Chapter 26

Four hours until arrival on Krypton. The Amazons stayed in groups in rooms throughout the ship. Diana had reverted back to sitting and watching her mother and sister for the last two hours. Kal frequently came to force her to go eat and take a break, but she went straight back to the infirmary room after doing so.

Diana sat reading a book with one leg crossed over the other as she waited. She decided not to drive herself too crazy so she kept herself occupied.

Hippolyta's eyes felt heavy and she opened her eyes looking at the bright lights above her. Where was she? There were many wires attached to her arms and she was not on Themyscira she realized. The room wasn't that big and there were glass windows everywhere. Her eyes adjusted to the bright room and her vision was a bit blurry. She saw a woman with a white gown on with dark hair, reading in front of her. her eyes widened as her vision cleared.

"Diana?" she croaked.

Diana looked up and set the book the bed. "Mother you're awake!" she sprung out of her chair and hugged her gently and set herself on the bed.

Her mother looked around the room and saw Donna was in a bed next to her own. What had happened?

"Where are we?" she licked her dry lips. Diana handed her some water for her to drink. As the liquid surfaced her throat, she sighed, feeling relief from the dryness of her mouth.

"You're on a Kryptonian ship, mother. You have been unconscious for almost forty eight hours. I was beginning to wonder if you would wake up." She smiled softly.

Hippolyta smiled, "Has Donna awakened yet?" peering over at her other daughter.

Diana looked over and back to her mother, "No, not yet. I have been here as much as I can." She held her mother's hand. "Kal has kicked me out multiple times," she chuckled.

The Queen smiled at her daughter. She was surprised that she stayed in the room for so long, but then again she wasn't because she knew Diana. She was very stubborn, just like her. "You didn't have to stay in here, dear." Touching the side of Diana's face.

"But I wanted to. I wanted to make sure you woke up."

"Hmmm," Donna groaned as her eyes opened. She felt sore all over and then panicked once she didn't know where she was. Diana switched beds and hushed her sister.

"Calm down, you are safe here," a smile bright enough to light up a room, Donna calmed down once she saw Diana.

"Diana!" she smiled trying to sit up but was gently pushed back down by her elder sibling.

"Shh, I am glad you are awake! The both of you!" smiling she hugged her sister.

"Where the hell are we?" Donna moaned as she tried to move her arms. "And why am I in such horrible pain?"

Hippolyta looked over to her daughter, "We are on a Kryptonian ship, at least that is what Diana says."

Donna looked around the room. It was so alien to her. She sighed heavily, "What happened?"

A grim look came to Diana's facial features. "Themyscira is no more, sister. You were trying to save mother and yourself and in result of that, you both were severely injured."

Donna's eyes blinked several times. "Themyscira is gone? I just saw the palace implode. Is it really gone, Diana?"

Her elder sister nodded her head. "The Kryptonian General betrayed us all. He destroyed Arrakus as well. Both kingdoms are no more."

Donna's eyes darted to her mother and she hung her head low. Looking back at Diana she had tears in her eyes. "That is not true, sister. Tell me it is not true?"

Diana gripped Donna's hand, "I'm sorry, Donna, but it is true. Our home is gone."

The young princess's eyes filled with tears and covered her face, "No, this is not true! I don't believe you!"

"Daughter, please," Hippolyta reached over to Donna, but she was unable to touch her. Donna cried softly and Diana rubbed her sister's forearm.

Kal came into the room and saw a sobbing Donna and Diana comforting her. Oh she must have told them that Themyscira is gone. He sighed and waited at the entrance. Diana turned to see Kal standing there.

"Kal," she stood and went over to him to embrace him. He walked over to the both of the Amazons.

"I am glad to see the both of you are now awake," he smiled.

Donna wiped her eyes and cheeks. "your highness," she smiled finally able to see him again. "Is it true about Themyscira? Is it really gone?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so Princess."

The look on her face tore him apart. He didn't want to see another Diana look-alike start to cry too, but luckily she didn't. She was more in shock now.

Hippolyta sat up, "What of our sisters? Are there any survivors?"

