Welcome everyone. For those of you who have stuck through the Survivor series, this story will be the exact opposite of those stories. Asgardian Blade and I hope you enjoy it, as we have had quite a bit of fun writing it. This is obviously an AU and begins with Kara on Argo City floating in space. Enjoy!
Do not own CW or DC characters.
Chapter 1
Kara Zor El unleashed every bit of power the yellow sunlight provided her into her heat vision and knew it wasn't enough. Despite her youth or perhaps because of it, Non was more powerful. The two had practiced battle tactics many times in this solar gym and it frustrated her every time he defeated her.
"Give it up, old man. I know you are getting tired." she told him, hoping to bluff her way to a victory.
Non grinned, knowing his niece well enough to call her bluff. "Child, I never give up. You are sweating. Bow out now before you slip, and your eyes are gone. Your mother would be quite upset with me. Though you would get in much more trouble since you started this."
"Wanna bet on that?" Kara stepped forward into the blast, using as much strength as she had remaining. It was true she was definitely sweating.
She floated in the air, hoping a height advantage may give her a better angle. Instead, Non floated as well with no effort while she struggled once again.
"Solar lights off!" a new voice commanded.
The yellow solar lights were gone and Non and Kara dropped to the ground, flight and heat vision gone, both collapsed, lying on their backs.
"Ow." Kara grumbled, sitting up gently and rubbing her backside, taking in her Aunt Astra who did not appear amused.
"What have I told you two about using this room, time and time again? If I catch you two in this gymnasium again, I will have your solar lights taken out, Kara. You developed this technology to allow our citizens to heal quickly from injuries, not to play." Astra turned, directing the next part of her tirade to her recalcitrant husband. "Non, why are you encouraging her? I thought you would be spending the afternoon conducting systems checks on the Flamebird."
Non smiled and stood up slowly, rubbing his back side as well. "I assigned the duty to Captain Em. Technically, when I am not on duty, this is his ship. He needs the experience. Aren't you supposed to be running systems checks on the Nightwing?" the man asked.
Although both were Generals in the Kryptonian army, Astra was the senior ranking officer of all Krypton's military forces and as such, she was Non's superior.
While Astra tasked herself with the preparedness of the battle cruiser Nightwing, Non was responsible for the Flamebird. Each ship was physically attached to Argo City and was the city's only means of propulsion.
Astra grumbled, her expression darkening as she stared down her husband. "I was conducting systems checks until my sister informed me that my very responsible and beloved niece was nowhere around nor answering her comlink when she should be preparing for the dinner tonight with Kell Ur."
The revered General threw up her hands in frustration as she looked back at her niece. "I checked your lab Kara, though I don't know why. I should have suspected you two would be in here and up to no good."
Kara shrugged her shoulders in defeat. "I thought I had him this time. The old man still has an edge, but he is getting weaker every time. Another few sessions and I should be able to take him."
Non shook his head and smiled. "I am not old; I am in my prime. Despite your vast achievements in science, you are still a child."
Kara stuck her tongue out at the man, proving his point.
"Enough." Astra told them. "As if being responsible for my own ship and the safety of Argo City isn't enough, I have to babysit my husband and niece. Non, you have duties to perform and Kara... please keep your communicator on so your mother can find you and stop badgering me. I swear to Rao, you two are both children."
The woman walked out quickly, leaving the two scolded Kryptonians alone.
"So... want to do it again?" Kara asked hopefully.
Non shook his head. While Kara enjoyed working out in the gym in the artificial lights of the Flamebird, she had also made it into a training ground for perfecting her powers in yellow sunlight. The massive room still belonged to the crew and one section was scheduled to workout in ten minutes.
"Let's take a walk, cool down and talk." the man suggested.
Kara rolled her eyes and followed her uncle out of the room, down the long hallway, then taking an elevator to the bridge of the massive ship. She could guess what this talk would be about. The two stood side by side, looking out over the vast darkness.
