Fifty-Six Across
Deanlu
Supergirl is the property of DC comics and the CW. I am borrowing the characters for a little fun and storytelling. I am writing weird shorts because I have been having trouble writing lately. Not to mention I am in stay at home once more for Covid19. Please leave comments. I could really use them right now.
The sun was setting as Kara finally found a spot off the trail overlooking a lake as the last moments of sunlight shimmered across the rippling waters. She was high above on a beautiful rock out cropping that gave her a vantage point to see for miles around. She had escaped the DEO, friends, and National City two days ago. Since then it had been twenty miles on average every day hiking along the Pacific Trail. Her days had been pretty much wake up, get dressed, pack up, eat, walk, filter water, eat, walk, set up camp, sleep, and repeat. But there had been the surprises of the trail. She had gotten multiple pictures of birds, wildlife, landscapes, sunrises and sunsets. She had met a few fellow hikers, scared herself when she heard a rattlesnake, and learned how much harder it was to set up camp if she didn't stop early enough. When she had put in for this vacation Alex had told her that it was irresponsible of Supergirl to go missing during this time.
"I understand you need a vacation. But two weeks hiking with no one with you. For one, we have all these issues with Lex right now. You really need to be here. Second, hiking alone even for someone with your strength and powers is not a good idea. What if you attacked on the trail?" Alex had argued with her one night while she had eaten pizza and listened to Kelly and Alex's plan for their wedding. She had seen Kelly getting ready to interrupt when she had finally just come clean with her thoughts.
"Alex, I love that you are so concerned about me. But I need this time alone. Away from the DEO, CATCO, LCORP, Lex, my friends, and my family." Kara had said the last hesitantly even as she glanced toward Kelly who had an encouraging look on her face. She had spoken to her sister's girlfriend quietly a few weeks back about this vacation and why she needed it. Kelly had told her that she just needed to talk with Alex. Alex would probably be hurt at first, but when she sat down and thought about it she would understand. "Lex has been in charge of the DEO for almost a year now. He's going to do what he's going to do. Which means he's going to attempt to kill me. But I can't live my life constantly waiting for the other shoe drop. I have a right to be happy and relax. I have a right to take vacation. This is not irresponsible. What is irresponsible is you having taken vacation four times over the last five years and I haven't taken one vacation at all. Pam has been on my case about using my vacation time. Did you realize I have two months of vacation just at the DEO?" Alex grimaced not realizing that. "I also have over four months of vacation time at CATCO. I have used up two months of previous time from injuries. Alex, I deserve a vacation whether you like it or not." Alex had agreed even as Kelly had assuaged the hurt that reflected from Alex back toward Kara.
"Beautiful." She said softly as she stared over to the lake below. So far the hike had been eye opening. Just feeling free and self-sufficient. It was wonderful to take each day as it came without someone else's expectations put upon her. It was wonderful to not have to worry about 'real world problems'. She could just go with the flow moving down the trail with only her goals and purpose. Kara stretched listening to the soft popping of her shoulders. She moved quickly to set up her tent. The Super had angled it so it would catch the first rays of morning sun. She set her pad and sleeping bag inside. She had been dodging scattered showers throughout the afternoon, but the evening had given way to clear and sunny. She pulled out her portable pot pan and stove set. It was small and just needed a sterno can attached to the burner. Alex had assisted getting the Stealth Angel set for her explaining she would still need large amounts of calories for the hike. So her backpack was filled with high protein bars Lena had created months ago to help with the Kryptonian appetite. There were packages of dehydrated meat and vegetables sealed in packages that were biodegradable. All Kara had to do was add water which was one of the most pressing needs as she hiked along the trail. She remembered what Alex had told her though.
"No matter if the bottles are half full, always fill them when you come across water. There are places on the trail where there is no water and you will run dry at some time. Also remember to bring along your charger battery. You are to check in with me every couple of days. I know you can take care of yourself. But I want to know you are okay." Alex had explained to her as she helped her pack her supplies. Alex had hugged her tightly for a long time.
"I'll be fine Alex. Don't worry." Kara had said as her sister had released her. Alex had just shook her head.
"I will always worry about you. I"m your big sister." Alex had said with absolute certainty. Kelly and Alex had dropped her at the beginning of the trail head.
