Science had always been Kara's path. From the moment she was born, her future had been carefully mapped out. Just as it was for every Kryptonian. She had studied diligently, absorbing knowledge with pride, never questioning the plan laid out before her. It was who she was meant to be. And yet, here on Earth, none of that seemed to matter.
Kal-El leaned against the counter, arms crossed as he considered her predicament. "Things don't work the same way here," He explained. "Most people don't grow up knowing exactly what they want to do. A lot of them take jobs just to get by, even if they don't love them."
The idea unsettled her. "That's inefficient," She said, frowning. "What if no passion for work? How can they do best job?"
With a small chuckle, Kal-El shook his head. "They just do. Not everyone gets to follow their dream job."
She looked down at the counter, lost in thought. This wasn't something that Krypton had ever prepared her for. In a world where every detail of a person's life was known, where every career path was laid out for you, there was no need to consider what one would do. The Brainiac Data Mind accurately predicted the ideal career for each child upon their first year of education. Kara was no exception.
Even worse, the Earth system was working against her. Simply having the knowledge wasn't enough. Humans wanted proof. Certifications, degrees, official documentation of education she couldn't provide. If she wanted to work in science, she would need to start all over again.
Lois strolled in then, dropping a thick folder onto the table with a knowing smirk. "Good news," she announced. "I found a few options."
Hope flickered for a brief moment before Kara opened the folder and saw the reality of what Lois had put together. A list of universities. Programs that stretched out for years. The excitement drained from her face.
"I already know all this," She said, flipping through the pages. "More than this."
Lois chuckled and pushed out a pamphlet. "Just because you lived in a technological utopia doesn't mean you know everything. The real world is full of surprises," Kara frowned at her statement, picking up the glossy paper and looking over the contents. "How much rocket science do you really know when you don't have a Kryptonian internet to fall back on?"
Kara glanced up. "A lot of rocket science..." She said, slowly. "I help father build ship that send me here."
"Oh..." Lois paused, considering her next words. "Well, I still think this would be a good place to start."
The paper crinkled under Kara's fingertips. Scrunching up the page, she let the crumpled ball roll onto the counter. It wasn't fair. She had already put in the work, why should she have to start from the beginning?
"Look, what Lois means is," Kal-El jumped in, trying to smooth things over. "This is the best way to prove your skills. It's a process, and a little frustrating, but it'll be worth it," He smiled with that annoying optimism he always had. "Plus, if you really know everything and more, the teachers might fast-track you into a master's program."
"And how long that take?" She asked, her frustration building.
"Uh..." Kal-El paused. "I uh... I'm not sure. Two years?"
Kara scoffed. She set the folder aside, jaw tightening with quiet determination. If Earth's system wouldn't recognise her knowledge, she would just have to prove herself another way.
-
The folder sat untouched on the counter for the rest of the evening. Every so often, Kara's eyes flickered toward it, but she refused to pick it up again. The thought of spending years re-learning what she already knew was too frustrating to dwell on.
Instead, she turned her attention to a different approach. One that didn't involve lectures, exams and wasted time. America was called the 'land of opportunity' for a reason. Maybe there was another way.
Slumping onto the couch with her phone in hand, she braced herself for another battle with the clunky device. Navigating the so-called World Wide Web was an exercise in patience. Everything took longer than it should, requiring multiple steps and endless distractions. Brainiac's systems had been seamless, effortless. Pulling information directly to and from her mind via her neural network. Here, on Earth, even a simple search involved typing, loading, scrolling. And advertisements.
Rao. So many advertisements.
Gritting her teeth, she continued her search, refining the terms again and again. Somewhere in Metropolis, there had to be a place that would recognise skill over credentials. Her efforts were finally rewarded when an ad popped up among the clutter.
Open Tour for Prospective Applicants — Apply Today!
The words immediately caught her attention. A tour? Of an Earth science laboratory? Her heart thumped excitedly. The perfect solution.
Sitting up straighter, she tapped the link and scanned the details. The facility specialised in experimental technologies, advanced physics, and interstellar research. Exactly the kind of work she had trained for on Krypton. No mention of degree requirements in the description, only an invitation to visit and learn about their programs. And best of all, it was located in the heart of Metropolis itself.
