Chapter 5
5 mensis later
The Military Guild’s training grounds were eerily quiet in the late hours, save for the distant hum of the energy fields lining the perimeter. Astra In-Ze walked briskly through the stone corridors, her mind wandering to her niece. The girl was strong, no doubt—perhaps stronger than anyone fully realized—but she was reckless. Unfocused.
Astra sighed, shaking her head. She will learn, or she will fail. And failure on Krypton is not a luxury they can afford.
She stepped into the Guild’s strategy hall, expecting to find it empty at this hour. Instead, she heard hushed voices from the far side of the chamber. Astra stopped, pressing her back against the cold stone, listening.
"Zor-El’s calculations are not wrong," a deep voice muttered. "The core is growing unstable."
Astra tensed. Zor’s research? Who is—
She carefully peered around the corner. Dru-Zod stood near the holographic war table, his arms crossed, his posture rigid. Across from him, two high-ranking officers, Faora Ul and Nam-Ek, both clad in the crimson and black of the Military Guild, listened intently.
"Then why not act now?" one of them asked. "If the planet’s fate is sealed, why waste time debating?"
Dru-Zod exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. His hands clasped behind his back, his stance perfectly measured—controlled, as always. "Because war is not waged on impulse," he said smoothly. "We do not rush. We prepare. The High Council and Science Guild are weak, ruled by sentimentality. They will deny the truth until the sky itself burns. We must be ready before that day comes."
Astra’s stomach tightened. War? What is he planning?
Nam-Ek shifted uneasily. "And if the Council refuses to act?"
Dru-Zod smiled, but it was devoid of warmth. "Then we remove them."
Astra’s breath hitched. She had known Dru since their days in the academy, and since their childhood. He had always been ambitious, always a soldier first. But this—this was something else.
One of the officers hesitated. "What of House El? Ze?"
At that, Dru-Zod’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "Zor-El is a scientist, not a leader. And Jor-El? He would let Krypton crumble beneath him rather than risk defying Rao’s will. House El will be the greatest obstacle to salvation—unless they are shown the error of their ways. As for the two, Alura is with the Council. She will blindly follow the laws without hesitation. And with Astra…we just have to convince her."
The words were carefully chosen, but Astra could hear the intent beneath them. A warning. A promise.
A chill ran through her. Dru-Zod wasn’t just speaking about rebellion. He was preparing for it.
Astra pressed herself further into the shadows, forcing herself to breathe evenly. She needed to leave before they sensed her presence.
But not before she heard Dru-Zod’s final words.
"When the time comes," he said, voice like steel, "Krypton will not fall because of weakness. It will rise, stronger than before. But only if we are the ones to shape its future."
Astra clenched her fists and slipped away, her heart pounding. She needed to warn someone.
But she already knew the truth.
Dru-Zod wasn’t planning to save Krypton.
He was planning to rule it. Shape it back to once before.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Deep within his private laboratory, Zor-El worked in silence, his brow furrowed as he ran his fingers over the control panel of the atmospheric synthesizer. The machine hummed softly, its inner mechanisms adjusting to his latest modifications.
He glanced at the data streaming across the screen—calculations, fluctuations, projections. The numbers did not lie.
Krypton was dying.
The core’s instability was growing worse. He had known this for years, had whispered it in Alura’s ear late at night, had written it in hidden files the Science Council would never see. But knowledge was not enough. Solutions were what mattered.
His fingers tightened around the edge of the console.
They are running out of time.
The synthesizer was his daughter’s greatest creation yet—a way to manipulate atmospheric density, to sustain life in otherwise inhospitable environments. A way to replecate the environment if done right. If perfected, it could be the key to survival. A way to ensure that Kryptonians could live somewhere when the ground beneath their feet crumbled.
But the technology was untested. Incomplete. Dangerous.
Zor-El let out a breath, forcing himself to refocus. He reached for the power source, recalibrating the system. The machine flickered, its interface glowing a deep, pulsating blue.
Then, for just a moment, the entire lab shuddered.
Zor-El’s eyes snapped up. The synthesized air around him felt wrong, heavier than it should have been. A crackle of energy sparked through the machine before it stabilized, the lights flickering back to normal.
He exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down his face. Not yet.
It was close. But it wasn’t enough. Something was missing.
And something in the back of his mind whispered: It may never be enough.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Astra stormed into the control wing of the Military Guild, her pulse still hammering from what she had overheard.
She found Dru-Zod standing at the observation deck, looking out over the training grounds below. His posture was as composed as ever, his hands clasped neatly behind his back. If he was surprised by her sudden entrance, he didn’t show it.
"Astra," he greeted smoothly. "I had a feeling you’d come find me."
She cut straight to the point. "I heard you, Dru. I heard everything."
Dru-Zod tilted his head slightly. "Did you?"
Astra clenched her fists. "You’re talking about overthrowing the Council."
Dru let out a low, quiet chuckle. "I’m talking about ensuring Krypton’s survival. Something our leaders refuse to do." He turned to face her fully, his gaze sharp. "You’re a soldier, Astra. You know what happens when leaders hesitate in the face of a threat."
Astra glared at him. "The High Council is flawed, but rebellion? That’s treason."
Dru-Zod took a slow step forward. "And what would you call allowing Krypton to die?"
Astra opened her mouth, but no words came.
Dru studied her reaction and took another step. "You care for your family. For Kara, for Alura. What happens to them when the Council refuses to act? When the planet falls into chaos?"
Astra’s chest tightened, but she held her ground. "You’re asking me to betray them."
Dru-Zod sighed, shaking his head. "No, Astra. I’m asking you to save them." His voice dropped, carrying the weight of something heavier. "You don’t have to answer now. But you will. Because when the moment comes, you will have to choose—between your loyalty to Krypton or your loyalty to a system that refuses to save it."
He turned back toward the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "And I think we both know which choice you’ll make. And we both know you have something in mind, so kindly share it to the class."
Astra clenched her fists, her mind racing.
For the first time, she wasn’t sure what the right answer was.
And that terrified her.
In the end, she sat down to the nearest chair and took a deep breath. “I have something in mind.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kara Zor-El stood at the edge of the marketplace, hands on her hips, taking in the vibrant scenery before her. The air smelled of spices and star-metal, the streets bustling with alien life—traders haggling over wares, children weaving through the crowds, the distant hum of spacecraft passing overhead.
Welcome to Khevron, she thought, her lips quirking up.
The planet was a recent ally of Krypton, a hub of interstellar diplomacy and trade. Unlike Krypton’s rigid architecture, Khevron was a world of curves and spirals, its cities built from smooth, iridescent stone that shimmered under the twin suns. Kara had been sent as an envoy—though, in truth, it was more of an excuse to get her off-world for a while. Something about her “reckless behavior” during training. Ugh. Astra.
She adjusted the House of El insignia on her uniform, striding into the marketplace.
Beside her, Xyne trailed along, clearly unimpressed. “You act like you’ve never seen an alien city before.” Her friend said. Xyne's parents was one of the captains of the ship and decided to tag along with Kara.
Kara rolled her eyes. “I’m appreciating the sights. Maybe you should try it instead of scowling at everything.”
“I’m not scowling.”
“You’re always scowling.”
Xyne muttered something under his breath but didn’t argue.
They passed through the market square, exchanging brief pleasantries with vendors who eyed Kara’s sigil with interest. Kryptonians rarely traveled beyond their borders unless necessary, and an El walking through the streets of Khevron was apparently enough to turn heads.
One head, in particular, was watching more closely than the rest.
Across the marketplace, atop one of the elegantly curved balconies, Princess Selya of Khevron rested her chin against her hand, her violet eyes following Kara’s every movement.
She had been briefed on the Kryptonian delegation, of course. Formalities, alliances, trade agreements—boring matters she left to her advisors. But what the reports hadn’t mentioned was that the heir to the House of El would look like that.
A bit taller than her, but taller than average, golden-haired, with sharp, stunning blue eyes that gleamed with a bit of gold. Every movement was effortless, confidence pouring off her in waves. It wasn’t arrogance—just an unshaken certainty in her own presence, as if she belonged wherever she stood.
Selya took a slow sip from her goblet.
