Thanks for reading and, as always, reviews are most welcome. Supergirl is owned by Warner Bros. and DC Comics.
Sir," Lucy directed to her boss as everyone filed out of the briefing room. "May I have a moment of your time … in your office?"
"Sure. Everything okay?" Hank asked.
"There are some developments I need to pass along to you," was all Lucy would say until they reached the office.
"Have a seat, Major," Hank motioned to one of the chairs facing his desk. "What's on your mind?"
"Sir, I regret to inform you I've compromised the DEO."
Hank cocked his head, "In what way?"
"I … I've been in contact with my dad and, well, didn't realize the only reason he's been calling me is to pump me for information. Information, to my great shame, I inadvertently gave him," Lucy forced herself to keep eye contact with Hank. "The escape attempt last night at the hospital confirmed my suspicions. I spoke with my father hours before the attempt. He demanded we turn Supergirl over to Cadmus after what happened in court – that she poised an obvious threat. I told him she was not a threat as long as Maxwell Lord was behind bars. Sir, I spoke with Chief Thomas. The men who tried to aide Max were totally scrubbed – no birth records, identities –"
"I know what scrubbed means, Major Lane. Anything else?"
"When I insisted on locking up Agent Danvers. It wasn't because of her actions. Well, part of it was, but mostly it was because my dad told me there was a rumor going around the Pentagon … a female DEO agent was giving classified information on aliens to Maxwell Lord. Instead of actually investigating the rumor, I jumped to the conclusion that Alex was giving the information to Max so she could see her sister." Lucy took a deep breath then continued, "A couple of weeks later I talked with my dad. Asked him about the rumors. He said there were no new rumors about missing classified intelligence and congratulated me on catching the mole. That's why I believed Alex was guilty. It's why I worked so hard to convince you to keep her locked up. To press charges against her."
"And you didn't feel you could come to me and tell me?" Hank asked tamping down on his anger.
"Alex is … is someone special to you. I was afraid if I said anything you'd compromise yourself, and the DEO, to save her. So, I trumped up some charges to keep her locked up," Lucy admitted.
"What changed your mind?" Hank was curious.
"I had Agent Morrish design a quick search program to seek for classified alien information. When we took down Lord Technologies I had the program run on all of Max's computers. I also had Agent Vasquez check our computers for any signs of tampering. Nothing was found in either case. I chalked it up to a bad rumor and released Alex. I didn't give it a second thought until last night when I talked to my sister, Lois. She pointed out to me why dad never recalled me back to Washington. As long as I was here he had an indirect influence over the DEO," Lucy finished.
"Have you spoken to your father since the phone conversation last night?"
"No, sir. I respectfully resign my position as second in command and will accept any –"
"Not so fast, Major Lane. I won't say I'm not disappointed, and a little angry, you chose not to trust me. To inform me you believed my department was compromised and why you believed it. Which will never happen again," Hanks eyes blazed. "While I can't forbid you to speak to your father, I can and do specifically prohibit you from talking about any facet of the DEO or it's personnel. Do I make myself clear, Major?"
"Yes, sir."
"Dismissed," Hank said then added, "I do believe you owe Agent Danvers an apology."
"Yes, sir … and, for what it's worth, I'm sorry sir." Lucy waited for Hanks nod of acknowledgment before leaving the office. This is your own fault, Luce. You know the chain of command – hell, you expect everyone else to follow it. You're lucky he didn't decide to bring charges for insubordination like you were going to do to Alex. Damn, I bet Alex has already left the base with Cat. I'll have to apologize to her when I get back to the apartment. Actually, it's probably safer there, anyway. She can't insist on an impromptu sparring session then.
/
"Hello," James said into his phone as he looked over layouts for the fashion page. He recently returned to work with strict doctor's orders to take things easy.
"James Olsen? This is General Lane. I wanted to call you to thank you for saving the life of my little girl."
James looked at his phone to check the number. He never heard Lucy's dad speak to him in such a warm tone. Wow! This is surreal I never thought I'd hear from him again after Lucy and I broke up. I wonder what he wants.
"James?" The general's voice inquired.
"Yes, sir, I'm here. Just …a little surprised you called."
Unlike Lucy, James viewed her father with the same distrust Lois did. The man always had a hidden agenda.
"You saved Lucy's life from a crazed gunman, son, I'm in your debt. You're a real hero in my book."
