**Author Notes**

I have tried to keep 'Jupiter Opposing' in line with the spirit of the original movie, for all of us who wanted more! I hope you enjoy it. All feedback is welcome! I made some updates on the last few chapters. I wasn't happy with their flow.

**Notes Updated 9/29/2018**

Jupiter Opposing

Jupiter Jones sits atop the Sears tower, overlooking the lights of Chicago. Her gaze passes beyond the city to the hazing curve of the horizon, as if to take in the entire scope of the world. Her long dark hair flows around her shoulders in the high breeze. She waits.

'Technically speaking, I'm Queen of the Earth, not that this distinction comes with any perks, because no one can know the truth, least of all my own family. If all that isn't bizarre enough, I inherited the planet from myself, my genetic children are tens of thousands of years older than myself, and the man I love thinks of himself as a dog. Lately, that's become a typical day. My aunt remains convinced that I have a great destiny, and now that I met the love of my life and traveled the stars, maybe that isn't so much bullshit after all. But I am not my father, and I do not see the good in everyone. Instead, I begin to equate the word destiny with a rising sense of paranoia. I imagine every face hides a Keeper. I wonder if the shimmer of stars is really camouflaged ships. After long days engrossed in the family business of cleaning magnificent homes, I study the codes given to me during my ascension to an Entitled, Her Majesty, Owner of Earth, and I find myself adrift in a sea of jibberish.'

Caine glides from the evening sky and alights beside her. Jupiter stands and folds herself into his embrace, cradled within his strong arms and powerful, prosthetic wings, but her face remains troubled. Caine senses her worry and steps back, searching her eyes.

"Your Majesty?" he asks in a deep, concerned growl. He would fight whatever troubles her to its death, if he could.

"What do I do? Do I order all the Keepers off the planet? And what happens if I do? I mean, there were four at the fertility clinic alone. How many are there, really? And what are they hiding as? Doctors? Lawyers? Politicians? Well, politicians would explain a lot." Her lips curl in a rueful grin.

"I can't answer that." He stares over her shoulder into the fading orange sky, thoughtful. "But we know someone who might. I'll speak to Stinger. He's been posted to this planet for years. "

"You think he'll know where they are all hiding? All the Orous... people... on Earth?"

"I'll find out what I can, Your Majesty." She loves to hear him say those two words, but tonight, she just wishes he would call her by her own name. Jupiter nods. They turn and prepare for their scheduled date of an evening flight together, but this time, she doesn't crow with joy. Instead, her face has the intent look of someone training for battle.

'The worst thing is, admitting Balem was right. I have no idea what I'm doing.'