AN: For Looperest who wanted a shot on the arrival of Kara's soldiers. Hope this makes you happy. I might lengthen this into a full story with some minor edits as I shortened some scenes, mainly the ones from the first season like Cat and Kara's interactions and the fight with the Hellgrammite and Astra.
I quite find Astra's character fun and there's so many ways of writing her. Canon Kara seemed to be close with Astra, Alura and Zor but not Non so I portrayed that a little in this. Depending on how this chapter does, I might do a part two or do a full blown storyline with it.
Enjoy ~Immortalshark
Everything was well and good on Krypton. Well, except for the fact that it had it not been for the war with Daxam, the planet would have lasted longer and not so many resources would have been used fast. On Krypton, it was up to the Elders, the ones who were the people in charge of the planet's runnings to determine whether or not someone was ready to be considered an adult. Usually, Kryptonians are inducted into their respective House when they reach three years old. The years in between gave the adults time to decide which path their child would take and who their child was closest too. Then once the child was inducted, the child would then begin learning what they needed. Once the child was four cycles old, they were given an exam to place them in a position that best suited their intelligence level. However, there were the exceptions, typically those who come from one of the higher tiered families. The two Houses, El and Ze, were one of the most prestigious, both yielding incredible people who bettered Krypton and both were descended from the founding fathers of Krypton.
When Zor-El and Alura In-Ze were bonded, and later Jor-El and Lara-Ur, the Elders were expecting great things from their offspring. Zor-El and Jor-El were the Head and Chief of the Science Guild respectively, Alura was the Head Adjudicator. Then there was Astra In-Ze, the twin sister of Alura, who had taken Non-Sekin as her bonded. Astra was one of the top Generals of Krypton's military forces. Non had taken Astra's last name. When Zor-El and Alura-El were ready, they petitioned for a child, and their wishes were granted fairly easily. Astra had petitioned as well, wanting a child for herself, but was turned down. One of the Elders, who was friendly enough with Astra, had told her that it was because of Non that she was denied. So Astra focused on being the best Aunt she could to Kara Zor-El, her niece, her Little One.
Astra was Alura and Zor's go to person for babysitting Kara. All three knew of Kara's uncanny intelligence, an intelligence that was nigh unheard of. They forgoed the wait period of two years because of Kara's equal interest in the three guilds. Alura blamed Kara's interest in the Military Guild on Astra but teasingly since Kara was showing equal interest in her guild too. Since Kara held interest in all three guilds, when they were allowed, they each took Kara to their workplace. Zor-El was absolutely floored when Kara had pointed to the error in his calculations and decided to give her a base level entry exam to the Science Guild. What he didn't know was that Kara had watched him work at home and with her intelligence, she picked it up quickly. It was her scores on that exam that pushed the Elders to look into Kara's educational track. Then when Astra had been playing with Kara, a particular board game that was a mix of Sol-3's chess and checkers, Astra was beaten by Kara who had used a strategy Astra had never seen. Astra thought it was Kara's youth that made her play into a trap, but in the next move, Kara had won. It was Kara's performance with that game that Astra went to the Elders to propose a simulation of sorts. A 'simulation' that was in reality a gathering intel mission, one that if anything went wrong, it would end badly. There was an odd lull in the Daxamite's attacks and Astra wanted to capitalize on it. She wanted to see if Kara could come up with a strategy to get them in and out quickly, efficiently and undetected. Kara, even though she was not yet four cycles old, made the strategy and it was absolutely flawless. Alura did the same thing with her trials. By the time Kara was four cycles old and ready to go to school, she had a vast knowledge on the inner workings of the planet.
Kara took the entrance exam, which was a placement exam, to see where she was at. She had passed her exams up until their equivalent of high school. She was four cycles old and learned what most Kryptonians learned when they were at least fourteen cycles. Two cycles had passed and she was deemed ready to begin a basic level of Kryptonian martial arts. By the time she was eight, she was deemed ready to face those who were in the Military Guild. Zor, Alura, and Astra couldn't be prouder of Kara. They were notified that once Kara reached her tenth cycle, she would be considered for a place in the runnings of Krypton.