“Interesting,” she murmured to herself.
At her side, her handmaiden glanced up. “Your Highness?”
Selya didn’t answer.
Instead, she rose, her flowing violet cape sweeping behind her as she descended the marble staircase toward the market below.
Meanwhile, Kara had just found herself at a weapons stall, inspecting an array of elegantly crafted blades.
She lifted one, testing its weight in her palm. “Huh. Not bad.”
The merchant, a stout, four-armed Khevronian, beamed. “Only the finest craftsmanship, Kryptonian! Light as air, but strong enough to cut through starstone.”
Kara nodded approvingly, twirling the blade. Xyne, however, rolled his eyes at his friend's display.
“Do you have to touch everything?”
“I’m just testing it.”
Xyne shot her a deadpan look. “You don’t even use swords.”
“I could use a sword.” Kara pointed the blade at her playfully. “Imagine it. The great Kara Zor-El, warrior and diplomat, fighting for honor and—”
A soft voice interrupted her.
“Do you intend to fight someone, Lady El?”
Kara turned, blinking at the figure before her.
Princess Selya stood just a few feet away, her expression calm but intrigued. She wore the traditional deep-maroon robes of Khevronian royalty, adorned with silver embroidery that shimmered under the light. Her violet eyes held Kara’s with an intensity that most people would have shied away from.
But Kara Zor-El didn’t shy away.
She lowered the sword, tilting her head. “Depends. Should I be expecting a fight?”
Selya’s lips quirked up. “That depends. Do you often go looking for one?”
Kara grinned. “You’d be surprised.”
Xyne coughed pointedly.
Selya glanced at him briefly before returning her attention to Kara. “I must admit, I did not expect House El’s heir to be quite so… spirited.”
Kara arched an eyebrow. “What were you expecting?”
“A scholar. A diplomat. Someone boring.”
Kara laughed. “Then I guess I’m a disappointment.”
“Not in the slightest.”
Xyne stiffened slightly, glancing between them. Oh, if Revena could hear Kara right now, she would be royally pissed.
But Kara, ever oblivious, just chuckled. “Good to know.” She turned back to the merchant, setting the sword down. “So, Princess, do you often wander through marketplaces, or did I just get lucky?”
Selya smiled, slow and deliberate. “I make it a habit to observe visitors of interest.”
Xyne subtly elbowed Kara.
Kara frowned. “Ow—what?”
Xyne gave her a look.
Kara ignored it.
Selya seemed amused. “You are unlike most Kryptonians I have met.”
“You’ve met a lot?”
“A few. They are… precise. Controlled. But you?” Selya tilted her head. “You are something else.”
Kara shrugged, entirely unfazed. “I get that a lot.”
Selya studied her for a moment before stepping closer.
Too close, if Xyne had anything to say about it. He promised his cousin that he would be looking after her oblivious and a disaster of a betrothed.
“I hope your visit to Khevron is enlightening,” Selya murmured.
Kara just grinned. “So far, it’s been pretty interesting.”
Selya smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. “Good.” She turned gracefully, nodding once before walking away, leaving Kara standing there with a pleased but utterly clueless expression.
Xyne, on the other hand, face-palmed.
He stared after the princess, then back at Kara, then back at the princess. Then, finally, at Kara again.
Kara picked up another sword, testing the balance. “Huh. Maybe I should get one of these.”
Xyne groaned.
“Kara.”
“Yeah?”
“You do realize she was flirting with you, right?”
Kara blinked. “What?”
Xyne threw up his hands. “Unbelievable. If Revena could see you right now.”
Kara just frowned in confusion, completely oblivious as she inspected another blade.
Kara, still inspecting the sword, didn't notice the shift in Xyne’s expression as he glanced back toward Princess Selya. “You know, if Revena were here...” Xyne started, his voice low and teasing, “...I think she might get a little jealous.”
Kara didn’t look up from the blade. “Jealous? What are you talking about?”
Xyne’s tone shifted slightly, and there was a mischievous glint in his eye. “Oh, I don’t know... maybe because the princess seems really interested in you.” he paused, letting the words linger in the air. “You’ve seen how she’s been looking at you, right?”
