Fifty-One Down
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. In case you are wondering, I do the USATODAY crossword when I write these. Please leave comments. I could really use them right now.
"Just go in and check it out." Kara said to herself as she paced back and forth for a moment. "Lena will think this is stupid." Kara said under her breath as she entered the store. Blue Planet Toys carried an array of toys for all ages, but the reason Kara had come here was to pick up some science toys. Her last few weeks on the Pacific hiking trail with Lena had opened up a whole new expanse of information about the woman. Kara decided to put that information to good use.
"Welcome to Blue Planet Toys. How may I help you?" A young African American woman named Desirea asked as she stepped up to where Kara stood. Kara smiled as the young girl in her early twenties.
"Yes, I'm looking for some science toys for a friend." Kara explained as the young woman smiled broadly.
"Well, I can show you where we keep most of the science are a few things spread out around the store that would be considered science type toys too." Desirea led Kara over to the section of the store where the science toys were located. "Do you have an idea of what you want to get your friend?" Kara nodded as she began to browse through the shelves.
"Yeah, I'll just look around and let you know when I'm ready. Thank you Desirea." Kara said looking toward the young woman once more. Desirea nodded and headed over to a new person that had entered the store. Kara perused the shelves looking at air power race car kits, crystal acetate paper, a three inch plasma ball, and discover the solar system model which made Kara stop and think for a moment. She pulled out her phone and made a notation. That gave her an idea for a date with Lena, if they ever got to have one. They had to be careful. Lex was not pleased with his sister since her disappearance several weeks ago when she showed up on Kara's hike. She was sure they had already been caught after her recent kidnapping, but she couldn't be sure.
Kara continued her hunt for a cheesy, but interesting present for Lena until she came across the Lego section. The Boost Droid Command Star Wars set. It would allow Lena to construct and code three different Star Wars Droids. There were forty programmable missions. Lena was a huge fan of Star Wars. She still had the Millennium Falcon Lego model Kara had bought her two years ago that was seven thousand five hundred pieces. Kara could still see Lena's face that Christmas as she unwrapped the gift. It had been priceless. Not to mention that Lena had spent several days after Christmas putting it together. Kara picked up the heavy box and took it to the front sitting it on the counter. "Desirea can you hold this for me while I continue to shop?" Desirea nodded, happy the young blond women had found something for her friend. Kara had remembered that Ruby's birthday was coming soon so she would need to get something for the young Arias. She had seen something that might just fit.
"Gyroscopes and Flywheels." Kara read out loud as she looked over the packaging. Ruby would be able to build models that could balance like Segways with just one wheel.She could also assemble a robot that could zoom around. Kara knew Ruby could modify that program and robots. The lower part of this robot is a flywheel engine - a fast-rotating, weighted wheel that stores rotational energy and drives a gear wheel that moves the model forward. There were multiple things Ruby could construct with the Flywheel. The great thing was it didn't need batteries. Ruby might even be able to modify it with a solar panel to make it operate longer. Kara moved to the front of the store and paid for her purchases. A gentle twitter reminded her she had an hour before he needed to be at the DEO for the bi-weekly meeting. "Thank you Desirea!" Kara said as she carried her packages out of the store and walked two doors down to a small bookstore named Basalt Books. As she entered the sound of a bell on the door resounded letting the owner know he had a customer.
"Good Afternoon. How can I help you?" The bookstore manager asked as he appraised the young woman. Kara was kind of shocked to see a Prolf here in National City. They were rare to see since they originated in the Vega system. He was recognizable from his pink skin and long, agile legs. He was dressed in jeans, a dark green button up and wore glasses. "Ahh, alien too. Do not be alarmed. I am only here to seek a peaceful existence."
"Did you serve as a rebel soldier in the Citadel Wars?" Kara asked as she noticed he had battle scars and had lost two or three of his fingers. Considering they only had four fingers on each hand, this would have caused him problems as a soldier. They were known for their great leaping ability and could survive in the vacuum of space. He stared at her a long time and nodded. "My name is Dilip." He reached out his hand to shake Kara's. Kara recognized the name. It meant defender or protector. A soldier.
"Kara Danvers." Kara shook the older gentlemens hand. The gentlemen felt the solid, firm strength of the woman's hand. He knew this woman. He knew her very well, though she did not know him.
"The answer to your question is yes." Dilip said as he limped around the wooden counter and came parallel to the reporter. "The reporter from CATCO and the Tribune?"
"Yeah, I see my reputation precedes me." Kara said as she blushed from being recognized. She still was shocked when people recognized her. Alex was absolutely frustrated because she had wanted Kara to stay hidden away to make sure Supergirl was safe. That was kind of the past now.