"Yes, your majesty. There are two hundred seventy five Amazons alive. All the rest we could not find. They are on the ship as well, being treated. Not many were as wounded as you both. Which is a good thing." He saw the look on the Queen's face and then he reconsidered his words. "Oh well, I mean it's not a good thing…I mean…"

Diana put a hand on his arm, "Kal, they understand." She smiled.

Donna put her thoughts aside. They would have to deal with the formalities later. For now she drank her water and sat up as best as she could in bed.

"I hear my mother calling me, I'll be back later," Kal said and bowed as he left the room.

Donna's eyes scanned her older sister as she sat down slowly. "Well look at you," she smiled warmly.

Diana eyed her sister. "What?" she had a goofy smile planted on her face.

"You look so…pregnant," Donna exclaimed and Diana smiled.

"So observant you are, Donna," she teased her sister.

Donna smirked at her sister then winced at her aches and pains running through her body.

Hippolyta smiled and reached out to Diana. "How are they treating you?"

Diana sat on her mother's bed, "Very well. We have our arguments but that is inevitable."

"I take it that they have kept their promise in keeping you safe and well guarded."

Diana sighed and smiled, "They do not let me leave the palace anymore, mother, so if that answers your question."

The Amazon Queen didn't speak for a few moments and then took a good look at her daughter. She asked her to stand up and Diana did so slowly unsure what she was doing. Hippolyta asked her to turn in a circle slowly. Donna watched as she smiled. Diana did as told and then looked at her mother, she too had a goofy smile on her face. Sitting down the Amazon princess couldn't help but laugh at her mother's expression. It was the same as Donna's a few minutes ago.

Hippolyta held Diana's hand in her own, "You look beautiful," her voice honest and soft. Something Diana didn't normally hear in her mother's voice. She blushed at this compliment.

Over the intercom a feminine voice sounded and Diana immediately recognized it was Lara. "Amazons, we will be landing on Krypton in thirty minutes. So please stay where you are and prepare for the arrival."

Diana looked up and then saw shock on her mother and sister's face. "Krypton?" Hippolyta blurted out.

Ursa watched all the ships finally land back on Kandor minus the El's ship. She asked one of the men that stayed guarding the Kandor Military Base, "When is the council meeting going to happen?"

"The council has been notified two days ago. The Els have landed in Kryptonopolis a few moments ago. The council meeting should begin in approximately two hours, Ampar."

"Very good, I will be there." She nodded her head and went to a room across from her office to see the Arrakian brats. She opened the door and saw they were sitting in chairs shocked and alone.

"Don't be so grim, Arrakians. You are on a planet full of purpose, so act and look like you have purpose! I will be going to Kryptonopolis for a council meeting so I will leave you both here. Do not touch anything until I return, understand?" she practically growled at the two. Both teenagers nodded their heads and she closed the door locking it.

"Shufa, I have no idea where I am. I am afraid," Xedea put her arms around herself.

He sighed and looked around the room. It was such a sterile room. Much different than their home. Wait, what home? They had no home anymore. They had just been kidnapped by some crazy Kryptonian lady and they were trapped here not knowing what was going to happen them. This is such a nightmare.

"Do not worry, Xe. I am sure we will find out what we are doing here."

"I hope so. So far I don't like Krypton." She shuttered from the cold still air. Then she had a thought, "Diana is here."

Shufa frowned, "So? Who cares about Diana?! Most of this is her fault anyway!"

Xedea folded her arms, "Our brother is mostly to blame for all this destruction! We have no home! No parents! Now is not the time to start blaming others, Shufa." Her eyes narrowed in anger. He sighed heavily a bit annoyed at his sister.

"Maybe, she can help us."

Shufa looked up at his sister, "Help us? You mean save us? Do you really think she would do that?" his face said it all. He was not impressed with this thought at all. He was neutral about Diana. He didn't hate her, but he didn't like her either.

"Yes. Diana is a kind person, Shufa. She can help us, I know she can."

"Oh yeah? How is she going to do that? We're stuck in here until that crazy lady comes back!" irate he stood and started pacing to calm his nerves.

"I…don't know," huffing in anger, she groaned as she leaned in the chair she was sitting in.

