Kara was worn out by the time she reached her camp. The sun was just about to disappear behind the horizon as she walked through the long line of tents. When she finally reached her own tent, she collapsed onto her cot. It had been a very long day, and though she had reports to file, she figured a little rest first would be alright. Sitting up a little, she rubbed her sore calf. It hurt more now than it had before she came across Mon-El. Half carrying a grown man had not helped her muscle's healing process. But even still, she felt a strange sense of pride at helping him. It was probably in vain, but she still held some hope that maybe by helping the Daxamite soldier she could start something. What exactly that something was, she couldn't say, but she hoped it would one day lead to peace - for both Krypton and Daxam.
"Ma'am?" a voice said from outside her tent.
Kara sat up on her cot before saying, "Yes, come in."
Sergeant Kan stepped into her tent. He bowed his head in respect and said, "Captain Zor-El, the Major General wishes to see you as soon as possible."
"Do you know why, Sergeant?" Kara asked, slightly worried she might have been caught helping a Daxamite soldier.
"No, ma'am," was the short reply.
"Alright, I'll be there promptly. Thank you, Sergeant," Kara said, dismissing him.
She sat on her cot, rubbing her sore leg for another minute before getting up. She knew that if she kept the major waiting, things would likely turn out poorly. And if she was to be in trouble for helping someone, then she might as well face her punishment sooner rather than later. Regardless of what her punishment might be, she was still glad she had helped that Daxamite. So, holding her head up, she headed out of her tent.
Walking along the line of tents, she started to feel like all eyes were watching her. It was a ridiculous thought, of course, because everyone was focused on their own tasks. But still, she could not help but feel she was being watched as she made her way to the Major's tent.
The Major General had a larger tent than anyone else, and it was placed directly in the middle of the entire encampment. The size of the tent was both a status symbol, as well as for practical use, because the major held almost all important meetings in his tent. Such meetings often had at least 10 or 12 Kryptonian generals, captains and majors in attendance, so such a large space was necessary.
Stepping into the large tent, she noticed that there were already several other officials already inside. Kara gave her respects to the other men and women in the tent before taking a seat in the circle that surrounded a large holographic map of Krypton. The map was often used for strategic planning, but today it did not seem to be the topic of debate.
"Captain Kara Zor-El," Major General Hun began. "We have received word from the capital that peace negotiations with the Daxamites may occur soon, and they need representatives from all fronts. As you have shown such skill and loyalty, I am promoting you to Major and nominating you for this task."
Kara was slightly stunned at the idea. This could be the perfect opportunity for her to make a real difference in this war, and maybe bring about its end. But she also had a good notion of what the position entailed, and knew it would not be as simple as she would like. Kara had seen the amount of political setbacks her mother and father had had to handle throughout their efforts to save Krypton when she was younger. Being a representative meant dealing with a lot of politics and restrictions, but it still could be the chance of a lifetime - were she to actually be appointed.
"I would be honored to fulfill such a role, Sir," Kara said with a slight bow of her head.
Hun nodded briefly. "I believe you would do an excellent job of it, as you seem to have a rational mind, but also a hopeful one - something needed in peace debates," he said. Then turning to the others in the tent he asked, "We shall take a vote on it. All those in favor of sending Major Zor-El to the capital, raise your hand."
To Kara's surprise all but one hand went up. Major Ute was the one person to keep her hand down, and Kara could easily figure out why. Hana Ute had been trying to get back to the capital ever since they had been stationed out here in the dusty canyons. Kara could not rightly blame her, because the woman had a family back at the capital. But Ute was also one of the best Majors they had, and she was sorely needed with her soldiers on the battlefront. Not to mention that Ute seemed to have little political ability - she was much better on the battlefront.
"By popular vote, then, we shall be sending you to the capital tomorrow evening," Hun informed Kara. "Pack your things tonight, and be at the landing just before sundown tomorrow. Your troops will be redistributed until another Captain can be appointed to them."
"Sir, if I may make a suggestion?" Kara asked.
Hun nodded and motioned for her to continue.
"Sir, I would like to recommend Lieutenant Ger-Del to replace me as Captain of the 6th Kryptonian Infantry."
With a nod he said, "Your recommendation is noted and will be taken into consideration."
"Thank you, sir."
He waved his hand in dismissal, "Now if there are no further questions, you may go, Captain Zor-El."