At eight cycles old, Kara was notified that she had two cycles to decide what she wanted to do. When she reached ten cycles, she chose to go into both the Science and Military Guilds. With her intellect, the Elders had allowed her to do so. She began her training and rose through the ranks of the Military Guild quite quickly. She was an ambassador to other planets within the Kryptonian galaxy and few beyond the galaxy, so she had to learn other languages. She was twelve cycles old when something was wrong. She could tell in the way her mother and father were tense in their actions and how they tried to hide it from her. She turned to her loyal squadron and told them of her suspicions. Thank Rao she did because all of them began preparing pods to leave the planet as they discretely discovered that Krypton was dying.
She had overheard her father and her uncle speaking of Sol-3 and had her squadron program their pods to the planet's coordinates. It was unfortunate that her aunt had been arrested. To her, it was obvious that Astra was not at fault for Non's horrid strategy. In necessity, Kara had been promoted to General, and she made sure her squadron had stayed discreet in preparing their pods with technology. Using their intellects, they programmed the pods to update with Sol-3's advances and knowledge so when they landed, they would be ready. Kara had told her squadron that anything could happen in the journey to another planet so if they landed at different times, to start a base in a location unfounded by the inhabitants of Sol-3. A base that would act as a homing beacon for the squadron to follow just in case.
The day Krypton exploded, she was tasked to look over her baby cousin, who was a year old and the result of a natural birth. The first in over five centuries. With her task in mind and the pod she prepared with many of her technologies, she was sent off into space. She could see that her squadron had escaped as well. However, she could never have planned for the shockwave that Krypton's explosion caused to knock her pod off course and into the place where time does not pass, the Phantom Zone. It would take her twenty four cycles to be free. Her pod then followed the beacon to Sol-3 where she was discovered by who she would later realize was her cousin, the cousin she was sent to protect. She was the sole heir to half of the houses on Krypton, but more importantly, she was the Head of the House of El. She was expecting for her cousin to know this and to let her stay with him, but she found out that he knew nothing of his heritage. He did not care too as his diction was horrid. He placed her with the Danvers, a pair of scientists that helped him 'discover' his powers. He was scratching his head in worry and confusion when he got back to her landing site to collect the pod only to discover that it was missing.
The Danvers had taken Kara in with the expectation that she was a shy and quiet type. That she didn't know of the powers she would come to have on this planet. They were trying to have Kara be human and to open up to them. It wasn't Eliza or Jeremiah that got Kara to open up at all, it was Alex. Alex, who was fifteen years old, had thrown a fit when Eliza got on her for being mean to her new sister and was sent to her room to cool off. Kara, who didn't want there to be any tensions in the house, went to Alex's room to talk. So the two of them talked and hit it off. Alex quickly lost her adoration to Superman when she realized that the man had left this sweet person alone.
*Alex's POV*
It was Kara's first day in school. She had adapted quickly to this place and I enjoyed talking with her. I didn't have many friends as I preferred to be a bit of a loner. People made fun of me for being smart, so I stopped showing it outwardly. With the arrival of Kara, she brought out that side of me. At first, I was annoyed that I now had a sister, but I was excited because Superman himself had brought her to us. After the first nightmare Kara had and I was the one to calm her down, I realized that Superman didn't care about Kara. He never checked in on her ever since he left her with us. I decided to do my best to get Kara to realize she could trust me, to lean on me. In return, I would lean on her.
At lunch, Kara had found me and we sat outside for lunch. She told me that she was bored to tears. BORED! WITH ALGEBRA! I told her that we would find a way to get her a better class. We went to my mom as she was the one who actually didn't care about Superman's orders of hiding who Kara was. Well, to the point of her dumbing down to play off as human, but understood the point of her powers anyway. Mom agreed to let Kara and I have a chance of testing out of certain grades. I actually tested up to senior year of high school. Kara had as well just because of the human aspect.
I was the only one who knew that Kara was taking corresponding courses at Bludhaven Institution of Technology and that she was doing something that she wasn't able to tell me. I was fine with it because she had come out at the beginning that there were things she knew that weren't hers to tell and I understood. Kara was my anchor when dad was asked to participate in a secret project the government was working on and was later proclaimed dead. I screamed and cried and threw hurtful things at Kara but all she did was hold me. She held me until I was done and I felt safe in her arms. Whenever I had an anxiety attack or just stressed out enough, Kara would pull me into her arms and wrapped around me. Her heartbeat calmed me down and her scent of lavender and vanilla made it easier.