Lucy's father never complimented him before or used such a … respectful tone before. I suppose he could be grateful. I know how much he cares about Lucy.
"Thank you, sir."
"As a matter of fact, your actions were so heroic the U.S. Army is awarding you the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. It's the highest honor awarded to a civilian by the U.S. Army. You earned it, son … James," the general's voice was almost jovial.
James frowned. Now, all of a sudden, he's calling me 'son' and James instead of Jimmy? Perry White always told me I had good instincts and I should follow them. Right now? They're screaming that something else is going on.
"Again, thank you, sir. I don't believe I deserve an award for what I did. I –"
"Nonsense, Jimmy, um, James. This isn't the time for false modesty. You saved the life of a U.S. Army Major. You deserve the medal! You're a real American hero! I'll be flying in tomorrow to present it to you."
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Tomorrow?
"Excuse me, sir. Isn't this a little … sudden? I thought these things take time."
"Well, yes they do, son. I put you in for the award as soon as I heard what happened. I didn't say anything to Lucy. I wanted it to be a surprise. She'll be so pleased."
She'll be pleased? Is that what this is about?
"I'm honored, sir, but I respectfully decline –"
"You can't … you don't want to decline a medal that shows you are a hero. My staff has already set up a banquet in your honor. The press will be there. This is your time to shine, son! Let everyone know what a brave man, a hero, you are. Now, the banquet starts at 1800 hours. I'll have a car pick you up from your apartment –"
"What about the doorman who was murdered? Is his family going to be there too?" James was still bothered by Ron's murder. Truthfully, he knew if the doorman hadn't tackled the gunman, he and Lucy would have died.
"The, uh, doorman? Well, I suppose my staff could contact his family. See if they would like to attend."
"I'm sorry. I meant, are they receiving an award for Ron's heroic actions? I mean, he did tackle the bad guy knowing the man had a gun," James explained. I don't think he really knows what happened. Or, more likely, he doesn't care.
"I'm sure it was an oversight by my Captain. I'll have him put the man in for the award too," the general sounded a little brusque.
Ah, this is the Sam Lane I'm used to dealing with. Time to push the envelope a little and see if my instinct was right.
"I'm honored, sir. Really. But I can't except the award. You can give Ron's family the medal tomorrow night, instead. He's the real hero and his family deserves the recognition. Not me," James maintained. "It's not 'false modesty' as you said earlier. Ron did sacrifice his life for two people he knew only in passing."
"It doesn't work that way, son! The paperwork, everything, is in your name. Not his. I told you, we'd see about getting his family a medal too. Now, like I said, we'll have a car pick you up at 1800 hours. I'll have Henshaw make sure Lucy is present at –"
"No, sir. I'll wait until Ron's family is awarded the –"
"You can't! I mean, we already have everything set up. I'm flying in –"
"Then, sir, I suggest you cancel your flight. I won't be attending until Ron's family –"
"You would dishonor my daughter by not accepting an award for saving her life? Who the hell do you think you are, Olsen? You ungrateful –"
"This is not about disrespecting Lucy," James fought to keep his voice calm. That was a low blow, General. Now I'm sure this award has nothing to do with my actions and everything to do with Lucy. He's either using this to butter her up or get back into her good graces for something he's done. "Just because we are not together doesn't mean I don't –"
"You will do this for my daughter. If you care for her happiness in the least. Now, be ready at 1800 hours tomorrow."
James heard the click as Lane hung up the phone. What the hell? I'm not in your army and I won't be bullied into doing something I don't feel comfortable doing. Lucy or no Lucy – I'm not one of his subordinates. He can't order me around. This is supposed to be a surprise for Lucy? I don't think so. Wonder what she'll say when I tell her about her dad calling me?
/
"Alex!" Lucy called out. Vasquez had advised her of Alex's whereabouts as soon as she finished her meeting with Hank. She was pretty sure Vasquez had the entire DEO bugged.
Alex paused watching as Lucy almost sprinted toward her. Crap! What did I do wrong now? She better not be mad I told Vasquez to delete Supergirl's comedy routine from the mainframe. Oh, she doesn't look mad … good.
"I'm glad I caught you before you left," Lucy said as soon as she was within a few feet of Alex. "Do you have a couple of minutes?"
"Yeah, sure. Supergirl's almost done with her canvas and Cat decided to let her continue to bleed off a little of her … extra energy," Alex explained. "What can I help you with?"