Kara left the tent a little stunned, a little pleased, and a lot scared. There were so many possibilities ahead of her, but she also knew there were many challenges ahead. But at least she knew she would be around her parents again, and could always look to them for guidance if she needed to. She wondered as well what little Clark might look like now. She had not seen him in close to a year, and boys of his age always changed so quickly. The thought of seeing her family again made her giddy.
When she reached her tent, however, she started thinking of those she would miss from the frontlines. She knew full well that there were many faces she might never see again, as more died every day on the battlefields - it was simply a fact of life out here.
Kara heard someone clear their throat outside her tent. "Come in," she said.
It was Lieutenant Ger-Del, though Kara knew her mostly as Rin. "Captain," she said with a slight bow of her head before approaching Kara.
Motioning for her to sit on the cot, Kara asked, "I would assume you have heard about the recent changes?"
Rin nodded. "There have been rumors that you are leaving camp, and being sent back to the capital."
"Those rumors would be correct," Kara said, still astounded how fast news traveled in the camps. "I figure my family had something to do with it. But yes, I will be sent back to help broker peace. Not that I truly expect this treaty to work, but such are my orders."
"I'm sure you will do great in your new position. I'll miss you a lot, however," Rin confessed.
Kara wrapped her arms around Rin and hugged her tightly. "I'm going to miss you more than I can say. You've been such a wonderful friend to me," she told her.
"You'll have to keep in touch, okay?" Rin asked, hugging Kara tightly back.
"Of course!"
They parted then and smiled at one another. Kara was certainly going to miss seeing Rin, as they had grown to be quite good friends. In reality, Rin was the only true friend Kara had still. Sure, there were some people in the capital that she knew but she had not kept in touch with anyone but her family when she had left for the battlefield. Returning to the capital would be both welcoming to see her family, but lonely to be without her one true friend. "I don't know how I'm going to make it through this transition without you around, Rin," Kara confessed.
Rin laughed a little. "You'll do it the same way you have done everything else - with courage and patience. You will be a wonderful peacemaker. I only wish I could return to civilization with you!"
"I wish you could too! I did ask for Hun to consider making you my replacement here. I figured you wouldn't mind," Kara said with a grin. She knew Rin's values were different from her own. Rin's heart was more in the military than Kara could ever hope to be. Though Kara cared about her planet and all the people in it, she had never truly believed in the mass killing of other races and planets. She still attributed her rise through the ranks to her family, and her ability to handle political relations whenever necessary; rather than her skill on the battlefield.
"Thank you so much, Kara, I truly appreciate that," Rin said, her eyes warm and filled with gratitude.
Kara waved a hand dismissively. "You deserve the position more than I do. I just hope Hun knows what's best for everyone and actually takes my recommendation."
Rin laughed then. "Suppose we shall all find out soon enough."
There was a brief pause in conversation. Then Kara cleared her throat and said, "Well, I should really pack. You're welcome to stay, but I should get to it."
Nodding, Rin stood and gave her friend one more hug. "I should go too, I have a few things to tend to myself. But I'll miss you and I wish you all the best, my friend. May Rao be with you on your journey."
"And with you," Kara said with a slight bow of her head. Then her friend was gone, and she tried very hard not to think about when or if they would see each other again. Instead, she turned to her things and started her task of packing up.
It was dark by the time the healers had left Mon-El to himself in a small tent beside the healing ward. Having his own tent seemed somehow ridiculous to him now, after seeing the cramped quarters all the other soldiers were living in. He felt very spoiled indeed when he was given a nice meal that likely was not being given to the other injured men. All of these were thoughts he had not expected to have when coming to this planet. Somehow that Kryptonian had effected Mon-El's thoughts. He was starting to question things he had never given a second thought to before, and it was going to drive him mad if he didn't get a handle on it.
He shook his head to try and clear his thoughts. But the face of that Kryptonian kept popping into his head, her lips set in a way that clearly said she was disappointed in him. What was he supposed to do though? He had been found not far from where Kara had left him by a scout, taken straight to the healing ward, and everything just happened so fast. Could she really blame him for accepting the extra care that he was receiving? He had been seriously injured, and his life was certainly crucial to keeping Krypton in existence. Because now he even had confirmation that his parents would destroy this planet if he did not return in one piece by the end of tomorrow.
"I had to see what was actually happening," he had argued with his parents.
"You can easily find that out through other, safer means, Mon-El," his father had said in his most disapproving voice. "There is no reason to go to such a wretched place, and in the middle of a war!"
