A Missing Record

Sarrin is the one person whose perspective is needed and this is a hidden scene that for whatever reason falls through the cracks in the retelling of this story.

Her physical description is not given but she has straight, DARK red hair that ends at her earlobe, is very slight and walks with her chin pointed a little down. She also has what looks like fish scales at her temples, beside her eyes.

There is a conversation, a scene which precedes this by 2 years. In which Oliver Queen and his friend Sarrin encounter the Green Martian J'onn Jo'nzz. Here, Jeremiah Danvers went above and beyond the line of duty in protecting his commanding officer. It should be noted that Jeremiah is the narrator and is mentally misspelling his hosts name to be Jean Jones.

“Am I a prisoner here?” I persisted.

“No restraints but there is a perimeter. That is my understanding.” the young woman replied. She tilted her head to the left. “Please, introductions should come first. My name is Sarrin, and you?”

“Jeremiah.”

“Jere-miah. That is a good name.”

“Forgive me but are you...what planet are you from?”

“I am Atraxi. My planet of origin was not the home planet for my people. I was 8 years old when my mother and I left it. I was almost 10 when we made our home on the West coast of the United States.”

“It took that long to get to Earth?”

“Well, to get to Earth and learn enough about it to know that northern California is a pretty cool place, yes. I should have started by saying 'welcome to Arias'. It's our collection of friendly faces of various alien races and a few of the more tolerant humans. Of which you seem the best.”

I didn't understand what she meant, so I decided to press on the the part I was actually concerned about. “Jean is you leader?”

“J'onn Jo'nzz is the leader of our community, yes. But I am not wearing a bracelet.”

“Please elaborate.”

“I'm not afraid of him, or you. That's not why I'm this high-strung. By my very nature I am unsteady and uncertain. And to be blunt I am more concerned that you think accurately of us than you think well of us. And far more concerned about that than I am offending you.”

“That is...very helpful to know. And you are an incredibly perceptive individual.”

“My people, like Xavallens and Enkarens, sense emotional vibrations. But unlike them I am not reading your heart, like I read a book, I feel whatever is coming from you without effort and without real choice. Now I can try to read your heart, search the core of your being. Please believe me that I would not do so without your permission. Well I cannot claim that. If J'onn asked me I would do so. And to tell you the truth I am tempted to do so anyway. I swear I am not trying to be intrusive. I can tell you are an extra-ordinary individual and I'm... really curious as to the why. But it's not the same as reading minds. I am an empath not a tele-path.”

“ ' Discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart' is that it?”

“More like 'motivations and intentions' but yes essentially.”

“A world without ego without selfishness without...lies.”

“Oh trust me, lies exist. But they are usually for a much better reason. Thinking of which, J'onn is eager to talk with you. But his people are telepaths and psychic. All of their communication would have been through thought. He will probably send you his words that way. Or send them to me and hear your answers as you speak.”

“You said you were not a telepath.”

“One does not need to be a telepath to hear the thought projections of an individual who is one. I have an extremely compartmentalized, that is a well-ordered mind. Makes it easier for me to hear and understand what he is trying to say. I wanted to assure you he will not search through your thoughts looking for hidden truths. It is communication only not...the other thing. If that was what you were – to be polite expecting to be candid anticipating – you are incorrect. To quote an old television show “Let him have every liberty, except liberty itself.” It is that kind of situation.”

I nodded. “House arrest.”

“I just realized you have been asleep for hours. And probably do not know where you are.”

“Well, how far are we from the way-point?”

“A good 6 hours walk but that's not what I mean. Arias is the name of the village we have built here for ourselves. It is our community of friendly individuals from various points across the stars. And this...you...are on its outer edge.” She looked hard at me to make sure I understood her meaning. I nodded my confirmation. “In fact, if you were up for it, I was to take you on a little bit of a tour around the place. But only if you are up for it.”

“Do you always talk like that?”

“Uncertain, overly concerned, quiet but intense? Yeah pretty much.” She said with the first true smile I had seen on her face. “If you mean with such a precise use of English that it seems like my second language, also yes. Because it's my Fourth.”

“Okay, please explain that to me.”

She started counting on her fingers. “My own peoples language, the official language of my home planet, the first Earth language I ever learned which wasn't English and then English.”

“You landed on the West coast and English wasn't the first language you learned?”

“What major city would stand out like a shining light in Northern California?”

“San Francisco...Chinatown. You learned Mandarin first.”

“Nail-on-head.” She gave me a strange look. “Being 10- degrees off however has less to do with proper English as having greater concern for clear communication than accurate convention. I don't care about getting the expression right, only expressing myself clearly. Different as daylight and darkness' instead of 'different as night and day' is not a near-miss. Some have negative ideas of the harsh light of day and positive ideas of the cool winds of night. To make sure you actually get what I'm saying...”