Kara froze, her hand tightening around the hilt of the sword. She slowly glanced over at Xyne. “Wait… you think Revena would be jealous?” Her voice wavered, a hint of uncertainty creeping in.
Xyne’s eyes twinkled with knowing amusement. “You really don’t see it, do you? The way Selya kept getting closer, the looks she kept sending your way? It’s obvious, Kara. But if Revena found out…” Xyne let his words hang ominously in the air, letting the implications settle.
Kara’s confident demeanor faltered slightly as she looked over at the princess again, now casually engaged in conversation with someone else, but still sneaking glances toward her. “Uh…” Kara hesitated, frowning. “I mean, Revena wouldn’t… she wouldn’t be that upset, right?”
Xyne gave her a knowing look, his expression mock serious. “You’ve seen how she reacts when someone looks at you the wrong way. You think she’d like watching another princess getting that close to you?”
Kara blinked, the playful confidence that usually defined her starting to slip. She set the sword down carefully on the stall, her fingers tapping nervously on the hilt. “You wouldn't tell her.”
Xyne raised an eyebrow, his grin growing wider. “Oh, I would. She's my cousin, remember?
Kara punched his shoulder as he continued to threaten her.
And across the marketplace, Princess Selya allowed herself a small, knowing smile.
House El’s heir was interesting.
And she was very, very fun to watch.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The grand hall of the Khevronian palace shimmered under the glow of suspended star-crystals, casting a soft golden light over the assembled guests. The banquet was a formal affair—lavish, dignified, and, in Kara’s opinion, way too long.
She sat at the table reserved for Krypton’s delegation, idly poking at a plate of unfamiliar food. Across from her, her friend Xyne was busy stacking pieces of starfruit into a tiny, lopsided tower.
“This is so boring,” Xyne whispered, balancing a slice on top. “Why do we even have banquets?”
Kara sighed dramatically. “Because adults think food makes people like each other.”
Xyne snorted. “Do you like me more because of this food?”
Kara glanced at her plate and shoved it toward him. “You can have mine. Maybe you’ll start liking yourself more.”
Xyne grinned, shoving a piece of fruit into his mouth. “Works for me.”
Across the room, Princess Selya was seated at the head table, listening to her advisors discuss trade agreements. Or at least, she was pretending to listen. In truth, her attention kept drifting back to Kara.
The Kryptonian heir was unlike the other guests. She sat casually, one leg tucked beneath her, showing no concern for formality. Her golden hair was slightly disheveled, her House of El insignia slightly crooked on her chestplate.
And she was fascinating.
Selya turned to one of her handmaidens. “What do Kryptonians think of arranged bonds?”
The handmaiden blinked, caught off guard by the question. “I, um, I believe they honor them, Your Highness.”
Selya hummed thoughtfully, watching as Kara flicked a piece of fruit at Xyne when she thought no one was looking.
Interesting.
Meanwhile, Kara was unaware of the scrutiny.
“Bet I can hit that glass without getting caught,” she muttered, holding a grape-like fruit between her fingers.
Xyne’s eyes widened. “No way. If you do, I’ll call you the greatest warrior of Krypton.”
Kara grinned. “Prepare to kneel before your champion.”
With perfect aim, she flicked the fruit across the table—
—only for it to be plucked out of the air by a slender, gloved hand.
Kara froze.
Princess Selya stood beside their table, holding the fruit between her fingers. She raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her violet eyes. “Were you attempting to start a food war, Lady Kara?”
Xyne immediately ducked behind Kara.
Kara, on the other hand, just blinked. “I was testing my reflexes.”
Selya smirked. “Ah. A warrior’s training, then?”
Kara puffed out her chest. “Obviously.”
Selya studied her for a moment before setting the fruit down on Kara’s plate. “Then perhaps I should challenge you myself.”
Xyne gasped from behind Kara.
Kara just tilted her head. “To what?”
Selya’s smile was slow, deliberate. “A duel. When you return to Khevron, of course.”
Kara grinned, already imagining an epic battle. “You’re on.”
Selya nodded approvingly. “Then it’s settled.” She turned to leave, but not before placing a gentle hand on Kara’s shoulder. “Enjoy the banquet, Kara Zor-El.”
