Lucy was disgusted as she turned off the local news. Maxwell Lord was grandstanding, as usual, and the vultures were eating it up. Without Cat Grant's leadership, even Catco allowed him to spin Supergirl into a threat. When Cat finds out what News Chief Jarrell is doing, I probably will be able to hear her fire him all the way here at the DEO.

"You asked to see me?" Agent Morrish stood at the doorway to Lucy's office.

"Yes, Mike, come on in. Close the door." Lucy caught the look on his face and reassured him, "you're not in trouble or anything like that."

Morrish visibly relaxed.

"I have an assignment for you. One that requires the utmost secrecy. No one is to know."

"Sure boss, not a problem. What do you need me to do?" Mike asked. He was one of the DEO's 'techno wiz kids'. He was offered much more money in the private sector, even Max Lord had tried to hire him, but it wasn't money or the spotlight that motivated him. He loved working for the DEO for the same reasons the other agents did; because he felt it was the right, the honorable, thing to do with his talents.

"I need ten very small, very effective, jamming devices. Something that can be switched on and off. Maybe mimics cell phone interference. I want them set up so that if anyone is listening either with a parabolic mic or a hidden mic, they won't realize they are being jammed."

Mike whistled, "Whew, you don't ask for much."

"Can you do it?" Lucy frowned.

"Of course I can. How soon do you need them done?"

"Literally as soon as possible, if not sooner," Lucy said. "Let me know if you need anything. I'll talk to Ted and tell him I've reassigned you to me for the time being. Keep your Lab door locked. I don't want anyone accidentally walking in while you are working on the project."

"Sure thing boss. Should have something rigged up by the end of the day," Morrish stood to go. "Anything else?"

"No. Thanks Mike," Lucy smiled. She picked up her cell after Mike left the room. "Hey James. I know you're swamped. Listen. Have you contacted your friend from Metropolis yet? Good. Before you do I need to meet with you. How about six? Okay, I'll meet you at Noonan's that way you can head back to work as soon as we're done."

/

"Hey James," Lucy waved as he walked into the popular shop.

James walked to the booth she was seated in and noticed the dinner Lucy had already ordered for them.

"I know you're on a tight schedule so I took the liberty –"

"Thanks, Lucy. What's so important you needed -" James began.

Lucy grabbed his hand in hers and shook her head slightly. James pulled his hand back as he palmed the small piece of technology she had placed in it. Lucy moved her napkin slightly and James saw a replica of the device he held in his hand.

Lucy then activated it then put her hand to her face, partially covering her mouth, "When you talk to Superman make sure you use the jammer and try to conceal your mouth so no one can read your lips."

"Aren't you being a little paranoid?" James asked as he moved his napkin to wipe his lips.

"It's better to be safe. This thing with Kara may go much deeper than Max Lord. Whenever you're talking about her to Winn, Alex, or even Cat for that matter, turn on the jammer," Lucy said then motioned to his dinner, "Now eat up. Dinner's getting cold."

/

"Hey Jimmy, how's National City treating you?" Superman gave James a clap on the shoulder.

"Well, up until yesterday, things were pretty good. Now? Not so much," James scratched the side of his face to partially obscure his lips. The jamming device was already activated.

The smile left Superman's face.

"I saw the news yesterday. It was all Lois could do to keep me in Metropolis. What happened, Jimmy?"

"All I've pieced together so far is Cat Grant's son got sick or something while on a field trip to Lord Tech. Max Lord called Cat to let her know and Kara went with her. Cat called me early this morning to delegate some of her workload while she stays at the hospital with her son. She hung up before I could ask her about Kara – not that she knows, you know, anything," James finished a little flustered.

"She hasn't called anyone since she went with Cat? Just showed up on the news bowing down to Max Lord? Are we sure it's her – not some kind of look alike?"

"Lucy's pretty sure it's her. Alex is too. We don't know if it is some kind of kryptonite or brainwashing. She has been out fighting crime, helping people, all night and day. She could have come to Catco, or called us, and she didn't," James shook his head. "I thought you might be able to help."

"I guess it's time I had a visit with my cousin."