"Beautiful, isn't it? Nothing but black. Everywhere we look, black nothingness." Kara noted, not bothering to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
Non caught it and winked at her. "You have identified four planets in a red star solar system. As soon as the council decides which planet to investigate first, we will be on our way before you realize it. As always you have done a wonderful job, niece. Until we can find a planet and begin terraforming, staying on the dark side of this moon provides us with the best protection. This solar system may be void of life, but we have no idea who may come strolling along. The Daxamite fleet may have survived and escaped their planet as we did ours. Until we can build a new Krypton, we must stay hidden."
Kara thought of pouting but knew it would get her nowhere with her uncle or anyone in her family. Instead, she brought up the same discussion she often had, hoping for once to sway her uncle's opinion in her favor.
"I have found six uninhabited planets orbiting a yellow sun and yet the Council refuses to consider those. With the powers a yellow sun provides our people, we could have a great advantage protecting ourselves while our military is rebuilt. A military genius such as yourself has to see the benefit in that. You should talk to them."
Non shook his head and smiled. "Nice try. You just want to be able to fly freely. I understand Kara, but there is a reason only our guard on duty are allowed to carry weapons. You have watched enough Council meetings to understand this. If everyone were able to weaponize their eyes, a battle that would destroy Argo City would start at every meeting."
Kara acknowledged his point silently, though unhappily, as her uncle continued. "Arguing is one thing… and while our race is not violent, we should always be careful. We cannot fly in space regardless, so even with the yellow sun emitters in battle suits you have created, the battle would be fought on our soil, endangering Kryptonians. While I understand that our strength would be enhanced, we have no idea what creatures may exist in any yellow sun solar system that may be stronger and feel threatened by us. Krypton does not start wars, but we have always ended them… decisively. None of these superpowers as you call them are needed."
Kara stood still, watching nothing out the window, lost in her frustration at the lack of excitement and new horizons she wanted to explore.
After ten years in the Phantom Zone, she was the one who developed a method for connecting the two battleships to Argo City and setting a navigational course for escaping the place where time did not exist. She strengthened the dome her father had given his life to erect while saving over thirty thousand Kryptonians. She developed plants and animal life from seeds and genetic material, cloning species that many believed were gone with their planet.
She was the one who developed the reusable water system, engineered the Omegahedrons to sustain power and life support for not only Argo City but the ships attached to it. Kara had turned rocky ground into fertile soil for food.
Nothing short of genius.
Kara had done all this, so she could stand on the bridge of a massive warship that hid constantly on the dark side of a small moon, barely able to see distant stars.
It was beyond frustrating.
At 22, she had surpassed her father's work, creating life where there was none and allowing Argo City to grow even as it floated in the vast nothingness of space, hidden in the dark.
"So, who is this man Mother is trying to set me up with tonight?" she asked.
Non's eyebrow rose, catching her tone.
"His name is Kell Ur and he is a good man, not much older than yourself. He is a member of our army in the Explorers Guild..." Non instantly regretted saying that.
"Oh, the Explorers that will travel to the planets I selected to determine their suitability? The group I was not allowed to join. That Explorers Guild?" Kara said sarcastically, the hurt evident in her voice.
Non stood closer to Kara and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
"Twenty-two years old and already the chief scientist of Krypton. You are revered here Kara and much too important to be sent off to some planet with unknown dangers. You have your father's intelligence and bravery along with your mother's sense of justice. And you have me and your annoying aunt."
Non squeezed her gently, tempering her resentment slightly. "You are a legend and Krypton will rise out of the ashes due to you and your work. You will likely be High Councilor if your mother ever steps down from the position… and you are too important to place needlessly in harm's way."
Kara shook her head in disagreement. "My work is done. Other scientists can run my systems. I should be exploring. You should back me on this. Perhaps we can at least visit Earth? The Northern and Southern continents are practically uninhabitable. We could park Argo City there. I'm sure Earth wouldn't mind sharing unused parts of their planet with refugees until we can find a suitable planet and terraform it."