“You make it damn near impossible not to understand what you are saying. That's why Jean has you do the introductions. You understand both of our worlds but don't claim either one.”

“There's that.” A deep voice said suddenly. “And she sees beyond sight in a way I have never encountered before.”

I would be hard-pressed to disagree with you, Jean.” I looked at him and felt myself blush. “Listen I realize you have practically no reason to trust me, but you can believe me when I say I am glad to meet you.” Jean looked at me like I had just told a very good joke. I could swear Sarrin was hiding a personal smile behind her serene expression. “What did I say?”

“Jeremiah, I have every reason in the world to trust that you mean what you say. You are the most honorable individual I have met since I came to this planet. That was 300 years ago. I just hope you can believe ME when I tell you the feeling is mutual. That I am glad to meet you as well.”

“Whatever else is going on, I do not doubt your intentions. And I hope to prove mine. Starting with what a Xavallen friend of mine would have referred to as 'proper introductions'.” I put my hands to my heart, fingers pointed inward. “I'm Jeremiah Danvers. For my part you can consider me a friend.” I offered my hand and for a moment he looked at it as if he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do with it. Then he straightened himself like a solider and offered his own right hand.

“I am...J'onn Jo'nzz.”

“Sarrin told me she was to take me on a walk around Arias if I was up to it. I'm surmising that was less an assignment from you and more an idea out of her own head?”

“Yes, but she said it that way to illustrate to you that I was alright with it. Sarrin can be... more direct that precise sometimes.”

“I'm picking up on that.”

Jeremiah was brought here to live and stay after the mission to terminate a particularly dangerous alien went the way it did. Jeremiah stayed with J'onn as kind of a willing captive. Exchanging himself for Hank Henshaw. In his offer itself it was for his freedom as well as his life. “If you will not only let him live but let him go.” As a result he is a captive in that he cannot escape but his life is otherwise perfectly normal. Basically he has every liberty, except liberty itself.

Garden of Hope

“Stop, please.” The alien raised his fist, relenting from his assault. “Is this how you prove your superiority? Attacking a defenseless solider?”

“You defend him, why? Who is he to you?”

“He is my commanding officer. I make no excuses for his intentions nor my own actions. He's no longer any threat to you, leave him alone. We have rules even in plain war, you don't kick a man when he's down. If for no other reason than to prove you're better than us...better than him...leave him be.” My words must have made an impact because he stepped away from us. 'You are a strange one, whoever you are.' I heard the man say. Although I'm not entirely sure he said it.

“I'd be happy to never see his like again. But I cannot trust that you would leave me alone. I cannot simply let you go.”

“You don't want him anywhere near you. I understand. I hope that...Do you have the same problem with me?”

The stranger stepped closer to me, almost like he was taking my measure. Trying to determine what he thought of me and what kind of person I was. I tried to do the same and found myself rather drawn to the man. I saw something almost noble about him. He was a solider and an experienced one at that. He had seen enough battle to value life. After a few moments he stepped back. “You are better than him.”

“He has a beacon in his vest pocket. An emergency signal for extraction. They'll come for him. We'll be safe.”

“I honestly do not understand what you are trying to say.”

“I'm asking that you let Hank go home; I'll stay.”

“You would give up your freedom for this man's life?”

“For his freedom and his life, yes.”

He looked at me with the strangest expression I have ever seen. He seemed mystified any human would so willingly make that sacrifice. I realized he was surprised that any human would surrender so completely, so damn near unconditionally to an alien, and mean it. “I suppose I am suggesting almost a prisoner exchange. Hank is a solider, he'll understand. Sir, I swear to you on anything that would matter, if you will not only let him Live but let him Go, you can take me. I will not leave and I will not fight. I take my oath on it.”

“There is nothing I like better than an honorable man.” He knelt down and touched the side of Hank's face with the back of his hand. Henshaw's eyes closed and he seemed to drift off to sleep. “Send a signal for him to be retrieved, then leave your radio and come with me. Or better, give me your radio.” I handed it to him and was not entirely surprised to hear Hank's voice come out of the man's mouth. “This is commander Hank Henshaw requesting immediate extraction.” There was silence on the other end. I repeat this is – say 'Director' – this is Director Hank Henshaw requesting extraction.”

“Acknowledged director we're 7 minutes out.”

“So, what happens now?”

“There's a stop along the road, an old hiding place nearby, we'll head there.”

“Wait, please...we should at least learn each-others names.”