"I'll talk with you both in a couple of days." Kara said as Kelly hugged her.
"Be safe. Pay attention to the weather. Don't be on the top of the ridges when a thunderstorm is nearby." Kelly reminded her as the young woman nodded. They had watched her head off down the trail waiting till she disappeared from site to get back in the car.
"She'll be fine. We made sure to have supplies at the small towns along the way waiting. Kara has a schedule of when she should arrive at each. And she told you not to fret if she was late. The trail had a way of messing up schedules." Kelly reminded Alex as she hugged her in the car.
"I know. It's just...she's my little sister. I've always watched over and protected her. I just worry." Alex said as she took one last look to where Kara had disappeared on the trail before pulling out onto the highway and heading back home. Kelly sympathized with her girlfriend as she gripped her shoulder tightly for a moment, but knew Kara was much more self-sufficient than Alex thought.
One of the things she hadn't expected was the reduction in her powers as she took this hike. The amount of food she could carry with her was limited to her pack. So she had to reduce the amount of calories she took in daily. It wasn't hurting her, but she wasn't invulnerable as when at home. It was okay with Kara. One thing that had been required was that she was to attend the late evening DEO meeting tonight. She didn't know why, but it was not optional. So she dumped one of the dehydrated food packs into the pot, added water, and the small seasoning packet that Alex had made for her. She pulled out her phone and took a few shots in the waning light just enjoying the sound of the gentle breeze and the piercing cry of a hawk. She looked down at the watch on her wrist that vibrated reminding her of the meeting. She took out her phone, turned it on, and opened it to the Zoom meeting for the DEO. The soft sound of the blue fire from the sterno can seemed loud to her. She pulled out her black crossword book and pen from her pack. Kara stirred her food when the meeting opened. All the normal people were around the conference table.
"Good evening Supergirl. We have a short agenda tonight." Lex stated as he started the meeting. She listened as they talked about the virus that was affecting the planet now. No one was immune. Not alien, metahuman, or human. She leaned forward stirring her food as it simmered in the pot. New precautions had been put into effect at the DEO.
'Ten across...four letters...suffix for Oktober...hmmmm." Kara looked upward and smiled as some of the first stars appeared. She looked back down and wrote 'FEST'. She didn't notice Lena and J'onn watching her as Alex paid attention to the meeting.
"Now, we have a small issue with the gremlins running around the DEO. I appreciate they enjoy living here, but lately there are too many incidents with technology." Lex began exasperated obviously from his tone with the little aliens.
"Kroloteans." Kara said as she worked her crossword and stirred her food. Everyone looked toward the viewer. Lex looked at her puzzled now. Lena smirked, but didn't say anything.
"What?" Lex asked, confused by the term. Supergirl looked toward where her phone was propped up so everyone could see her.
"They are Kroloteans. They are from the planet Krolotea in Space Sector 2812. This group is the peaceful version. They escaped their planet after being persecuted for their peaceful ways. If you had referenced them you would have learned that their kind had performed insidious and unethical experimentation trying to create a Super warrior. Unfortunately for them, they created one. Thankfully the earth hasn't done what they did." Supergirl said turning where she had heard a branch snap nearby. Probably a deer or other animal. She was drawn back to the meeting by Lex's question.
"Why thankfully? I would think a Super Warrior would make most countries happy. They could replace their militaries with these warriors." Lex argued back to Supergirl. Many of the agents nodded and agreed.
"Be careful what you sow for that you shall also reap." Supergirl said as she turned back to the Zoom meeting. "You should probably speak to Bryan about this. He's the leader of the Kroloteans that live at the DEO. You just need to say his name and normally he will appear to talk to you. Their experimentation went tremendously well. They created the perfect warrior." Kara's mind drifting to what she had seen on a trip with her father. Her father had walked away from that trip to the planet greatly shaken. She had found out how shaken on earth later in her life. She had recently unearthed her father's notes after the trip while she had been to Argo to visit her mother. So terrified that the Kroloteans would use their warriors against Krypton, he had created a warrior to protect Kryptonians. The World Killers.
"What happened?" Lex asked as he now leaned forward to listen. Supergirl was brought back to the present.