Excitement stirred in her chest. This was it. An opportunity to prove herself.
She didn't bother running the idea by Kal-El. He would only try to convince her to wait, to go through the "proper channels." But she had waited long enough.
Tomorrow, she would step back into the world of science, on her own terms.
-
The following morning, Kara stood among a small group of eager applicants outside the towering Metropolis skyscraper. Sunlight gleamed off the building's sleek glass exterior, reflecting the city's skyline like a promise of innovation. The hum of conversation surrounded her, aspiring scientists, engineers, and students murmuring about their excitement, speculating on the kind of technology housed within.
A middle-aged man with greying hair and sharp eyes stepped forward to greet the group, he carried himself with the confidence of a man accustomed to intellectual leadership. With a polite but businesslike tone, he welcomed them before leading the way inside.
"Welcome, everyone. My name is Doctor Emil Hamilton, I'm the Director of Research and Development," He announced, leading the group through the main entrance. "It's lovely to see so many people interested in our research today," He gestured toward the sleek walls. "Now if you'd all follow me, I can show you around our state-of-the-art facility."
Eagerly, Kara joined the rest of the crowd, stepping into a world that was meant to be hers. A large elevator took them down below the street, only two floors deep, but Kara could see beyond the simple structure. The building extended deeper, Laboratories stretched beyond glass-panelled walls, bustling with scientists in white coats. The scent of sterile air and metal lingered as machines hummed softly in the background. Monitors displayed complex data streams, and robotic arms moved with calculated precision over delicate instruments.
"Naturally, we can't show you everything. Not with security protocols, and also the patent lawsuits," The Doctor chuckled to himself. "But I'm confident you'll get a feel for the atmosphere and what we do here," They passed by a glass-panelled wall, showcasing a breakdown of Earth rockets and the International Space Station that floated somewhere in Earth's orbit. "These first few levels are open to the public, most of the actual science takes place lower down," His voice dropped as if he was sharing a secret. "Where the real magic happens."
Kara stared through the glass, her eyes tracking a series of calculations displayed on a nearby monitor. Numbers and formulas raced across the screen.
"This research facility started out purely as an aerospace research and development division," The Doctor explained. "However, we now operate a number of programs, including the latest in bioengineering and nano-tech. Take your time and explore," He motioned to the various displays and interactive activities. "Our staff are here to answer any questions you may have, and at the end, there is an opportunity to apply for positions in the upcoming intake."
Dr Hamilton gave a short bow and then stepped away, allowing the group to explore the facility. Immediately, Kara turned her attention to the monitors. They flicked over, displaying new projects. An incredibly rudimentary take on synthetic nutrition and energy production. Kara rolled her eyes. The design was inefficient, wasteful, and impractical. Kryptonian science had surpassed this level of technology long before she was born, and more than once while walking the showroom floor, she had to bite back a laugh at what humanity considered cutting-edge.
Several humans were looking on in amazement towards the facility's inbuilt AI system. Impressed when it performed the most basic of functions. Kara had to force herself not to shake her head in dismay. It still relied on human input rather than direct neural interfacing. How could anyone consider this advanced?
Still, she couldn't deny the thrill of being surrounded by intellectuals again. The air buzzed with curiosity and ambition, reminding her of her old life. She listened intently as Doctor Hamilton explained their latest projects, nodding along even as she mentally filled in the gaps in her English lexicon.
A young man beside her whispered excitedly, "Can you believe this? We're looking at the future."
Kara smiled, but didn't respond. This wasn't the future, not yet. But maybe, just maybe, she could help bring them closer to it.
-
The tour continued through two more floors of showrooms, each unveiling what the facility touted as its most innovative advancements. Kara took it all in with a mix of amusement and curiosity. While the technology fell far short of what she had studied on Krypton, she found herself enjoying the experience nonetheless. There was something refreshing about seeing the way humans pushed forward, striving for progress even when the path ahead was uncertain.
Displays of robotics, energy solutions, and bio-engineering lined the halls, each accompanied by interactive panels and enthusiastic researchers ready to answer questions. Other applicants eagerly approached the scientists, discussing theories and research, asking about potential internships. Kara noticed how easily they engaged, the way they introduced themselves, making connections that might help them secure a place in the program.
