[Five hours later]
"Supreme Commander Zor-El–we have done it! The planet Thanagar and all its riches are now ours to control!"
Supreme Commander Zor-El stood atop his space ship overlooking the destruction left in his army's wake.The Thanagar armies had been completely and utterly annihilated and, at his feet, hundreds of millions of their bodies from different species lay strewn across the battlefield.
With a satisfied smile spreading across his face, Zor-El declared to the kneeling Kryptonian recruit: "Excellent Excellent job." He raised one hand thoughtfully to stroke the thick black mane on top of his head as he surveyed what they had achieved – not just a quick victory against a whole planet of armies but now complete dominion over Thanagar and its riches.
"My daughter would love to see this," His lips twisted in a satisfied smirk as he imagined his daughter's wide-eyed reaction when if she sow heard this, even if she wasn't a witness he is sure to be her everything after this day.
Lifting his head, Zor-El fixed one last glance at the bloody battlefield below before turning towards the kneeling soldier and saying firmly, "I order that you land these ships now." The soldier leapt to his feet and saluted crisply with an emphatic "At your command Supreme Commander!" With haste he flew off for the mothership, intent on carrying out Zor-El's orders.
...
Once all the ships landed Zor-El descended from atop his to a sight that made him smile. All of the Krypton soldiers, proudly lined up on each side with a hand over their hearts.
"Greetings, Supreme Commander Zor-El!!!!!!."
He laughed loudly and powerfully. His fist clenched in the air and he shouted out words of approval for all of them - "As expected of Krypton pride! You did well with just a few dozen or so! The planet became ours without me raising a finger!" And then he raised both fists into the air again and shouted triumphantly: "Well done, my brave warriors! Well done!"
In that moment, all became silent. Then a single soldier raised his fist and began to beat it against his chest, reciting the usual mantra."Long live Commander Zor-El! Long live Supreme Leader Zor-El!"
The words spread like wildfire among the other soldiers until their loud chants filled the air. "Long live Commander Zor-El! Long live Supreme Leader Zor-El!"
Their joyous cries shook even the ground beneath them as they celebrated their victory under zor-El's leadership. Zor-El smiled in triumph - he lived only for such moments where his people can feel free and laugh celebrate, under him— and such a moments only proves that he had made wise decisions in finding a way to liberate the Kryptonians from krypton the planet that kept them prisoners for so long, stopping them from reaching their real potentials as the dominant race of all galaxies.
"PEOPLE OF KRYPTON!" He addressed the crowd gathered around him, and as he spoke his voice seemed to echo louder with each word. His arms spread wide in a gesture of both pride and appreciation, proclaiming that " this is what is supposed to happen. This is our destiny: To be free - spreading order throughout the galaxies and eliminating all resistance to order!" Then his voice rose up even more so that it reached every corner of this place- "Now my soldiers; since the war is over! Start cleaning up and start rebuilding this planet because here form now on is. HOME!"
At Zor-El words, Krypton soldiers began to fly everywhere. None of them held back as they soared through the sky, flying towards the city's or where their enemies had been cut down in battle.
As it seems like Everywhere around them there were bodies that needed taking away and new homes that needed building up. Every soldier was determined to make this new planet a place for Kryptonians to start another home of many they have already.
And considering the power and strength within each one meant nothing would take long for everything to be put right once more.
Zor-El stood at attention watching his soldiers soar in undisciplined formation, following his commands with effortless grace. The proud commander's eyes flashed with admiration, before turning to the side and locking onto a familiar face.
"Greetings general Zod - you look...well?," he spoke dryly suppressing a chuckle while studying the other man's unsightly appearance that is drenched of copious amount of dried blood running down all over his body.
General Zod replied annoyed, "I'm sorry about that, but I didn't find time to clean the blood from myself. I was busy, you know."
He then tossed a full bag on the ground. A moment later a severed head with a war helmet in the shape of a hawk rolled from inside it towards Zor-El's feets who in turn frowned before remarking: "It seems like you were busy indeed...but I was clear about my orders to you. not to kill the Falcon King, am I right?"