"If you are not back in your quarters here at the palace by sunset tomorrow, I will personally see to the entire destruction of that planet," the queen had warned.
"Why? The Kryptonians didn't bring me here!"
"They are the reason you are there in a healing ward, however!" she had bellowed at him.
Yes, Kara would likely be disappointed in him as well for not putting up more of an argument with his parents. He had agreed too easily to return to Daxam, where he would once again be nothing more than a title with no political power. He was just a disappointment to everyone, it seemed. And rightfully so, he was no hero and likely never would be.
Still, something inside of him wished he could be. A small voice told him to at least try, and maybe one day he could be a hero. Maybe one day he could make someone proud. But today was not that day. He had not even told his parents or the Daxamite soldiers about Kara. There was a nagging suspicion that not too many would be pleased at the idea of a Kryptonian Captain helping the Prince of Daxam. Especially making attempts to heal him - although the healers did seem rather pleased that Mon-El had a healing patch on his leg. His poor excuse for having it was that he had come across a dying Daxamite soldier that attempted to help him. No one questioned his story, thankfully.
He was scheduled to board a ship back to Daxam tomorrow morning. Upon his arrival home, he was sure to receive a good talk from his parents before being shut in his quarters for the better part of a week. Perhaps in a week or so he could start making a difference somewhere, somehow. Now that Kara had gotten in his head, it seemed next to impossible to go back to ignoring everything. But for now, he would have to try.
An attractive healer entered the tent, bringing in a large glass of Zacharian Ale. "Thank you," Mon-El said as he took the glass from her. Everything was better with ale, so he took a long drink from the glass before setting it down with his food.
"Is there anything else you need, my prince?" the woman asked.
Mon-El waved his hand in dismissal, "No, I'll be fine, thanks."
She bowed and left him in the tent alone to think about what in the world he was going to do when he saw his parents.
"Welcome back," Gareth said when Mon-El stepped out of the ship and back onto Daxam. Gareth was an old friend, but also one of Mon-El's trusted guards. Most likely he had been punished in some manner for Mon-El's escape, but he figured it could not have been too bad or Gareth wouldn't be so friendly. Whenever Mon-El had gotten him in trouble - which was often - he usually would be resentful for at least a little while. Of course, because Mon-El was part of the royal family, Gareth couldn't really do much more than give curt answers to him when he was annoyed.
"Thanks," Mon-El grumbled. "How bad is it?"
Gareth's face scrunched up. "It's bad."
Mon-El's head rolled back as he let out a moan. "Any advice?"
"Don't go sneaking off to other planets when there's a war going on."
"Thanks, real helpful."
Gareth shrugged. "I don't know what else to tell you."
Shaking his head, Mon-El started walking towards the throne room. "Well, might as well get this over with, I guess."
"Can I ask how it is over there?" Gareth said hesitantly. Mon-El couldn't blame his curiosity, after all that was what had prompted him to go. Well, partially anyway.
"The question is do you really want to know?" Mon-El asked, looking pointedly at Gareth.
"Is it really that bad?"
"It's horrifying." The images of people dying - Daxamite and Kryptonian alike - had haunted Mon-El's dreams last night. There was no real way to describe how awful it was to see people killing each other - or to see your best friend get blown up beside you.
"I'm sorry," Gareth said, putting a comforting hand on Mon-El's shoulder. "I suppose that's why no one is talking about it."
"I suppose so," he said. They had come to the throne room doors now, and Mon-El took a deep breath. "Wish me luck?"
Gareth said, "Good luck. I'll have some ale waiting for you in your chambers." He smiled before adding, "That's assuming you make it through this."
"Thanks for the confidence," Mon-El mumbled as Gareth pushed the doors open for him, and he stepped inside to meet his parents' wrath.
The sun had just set behind the horizon when Kara's pod pulled into the landing at the Justice Guild. It had been a long day of going over procedures with Hun, and then a tiring journey to the capital. By the time she stepped out of her pod, she was ready to lay down for the night. Unfortunately, there were a number of people to see before she could sleep.
"Welcome back, Major Zor-El," came a familiar voice from behind Kara.
Turning around, a smile spread across Kara's face as she embraced her mother. "I've missed you so much," she told her.
"We have all missed you," Alura told her, placing a kiss on her daughter's forehead. "But there is much to be done, now that you are to be in charge of negotiations. I think you should read these before you meet the Daxamite representative," she said as she put a holocrystal in Kara's hand.
