My apologies for not posting anything in over a month – real life strikes again. Supergirl is owned by Warner Bros. and DC Comics.

Alex waited for Cat and Kara to make their way downstairs for the ride to work. The thought of what was transpiring between her sister and Cat made her uneasy. Might as well do a quick reconnaissance outside while I'm waiting. She strolled outside where Cat's driver was waiting next to the parked car. Tony, eyeing the conspicuous gun on her hip, opened the limousine door for her. She nodded a greeting to him but didn't walk over to the vehicle. It wouldn't do for Cat's personal bodyguard to enter the limo before her boss. She made a show of scanning the area then slipped on a pair of sunglasses, concealing her eyes, and checked the area in earnest. I hope Kara's all right. I wish we had more time to talk this morning. She was so embarrassed when she found out about the praise thing and that I knew about it. Tonight, when we get back, we're going to have a long talk. She shouldn't – oh, here they come. Kara looks okay …

"Ms. Grant," Tony greeted puzzled at the sour look Cat threw in Alex's direction.

"Thank you, Tony. I see you've met my … recent hire," Cat tilted her head slightly toward Alex. I thought she said she'd wait at the elevator. Kara was worried when she wasn't there. She has to be more careful not to upset her sister – especially since Kara really can't see with those glasses on.

"Yes, ma'am. Actually, we've met before when –"

"Good," Cat cut him off as she entered the limousine.

Alex waited as Kara, slightly flushed and wearing a grin, entered after her guardian. Hidden behind the darkened lenses of her sunglasses, Alex rolled her eyes at the change in her sister. Yeah, we are going to have a real long talk when we get back to the apartment tonight. Making a show of scanning the area one more time, Alex gave Tony a curt nod and entered the back of the limo sitting across from Cat and Kara.

"Playing the part to the hilt, I see," Cat's tone was neutral as she made a show of inspecting Alex's choice of wardrobe.

"Absolutely," Alex already decided to nettle Cat. This is going to be fun! She won't dare say –

"Good," Cat said as she studied a message on her phone.

"Good?" Alex asked surprised when Cat didn't raise even a token fuss about her ensemble.

"I've already contacted Neville. Your new wardrobe will be delivered later today," Cat replied still studying her phone.

"My new wardrobe? Are you kidding –"

"No," Cat almost smiled at the look of surprise on the agent's face when she cut her off. Bet someone spent considerable time preparing to argue her 'bodyguard' case this morning. "I gave serious thought to your employment suggestion last night. I agree with you. As my bodyguard, no one will question why we leave and arrive in the same vehicle or why you aren't working at a desk in the bullpen. Then, there is the minor detail of you actually having to do an actual job – more or less proficiently."

Cat waited a beat as Alex's face became indignant before adding, "Judging by the viral video of your performance the other day, I hardly think anyone would believe you are now working as my assistant or any other entry level position."

"Oh, okay," Alex was a little disappointed. She had rehearsed her argument as to why she needed to be a bodyguard. Cat had ruined it by agreeing with her. A thought struck her and she frowned, "How do you know what size I am?"

"Uh, hello," Kara said from her corner of the seat she was sharing with Cat. "Cat asked me yesterday. While we were at the DEO. That's why the other clothes were already in the closet last night."

"But you –"

"I've sent the text of Supergirl's speech to your phone, Alex," Cat interrupted. "The press conference is set for ten-thirty this morning. Make sure your sister is ready."

Alex nodded. Point taken, Cat. The less friction between us the better. Especially in front of Kara. She glanced over at her sister to see if she had any reaction to Cat's statement and was struck at how Cat was afforded the majority of the back seat. Kara sat with her larger frame tucked into the corner.

"You okay, Kara? Looks like you're a little squished in the corner. There's plenty of room for you to sit more relax-"

"I'm fine. Perfectly fine. I've got all the space I need. I'm fine." Kara reached up to adjust her glasses, careful to keep her arm within the space of her body, as she laughed nervously.

