Kara turned her head to one side. Was Lena nervous?

Her friend stood behind the podium, knuckles white as she gripped the sides of it. The crowd of press officials and members of the public murmured and pointed as Lena tried and failed to start her speech, her mouth left hanging open with every failed attempt.

Kata wasn't sure of the reasoning behind holding the conference outside one of the nicest hotels in the city instead of her usual spot near L-Corp. She had refused to discuss her plans for today with anyone—including Kara.

For once, Lena had decided to let her hair down. Soft waves fell over one cheek and trailed over the front of her green dress. Kara smiled; it was she who suggested the style change. New Lena. New L-Corp endeavours. Only fitting a new hairstyle would go along with all the change.

'Six months ago,' Lena began, 'this city was brought into a state of near-ruin by invaders. They threatened our lives, our homes. But, of course, I don't need to tell any of you that. Just like I don't need to tell you Supergirl saved us all.'

A small cheer rose from a group in the audience, and Lena gave them a grateful smile. Kara was expecting that. Lena had made sure to invite, Alex, Maggie and several members of their respective colleagues as a thank you for their part saving National City.

'The Daxamites sought to end our way of life, but, ironically enough, their downfall could enhance it. The height of the conflict brought several of their ships down, including one just outside the city limits. In the days that followed the attack, L-Corp was given a unique opportunity to study the ship, and with the help of the FBI we did just that. From this collaboration, Project Rejuvenate was born.'

Lena paused and made a point of sweeping her gaze over every member of the audience. Kara pushed herself into flight and moved over to a closer rooftop. She wanted to see the audience's reaction as much as Lena appeared to.

'My team, along with the help of several government bodies, were able to strip the ship down to its barest essentials and rebuild it with another purpose in mind: this city. It's future.'

An outbreak of muttering. Kara focused her hearing on the loudest individuals.

'What is she on about?'

'She can't have… no way…'

Lena cleared her throat, and the muttering ceased. She relaxed her grip on the podium and straightened her back.

'L-Corp is proud to present a world first in your city: a space hotel.'

Questions erupted from the press in the audience, and Lena scanned each of their faces and frowned before she continued to speak. Kara knew she was looking for Kara Danvers' eyes, her questions. The one place Lena could always find a friendly query amongst all the distrust and suspicion. Guilt clawed at Kara's thoughts.

'The inside of the ship has been remodelled to fit a far more refined taste, and every inch of the craft is state of the art. It will be able to take up to fifty individuals into space for trips intended to last three weeks.'

'Is that safe? What about hostile aliens?' A member of the audience yelled.

'Along with an impressive weapons arsenal,' Lena said, 'the Daxamite ships boasted terrific defensive capabilities. It's a wonder the ship came down at all. My team have learned all they can about their workings and bolstered them by another 50%. You have my assurance that everyone on board will be as safe as they possibly can be.'

'Your word?' Another yelled. 'Why should anyone here trust a Luthor?'

Lena didn't waver outwardly, but there was a brief pause. Only a friend of Lena's could have seen how much the question rattled her.

'Oh, you shouldn't. My brother is a criminal, my mother also. The construction of this ship was not my responsibility. Don't trust in me: trust in the FBI, who have vetted every letter of Project Rejuvenate. Or the president herself, who made a point of personally inspecting the progress of the project on a monthly basis. Trust in the capabilities of L-Corp employees to do their jobs, and of government officials to know theirs as well.'

The crowd grew rowdier, and it was now Kara saw the beginnings of Lena's resolve begin to give out. Her eyebrow twitched as she flicked from one person's face to another. In the time it took her to start answering one question another ten had been posed.

Kara shook her head and threw herself off of the building. She maintained a steep dive until the final second, where she levelled off, soared over the crowd's heads and came to stand beside her friend. Lena's relief was tangible.

The crowd was split between hollering yet more questions and cheering the latest arrival.