*Eliza's POV*
I had tried to get Jeremiah to realize that Superman was wrong in trying to hide Kara. I saw the logic behind hiding her powers, but she was bored to tears in her classes at school. So I agreed to let Kara test to a point as did Alex. They were both really good at sports, Kara had taken an interest in competitive swimming and BMX/Motor Cross during the summer, football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track and field in the spring. Alex had gone cross country in the fall, volleyball in the winter, rugby in the spring, and followed Kara in competitive swimming and BMX/Motor Cross in the summer. When Jeremiah had been taken by the government to help them with a project, he had left willingly saying that it would be a good thing. Six months of him coming home less and less before I was told that he had been killed on a mission. I sat down with Kara and Alex to tell them the news. Alex had been attached to Jeremiah, always had been a daddy's girl, but lately she's been latching onto Kara. So it was a surprise that Kara hadn't reacted much at all to the news but reached for Alex. Kara tucked Alex into her body, curling around her as if to protect her, and let Alex cry. I wrapped my girls in a hug too.
It came time for the girls to graduate high school and Kara revealed to me a secret she was holding. I knew Kara was exceptionally smart but to see her standing there with six PHD certificates in her hands in front of me, was mind blowing. Alex seemed proud and then grinned too when she pulled out a PHD of her own. They told me of their absolute boredom in high school and how they just stayed for show. I pulled both into a hug and smothered them in kisses.
"Kara, how did you pay for all this?" I asked.
Kara looked sheepish, "Well, I ah…I was flying around at night and found an area abundant in coal. I knew that under extreme pressure and heat that it would become a diamond. So I tested it out and with constant pressure and heat, I created diamonds. I also found that the area was abundant in other valuable gems and metals."
"Kara, what have I said about the powers?" I said but not angry.
"I was discrete about it. I cannot tell you about where I made them just that I did. I also paid for Alex's." Kara said.
I sighed, "As long as no one saw you, you should be fine."
Alex beamed, "I got a PHD in bioengineering mom."
I looked at her and peppered her in kisses again, "I'm so proud of you Alex, and you as well Kara. I'm so happy you decided to come out of your shell. I never wanted to make you feel as if you had to stay in your grade. I graduated high school early as well."
Kara was smiling and Alex was too.
"Mom,"
"Eliza,"
I paid attention to them because both were serious.
"We know your question about college and we both decided to go to National City University and get another degree." Kara said.
Alex had grinned, "Kara actually made math fun. She told me that she had been doing this kind of stuff when she was like four. So I've decided to do a Master's in Applied Mathematics and technology."
"I've decided to do something different, learn something different, and master in journalism and business." Kara said.
I knew they would be alright. They were sixteen and seventeen respectively and Alex had a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and Kara had her martial arts so I knew they would be safe. Kara had proven that she knew how to pay for things and so, we went apartment shopping in National City. The girls settled on a loft that had plenty of open space, two bedrooms that were of the same size, and an open living room that was kitchen and dining room accessible. There was a smaller guest room too. There were two full baths as well. Kara had proven she knew how to cook too, she had to in order to keep up with her appetite and metabolism. Kara was recruited for swimming at the Naval Academy so she went. She decided to major in military strategy. Alex was recruited into the FBI out of college and she told me she was working in the labs.
*Alex's POV*
Over the years, I had two PHDs in my name, Kara had her however many in hers, we kept in touch. Kara had become a hot runner in the ranks and had retired early. Apparently her experiences and knowledge allowed her to do so. We still lived in the same apartment that we bought when we both went to NCU. I told mom that I was working for the FBI, but I was really working for the DEO. I kept that a secret when talking with Kara and I know she was keeping secrets too. We had to as we both had top security clearances. Actually, Kara's security clearance was higher than mine, much higher, so yah.
It got interesting when Kara had come home and told me she was going to apply to be Cat Grant's assistant under a normal resume. Kara seemed like she was excited to see what would happen and I encouraged her to do so. On October 13, she came home with a grin and a job as Cat Grant's Executive Assistant.
*Cat's POV*
October 13, one of the worst and best days of my life. The worst because I was going through assistants and the best because I found a good one. At 10:15 on the dot, I heard my door open. I looked up to see a woman who looked to be in her mid twenties and dressed business causal. She had on slacks and a deep blue blouse. She was wearing silver bracers and black flats.