"Yeah, I know – but that bastard was very stubborn. Seriously, I tried my hardest to take him hostage; but his strength should not be underestimated. I had far more trouble with him than I had with Darkseid!." Zod replied, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Zor-el sighed deeply and disappointedly as he looked at the severed head of the Falcon King lying on the ground. He hung his head low and furrowed his brows together as he silently pondered.
Zor-El wished with all his heart he could capture the Falcon King alive. Even though it was a hard feat, but in the end he also know it would be worth every effort to take advantage of such an opportunity. He had heard stories about the Falcon King's supposedly immortal lifespan and if they proved true, Zor-El could learn invaluable lessons from a person with such an experience and wisdom. With his aspirations in mind however, reality seemingly collided as realization dawned on him that perhaps this time around he bit off more than what he could chew with such an ambitious request...
Zor-El shook his head from those thoughts and he again looked to General Zod.
"That's okay, Zod," zor-El said with a smile as he placed his hand on one of Zod's shoulders. His disappointment that they had not caught the falcon king alive was evident in his voice, but the hope and admiration he held for his people remained strong.
"Despite my disappointment in not catching him alive, my hope was not disappointed in you." He looked at Zod with earnestness before continuing. "I'm really looking forward to what we can accomplish together in our coming conquests."
General Zod nodded solemnly and responded determinedly: "Everything I do…I only do it for one purpose; for the people of Krypton . Our people no less no more!"
Zor-El stepped back, his hand slowly retreating from General Zod's shoulder. He looked at the General zod as if a proud teacher to his student and said, "And as it should be." Then he spoke once more this time more casually: "Is there anything else you should report for me, General Zod?"
General Zod met his superem commander's gaze. His face, became more serious. He nodded solemnly, then stepped forward with a crisp salute before pressing on: "Yes sir. The truth is, there is indeed an important piece of news I have received from one of our most reliable sources of ours. That you diffintly should be aware of..."
"Important news, you say? Well, go ahead and tell me what you have." Zor-El nodded at him.
"Yes, sir," general zod saluted once again before continuing. "One of our most trusted informations sources has informed me of the presence of--"
"SUPREME COMMANDER!"
However, his words were interrupted as a loud and sudden shout echoed from behind them that caused both General Zod and Supreme Commander Zor-El to abruptly turn around in surprise.
"Vin-El!" spoke superme Commander Zor-El with shock in his voice. His eyes widened at the sight before him " what is exactly happened to you!?"
Vin-el was standing there and He was a sorry sight to say the least.
his entire body bore deep and not-so-deep wounds, an eye socket empty of its orb. His hair, singed black by fire, barely covered the top half of his skull. His right arm well its no more. cut clean from the shoulder down, The left foot seemed broken in two places— there were no clothes to speak of – just torn rags that hung on him like they had been stolen from a scarecrows.
"Damnit !" Zod moved quickly towards Vin-El that instead of answering, he had fallen to the sandy ground, his body shaking uncontrollably. His one eye was wild and unfocused; his face pale and drawn with exhaustion. He seemed close to death as he lay there trembling in shock before him.
"Come on son " Zod said gently, " give us an answer at what or who exactly did this to you? You certainly look...not well." The initial annoyance at being interrupted had melted away completely as he only felt concern for Vin-El's wellbeing radiating from his heart along with a disgusted dismay at having seen such an appearance of physical exhaustion at one of his people even if that one is a hated among his peers he still cared nonetheless.
"Come on, son, focus with me. Come on, vin-El, stay focused" Zod's voice rose louder, and he cradled the boy's head in his hands as if to stop him from shaking. "Come on, my son," then he murmured gently once again. "Focus with me. Tell me who could bring someone with your skill to this terrible state. Knowing what happened to you is very important - if the enemy is close, we must eliminate him immediately!."