'And now,' Lena shouted, but with less confidence than she'd had a moment ago, 'it is my pleasure to announce two things. One: in the spirit of rejuvenation the ship shall be named Dawn—for a new one just broke over this city. Two: as a way of saying thanks to the hard-working members of our police force, the mayor has chosen several outstanding officers to accompany myself, the press and Supergirl on the ship's Maiden voyage!'

Kara watched as another wave of questions landed, and caught Maggie's eye in the crowd. She glanced between the press officials and Kara several times. Kara took the hint.

Kara pushed upwards and hovered above the crowd by a couple of metres. This was enough to quieten the questioning and got some eyes off of Lena.

'This is a great thing,' Kara said. 'truly. Miss Luthor's contribution to the future of this city will make a sizeable difference to the local economy, and I'm glad to accompany her.'

'What will we do while you're gone?' Someone shouted, 'what if there's another attack?'

'My cousin will be here,' Kara replied, 'as will the local authorities.'

'Will you still have powers in the ship? Do you not gain your powers from the sun?'

Kara nodded. 'As we are staying within the solar system, I will still be near enough to the sun to utilize its radiation.'

'What about—?'

'Thank you all for coming,' Lena said, nodding at the crowd and then Kara, 'and please hold all further questions until the end of the event.'

Kara watched as Lena took a step back off of the stand and headed towards the hotel. She then flew upwards and away, but kept an ear trained on the next speaker for as long as she could.

There was little time for her to change back into Kara Danvers and get into the hotel without being seen. Her human clothes were hidden in a duffel bag just outside the VIP exit. She hurried into the purple cardigan and light grey pencil skirt combo and shoved her glasses back on before hurrying inside. She even managed to time bumping into Lena in the foyer.

'Where have you been?' Lena hissed, batting her arm, 'I had to face down fifty different questions at once, and I couldn't even look to you for support!'

'I am so sorry, traffic was terrible, and—' Kara examined Lena's face, 'hey, are you okay? You look pale.'

Lena swept her hair away from her eyes and shook her head.

'This one guy ripped into me about not trusting my surname.'

Kara rubbed her arm. 'That guy is stupid. Everyone knows you're not your mum or brother. You're you. And you're awesome.'

Lena smiled, but the happiness didn't quite reach her eyes.

'I'm so glad you're coming up with me,' she said, 'not sure I could do it alone.'

Kara shook her head. 'You can do anything.'

She snorted, and they linked arms. Lena led them over to where the hotel appeared have laid out a free buffet. Several police officers and Lena's personal security team were already sampling it.

'Oh my god,' Kara said, 'is this the place with those croissants you raved about?'

'Yep. I figured it was time you got to try one—or three, knowing you.'

'You didn't choose the venue for this thing for that, did you?'

Lena laughed. 'Of course not. It's a happy coincidence.'

Kara narrowed her eyes.

'Come on. You really think I'd—okay, fine. The thought did cross my mind,' Lena sighed as Kara laughed, and then added, 'but in my defence, this place has the best pillows, and I needed somewhere comfortable to rest my head before that hell.'

'You did great.'

Lena stopped and turned to look at her. Kara realised her mistake the moment it had slipped out of her mouth.

'How would you know?'

'I was watching the livestream on my phone,' Kara said, 'I was with you in spirit. So, am I forgiven now? '

Lena rolled her eyes, but smiled. 'Yes. Yes, you're forgiven. Now go and stuff your face before all the croissants disappear.'

Kara glanced over her shoulder.

'There are loads left, and I want to talk to you some more.'

'Yeah?'

'Uh-huh. About why you didn't take my advice and try this hairstyle sooner. I mean, have you seen your face today? You look amazing—not that you don't always, I-I mean, you look even more, with the hair, and the makeup, and… I'm going to go eat croissants now.'

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Three days after the event, Lena paced her office. L-Corp was a big building, she knew that, but why did it always take her assistant ten minutes longer than she specified to bring food?

On her desk, her phone vibrated. She glanced at the caller ID, shook her head and went back to pacing. More journalists. Apparently, the interview she'd given Kara did little to sate the appetites of the public. But as irritated as she was, Lena understood. She'd anticipated this.