"My 10:15, what makes you special?" I said.
"I'm not," she said.
The interview went splendidly and I gave her the job. She was actually competent and was the first assistant of mine to ever set foot in one of my board meetings. A year of working with her had revealed that she knew what she was doing in a business room, so I decided to see what she could do in the board room. Best decision. I felt a rush when Kara had dressed one of the men down for demanding more funding for his part of the paper, as if he was entitled to the amount I was paying for competent workers. The next hour had his termination file on my desk with two replacements. Two years in, I did a little digging into her background and found a hell of a CV. SIX HIDDEN PHDS, a MASTERS in journalism and business, and a major in military strategy. She attended three heavy hitting colleges, Bludhaven Institute of Technology, National City University, and the United States Naval Academy. She retired from the Navy as an O9 and the rank was because of her deeds in missions and her operations running smoothly.
Three years in, Kara was my most trusted assistant. I had confronted her about her degrees and she just smiled at me, told me that she loved working here for its simplicity. Three years of working closely with someone, you pick up things. Such as the fact that when the woman who saved the plane showed up, I knew from the body composition that it was my assistant. What was highly annoying but was good for the company, was the fact that James Olsen had been hired as my head photojournalist.
I was trying to identify the woman who saved the plane. I made the people in the bullpen get moving. I branded her as Supergirl. She hadn't followed in Superman's footsteps with the bright primary color scheme and instead went with a deeper colored scheme. A navy blue and red suit that had silver accents. The other difference was the fact that she had a mask on. She was actually a lot better than Superman. The best part was the fact that there wasn't any property damage if she could help it. She also worked with the local responders, fire fighters, paramedics, and police. She made it quite clear that if it was a situation that people could handle with ease, she would stay clear, but if if was one that did require her assistance, she'd step in to help. Such as the oil spill. Instead of trying to move the ship, she had gone out into the water and created a water spout that doused the flames without compromising the integrity of the ship. Obviously, she had known something that us bystanders didn't and the only people who did know what was going on was the firemen that were on scene working to contain the rest of the flames.
When I did get the interview with Supergirl, it was on the top of my building. She had come in and hovered. I smiled at her, up close she resembled Kara in body type.
"It's you. Or should I say, who are you?" I said with a smirk.
"According to you I am Supergirl. To others I am Lady El-Ze." she said.
She hovered closer and pulled the mask off.
"Off the record, I am known by friends and family as Kara." she said. "On the record, I will not give you my birth name. I will not endanger my family and friends."
"Of course. What planet are you from?" I asked.
"I am from Krypton. A world that is no more." she said.
"Any relation to Superman?" I asked.
It had to be asked. I had always noticed that Kara had tensed every time his name was brought up. I didn't ask her about it as she would tell me when she was ready.
"He is my little cousin." she said. "Off the record, he is only my cousin in blood, he is not my family."
I asked a few more questions and at some point, she had put the mask back on. I had more than enough to write a story about her.
"One more question if time allows." I said.
"Ask." she said.
"How may I contact you? I would like to write a background story on you eventually, but only if you are comfortable." I said.
"Your assistant knows how to contact me. In time I may reveal more of my backstory so you may write my story." she said.
Then she bowed and left. I went back to my office, gathered my things, and went home to my son. I wrote the article on the newest super and posted it the next day. I entered my office that day, greeted by Kara and a hot cup of coffee in hand.
"Morning Ms. Grant." she said.
I nodded at her and continued into my office. The news was already talking about Supergirl and her relation to Superman. The computer hobbit, Whit?...no Winn, had looked at Kara. Kara just shrugged. Then news came on about sightings of Reactron in the city.
"Ms. Grant, I would like to take a short snack break. You have a meeting with the COO of CatCo's headquarters in Germany at eleven. I should be back before three." Kara poked her head in.
"Go." I said.