"In my office? Please?" Lucy took in Alex's face and added, "You're not in trouble at all."
"Oh, well, then by all means lead the way," Alex said and followed Lucy back to her office.
"Shut the door, please," Lucy asked Alex once they were both inside.
Alex stood with her arms partially folded across her chest. The bite mark from Max was still slightly swollen and painful to the touch. "What's going on?"
"I owe you an apology."
"Okay," Alex agreed. This is something new and different.
"Remember, months ago, before all this stuff with Max Lord started? How we had each others backs … we trusted each other?" Lucy waited until Alex nodded before continuing. "I know it's my fault for the … rift between us now."
Alex remained quiet. Where the hell is this coming from?
Lucy took a deep breath and exhaled. Well, I guess you're not going to jump in and take at least part of the blame … okay, here goes.
"I … was wrong. Someone, who I believed was a credible source, told me about rumors regarding a female DEO agent giving Max Lord classified alien information," Lucy saw red creeping into Alex's face at the insinuation. She shook her head, "You never would have given Max classified information in exchange for talking to Supergirl. You wouldn't risk the lives of your fellow agents – your life, yes. But not theirs."
Alex eyed Lucy, "You should have known that then. We'd worked together long enough – I thought I could trust you. I thought you knew me well enough –"
"Alex, I'm sorry. I listened to someone I shouldn't have. Someone who knows exactly what buttons to push. I –"
"Your father? General Lane?" Alex asked. It has to be him. The pieces of the puzzle are all coming together now. He's the only person who's motives she wouldn't question outright.
"Yeah, my dad," Lucy looked away briefly hoping Alex didn't see the hurt and humiliation in her eyes. "I thought I was being clever … smart. I wanted to prove to him I had everything under control when all the while he was pulling my strings like I was his puppet. Obviously, he wanted you out of the way – maybe he thought you'd get too close to Max Lord and find out some ugly secret …"
"What secret, Lucy?" Alex asked as she saw the blood drain from Lucy's face.
"My father had a part in all of this," Lucy answered in a dazed voice as the realization struck her. Now it all makes sense, Dillard Sullivan – the guy who died in the truck, he was on my dad's handpicked squad, and the professional sabotage of National City's infrastructure … something army special ops are trained in. The weird phone calls from dad … fishing for information or leaving me a trail of breadcrumbs to follow. Leading me to go wherever he wanted me to. And I fell for it! "Oh, Alex, I am so sorry. Lois was right. I was the perfect mole because I was too blind to believe he'd ever use me like that."
Alex stood dumbfounded, "You mean he and Max Lord were working together against Supergirl? No, hold on – that can't be right. We didn't find any evidence at Lord Tech linking him and Max. None of the employees who talked said anything about the army's involvement, either."
"No, but Jones did mention a large binder full of 'disasters' they were to send Supergirl on … everything was scheduled – with times and dates. It disappeared after the man in the truck, the guy who used to work for my dad, died," Lucy said.
"Yeah, I remember him. I checked the video log. He was the one who refused your dad's order to shoot me for trading Astra back to the Kryptonians in exchange for J'onn," Alex gave a small shake of her head. "I guess that didn't exactly put him in your father's good graces."
"I'm sorry my dad –"
"Don't worry about it, Luce. Supergirl was there so I doubt the bullets would have hit me anyway. You aren't responsible for the orders your dad gives," Alex said then slightly frowned. "What I don't understand is … you said the binder with the planned disasters disappeared after the first death but … there were a lot more catastrophes after that. So, maybe your dad wasn't involved with Max's plan."
"During the interview with Jones, he said Max hired some guy named Smith to coordinate the fake accidents. It was Smith who provided the binder. After that, Max hired individual people to do the dirty work. So –"
"You believe your dad had ties to this 'Smith' fellow," Alex completed Lucy's sentence. She hesitated, unsure of what to say next. It was awkward to criticize someone else's parent.
"The more I think about it, the surer I am. He had to have his hand in this," Lucy said.
"Yeah, well, there's no evidence of it unless we find this 'Smith' fellow. Which, at the moment, isn't too high on my list of priorities," Alex didn't want to be the person who found the damning evidence against Lucy's father. I'll let J'onn worry about that. "The more I think about it the more I doubt Max knew Smith worked for your dad. Max never liked working with the military. He didn't want anyone else calling the shots."