Suddenly The boy stopped trembling and his single eye returned its focus onto Zod's face alone. And then his mouth filled with blood and pieces of some kind blue chewed metal began to quiver, as if wanting to whisper something.
General Zod immediately fell silent and leaned closer so as to not miss a single word that was about to be said, and then.
"...Don't worry, I've won," Vin-El weakly whispered and laboriously raised his shaking arm to point in the direction he had come from.
Zod, and Zor-El who was standing nearby followed his gesture, their eyes trailing behind him as he shakily gestured towards a blue figure of something or someone just laying a few meters away from them who apparently is in a better condition then Vin-El.
Then With a painful effort, Vin-El managed to get out one more strained phrase – "And he's lost" - before succumbing completely too exhaustion and slipping away into unconsciousness in Zod's embrace.
A small silence fell upon them. Zor-El suddenly broke it with his voice, deep and assured.
"It seems we've got our answer my friend." He cast a glance towards Zod, who had cradled Vin-El's broken body in his strong arms. His smiled as he continued "Why don't you take Vin-El to be treated while I check on our friend over there?"
Zod gave a quick nod of approval and rose from his crouch, carefully cradling Vin-El's body.
"And zod!"
He was mid-flight towards the mothership when he heard Zor-El's voice calling out to him. Turning his head in the direction of the call, he asked "What?"
To which Zor-El replied "It would be faster if you flew him to the sun; there he would heal more quickly before taking him to the mother ship, just saying." He smiled
And Without hesitation, Zod surged upwards into space at incredible speeds until he reached the golden rays of light that shone brightly through the atmosphere.
With that done, Zor-El turned on his heels and began making slow strides towards the unmoving figure laying on the ground.
...
[Inside the mother ship In one of the researching rooms].
Zor-El's eyes widened in admiration as he studied the intricate metal plating that composed the robot armored body. He noted with interest how the Robot encompassed and replaced severed limbs, filling them with robotic components perfectly identical to ones lost.
"This is really beautiful," Zor-El muttered, a wide smile creeping across his face at this unexpected discovery. "It's almost like a regenerative quality in some creatures, what an unexpected find," he said again admiringly as he continued to marvel at the technological advancements featured on the robot.
Zor-El paused and thought for a moment. A calm descended on him as he reached his hands towards the Robot's head. He felt content with the idea of peering into what may lay within, extending his arms further until they were just inches away from it.
[Stop!.]
Suddenly, an automatic voice issued from the Robot himself: His hands froze in place and he reflexively drew them back yet still held their position in midair between himself and the Robot.
A short pause followed before Zor-El spoke softly to the Robot,"Alright...Mr wonderful robot is the word 'stop' is all you can say?"
[...]
Zor-El smiled as he stepped back, retracting his hands before him and saying, "Alright Mr. interesting robot - I am actually interested so see? I won't hurt you because in fact you are the most interesting thing I ever layed my eyes on " He spoke with a scientist's precision; as an instrument engineer he had never seen something like the robot before him.
Then he moved closer to inspect him further from an appropriate distance and continued talking more rapidly now that his curiosity was piqued. "I've never seen something like you before, so please care to talk me? and if you do I promise you as iam the supreme commander of Krypton and also as a very curious and devoted scientist that no one is gonna hurt you ever under my watch, so how that's sound to you as a deal ?"
[...I don't care about myself, all I care about is Jamie's safety.]
The robot suddenly spoke after a short silence, its mechanical cadence echoing through the room with an eerie chill. and something it said made Zor-El frown with confusion. He furrowed his brow as he opened his mouth to speak.
"Excuse me... but who is Jamie and what does he have to do with our topic, if you don't mind answering of course?"
Zor-El asked, but instead of getting a verbal answer to his question, suddenly The the robot on the research table began to shift and morph, parts undulating like a ripple across a pond. Most breathtakingly of all however, was the side of the head or rather the helmet splitting open to reveal an unmistakable face that appeared both alive and yet absent apparently In a deep coma.