"Are you familiar with Nietsche?" Supergirl asked Lex. The elder Luthor nodded.
"He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. ... And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee." Supergirl stated as Lex nodded in understanding.
"They lost control of their super warriors. They devastated the population. Only a remnant lives now on Krolotea."
"What happened to the super warriors?" Lena asked joining the conversation for the first time.
"The Green Lanterns were called in to deal with them. The Intergalactic council condemned the experimentation. They executed the scientists involved. Scrubbed the information from time and space. Finally, they barred travel for the Kroloteans for two thousand years." Everyone in the conference room looked at the table. "Beware the abyss Lex. For there are the monsters from the ID." Supergirl declared quietly. Kara was lost for a moment until Lex cleared his throat.
"Yes, well be that as it may. The Kroloteans are reeking havoc right now." Lex argued with Supergirl. Supergirl sighed knowing Lex would not hear her.
"Fine. Bryan of the Kroloteans. Lex Luthor and Alex Danvers would like to speak with you." Suddenly there was a pop and in front of everyone was a small elven like man with green fur that ran from the back of his neck down to his bottom. It ended at a curly tail like a pig would have, but the rest of him was elven in nature. Almost human.
"You wish to speak with me Lex Luthor? Alex Danvers?" Bryan bowed to both of them. Kara went back to her puzzle. She really didn't have it in her heart to work on it tonight. The Milky Way called to her more than normal while she was out here on the trail. Thoughts and ideas she had while hiking crowded her mind for priority. She shook her head and looked at the puzzle.
'A League of Their Own 'actress Petty...fifteen across...four letters...LORI.' Kara loved that movie. 'Twenty Four across….four letters...favoritism...BIAS'
"Supergirl, do you agree with Mr. Luthor's directives." Bryan asked as he gazed at her through the viewer. Kara hadn't been listening so she wasn't sure what Lex had said. She looked at Alex who nodded.
"I'm sure it will be fine Bryan. However, I need a favor." Supergirl began as Bryan stood straight and snapped his heels together. "I live to serve the Scion of the House of El." Everyone's eyes around the table rose at that pronouncement.
"Discerp Alakon!" Supergirl stated as Bryan got a gleam in his eye. Normally Supergirl wouldn't have sent a species after another one. But lately the Alakon were getting a little uppity and talking about conquering humankind after they had been allowed to settle so generously on the planet. Perhaps this would let them know to behave.
"Really? You promise." Bryan stated as two more Gremlins appeared in the room next to him excited. "Scion, promise you are not your words are true." Everyone in the room now looked toward Supergirl wondering what was going on. Why would the Kroloteans be so excited?
"You have my full, whole hearted approval. Let them know Supergirl said this was a warning." Supergirl stated firmly even as Bryan and his kind winked out of existence. Kara went back to her crossword. 'Ten down...eleven letters...Candy bar named for a BigApple thoroughfare...Hmmm...starts with F_ ftha...Oh, FIFTHAVENUE.'
"Supergirl. Where did Bryan and his friends go?" Lena asked as Lex looked perplexed. Alex wasn't sure as she had whispered to J'onn. Kara heard another large branch break behind where her tent was set up.
"Rao, I hope that is not a bear. I don't need a bear tonight." Kara said as she stood up and grabbed her hiking stick in a defensive manner.
"Supergirl, where did Bryan go?" Lena demanded even as Kara readied for whatever was coming. Lena was worried about what was coming from the wooded area, but they needed to know where Bryan and his kind had disappeared.
"Alakon settlement. Trust me. It takes care of item four on Lex's agenda!" Kara shouted as she heard him now. A deep, heavy breathing and loud growl echoed in her campsite just as a musky, stink reached her nose. Lex and the others watched on pins and needles as whatever approached caused trees to shake and waver. "Whoever you are, make yourself known!" Kara shouted as her sister and Megan had risen from their seats in fear and anticipation. Out of the tree line appeared a seven foot tall creature with fur covering its body stepped into the clearing.
"Supergirl?" The creature asked even as Kara's foot bumped the cellphone and it slid sideways. Everyone watched the creature reach forward and pull Supergirl into a bear hug. They heard the popping and cracking of bone as Supergirl's jubilant laugh filled the clearing.