Jor and Lara stood at the entrance of their palace. They brought the ship very close so all the Amazons could walk inside. All the women looked around at the new environment. Some muttered in their native language how strange the palace was. It didn't look anything like a palace on Themyscira or Arrakus would look like.

Hippolyta and Donna were moved into the infirmary inside the palace which Diana followed them closely. Kal had stayed with the ship so all the Amazons left.

The El family returned inside and closed the palace doors. Lara looked around at all the hundreds of Amazons in her palace and sighed.

"Oh so many women," putting a hand on her cheek. Jor smiled.

"Take care of them, Lara. I will be setting up the meeting with the council about General Zod and the Amazons." He left her with a room full of Amazons.

She breathed in slowly and then clapped her hands trying to get their attention towards her at the front of the room.

All turned and quieted down, folding their arms looking at the alien Queen. She cleared her throat and began, "Jor-El has gone to confirm the meeting with our Kryptonian council. Until we have decided what to do with you all, you must stay here in our palace. Arrangements have been made so you all will have a room. Your Queen and Princess are doing well and will be taken care of in our infirmary." All Amazons looked a bit relieved at that announcement. "So ah, please do not touch anything, or go into any of our marked rooms, but you may explore as much as you'd like." She bowed to them all and left the room as fast as she could. She had never been in a room with such intimidating looking women before, or at least not so much at once.

Artemis smirked, "That Kryptonian Queen is too demanding," she folded her arms.

Beatrice looked around at the tall ceilings of the palace. "This place is so strange, sisters. What shall we do here?"

Another Amazon came next to her, "She said we can explore," she smiled. "So I think we shall explore."

Artemis shrugged and the Amazons split into groups and started to split up going in different directions in the House of El.

Jor had just finished speaking with the council and their meeting was in an hour. Hopefully his men had kept Zod under control while the council prepared themselves for this news.

Lara approached the infirmary and saw some Amazons walking passed her whispering. No doubt about her, she was not fazed by it. Opening the door she saw Diana was indeed with her mother and sister. She was going to stay here no matter what. Sighing she strolled over to Diana and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Diana, the council wishes to see us in an hour."

Diana turned her head at the El Queen, "Oh alright. I will go change," she got up from the chair and left the room leaving Lara with Hippolyta and Donna staring at her. This was a bit awkward. She smiled and then turned to leave until Hippolyta spoke up.

"Your highness," she called out. Lara paused and turned around gracefully.

"Yes?"

Hippolyta stared blankly at the woman and Lara held her hands in front of her. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter."

Lara dipped her head and smiled at the Amazon Queen. "Of course, your majesty. Diana is always welcome here." She turned and started to leave again.

"Your majesty," Donna called out and Lara spun around reluctantly. "How is my sister? I mean..."

Lara finished the princess's sentence, "The child? She is doing well I suppose," grinning and left again finally making it out the door.

Donna beamed and glanced over at her mother, "Mother! Did you hear her? Diana is having a girl! A baby niece," she tapped her chin.

The corner of Hippolyta's lips turned upwards in a smile. "Yes, I heard."

Diana came out forty five minutes later in a blue long sleeved gown and Lara had just passed her. She followed behind her and then they were with Jor and Kal-El. Kal turned and saw his mother approaching them then Diana right behind her.

"You look nice," he complimented her and she shrugged her shoulders.

"I am ready to face your council."

"I am definitely not ready for this." Kal whispered to her.

Jor took his arm around Lara and looked back at the young heirs. "We are about to leave." The two walked on and Kal and Diana followed.

Reaching the council's room they saw ten members on the balcony. The Els guessed that the other members were either still being treated or have passed on. Pushing it in the back of their minds they were altogether, all four of them and they stood standing in front of their chairs until all were to be seated.

A council member on the far end stood. Her neck and hair were covered by black fabric. "Family El, Queen Lara, so glad you are well again." Smiling briefly she went over the subjects they were to speak of today. "We have reports made from your ship on the planet Ammos. General Zod has been arrested for sabotaging the Amazons and betraying your trust and theirs as well. He is also facing charges of equipping the ships with robots without permission from Jor-El. We will also be discussing the wedding of Prince Kal-El and Princess Diana of Themyscira as well as the punishment for the Els," She laced her fingers together, "Is that all that we have planned for today, your highnesses?"