——not a robot but a suit!?, Zor-El thought in disbelief at what he just witnessed This astounding turn of events left him thunderstruck as he experienced astonishment beyond any measure or understanding.
As a scientist, Zor-El can only describe something like this as a...
[This is jaime] — "this is genius!"
They both said at the same time through Zor-El's excited voice overpowering the latter.
[...]
Zor-El rubbed his mane in embarrassment as he realized what had happened. "Ah, sorry about that," he said sheepishly. "I couldn't help myself. I often become like a little kid when I see something special and interesting" he may say it but he doesn't mean it rather than sorry he is excited.
Zor-El with his visionary genius mind, could see limitless possibilities of such an item began to open up before him; a A multi-use suit of mass destruction meant strength and power for a powerless human after all! — than imagine a Kryptonian with such a weapon imagine an army of them with such a weapon.
——Even my x-ray vision was useless when I tried to check what was inside...hahahaha Beautiful just beautiful. He thought as he could barely contain his enthusiasm for what this suit might bring him - the power it has, or its potential uses for whatever conquest may come next...——but first thing first.
Zor-El snapped out of his thoughts then turned his attention back to the AI and smiled, pointing at himself. "Alright, my friend," he said gently, "first let us get to know one another. I am Zor-El - supreme commander of the people of Krypton and also scientist and engineer as well as a warlord." He paused for a moment before pointing at the AI with an open palm. "And you? What name do you have to give me, my new friend?"
[...My name is Khaji Da and I am a scarab a sentient being in my own right and that's all I have to tell you for now].
Zor-El nodded, a smile gracing his features. "Don't worry," he said. "We have only just met; there is plenty of time to talk and know each other more. And As for your condition and your safety—I assure you that no one will bother either you or Jamie while under my protection."
[Your words are suspicious, and what is it for you to keep us with you?, help me understand.]
——Amazing, amazing, this is truly a sentient being, Zor-El thought excitedly before returning his attention to the artificial intelligence and said He spoke with measured clarity, as if delighted by his own good sense. "For me, it is not only the proximity to you that makes this an attractive prospect; I seek further to study you from up close. My scientific curiosity knows no bounds and simply must be satisfied. How does this proposition look from your end? Is it a fair trade-off? In any case, I give my word – nothing will occur which may cause harm or discomfort of any kind for you or Jamie."
After saying that, silence settled in the room. Zor-El patiently waited for Khaji Da's answer, but suddenly instead of a verbal response. The suit of armor surrounding Jamie's body began to disappear bit by bit; until it had completely vanished from Jaime's unconscious form on the research table. This elicited a contented smile upon Zor-El's face as he realized this was a clear response to his proposition.
"Great, you really made a good choice, anyway I will call the nursing and medical specialists to take care of Jamie on my way out" Zor-El gave Khaji Da a reassuring nod and turned to take his leave.
[Thank you]
Khaji Da suddenly called out in gratitude; it caused Zor-El to pause mid stride with a smile on his lips. "There is no need to thank me," he replied kindly, "after all we have an agreement." He flashed one last dazzling grin before continuing on his way out of the research room.
...
Once Zor-El closed the door a voice from his side spoke up. "Vin-El definitely won't be happy when he hears about what you did."
"Well he has to live with it, thought how is he?"
"He'll live," Zod sighed deeply, "but I just hope he'll like the replacement limb and the new mechanical eyeball."
Zor-El nodded before setting off down the corridor, his strides sure and steady. Beside him walked Zod.
"Anyway, there's no need to worry on Vin-El's part. I've decided to give him a promotion that will enable him to lead a squad of his own. At least I hope this will make him forget what happened," Zor-El said
Zod was taken aback for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise at the news. After a pause he spoke, offering his approval of the decision.
"Knowing Vin-El's personality," said Zod with measured gravity, "I think this is a wise decision on your part, sir. Well done " then zod frowned deeply before he continue " but there is one problem with you decision sir ".