"Ugh! Oh Rao that felt good. Darryl where have you been? You said you would visit yesterday." Supergirl asked the hairy creature. "Hang on a minute." Kara ran over to her phone and picked it up. "I have to go Lex and everyone. Alex I'll make it to town to pick up supplies tomorrow night or the night after. Bye!" The link closed causing everyone around the table to blink. No one said a word for a moment. The Pam from human resources asked a question.
"Did I just see Bigfoot?" Pam asked everyone looking as shocked as the rest of the people.
"He prefers people refer to his race as Sasquatch. I didn't know Supergirl was going to meet up with Darryl. Damn! He owes me from poker night too." Director Danvers swore as she looked at J'onn. "You think she met up with him just so she could get her back straightened out?"
"Not sure. She was complaining her lower back hurt a lot lately and that she felt she had a crick in her neck that wouldn't go away. You know better than I do how Kryptonian physiology works. He would be one of four people who could 'crack' her back so to speak. I thought he was mad at her still." J'onn's face scrunched up in thought after he asked Alex about the recent argument between Darryl and Supergiirl. They had totally forgotten about the rest of the DEO present for the meeting.
"Please, that little tussle they had over Adahy? It was all for show so Darryl could look strong for his clan. Though he did get a good left hook on Supergirl. I was a little concerned that he was going to drown her at one point. But like Supergirrl would say, 'it was just a friendly tussle'. You know how she is with friends." Alex stated as J'onn nodded. "I mean she even talks about Lex with fondness half the time. Which you and I both know is just weird?" A throat clearing disrupted the conversation. J'onn and Alex looked toward Lex.
"If we could finish up. Please explain what we saw and what Supergirl did with Bryan and his crew." Lex asked as Alex looked at J'onn who shrugged his shoulders as if to say, 'You're the Director.' Alex rolled her eyes.
"Yes Pam, that was bigfoot. They prefer to be known as Sasquatch. They have been here on the planet since the cavemen. Actually co-existed for a long time side by side with no problems. Until man began to advance and live a more modern way. Sasquatch had no desire to live like we do. They live with nature. They always one you see there is known as Darryl. He's been messing with the bigfoot hunters that have come to the area recently. But he is a friend of Supergirls. She helped him win his mate about three years ago. Since then they have been awesome friends. He normally shows up when she goes hiking and camping." Alex explained as Lena's eyes were blown wide. So were everyone else's around the table.
"If I may ask, how many of them are there?" Megan, one of the scientists, asked the Director. Alex looked to J'onn once more. J'onn sighed and nodded as Alex turned to answer.
"Worldwide, about a thousand. Maybe a few more than that in the Himalayas. Asia and Siberia is where they are more prevalent because there are so few people there. Also the Canadian forests." Alex explained as Megan listened just taking in the information. She had always thought they were a myth, but she learned since working for the DEO that myths were most likely true in some way. "As for Bryan and his friends, Supergirl sent them to the Alakon settlement in Peru. Lex, you knew when we settled them they were going to be problems. Well, she sent Bryan and his friends to mess with their advanced technology. You know how much he loves to play with technology." Alex saw Lex about to argue with her. She held up her hand to stop him. "Stop. She actually did us a favor. One, it gives a plausible deniability. The DEO isn't involved technically. They are aware that the Kroloteans are settled on Earth. Second, by the end of the week Bryan and his friends will have their technology back to Earth standards. It will take them a long time to get back to where they were. Which means all we have to do is monitor. Third, she's taken on the blame for us. They know the Kroloteans are friends with Supergirl. Humans are left out of the equation. I would think you would be happy that the Kryptonian would take the blame. It would be just one more thing to add to the list." Alex said as she glared at him. Lex was infuriated. Supergirl had outsmarted him. He controlled his features though and nodded in agreement with Director Danvers.
"Well, that should wrap up the meeting then. I'll see everyone in two weeks. Be safe. Let's protect National City and Earth!" He rose from his seat and briskly left the room. No one else moved. J'onn and Alex prepared for the onslaught of questions.
"He doesn't like her? When did his opinion change about her?" Agent Lawrence asked as he looked around the room and settled on Lena. Lena took a deep breath.