Lara turned back to see her son and Diana huddled close to one another. She eyed her husband in anger. Marriage? She hadn't heard of this! Fuming she remained calm and Jor spoke for all of them.

"We also need to discuss what to do with the Amazons. We have the surviving Amazons in the House of El as we speak. Their Queen and Princess were severely injured so they are being treated."

Shara stood, "You brought aliens to our planet?!"

"Yes. We simply could not leave them there. As you may remember we have a treaty with Queen Hippolyta. The Kryptonian army also promised protection for the Themyscirans and we have failed them! What should I have done? Leave them on a destroyed planet? I do not think so, Miss Shara."

She arched her eyebrow, "I see. Add that to the list, Bala." She sat down and all others sat with them, including the El family. "Since we are on the subject, minus well start with that." Gathering her notes together she stared down at the Els. "Simply you cannot bring unknown aliens on Krypton, your majesty. We know nothing of them. For all we know they could turn on us as well. The only Amazon we have here is…is that one sitting right behind you and she is not exactly a great role model of her people now is she?"

Diana furrowed her brows and almost stood up but Kal kept her to the chair with his hand around her wrist.

Lara's hand went up, "Diana is champion of her people and their Princess. Her home is now demolished. She carries the El heir now, her family is now part of our concern, Krypton's concern." Her voice stern and solid. Diana looked at the Queen and was surprised she had something good about her.

"If that is so, why did you both not tell us about her and the pregnancy when she first arrived?"

"It did not cross our minds," Lara folded her arms. "Besides, we didn't know all of this chaos was going to happen!"

"If she would have never come here in the first place and gotten pregnant then Krypton would not have any of these problems, your majesty," Shara narrowed her eyes and Lara copied the move.

"I beg your pardon, I…" Lara started to rise out of her seat until Diana had her hand up. Kal could only smack his head against a wall right now.

One of the other council members paused the Queen as she saw Diana's hand up. "Yes, princess?" Nim asked her to stand. Lara's head turned and saw Diana standing up behind her.

"I would just like to say, please do not punish them. This is not their fault, it is mine. Your General betrayed Krypton and my people as well. I am sorry for causing all these mishaps on your planet. If you wish to punish someone it should be me not them."

"Diana," Kal touched her hand and she held up hers and he backed down.

"My being here has caused nothing but problems. I was decreed to return back to my planet, Ammos, as soon as possible, but now as you can see my home is gone. I do not have a planet to return to anymore. My sisters, my people, do not have a home anymore and barely any of them are alive. My only request is that you do not send them away to a deserted planet, at least, not right now. The only family they have is each other and that is my family, council." She gestured to the Els sitting around her, "And this is my family as well. We are together in this, so if you send my people away you minus well send the Els away too."

All the members looked at each other and Shara cleared her throat, "That was quite a speech princess, but look at the trouble that you have caused by just standing here on our soil. Now your people are here too, this is absurd. They are not Kryptonian!"

"So if they are not Kryptonian then you shall deport them? What shame you all have!" Diana fired back at the woman. "I had a council on my island too, you know. They were all horrible and never did what they were supposed to and constantly broke the rules of our island. They are the worst hypocrites in the galaxy and you all are no different." Her eyes grew as her anger grew. "So you tell me, the great scientists that you are, would not help another race in need just because they are not Kryptonian? How disgraceful."

All the council's faces were irritated with this princess. She thinks she can just walk in here and take charge like that? Shara's eyes darkened but she remained calm, although she couldn't say the same for the Amazon princess. She looked a little flush.

"The only thing that is disgraceful is you, princess. You have broken several laws and the Els are responsible for holding to those laws!"

"The council makes these laws, which are easily broken by you all everyday are they not?" Diana spat back.

Shara folded her arms, "How dare you? You have no authority here princess. Just because you carry an heir does not make you anything special."

"Enough!" Jor stood putting his hands up. "We all did not come here to bicker and fight. Diana's people are in need so I have decided to take them in until further arrangments have been made."

Lara spoke up now that she was calmer, "On certain areas of Krypton we have unused space. Perhaps some arrangements could be made there."

Rayn, another council member scoffed, "What are you saying, Lara-El? That the Amazons build a home on Krypton?"