Realisation struck. If she wanted a job here, she couldn't just wait for someone to notice her. She had to prove herself.
Scanning the room, she searched for an opportunity, something that would let her showcase her knowledge. A conversation near the back of the room caught her attention. Two scientists, deep in discussion, their voices hushed but tense. The words "faster-than-light travel" piqued her interest, drawing her closer.
One of the researchers, an older man with wire-rimmed glasses, gestured toward a complex equation on a transparent screen. "Even with our best propulsion models, breaking the light-speed barrier is theoretically impossible. The energy required would be infinite."
His younger colleague, a woman with short, dark hair, nodded. "And yet, we know it happens. Maritans, Thanagarians, even Tamaraneans. They've all achieved interstellar travel far beyond what should be feasible. There has to be something we're missing."
Kara folded her arms, considering their dilemma. She had planned to observe quietly, but the errors in their calculations were glaring. It took Kara some time to read the math they were working with. But once she did, her mouth twisted into a slight frown. Their theories were flawed, based on outdated physics.
Holding her tongue suddenly felt impossible. "You are missing a fundamental force," She stated, her accent thick but her confidence unwavering.
Both scientists turned to her, blinking in surprise.
The older man adjusted his glasses. "Excuse me?"
Kara gestured toward the equation on the screen. "Your model does not account for the underlying framework of spacetime. You treat space as a fixed medium, but movement at light speed, or beyond, requires understanding the force that interacts with it."
Frowning, the younger scientist folded her arms. "And what force would that be?"
Rao'Vash'Kotar
Searching for the right words, Kara hesitated. In Kryptonian, the concept was simple, a well-documented principle of astrophysics. One of the seven forces of the universe. Tapping into a cosmic energy field and force based around velocity and movement, able to bend space and time around itself so as to move at great speeds without breaking the laws of physics.
In the language of Earth, she struggled. There were no words, not exactly. Only a jumble of concepts.
"You too caught up on mass of object, while using energy of propulsion," She began, moving forward to tap on the monitor. When it didn't respond how she wanted, she gestured for a writing utensil. The older researcher offered her a pen. "Here, you see." Kara wrote out the Kryptonian formula and then did a rough translation to Earth maths. "Forget the mass, focus instead on the force. Take energy from acceleration instead of using. Create recurring cycle, push back against spacetime. Then..." She paused, struggling to translate.
"You break the light-speed barrier?" The older scientist finished, watching her intently.
"Yes." She smiled.
He shook his head. "But that's not possible. There is no such force."
Kara shrugged. "Force exist," She said, confident. The confidence wavered slightly, and she tried to find a way to explain. "Force like..." She searched her memory. "Movement. Speed?"
"The Speed Force?" The younger scientist's brow furrowed. "Like the Flash? That's... more metahuman physics, isn't it?"
"No, is physics," Kara said, pointing back at the board. "See here?" She tapped her hastily written maths. "Like wave. Push ship out, faster and faster. Go past light in same time."
The researchers exchanged glances, their scepticism evident. Yet, something in her tone, the certainty with which she spoke, made them hesitate.
The older scientist narrowed his eyes. "Alright, say we assume there is some unknown force at play. How exactly would we measure it? And more importantly, how would we harness it to fuel a spaceship without creating a massive energy sink that could consume the entire vessel?"
Kara turned her paper over. With smooth, practised movements, she adjusted her calculations, introducing variables that accounted for the force's interaction with spacetime. The numbers shifted, aligning into something more complete.
The younger scientist, looking over Kara's shoulder, gave a low whistle. "This… this actually corrects the energy paradox," She turned to the older man, who was still frowning in doubt. "You know, assuming the maths checks out."
The older scientist let out a huff, picking up Kara's work and holding it up for a better look. His face remained stoic, unreadable. After several minutes, he shook his head, turning away.
"It's an interesting idea," He said, turning to his colleague. "I'm not too up to date with metahuman physics to say whether or not it's valid."
Kara's chest tightened. They didn't believe her.