"I know what you're saying, who would work under Vin-El considering his bad reputation right? " he sighed, his voice hollow with frustration. Then He looked up at Zod and smiled slightly before continuing, "Don't worry though — I have just the right solution for this... or rather the right team" He fixed him with his gaze and said confidently: " just Leave it to me."
"If that is what you say, sir," Zod nodded, "then I trust you on this one."
"Anyway," Zor-El said, his voice trailing off as he stopped walking then he fixed Zod with a probing gaze before continuing. "Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me before we got interrupted earlier? It seemed important."
"That's right, sir. It's very important. Look."
He nodded, lips tight in determined concentration before raising his hand, clasping tightly a black cylinder that fit perfectly the size of the palm of his hand. At that moment, incomprehensible engravings on its surface began to gleam with an intense light and flooding their sight was a holographic image of galaxies and universes forming from one galaxy into another burning across the corridor until it suddenly stopped. On an image appeared now to what appeared like a nebula which then quickly zoomed in on itself little by little until it focused upon a yellow sun with a small pall green planet revolving around it.
Zor-El's eyes widened in astonishment. "A living planet and a yellow sun? How could I not have discovered their existence before?"
Suddenly his astonishment turned to frown as he looked intently at Zod. "But is this the important news you want to tell me? You usually get excited more than I do when something new like this appears, but you don't seem as pleased now as before." Taking a step forward, he asked again firmly: "What else is there zod what could damper your mood like this?, please speak"
Zod's mouth opened slightly as if to speak but all that came out was an uncertain sigh Then he said after a moment "It's black Adam sir."
" black Adam? As far as I remember, you already took charge of him and killed him. Right?" He said confusedly. "But Black Adam... What does he have to do with the matter at hand? I don't understand."
Zod's eyes darkened as his brow furrowed in concentration, trying to formulate his words correctly.
"well That's the thing, sir," he began cautiously. "It seems that Black Adam has left us a surprise after his death - a new heir to his power from an unknown planet, and we believe this heir resides there."
As if a switch had been flicked within his mind, Zor-El's eyes widened for an instant before narrowing in realization. He said slowly, almost uncertainly but with growing conviction, "You want to go over there...to that unknown planet we know so little about...in order to find and kill the heir of Black Adam. Is that true?" His gaze was unwavering as he stared down at Zod.
Zod remained silent for a moment, before he raised his chin determinedly and spoke again, the words coming clear: "Yes, sir. That is exactly what I want." He paused and bowed his head slightly in deference as he continued with resolve. " of course That could only happen with your given permission sir."
At that Zor-El closed his eyes, as if considering his words carefully. After a moment, he opened them and regarded the impatient look on Zod with steady gaze before he said in a firm voice: "Well in that case, my answer is a final no—I will never give you permission to go there." His words punctuated by silence that seemed to stretch on for far too long after they were spoken until.
Suddenly Zod grabbed Zor-El by the neck and slammed his body against the nearby wall with such force that it caused a large crack to run up from its base. He spoke through clenched teeth, rage in his eyes.
"Zor-El, you bastard! Why would you refuse me such a request!? You know what Black Adam did to my son and also my squad he killed them all mercilessly!" His voice echoed in the hallway like thunder as he tightened his grip on Zor-El's throat.
But still, Zor-El looked at him steadily without flinching, seemingly unaffected by this blatant display of aggression then he spoke.
"I know, my friend," he said with a sad understanding in his voice. "Maybe I can't understand the pain of losing your son since I had never experienced that kind of pain before, but I'm still sorry about it and wish more than anything that we could go back in time and save him and everyone we lost - though neither you nor I possess the power to do so." His words seemed to bring some solace; ever so slightly Zod's grip on his neck loosened yet remained intact.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself again; Zor-El went on. "But regardless," he said calmly, "I need you here with me by my side. Everything we have achieved and all of the wars we won were because of your help. I may be able to devise plans, but executing them is only possible because of you — leading armies into battle is something that you excel at and it is your job not me." He paused for a long minute before continuing: "Therefore," he continued gravely, "your departure - even if it will only be temporary - nevertheless it will be a huge risk for us as a species"
Though Zod's face was still dark with anger, the tension in his eyes began to subside at Zor-El words.