"Oh – I forgot to tell you, Lucy thinks you should try and talk to her away from 'prying eyes'. She thinks this whole thing goes deeper than Max Lord."

"Ah – that's why you have a jamming device. Lucy give it to you?" Superman raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. She's kinda spooked about the whole thing. She has a lot of connections in Washington. If she says to 'be careful' there's got to be a reason."

"I'm sure it has something to do with the anti-alien movement. They are really gaining ground in the election polls. I'm thinking of taking a foreign assignment, maybe New Zealand or Canada, if the President loses the election," Superman said. He added, "at least until things settle down," when he saw the shocked look on Jimmy's face.

"That's very … unlike you," James finally found his voice.

"You know? I was raised here. I've tried my best to help my neighbor, lend a hand, like my dad taught me," Superman shook his head. "Now I don't recognize the people I grew up with. Fear and anger have replaced calm and reason. Maybe it is time for a change of scenery."

James' cell phone pinged. He checked the text. "Supergirl is at the Oil Depot helping fire fighters with a blaze if you want to catch her."

"Okay, I'm off. Take care, Jimmy… James."

Shit. He never called me James before. He must be worried.

/

My third fire of the day. I swear there's a pyromaniac roaming around National City. At least no one's been hurt in the fires and the first fire dried my suit.

"Supergirl. We're going inside to check for hot spots. Mind leading the way?" Battalion Chief Stratton asked.

Several minutes later, assured she was no longer needed, Supergirl resumed her patrol. Until a streak of blue blindsided her.

I thought they were supposed to warn me if they saw anything coming? Kara felt almost crushed by arms encircling her. Kal? No! Kara fought to free herself then turned to face her cousin who was hovering a few feet away.

"I am monitored, as I am sure you are aware, so please speak in English," Kara said. Don't give yourself away – don't make me say Clark or they'll figure out who you are.

"Nice collar, cuz. Caught your little show on TV last night. What's going on?" Glad she gave me the heads up. Shows she has some autonomy. I'm sure her handlers would love to figure out my earth identity.

"If you saw the news why are you here? I thought my speech was rather self-explanatory. I'm tired of people looking at me like I'm a monster. Now, they see the collar, and they know I'm okay. I'm there to help them."

"Supergirl, everyone has a bad day –"

"Yeah, well my bad day nearly cost my family and friends, not to mention innocent people, their lives," she spat back. "I'm not going to let that happen again."

"Your friends are worried about you. I'm worried about you," Superman said softly.

"Let them know I'm fine. Really. There's no need to worry. My path isn't yours and that's all right. I want to be Supergirl all the time, to be the hero my mother wanted me to be. Maxwell Lord has given me the opportunity to do that."

"We can go –"

"I'm not going anywhere!" Please don't say Fortress of Solitude. Leave. Keep your secrets, Kal. Go!

You're sure? What do you want me to tell your friends?"

"Give them my thanks and love," Kara responded. "Tell them this is what I want to do. I hope they can respect my decision."

"Supergirl. Construction accident. Ditch collapse. Construction worker buried. 2456 Morningside. Proceed immediately."

"Superman, I've got to go. A construction worker is buried in a ditch."

"Yeah, I heard," Superman and offered a half smile. "Want some help?"

"Nah, I got this. Thanks for checking in but I'm okay, really," Kara nodded.

"Supergirl. Construction accident. Ditch collapse –"

"On the way," Kara said as she sped off.

Superman hovered for a few seconds and then flew in the opposite direction. There was something to the sharp look she gave him when she told him she was monitored. Guess there is something to the adage about saying 'no' when the eyes say 'yes'. Got her message loud and clear. I'll let Jimmy know she's okay. She knows what she's doing. He'll have to give her some time to work out whatever it is Max Lord has over her.

/

Alex had way better weeks then the way this one was shaping up. Three days passed and her sister was still enthralled to Max Lord. Superman refused to help any further than his one brief talk with her, she was forbidden to leave the DEO, Winn and Vasquez commandeered her lab computer, Lucy was running around changing all the command codes for the base, James was inundated with work, Hank was still in Washington, and Eliza was flying in from Midvale on Saturday.