The older scientist put the paper in his jacket pocket. "But… I know a doctor up in Central City who could probably give us some insight," Kara's expression brightened. "Personally, I think there's still too many unanswered questions to consider it as an actual theory…" He didn't finish his sentence. Instead, he glanced over at Kara, his eyes lingering as if seeing her for the first time. "Who are you, exactly?"
"I am..." She paused, searching for the right word. A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face. "Someone looking for a job."
-
As the tour wound to a close, the group gathered in the main lobby, chatting excitedly about everything they had seen. The other applicants exchanged business cards with researchers, discussing follow-up emails and internship applications. Kara, however, had her sights set on something more immediate. She approached Doctor Hamilton's office just as he finished an interview with another applicant.
With her usual confidence, she stepped forward. "I want to work here," She stated plainly.
The Doctor blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Pardon?"
"Work," She repeated, gesturing around the facility. "I want to work here. Research, learn. Help. Have much knowledge to give."
Hamilton's expression shifted from surprise to bemusement. "I see." He gave her a polite but sceptical look, tapping something into his handheld computer before looking back up to the girl. "You do realise that positions here require credentials, Miss Danvers, is it?" Kara nodded her head. "Degrees. Doctorates, in most cases."
Brows knitting together, she frowned. "Doctorate?" The word was familiar, but the context escaped her.
A few nearby applicants chuckled, and one of the younger scientists smirked. Hamilton, to his credit, remained professional, though a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "A doctorate. A PhD. Years of formal education and published research in a given field. All I see here is are basic foreign diplomas and not much else."
The words did little to clarify. On Krypton, science was a lifelong discipline, but it had never required something as arbitrary as a piece of paper. "I don't have this," She admitted. "But I know science. Have studied my whole life."
His expression softened, though his answer remained firm. "That may be, but knowledge alone isn't enough. We have standards for a reason. Frankly, Miss Danvers, I'm a little confused as to why you came today? Our labs are open to the public every weekend."
Kara bit her lip, glancing down at the floor. A frustrated sigh escaped her, and she looked up. Meeting Hamilton's gaze with her own stubborn stare, she held her ground. "Please," She insisted, her voice steady. "Is only thing I have."
The professor's lips twitched into a slight smile, and he shook his head. "I'm sorry," He said, and his tone suggested he truly was. "I can tell you're a bright girl. If your education is as impressive as you claim, then perhaps I can suggest some schools for you to contact. But until then, I'm afraid there's nothing I can-"
Disappointment threatened to take hold, but before she could argue, hurried footsteps approached from behind. The older physicist she had spoken with earlier came rushing into the room, slightly out of breath.
"Doctor Hamilton, a moment?" His voice was urgent, his eyes darting to Kara.
Curiosity replaced doubt as Hamilton turned to him. "Is something wrong?"
Rather than answering immediately, the physicist leaned in, whispering something that made Hamilton's brow furrow. His gaze flicked toward Kara, then back to the physicist. With a slow nod, he retrieved a tablet and pulled up the calculations Kara had written earlier.
The room grew quiet as he studied them. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his fingers swiped over the screen as he double-checked the numbers. A long silence stretched between them before he finally exhaled, setting the tablet down.
"This… is extraordinary," He murmured. "These variables... Are you sure?"
"I've already got a team in Central looking over it," The other scientist said, far more emotive than when Kara originally spoke to him. "They're running more thorough simulations. But so far, everything is checking out."
Hamilton's eyes widened, and a smile crossed his face. "This is..." His gaze returned to Kara. This time, he looked at her with newfound interest. "Where did you get this formula? Did someone show you how to do this?"
Kara smiled, feeling a small bubble of pride rise in her chest. Finally, someone was taking her seriously. "Yes, I learn," She said, standing a little taller. "My father teach me."
Doctor Hamilton checked his tablet computer again, frowning as the words 'Deceased' came up on Kara's parental background. "Your father? He had a PhD in physics, then?"
"He is scientist," Kara said, as if the answer were obvious. "Great man. Great scientist. Is why I want to be like him. Learn. Make discoveries. Share knowledge. Help people."
Doctor Hamilton considered the young woman before him, taking in her eager eyes and proud posture. She had none of the arrogance that usually accompanied those who thought they knew it all. No, her enthusiasm and drive was genuine, born out of a love for learning.