“Yes, in fact that should have come first. Not to introduce yourself is considered extremely rude even among enemies....Which we are no longer enemies.”

I pointed to my heart with both hands. “I'm Jeremiah Danvers.” I extended my hand.

He looked at it like he'd never seen anything like it before in his life. Then extended his right hand. “I am...J'onn Jo'nzz.”

We walked for a couple of hours, headed southeast near as I could tell. Eventually we came to what might have been an old schoolhouse. He waved me inside. There was a coffee table, a floor lamp and a makeshift mattress propped up on cinder blocks. “I sincerely hope you'll be comfortable here. There's a lavatory over the breezeway. I have a friend I must visit before sundown.”

“Thank you.” I said in a rush.

“ I should be thanking you.” And left without another word.

The next morning he came back. I stood the instant he walked into the room. He looked thoroughly uncomfortable. “I do not know...I don't intend...” He stammered.

I realized he had misinterpreted my overture. “I'm sorry. I stood at attention every time Hank walked into the room. Old habits really must die hard.”

“A sign of respect or fear?”

“Respect, for his authority and position. He was my superior offic... I do not fear you. Of that you may be assured.”

“Then please, no unneeded courtesy or ceremony. It comes off as pretense.”

“Take your own advice.”

He actually smiled at me. But didn't say anything else. I realized the ball was still in my court. “Do I intimidate You?” I asked him.

“Confuse me, yes. I can tell there is more to you than most. You are, as Sarrin would no doubt say, 'a glorious exception'.”

“You mean I'm better than most humans you know?”

“Exactly that. Shall we have an exchange of truths?”

“I'm game.”

“Tell me why you are so unshaken by me.”

“I'm rather familiar with at least one very cool alien. Two if you count my adopted son. And not all the aliens the D.E.O. encountered were hostiles to be caged. Something we took to heart and took into account when we worked. For whatever reason we honestly thought you were a threat. Your physical appearance had nothing to do with it. Even if it did? I can trust the evidence of my eyes.”

“So you trust me not to be your jailer.”

“I'm not sure how to take that actually. And it isn't intimidation you are sensing from me as much as...uncertainty. I don't know what to expect.”

“I don't intend to treat you as any sort of captive Jeremiah. I never did. You are ___my guest. As welcome here as myself.”

“Would I seem ungrateful to ask why you are being so kind to me?” Jean gave a start. “I wasn't an eager participant but I WAS on a mission to kill you.”

“I've lived on this planet for 300 years and you were the first human to treat me as an equal, knowing who I really was. I could look human if I wanted to. If I wanted to, I could look like your commanding officer. You and Henshaw are the first humans in more than 50 years to see me as I truly am FIRST. And you didn't fear me. Come to that, I don't think either of you were particularly afraid of me.”

“Hank is narrow-minded and stubborn. But he isn't as bad as people think.” Suddenly I felt like hanging my head. “I owe you an apology. I do not understand how but we were VERY wrong about you. And I am sorry.”

“I understand.”

“What is this place?” I asked him.

“A...a place that you have to see for yourself. Are you ready?”

“Lead the way.”

Thus begins six years of peace and incorporate league both in Arias Peru and the Department of Extra-normal Operations on the West coast of the United States.

Timeless Frozen Ocean Aka: D.E.O. Revelations

“I thought we were a little overdue for a chat.” The young woman said to the solemn, dark-skinned man at her door. “Well, in or out choose one.”

“I rather deserve that. We need to have a serious talk.” A shiver went up Nikita's spine.

“I'm sorry; it still kinda gives me the chills when you talk like that.”

“I'm surprised it doesn't make you want to punch something...especially me.”

“Hank, what exactly are you here to hear from me? I mean we both know there is a pretty serious animal in the room, but what do you think that animal looks like...a tiger or an elephant?”

“Well that's actually what I'm asking...If I understand you correctly there is definitely some giant Herbivore that's stopping us from solving a damn problem. But if it is not a frightened dog -- and I can tell it is not -- why is it not a tigress? And why is it not turning on its kidnappers? Nikita I really mean it...why don't you hate me?”

“I have no reason on the face of this earth to hate you Hank. And I have nothing to fear from you anymore. Aside from the fact that hate is useless, I can sense everything that makes you who you are. The essence or core of a person, a soul I guess it's called. I don't mean an immortal thing. It isn't of everyone but I've spent enough time around you I can hear your proverbial heart. There is nothing in you now that even resembles what I sensed from you before...the person you were when you and I used to sit here and have those endless debates. I cannot hold who you were over the man you are now. It's actually against my own scriptures to do so.”