"General, please," suddenly a Kryptonian warrior implored Zod. He has His hand rested firmly on the general's shoulder in a gesture of restraint and respect. "We respectfully ask you to let go of the Supreme Commander otherwise, we will consider your actions as an act of betrayal towards all Kryptonians and we will act upon it." Suddenly five other Kryptonian warriors appeared surrounding General Zod and Zor-El, maybe an attempt to intimidate the general.
sensing the rising tension in atmosphere Zor-El rises his hands in a friendly gesture and said.
"Good job, soldiers, for coming here so quickly to help," Zor-El said with a nod of appreciation. "I will definitely reward you for this later, but fortunately there was no reason for that -- as you see we were just talking about emotional stuff. Right, Zod?" he added turning his piercing gaze towards the latter who still had his hands around his neck in a tight grip.
The expression on the General's face softened ever so slightly as he released him from his grip and stepped away from him without uttering a word.
"See, guys, there's no need to worry," Zor-El laughed.
The soldiers suddenly straightened up, bowed their head lightly in an act of contrition, and offered a concise apology. "I see. Then I apologize for our misunderstanding of the situation."
Zor-El nodded at them with a gentle smile before they turned to face General Zod and say politely but very formally: "Please forgive us, General, for any offense we may have made."
"No offense taken, please dismiss for now," the general replied in a formal tone.
Without uttering a word most of them stood tall and began walking away in unison as if nothing had ever happened between them at all.
Yes most of them. as Zor-El turned his gaze to a female soldier who had stayed standing where she was. He looked at her steadily for a moment, then said casually, "Soldier, I see that you are still standing here. Is there something that you would like to tell us? If so please talk."
The woman nodded and replied with a firm voice, "Yes Commander. Supreme I only came here to inform you that Your Highness's daughter is currently here."
"kara here in this planet when?" Zor-El's eyes widened.
"Just a few moments ago, as soon as her ship had landed, Your Highness's daughter sent me straight to you. Her request was that I inform you of her eagerness to speak with you and convey the joyful tidings she had brought". She bowed.
"I see," Zor-El replied, his face beaming with a big toothy grin . Though he did not need any additional explanation as to the cause of his daughter's unexpected return after many weeks away.
Although this was not the only reason for Zor-El's unbridled joy. His happiness and relief sprang from knowing that she had returned safe and sound - he had yearned longingly in her absence without having yet seen her in person since she'd been gone to fulfill a dangerous task.
Zor-El gave a slight bow and said formally, "Thank you Soldier. You may go now." The soldier nodded in acknowledgment before turning to leave. Then Zor-El looked at Zod and smiled lightly, saying, "Would you tag along my friend?" He let out a chuckle as he continued "I bet she missed her war and combat coach!"
With a, huff zod responded to Zor-El: "No doubt I will go. I am as proud of that girl as you do." Zod pushed him aside and started walking down the hallway, Zor-El trailed behind, shaking his head with a laugh.
...
Zor-El followed by general zod exited the mothership then.
"Daddy!"
to Zor-El surprise, he suddenly was greeted with a warm hug from a golden-haired girl wearing a red armour with an S printed on it chest. Before he could even speak, the girl exclaims "Oh Daddy I missed you so SO much!" as she squeezes him tight.
He paused in shock for only a moment before instinctively wrapping his arms around her and returning the embrace.
"Welcome back kara," Zor-El said affectionately, holding her close in a tender embrace that spoke of all the love and longing he felt for her safe return.
They stayed locked in embrace for a few moments, until Kara broke away with her father's gentle hands on her shoulders.
Zor-El then asked casually, "So Kara, how was the mission? I know you succeeded," he smiled and winked at her good-naturedly,"but there is no harm in asking to make sure you know?"