Non patted her back hoping to ease her. "Enough about Earth. As soon as we were to land, the humans would attack us. We would find ourselves at war that would cost many humans their lives and make Krypton to be considered an invading race. We are not invaders, however much Zod wanted us to be. Besides, our last scouting trip was 60 years ago and already the population of the planet was growing out of control. What is your estimate of the population of that planet now?"
"Probably a bit over 7 billion unless they have instituted a plan for population control." Kara admitted.
"And how many did you tell me the Earth could sustain until it ran completely out of resources?" Non asked.
"12 billion." she mumbled. "But we should at least take a trip to recover Kal El. He should be with his people." the blonde tried... again.
Non shook his head, a bit sad, but resolute. "We are not sure he even survived the trip. Perhaps if your uncle Jor El had followed your father's lead he may have saved Kandor instead of focusing on saving just his son. Even if your cousin is there, there are too many unknowns. He would be 30, just coming into adulthood. He may have been hiding his powers for all his life, or perhaps even been attacked by humans before his cells could gain the power needed. We have no way of knowing but we shouldn't endanger Kryptonian lives for only one of us as Jor El did. You must look at the bigger picture, Kara. Over thirty thousand Kryptonians rely on us. This type of thinking is exactly why you are not on the Council yet, despite your great accomplishments. One day you will understand."
Apparently trying to cheer her somewhat, he smiled and said, "Until then, I think our next goal is to get Astra under the yellow lights with us. The two of us can gang up on her. It will be fun. I promise you, Kara. One day soon, you will see brighter stars again. Now let us talk about Kell Ur."
Kara rolled her eyes. "What about him? This is the seventh potential mate mother has brought to our home despite knowing I am too busy with my search for new planets. I don't want a mate, nor do I have time for one. Aunt Astra says putting up with you is a full-time job."
Non snorted. "She says the same about you, dear niece. I am not saying you should be bonded right away. I am simply saying perhaps give one of these men a chance. There are no more assigned mates, but you are still of an age where you are expected to fall in love, pass on what you know, continue the House of El. Kell is a brave, kind and honorable soul or I never would have suggested him to Alura."
Kara shook her head quickly. "I'm not continuing the House of El until I can recreate a Genesis Chamber." the girl promised.
Non shook his head, amused as he often was by his beloved niece. "You yourself, said you could not recreate a Genesis Chamber without the Codex. The Codex is gone, Kara. Over three thousand women have given birth naturally since our escape from the Phantom Zone. Face it, this is the way of the future and perhaps it is better."
Kara wasn't about to give in to her uncle's logic. "Perhaps not. I have studied these births and am in no way going to experience one myself. As a man, I wouldn't expect you to understand the reasons why it is not better. Giving birth to a child is... a painful, terrifying experience. I like my body the way it is, thank you."
Non suspected this to be her answer as it always was. Though men were not permitted to be in the room when children are given birth, he had heard stories.
"Perhaps falling in love may change that. Give yourself the chance, Kara. Love is exciting, exhilarating, surprising and yes, sometimes it hurts, giving birth aside, but it is worth it. Astra and I were assigned to be bonded but our love is real. Without her, I would have a very lonely existence, only having my duty to dedicate my life to."
Kara looked her uncle dead in the eye as he gave her the ammunition she needed to make her point. "Then suggest to Aunt Astra that she have a child. I'm sure that will go well."
Non sighed, obviously knowing he needed to table this argument before she decided to skip dinner. He also knew there was no way under Rao he would ever suggest that to Astra.
Kara nodded knowingly before reluctantly saying, "I suppose I should go. Will you be there for dinner?"
Non hugged her tightly. "Of course, I will be there. Astra and I are always present for... interviews of your potential future mate."
Kara punched him in the ribs, breaking his hold, both laughing and walked off to prepare for the arranged date she was not excited about.
Non stood on the bridge, looking into the darkness, his mind at peace. He had tried. Perhaps one day she may fall in love. He hoped so. In any case, the symbol of her House stood for hope.