“Were you a priest on your planet?” Hank looked shocked and stupefied and a couple other things at once. “I'm sorry but everyday Christians don't hold so unswervingly or effortlessly to Christian teachings. Only those with religious training or holy orders so devotedly follow, even our own 'scriptures'. Are you the equal to a Franciscan friar?”

“Only in so far as the teachings in our holy book resemble closely what I have read in your Bible. And it's one of a very few things I have of my culture of origin. I never attended church back home. I would have if I'd had the liberty, I wasn't given that opportunity. I wasn't a prisoner I was...a shameful secret. I stayed at home, read books, watched holo-vids and read The Good Book over and over again. I KNOW the ten tales that comprise my peoples most sacred book. The only good thing that came from being hidden away is how easily I can follow the star in my own heart, and live as I would be taught....even without the...Basic Instructions By Light Eternal. On my desk.”

'I've heard the Bible called Basic Instruction Before Lea...You meant your scriptures, didn't you?”

“We read them by lamplight and they are the light that guides our way as we journey along through life. We don't argue about what the afterlife looks like and there is never any doubt that one exists–Yeah, I didn't mean the Bible. Although from what I've read, even though it gets drown out a lot, the Ten Certain Tales are found in your Bible as well. Hank you've made the conscious choice to be different, to be better than you were before. More than that you have succeeded. You ARE a man a million times better than who you were. I will not hold onto that hot coal just waiting for you to backslide so I can stone you with it. I realize I am mixing A-ton of metaphors here, but they fit. From my perspective, from my personal perspective as well as the teaching of my own people's scriptures,  holding your past self against the man standing in front of me right now is not only stupid, it's morally wrong. Hate is as painful as it is destructive, and completely useless. The fires of the past hurt like hell, why would I choose to keep them burning hot?”

“Forgotten, but not gone?” Hank Henshaw said mildly.

“Oh trust me, this shrap still hurts...I just don't let it dig into my back.”

The Victorious 'Dead'

These next several entries will all be part of the same story. They will tell the tale of Jeremiah's Offer, Hank Henshaw's change of heart and how both found peace. This is at the end of the story. And the beginning fo the rest of thier lives.

Green skinned alien: You would give up your freedom for this man's life?
Jeremiah Danvers: For his freedom AND his life yes.

Sure I felt like a prisoner at first. Sarrin said I was a captive in that I could not escape. She wasn't wrong. But I'm not about to...break faith with you.”

“Do you honestly believe that's what you'd be doing by checking up on a friend? Sarrin felt –and told me– what Nikita meant to you.” J'onn's eyes went wise with realization. “The oath is invalid if you are staying here only out of obligation. Do you not see that?”

“For maybe the third time since I met you, I'm not understanding you.”

“We will always be brothers Jeremiah. You don't have to stay at my side for that. You said once that even your son was not enough for you to want to leave. I assumed there was no one ELSE out there who could pull you away. Please understand if you have someone in this life who needs you, I would never knowingly keep you from them. That is at least part of what 'brotherhood' means, isn't it?”

“I...cannot find the means by which to argue with you.” Jeremiah tried to stop himself from smiling. There was so much truth in his friends words. “I'm glad we think alike.”

“Come on, I'll fly you to National City. Just let's say goodbye to Sarrin first.”

It gives more weight to J'onn's feelings later when they meet Jeremiah in the present day: That Jeremiah was the first human who treated him as an equal, knowing who he really was. To J'onn, Jeremiah was an angel in an unlikely den of wolves. And he thought Jeremiah died that day. Turns out he was captured by Cadmus...along with Hank Henshaw.

Arias Guatemala only exists in one of my two sets of alternate Earth stories: the one on Earth-9. In it Jeremiah Danvers was brought here to live and to stay after the mission to terminate a particularly dangerous alien went the way it did. Jeremiah stayed with J'onn as kind of a willing captive. Exchanging himself for not only Hank Henshaw's life but his freedom. He asked J'onn to not only let Hank live but let him go. He's a captive in that he cannot escape but his life is otherwise perfectly normal. Basically he has every liberty except liberty himself. Elana and Martin Stein practically stumbled upon them, as Arias  4 years later and that in turn encouraged or spurned Jeremiah to visit the D.E.O and find some closure on how he feels about...anything. 

He tells J'onn he wants to see for himself if Nikita really is free to do what she wants and chooses to stand my Hank's side. Or is simply following orders, voicing a party line when she serves as Hank's lefftenant And they actually do use that word. He needs to check in on her and then he can find some closure and move on with his life. By this time Jeremiah and J'onn have become the best of friends. Jeremiah Danvers feels bound by an oath tying him to J'onn. "I promised I would never leave your side. From what I understood that was a til death do us part oath of loyalty, if not brotherhood."