"That sounds exactly like the type of person my dad would be interested in working with. Someone who's too self-important to believe anyone else could control them … someone like me," Lucy briefly turned away from Alex, regained her composure, and met Alex's eyes with tears in her own. "I am sorry, Alex. I cost you your freedom for months and I'm probably partially responsible for Max using that bomb to hurt Supergirl. I should have listened –"
"Lucy, stop. I accept your apology. As much as we'd both like to change some of the things we did … we have to move on. I can't promise I'll ever trust you the way I used to. I'm not Supergirl," Alex's smile grew deadly. "I can say that, if Max decided to toast Supergirl alive, forced her to stay in the sun covered in that damned plasma because I wouldn't contact him … because I was stuck in a cell on bogus charges …"
Alex let the silence sit between them after she trailed off. She and Lucy both knew there would be no forgiveness. Ever.
"I … understand," Lucy nodded her head. "If it's any consolation, I don't know how I'm going to forgive myself to whatever extent my jailing you had in Max's decision to hurt Supergirl. I guess she's next on my apology list."
"Lucy? Don't. Leave it here. She carries enough on her shoulders. Like I said, time to move forward," Alex unfolded her arms. "You now know your blind spot so trust your friends. Ask advice. You don't have to go it alone. El Myariah and all of that, right?"
Lucy smiled, "Yeah, stronger together. I need to remember that."
"If that's all, I've got a semi-high Supergirl to corral. Cat's anxious to get back to National City. You still staying at the Franklin Park or did you go back to your apartment?"
"I'm back at my apartment," Lucy answered. "The threat's past. Like you said, time to move forward."
"We done here?" Alex asked subtly acknowledging her support of Lucy's leadership.
"Dismissed." Lucy welcomed Alex's gesture of reconciliation. She's right. I need to start trusting … listening to my friends. I don't have to go it alone. James told me the same thing when we were in Metropolis.
Alex nodded and started to turn to leave then stopped, "I know you will say you were just doing your job but … thank you for my sister. All the work you put in, not only at the trial, but the guardianship documents as well. You let her have a life. Thank you."
Lucy met Alex's eyes, "As you said, I was doing my job."
Alex was halfway out the door when she looked over her shoulder at Lucy, "For the record, Luce? When you said you were worried I'd get too close to Max Lord and learn some big secret? There's no way in hell that would have happened."
/
J'onn was fuming inside. He didn't want to cut out his second in command from critical decisions yet, regardless of what he told Lucy, he couldn't blindly trust her again. General Lane managed to put a large wedge between me and my second in command. I'm sure he knew exactly what he was doing. Sow the seeds of distrust and watch everything crumble. Nice try, General, not going to happen on my watch. I've been alive a lot longer than you and faced more cunning foes. Now that Lucy is finished with the trial and back at the DEO full time we're going to work on that trust issue. Both ways.
/
Vasquez watched the monitor as Supergirl worked on her painting.
"Good, isn't she?" Winn remarked when he saw what his friend was looking at.
"Damn, no wonder she's called Supergirl. Is there anything she can't do? No, don't answer that … I don't want to know," Susan joked as she looked over at Winn. "She really is good … and I'm looking at the painting over a monitor."
"Yeah, kind of funny, though. You'd assume she's good because she has super powers and sees differently than us but it's not true. Her cousin, Superman, has a hard time drawing stick figures right. She really is a talented artist," Winn said.
/
"You and Kara may have the entire floor," Cat told Alex. "Major Lane has decided to move back to her apartment now that the trial is over. Carter and I will remain on the top floor."
"Thank you, Cat," Kara said, "and don't worry, I won't leave the floor without my glasses and cane."
Cat nodded then turned to Alex, "Any further questions?"
"Uh, yeah. Whose clothes are those in the closet?" Alex didn't think they looked like Lucy's style.
"Yours. If you're going to accompany Kara to my place of business I expect you to wear proper business attire and basic black on black with a gun on your hip is not appropriate," Cat informed her.
"I beg to differ," Alex countered causing Cat to raise an eyebrow. "Exactly what 'job' was I supposed to do at Catco?"
"I assumed you'd act as another assistant," Cat answered. "Lord knows there was only one assistant I ever had who could keep up with me and it turns out she had to have super powers to do so."
"No," Alex said flatly.
"No?" Cat wasn't used to having her ideas so quickly discarded.
