As Alex's team assembled in the control room, she quickly looked round making sure everyone was there before starting.
"The virus is a variant of the Medusa virus. Rather than targeting aliens, it is targeting mixed species." Alex explained. "Whoever modified it will have needed access to the original virus. That knowledge could have come from here or whatever is left of CADMUS."
"What's CADMUS?" Rose asked.
"A terrorist organisation run by Lilian Luthor."
"As in Lex Luthor's mother." Vasquez clarified. "They caused a lot of problems twenty or so years ago."
"Purging the Earth of alien DNA would fit into CADMUS's remit, but it doesn't make sense not to target non mixed species as well. So we may be looking at a brand new terrorist organisation who have obtained the information somehow. If we are facing a new group they are likely to make a statement so keep searching online. However, right now the suspect pool is large and the motivation is unclear. But it could be another distraction technique so don't lose focus." Alex ordered. "That said, if we don't come up with a cure a lot of people are going to die. But even if we do find a cure, if we can't find the victims it is for nothing. So we are working hand in hand with the FBI. Share what you need to with Aptil and ask for anything you need. So far Aptil's team has found eleven cannisters, of which we have ten here. We need to make sure anyone who has been exposed is checked out. The FBI are going door to door, but there is a lot of distrust out there. So if anyone has any theories on what to do, no matter how crazy, let me know."
After receiving a chorus of 'yes ma'am's Alex let everyone get back to work.
"How's Ruby?" Vasquez asked quietly as the other agents continued with their tasks.
"I had to ventilate her." Alex said.
"And Alex?"
"Also on a ventilator. We don't have much time."
"Hi Alex." Barry said skidding to a stop in front of her. "Any more samples you want me to move?"
"No. That's the one good thing about this. There have been new cases, which suggests the virus is not contagious and it only those who were initially exposed who are effected."
"Although that does raise the question, was the placement random or targeted?" Barry said.
"Until we figure out a motive we won't be able to answer that." Alex pointed out.
"To help figure that out, do you mind if I take one of those canisters to STAR labs?" Barry asked.
"I didn't think you worked there anymore." Alex said.
"I don't. But I know people who do." Barry replied.
"Take whatever you think will help." Alex said.
"I'll let you know when we have something." Barry said disappearing in a blur.
"Ma'am." Harris called over.
"What is it?" Alex asked.
"The first fatalities have just been reported."
"Damn it." Alex muttered.
"I've sent their files to your tablet." He said.
-00-
"Have you got anything?" Alex asked as she returned to Lena's lab.
"Yes. I think I have a way to neutralise the virus." Eliza said.
"You don't look happy."
"Even if we can synthesise the antidote it will put a huge strain in their systems. And because everyone has a different mix of DNA I don't know how they will react. There is a chance it could kill them."
"If we don't do anything they'll all die." Alex pointed out.
"We don't know that." Eliza pointed out.
"So far three people have died." Alex countered passing her mother the tablet with the data. "Three who had no genetic connections. The one good thing is their progression through the stages was much faster than Alex's or Ruby's. But extrapolating I'd say Alex only has thirty five hours as a maximum. Ruby a few more." She paused for a moment before asking. "What is the problem with the synthesis process?"
"The equipment required Lena has, but the raw components she doesn't have all of them." Eliza said showing Alex the list.
"We have most of those at the DEO." Alex said reading the list. "I'll talk to Lena and make sure we have it all covered between us."
"I know time is running out, but can you check in on Kara?" Eliza asked, worry burning in her eyes.
"Of course."
-00-
"Have you got something?" Kara asked looking up when her sister entered the room.
"Not yet, we are still working on it." Alex said as she looked at the various monitors. When she was done she asked her sister. "Are you experiencing any symptoms?"
"No. None." Kara said. "I thought you said it was only effecting mixed species."
"It is, but it could evolve and if it does it might provide us with more clues." Alex said as she sat next to her sister.
"I'm fine." Kara said.
"Let me know if that changes."
"Ok." Kara said before asking. "How bad is she?"