Nikita drew herself to her full height. Which still was barely 5'10. She looked the prisoner in the eyes. Or rather just above them. “May Tex Kolar Daxam.”

“You honor me.” The woman replied, likewise drawing herself to her full height. “Even if you don't really mean it.”

“No I didn't. And if you were who you claimed to be you'd never have accepted it.”

“I don't understand.” Mon-El of Daxam said from a few feet to Nikita's left.

Nikita kept her attention squarely on the woman on the other side of the door. “You're not a Daxamite. Much less the queen of that planet. Who the hell are you?”

The human-looking woman and sea blue dress faded away to reveal an individual with thick muscles, rough skin, deep-set eyes and monstrous teeth.

“How did you know?” Mon-El asked his friend.

“I gave a Kryptonian slur against your people, standing straight as if it were some kind of salute and se responded as if it were her national anthem or something. She knows who your people are, but not how you feel about each-other.”

“You're smarter than I gave you credit for.” The woman begrudgingly admitted.

“I have to admit, while not intentionally cheating, I had an advantage.”

“If you were a telepath I would have known.”

“I am an empath. But that's not what I was referring to.”

“What are you Xavallen or something?” The prisoner snorted derisively.

“Yes, I am.” Nikita turned to her compatriot. “If Director Henshaw isn't already on the way down here, will you page him please?”

Hank Henshaw walked through the door a few moments later. “So who do we have here?”

“A White Martian. I have yet to ask her name.” Nikita professionally reported.

“A White Martian.” Mon-El echoed.

“How did you know?” Hank Henshaw asked his subordinate.

“You remember how I reacted to the Infernian in Brooks Square? White Martians are the other race of whom my physiology is so completely sensitive. It is something that is EXTRELELY UNIQUE to my people.” Nikita smiled wryly. “Also I've met one before. It doesn't feel quite the same as when I'm around an Infernian but it's pretty unmistakable.”

“And did he make you cry?” The Martian in the cell taunted.

“He took control of my mind and made me beat a four-legged farm animal to death. He restored my self-awareness just in time for me to see my hand end that creatures life. As an empath I felt every blow I gave that creature and THAT made me cry.”

Nikita addressed herself to the entire room. “My people are...well we tend to offer a loaf of bread sooner than we'd offer either an olive branch or a sword. We do not know how to fight, not compared to a lot of other races out there. We are pretty damn good at fighting with our words not our fists. Something people like Bre-vaak's and the planet of weapons manufacturers that is Thrombus consider a sign of weakness.”

“Your race is as pathetic as I always heard.”

“Is there something wrong with not wanting an eye for an eye to leave the whole world blind?” Nikita retorted. “More than any other race my people have learned not to answer a threat with another threat. Something by the way that human are no where near advanced enough to understand. The difference between my people and theirs is that they have more to overcome. And so they try harder than we ever had to.”

Hank and Mon-El looked at each-other. This was the most open-book Hank had heard her when not talking about Jeremiah Danvers. It was the most open Mon-El had heard her at all.

“I don't suppose you've ever bothered to learn another species language.” Nikita said, her gaze fixed on the White Martian. “But listen to this. Mian soreth, nolet forseth. Breq-torec noreth. Elesaar Mian. Estarra Forseth.” Nikita's eyebrows raised and her gaze lowered. “Thank you, for that.” She said in a wavering voice. She turned and walked away from the cell.

“Nikita, what just happened?”

“The, the words were of memory and remembrance. I was using them differently. It's usually more like a benediction for those who have passed than a 'remember remember the time of the fires'. Mon-El, what's today's date?”

“April 18^th.”

“Hank, you and I have a glass of whiskey to pour for each-other when evening falls. Some humans have a similar tradition.”

“I'll be there.” Hank answered. “Meantime I'd like you back in the control room.”

Mon-El followed Nikita to the central cortex. Nikita walked up the the main view screen and began typing into the controls, doing her best to ignore her compatriot.

“I use English accurately but without the conventions Americans have learned.” She offered. “I would not say 'a bottle of whiskey' unless I intended to drink the entire bottle with him. Which I don't. We will pour each-other a glass...to remember a friend of ours who is no longer with us.”

Whatever question Mon-El had on his lips died on his lips.

“I'll go see if Winn needs any help down in processing.”

Nikita smile faintly. Mon-El had been working at the D.E.O. as a volunteer for almost 2 years now and still referred to the computer lab as 'processing' or 'the processing center'. She had to admit given the processing power of computers as well as the inherent fact that the computers were a core component in keeping things proceeding, the name made as much sense as anything.