"I know you can't see, Kara, but there's plenty of space between you and Cat. You can make yourself more comfortable," Alex tilted her head. At least she's not as high as she was yesterday. She can't be comfortable sitting all jammed up in the corner like that. Hell, I could sit between her and Cat and there'd still be enough room for another person. Why is she sitting like that? "Why don't you relax?"

Kara again laughed nervously, "I'm relaxed."

Cat glanced up from her phone and studied Kara's position frowning as she realized what Alex was talking about. She thought back to her interactions with Kara since 'claiming' her. Okay, this wasn't in the manual but I bet I'm right. Time for a little experiment.

Cat moved closer to Kara and noticed how the younger woman, still effectively blinded by her lead coated dark glasses, sensed the intrusion and shrank back further into the corner. Alex shot Cat a look. Cat shook her head and sat back where she originally was seated. Kara remained in place.

"You aren't supposed to touch her, are you? Unless she initiates contact. Am I right Kara? And … and you're staying where you are because Cat claimed more of the backseat from you, right?" Alex carefully kept the fury out of her voice. She knew this wasn't Cat's fault but she didn't like the idea of Kara feeling … as though she owed Cat some kind of deference.

"I … it's not … you don't …" Kara stammered unable acknowledge what she felt was instinctively true. Alex is right. I know all about the mind control thing. I shouldn't let the drug control me like this. Cat wouldn't ask me to act like this … right?

Both Cat and Alex watched as Kara very slowly allowed her body another inch of space. The fact that she stopped short of the area she previously occupied wasn't lost on either woman.

"Aren't you going to say something?" Alex prodded Cat.

Cat shook her head, "Not until I talk things over with Dr. Ruiz. This wasn't mentioned at all in the … material I was given to read. Maybe you should investigate further."

"Kara, you know this is only the drug controlling you, right?"

"Yeah. I know. But, right now, this is the best I can do. Okay?" Kara sounded almost pained. Leave me alone, Alex. You don't understand how … wrong it feels to invade Cat's space.

"Sure. Okay. Is it okay if Cat touches you?"

Alex registered Kara's eye roll even though it was hidden behind the lead-lined glasses.

"Of course, it is," Alex answered her own question. "Sorry – stupid question. You just aren't supposed to touch her. Did Max tell you that? I mean, that you weren't allowed to touch him? Was that … one of the rules?"

Kara didn't even have to think before answering, "Yes."

"Right. That's why it wasn't in the Supergirl Manual Winn put together. Max was conditioning you the entire time you were with him even though he hadn't … um … claimed you. When we get to Catco we'll make a list of all the rules. Okay?"

"After the speech," Cat eyed Alex.

"After the speech," Alex agreed.

"Sure," Kara agreed happy Alex was going to stop badgering her the rest of the trip to Catco. Until, several minutes later, when she heard Alex mutter, "I can't believe it."

"What, Alex?"

Alex ignored Kara's question and angrily addressed Cat, "You're dragging him here to National City, when he's working on a way to find a cure for her? What the hell, Cat?"

"It was the only way I could think of to keep Supergirl out of the public eye while she gets 'cured.' Also, it –"

"No! He needs to-"

"He will be here for a couple of hours at the most. Then he can fly back to wherever his secret hiding place is and continue his research," Cat defended.

"And you didn't mention this last night because you knew I'd kick your ass for making him take time to – Ow! Kara! Let go!" Alex tried unsuccessfully to remove her upper arm from Kara's painfully tight grip.

"You aren't going to harm her, Alex," Kara said, her voice pleasant but firm.

"No, no – that was a figure of speech. I'm not going to touch a single hair on her head. Okay? Let go!"

"Let her go, Kara," Cat ordered and Alex felt almost physically sick as Kara immediately released her and folded back into her little corner of the seat. Dammit! Cat sounds like she's talking to a dog. At least she has the decency to look uncomfortable about it. Mom or Clark better figure out some kind of cure before Cat doesn't feel uncomfortable having Kara at her beck and call.