Kara just beamed. “You too, Princess!”
Selya walked away, and Xyne immediately grabbed Kara’s arm.
“Do you even know what just happened?!” he whisper-shouted.
Kara frowned. “Yeah, I got challenged to a duel. Obviously.”
Xyne smacked his forehead. “You absolute starhead.”
Kara shrugged, completely oblivious. “Hey, at least this night got interesting.”
From across the hall, Selya watched Kara laugh, a glint of something unreadable in her expression.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The banquet had mostly wrapped up, the music softening and the conversations growing quieter as the evening deepened. Kara slipped away from the large hall, seeking a quiet moment away from the crowd. She didn't expect to find anyone in the hallway, but as she rounded a corner, she nearly bumped into Princess Selya.
Kara froze, eyes wide. “Princess, you—”
Selya raised an eyebrow, a playful grin on her lips. “Oh, didn’t expect to catch you sneaking away, Lady Kara. I thought Kryptonians were always so punctual.”
Kara laughed nervously, trying to play it cool. “Uh, well... can’t say I’m the best at following rules, especially not when there’s a banquet involved.”
Selya chuckled, her arms crossing casually over her chest. “I get it. These things can be a little too... formal for some people. Especially when they’re full of boring speeches.”
Kara shrugged, feeling the tension melt a little. “Yeah, exactly. Not really my scene. I’d rather be out doing something.”
“Something... exciting?” Selya asked, stepping closer with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Kara didn’t shy away. “I’d say so.”
Selya leaned in, lowering her voice just a touch. “Tell me, Kara, what kind of excitement do you usually find yourself in?”
Kara blinked, surprised by the question. “Uh... well, a lot of action, usually. I mean, when you’re a Kryptonian, things tend to get... intense.”
Selya studied her for a moment, her gaze softening. “I can tell. You don’t seem like someone who’d be content sitting through a meeting or a banquet.”
Kara chuckled lightly. “Not really.”
There was a beat of silence, and then Selya gave a small, amused smile. “You know, you're different than what I expected.”
Kara raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What were you expecting?”
Selya shrugged with a grin. “I don’t know... maybe someone a little more... predictable? But I like this version of you.”
Kara smirked. “The unpredictable Kryptonian?”
Selya nodded. “Exactly.”
Kara shifted uncomfortably, unsure of where this conversation was heading. “So... what now? Should I just accept that you’re going to keep watching me like some kind of... royal observer?”
Selya didn’t falter, her smile soft but genuine. “I’m not sure. I was just... enjoying the company of someone who doesn’t mind stepping outside the lines.”
Kara’s pulse quickened slightly, though she tried to keep her cool. “That’s, uh, good to hear. But I should probably make something clear.” She took a breath, feeling the need to be honest. “I’m already... kind of taken. I’m betrothed to someone very dear to me.”
Selya’s smile faltered, but she recovered quickly, her eyes no longer glinting with the same playful energy. “I see,” she said, her voice softer now. “I didn’t mean to overstep, Kara. I respect that.”
Kara relaxed slightly, relieved by Selya’s understanding. “I appreciate it. Really.”
Selya looked at her for a long moment, as if weighing her words carefully. “Well, I’m not one to pursue what isn’t mine. But I’ll be keeping an eye on you, Kara. I can’t help it.”
Kara gave a small, sheepish grin. “Not sure if that’s a good thing, but I’ll take it.”
Selya stepped back, giving her a final, slightly wistful smile. “I’ll see you around, then. Since we will be going together to Cygnus X-1 system. Try not to get into too much trouble, alright? I hear you're a magnet for that.”
Kara chuckled. “No promises.”
As Selya walked away, Kara stood still for a moment, her heart racing in a way she hadn’t quite expected. The conversation had been unexpected, sure, but it had also been... kind of nice? She shook her head, not sure what to make of it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Kara was sitting on the edge of her bed, absentmindedly tossing a small rock up and down as she stared out the window. The night sky of Khevron was speckled with distant stars, but her thoughts were far from the beauty of the view. She could feel it—the quiet tension building, the weight of a conversation that was coming. She’d been expecting it.