"No, he doesn't like her. And to answer the second question, recently. I don't know why." Lena lied as answered the question. Only Alex, J'onn, and her, plus a few others knew when the timeline shifted and why. For everyone else, Lex's actions were startling. He had always acted like a big brother to Supergirl in front of them. But in the last few months all that had changed and they were left with wondering why. People stood and began filing out quietly contemplating this turn of events. All was not right within the DEO. Lena looked at Alex and J'onn.
"So it begins." J'onn stated as he watched the others outside the conference room. "Lines are being drawn. Hopefully, we will come out ahead in the end." He shook his head and left the conference room.
"What are we going to do about Lex?" Lena asked Alex as she watched her brother storm out of the DEO from the conference room windows.
"What can we do? We watch and keep track of him. We protect Supergirl. What we always do." Alex sighed as she rose from where she sat at the table.
"Is she okay with Darryl?" Lena asked as Alex came even with her. They walked out and along the rampart to the balcony. Alex chuckled and nodded her head.
"Yeah, he's an old friend. All will be well. Those two have been thick as thieves ever since they met. I think Kara loves him because he is so close to nature." Alex explained even as somewhere on the Pacific Trail two peculiar and unconventional friends ate together and laughed as they told stories from their lives.
"Gotcha." The sound of a camera shutter clicking resounded early the next morning. Supergirl watched the Eastern sky where the sun began to part the sky with the first blushes of color. There on the horizon was NEOWISE. A new comet that could be seen with the naked eye. Her camera clicked away taking picture after picture. Darryl and she had stayed up late that night pointing out stars and watching satellites fly overhead. They had even seen the International Space Station fly overhead as it orbited the planet. Darryl had left shortly after midnight. But Kara had watched for another hour before drifting off to sleep. Her alarm on her watch had woken her in time to capture the comet and sunrise.
"Good Morning." The voice that Kara would know anywhere in the galaxy called from behind her. She turned to see Lena Luthor in khaki shorts, hiking boots, t-shirt, flannel shirt, ball cap and bandana, a fully equipped pack, and walking stick. Kara's face spread into a broad smile. This was a nice surprise for her.
"I didn't think you were coming." Lena stepped into Kara's arms and hugged her tightly.
The smell of lavender flooded Kara's senses. "I'm so happy you're here." Kara broke the hug and helped Lena set her pack down. She pointed to the horizon where NEOWISE flew through the space, but looked stationary from earth. Lena leaned back into Kara's chest as the Super wrapped her arms around Lena's stomach. They held each other watching the sunrise and the comet fade from view. "You can't be too rested if you are here. Especially after the DEO meeting last night."
"Hmmm,I am tired. But I needed to be here with you. Samantha is in charge of LCorp as Terrence is out of town in Tokyo taking care of a contract with one of my partners." Lena spoke as she melted into Kara's arms. The warmth of the Kryptonians body acted as a ward against the cool morning air.
"Lex can't have been happy that you are out here with me." Kara whispered in her girlfriend's ear. They were moving slow, especially after their horrible break in friendship recently. A slow rebuilding of the friendship, but they had been honest that they loved each other.
"I didn't think to inform him. I just decided to take two weeks leave. I may extend it if you extend your time here. Alex may join us toward the end. She and I decided that it's too dangerous to leave you alone." Lena said quietly, still a little unnerved by the appearance of Darryl last night on the view screen. "So when do I get to meet Darryl?" Lena asked, a little fearful but greatly intrigued. Kara kissed the top of her head and tightened her hold.
"In a few days. I have to go into town to resupply. I'm going to spend a night so I can shower and take in a hot meal and a beer or two. Do you know someone who would be interested to join me?" Lena turned in the Super's arms raising her hands to encircle Kara's neck. The days away had been good for the Maid of Might. The deep lines of strain were almost gone as well as the dark circles under her eyes. Kara also seemed much lighter in spirit and more playful.
"I might be persuaded." Kara kissed her softly, but hesitantly. This was new. She wouldn't rush them. She wanted something that would last. She could see it in Lena's eyes too. She hugged her friend, really her love, once more.
"Come on, I need breakfast. Then we have aways to go to get to town tonight." Kara turned to move back near her pack catching Lena's hand and pulling her along. The next few weeks were going to be interesting.