And a few minutes later, right as Reactron appeared and caused a car pile up, Supergirl came in. She was actually handling the fight until she abandoned it. I was stunned that she did but it became apparent when the all too familiar color wheel came in to fight Reactron. Supergirl had made sure that all the pedestrians had gotten off the bridge safely before going and grounding Superman. Reactron got away and Supergirl gave Superman a dressing down. One that had made the Man of Steel sneer at her and leave. Supergirl turned to the cameras and told the public that she would personally fix the damage created by the fight. She did, she actually filled in the hole that was made in the park. She told the public that she couldn't do anything about the concrete and would leave it to the construction workers as she had other places to be. An hour after Supergirl disappeared from the scene, Kara appeared back in the office. I was happy to see that she was okay. I may be cold to everyone else but working with Kara the past three years have been wonderful.
One of the more important highlights of my days was when Kara blatantly ignored or politely answered James' questions. James was known for being Superman's best friend and I don't think it was a coincidence that he appeared when Kara came out to the world as another super. It was amusing to see him hint at the knowledge without Kara's know how but it was apparent in Kara's stance. James didn't look like he was leaving her side anytime soon if the expression on his face was anything to go by. So I gave my assistant an out and called her into my office.
"Kiera!" I said loudly.
She ignored James and came into the office. James tried to follow.
"Jimmy, I did not ask for you. Don't you have layouts you need to do as they are due in an hour." I said harshly. "Kiera, close the door."
Kara closed the door on James. I pressed the button to frost the glass and soundproof the room. Well, soundproof to me, probably not to Kara.
"Kara, what do you think of a Supergirl gala? Draw Reactron out from wherever he's hiding?" I said.
"I think its a wonderful idea Ms. Grant. I do believe that it would attract him, where and when should I book it? As it is a gala in honor of Supergirl, do you think she should be the guest of honor?" Kara asked.
"Why yes. Formal or semi-formal?" I asked.
"Semi. If this is indeed a lure for Reactron, the females need to be able to get away quickly if things go to the wayside. Supergirl wouldn't let any civilian get hurt in the crossfire." Kara said.
I smirked, "Set the date for June 10 at 6pm. You know which venues I approve of, but this one needs to be not too expensive just in case there are damages. Damages are unavoidable in a fight but try not to needlessly destroy things."
"Yes Ms. Grant." Kara said.
I unfrosted the glass and made the room not soundproof. Kara strode out of the office already on her phone making a call. Two hours later Kara was back and had the details of the gala in hand. She gave them to me and I approved. She then sent the blast email and made the gala attendable by invitation and an addition of a plus one. I gave Kara the leiway of having two guests. James tried to get Kara to take him with her but she obviously I noticed that the layouts weren't done and called James into my office to grill him. When I say I want something within the hour, I want a damn good reason why it isn't in my hand on time and James was an hour late.
I called Kara in as well.
"Keira, you have someone to invite don't you?" I asked.
"Yes." she said.
"Are you going to tell me who?" I asked.
Kara smirked at me, "Nope. You'll have to wait Ms. Grant just like everyone else."
I let a small frown show and she just chuckled. Supergirl made more saves by the time the gala rolled around. I did notice that there were a few more people that stopped and talked with Kara. Each seemed really happy to see her and I let her go with them. It was obvious that they all knew each other and it was a reunion of sorts.
*Alex's POV*
When I signed on with the DEO, I knew I had to tell Kara the more dangerous objects to her. I knew that I couldn't lie to her to save my ass. She had that uncanny ability to tell when I was lying, though to be fair I could tell when she was lying too. We just knew that if we were keeping secrets then it was for a good reason. Kara was my source of technology so everything of mine was biolocked to me and my favorite gadgets. When we let Kara know that Fort Rozz had landed on Earth, Henshaw thought she was confused but I knew it was a look of surprise.
I told Henshaw that I told Kara not to be a hero but I actually was really happy that she was. I already knew she was better than Superman and now she can prove it to the world. I knew that she would put herself in danger but so do I. I know Kara can handle herself, hell, she'd be the one to help me with my hand to hand.
It was interesting when she whispered something to Henshaw and he actually looked shocked at what she said. She left afterwards on the need to get back to work. Once Kara left and was out of her hearing range, Henshaw read me into a mission. It was a mission to draw out another of the Fort Rozz aliens. Should we have brought Kara into it? Yes. Did Henshaw want to, nope. When I was captured during the mission, I winced, not because I was captured but the fact that Henshaw now has to face an angry Kara.