Astra walked behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I appreciate you encouraging her." the woman whispered to her husband.
"She has turned down the last six potential mates. Every single man in Argo City and on this ship would give an arm to be with her. Brilliant, beautiful, a savior of Argo City and our people… from a legendary House. Yet she does not want a man."
"I asked her once if she would prefer a woman." Astra admitted. "By the look on her face, that is not an option either."
Non sighed. "The girl does not crave romantic love, Astra. She craves adventure. She yearns for excitement. She has achieved so much at such a young age and now she wants to explore, broaden her horizons. Her fascination with Earth is troubling. She is nearly obsessed by yellow sunlight and wants to be able to fly freely without the constrictions of our gymnasium. The fighter craft you gave her, she has never flown it outside of simulations, but she has modified it quite a bit. I suspect with a few more enhancements she could conceivably fly it into deep space."
Astra laughed sharply. "You think Alura and I have not thought of this? That ship cannot be launched without both of our authorization codes."
Non shook his head slightly and turned, kissing his wife gently. "Do you really believe a girl who, at twelve-years-old I might add, managed to link two battle cruisers to a floating city and navigate out of the Phantom Zone could be stopped by the need for two authorization codes?"
Astra had thought about this before, sat up late many nights with her twin sister worrying over the same thing. Kara was a sweet, loving soul and had the heart of a hero. She also was not afraid to undertake risks to herself. Once released from the Phantom Zone she had, at the age of 14, traveled into the rocky underground of Argo City alone, drilled her way to the core where her father had died activating the shield, and reinforced the bubble sustaining Argo City, making it stronger than before so her people could be safer. She was given another medal of valor and then promptly grounded by Alura for three months, confined to the gardens, her home or her beloved lab.
Astra leaned her head into Non's, seeking comfort as she quietly implored him. "Encourage her to befriend Kell. You are like a father to her and she listens to you, whether you believe so or not. He is a good boy and dedicated to his people. He has the same sense of adventure. I can see the two of them having quite a bit in common. Now, let us go prepare for this dinner."
Non consented, the two of them making their way through the port connecting the Flamebird to the great city that was the seed to rebuilding their civilization again.
Kara meanwhile had entered her family residence to find her mother waiting with a hopeful smile and a blue dress in her hand.
"What do you think about this dress? Beautiful, isn't it? Thora had it custom made for you. I can't wait to see you in it." Alura told her hoping to see a bit of excitement in Kara's eyes.
Instead she saw resignation, but the Mother would not be deterred. "Astra showed me a holo picture of him. He is very handsome. Tall, dark hair, dark steely eyes, muscular. Before the destruction of Krypton, he had made three trips to possible outposts, his first when he was ten. His father had been a long-standing member of the Explorers Guild. I am sure the two of you have much in common."
Kara fought off a cringe and placed a large smile on her face. "The dress is beautiful Mother. I will try it on right away."
"Good." Alura told her, still not fooled by Kara's false enthusiasm. "I hate seeing you in that military uniform. It darkens your bright complexion. You are as bright as your father was and that should never be lessened. Besides you are not military, no matter how much you sneak onto the cruisers."
Kara sighed inwardly, knowing she would never win this argument but never ceasing to try. "I was training, Mother. I must keep in shape. You are always telling me physical activity is important. You know, because I am stuck in one area in the darkness of space."
Changing the subject, Kara asked, "How did Council go today? Have you and the rest decided which planet will be investigated first?"
Alura nodded, not at all dissuaded by Kara's shift in topic. "Omega sector 389. We will finalize the decision tomorrow and assign a crew to leave at once. It should take six months to reach the planet. We will be sending out three scouting parties to investigate the others you have found but 389 has the most promise. A 24-hour rotation, 365 days around the sun, the perfect distance from the star. We would not have to change our calendar. It was a brilliant discovery, daughter. I am so proud of your work."