"When do I meet the representative?" she said, clicking the holocrystal. The image of a cube appeared, and there was a different article on each side. Kara looked briefly over the articles as she walked inside the Justice Guild with her mother.
"We have yet to receive word from Daxam on when or even who will be coming, but I should think within a day or two."
Kara nodded, and shut the holocrystal off - she would read through them later tonight. "Let's hope it is someone who is interested in peace as much as we are."
"Considering the battles are not taking place on Daxam, I highly doubt that. Besides, they are Daxamites and by definition brutes and bullies," Alura said with a hint of malice.
Kara opened her mouth to say something but before she could, Zor-El appeared. "My beautiful girls; how wonderful it is to have you back with us, Kara," he told her, embracing her in a tight hug.
"I've missed you, father," she said, wrapping her arms around him. It felt so amazing to be home again, and to finally see her family once more. "Are Kal and Astra around?" Kara asked.
"You'll see them a little later tonight, at dinner. For now, let's get you settled and prepared for tomorrow." Zor-El put an arm around Kara and took the hand of Alura so they could all walk together down the hall.
The building was much the same as Kara remembered, but there were subtle differences that reminded her of how long she had been gone. Though Kara had grown up in the Science Guild, where her father worked, she had spent a lot of her time following her mother around the Justice Guild (often times when she was not supposed to). Because Kara was here for peace delegations, she was to stay in the Justice Guild for now. She suspected it would be strange to be so close to her home and parents, and yet not be in the same quarters as them.
When they had turned several corners, they finally reached a door with the House of El glif in the middle. "Your living quarters," Alura informed Kara, presenting her with the card to get in. "We will leave you to settle in, and I will see you in an hour at the Global Office," she said, giving her daughter another kiss and hug before walking away with Zor-El.
"Well, here we go," Kara said to herself. She swiped the card in front of the glif and with a gentle swoosh, the door slid open. It was a spacious room, with a few necessary items that she would need while she was here. By the look of things, they did not expect her to be here that long. Only a few of her items had been brought over from her parents' quarters. Still, she had been living out of a single case and a half for nearly a year now; she figured she could manage just fine with what she had been provided with.
After a warm shower, some reading and donning a new set of clothes, Kara set out towards the Global Office. It was a space used only for meetings dealing with the whole planet, and usually beyond. The space was not very large, as the idea was that only a few elected representatives from around the planet would be in attendance. Kara was there to represent the military (and in her mind, hope).
By the time she was walking into the circular room with its set of standing blocks, Kara's heart was pounding. She wanted to make a difference, but because she was in such a strange position she was unsure about how effective she could be right away. Her mother was respected among the Justice Guild, and her father was a well known scientist, so naturally people expected a lot from Kara as well. However, a lot of people still doubted her abilities and believed she had risen through the ranks so quickly because of her family. In truth, Kara sometimes wondered the same thing, but in her heart she knew she had earned every promotion she had been granted. She was a hard worker, and as dedicated to her people as her parents were.
Taking her place in the room, Kara looked about to see who else had been called in. Her mother and father were both there, being the leading scientist and judicator of their guilds. There was at least one or more members of each guild in the room, surprisingly. Thus the room was packed more than normal, with nearly 15 people in attendance. The noise of chattering voices settled once Alura moved to stand in the middle of the room.
"You all are likely aware that the war is taking over every aspect of life on Krypton. If we do not act soon, we may face the annihilation of our way of life - whether the Daxamites win or not. Thus, we must find a way to force the Daxamites off our planet, and back to their own," Alura said, making eye contact with everyone in the room at least once. "There is a Daxamite envoy coming to negotiate peace with us soon, however we all must prepare for the worst. Should this plan of peace not work, what are our options?"
"We know where their camps are, why not just strike directly at their camps?" said one voice.
"Because we would be breaking our own codes," Kara said, astounded at the idea. It was one thing to want the Daxamites to leave Krypton, but to break a code of honor and attack resting forces? That was simply wrong.
To Kara's relief, Alura agreed. "Major Kara Zor-El is right, we must not let ourselves be persuaded to abandon our honor in the process of this war."
There were a few other suggestions made, each one caused some kind of stir. It seemed no one could think of an honorable way to bring an end to this war. Finally, Kara decided to speak up once again. Afterall, she had just as much right to speak as anyone else in the room. "Why don't we give the envoy a chance before assuming the worst?"