"That is not what I said," Lara held up her finger in disagreement.

"It is what you are implying. It would take years to build such an establishment on Krypton."

"Our cities are small and cluttered, Rayn-Vor. If the Amazons build a foundation on our empty plains, I do not see the problem."

Bala chimed in, "That is only if we agree to it."

Jor sighed, "Our technology is far more advanced than Themyscira's ever was. We are not going to use that space for anything in the future. It is going to waste, why not use it. Rebuilding on Ammos will take many years and the explosion has destroyed their crops. We cannot send them back there."

Shara laughed, "Oh please, Jor-El, so now you saying we should join our races together and live as one on Krypton? Outrageous! Do not make me laugh." Creasing her eyebrows she leaned forward yelling at the King.

"The outcome could be beneficial, council. The Amazons are not fools, they are very educated."

Nim laughed, "If they are so educated why do they live as if they are in the first century." All others started laughing with the woman.

Jor groaned, "Listen to me damn it!" all stopped snickering, "We are going to build a new Themyscira here on Krypton. Make the arrangements for it as soon as possible."

"You cannot be serious," Rayn almost laughed in Jor's face.

"I order you," he challenged the council and they backed down, taking notes to make sure it would happen.

Diana smiled and she glanced at Kal who seemed nervous about the next topic the council would bring up. She held onto him closely.

"About the marriage of the two. Are they really married?" Bala announced in her soft calm voice.

Jor cleared his throat, "It is not been official to the public no."

Lara eyed her husband carefully. She would ask questions about that later. Hippolyta probably didn't even know about this.

"When will this arrangement happen?"

"We are unsure. Perhaps in a matter of weeks."

The council nodded their heads and brought up the next subject. Nim stood, "The punishment for the El family for lying and deceiving the hereby council and all of Krypton about Diana's arrival and current condition." She looked at all of them below and continued, "The council has decided to ban you from the science board until we see you are fit to return."

Lara's eyes dropped to the floor as did Jor's. Diana shook her head. This was horrible!

"And all your equipment will be taken away from your palace including all your work. They will be kept with the council until the time comes to return the property back."

Both nodded their heads and then she opened her mouth for more.

"We also decree that you two should devote yourselves to religious confinement for a month, worshipping Rao and only Rao. You shall not be disturbed during this time." She set down the papers, "Any questions?"

The Els looked at each other and shook their heads agreeing with the council. It could have been far worse.

"Good, next topic please," she gestured for Shara to take over.

Shara brought up the next subject, "About General Zod. He has been arrested and is kept in a room not far from here. Ursa has also been invited to this meeting. Shall I bring them in?"

Jor nodded his head and the doors opened on the far left, bringing on Zod still cuffed. He was sat on a lower balcony. The Els had looked heated and he looked straight at Jor-El and Lara. Ursa sat next to him with a smug look on her face.

Rayn cleared his throat, "General, is it true that you brought unauthorized machinery on the ships?"

"Yes," Zod sat smiling at the Els.

Lara snarled and almost stood up, but Kal put a hand on his mother's shoulder. Turning back she simmered down.

"And you do not inform the Els about this matter either?"

Zod smiled at the council, "Well I do believe that you dear council knew about this the whole time. I had to get permission from you all after all." Sitting with a smug smile Lara stood up and banged her fist on the railing.

"What?! You all knew of this and had not passed on this information to all of us? Oh how ludicrous you all are! How could you think you could pass something like that and not let it come through our House?"

Rayn spoke nervously at the irate Queen, "We had no idea he would blow up two nations your majesty! He said you both had passed the idea."

Lara gasped, "Oh we did no such thing! How dare you?" she pointed her finger at the General. He was still smiling. "Do you want me to wipe that smile off your face for you, General?"

"Lara!" Jor held onto his wife so she wouldn't make any sudden moves.

Zod simply was nodding his head at the woman. "You can do anything you want me to your highness. I approve."

The El Queen's eyes darkened to a deep blue expressing her anger, "You're pathetic," she spat at him.

"Alright, enough!" Rayn shouted.

"No, not enough! This council is beyond corrupt!" Lara shouted at all eight of them sitting above them.

