"What do you think?" J'onn asked after Manchester left.

Alex watched Manchester out the window as he crossed the busy street. Car wheels screeched and horns honked as he brazenly stepped in front of the oncoming traffic. The man definitely didn't lack confidence.

When Alex first became a DEO officer, she wanted to believe in people, that their intentions were good. Kara had influenced her in that respect. So early on, Alex had a tendency to take everyone she interviewed at face value. But, experience had left her jaded and she now had less faith in people, trusting little of what they said. While that approach might have made her more hardened, it's also what made her a good agent. Her instincts were now telling her that Manchester was lying and she wanted to know why.

"I think he dressed up the details," she replied and turned back to him. "Were you able to get anything?"

J'onn shook his head. "No, somehow he was able to block me." He walked back to the files on the table. "Something he said got me thinking though." He grabbed a file and opened it. "Manchester stated that when they got to the site, Kara and the aliens had already been taken out. That they then engaged in a difficult battle with Lillian and crew, triaged their own forces, grabbed you and returned to the DEO." He looked at Alex.

"Do you happen to know approximately when Lockwood began filming?"

Alex moved to the table next to him. "Maybe around 8:30...9:00?" She leaned into the table and read the file he was scanning. "I remember looking at my watch about 20 minutes into it so yeah, I'd pin it somewhere in that time frame."

J'onn pointed to a line on the file. "He dropped you off at the DEO at 11:12. So, that's about two and a half hours until you were brought in." He looked at Alex. "We need to figure out a timeline to see how all this fits."

Alex nodded. Standing up, she ran a hand through her hair and began to slide around J'onn. "We can do that, but first I want to see Lex."

Frowning, J'onn pulled away from the table. "Even if Lena were to let you see him, I'm not sure he's in any shape to be able to answer questions." He threw at her as she walked by.

"After everything that she's done, she owes us and I have no problem reminding her of that if she chooses to deny us access." Alex turned back to him. "And as far as what Lex can tell us well," she shrugged, "we have you to help dig those memories out."

J'onn looked into Alex's eyes. He'd seen a lot over the course of his lifetime, but the cold, distant pools of brown that had replaced the familiar compassionate disposition unnerved him. "Alex, I need to know that your head's on straight for this. I can't have Kara's death clouding your judgement, forcing me to spend resources worrying about you getting in over your head."

"What happened to Kara will not happen to me," she replied. "Her death and my pursuit of this will not bleed together. But, I will do whatever it takes to get Lockwood." She smiled a wicked promise. "This time, I will stop him."

The concern on his face only deepened.

Stepping back to him, she reached her arms up and grabbed him around the neck. She held onto him for a minute. "Don't worry J'onn. You won't lose both of us." Releasing him, she turned and headed toward the door. "I need to stop by Kara's apartment. I'll meet you at L-Corp when I'm finished."

Pamukkale, Turkey December 25th 7:30 PM

Tucked into a crevice and hidden from view by means of a rock overhang, the cave they were in wasn't visible, which saved Mo some trouble because as a general rule, Mo tried to avoid trouble. She wasn't Penn. Always rushing into things.. getting into difficulties that could have been avoided just to save someone or another.

Or Luc, who in contrast to Penn, was careful and cautious. Respectable traits, but even so, he somehow still managed to be right by Penn's side during his foray into conflict. Because, unfortunately, along with those very admirable characteristics, Luc also had a very irritating trait. An intense loyalty to Penn. To all of them really and Mo couldn't figure out why. Sure, they were a team and had become companions over the course of the last few years. But, their world was one in which personal attachment had too much emotional cost.

Luc's allegiance even encompassed their new friend. Someone they had only known for the last year - Dani, who never ceased to get on Mo's last nerve with all her talk of duty, passion and service. Not to mention her not so secret desire to kill herself, and take one of them with her in the process.

At least Dani's father-friend, Jonah was better. He didn't give those frowns and disappointed looks when Mo expressed her doubts about one of their elaborate plans or missions. And the depth of his knowledge and experience with forces that went beyond the natural was very relatable to her. It gave them a bit of connection.

Speaking of Dani… hmmm. Mo turned from sorting the ingredients for the ritual and looked around their acquired abode for the obstinate team member.

A couple of torches hung on the walls, providing light, but only just enough. Stalactites sprouted from the ceiling. And on that, Mo had to agree with Elaine. They were beautiful, reflecting and refracting the light across the walls, giving the place an ethereal quality. Penn had said it was a fitting setting considering why they were there.

But, ambiance didn't concern Mo. She only cared about having a place that was safe enough to work and close to their eventual destination.

A few feet away Elaine, the striking resident genius whose looks often commanded more attention than her intelligence was discussing their next steps with Penn. Luc was sprawled on the floor near a small pool, morosely staring into the water. Most likely mourning all the shawarma he was missing.

Jonah was near the entry to the cavern looking down on the thermal pools that luckily drew no tourists because of the freezing weather this time of year.

And as she suspected, there was no sign of Dani.

Mo sighed and walked over to Jonah. As she neared, he turned and raised an eyebrow.

"No, she is not here."

It unnerved Mo that he was able to travel into their minds. Had access to secrets and desires that should be of their own. Because of her own skill set, Mo was able to keep her and her friends thoughts protected. But, from experience she also knew that Jonah would never invade their privacy without permission or good reason. Even so, sometimes she let her fear override her logic.

"How did you know?"

A corner of Jonah's lips went up. "That you were looking for Dani?" He shook his head. "No, Mo...I am not reading your mind. You know I don't do that.'

Mo raised her hands to show her contrition. And it wasn't just an act. In spite of his cavalier attitude, it was well-known that Jonah despised not being trusted and her respect for him motivated her assurance to him now.

"I know. I am sorry." She stood by him, looking out at the landscape. Turning back to him, "so, how did you know I was looking for her?" she repeated.

"Just like I know that Luc is missing his food, some things are just inherent." Jonah's smile broadened a bit, reflecting the affection in his eyes.

Mo returned his smile.

"Alright. I give you that. So, where is she?" She glanced up to the red-tinged sky. "It is nearly dusk and we don't have much time left."

"Gone to National City to retrieve the 'one-thing owned' that you said you needed to complete the ritual."

"What?" Try as she might to not be alarmed, she couldn't hide her discontent at this news. "I thought Penn and Luc were going with her? National City is the heart of the horror, Jonah. How could you let her do it alone?"

She paused and then continued, a bit more calmly this time. "I mean, normally I wouldn't care if she killed herself if that's what she wants, but we need her safe for what's to come. You know that."

Jonah lifted his eyebrows, but thankfully didn't comment on her slight loss of composure.

"She wanted to do it alone."

Mo opened her mouth to complain, but decided against it. There was no point. Dani would do what Dani wanted and while Jonah might demur at times, he would always have her back. Even against them, who were supposed to be part of her team.

Mo glanced out again. She rarely showed her apprehension.. And tried to be as indifferent as she could about what they were doing. But, god… she wanted to get this right...just as much as everyone else.

Even if the cost meant ...well… losing all of them in the end. No matter the cost. This went beyond Dani and Jonah. Beyond the team. Sacrifices had already been made and more would come. This was important. The fate of the world was resting on her shoulders. She knew that. And she would be damned if she let anyone, even Dani endanger it.