She heard a bitter bark of laughter. Then someone said, "Why would any Daxamite truly want peace? The war is not harming them at all, it is only our planet and our people that are suffering from the effects of this war."
"Daxamites might not have the war in front of them, but I am certain everyone on Daxam is affected by the war as well. They are losing soldiers daily as well, and I am sure every one of those soldiers has a family of some kind," Kara tried to remind everyone. It was a little strange to be defending the Daxamites to her own people, but she had no idea what else to do. She had to get them to have some hope that this plan to make peace would work. If they lost hope, then the plan was sure to fail.
The room grew silent as everyone stared at Kara. Then someone laughed, and everyone else joined. "Daxamite families," someone said. "That has to be the funniest thing I've heard all day."
Kara could feel her blood starting to boil. But before she could say another word, her mother was taking over the conversation and redirecting it. One of the many reasons Alura was a brilliant judicator - she could neutralize and avoid topics easier than anyone else Kara had ever seen.
In the end, it was decided that they would hear out the envoy from Daxam, but they would plan for the worst. That plan would be discussed in a different meeting, however. For now, they decided on the guards that would be with the envoy at all times - making sure the envoy would not be able to spy on them. Kara supported the grand majority of this, because just like everyone else, she had lost a lot to the Daxamites and was not ready to trust them completely. However, she hoped everyone would at least give the envoy time to prove themselves useful and ready for peace.
To his great relief, Mon-El had only been ordered to remain in the castle for the next week. Though he knew it would be frustrating to be stuck within these walls for so long, he knew it was far better than he had expected. The Queen and King had determined that the loss of Bo-Den was sufficient punishment, and of course he had to inform his friend's family. That was the hardest part. Bo's mother had been heartbroken, and it hurt to see the tears rolling silently down her face. Mon-El could tell she wanted to be angry with him, but because he was the crown prince, there was nothing she could really say to him. Her silent look had told him everything, anyway. It was a look that would haunt him for some time to come.
He was sprawled out on his bed, and though the sun had been up for a good while, he refused to get out of bed. It had been a long day yesterday; coming back from Krypton and talking to Bo-Den's family. He felt he deserved to spend today in bed.
Besides, the woman curled up next to him was still asleep, and he didn't want to disrupt her sleep by getting up. He stared at the woman, trying hard to remember what her name had been. Surely Gareth had told him when he had brought the girl in last night. She was certainly attractive, Mon-El thought. Still, that Kryptonian woman was stuck in his mind. What in the world had she managed to do to him?
His door whooshed open, pulling him from his revere, as he knew he would have to get out of bed now. "What is it?" he asked without looking up, because he knew full well that it was Gareth.
"There is to be a conference in an hour, and you are summoned to attend," Gareth said as he shuffled through Mon-El's things - probably searching for clothes.
The woman stirred and looked up at Mon-El with a blushing smile. He smiled back before looking to Gareth. "Do I really have to be there? I'm much more comfortable here," he said.
Gareth just looked at him and tossed some clothes on the bed. "Get dressed, I'll be outside. Miss, please come with me," he said, holding out a hand for the woman. Her blush seemed to deepen a little as she slipped out of the bed and back into a thin dress. Then she and Gareth left the room together.
Mon-El flopped onto his back with a groan. He stared at his ceiling for a few moments before he figured he best get ready. Afterall, Gareth certainly had no qualms coming in and dressing Mon-El himself - he had done it once or twice when Mon-El had been too drunk and stubborn to dress himself.
Once dressed, he made his way down the halls to the throne room, Gareth walking not far behind him. When they had reached the doors, Mon-El was announced before he stepped inside, the doors closing behind him and keeping Gareth outside. He was slightly surprised to see more than one advisor in the room. Generally, his parents liked to completely ignore the advisors - which, he supposed, they had the right to as King and Queen.
"Mon-El, thank you for joining us," his mother said in a pleasant tone, though anyone who knew her would know she was not at all pleased. Her face was pleasant enough, but its sharper features made him nervous. Queen Rhea was a fierce but delicate person. She was the kind of queen that everyone should be afraid of, Mon-El always thought. And truthfully, everyone was terrified of his parents. Which, they probably had good reason because his parents had certainly enslaved, beaten, or murdered enough people to warrant such fear.