"The next forty eight hours are critical." Alex said. "But we are doing all we can."
"Okay." Kara said squeezing her daughter's hand tighter.
"There's something else." Alex said.
"What?"
"We're working on a cure. But if we make one it is going to have risks. Especially for Alex as her DNA will be unique, we can't test it on anyone like her. It's possible the antidote might not work and it could make her worse."
"But you, Eliza and Lena would only recommend it if you thought it was the best option."
"Yes." Alex said.
"I trust you. All of you." Kara said.
"Hang in there." Alex said wanting to offer more support, but not sure how.
-00-
"Did you tell her?" Eliza asked Alex.
"That Alex may only have thirty hours to live? No, not exactly. She's struggling enough as it is. I did tell her the next two days are critical." She then paused and said. "I'm going to go chase up those DEO supplies. Is there anything else you need?"
"Apart from a miracle? No. But when you come back I'd appreciate you double checking some of these calculations."
"Of course." Alex said. "I'll be back soon."
-00-
"Do you have something?" Sam asked, looking up from Ruby's bedside, as Alex and Lena entered the room twelve hours later.
"We think so, but it is not without risks. The cure will put a huge strain on her body and could be too much for her. It could kill her. But if we do nothing she will probably die. You can say no. But we wanted to give you first refusal." Alex explained.
When Sam looked to Lena, Lena went on. "Ruby would be the first recipient of the cure, which is risky. But like Alex said without it her chances of recovery are minimal."
"Do it." Sam said.
"You sure?" Alex asked.
"Ruby would want to fight." Sam said.
"Okay." Alex said moving over to Ruby's bed side and injecting something into her.
"How long will it take?" Sam asked.
"We don't know. Could be hours." Alex said as Ruby started to seize.
"Rubes." Sam called as Alex prepared a crash cart. But before it was needed Ruby stilled and the alarms stopped.
"Vitals are stabilising." Lena said reading the monitors. "I think it is working."
-00-
"Well?" The teenage Kara asked when J'onn ended his phone conversation.
"That was your mother. They are making progress. But they need my help."
"Can we come?" MJ asked.
"No." J'onn said.
"Because you don't think Alex and Ruby are going to make it?" Kara guessed.
"I didn't say that." J'onn said. "The lab isn't safe for you right now. There is a DEO squad outside. But I want you to promise that you won't leave this house."
"We haven't so far." Kara reminded him.
-00-
"What's going on?" Kara asked when Eliza, Alex, Lena and J'onn entered the room.
"We think we have a cure." Eliza said. "But it is not without risks."
"It has worked on Ruby, but that is the only patient we have tried it on. But the longer we leave it the more risky it will be." Alex said.
"But you believe in it?" Kara asked looking from Eliza to Alex. When they both nodded Kara said. "Do it."
"Okay, but I need you to wait outside." Eliza said.
"I'm not leaving her." Kara said.
"Kara, you need to come with me." J'onn said. "You'll get in the way here and put Alex in danger."
"Okay." Kara reluctantly agreed. But before she went she kissed her daughter's head and whispered something in her ear.
Once J'onn had led her outside the room he said. "Why don't you go get something to eat while they work?"
"I'm not leaving." Kara said. "I'll watch from here, so I don't get in the way, but I am not going." She added looking through the glass into the room where Alex was injecting something into her daughter. After a few moments she saw her daughter start to convulse and she started to move only to feel J'onn's arms wrap round her, holding her in place.
"Let me in there." Kara said fighting against J'onn's arms.
"Not yet. Let Eliza, Lena and Alex do what they need to." J'onn said holding on tightly.
"Let go." Kara demanded as her daughter continued to convulse.
"This is a normal reaction. Ruby did the same." J'onn said not letting go. "Just give it a minute." He added. His words causing Kara to relax slightly, only for alarms to start sounding from her daughter's room as the monitors flashed red.
"Alex!" Kara cried as J'onn held her even tighter.
"Let go of me." Kara said still struggling tears running down her face. Still J'onn silently held Kara in place. Then suddenly Kara saw her daughter still and she immediately feared the worst.