Everyone gave her space for the rest of her shift. Not because she was hostile or worked up but because she carried herself with sadness. It almost rested on her. Some who knew her, like Winn Schott perceived something incredibly personal must have happened recently. They were only half-right. The man who freed her from the D.E.O. and saved Henshaw's life had died 4 years and one day ago.

Nikita sat on her bed waiting for Hank Henshaw. Her thoughts were full of what memories she had of Jeremiah. It was part of her commemoration to honor the man's life on the anniversary of his death. Rather than simply 'a life lived, a life ended'. The problem was, she didn't have very many memories of the man. The most important memory she had of him was the last time she ever saw him. She heard a tap on the door frame. “Come in.”

Hank Henshaw quickly stepped inside. Nikita motioned for him to take a seat at the breakfast table by the wall. He did. “I can't believe it's been four years already.”

Nikita smiled as she poured two glasses of whiskey. “Not one for beating around the bush. You know I kind of admire you for that.”

“Occupational hazard I guess.”

“Hank, may I call you Hank?”

“When we're off duty yes.” The man replied

“Hank, something I've been wondering since I met this new you. Aside from disagreements about me, did the two of you get along? Or did he constantly fight your decisions?”

“We got along fine. He would often object, try to offer alternatives. But he would never really fight me. We were working together for a cause and left it at that. He never let anything compromise his dedication to his values. I admired him for that.”

“Did it get him into trouble? When he helped me escape. Did you... punish him.” She couldn't bring herself to say the words aloud but her face finished the question.

“I had to put in his file that he did not do everything possible to prevent your escape. I didn't say anything else about it. He acted according to his own convictions. I couldn't punish him for that. Like I said, I can respect a man who stands behind his true beliefs. Besides, he was right."

"Hank, I hope you know – he wouldn't have regretted it."

"How can you know that for sure?"

"You're amazed and in shock that he was as loyal to you and the D.E.O. as he was. It follows that he wouldn't have regretted honoring that loyalty. He thought you were worth it. He thought I deserved to be free and you deserved to live. It seems to me he died how he lived: With honor."

Not Elias, Some Other Superman

 “You're right!” Kal exploded. “You're right, I was a monster. Nikita helped me see that. But please, I beg of you, don't punish her for her loyalty.”

“Are you actually asking to take her place?”

“I'm asking you to do your will upon me alone. Whatever that looks like.”

“Submit. And I promise you I will leave your friend unharmed.”

“I submit.”

“Prove it!” The man demanded.

“How?!”

“Get on your knees.”

“You give me your word that you will release her?”

“I give you my word that she will suffer no further pain or injury from me. That I will take my satisfaction entirely from you.” Silently, Superman sank to his knees. “Give me your loyalty. Pledge me your obedience. Do it. Or watch the inhuman traitor put slowly to death.”

Superman actually fell on his face before the human general. “Milord, from this day on, you are my lord and my master. Whatever you ask I will do. Whatever laws you ordain, I will follow. I place myself at your humble service.”

“And if you ever break this oath, what fate befalls you?”

“If I ever betray you, I will search for a spire of kryptonite and hang it around my own neck. I swear this on my life and Nikita's.”

“You really do care for her.”

“She is...a shining jewel in an empty universe. And you are a worthy leader.”

“How do you mean?”

“ 'Humanity's fate belongs in human hands' I've heard the mantra a hundred times. Human governments require human leadership. This may surprise you but I don't entirely disagree. But who would lead? I never knew there were human's like you on this planet: Natural born leaders to inspire your people to greatness.”

“Humans, are strong when they are united. But without a leader they grow stagnate.”

“I thought I had to be that leader. My father sent me here to give your people an example to follow, an inspiration to rally behind. A leader, to pull them out of darkness.”

“In fairness that is a not unworthy aspiration.”

“I see now I chose an... incorrect way to accomplish it.”

“I'll do whatever you ask, Just leave Nikita alone.” Superman declared. With a look from his brother he put his head to his knees, palms flat on the floor. “I offer my surrender. I do so most humbly.”

“What is it about this simple creature that you humiliate yourself so willingly?”

Superman looked into the man's eyes. “I implore you, let me save her.”

At the man's curt nod, Superman stood from his knees and pulled the woman from the Burning Lake, as the natural wonder would have been called in English. He set her down just beyond the shoreline. Tal-Rho walked up and put his hand on the left side of her ribs, feeling her heartbeat. “She'll be alright, in a few hours.”

Superman made what he thought was a very respectful decision and began speaking in Kryptonian. “One favor please, let me take her home.”

“Where is home for her?” Tal inquired.