And then there was Cat Grant. Kara's boss. The one who led her straight to Max Lord. Maybe lured is a better word. Cat and Max were an item years ago. What if working together on the Myriad crises brought them back together? I know Kara thinks Cat forgave Supergirl for throwing her off her balcony. What if she didn't?

"Hey, Jackson," Alex greeted one of the best sparring partners she ever had.

He eyed her warily. It was common knowledge Alex was on a tear. A couple of her sparring partners had to see the base physician after their sessions with her this week. The base betting pool had pretty good odds she would knock out her next opponent. He wasn't relishing the thought it would be him.

"Danvers. Heard you sent Timmy to the Doc's," Jackson casually observed.

"Guess he'll keep up his guard up from now on. Listen, I've got an errand to run. Can you let Director Lane know I'll be back in a few hours?" Alex gave Jackson her best 'trust me' smile.

"Sure thing, Danvers," Jackson smiled back. "How long do you want me to wait before I let her know?"

Alex really smiled for the first time since this whole fiasco began. I love these guys. "Uh, could you wait for an hour or so?"

"Sure," he chuckled. "Guess I'll finish the paperwork from the alien capture last night. At least that should make Director Lane happy."

Lucy was a stickler for reports completed and turned in on time.

"Thanks."

Alex left the DEO and headed to National City. Time to have a chat with Cat 'treat my sister like shit' Grant. Alex was well aware of the betting pool at the DEO. If she found out Cat Grant colluded with Max Lord to somehow control Kara? Well, Cat might be the knockout the guys were betting on.

/

Cat Grant sat working in her living room. She looked up from another boring budget request to see Adam and Carter scrawling on notepads as Adam tutored Carter in the wonders of physics. A private nurse, hired by Cat, was thumbing through his phone.

Numerous tests, blood work, the brain scans provided by Dr. Peterson; everything pointed to the fact there was nothing wrong with Carter. Dr. Grey was at a loss to explain the seizures. Carter Grant was a healthy young teenager. She released Carter from the hospital and gave Cat a list of recommended private nurses to hire if she chose.

Cat immersed herself reading financial plans and requests to prepare next year's budget. Normally she detested this time of year but, with Carter's medical emergency, she welcomed it. She could work from home, spend time with her sons, and recover from the emotional roller coaster of the past few days.

The penthouse occupants were startled by insistent knocking on the front door. At the same time Cat's private cell buzzed.

"Ms. Grant. I'm terribly sorry," the concierge blubbered. "The FBI agent said she'd arrest me if I didn't let her up to see you. I would have sent security with her but Joe's in the underground garage changing Mrs. Taubman's car tire."

The knocking turned into banging.

"It's okay, Tony, I think I know who it is," Cat assured him. "Have security come up to my penthouse when he's done."

"Adam stay there with your brother. I'll get the door," Cat threw a glance his way as she strode to the door. "Agent Scully. How unexpected to see you."

"I bet," Alex spat back. As she forced her way past Cat and into the foyer.

"Don't you dare take another step into my residence or I will call your boss and you will be filing papers the rest of your very short career," Cat hissed. "I have a sick child here-"

"No one here looks sick to me," Alex countered as she took in Adam, Carter, and the nurse. "My sister, on the other hand, is missing. You were the last one seen with her."

"What do you mean she's missing?" Adam asked. He recognized Alex from Noonan's.

"Agent Scully, in my study. Now!"

Cat was already striding down the hallway to the office. Alex at her heels. She motioned Alex to a chair as she shut the door then walked behind her desk and waited deliberately until Alex sat in the proffered chair. Languidly she sat in her own chair as Alex 'stared daggers' at her. Cat, veteran of more than a few vitriolic board meetings, was unimpressed.

"Now start from the beginning," Cat skillfully took charge.

"Kara's missing. You took her to Lord Technologies on some bogus medical emergency a few days ago and she hasn't been seen since," Alex accused. "I want to know what you and Max Lord did to her. I want to know now!"

Blood rushed to Cat's face. Roared in her ears. You impertinent little bitch! Bogus medical emergency?