No one spoke the rest of the trip.

/

"Good Morning, Ms. Grant. Nice to have you back," Winn's replacement, Dorey Washington greeted as the doors to Cat's personal elevator opened. Her smile faltered and slid from her face when Alex Danvers, in full 'kick ass bodyguard' mode exited the elevator ahead of Cat.

Alex smirked to herself as employees who were gathered around the elevator to greet their boss quickly scurried away. She gave the room a quick scan before turning and nodding to the occupants waiting on the elevator. Cat strode out holding out her hand for her morning latte as she briskly followed Alex the short distance to her office. Kara, using her cane, followed at a slower pace.

"The board meeting was rescheduled from this morning to one this afternoon per your instructions and the press room is set up for Supergirl's speech. Aside from that … it is nice to see you again, Ms. Grant, Kara, and …," Josh's voice trailed off waiting for someone to introduce him to Alex.

"Alex. She's my sister, Josh, and she will be working here as –"

"Alex Danvers," Alex interrupted Kara and came forward and briefly shook Josh's hand. "I'm Ms. Grant's –"

"Bodyguard, right? I saw you on the news … capture Maxwell Lord. That was epic! Could I get your autograph and maybe a selfie –"

"No," Alex cut him off. Her glare sent him back several steps.

"Uh … okay. Sorry. I'll just … go back to my desk," Josh motioned clearly unwilling to remain the focus of Alex's attention anymore. "That is, if … um … you don't need me for anything else, Ms. Grant."

"Go," was Cat's annoyed response. She'd contact HR later to schedule interviews for a new assistant. After Josh left the office she addressed Alex, "I've got work to do and Supergirl has a speech to prepare. I suggest –"

"On it," Alex acknowledged. "What time do you need Supergirl?"

"She should make her appearance sometime around ten. A balcony entrance will be fine," Cat advised as her attention was drawn to one of many memos waiting for her.

Alex made a show of glancing out at the bullpen before she crossed over to Kara's office. She stopped short of entering the smaller office and thought for a moment before turning to Cat, "May I make a suggestion?"

Cat barely looked up from her reading and motioned with her hand to continue.

"If it looks like this problem is going to be long term, you may want to consider a one-way window for Kara's office. I'll be able to sit in there with her instead of –"

"Instead of bugging the hell out of me by standing around while I work," Cat finished for her. "Consider it done. I'll have something suitable installed by the end of the day."

"Yes … uh … thank you," Alex nodded once before entering Kara's office. Hopefully this isn't a long-term problem. Mom should arrive in National City tomorrow and J'onn promised to assign Dr. Ruiz to help her. Maybe Superman will find something useful in the Fortress of Solitude. There's no way Maxwell Lord will help – scratch that – no way I'd trust him to help. As long as Supergirl's under his power he'll scheme to find a way of taking her back from Cat. I should really call the police … make sure they keep me apprised of wherever he is. All I really need to do is keep Kara away from him and everything should work out fine.

"Hey, Alex, guess you have everyone on their toes in the bullpen," Kara offered with a smile. "I thought a couple of people were going to have a heart attack or something because their hearts were beating so fast. My sister the badass."

"Uh, yeah? I thought it was more Ms. Grant back in the office again. "A few people totally ignored me but looked … concerned when she walked out of the elevator," Alex observed.

"Probably because she isn't afraid to call people on the carpet for not doing their job," Kara shrugged. "She hasn't been in the office for a few months because of the trial and threats. I'm sure some people are a little concerned she will notice their lack of productivity while she was gone."

"If you say so," Alex wasn't as sure. They saw the same footage as everyone else … how Cat Grant was able to stop Supergirl in court. I bet her employees are wondering if there is anything Cat can't do. "Let's get down to business and work on this speech Cat wrote."

/

"Hey, Lucy," James answered the phone as he pored over a layout. He and Lucy spent several hours on the phone last night as James filled her in on General Lane's insistence on awarding him a medal. Lucy, in turn, told him of her recent falling out with her dad. I wonder why she's calling now? "Everything all right?"

