him, Alex thought as she hovered. She had been cautious in her observations and planning, trying to think of a way to minimize potential danger to the hostages, especially Alura, Zor and Kara, but no matter how she approached it, there was going to be a decent margin for complications, no matter what.
Outside the transport, activity was increasing. More and more Sagitari were showing up, and it looked like the guards were not only switching out, but actually being beefed up. In addition, there were Sagitari showing up that were wearing different division colors than those that had been there all this time. That could mean they were the good guys, working with one of the other top brass, or it could simply be yet more flunkies for Zod. There was no way to know, short of asking, and that wasn't going to happen.
Finally, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Fuck this. I'm not losing another family, not now. I'm finally learning how to feel like I'm home, like I belong, like somebody gives a shit again. If they want to take that from me, they're going to have to fight, and that's a fight I don't see them winning, not today, not with this little orphan human girl, she thought with a surge of emotion. She took another deep breath, held it a moment, and let it out slowly, opening her eyes again once more to focus heavily on the hull of the transport. Well, it's time to put all that geometry to work. After all, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
Alex slowly curled her fists closed, and with a loud crack as a sonic boom sounded over the ocean's waves, she hurtled towards the hull of the ship with no intention of changing course. The side of the ship rushed towards her as she rushed towards it, and barely half a second later, there was contact.
X
There were Sagitari every few feet around the perimeter of the main chamber, and the Council members, Guild representatives, and other officials were crowded in the center of the room, forced to sit on the floor as they endured dozens of weapons pointed at them, and each guard acting as if they were just itching to pull the trigger. They'd been told to be quiet, but there was still a soft murmur of sound from the clustered bunch of people, as they whispered back and forth.
Alura, Zor and Kara sat close to each other, huddled into their own little bunch within the larger lump of the crowd of hostages. They were doing as most were, trying to make sure they attracted as little attention as possible, so they would remain in relative safety, if there was such a thing in that situation.
Most of the more vocal hostages had attempted to persuade, convince, and outright frighten the Sagitari into disobeying their orders, and the insane man that gave them, and do what they knew was right. Unfortunately, they were insanely loyal to their corrupt and twisted leaders, and they believed that they were going to be part of the New Order in some position of esteem. The hostages all knew that wasn't going to happen, yet they remained convinced that it was. Changing a fanatic's mind was one of those nearly impossible tasks that life sometimes threw your way. So, one by one, they'd stopped trying to convince the Sagitari of the error of their beliefs, and tried to figure another way free of the terrible situation they found themselves in.
Kara had been looking around when she could do so without being yelled at, or worse. She'd seen her Uncle Jor and Aunt Lara in the crowd as well, but they were on the other side of the room, and it was too far to try to get their attention without also gaining the attention of the Sagitari guarding them. She thought about trying anyway, but decided to not tempt fate any more than she already had so far. Kal El didn't seem to be with them, not from what she could see anyway, so she figured he had to be at home with someone watching him. She thought that was good, at least. As much as she loved seeing him, she was glad he wasn't stuck in the middle of the political battleground they were in.
X
Miri rounded the corner to where one entrance to the main chamber of the transport, only to see a pair of guards at the door. They didn't see her so she jumped back out of sight. She wasn't sure what she was going to do, but she had to do something. She couldn't overpower all the guards herself, and there's no way she'd ever get off enough shots to take them all down before they took her down.
Okay, Miri, let's take a look at what we have, she thought as she leaned back against the wall. If the patrols keep following the same pattern, those on this side of the ship should be moving away from this door, so that's one thing. The door ahead is closed, and most likely locked, so any help coming for these two would take a few seconds to reach us, by which time I should be able to drop both these guys and get ready. That's where the sticky part comes. I should have time to get ready to do what? Think, Miri, think!
She kept going over scenarios in her mind, trying to figure out what would be most likely to have even a tiny percentage of working. There were more civilians than there were guards, so if they would all take advantage of things, they could work together to take the rogue Sagitari down.
But that presents a couple of problems, Miri thought in mild frustration. She knew she had to do something, but she was alone, with no way to call for backup, or even give a situation report to any of her unit. She was on her own. First, there's no way to get word to them to get ready, or let them know what's going down to begin with. Second, even if I could, these people aren't trained to fight. The casualties would be much too high, and it'd be too risky to start with. If we could get the element of surprise would be the only way it'd even start to have a chance. Damn it to Rao, Miri, think!
Finally, after a couple of moments, she let out a long breath. Setting her jaw in grim determination, she double checked her weapon's charge. With luck, the General will have anticipated this, or at the very least see something and send in the cavalry. Either way, I'm about to make some noise!