Kara shrugged it off. "Is a member of the science guild being sent?"
Alura looked away, programming her Kelex with the night's menu. "Yes... Jarv Em is being sent."
Kara fought back a scowl. "Funny. I would think as head of the Science Guild, I would have been asked for my opinion on who should go."
"And your opinion has been noted often. You are too important to go to unknown regions. Our people need you here." Alura didn't say it but Kara knew she meant here safe and sound; as protected as Argo City was itself.
"You know, Earth has the same calendar and rotations Krypton had." the blonde hinted.
"Stop it, Kara." Alura told her sternly. "Our last recon trip was 60 years ago. The planet had been at war with itself for decades. They made nuclear weapons to strike cities, not military targets. Innocent citizens being herded and executed for no other reason than being a different race of human. Pollution, crime… despite the constant war, your father estimated that population growth would make the planet uninhabitable in 60 years from this date. The Ozone layer was already showing signs of dissipating. The oceans will eventually rise and this area you wish to land us in will be underwater before a century has passed."
"All problems I could fix... except overpopulation. Can't do much about that." Kara stated emphatically.
"Speaking of populating a planet, Thora told me today that she is pregnant. You should stop by her residence and congratulate her." Alura told Kara, hoping to change the subject and perhaps hint to Kara, that maybe mating wasn't such a bad idea.
"I will do so, Mother." Rather give her condolences to her only friend, Kara thought, fighting the urge to say it aloud. "Has a scientist been granted a spot on the Council yet? It is tradition."
Alura shook her head. "That spot is reserved for you and only you, daughter... when you are ready." she finished carefully.
"When I am mated and pregnant, you mean. Our population must grow after all." Kara said heatedly.
Alura walked to her daughter, handing her the dress and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Kara, I would never force you into something like that. Your appointment to the Council is not contingent on your mating status. You will be ready soon. I love you and only want you happy. If you decide romantic love is not something you are interested in, I support you, even if you are four years past the average age for bonding. Nothing would lessen my pride for you."
"Thank you, Mother..." Kara said, relieved … at least until her mother spoke again.
"But would it hurt you to try? Maybe go on a date? Go to the gardens you created, or perhaps a restaurant, even the library. I understand a ball will be coming soon, hosted by the morale committee. You have always loved to dance. You could perhaps have a partner this time? Just give it a chance, Kara. Life isn't all about science. You are beautiful..."
"Life is about adventure too." Kara pointed out.
"Loving your father was the greatest adventure I have ever taken or will ever take. What you are looking for doesn't always have to be in space." Alura told her.
Kara thought of saying something along the lines of never getting a shot at space but let it go. She knew her Mother meant well and even Uncle Non, who had sworn she was too young for romance most of her life, was encouraging her.
Kara showered and walked out to find her mother's Kelex unit waiting in her room to prepare her hair, leaving it flowing free with two ringlets in the back. Makeup was applied, the dress was perfect as her Mother had told her, not that her friend Thora would allow her in any less.
She looked over herself in her bedroom window. She did feel pretty. Tear glistened in her eyes, thinking of how her father would always tell her she was as beautiful as her mother, but she held them back, not wanting to need her makeup done again.
When she walked out, she found Non in his formal military garb along with Astra in a beautiful red dress, the same one her mother wore. Were it not for the white strands of Astra's hair, the two wouldn't be able to be told apart. It was something the sisters enjoyed doing often and it warmed her to see the closeness they had. Kara often wondered what her life would have been like with a sibling, or even a young Kal El to grow up with. Despite her Mother wishing for Kara to find love, Alura refused all offers herself until the population got the message. Alura had loved Zor El, the hero of Argo City and would never love another.
Kal El. Kara often wondered what he was like. She knew in her heart he had made it to Earth. Was he hiding his Kryptonian powers under the yellow sun? Did he have a normal life or follow in the footsteps of the House of El and become a hero to his adopted planet? She promised herself she would find out one day, no matter what it took. She would accompany an envoy or go herself.