"My dad called Director Henshaw this morning. I've been ordered to attend your award ceremony this evening," Lucy's voice sounded strained.

"Did you explain to him that I won't be there?" James frowned. He couldn't see Hank ordering Lucy to go knowing James wasn't going to attend.

"My dad, the general, ordered me to attend. In full dress uniform. He has a whole circus planned, national media, the mayor, other politicians …," Lucy trailed off.

"And I told him I wasn't going," James finished for her. He thought for a minute, "Is this his way of pressuring me into attending?"

"No. I don't think so. This is his way of teaching me a lesson."

"Lesson?"

"Yeah. A lesson in what happens when I choose aliens over humans." Lucy paused for a moment then explained, "He's mad because I, his daughter, helped prosecute Maxwell Lord. You know, the anti-alien movement's poster child. He feels I deliberately humiliated him in front of his associates. Now he is going to humiliate me on a national stage."

"What? How?" James cut in.

"You know my dad," Lucy said. "He'll pepper his speech with backhanded compliments aimed at me. I'm sure some of them will be snappy enough to make the national news. I've … I've seen him do it to other people … even Lois but … I never thought I'd be in his cross hairs."

"Yeah, it isn't fun," James agreed. He wished he could assure Lucy she was wrong. Unfortunately, he knew what the man was capable of doing too well. General Lane was not the type of person who forgave people he believed opposed him. He punished them. Lucy defending an alien over a human in court then telling him she made sure he couldn't send Supergirl to Cadmus? It wasn't going to be pretty. He made up his mind, "Listen, Luce, I know I said I wasn't attending the ceremony but I changed my mind –"

"That's not the reason I called you, James. I –"

"I know. That's not something you'd do. But, I am not going to let you sit on that stage all alone. Period. As a matter of fact, I'm going to contact Ron's wife. I'd like for her and her family to attend too. They deserve to see him honored and, if I'm given the chance to speak, I'll do just that," James stated. "We'll turn this award ceremony into something positive. Okay?"

"Thanks, James," Lucy said then offered, "I can call Ron's wife and ask her to bring her family. Then you won't have to attend. Their presence alone might be enough to throw a monkey wrench into my dad's plans. You –"

"I'll be there too, Luce," James affirmed. "Actually … I think I'll invite them as my guests. At least Ron's wife can sit on the stage with me then. Ron's bravery will be recognized and I doubt your dad will say too much in front of the media with her sitting there."

/

Smith looked over the hospital blueprints one more time before finalizing his plans. People were going to get hurt … killed. Why don't the police move Maxwell Lord back to jail? My sources say the doctor medically cleared him. It would be so much easier … cleaner, to take out the cops transporting him back to jail. Damn you, Max Lord, you've proven to be nothing but a pain in the ass since I met you.

/

"Thanks for everything, Kal," Kara said as she hugged her cousin. The speech went off without a hitch and was now playing on news outlets across the nation. The end of the speech, where Supergirl calmly surrendered her freedom to Superman until she was free of Max's mind control, went viral immediately. Leave it to Cat Grant to understand exactly what the nervous public needed to see.

"You know I'll always be here for you, Kara," Superman hugged her tight, the desert wind slightly rustling both of their capes.

"Listen, I need you to promise me something … if Maxwell Lord somehow manages to gain control of my mind … you'll do whatever it takes to stop me. I mean it, Kal. Don't hesitate because I'm sure his first directive to me will be to kill you. I won't be able to resist! I will kill you."

"I don't think it'll be a problem. Max is in police custody for good – like Lex is." Superman paused as he studied her face. He saw and understood the fear in her eyes, "I promise, Kara. I won't let him use you to hurt others."

She held his gaze for a moment then nodded, "Thanks."

"And there's your ride now," Superman said as a black SUV quickly approached.

The two Kryptonians stood silently as Alex brought the vehicle to a halt. The driver's window opened as the dust settled.