This was the inevitable outcome of her decision to keep Project Rejuvenate from the public eye until it was complete. Although, looking back, she was certain the president had wanted it that way as well. Though it was difficult to tell with her. Her smiles were gracious enough, but even she looked wary of the whole endeavour, or perhaps Lena's name.

Why would anyone trust a Luthor?

Kara's interview was kind. She was a true friend. Of course Lena knew why the press were still circling like vultures: Kara had glossed over the gritty questions about her family's past and her motivations for this project. She'd also overlooked the fact Lena had more to do with the construction of the ship than she'd suggested at the conference.

Kara had stood with her at the warehouse where the ship was built several times. She'd always been so uncomfortable there, so quiet and unlike herself. While the ship still looked like it belonged to the Daxamites, she hadn't looked at it once. Lena had tried to distract her with whatever aspect of the ship's progress she was working on, but it never worked.

After a while, Lena made excuses as to why Kara couldn't come anymore. She couldn't remember the lie exactly; something about the president wanting all nonessential personnel off site?

'Sorry, Miss Luthor, I had trouble getting through the press at the front of the building.'

Jess jogged into the office with a bag of chinese food from a restaurant down the road. Lena gave her a small smile and sighed.

'It's alright. Just put it on my desk and go home. It's almost midnight.'

'Really?'

'Go.'

Jess thanked her several times on her way out of the door, and Lena couldn't help by laugh. She collapsed onto her sofa and kicked her legs out. Once again, Jess looked at her like she was the best boss in the world. If only she knew the actual reason for the night off.

A whooshing sound on the balcony announced her presence before the thump of her hitting the flooring. Lena sat up straight and brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes.

'Supergirl,' she called, 'please, come in.'

'Good evening, Miss Luthor.'

She entered the office and gave Lena a small bow.

'You wanted to see me?'

'Yes,' Lena said, 'would you like anything to eat?'

'No, I'm fine, thank you. I was surprised by your invitation. After all, we'll be seeing a lot more of each other from tomorrow onwards.'

'It's not tomorrow I wanted to talk to you about. Its three days ago. The conference. I…'

Lena stood and turned away from Supergirl for a moment.

'I wanted to make sure you knew my intentions for the project—that-that I only want good for this city.'

'Miss Luthor, if I believed anything otherwise I wouldn't have agreed to come along with you.'

Lena snorted. 'I thought you agreed to keep an eye on me.'

'Not on you. On space. I know the course you plotted passes through unoccupied parts of the solar system, but you can't be too careful.'

Lena nodded and turned back around. 'And—And about the conference, about that journalist not trusting my name, I—'

'Miss Luthor. Lena, that man was fishing for a reaction out of you and you handled him well.'

'I don't know about that.'

'Well I do. You're good at your job.'

'Thank you, but… that isn't what I meant.'

Supergirl's frown made her brow crease a little.

'In spite of what you just said, I wanted to make sure you didn't have any reservations about this. About me.'

Supergirl shook her head. 'I trust you.'

'I thought my working with my mother during the Daxamite invasion might have made you second guess—'

'I trust you. The device you made saved the city that day.'

Supergirl took a step forwards and smiled. She glanced at the food on her desk, and then frowned a little as Lena's phone vibrated.

'The press won't leave me alone,' Lena said, 'probably hoping for a last-minute interview.'

'You should eat,' Supergirl replied, 'and turn that off. Take a night to enjoy this planet before we leave it.'

'You're right.' Lena nodded and switched her phone off. 'Thank you for this, Supergirl. Feels a little silly, vying for your attention when you have lives to save.'

'My cousin is already in the city, he'll be able to handle any issues tonight—and I brought this for you.'

She held out a silver watch with her logo engraved where the face should be. Lena allowed the band to settle on her fingers as she took it. It was warm.

'You can use this to call me if we run into trouble on the ship—I'm not anticipating any, mind, but it'll be good to have it. Even better when we're back on earth.'

'Just in case,' Lena said.

'Just in case.'