Kara laughed lightly, looking up into his eyes fondly. "I did it Daddy! I won!" She beamed at him proudly and uttered a triumphant chuckle as if recalling the events of her last fight.
"Ohhh daddy, I so wish you were there to witness the battle and how brilliantly I won," Kara said softly before snapping her fingers loudly.
At the same moment one of her soldiers rushed forward, carrying a black box with both hands outstretched towards Kara.
"Thank you Henry"
She took it reverently from him with a deep bow of thanks and turned back to regard her father once more.
" but anyhow daddy, you still can see the results~".
She winked at Zor-El, then removed the lid of the black box. Within was a severed head wearing a yellow mask and filled with blood.
At this sight, Zor-El's eyes widened with both pride and sadness in equal parts while General Zod laughed out loud in appreciation." Great," he said enthusiastically as he hugged her tightly.
"This is a great achievement! Well done to my most brilliant student of all!" Kara smiled warmly at his words of affirmation before replying.
"Thank you Uncle Zod ... thought I can say the same to you guys. It seems like you succeeded as I expected thought I which if I was here when all this started " Kara said as she gestured to the wreckage of the battlefield, littered with bodies, behind them.
"Yes, through, you didn't miss much kara since the battle. finished in a few hours... and don't look at me like that. There was no strong opponent here that would have given you any significant fight." Zod snickered at Kara's pouting face.
Zor-El kept watching silently from the side as their exchange played out before him; his expression complex yet unreadable as he observed them both intently. After a moment of reflection Kara slowly turned her glance towards him; inquisitively tilting her head with eyebrows raised in question.
"What's wrong daddy is something the matter? "
Zor-El looked into his daughter's eyes, seeing a mixture of worry and confusion mirrored in the depths of her gaze.
He could see that she had grown up far too fast for his liking; he wanted to keep her forever as the cute little girl who used to sit on his lap when he told her stories. But instead, here she was joyfully holding the head of a person she killed with cold blood- it always interfered with memories of when she was just a cute little girl with whom he wanted to just keep hold and never let that innocence be stained by this damn life.
——but I don't want her to get upset by restricting her freedom do I ?.
The thought felt like an arrow of kryptonite through his heart - he wanted nothing more than to keep her near him every moment of every day and never be separated from her for even a second... but.
——Who am i kidding? With a mad scientist as a father and a warlord as a teacher, it's was impossible to maintain her innocence from the start. To think that one could keep her as any semblance of 'normal' or 'average' is but an unconscious longing for those too timid to understand the complexities of the world around them.
Zor-El let out a weary sigh, then he looked back at his daughter and said with a warm smile, "No, I'm fine Kara. Don't worry Yourself. Anyway, why don't you tell us about your adventures and the whole story of your victory? That must have been a blast right? Let me get comfy whilst you start…maybe share the highlights with me first? You know I do love those heroic tales of yours! Especially the ones which end in success…like yours did!"
"Well... " Kara paused, looking between the faces of her father and uncle. Their expressions mixed excited anticipation with impatience as they waited for her to continue. She sighed softly before finally continuing, "... I'm sorry Daddy and Uncle Zod, but this story will take a long time to tell - much longer than I intended to have with you - and I really don't intend to stay here any longer."
Zod and Zor-El both made puzzled faces at Kara's words, quietly contemplating her puzzling words. It was clear that the two were having difficulty understanding her or what she means.
Kara must have sensed their confusion because she abruptly ceased speaking, unclipping a black disc-shaped device from the belt of her red armor. She held it aloft for them to see more clearly before pressing a button on its side and flashing it in front of them with an iridescent light was...
——No! It cant be, not this!. Zor-El looked upon the familiar hologram, his eyes wide with apprehension and concern. He couldn't believe that was what she wanted to do; it seemed too dangerous for words.
"Kara," he said softly, but with an unmistakable note of pleading behind it. "You can't be serious! Please reconsider going there - we don't actually know anything about that planet yet It could be really really dangerous." His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, betraying a father's worry and fear for his daughter's safety on some unknown world beyond their knowledge or even control over it.
