Red Kryptonite Aftermath
This story is an idea I had for the Post Red Kryptonite episode. Timeline wise, Season 1, it would be immediately following Supergirl's Red K incident. J'onn is locked up at the DEO, Alex isn't on the run yet and Lucy hasn't yet been told Supergirl's identity.
I always thought Supergirl never suffered any real consequences (For herself) following that episode. (and I'm not counting winning back public trust as a consequence) J'onn actually seemed to have more consequences than she did really. And I know we all know it wasn't her fault but…. from say the perspective of the NCPD Science Division as we learn they have when Maggie is introduced later, it would seem the intentional destruction and attempted murder on Cat would have been at least investigated a little bit to verify the poison story and that Supergirl is alright and back to normal.
So… Here's my take an AU on what could have happened…
As with all Fanfiction I do not own Supergirl nor any related characters I'm simply borrowing them for entertainment purposes.
Detective Maggie Sawyer is a great detective. Maggie began doing police work in her early twenties, finishing the academy with top honors. Police forces across the country sought her for employment within their departments. Maggie, wanting to prove herself, chose Gotham PD. After all Gotham is known to have the highest turnover, some of the most stress and definitely the most crazy and inventive criminal activity on record. She started out walking the beat working her way up through the ranks and into her dream position as a Detective in less than three years on the force. Being a Detective in Gotham allowed her to partner with some of the best minds in the business including legendary Jim Gordon. The experience and knowledge that she got working there was invaluable. Maggie was happy, she loved her job, loved her city and never imagined leaving it.
That is until Maggie got a phone call from National City Police department, they were opening up a brand-new division in their police force, a sort of subsection of detectives to work on cases that baffled most street cop mentalities, the Science Division. NCPD had been recommended her name by her supervisor Commissioner Gordon. The Science Division would deal directly with phenomena, rumors of aliens (other than Superman of course, but you never know…), or just generally the unexplainable. It was a position where she could have the opportunity to be a street cop, a Detective, a CSI, and deal with the unexplainable daily. This peaked her puzzle solving mind intensely. So, not wanting to let the Commissioner down and in need of a new challenge she jumped on the opportunity, packed up and left dreary Gotham for sunny National City.
National City was a far cry from Gotham. National City had beaches and palm trees where Gotham had rain and gothic architecture. National Cities' crime element (with exceptions of course for the run of the mill drugs and drunken assaults) was generally white collar, extortion, money laundering, and tax evasion, where as the Gotham department dealt with gangs and Arkham Asylum patients daily.
Maggie hadn't been on the Science Division much more than two months when a young woman in a cape and skirt with the letter "S" on her chest started flying around the city. It was big news, and for many in her squad complete and utter justification for the need of such a division, after all even though this woman was on their side there may be many more hiding in plain sight who were not.
A month later Maggie took into custody her first bonified alien perp. His name was Brian, or that's what he went by because his alien name was much too complicated. He wasn't dangerous, it was a simple marijuana bust, a minimal amount. But using Brian occasionally as an informant she was eventually introduced to a hidden alien bar and from there her entire world view changed.
Fast forward to the present….
Maggie's at National City PD where she was just about to walk out for the day, walking past Police Chief Anderson's door she heard a shout from his desk, "Maggie, I need to see you in here!"
Maggie stopped, turned immediately, "Yes Sir, what can I do for you?"
"Sit down." He said gruffly pointing to an empty chair in front of his desk. "A warrant came down from the DA's office and if I got anyone that's going to pull this one off its going to be you." Maggie's eyes narrowed in curiosity as she's handed a plain manila folder.
Maggie flips it open and her eyes go wide and mouth drops a little bit, "Uhm. Sir, this is Supergirl. You want me to arrest Supergirl?" she asks stunned.
"I know it's Supergirl, I've already tried getting out of this Mags" he pauses. With a defeatist tone explains "Look, I've taken this to the Commissioner and the Assistant District Attorney. Then when I didn't like what they said I called the DA myself. Maggie this is legit, the DA, Janice Porter is up for reelection this year and is trying to appear tough and what better way than to knock down a high-profile alien?" says the chief.
Maggie reading the charges, "Public nuisance, Destruction of Public Property,.. wait and Attempted Murder? Cat Grant came out this morning with a huge front-page article and an internet video explaining away Supergirl's behavior, her brain was poisoned or something, Cat is solidly standing by Supergirl on this."
"The charges, two public charges and a felony, the Feds don't need the victim's cooperation to charge a felony and there were a dozen witnesses that saw Supergirl throw Grant off her own balcony. Sawyer I tried, we're not getting out of this. We've got to bring in Supergirl and If I got anyone up to that challenge it's going to be you". The chief huffs, "I don't like it any more than you. But we've got our marching orders, just bring her in Sawyer."
Maggie closes the folder in her lap, nods to Chief Anderson in baffled acceptance of the situation and leaves his office to head home.
The next morning…..
Maggie last night scoured the folder she was handed, the internet, the last three issues of CatCo. Magazine, and two weeks' worth of Tribune papers she had picked up from the library absorbing any and all identifying information she could on the 'Girl of Steel'. There wasn't a lot to go on, the girl didn't give very many interviews and the ones she did she was purposely evasive of anything that could identify if she had another name to go by besides 'Supergirl'. The closest person to the girl that Maggie can tell is actually the victim of the attempted murder (which is actually quite typical in murder and attempted murder cases), Cat Grant.