As nervous as Rhea made him, Lar-Gand had always terrified him more. The man had often lost his temper with the servants, and after witnessing such brutality, Mon-El could not help but be afraid of his father. Though he was a grown man now, he still was very nervous to stand in front of his parents, especially in such formal circumstances.
"Now then, as I was saying," Lar-Gand resumed. "We have received word from the Kryptonians that they mean to broker peace with us. There seems little truth to such claims - considering this war was started by their unprovoked attack on us. But even still, I am thinking of sending someone to Krypton. Perhaps we can gain intel on their movements and can weaken them, if we place a spy in the very heart of their world."
Before he had truly thought it out, Mon-El said, "Shouldn't we try to be peaceful, if we can?" The moment the words had left his mouth, he knew he had made a mistake.
Lar-Gand and Rhea's cold eyes turned to him, and his eyes darted to the floor. "We need to find someone who can be our envoy in this endeavor," Rhea said. "Are there any suggestions?" Mon-El knew very well it was only a ploy, for his parents surely had picked someone already.
"I believe we should send Tol, he has shown great loyalty in his fight against the Kryptonians," one of the advisors said.
"No, he is needed on the battlefield," Rhea said, waving her hand in dismissal.
A handful of other suggestions were made, and each one was shot down by Mon-El's parents. Finally, Rhea said, "I believe the best choice would be my son."
Mon-El could tell there was more to come, and tried hard to control the expression on his face.
"Yes, my love, I believe Mon-El would be an excellent choice," Lar-Gand agreed. "He should be trusted by the Kryptonians because of his high status here, but we also know that he will stay loyal to our cause. And our son speaks both English and Kryptonian, making him an excellent choice, my love."
Mon-El was unsure if he should be grateful for the chance to return to Krypton and perhaps make a difference, or if he should just be scared. Truthfully, he felt terrified about crossing battlefields and going into enemy territory, let alone making decisions for his whole planet. "It would be my honor," he said with some reluctance. "I would request that Gareth come with me, however."
"Naturally," his mother said with a hint of annoyance.
After a long debate about the details, it was ultimately decided that Mon-El and Gareth would travel with two other guards in two days' time. They were to send a beacon to Daxam at least once a day while they were on Krypton. It was argued that the regular report ins were for their own safety, but Mon-El knew very well that it was only so his parents could monitor his actions while he was their spokesperson.
He was not to admit defeat to the Kryptonians, and he was to make them bend to the Daxamite terms instead. Mon-El knew very well - as his parents likely did - that the Kryptonians would not simply surrender and bow down, if it was that easy the war would have ended long ago. No, the Kryptonians were too self-righteous and stubborn to simply agree to the Daxamite terms. If they wanted the treaty to work, then they would need to compromise with the Kryptonians. But his parents seemed uninterested in a compromise, or for that matter a treaty. In reality, Mon-El was only being sent to Krypton in order to gain intel on how their forces were fairing - how broken their people were.
By the time he was back in his room, overseeing the packing of his things by the servants, he felt very resigned. It seemed rather hopeless that this treaty would work, and although he would do his best, he knew it would not be enough. He wondered if the Kryptonians had any alcohol in their city. It certainly would not shock him to discover their world to be as dry as the desert. He ordered several bottles of Zacharian Ale to be put in with his things, just to be safe.
"What in the name of Rao, is taking so long?" Kara finally asked, tossing her hands in the air and letting them fall dramatically at her sides. She had been waiting for nearly an hour now for a message from the council, stating that the Daxamite had entered their atmosphere. "I thought the envoy was supposed to be here by noon at the latest, and it's certainly in the afternoon now," she said with exasperation.
"You can always count on a Daxamite to break their word, and arrive late," Astra said with a dismissive wave of her hand. Kara's Aunt Astra was sitting at her desk, reading through a holocrystal. She was a general in the army, and as such always had some work to do. However, she enjoyed Kara's company whenever possible. Though Kara thought the world of her parents, her aunt was her favorite person to talk to. Thus, Kara was pacing in her aunt's apartment, waiting anxiously for word from the council.
"Do you think there's any real hope of the treaty working?" Kara asked, taking a seat on Astra's couch for a moment. "I mean, it's a wonderful idea, but I'm suspicious that a compromise won't be made."
"I am certain you are right, Kara," was the reply. Astra put down her reading for a moment to look over at her niece. "But your mother thought we should at least try. I don't fault her for it, but I believe we need to be ready for this failing as well."