In a very quiet, very deadly voice, Cat replied, "My son was deathly ill, screaming in pain, when I got there. He was so sick he couldn't be moved to a hospital until almost a day later. He was only released from the hospital this morning. After all their tests, the Doctors still don't know what happened. Yes, your sister accompanied me to Max's. It was at his request. I don't know why, though. His security guards wouldn't let her come with me to see Carter. When I asked Max later, he told me she left. She left without even an inquiry into Carter's condition."

"Well, she didn't leave. She's missing."

"Don't be silly. I've caught small snippets of the news. She's flitting about saving people doing her little heroic thing. She can't be bothered to check on a little boy who thinks the world of her," Cat couldn't keep the hurt out of her voice.

Alex wasn't sure what to say next. Did Kara tell Cat 'I own a media empire' Grant that she is Supergirl? Really, Kara?

Cat took in Alex's stunned expression, "Oh please, did you think I was that gullible? I've known she was Supergirl for months. Why do you think I promoted her and gave her an office with no windows?"

Alex considered for a moment then a thought struck her.

"You say you've only caught 'snippets' of the news. The day you went to Lord Tech with Kara. Did you see the press conference with Supergirl and Max Lord later that day?"

"I was more concerned for my son's life – he was in so much pain and the doctors couldn't help him. No. No, I wasn't watching any press conference," Cat shook her head.

"Well maybe you should see it," Alex motioned to Cat's laptop.

Cat pulled up and played the footage. Was this a joke? She played it several more times. She let Max Lord put a collar and a leash on her?

When Cat was finally able to tear her eyes away from the screen she looked up at a teary eyed Alex and softly said, "I'm sorry. There's no way I would have known. I was so worried about Carter I …"

Cat's face went white. There is no fucking way Max Lord did something to Carter so he could lure Kara to his facility! No fucking way! Max is as slimy as they come but even he wouldn't do something like that. Not to my son. Even as she thought it, though, she knew there had to be a connection between the two events.

Alex saw the moment the realization hit in Cat's eyes and instantly felt sorry for the woman. She really looked at her for the first time noticing she wasn't her coiffed best: bags under the eyes, no make-up, hair pulled back in a ponytail. She looked like she went through hell the past few days. I don't think she and Max were colluding on this. That bastard hurt her kid to get Kara? Oh, Lucy, I know I promised not to go near Max but-

"I need some time to think," Cat stood up and started to pace.

"Cat. I'm sorry but there's something else you need to know."

Cat needed to know the entirety of the situation. Alex just didn't want to be the one to tell her. Here goes.

"The anti-alien movement has gained a lot of followers lately. Voters. In an election year. Max deliberately played into their sympathies and fears with that press conference. You saw it. He assured people he could control Supergirl then he put a dog collar and leash on my sister and paraded her off the stage. Since then no one, not James, me, Winn, my mom, no one who cares about Kara can contact her," Alex's eyes threatened to spill tears. "My boss, you know him as Agent Mulder, was suddenly called to Washington on a hastily convened subcommittee hearing regarding our – our branch of the FBI."

Cat rolled her eyes.

Alex continued, "He's testified for the past week. Senator Crane heads up the subcommittee and we both know how much she likes aliens. He won't be back until next week. Senator Crane wants him to stay in Washington in case further clarification is needed."

"I see. So she's making sure he can't help with the situation here."

"Yeah. That's what Lucy figures, too. Lucy thinks this whole thing is bigger than Max Lord. My boss thinks so too. He was approached by a senator from our side who believes Max Lord controlling Supergirl is a great idea. It's six months to the election. If the President loses …. Supergirl, hell Superman, won't have anyone to champion them. My boss thinks its best, for the time being, not to interfere with Max Lord. I … I don't know if I can do that. She's my little sister. I'm supposed to watch out for her!"

Cat nodded slowly. A plan already formulating. Mr. Maxwell Lord, you will regret the day you were born!

/

"Director Henshaw, it's good to see you again, sir," Vasquez smiled as Hank poked his head into Alex's lab. She and Winn were putting the finishing touches on their incredibly complex program.