*J'onn's POV*
Once Alex was captured, I had to mentally prepare myself for an angry Kryptonian who had specifically told me to not let Alex get hurt. I winced a little and told Vasquez to call Kara. Kara didn't say much when she arrived.
"Who did it?" she asked.
"A Hellgrammite." I said.
She just nodded and left. I sighed in relief for that would have been so much worse.
*Alex's POV*
I was taken hostage and met the leader of the Fort Rozz aliens. When I saw her I was brought back to the stories Kara shared with me of her mother and her aunt. Though by her stance, she wasn't actually wanting to do much and seemed like there was someone else giving orders. Before I could say anything, Kara came flying in.
"Kara no. It's a trap." I managed through the pain of that damn spike in my leg.
I knew Kara had good reflexes, she had told me about Krypton's military but I knew she was holding back. It was one thing to know about Kara's reflexes, it was another to see them. Before the intruder could even land a hit on Kara, Kara had the person pinned.
"Aunt Astra?" Kara asked
Oh boy. The woman's face turned to surprise.
"Little one?" she said.
They both put a hand on the other's face.
"I thought you were dead." Kara said.
"I looked for you." Astra said.
"I did it Aunt Astra. I was made General, then when you were captured, I was named High General." Kara said.
Astra looked so happy, "I'm so proud of you Little One. You can free me from my service and my squadron."
"What's wrong?" Kara asked.
Now, I know that I have had to school my features quickly from all my training with the DEO but Kara's flip was impressive. I get now how people got scared of me. I found it quite funny when I let some of my sarcasm slip and the recruits all end up nearly peeing their pants. Kara and Astra switched to a different language, one I didn't know. When Kara was done and Astra replied, Astra looked relived and happy.
"If you would allow it, I would like to join your ranks." Astra said.
"Yes. I will. I have had time to review your case and saw that it was in fact Non that ordered the attack. He had invoked a long forgotten rule of Krypton, one that even my mother did not know of, to take control of the mission. Which unfortunately lead to you're stint in hiding because you knew that it would fall on you to take the blame. You were not at fault for something he had done." Kara said.
Kara slipped something to Astra.
"If you ever need to talk to me, I still have my beacon. My people know how to contact me in case of emergencies. Just show this to my Lieutenant and he'll let you in. Unfortunately, I'll have to give you the lowest rank for now until you can work your way up. My crew have been with me and they trust me. They have been tracking things for a long time now. If you recognize any of them, you might have run across them before but you didn't know. Most of my lower ranking personnel have jobs and identities here on Sol-3, observing the runnings of things in person while the higher ranks observe through technology and in person. All personnel have a mandatory training session at that place with me. I make sure their hand to hand, weaponry, and everything is still functional. Those who fail are given one week to get back into shape or be held back for reasons. No one has failed. They also have to check in with headquarters at least every other Saturday of the month. Those who miss their deadline have forty eight hours to check in or else one of the higher ranks goes to check on them. If they are responsible for their own financial decline, we do not help them, but if they are in a bind that they did not see coming then we will help." Kara said.
"Understood. I must be off. I will notify those who are still under his control and tell them." Astra said.
"Now that you are under my command, I will have you undercover with Non. I saw his end of the trial and I do not trust him. The small device with you is one that is undetectable by any Braniacs and will release those who are under his control. Once they are free, give them the address and direct them to talk to my Lieutenant. He is aware of the situation of rogue Kryptonians and only after proof of birth identification and house name will he give you to my Captain. She is in charge of any new people and the recruits." Kara said.
Astra was proud and nodded to Kara. Then she took off. The Hellgrammite came back with a vengeance and so I kicked him where it hurts before turning his spikes on himself. Kara picked me up and we flew out of the place to the DEO. I felt bad for Dr. Hamilton who tried to get Kara to let her take care of me, but Kara glared at her. I shook my head at Hamilton to let Kara do it. Kara pulled the stinger out and I barely felt it. She stitched me up and wrapped it. I pulled her in for a hug and buried myself into her warmth. I sighed because I was finally with my sister. I wanted to say screw protocol and head home with Kara and just snuggle with her on the couch, but I had to get permission from Henshaw. Kara took me to him and I got permission to leave. Kara flew me home and we snuggled on the couch. The questions about Kara being a High General and her having a crew can wait till morning, for now I'm just happy to be sitting on the couch with Kara.