"How can I help you?" Dilip asked the young reporter. Kara considered what she needed. Since Dilip seemed to not be a threat she decided to trust him.
"I am looking for two things. First, The God Effect: Quantum Entanglement, Sciences Strangest Phenomenon by Brian Clegg. The other may be a more difficult book to find. I need a first edition of Alice Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll." Dilip looked at her for a minute. He chuckled because he had both items.
"This seems to be your lucky day. I have both. The first one is a signed copy. The second one is the United Kingdom first edition." Dilip stated as he walked over to a special glass bookcase that was grabbed the keys from behind the counter and unlocked it. He moved to the fourth shelf down and pulled out a worn, leather hardcover book. The Lewis Carroll book had the 1866 date stamped inside to confirm it was a first edition. It was dog-eared in places with new powder blue end papers inserted. The original spine had been re-laid to retain as much of the original binding as possible. It even had the inverted S on the content page. The book was in good condition. It definitely showed its age and that it had been well loved by whoever owned it before. Kara saw the price and knew this would take a small, but significant portion of her savings. But she knew her friend would appreciate it. The God Effect was set down next.
"Here you go." Kara handed over her bank card as Dilip ran the card. "You have a beautiful shop Dilip. If I had more time I would love to just walk through and get lost in here. It's peaceful." Kara said as Dilip handed her the merchant receipt to sign. Once she was done he nodded. He had observed her while he had retrieved her things and carefully wrapped them in brown paper. Each package tied with a string. He then placed them inside the bag.
"Not everyone would think so Kara Zor El." Dilip stated quietly as he handed her bag with books. Kara's hand halted as she tensed defensively.
I..I don't know...I'm Kara Danvers." But Dilip raised his hands in front in a halting manner.
"Long ago. Long, long ago I met Zor El. Your father helped when two of us were trapped after a bit of an issue between the Daxamites. I would know an EL no matter where I went even though I have never seen you before. We are the best soldiers in the Universe." Dilip stated even as he once more walked around the counter with his slight limp.
"What do you plan to do with this information?" Kara asked as she turned to face him. She hoped this was not the straw that broke the camel's back concerning her identity. Dilip moved forward till he had pushed into her space somewhat.
"Nothing. Just one refugee to another refugee hoping for peace." Dilip said as he stared her in the eyes. Kara saw the haze of pain, remorse, and grief; but also hope. Dilip stepped back and waited. Kara let out a shaky breath. "You are always welcome here Kara Zor El. especially if you make purchases like this one." Dilip then smiled and laughed softly.
"I will return. I think we have much to talk about." Kara nodded and then left through the door into the afternoon sunlight. She looked down at her watch. If she hurried she had just enough time to wrap the gifts and make it to the meeting.
DEO meeting…
'One across...five letters...place for a book title.' Kara looked up to see Lawrence and Davies having a discussion about something on the agenda. Kara noticed Megan wasn't here today from the science division. 'Great, Jack Edwards is attending in Megans place. Just what I need. Someone who hates Supergirl.' Jack Edwards had been brought on in the last four months. He hated Supergirl with a passion. Kara and her friends had never been able to find out why. Every time she saw him he had a harsh word for her. Kara decided that the rule of thumb would be not talking today. Just go along with everything. "SPINE." Kara wrote the word down and kept going. 'Seventeen across...was totally comfortable...ten letters…'
"Good Afternoon everyone. We have a short agenda today. Supergirl, feeling better since your vacation?" Lex asked as everyone looked toward her. Kara sighed and decided it was to be a sparring session. She looked to Alex who shrugged her shoulders. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small photo album.
"Actually, yes I did. I made this for you. I know how scientifically inclined you are." She said as she handed Lex a small photo album. Inside were all the birds she photographed and a picture of Darryl, bigfoot with his autograph. 'To Lex with Love, Darryl.' The birds were labeled with their scientific names. Lex looked over the photo alum and looked up at Supergirl vexed. Pam from HR though was almost jumping in her seat to get a look. Kara saw this and smiled, grabbing another item out of her satchel. "Here Pam. I knew you would love a copy too." Supergirl handed the photo album over to her sister which passed it down the table.
"Well, thank you for your...er...gift Supergirl." Lex stated as he went to his agenda. Pam, however, squealed in delight.
"Oh Supegirl, you captured an Anna's Hummingbird and a spotted towhee! Thank you so much." Pam said as Lex cleared his throat while others around the table smiled.