'Goodbye, Supergirl.'

'See you at 0800 hours sharp tomorrow, Miss Luthor.'

Lena gave her a mock salute as she flew out of the room and over the over the city as the last of the sunlight faded. She touched the face of the watch, ran her thumb in the grooves that made up her house symbol, and smiled before affixing it to her wrist.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kara had wanted to enjoy an evening with Alex. They had planned to make a dent in the large pile of TV shows on their 'must watch' list. When Kara had left to see Lena, Alex was in her flat, popcorn and Netflix at the ready, but there was no sign of her when she returned.

Kara used her vision to scan through the walls as she floated through an open window into her living room. No Alex.

'Kara.'

Her DEO comms system came to life, and Alex's voice came through after a rush of static.

'Where are you?'

'The DEO. J'onn wants a word.'

'Again?'

'Yeah. How soon can you get here?'

She had left her flat the second Alex revealed her location and was already half way there. She relayed this information to Alex, and used her hearing to scan the city for the tell-tale sounds of trouble. But there were no alarms. No screams. Aside from heavy traffic, National City was having a peaceful night.

She touched down on the DEO balcony at a little after midnight. Alex and Maggie were standing behind J'onn, who faced the array of DEO monitors with his hands clasped behind is back.

Maggie jogged over.

'Alex has been trying to talk him down, but I think this situation needs your touch,' she said.

'He's still not happy, is he?'

Alex marched over with a mirthless laugh. 'Not happy would be the polite way of putting it. He's threatening to call the whole trip off.'

'What?' Kara called J'onn's name, but he didn't turn.

'I'm thinking of your safety,' he said, 'I'm thinking of this city's safety.'

'Superman has the city covered for the next three weeks.'

Now he turned. He regarded Kara with a steely glint in his eye.

'And you? Kara, I know you'll have your powers, but that doesn't guarantee the safety of yourself or those on board. You're in a Daxamite ship, for crying out loud!'

'It's not a Daxamite ship anymore. Lena and her team made sure of that.'

'This is alien technology. We don't know enough about how it works to—'

Kara folded her arms. 'Did you seriously call me down here to hash out this argument for the third time this month? I made my choice.'

'What if Metropolis goes into crisis while superman is here?'

'He'll go back.'

'And leave this city defenceless.'

'Hey,' Maggie said, 'you do realise we have an outstanding police force here too, right? They were doing their jobs long before the girl of steel turned up—no offense, Kara.'

Kara pointed at Maggie.

'None taken. She's right, J'onn: the police are better equipped to handle threats, human or otherwise, than they've ever been. And if they're not, there's the DEO. You all existed before me.'

'Lena Luthor announced your absence to the whole world, Kara,' J'onn replied. 'Every hostile alien out there knows—'

'Please, J'onn. We both know some of these aliens came to National City because I'm here.'

'She has a point,' Alex said. 'And J'onn, I get why you don't think the ship is safe. But Supergirl is not our only line of defence. I'll have a squad of DEO agents, and Maggie had-picked some of the best from the station too.'

Maggie shot Alex a quick smile, and Kara placed a hand on J'onn's shoulder.

'I know how much you love us,' she began, 'and I understand your fear. But I want to do this. I want to go onto a ship commissioned by Rhea to destroy this city and see it turned into something good.'

J'onn grunted.

'Don't worry,' Alex said, 'we'll keep her safe.'

'Come on, J'onn. Give us a chance,' Maggie added.

'…alright.'

Kara gave him a hug as Maggie and Alex cheered and clapped.

'I wish I could come with you,' he murmured.

'I'll be fine,' Kara said, 'I have my sister, Maggie and Lena. You know they won't let anything happen to me.'

Alex gave J'onn a hug after Kara, and she couldn't help but smile. The man's eyes still betrayed his thoughts, his misgivings. In spite of that, Kara thought, he still allowed them to leave. She'd never respected him more.

J'onn mentioned needing to rendezvous with superman and headed off, leaving Alex, Maggie and Kara in an awkward silence for a couple of seconds.