"Anyone call for a cab?" Alex poked her head out the window. "Hey Clark! You did a great job."

"Thanks, Alex," Superman smiled warmly. "You did, too. Lois said that, as impressive as your take down of Max was on television, it was even more remarkable in person. I think she'd give her right arm for a one on one interview with you."

Alex ducked her head, "Tell her I'm sorry but no interviews from me – J'onn would kill me."

"She understands. If you do decide to grant an interview –"

"Catco gets the exclusive," Kara interrupted. Noticing the surprised look on Alex's face she added, "You work for her right now … I mean, everyone believes you work for her. They'd expect her to fire you on the spot if you gave an exclusive to The Daily Planet or anyone other than a Catco media platform."

"Point taken," Superman agreed as he reached into the vehicle to give Alex a brief hug. "You did good, Alex. The Danvers family has more than one superhero."

"Just another day in the life of a DEO agent," Alex smiled then changed the subject. "Give Lois my regrets about the interview. Her coverage of everything, though, was remarkable. She certainly doesn't need my help to win her next Pulitzer."

He stepped back from the SUV and smiled, obviously proud of his girlfriend, "She is terrific."

Kara gave Clark another quick hug then watched as her cousin gracefully took off toward Metropolis.

"Come on, you," Alex chided her sister. "Time to get back to work."

"Yeah, about that," Kara said after she used her super speed to change out of her Supergirl uniform. "Can you maybe … speed it up a bit. I … I think I need to see Cat."

Alex caught the unease in Kara's voice, "Oh. Got it. Put on your glasses."

Kara shook her head, "It's not that bad, yet. I … I can feel it starting, though."

"Call Cat," Alex ordered.

"That won't do any good, Alex. Remember? I need to be –"

"Call her, Kara. Have her meet us –"

"No. She needs to stay at Catco where she is safe. I'll be all right," Kara insisted. "It's different now that I know what's going on. I can tell when this, um, compulsion starts. It – Alex! Slow down! I said speed it up a little."

Alex took her foot off the gas pedal and let the vehicle slow to one hundred and ten miles per hour. They were getting close to National City anyway. She'd have to keep an eye out for the cops pretty soon. Yeah, it'd be my luck to get stopped by that female cop and her partner. After what I did to her patrol car at our last encounter? I can pretty much bet she'd be smiling as she put the handcuffs on me and dragged me off to jail for reckless driving.

/

"Thank you, Kara," Cat said as she accepted the glass full of M & M's from a now slightly flustered Kara Danvers. Cat noticed the immediate change in her ward's demeanor and decided not to add 'good job'. We'll see how long this … fix … lasts. "Chop, chop. Back to work. Your boss probably has your queue filled by now."

"Yes, Ms. Grant," Kara acknowledged and retreated back into her office. Wow. I know this is all drug induced and not normal but … it feels so good. I want more. I always want to feel like this. Forever. I should tell Alex not to have anyone look for a cure.

"Kara? You okay? I asked you what you wanted me to order for lunch," Alex's voice sounded concerned.

"Uh, whatever you want is fine. Don't order anything for me." Kara didn't want to be bothered thinking about anything else but how to please Cat. Eating lunch wasn't working and Cat specifically told her to get back to work. That would make Cat happy. Food wasn't important.

"Kara?"

"I've got to get back to work, Alex. Mr. Mazur probably has my queue filled by now," Kara explained. Leave me alone, Alex! I have work to do! "I'll eat later, okay?"

"Yeah … sure. I'll order lunch for the both of us in case you change your mind."

Kara, already immersed in her work, didn't respond.

/

Lillian Luthor was intrigued. Sam Lane was flying into National City and requested a private meeting. How coincidental, general. I wished to see you as well. I believe I may have solved our Supergirl problem. Lillian looked at the image of Cat Grant calmly standing between Supergirl and her intended victim. As a mother, I would give anything to have my dear boy, Lex, back. I wonder, Cat Grant, if you'd be willing to make a trade … say … Supergirl for that precious little boy of yours…