Right now, none of that mattered. She had to get through a boring dinner with a gentleman suitor, who she suspected Non had thoroughly vetted, meaning he would be rigid, duty bound and an altogether bore.
At the appointed time he arrived, not a minute too late or too soon.
Yes, definitely rigid as she suspected.
She stood to greet him as he walked in and was stunned for a moment.
Kell Ur was gorgeous, his hair was not in the standard military cut but a bit shaggy on top. He was out of uniform, dressed in a white shirt and pants, his shirt covered partly by a short sleeve tunic ensembled with the symbol of the House of Ur. The symbol was one Kara knew well. It stood for bravery and fidelity. Her mother was correct, he had dark eyes but while Kara imagined the eyes brown, his were a deep blue in contrast to her light blue eyes.
"Lady Kara, I am Kell Ur. It is an honor to meet you. May I?" he asked, gesturing for her hand. In a daze, Kara reached for him and he bowed, laying a kiss on the top of hand. Kell then turned to the others Kara had forgotten about.
"Chief Justice Alura, General Non and General Astra, I give my deepest thanks for inviting me. I am humbled." Kell spoke humbly, but there was a quiet air of confidence about him.
Non smiled at Kara and winked, patting Kell on the back and offering him a seat. Kara sat slowly, the man's eyes never leaving hers.
No, Kara thought, this could not happen. Nope.
Her mother and Astra were looking at her with barely concealed smiles. She could have sworn Astra handed something to her mother under the table, most likely settling a bet which irritated her.
"Kell, we are honored by your presence." Alura spoke, catching the man's attention, pulling his eyes away from Kara.
"Thank you, Lady Alura. You have a lovely home." Kell said warmly.
"Kell comes from the Explorers Guild though he is in line for a promotion, keeping him close to home where he can continue his amazing work as a protector of our race." Non told her.
That surprised Kara. Her Uncle had just told her this afternoon that Kell was an explorer and said nothing of a promotion.
"Congratulations, Kell. Though I have no doubt you will miss being an explorer. I understand you have taken many missions since you were young. Do you not desire to explore the potential planets that could become our people's new home?" Kara asked, looking to gain a little understanding of the handsome young man.
Kell cleared his throat and looked a bit embarrassed. "Not really. I have traveled on many missions and they are difficult no doubt. The assignments sound exciting but all of them were barren moons, not suitable for outposts and few mineral deposits found. I also have no desire to be away from Argo City for such a long period of time. I consider Argo City a new Krypton already, and I love serving and protecting our people in whatever manner I am needed. There is so much beauty here, much of which is to your credit, Lady Kara. I consider it an honor to protect those who will become our future."
"Your dedication to our people is to be honored as well as all our military." Alura said. "Don't you think so, Kara?"
Kara nodded her head slowly. "Yes... honored."
Kell ducked his head slightly, looking slightly pleased at the esteemed Justice's words, but his tone when he looked up and addressed Kara directly was nothing short of reverent.
"My contribution pales to yours, Lady Kara. Living in a timeless area of space was not appealing. I felt like I was 15 forever." he told her teasingly. "Then a brave intelligent young girl contacted our ship with a plan. I was on the bridge and we had not received contact in what could have been months or years perhaps and were beginning to lose hope. Then we all heard your voice, demanding to talk to your Uncle Non, to tell him you had a plan to get Argo and our two remaining cruisers from the Phantom Zone. All of the military listened to your brilliance and it gave us hope. Thank you for allowing me to grow up. Being 15 for all time would not have been favorable for me. I was quite awkward at that age."
Kell raised his glass as did those at the table. Kara was blushing.
"It was nothing really. I couldn't have done it without the Flamebird and Nightwing so close by. Our military were the true heroes. Which ship do you serve on?" Kara asked, speaking more than she had with her Mother's previous candidates.
"I serve under General Non on the Flamebird." Kell answered.
Astra cleared her throat.