'Looks like TV night is cancelled—again.' Alex said.

Kara laughed. 'Well, that seems to be the tradition. Maybe we should name it something else and hope that un-jinxes it.'

They both laughed.

Maggie said, 'Kara, I've been meaning to ask: is Lena alright? She seemed kind of shaky at the press conference.'

Kara shrugged. 'That question, the one about trusting a Luthor, really threw her. And Kara Danvers' absence didn't help.'

'I told you you'd be better off going as Kara.' Alex said.

'And you were right.'

'What did Lena want tonight?' Maggie asked.

'Oh, she's worries that Supergirl might still harbour some doubts about her because she's a Luthor. I think I managed to persuade her otherwise.'

'That's good. She earned our trust a long time ago.' Alex replied.

Kara nodded towards the elevator. 'Shall we take this conversation to the nearest fast food place? I'm famished.'

Alex rolled her eyes. 'Sure, Kara. Whatever you want. I don't have a uniform I'd like to still fit into at the end of this three week trip or anything.'

'Oh, come on.' Kara said, 'there's a gym on the ship.'

'There is?'

'Oh, great,' Maggie said, 'thanks. Now she'll be spending more time there than with me.'

Alex wrapped an arm around her waist. 'You could always join me.'

'And get my arse handed to me again, but this time in front of my colleagues? Dream on, Danvers.'

Alex clapped her hands together. 'Okay, fast food. Who needs sleep, right?'

'Not me,' Kara replied.

'Lucky you.' Alex and Maggie said in unison.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

'And you are?'

Lena raised her eyebrows at the man. She'd seen his name on the guest list, but she'd expected the Daily Planet's reporter to be someone like Lois Lane, not this guy.

The idea of being stuck on board with reporters far from thrilled her, but Kara was right in saying she needed the good press. And it was a good reason to have her best friend along for the ride.

'Marco Alvarez,' he stuck out his hand.

Lena took it. There was a gruffness to his tones she didn't like. He regarded her with the same look he'd given the airport receptionist who verified his identity: the entire world seemed to be something to frown at. Lena had been standing behind him in the queue.

'Nice to meet you.'

He raised his eyebrows. 'Clearly you haven't read any of my articles on your mother or your brother.'

'I have,' she replied, although only fifteen minutes ago.

'Well, then you'll be interested to know I've been commissioned to write two pieces: one on you, and another on this venture. I think we know which one the public are more interested in.'

Lena tensed her jaw. This caught the attention of a couple of her security personnel, and she waved them away. The airport security team had insisted they leave their weapons outside the building, but the sheer size of them both meant they had an intimidating presence regardless of whether or not they were armed. But, unlike the rest of the reporters allowed on the craft, Alvarez did not seem deterred.

'Do you intend to take the same stance as your colleagues?'

'What stance would that be?'

'The one that states I'm either as psychopathic as my mother, my offering of aid to reform the city are attempts to hide my true nature, or pure evil, just like my brother.'

'I prefer balanced articles,' he said. 'I hear your friend—Kara Danvers? May be the person to go to for the positives.'

Kara was standing mere metres away, her sister and her girlfriend right beside her. Alex tried to catch Lena's eye, but she didn't let her.

'Perhaps,' Lena replied.

'Anyone else?'

'Ask my staff, just don't get in the way of them doing their jobs,' Lena said.

He smiled, but there was no warmth to it. 'Or I'll be jettisoned out of the airlock?'

'Or I'll restrict your access to them.'

He held out his hand.

'It was nice meeting you, Miss Luthor. I hope we can foster a good working relationship in the future.'

Lena took it once more, but this shake was briefer than the last, and Alverez strode off the moment it was over, leaving Lena confused by the abrupt end to the conversation. Kara hurried over.

'Who was that guy?'

Lena told her his name and profession.

'Oh. Watch him,' she said, 'he seems… off. He was probing me for details about you earlier.'

'I agree—what kind of details?'

Kara deepened her voice in a crude attempt at impersonating him, 'is Miss Luthor in a romantic relationship? Does Miss Luthor keep in touch with her brother?'