Hank smiled, nodded, and left the room. Feels good to be back among friends. Time to track down Alex and Lucy.

Several minutes later Hank was standing in one of the training rooms watching Lucy and Alex beat the snot out of each other. I guess Jackson was right - Alex was trying for a career in the MMA. He winced as Alex landed a vicious kick into Lucy's ribcage. That's enough. He reached up and grabbed Alex's base leg as she attempted another kick. He expertly ducked as she swung wildly at his head.

"Hank! When did you get back? It's so good to see you," Alex hugged him around the neck.

"Director Henshaw, welcome back," Lucy said trying to maintain decorum while sucking in as much air as she could.

"It's good to be back. I hate to break up your sparring session but-"

"Oh no, no, it's fine," Lucy hurriedly assured him as she jumped off the training platform.

"Meet me in my office in fifteen." Hank said.

Fifteen minutes later the group convened in Hank's office. Hank, seated behind his desk motioned for the two women to sit.

"I'll hold a full debrief later. I wanted to fill you in on a development first." Hank took a deep breath, "I'm voluntarily wearing a device that limits my abilities. The same type as Lt. Colonel Harper's people developed."

Alex started to speak and Hank held up his hand, "I've also voluntarily confined myself to base. You have no idea how precarious our position at the DEO is. If the president doesn't win the election the DEO will be absorbed into Army Intelligence. Our prisoners will be transferred to Cadmus. Any misstep on our part will play directly into the hands of the president's opposition. We can't afford it. Wearing this device and confining myself to base was, how shall I say, strongly urged by the subcommittee.

They sat in silence for a minute before Alex spoke, "What's going to happen to Kara?"

/

Maxwell Lord walked into Kara's room. She stayed standing, facing the wall, not even moving her head to see who was in the room. He let her stand for another five minutes.

"You can turn around, Supergirl."

He took in her appearance. Not bad for someone who averaged two hours of sleep a day for the past fourteen days. Must be those alien genes.

"I want you to sit down on the chair." No hesitation at all, good. Now for the pep talk.

Max walked in front of the table where Kara was seated.

"My, how time flies. Been a while since we had a chance to chat, Supergirl. I've heard a lot of good things about you from my people. I've also had a chance to watch you in action. It always makes me happy when I can call you home for some well-deserved rest. I watched your confrontation with Superman. Very impressive." That made her eyes light up. Smith was right – she really responds to the praise. "You've done such a good job so far I thought I would reward you with a treat." Oh, that really got her attention. Time for a bit of training. "Before I give you your treat I want you to put both of your feet flat on the ground. Good. Sit up nice and straight. That's good. Put both hands flat on the table. Excellent. Exactly like that. From now on, whenever I visit you, I want you to sit precisely like that after I release you from your standing spot. My schedule is very busy. When I make time to visit you I want your full attention. Do you understand?" Oh no. No head nodding. "I want that out loud."

"Yes Sir."

"Very good." Max reached into his suit jacket pocket and produced a food bar wrapped in yellow, "Here is your treat. I had the lab make this honey flavored." Max set the bar on the table in front of Kara. "That's right. Don't reach for it until I tell you to." I'll let her look at it for another five minutes or so. Meanwhile its time to chat about little Grant. "I see Carter Grant is going back to school. He has you to thank for that."

Max kept up the idle prattle for another few minutes. I think training is done for the day. Now it's time to see if Smith's other prediction holds true.

"Go ahead. You may have you're treat now," Max smiled at her apparent eagerness. The bar was gone in a few seconds. "Did you enjoy you're treat?"

"Yes sir."

"I'm sure it tasted better than the other bars, right?"

"Yes sir."

"Glad to hear it. Now go stand in your spot. I have an appointment to go to."

He watched as she walked over to stand facing the wall again. Huh, Smith was right. No difference, aside from the color of the bar and me telling her it was a treat, and she thought it tasted better. She keeps progressing like this I will have my own personal Kryptonian body guard by the time the election rolls around. I wonder how many dates I could get out of Agent Danvers for a chance to talk to her sister?

Max walked out of the room chuckling to himself.