"And we all serve proudly under General Astra." he amended, causing laughter around the table.
"Nice recovery." Kara told him, grinning like a twelve-year-old once again. "Have you ever tried the solar lights in the Flamebird's gymnasium?"
"A few times." he admitted. "I enjoy floating, it reminds me of the times my father would turn off our artificial gravity to relieve us of boredom on long trips, but the laser vision takes a bit of getting used to. I prefer to spend my time in the gym working out, keeping my body as prepared as possible should Krypton ever face any danger."
"I can see that." Kara said quietly, looking at his biceps, then realizing what she said looked towards his face with a deep blush.
The table enjoyed small talk, avoiding subjects like new planets, including Earth which Kara tried to bring up a few times and was quickly steered to another subject.
She admitted this man was handsome and seemed adventurous. He had beautiful eyes and a great personality. As the dinner went on Kell loosened up, showing more of his humor and most likely his true self.
After dinner, desert and wine were finished, he bid his goodbye and Kara walked him to the door.
"It has truly been a pleasure, Lady Kara." Kell told her. "I hope you might consider spending more time together, perhaps? It has been a long time since I have walked the gardens. I know you enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area."
"Oh, you do now? I suppose Uncle Non told you that?" she asked.
Kell shook his head, a slight grin appearing on his face. "I know you prefer to downplay your achievements but all of Krypton watches you. Your habits are quite well known as is your preference for sparring with your Uncle in the gymnasium. So, would you consider spending time with me, Lady Kara? Whatever you wish to do, I am game. I'm not a bad dancer." the man hinted.
Kara smiled shyly and nodded her head. "As long as you promise to just call me Kara. I've never been comfortable with the Lady stuff."
The man nodded and smiled. "Whatever you wish, Kara. Good night. I hope to talk to you soon."
The lights were already set to night in Argo and a part of her wanted to accompany him to the ship but knew that would not be appropriate.
Besides, that could not happen.
Not now. No way. She had too much to do and knew by her reaction to the man that time was shortening. Kara had done a poor job hiding her fascination with Kell and had no doubt her Mother, Aunt and Uncle would be having more drinks at the moment in celebration. She had hidden her reactions poorly all night and felt a bit embarrassed, preparing for a ribbing from her family.
To her surprise she found only Alura and Astra in the common area.
"Where did Uncle Non go?" Kara asked.
"He had to get back to the ship. One of his deck officer's mate is in labor and the man wished to be at the med center with her. He is covering the watch." Astra explained, smiling brightly.
"So, what did you think about Kell? Alura asked innocently.
Kara feigned nonchalance, shrugging her shoulders. "He seems like a dedicated soldier and a nice man."
Alura winked at her daughter. "It seems you thought he had nice biceps. What about his hair? And those eyes?"
"Perhaps you should court him, Mother." Kara teased.
"Are you going to see him again?" Astra asked, throwing out all subtlety.
Kara shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "I suppose we shall see. He asked and I will give it the consideration the invitation deserves. I find it interesting that Uncle Non pulled him from exploration duty just as the most important mission in our people's history is about to take place. Any reason for that?"
Astra and Alura glanced at each other quickly but Kara noticed. She had no doubt if Kara was not interested in the man he would be given the chance to explore and be away for the next year and a half at least.
Astra decided to answer that question and Kara had no doubt it would be a vague answer. "You say this mission is important, but the most important duty is keeping our people safe. Without Argo there will be no new Krypton. Something you should consider yourself, Little One. Our first responsibility is Argo City. You must carry on with your duty as Kell should. He is a fine soldier and I have no doubt Non wants him where he can make the most difference."
"I have no doubt. Fortunate that he will not be leaving for eighteen months. Maybe the two of us will spend time together. A restaurant for instance where formalities are not so stiffly observed." Kara hinted.
She would like to spend more time with him. She had never felt that desire before, having been content with her personal Kelex in the lab she lovingly referred to as Spock from an old Earth transmission many years ago. Something about the man had piqued her interest.