Ursa spoke up, "Oh calm down Lara, and you both are already in enough trouble as it is. Relax," she smiled at the ex Ampar.

This only angered Lara more. She growled and pointed her finger at Ursa, "You are a disgrace to the Kryptonian military! You should have never been chosen as Ampar! I should have remained Ampar, not you, Ursa."

"You were never going to be a great Ampar. You were too old back then and you're too old now." She snarled at the Queen. "Look at all that I have accomplished. Two kingdoms destroyed and you didn't even have a clue about it, did you Lara?" the Queen's eyes narrowed. "I didn't think so. You have lost your touch. I am disappointed in you."

Lara looked up to the council, "Why is she not arrested? Arrest her!" she shouted. "She is just as much to blame as Zod. They should be stripped from their titles."

Rayn gulped, "Stripped? Isn't that a bit much?"

"Rao, no!" all eyes grew as she spoke in Rao's name in vain. "You all," she glided her finger in the air at all eight members, "Should be disbarred! You are too corrupt to be a council!"

"You can't do that!" Shara yelled.

"Our people elected you to be our council and we voted yes to the ballot. We also are allowed to take your positions away from you if you are not…what is the word, oh that's right, fit for the job." She smiled putting a hand on the rail.

All the council members looked at each other nervously and then back at the Queen and King of Krypton. Everyone had smiles on their faces.

"Oh my Queen, please don't do this," Shara pleaded. Oh now she was being nice, that's just great.

Jor held up his hand to quiet everyone down. "This meeting I believe is over. Zod and Ursa, you are both stripped of your titles and should not return to the military base in Kandor. Instead you will be imprisoned in solitary confinement in Argo City."

"Oh and council," he looked at them haughtily, "You can clean out your posts as well. We will have a new election as soon as possible." He started to leave and guards came in grabbing Ursa and Zod. They cuffed Ursa and she scowled at the Queen. Lara smiled at her and followed her husband.

Diana and Kal followed them behind closing the doors. The council sat there with a look of shock on their faces.

Nim En-Dra had her jaw open, "I can't believe he dismissed us." All others looked at her thinking the exact same thing as her. Guards came up to them and told them to leave the room to clean out their House across the city of Kryptonopolis.

The next day everyone was in a more peaceful way. Lara and Jor had gotten out of their punishment and had removed the positions of the council members. They had already had people in mind for their next council, but that will take time. For now they simply alerted the Amazons and the Queen what happened. All were still confused and shocked at what happened to their home, they didn't seem surprised that more chaos might happen.

Diana came to visit her mother and sister later in the evening of that following day. She told her mother about Jor-El wanting to build Themyscira on Krypton instead of returning to Ammos.

"Is he serious about this?" Hippolyta questioned her daughter.

"Yes mother, I think it would be so much easier instead of me traveling back and forth to Ammos anyway. He said that the Kryptonians would help rebuild Themyscira in a lot less time than if we did it ourselves."

"We have lost everything, resources, homes, food," she considered this thought. She still wasn't sure about this idea, but if someone was offering to help she agreed to it for now. "I will agree." She saw Diana's face light up, "For now." She smiled at her daughter.

The El guards had gone into the military base to clean the offices of General Zod and Ampar Ursa. One of the men tried to slide the door open and he couldn't. He tried to use his key card but it wouldn't open still.

"This door won't open! It's shut tight!" he called out to the other men. Three others came and dropped the stuff from the offices to come see what the trouble was. All brought their weapons up and melted the door down slowly. Waving the smoke out from their faces they looked inside to see two teenagers in the room.

"What is this? Who are you and why are you in the Kryptonian military base?" they recognized they were not Kryptonian instantly by their DNA. "Arrakians. I thought you were all killed back on Ammos. Who are you?"

Shufa spoke for them both, "We are the siblings of King Amayn. Some lady brought us here. We didn't do anything," he said holding his hands up. Xedea came closer to her brother.

All men put their weapons down. "Alert the Els about this," he told one of the men and they ran off to go alert Jor-El and his family.

AN: Next…more trouble, obviously. The other El family is coming into the picture as well and thank you for reviewing everyone, you are all awesome. I enjoy reading them!