And that's how Maggie ended up at CatCo. Worldwide Media Headquarters standing in front of the desk of Cat's young blonde assistant. Flashing her NCPD badge, "Hello, I'm Detective Sawyer, NCPD and I'd like to speak with Ms. Grant please?"
Kara, a twenty something blonde assistant, tight bun in her hair, pink sweater and glasses looked up from her computer screen wide eyes, surprise on her face which quickly and professionally turns into a cheery welcoming "Yes, yes of course, the police" Kara states standing nervously. Fidgeting at first then out of nowhere she playfully bops herself on the head and laughs "I'm sorry, almost forgot my manners, I'm Kara, Kara Danvers" holding out her hand to shake the detectives, "I love the police by the way, thank you for all that you do."
Maggie nods and thinks what a nerd but keeping up the pleasantries she says "Thanks" and shakes Kara's hand, "Wow" Maggie says opening and closing her hand for effect, "You got quite the grip, Danvers".
"Uh, Thanks," Kara says pulling her hand back to herself nervously "Sorry, I work out I guess, Let me just go speak to Miss Grant and see if she's busy Detective. If you'll just wait here a minute" Kara said. From where Maggie is she could see right through the glass doors into Ms. Grant's office, she may have been typing furiously at her desk but she wasn't on the phone with anyone nor was anyone in the office with her.
Kara rounded her desk walking by Detective Sawyer to Cat Grant's office. As they passed each other Maggie couldn't help this feeling that she'd seen Miss Danvers somewhere before. She couldn't place it and she understood she probably wasn't going to be able to. Cat's assistant was very beautiful, but the generic blonde cheerleader look wasn't exactly uncommon in the mostly sunny climate of National City. Hell, walking around the mall in the span of 10 minutes you'd probably see a hundred young women just like her.
The thought was pushed from her mind when thirty seconds later Cat, looking exasperated about being interrupted motioned for the detective to enter. She stood behind her desk waiting for the Detective to approach, Kara exited the office and Maggie introduced herself "Ms. Grant, I'm Detective Sawyer from NCPD" she said while flashing her badge.
Cat sat, picking up where she left off on her work shuffling piles of paper around, "Yes, Keira said. What can I do for you Detective?"
Maggie momentarily looked confused about whether the assistant's name was Keira or Kara but decided it wasn't actually relevant to why she was here. Maggie stated as she sat in front of the desk "I'm here to speak to you about Supergirl actually."
With the mention of Supergirl Cat's interest was peaked and she stopped to look up at the Detective, "And how can I help you with her?" she asks removing her glasses and giving Maggie her complete attention.
"As you well know, two days ago, Supergirl had a really bad day and I need to speak with her about that." Maggie stated trying not to give away her actual agenda. Cat, looked at her but remained silent so she continued, "You're the one whom she seems to end up around the most and I'd like to ask for your help in locating her?"
Cat pauses for just a moment contemplating it seems, "Well, sorry I can't help you, she comes and goes as she pleases." Standing Cat states while getting up, "I'll walk you out."
Maggie stands but pressures more "Miss Grant, Supergirl has given you multiple interviews, saved you when one of your employees went murderous, and two nights ago witnesses place her flying in here quite a few minutes before she is alleged to have thrown you off that balcony." Maggie states pointing to Cats balcony. "You were having a conversation with her, weren't you? You know how to get ahold of her, you might even know who she is?" Maggie takes a breath, "Miss Grant, the National City Police Department is asking for your help to find Supergirl."
Cat walks around her desk, "Listen here, I'm the Queen of all Media and if you don't think that I have informants from the DA's office well let me educate you. I've heard all about Janice Porters' crusade and the arrest warrant kept hush hush for Supergirl and I, nor CatCo. will play any part in assisting in your investigation."
"She threw you off a balcony twenty stories in the air," Maggie pressured.
"And when Supergirl was dangerous and out of it I told all of National City to beware, but she is better now and we, she, and this city need to move forward. The threat is over, it's time to move on Detective Sawyer" Cat says.
"Right" Maggie says with a sarcastic tone, "That way you can continue to use her to sell your papers." And with that, genuine anger seeps into Miss Grants face. With Ms. Grant's finger pointing and about to go off, Detective Sawyer saw she had overstayed her welcome, throws her hands up in mock surrender, "I'll show myself out. Thank you for seeing me Ms. Grant" Maggie says as she turns and exits her office.
Maggie walks by the desk of Kara Danvers, stopping and turning to the young woman "Do I know you from somewhere? Have we met before maybe?"
Kara looks up from her screen, "Uhm, I don't…"
"Keira, don't speak to the Detective" Cat snaps while putting herself between Kara and Maggie.
"You can't tell her not to speak to the police" Maggie states stepping to the side to get Kara in view again.
"I told you Officer, I nor CatCo. would help you with this ridiculous manhunt for Supergirl. My assistant takes her checks from CatCo, therefore during the hours of 9 to 5, whenever she is in this building, and for that matter whenever she is on call which is 24/7 she will not speak to you on this matter" Ms. Grant states looking directly at Kara.
"Detective" Maggie states snidely correcting her rank. She watches Kara for just a couple seconds. Kara looked back and forth from the Detective to Ms. Grant. It was obvious Miss Danvers was in conflict between being a nice girl, especially the kind of nice girl who wouldn't refuse to answer a simple question from a police officer and being a loyal employee to Cat Grant.
In the end Kara forced a look of concentration and continued to do her work at her desk without comment. Cat turned facing the detective with a pleased expression. Detective Sawyer got the hint, and preceded to leave CatCo.