Kara was not a shallow person, so she knew it couldn't be his body, his hair, his eyes, his humor and that glimpse of something in his eyes that told her he may be as much of a maverick as she considered herself to be.
Maybe one day.
But not today.
She was drawn to the man but had too much to do before she allowed herself to even consider becoming attached to a Mate and bonded.
As soon as a happy and slightly tipsy Alura had fallen asleep and Astra had made her way to her room, Kara grabbed the bags she had prepared months ago, not knowing if she would ever use them. Her mother would be furious, Aunt Astra would be furious, but she was fairly certain Uncle Non would understand.
Leaving a handwritten letter on the table in the common room, she snuck out into the night, moving towards the Flamebird. If she was ever going to do this, now was the time. With luck she would be gone before the morning lights woke the city. If there was ever a time to visit Earth, this was it.
Non watched her from the shadows, sneaking out quietly and following. He knew she would need at least an hour, perhaps two to install her hyper drives and increased shielding if she planned to fly faster than light speed. As Kara hurried quietly to the hangar, Non moved to Deck 2 and opened Kell's door.
The man woke immediately, saw who was there and snapped to attention, at least until his legs became wrapped in his sheet and he fell to the ground.
Non rolled his eyes. "Kell. I apologize for waking you at this time."
The young man stood again and straightened his frame. "No apology necessary, General. I am ready to carry out your orders."
Non held back a laugh. "Let's cut the formalities, Kell. We aren't under attack and you are in your underwear. I do have something I need from you. A favor."
"Whatever you need, General." Kell stated without hesitation.
Non took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts. "Kara was quite taken with you. I felt the two of you would make a good match. You have bravery and a thirst for adventure as much she does. Because she likes you, she plans to run tonight."
"Sir?" Kell asked, confused.
Non took a deep breath, then said, "Kara has been obsessed with Earth since she found out about it in her father's archives. Perhaps that isn't correct. She is obsessed with flying freely and exploring a new and primitive world despite the violent nature of its residents. Alura and Astra have attempted to set her up with many men and she has dismissed each one because they were not worthy of her in my opinion. I chose you and judging by tonight, I believe I am a better matchmaker than either of those women… not that you should ever mention that to them. Kara knows if she becomes involved with a man, she will perhaps miss out on her chance to explore. Alura is too protective to ever allow her daughter to leave Argo City. Kara wishes to go to Earth to collect Kal El. Do you know who he is?"
Kell nodded his head quickly, having heard this story as well. "The son of Jor El. Sent to Earth moments before Krypton's destruction."
"Yes." he said quietly. "That is her excuse. In reality, she only wants to explore. She has been working her entire adolescence for the betterment and salvation of our people, but she is a young woman. Because she holds you in regard, she will go tonight. I would guess even as we speak she is preparing her ship for the interstellar journey."
Seeing Kell's intent expression, Non was about to continue when he held up a hand and pressed his personal com unit. After listening for a moment, he sighed and closed the channel. "Astra just communicated to me that Kara left a note, telling her mother that she has gone to bring Kal El home and will be back in six weeks. I need you to go to Hangar 12 immediately, and sneak into the back of her ship. Once she is underway you can make yourself known. Alura will be furious but Astra and I will take the blunt of the blame. Kara will be in a lot of trouble when she returns but I feel it is better this way. We cannot stop her forever because Kara has a way of making happen whatever she wants to happen.
"So… you are to accompany her. Keep her safe and ensure she comes back to us unharmed. That is the task I am giving you. I have watched you grow and have no doubt of your strength and valor. I also realize that you would never take any actions which would be considered improper. I could not love Kara more if she were my own daughter. I am entrusting you with my most cherished. Are you up for it?"
"I am, sir. I will prepare immediately." Kell nodded, moving to gather a few items and pulling out some clothes.
Non grinned, extremely pleased and gave one last parting command. "One other thing. When she is there, make sure she has fun. That is an order."