“My home. She's my adopted daughter. I, I have a wife, a human wife, named Lois Lane. She and I adopted Nikita 4 years ago. Promise me you'll leave them alone.” Tal-Rho looked hard at his brother, emotionally moved, but unconvinced. Kal resumed speaking in English, Kryptonian simply did not allow for such passionate emotion. “I submit. I'll do whatever you ask, I swear it. But I beg of you, leave my family alone.”

“I promise I will let them live unharmed. I make no promise for you...or anyone else.”

“I ask nothing else. And I submit.”

“Let's be gone from here. Follow me.” Tal-Rho lifted himself of the ground and flew away. Superman as he was known to most people, followed after him. It wasn't long before he realized he was following his brother to his fortress in the desert. He wasn't sure what would happen, what his brother would force him to do. They barely knew each-other.

Until a few week ago he'd not even known he had a brother. It was apparently a fairly new revelation for Tal Rho himself. To learn he'd had a brother on Earth for 25 years and had never been told of his existence had seemed incredible.

The one thing Kal-El could be certain of as he followed his brother to his fortress was the sincerity of his feelings. He understood his brother well enough to know that acting out for being slighted was not the man's style. Tal's pleas to him 'Join me – of your own free will.' had been entirely genuine. It must have pained him when he refused. Except in the broadest strokes, Clark could not guess his brother's intentions. --------------- One of the first things Tal did was strip off his shirt and literally tie a spire of Kryptonite to his chest. “You'll get used to it Ka-rean.”

“Ka-rean: Small one. I should have expected that. If this is to make me compliant, it is unnecessary. You know this amount of Kryptonite will kill me before it breaks me.”

“It is not Kryptonite brother. Rather Nth metal, infused with the substance which bears that name. You will live a long life under its influence. But doing what? Is the question.”

“Tal, why are you doing this?”

“I need you weak enough that you won't interfere with our plans.”

Kal-El stared up at his brother. “OUR plans?”

It turned out the one thing Tal-Rho was interested in was parading his defeated brother in front of the living memory of his father.

Kalvin and Narek

Kalvin is spelled that way because he chose it to reflect his birth name Kal-El. It's not mentioned here but he chose the surname 'Harris' after the man who helped him escape a government facility.

Kalvin Harris struggled with his chains. They were clearing made out of some non-terrestrial metal or they would have shattered easily. He heard a voice. “Excuse me sir, I really wouldn't bother. If you try to escape he'll just hurt you again.”

“Escape? This a prison?”

“One of the more ancient and secure in 16 galaxies.” The man said calmly. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, Kalvin could make out a man in the cell across from him. The man looked like a middle-aged human with light blonde hair and very thin eyebrows. He spoke with simplicity and confidence.

“Who are you and what brought you to this?”

“I was a farmer. And then I became a thief. And now I'll die for it.”

“And what planet's government sends you to death just for stealing?”

“My jailer claims his Kryptonian authority to validate his actions.” the man said in a monotonous voice. “This was a Kryptonian prison once upon a time, he must have been a guard here. Kryptonian law has no death penalty for ANY crime. And so it would be quite difficult for Kryptonian law to sanction such an act.”

“You spent some time here before...I take it?”

“I was a smuggler for a cycle and sentenced here for 12.” Kalvin looked away, dejected. “It is fair; I do not question the judgment. But I wish they would tell me for what new crime I've been arrested.”

“You are here to pay for your original crime Nomatar.”

“I am NOT nameless.” The man said with feeling. “My name is Narek.”

“Do you prefer I call you 008429?” The guard said indifferently.

“You can go ahead and execute me. But you cannot take my name from me.”

“I have already done that Nomatar.” The helmeted guard turned to his Kryptonian guest and casually explained 'Nomatar' means 'nameless'.

“Under what authority do you execute him?”

“Under my own authority you simple-minded-twit. I am the only surviving guard left to keep our oaths and continue enforcing justice.”

“Will you do me the courtesy of telling me where I've been imprisoned?”

“This was Fort Rozz. Designed to hold criminals from 16 of the 23 inhabited galaxies. And now you Octavius will face true justice.” A thin man perhaps 26 Earth years of age was taken from the cell beside Narek's. His skin was sea green his hair matted and greasy. “Prisoner 008428, you've been found guilty of assault, theft, piracy and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The sentence declared is death. To be carried out immediately.” No sooner had these words been spoken than Octavius was forced to his knees and beheaded.

“Octavius was his name?” Kalvin asked of the man across the room from him.

“Yes. Why does that surprise you?”

“Why is he allowed to keep his name and you are not?”