Zod gave a nod of approval to Kara, praising her for the decision she had made. "Well done, Kara," he said. "I myself would have gone there if it weren't for your father." He then turned to look at Zor-El before continuing by saying, "Don't worry, Zor-El. I'm sure Kara will succeed in this mission as well and this may also allow her to name her own planet - which is a great honor " The statement was met with an enthusiastic response from kara.
——Shit
Zor-El felt a great struggle within himself. He thought of many possible arguments to keep his daughter from going, but in the end he was reminded of all Zod had done for him and their people, most notably sending his son off to face the greatest threats while sacrificing him in the process.
The pain that came along with this reality pushed aside any fear or anxiety he may have had about letting Kara go on her mission—for he knew putting an obstacle between them now over something as miniscule as personal worry, it could mean irreparable damage to both their friendship and working relationship.
Finally, after long moments filled with heavy consideration, Zor-El released a deep and defeated sigh. His eyes turned to his daughter's inquisitively fearful gaze obviously she was waiting his words. With great reluctance he addressed her words of permission and allowment - "Alright… if you must... I give you my blessing to go."
And As to be expected, Kara's face lit up with joy and she threw her arms around both her father Zor-El and her uncle Zod. She spoke with an eagerness that could barely be contained, "Oh thank you Daddy! And thank you Uncle Zod! Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity!" Her words were full of gratitude as she vowed to make them proud. "I will make sure not to disappoint either one of you."
Zor-El and Zod laughed with delight, embracing their beloved Kara in a tight hug that lasted minutes when finally Zor-El was the first to break it.
"Listen, Kara and listen carefully," Zor-El's face suddenly turned serious. "Maybe you know this already, but I'll tell you anyway: the successor of Black Adam powers exists on that planet. So it's preferable if you kill him first before the Justice League gets their hands on him." Then he smiled as continued, "and when all is said and done - you can do whatever your heart desires with that planet!"
She laughed "Don't worry, Daddy. And Uncle Zod I will have this all taken care of. Once I find him, I shall reduce him to a pile of dust with my bare hands thought part of me wishes that he will put up a resistance against me I always like a good a challenge"
"Anyway," zod said firmly, folding his arms across his chest as if to seal in whatever thoughts he was determined to impart. "I think the journey to get there may take you about a year – taking only the fastest ship available – particularly with that nebula proving such an obstacle along your way. So I would advise bringing three of our best fighters; they can aid you on this mission and help ensure a safe and clear journey and conquest, is that fair for you kara ?"
"Fair enough " she nodded
Zod nodded with relieved satisfaction.
Once all said, Kara and her father and uncle set about the task of selecting the elite forces kara needed for her journey. As each soldier was chosen, it became increasingly clear that only female candidates were chosen for this mission for some reason.
And so With a team so carefully hand-picked, they no longer felt the need to waste time choosing an appropriate space ship for transport; since it just happened that Kara's own ship—of superior design and power—was perfectly tailored to all her needs.
And after all preparations had been made finally everyone gathered in front of the space ship's entrance ramp on that crisp morning air, well actually the preparations took a whole night to be completed.
"Well, I think it's time for the goodbyes," Kara said as she hugged both Zor-El and Zod. Their voices joined in a chorus of farewell.
"Goodbye, Kara; please take care of yourself" from Zor-El and then a more commanding tone from Zod " yeah kara take care and please have a happy conquest"
She laughed lightly as she stepped back from their embrace Kara smiled at them both one last and with a determined strength she totally expected of herself spoke: "Alright then! See ya after a year!"
Without hesitation liberty was taken for the journey ahead. She waved one last time before stepping through its sliver doorway followed by her three elite soldiers once inside kara made sure the latch on the hatch clicked shut before walking confidently into the space ship.
"Ahhh~ this is gonna be fun" kara laughed menacingly a complete contrast of her usual joy and happy go lucky mood...