"Back to the agenda. Pam I believe you have the numbers for the expense reports for Operation Cloman. Could you please hand out the paper and we can go over those?" Lex stated as Pam handed the papers around.
"As you can see we are actually under budget…" Pam began as Kara went back to her crossword. She tapped her pencil on her head softly as she looked over seventeen across. She looked over at Lena and Alex...FELTATHOME. She wrote the word down. She thought about the scientific crossword puzzle book she had seen thinking maybe she should have picked that up. Nope.
'Hmmmm, eight down...three letters...Tach Reading...RPM' Kara wrote down the letters. Luckily she understood that reference well. Ten down...eleven letters...C is the first letter fourth letter is an F…CHIFFONCAKE. Maybe I can get Lena to get some cake with me after this? Kara heard something that didn't fit right in Pam's figures.
"Pam, are you sure that figure should be five million, three thousand seventy five dollars and eighty-five cents?" Kara asked as she looked toward Pam. Pam looked down at her figures and pulled up her tablet. As Pam went through the figures Jack took his moment to speak.
"So what are you now? Account extraordinary. Do you work in HR? No your the muscle. Why don't you…" Jack's sarcastic voice was cut off by Pam.
"I am so sorry Mr. Luthor. I don't know how it happened, but Supergirl is correct. The correct number is five million, three thousand fifty-seven dollars and eighty-five cents. We will fix this immediately. Thank you Supergirl." Pam said, smiling brightly at her. Jack had clamped his mouth shut. Lena had snickered only making Jack grimace more.
"It happens to the best of us Pam. Make sure that whoever made the mistake gets a reprimand." Lex stated as Pam made a note. Kara had gone back to her crossword puzzle, but couldn't ignore the hateful eyes of Edwards. Davies leaned over and whispered in her ear.
"I could make sure his test tubes go missing this week." Supergirl snickered softly and shook her head no. Davies though was quite proud of himself because he had made Supergirl smile.
"Director Danvers, where are we with the illegal importation of Belamort, the psychotropic drug the Kahloans were smuggling onto Earth?" Lex asked, wanting to get a hold of the smugglers. The drug was deadly to humans and metahumans, but it was like meth to aliens which was causing all sorts of problems.
"As you know from the story by Kara Danvers on the Kahloan Drug smuggling, we are battling human governments and drug dealers in league with the Kahloans. Ms. Danvers has turned over her research to us…" Alex began explaining when Edwards interrupted once again.
"You know I find it very suspicious that Director Danvers' sister discovered this alien story. Don't you find it suspicious Mr. Luthor that the Director of the DEO's sister discovered alien drug smugglers without the assistance of the director. I mean she is a woman who…" Edwards was immediately cut off by Supergirl
"So you believe a woman cannot search out information on alien drug smugglers? That is quite a misogynistic attitude for a scientist." Sueprgirl asked as everything went quiet. Edwards turned to her rage enveloping his features.
"No, I think she is being fed information from the DEO." Everyone's eyes went up around the table as that was quite an accusation to level. Alex bristled from where she sat and motioned to Pam. Pam did something on her Ipad.
Mr. Edwards, are you accusing Director Danvers of a breach of secrecy?" Lex asked him directly.
"Well, no." Edwards said as he now squirmed in his seat under everyone's attention. "I just find it funny that she has key information that we have."
"No sir. Kara Danver's doesn't have key information that we have. In fact she had information we do not have. Not even our scientists have." Mr. Luthor fired back toward the scientist. "In fact, due to 's diligence in investigative reporting we now have more information on the Kahloans.
"Mr. Edwards," Everyone's eyes around the table looked at Supergirl with the way she said his name. "Have you ever met a Kahloan? Did you know their main career as you humans would say is smuggling. They will smuggle anything. They will smuggle drugs, energy sources, people, aliens, planets...you name it. They can smuggle it."
"Well I've never met a Kahloan. No, I didn't know they could smuggle anything. What does that have to do with Ms. Danvers?" Edwards asked the Super.
"It's not the male of the species that you need to fear Mr. Edwards. It's the female Kahloan that you need to fear. She's the strongest and smartest in their species. She is like Ms. Danvers. The reporter may make you think she is bumbling and foolish, but she is very clever, intelligent." Supergirl stated emphatically as Edwards grimaced.
"I am sure she is smart, but clever and intelligent. I very much doubt it." Edwards stated as he puffed out his chest. "After all, I have a doctorate in Biochemistry, Alien Physiology, and neurosurgery. That makes me much more clever and intelligent than Ms. Danvers who had what? A Masters in Journalism." Edwards scoffed at Supergirl. Lena looked like she wanted to climb over the table. Lex had a hand on her arm to hold her in place. He raised his eyebrow to watch where this went. Director Danvers intervened at this point. If Kara went too much further she may just expose herself to the scientist.