Narek chuckled. “I was born on Star Haven. To them a name is a possession, a gift. Anton as I call the guard knows how demoralizing it is that even my name is taken from me. Laserites - that was Octavius people - don't particularly care.”

“So he does it as simply a final insult?”

“I suppose so.” The resignation on the man's face was heart-breaking.

“That's it, I'm getting you out of here.” Kalvin burned the lock of his cell door with his heat vision, silently thanking whatever God existed that his jailer had not bothered to flood the cell with red sunlight. He pulled the door to Narek's cell off of its hinges. Then was thrown backwards against the wall.

“You seriously have no respect for justice.” The guard growled darkly.

“I believe very strongly in Justice. But that's not what this is.”

Narek ran to the wall and took a rifle from the weapons locker. He pointed it at Anton's temple. “You should reconsider your current course of action. I will shoot, if I have to.”

“So much for being a man of peace.” Anton taunted him.

“I am a man of peace. But farmers had to defend our fields from rampaging herds and ravagers alike, which means I know how to use a weapon. And right now I'm defending a FRIEND, which means I will use it without hesitation. I say again: Stand down.” The guard dropped his hands. Narek did lowered his gun but did not take his attention off of the guard.

“Why did you give me the name Anton?”

“It means 'Solider of Duty'. It seemed to fit.”

“That it does. And in keeping with the laws and traditions I was sworn to uphold, I surrender myself to justice.” He turned to Kalvin. "If you were about to kill me, I would kneel and accept my fate. But you are not about to, are you?"

“You're right, I won't. I will find the most isolated cell in this prison you're so fond of and lock you into it for the rest of your mortal life."

“The fourth sub-level on the twilight side.” The guard replied easily.

Kalvin looked at Narek for an explanation

“It's for prisoners who would think about what they've done. The twilight side is called that because the lighting there simulates perpetual twilight. It lends itself to calm thinking and solitary reflection.”

“For criminals who would do their time without incident.” Kalvin guessed.

“Yes, forgive me I did not even ask your name.”

“I suppose you would call me Kal-El.”

“...I see. Then you must forgive me but, may I ask what happens to me?”

That's when it finally occurred to him. The guard had not flooded his cell with red solar rays, because neither the guard nor Narek had had any reason to think he was anything other than human. This also explained Anton's soft surrender. As a guard in a Kryptonian prison, to him Kryptonian authority would have been absolute. Kalvin looked with soft eyes as Narek stood there, silent and motionless. Then he realized Narek was waiting for an answer to his question; and not enjoying the wait. “Where is home for you? On Earth I mean.”

“Colorado State University, Colorado Springs.”

“Then hold onto me. That's your next stop.”

Narek wrapped his arms around Kal-El's torso. Four minutes later they were over the astronomy building of the university. Narek stumbled as they touched down.

“I am quite grateful that I did not acquire the ability to fly on this planet.”

“I'm still getting used to it myself.”

“You're letting me go?” Narek asked in a surprised voice.

“Yes. That's the general idea.” Kal-El said slowly.

“I don't understand. Why would you do this?”

“Well from my understanding, you've already served your time. Besides, I'd say your actions today earned you an early release.”

Narek took Kal's hands in his own, shaking them in gratitude. “Thank you Kal-El. I could never repay you for this.”

“Yes you can.” Kal-El said with a smile. “Lead a good life. Keep being kind.”

“I promise I will.”

“What do you teach here anyway?”

“Can you not guess?”

“I'd say linguistics but that doesn't...Astronomy. You teach them the stars.”

“The one thing I know better than anyone else on this planet. I know 17 languages but most humans, aren't interested in learning alien languages.”

“And Earth languages are still foreign to you.” Narek turned his head away. “I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you.”

“It's not that. Would it be presumptuous of me to say you have redeemed your family name today?”

“I do not understand your hesitation. Or the question itself for that matter. I was raised here on Earth. I know I'm Kryptonian, I know my birth name is Kal-El but I have no more knowledge of Kryptonian culture and political structure than I do...a Laserites.”

Narek picked on a stick started digging into the grass. “This is the symbol for the House of El. Which by your surname is your family. Humans would say they have their noses firmly in the air. None more so than one named Zor-El. He sentenced hundreds here without a thought.”

“Including you.” Kal-El prompted.

“One wrong cannot be negated by committing another. I meant it when I said I've accepted the justice of my sentence. But I got 12 years for stealing a sum equal to a years pay. There are those who got the same sentence for stealing the contents of a farmhouse.” For the second time Kal El turned his head away, this time in something approaching shame. “As I said,” Narek continued hurriedly. “You are not your family. And if I have anything to say about it, what you have done here will be what the house of El is remembered for.”