Her communicator buzzed suddenly, cutting through the silence. She didn’t need to check the display; she already knew who it was.
Revena.
“Revena,” Kara said, raising the device to her ear, her tone a little too casual, as if she hadn’t just been worrying about the call for the past few minutes.
“Don’t ‘Revena’ me, Kara,” came the sharp reply, the unmistakable edge of frustration clear in her voice. “I just got the most ridiculous news.”
Kara straightened, her heart rate picking up as she tried to gauge the mood on the other end. “What are you talking about?”
“Princess Selya,” Revena snapped, her voice thick with sarcasm. “I hear you’ve been having a lovely time with her.”
Kara blinked. That wasn’t quite how she’d expected the conversation to go. “What? Revena, it’s not what you—”
“I don’t want to hear it, Kara!” Revena interrupted, her voice rising, the jealousy in her words evident. “You’re off having banter with some royal, while I’m stuck here in my house because the only person my father trusts with me is off entertaining royal gestures. Oh and Xyne snitched. He says you two were practically having your own little private duel. What do you call that?”
Kara’s shoulders relaxed as she let out a small breath. It wasn’t the first time Revena had gotten worked up about something, but this? This was different. “Revena, calm down,” she said, trying to soothe her fiancée’s clear irritation. “It wasn’t like that.”
“I don’t care how it was!” Revena’s voice cracked, frustration bleeding through. “She’s a princess, Kara! A princess! You think she didn’t notice you? And you—what? You just let her talk to you like that? Flirting and... whatever that was?”
Kara rolled her eyes, though she smiled to herself. “Oh, come on. Flirting? It’s not like that. She’s just... being friendly. We were talking about dueling, that's all.”
“Dueling? DUELING?” Revena echoed, her voice incredulous. “You think I don’t know what that means? You’re a little too close to that princess for my liking, Kara. You’re betrothed to me, remember?”
“Of course I remember,” Kara said softly, her tone shifting. “I’m not interested in anyone else, Revena. It’s just... you know how I am. I don’t think about stuff like that. Besides, I told her that.”
There was a long silence on the other end. Kara could almost hear the storm brewing in Revena’s mind, the quiet battle of emotions raging. Finally, Revena spoke again, but this time her voice was quieter, a little more uncertain. “But... you’re sure? I mean... it sounds like she wants something more from you.”
Kara’s lips curled into a teasing smile, trying to lighten the mood. “She did say she wanted to duel me when I come back to Khevron. But I don’t think she’s looking for anything serious. I mean, come on, it’s just a sparring match.”
Revena sighed, sounding like she was rubbing her temples in frustration. “I still don’t like it. It doesn’t sit right with me. But... I guess if you say there’s nothing to it, I’ll... try to believe you.”
“Hey,” Kara said, her voice soft and affectionate. “I’m your fiancé, remember? I only have eyes for you.”
“I know,” Revena muttered, though her tone was softer now. “I just... I don’t like hearing you look so... interested in someone else. Even if it’s just about dueling.”
Kara chuckled, leaning back against her pillows as she looked up at the ceiling. “You’re jealous, aren’t you?”
Revena’s silence was answer enough, and Kara grinned, a playful gleam in her eye. “It’s cute. Really.”
“I am not—” Revena started, but her voice softened when she realized Kara was teasing her. “I just... care about you, okay?”
Kara’s expression softened, her heart warming at the vulnerability in Revena’s voice. “I care about you, too. And you don’t have to worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
Revena’s breath was steady on the other side of the line, and Kara could almost feel the weight lifting between them. “Alright, fine,” Revena finally said with a reluctant sigh. “I guess I’ll let it go... for now.”
Kara smiled to herself, feeling a comforting sense of relief. “You know I’m yours, right?”
There was a brief pause before Revena replied, her voice steady. “I know. Just... don’t let her get too close, okay?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got you,” Kara said, her tone light, as if the tension had never existed. “Now, what about you? How’s everything back home?”
As they shifted the conversation to something else, Kara’s heart stayed warm, knowing that even when things felt a little complicated, their bond was strong. No princess, or misunderstanding would ever change that. Right?