"And do you know any more formulas like this one?" He asked, watching her reaction carefully.
Kara's smile widened, and she nodded eagerly. "Oh yes. Many."
The weight of the moment settled over them, and for the first time since arriving, Kara saw genuine respect in their eyes.
Hamilton straightened, regarding her with newfound interest. "You don't have a doctorate, and I have no idea where you learned this level of physics, but…" He paused, glancing at the other researchers before making a decision. "We may be able to make an exception."
Hope flickered in her chest. "Exception?"
"It'd have to be on a trial basis," He explained, folding his arms. "We don't normally take people with no academic experience, ever. I'm not even sure the Board will go for it," Hamilton tapped some more on his tablet. "But... what if we made it a scholarship?"
"Scholarship?" Kara asked, tilting her head. She'd read that word on Lois's pamphlets. "Ehh, schooling is long time."
"You wouldn't need to go back to school," Hamilton assured her. "I have some pull with some local universities. We could sponsor your education, have you work here as an intern for a year or two, and once you earn a doctorate, we'd consider letting you become a permanent member of our research team. All you'd need to do is prove yourself. ...and publish a couple of papers near the end of your degree."
Kara considered the offer. It wasn't a direct position in the lab. Still, a scholarship. One that would help her prove herself.
"Internship is paid, yes?" She asked, wanting to confirm the details.
"Yes. Not as well as a doctorate salary, but we compensate our interns fairly. Enough to cover expenses, at least," Hamilton answered. "It's not a full-time position, either. Legally we can't hire a full-time intern, on a scholarship, but I'm sure we can work something out," Both men looked at her eagerly as Hamilton held out his hand. "So, what do you think?"
Kara nodded, her smile growing as she reached out to take the man's hand. "I accept."
-
That evening, Kara floated into the Kal-El's apartment, barely able to keep the excitement from bubbling over. She found Clark at the kitchen table, papers spread in front of him, a furrow of concentration on his brow.
The moment she stepped inside, he looked up, expression shifting from mild surprise to curiosity. "Good day?" He guessed, a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.
Kara grinned, dropping into the chair across from him. "I got a job!"
Clark froze. His pen hovered midair before slowly lowering to the table. "...What?"
"A job! Internship! Actually, scholarship, but no schooling. Only work." She leaned forward, hands braced against the table. "I will work, I will research, and I will get doctorate like human scientists do!"
For a second, Clark just stared, mouth slightly open. "Wait. You got hired? Today?"
"Yes!" She nodded eagerly. "I proved myself. Go see science lab. There was problem in their research, I solved it. They were impressed. Very impressed."
Clark exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Kara, that's incredible. I mean. Seriously, I spent half the day trying to figure out how to get you into a place like STAR Labs. I was even considering talking to them as Superman to see if they'd take you on."
"You would do that?"
He shrugged. "Of course. I was worried about how long it would take for you to find the right place." He shook his head, clearly still processing. "But you just... did it. All on your own."
"Yes! You see?" Kara puffed up with pride. "I not need special help. I am very capable!"
Clark chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I see that now. Wow. Alright. So, what's next? When do you start?"
"Tomorrow!" Kara said happily. "They give orientation and training tomorrow," She paused, her smile faltering slightly. "I not really understand what that means. But I work human science! And add Krypton science. Make life better for all humans, yes."
"I have no doubt," Clark said. Then, his smile shifted, and his expression became thoughtful. "So, which lab did you say this was?"
Kara's eyes lit up. "Oh, yes. I get identification card." She reached into the satchel bag she had been carrying and pulled out the lanyard, proudly showing off her new employee pass for him to admire. "See? Level Three-A! Not lowest level, even!"
Clark leaned in, his eyes scanning the card. His expression softened at first, then froze. His lips parted, but no sound came out. Kara, oblivious to her cousin's growing horror, turned the ID card over, reading the words with pride.
The company logo flashed, its name bold and embossed along the top. A photo of Kara's smiling face appeared below. Like on Krypton, the Science guild was a second home of sorts, a place she could belong. Like on Earth, Kara had once again collected another place she could call home.
LexCorp.