Though she wanted to believe the best in people, Kara knew Astra was right. And it was not just the Daxamite that could destroy this treaty, but the council as well. Everyone had to agree to compromise for each other - for their worlds. But she wondered if anyone actually would agree to a compromise with their enemy. Doubtful, Kara thought. But she could still hope, and do her very best to have this peace treaty succeed.
Almost two hours after the Daxamite was supposed to arrive, Kara and Astra received a message that a ship had entered their atmosphere. Together they made their way to the platform, ready to welcome the Daxamite Prince and his guards. She thought it was a little ridiculous that the planet was sending a spoiled Prince as their envoy, for she had heard nothing but bad things about the Prince. He was supposed to be a ridiculous partier, and completely irresponsible. She expected his coming rather than a true politician was because the Daxamites really had no intention of making the treaty work. Still, Kara hoped things would work out for the best.
The ship landed and its platform door opened slowly. The Prince walked behind a group of three guards, a slight surprise to Kara, as she had assumed there were to be no Daxamites arriving. But regardless, the council had already assigned a group of Kryptonian guards to keep an eye on the Prince - for both his protection, as well as Krypton's. As the four Daxamites descended, Kara heard a member of the council mumble a complaint under their breath. No one was particularly thrilled with the idea of a Daxamite in the city - let alone four - but it was a necessary evil if they wanted this war to possibly end without further bloodshed.
When the Daxamite guards split, and presented the Prince to the waiting Kryptonians, however, Kara's mouth fell open in astonishment. She couldn't believe her eyes. The Daxamite soldier she had helped, was really the Prince? How was that possible, she wondered. Though she had seen his name was Mon-El in the documents, it had never occurred to her that he was the soldier from before. It was unheard off that a member of the Royal Family would actually participate in any real conflict. They liked to hide away in their palace, and let their people die for them. But this one had been on the battlefield, and had even been injured. Though some of his cluelessness now made sense, Kara could not wrap her head around why a prince was on a battlefield.
"Prince Mon-El, it is a pleasure to have you here," Alura said, taking the lead for the council. She extended a hand in welcome and the Prince shook it before surveying the council. "I am Alura Zor-El, and these are the other members of the Kryptonian Peace Council."
"Thank you all for having me, I -" he began but stuttered when he saw Kara. She wondered if he was as astonished as she was to cross paths with him again. "I'm hopeful that we can reach an agreement to bring an end to this war," he finished after a moment. Kara could not help but notice that he had said 'agreement' rather than 'compromise'.
Astra held up a hand to show him inside as she said, "We have arranged a set of rooms for you and your guards, Major Kara Zor-El will show you where. I assume you'd like a few moments to settle in first. We will have dinner in an hour, and I will have someone guide you to the hall when the time comes. Then tomorrow we will begin negotiations." With a bow of her head, Astra left the platform then with the other council members, leaving Kara alone with Mon-El and the guards.
"Please follow me, Prince," Kara said, as she headed inside and towards Mon-El's quarters.
"I thought you were a captain," he said, coming up next to her as they headed down the hallway.
"And I thought you were a soldier," she retorted, slightly offended at his mocking tone.
"Would you really have helped me if you had known I was a prince?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and giving her a knowing look.
She had to admit that most likely she would have been obligated to turn him over to her commanders, had she known who he was. But then again, she really had broken protocol by helping him in the first place - regular soldier or not.
"That's what I thought," he said.
"You don't know what I would have done," she said. "Are you planning on taking my advice and doing something with your power, now?"
Mon-El shrugged. "I guess I'll see what I can do."
They walked in silence the rest of the way, as Kara was trying hard not to say something she might regret. Though the Prince was clearly spoiled, she told herself that there must be some hope. After all, there had seemed to be some good in the soldier she had saved in the ravine - surely there was some good in this prince too.
When they finally reached his quarters, Kara motioned for him to enter as the doors whooshed open. "Are the guards for my protection or yours?" Mon-El asked, gesturing to the two soldiers stationed on either side of the door.
She shrugged, "Both."
Mon-El rolled his eyes but entered the room without further complaint, his entourage closely behind. It took him a few moments to notice that Kara had not followed him inside, and he stepped back outside to say something.
Before he could, however, she said, "I'll be going, now that you have found your quarters. There should be plenty of space for you and your men. Please make yourselves comfortable and someone will be by later to bring you to dinner." Then with a slight bow, she turned and headed back down the hallway.