She kept her weapon at the ready, but deceptively as if prepared for having to take action against a straggler, like she was one of them. She started panting, as if she'd been running for some time. "You two! I came aboard for a status check, eyes on, and was ambushed by one of these spineless alien sympathizers, and they disappeared down the port side corridor. I want that little shit found!"
The two guards weren't expecting anyone to come down the corridor, so they were confused. The first one looked at his partner, and then back up at Miri. "Lieutenant, all sweeps for targets have come up negative. Everyone is accounted for and in the chamber. We can't leave the door, we have our orders," he said, still trying to make sense of what was happening.
Miri growled in what appeared to be frustration, and pointed at her head. "The alien lover smashed the face plate of my helmet, and attacked while I was occupied trying to get the helmet off. Obviously, everyone is not accounted for on this ship! What do you think Lieutenant Generals Faora, Ursa and Non are going to say when they find out one slipped through your fingers? What do you think General Zod is going to do?" she asked.
It was obvious that the two guards were getting suspicious of Miri. Their entire body language changed, and suddenly became more menacing. They started lifting their weapons into firing position, and Miri smiled slightly. I knew that whole gambit was lame. There was absolutely no way they were going to believe it because it was ridiculous, as I meant it to be. But it made a good distraction, got them unaware and off their rhythm, flashed through her mind.
Just as their weapons came up, Miri lifted her own weapon, and fired at the one on her left, striking him in the chest. His armor sizzled and he slid down the wall. The one on her right managed to get off a shot, but she'd already dropped, and spun right, coming down in a crouch on the left side of the hall, while his shot flashed over her head. As soon as she'd spun around where she could see him, she fired, and dropped him as well. Like his partner, he slid down the wall to the floor.
Both were unconscious and would be in quite a bit of pain from the level two blasts she hit them both with. She used their own manacles to restrain them, and tossed their weapons into a side room, and took their energy packs for extras. They obviously didn't train under General Astra. If they had, there's no way they would have been taken out by such a simple maneuver. Their reaction time was absolutely lousy, too.
She made quick work of dragging them into the small side chamber that she'd thrown their weapons into, and then placed a breach charge on the door, set the timer, and quickly jumped into the room for cover.
X
Kara heard quiet sobbing, and she turned to see a young girl, maybe twelve years old, if that, curled up and frightened. Her parents had been pulled from where they were with her, and dragged to the other side of the room, and were being questioned, it sounded like. She figured the young girl was probably there with her parents for a school project about Supreme Council procedures or a project concerning the alien issue.
Whatever she was there for, she was scared, very scared. She had no idea of what was truly happening. All she knew was the transport had been attacked, one of the leading Generals had basically declared himself ruler of Krypton and his soldiers had attacked the transport and taken prisoners, including her and her parents. Given the way they'd treated all of them, she was probably afraid that they would all be killed, and Kara wasn't entirely sure they wouldn't do exactly that if they weren't stopped. Once Zod had what he wanted, he'd have no use for any of them, so he'd most likely simply terminate the threat so it couldn't form again.
She smiled gently, hoping it would help calm the girl down, and she whispered, "Hey, are you okay?" The girl jumped when she spoke to her, but after a moment, she started to nod, then changed her mind and shook her head slowly, wordlessly. Kara continued, "My name's Kara. These are my parents, Alura and Zor El. I know you're scared, but it's going to be okay. I know it is."
The girl listened, while her eyes flicked rapidly back and forth between the three of them. Finally, she tried to speak twice before she finally got out, "Jaina, my name's Jaina. I don't…why do you think it's going to be okay? They've got us herded in here, they've been rough, and it doesn't seem like they're just going to let us go and let us go back to our lives. They're going to hurt us, I know they are."
Kara could completely understand the girl's fears, but Kara's hope and faith in Alex is what kept her together. "I know it's going to be okay, because we're not alone. Help is only a short distance away, and these asshats are going to be very surprised, and in very deep trouble, when that help arrives," she told the frightened girl, hoping that if she were told by someone who didn't think, but knew help was coming, it might help her calm down.
Jaina opened her mouth as if to protest, but stopped, frowned, and tilted her head. "Who do you think is coming? If more Sagitari come, how are they going to stop these Sagitari from hurting everyone before they can neutralize them?" she asked, confusion spreading across her face like the shadow of an eclipse. "What…what's an…ass hat?"
Kara laughed, and winked at her. "Something my sister taught me," she replied. "Pretty much, it means fool, idiot, a stupid person who is contemptible, more or less. Anyway, Jaina, I kn—"
She was cut off by a loud booming sound, one that almost sounded like an explosion. The entire ship rattled, and Kara smiled. "Do you hear that?" she asked Jaina. "That's the help."