"No. I'm not going as another assistant, a secretary, a reporter … any of those things. I'm going as your personal bodyguard," Alex announced. "It makes sense, too. Most of your staff knows I'm Kara's sister and, since everyone and their brother saw what happened in court, my face is already out there as a badass. You were impressed at my heroics and decided to hire me on the spot."
Kara giggled, "She's right, Cat. Alex is a hero! Our Hero!"
Both Cat and Alex gave Kara a sideways look. The painting only blunted the enthusiastic energy Kara had – not totally eradicated it.
"I suppose you're right. Okay. I've hired you as my personal bodyguard so you have a reason to be in my office or nearby at all times," Cat agreed. "We leave for work tomorrow at eight o'clock. Oh, and Supergirl will have to make another announcement to explain her actions in court. Make sure she wears –"
"We'll be ready," Alex cut in. "Who do you want to write the speech? Me or Kara?"
"Oh, please. It's important to put our spin on what everyone saw. I'll handle the speech. You … try to keep her … focused," Cat said as she entered the elevator taking her to the top floor of the Franklin Park.
"Isn't this exciting?" Kara grabbed Alex's arm and quickly let go when she saw her sister wince in pain. "Oh, my gosh, Alex, I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, Kara. Still a little sore. I'll be fine," Alex assured her then changed the subject. "I'm glad Cat said it was okay for you to go without your glasses when you're here."
"Yeah, me too. We've got months of sister nights to catch up on. Check the freezer – Cat knows what kind of ice cream I like. I'm sure she had it stocked," Kara said as she put her darkened glasses on a table near the front door.
"My, aren't we used to being pampered," Alex chided her sister playfully, "and, for the record, I've never heard you say you didn't like a flavor of ice cream."
"I know!" Kara's smile threatened to split her face. "Cat said the same thing. I bet there's twenty different flavors of ice cream in there waiting for us."
"Oh." I guess I could get used to being pampered for a while.
/
Cat waited until Adam and Carter were settled in before she made her way into the room she deemed her study. She had a speech to write. She settled behind a desk and started to open her laptop when her eyes fell on Kara's carefully wrapped painting leaning against the davenport. Alex insisted Cat unwrap the painting in private.
"You'll understand once you do" was the only other thing Alex would say.
Curiosity and the Cat. Hmm. Okay, Alex, I guess I can take a look at it before I start writing.
Cat carefully removed the brown paper wrapping and stared in awe. The picture was of Carter and Adam seated poring over a book while Cat stood behind them, looking down with a slight smile on her face. Kara somehow managed to capture the relationship between Cat, Adam, and Carter brilliantly. It was … amazing. Encapsulated in the corner, where artists traditionally sign their work, was the symbol of the House of El. It was painted in muted colors and Cat realized she never would have noticed it if she hadn't deliberately looked for Kara's signature.
Now I know why Alex insisted I look at the painting in private. Kara probably would have been high for the next week if she saw me open it! This is … absolutely brilliant. The look of open curiosity on Carter's face, the cocky half smile on Adam's and … I know I'm a catch but there's no way I look that good.
It took a full half hour before Cat finally forced herself to put the painting aside so she could focus on writing Supergirl's speech.
/
How dare Jimmy Olsen say no to me! After all the trouble I went through to get him his little medal! That's okay, Olsen. Have it your way. At least I won't have to put up with your sanctimonious act … alien lover!
General Samuel Lane was not in a good mood. His staff members spent most of the day trying to find reasons to run errands and escape his wrath. As the day wore on, he started working on a new plan. He'd make the trip to National City for the award ceremony. If Olsen didn't show up it was icing on the cake. The press was notified, they'd be there, see all the fanfare. They'd report the general was sincere in his appreciation. Then he'd fly back to Washington in his private transport. No one would notice the wooden crate loaded onto the plane while the ceremony was underway. A wooden crate containing a violent escaped felon. A man who would be most grateful for a chance at freedom.
Now, it's time I take care of some unfinished business.
General Lane used his private, secure, phone to place his next call.
"Smith, sorry to hear about your men. Tell them not to talk. I'll get a writ of habeas corpus for them and they'll be out by the end of the week. Then they can disappear," Lane promised. "Now, I'm flying into National City tomorrow under the guise of giving some loser a medal. The festivities will be done by no later than 2000 hours. I expect, when I leave town at 2100 hours, Maxwell Lord will be on my private transport. See to it personally."