Lena supressed an eye roll. 'So the usual crap, then.'

'Yeah, but still. Something about the way he asked made me nervous.'

'Noted.'

Kara turned her head to one side and studied her friend's face. Lena had always found her to be oddly perceptive, something that annoyed and amused her in equal parts.

'What's wrong?'

Lena took Kara's arm and motioned for them to stand a little further away from the crowd.

'Have you seen supergirl?' Lena asked.

Kara's eyebrows almost jumped into her hair. 'Me? Why would I—no. Why?'

'She hasn't arrived yet. We board in fifteen minutes—isn't she cutting it a little close?'

Kara chuckled. 'Now I know you're overthinking this. She can fly. The ship could take off without her on board and she could catch you guys up in mid-air.'

Lena tried to smile, but the action felt strained.

'Y-yeah. Yeah. I know you're right. It's just…'

'You're worrying too much.'

'I want everything to be perfect.'

'It will be,' Kara put a hand on her arm, 'and if it's not, you have a crack team of employees to make it better. See? You have it all covered.'

Lena wished she had the kind of certainty she saw in Kara's eyes.

'Miss Luthor?'

Kara turned and faced her sister. For the briefest of moments, Lena felt a mild amount of annoyance at the moment having been broken, but she swallowed this down and gave Alex one of her best professional smiles.

'Sorry to be a bother, but is everything alright over here? You seem nervous.'

'I'm fine, Alex. Thank you for the concern. And it's Lena. We've been over this.'

'Lena,' Alex smiled. 'Sorry. I'll get used to it one day.'

'Well, you've got 21 of them in space with me to practice.'

Lena did her best to keep her smile, but she wasn't fooling Kara or her sister any more than she was herself. Something was wrong about this picture. Not Alvarez, not Supergirl. Just something.

An electronic voice announced there were ten minutes until boarding. There was a great wave as people began to head for the automatic doors that led to the ship. Lena had deliberately disallowed any photos of the craft to be taken until today—last-minute touches to the look of it were still being completed well into the early hours of the morning.

Kara asked Lena if she should be the one to lead the charge to her craft, but she shook her head. She quite enjoyed watching people step out of the airport, turn the corner and stand, awestruck, before whipping out their phones or holding their cameras up for a photo.

'Well,' Maggie said, 'it's certainly had a makeover.'

Lena felt a genuine smile spread across her face as she studied the results of her late nights with the designer.

No trace of Daxam was left. The sheep was a sleek silver, with L-Corp's logo printed black on both sides. Large windows stretched across the upper part of the ship for the occupant's viewing pleasure. It took up the space of two runways, but the sheer power of engines meant there would be no need for a long take off. The test flights implied less than half the length of the runway would be utilized.

Alex and Maggie had their arms wrapped around one and other, and were pointing out various parts of the ship to each other.

'I've got to hand it to you,' Maggie said, 'this bucket really cleaned up nice.'

'Thank you. What do you think now you've seen the finished article, Kar—Kara? Where did she go?'

Alex and Maggie looked around as well.

'Oh, She probably just forgot something. I'm sure we'll see her on board.'

Lena's reply was cut off by a shout.

'Look! Supergirl!'

Lena looked along with the rest of the crowd. The tiny blue and red dot in the sky soon transformed into a woman, and she landed metres from the craft. She and Lena had agreed beforehand Supergirl would allowed to board first, and all the reporters went wild.

Alvarez shoved a couple of them out of the way as he battled for prime position in front of the crowd, but was shoved back in line by Lena's security.

It could have been Lena's imagination, but Supergirl appeared nervous. She approached the craft with a cautious walk instead of a stride, but she gained her bravado back as soon as the door was opened and flew inside, leaving Lena to wonder if she had just imagined the lapse in confidence after all.

She travelled around to the front of the crowd, and after bidding them welcome, lead the way towards the craft. She took a deep breath as Alex fell in step with her.

'You okay?'

'I'm fine,' Lena said, 'fine…'