Time flies when you’re kingdom building.

The room was silent as I stood before the Kryptonian Council, my family, and a handful of trusted scientists. The holographic projection of Rao, Krypton's red sun, glowed softly in the center of the chamber. I took a deep breath, my hands clasped behind my back, and began. 

"Honored Council, esteemed members of the Science Guild, family," I started, my voice steady but filled with quiet excitement. "Today, I present to you an idea that will propel us into a future beyond anything we've ever imagined." 

I gestured to the hologram of Rao. "Our sun, Rao, has been the lifeblood of Krypton for millennia. But as we all know, its red wavelength limits our potential. Our biology is designed to absorb solar radiation, but under Rao's light, we are… stagnant. We are powerful, yes, but we are not *unleashed*. I discovered this four years ago when I first built the artificial sun. I continued to research the phenomenon and presented my findings to the Science Guild. Our Sun Lamps were built and implemented as a result of that research. Now, our streets are lit up with Sun Lamps, providing radiation to our citizens. We are stronger than we were, but I believe we can be stronger still." 

I paused, letting the words sink in. The room was still, every eye fixed on me. 

"What if I told you," I continued, "that we could transform Rao into a yellow sun? A sun that would not only sustain us but elevate us? A sun that would unlock abilities we've only theorized before but can now confirm due to reports from our people who've been to other star systems—strength, speed, flight, invulnerability, and more. A sun that would make Kryptonians the most advanced species in the known universe." 

Murmurs broke out among the council members. My uncle, Jor-El, leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. Aunt Astra, standing at the back of the room, crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. 

I activated a new hologram, this one showing a complex array of equations and diagrams. "The process involves a controlled stellar conversion. By adding matter and energy into Rao's core from a chosen distant source through a sustained wormhole, we can shift its wavelength from red to white. I've designed the technology and done the calculations. I assure you, I've been working on this idea for more than four years, and I am certain of its success. It's a matter of collecting the materials and assembly. Of course, this endeavor will require all of us to collaborate to ensure efficiency." 

One of the council members, an older man with a skeptical frown, raised his hand. "And what of the risks? Tampering with a star is no small feat. What if we destabilize Rao entirely? What if we destroy it?" 

I nodded, anticipating the question. "The risks are real, Councilor, but manageable. We've run thousands of simulations, and the success rate is over 98%. The key is precision. We'll use a network of satellites to analyze the process and ensure 100% accuracy to the simulation. The process will be gradual and monitored. And if anything goes wrong, we have fail-safes in place to halt the process before irreversible damage occurs." 

Another council member, a woman with sharp features, spoke up. "And what of the ethical implications? You speak of unlocking powers, but such abilities could make us… dangerous. To ourselves, to others." 

My expression softened. "I understand your concern, Councilor. But with great power comes great responsibility. We are not a warlike people. We are explorers, scientists, thinkers. These abilities would allow us to protect Krypton, to explore the stars, to aid other civilizations. And if we ever lose our way…" 

I paused, my gaze sweeping the room. "We are Kryptonians. We are defined by our values, not our powers. I propose we establish a code of ethics, a guiding principle to ensure we use these abilities for the betterment of all." 

The room fell silent again, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Uncle Jor-El stood, his voice calm but filled with pride. "Kara's proposal is bold, but it is also necessary. This is a chance not just to survive, but to thrive. To become what we were always meant to be. We've all witnessed her sharp mind in the years. She saved our planet; now she plans to make us thrive." 

My dad stepped forward, his voice cutting through the silence. "I've seen the simulations. I've reviewed the data. This isn't just a child's fantasy—it's a viable solution. And if anyone can make it happen, it's Kara." 

I felt a swell of gratitude but kept my composure. "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Uncle Jor, Dad. But this isn't just about me. It's about all of us. Together, we can make Krypton a beacon of hope, a symbol of what's possible when we dare to dream." 

The council members exchanged glances, their skepticism slowly giving way to curiosity, then excitement. Most were not skeptical of the success—just of the implications. They've all seen how my ideas have benefited Krypton. 

Finally, the head of the council, an elderly man with a kind face, stood. 

"Kara Zor-El," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "your proposal is unprecedented. But it is also… extraordinary. We will deliberate, but know this: you have given us hope. And hope, young one, is the most powerful force in the universe." 

I bowed my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "Thank you, Councilor. I look forward to your decision." 

As I stepped down from the podium, my family surrounded me, their pride palpable. Uncle Jor-El placed a hand on my shoulder. "You did well, Kara. You've given them something to believe in." 

I looked up at him, my smile widening. "I just hope it's enough." 

"It will be," Aunt Astra said firmly. "Don't worry. They trust in you; we all do." 

The council would deliberate on the decision for at least a month. It wasn't something to be taken lightly, like my guild entry test. 

---

### Walking Home 

As we walked home, I looked at all the changes that had occurred in the four years since I entered the Science Guild. The streets were lit up with Sun Lamps, which looked like crystal trees glowing golden. They were made of Kryptonian crystal and connected to an artificial sun, providing Kryptonians with yellow radiation. This made us healthier and stronger than ever—faster, sharper, and with heightened senses. We'd give Spider-Man a good beating, but we couldn't fly or shoot lasers yet. Bummer. 

Silver tracks lit up the streets—these were for public transport vehicles. There was little need for private transport, as you could request a ride from anywhere in the cities. There were also tracks connecting the cities. 

Other technologies I'd introduced were now commonplace. Most Kryptonians had smart eye contacts and subdermal communication devices—essentially, a smartphone as eye contacts and the ability to make calls with just their thoughts. I was proud of that one; it's hard to make a device that reads brain waves accurately. The brain is a very complex organ. 

Homes had been renovated and strengthened using a carbon composite with a molecular structure based on sun crystal. It was an incredibly strong substance. We didn't want our streets to crumble because of running children or people falling in the future. The smart contacts were also made of sun crystal—no one wanted them breaking in an accident or during a fight with soldiers. 

Those who didn't want invasive procedures got a standard smartphone, which looked like a pen. A panel would unfold from the side to form a screen because, well, that's cool. 

I had also developed other innovations, like nanobots in the body that monitored everything and provided real-time health data. Smart homes offered advanced security, entertainment, and more. Assistant androids helped workers, who now had much better standing—they even had a member on the council. 

The mining colonies were thriving, which was why we had the materials to rebuild and innovate. We also had sun crystal farms. Of course, we had a planetary defense system—a network of satellites with force field generators, advanced sensory systems, and weapons ranging from standard energy beams to antimatter and nano-swarm technology. 

You could say anything else about Kryptonians, but when it came to efficiency, we excelled. We had accomplished so much in just four years. 

I also had a younger cousin now—his name was Kal-El.