"Listen Edwards, you want to argue degrees. Fine. Kara Danvers has a doctorate in journalism, child psychology, and astronomy. She got the astronomy degree for fun. My sister has won a Nobel Prize in Journalism along with the Edward R Murrow award. Also before you go boasting about yourself I would point to the end of the table where Lex and Lena Luthor sit with a total of nine doctorates between them. Lena has five and Lex has four. Lex only has four because he had to take over the family business after his father died. I would remind you, a multi-billion dollar business. You can also look to me where I actually have a doctorate in alien biology along with two other degrees. I've seen your doctorate in alien biology. You've worked on a total of one alien. I have worked on fifty different types. I would never let you into the medical room with another alien unless you were a) an intern learning with hands off or b) taking notes. You wouldn't last a week in my sister's shoes. As for the accusation that I am slipping information on to my sister, I am filing a formal complaint. If you have any proof of that I want it stated right now!" Alex growled back as the scientist seemed to sink deeper into his chair even as the others around the table angrily stared at him. "So do you have proof of this violation of the secrets act?"
"No, I do not." Edwards responded as Pam stepped out momentarily and returned less than a minute later.
Then I suggest that you sit down. Shut up. And listen. The only reason you are here is to take notes and pass them to Megan." Edwards lowered himself into his seat while he angrily held himself in check. "Oh, One other thing. You are just starting out here and your attitude needs to change. Do you understand?"
"Yes." Edwards' voice came slow and soft as he tried to avoid looking at the Director.
"I couldn't hear you." Alex asked him again. Pam stepped over to Director Danver's and had her sign the complaint. She then stepped next Mr. Luthor to have him sign.
"Yes, I understand, Director." Edwards said blushing in embarrassment. He was determined to get back at her one way or the other. Pam looked at Edwards and spoke.
"You will need to come by my office right after this to sign some paperwork." Pam glared at him angrily.
"Well, now that we have that cleared up. Director Danvers, do you think your sister would help you with this issue if we allowed her to use the information after cleaning up the problem." Lex inquired quickly, glancing at Alex and then Supergirl.
"I think she would be willing to work with us. But I don't think this is going to be an easy cleanup. Kara stated that this is like the drug smuggling into the United States from Mexico through the ports and from Canada. No easy fix." Lex looked at the agenda for a moment thinking about that.
"Alright, we are going to need to meet with the President next week and talk to her about an alien drug task force to be put in place possibly. We need to stop this from happening." Lex stated as Lena whispered something into his ear. He looked at her kind of funny and nodded. "Do you think Ms. Danvers' would get in touch with Cat Grant? She could ask who she thought would be good to head such a task force."
"Yeah, that's a good idea. I've got a few other ideas too." Alex made a notation on her ipad as Kara worked on her crossword.
"Alright, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Theta team leaders." All the team leaders looked up as Lex called out to them. "Next week is hell week for your new recruits." Everyone sat up at the announcement. Kara just kept writing.
'Forty-seven across...six letters...cause of the 1773 Boston "party"...' Supergirl sighed softly at the puzzle. She wasn't good at history here on earth. She noticed it started with a TE and had a C for the fifth letter…
"TEA ACT." Davies whispered to her. Supergirl looked over her shoulder at him and noticed he had been watching. "TEA ACT." Davies said once more. Supergirl wrote the word in and smiled as it allowed her to answer forty-seven and forty-eight down. TILE and ERAS.
"As you know Hell Week is the final training for those who wish to join the DEO. They will be psychologically tested, physically, and emotionally. Their intelligence will be pushed to the edges. Several heroes have agreed to help including Supergirl." Those around the table clapped as Supergirl nodded her head. "After the situations and puzzles are all finished team leaders, Director Danvers, J'onn, Lena and I will evaluate each candidate and make final decisions. Alright. That seems to be it. Any questions? No, sounds great. Let's be safe out there and protect National City and the planet." The team leaders and the rest filed out. Pam had pulled Edwards with me as she scolded him going down the hall. Lena, Alex, J'onn, and Kara stayed put.
"Well that was a rousing meeting. How did you piss off Edwards? He's only been here three weeks." Lena asked as Kara shrugged her shoulders. Lena got up to head out when Kara called out. Lena stopped and walked over. J'onn and Alex watched. Kara went over to the corner where a black velvet bag sat. A large bag. Vasquez walked in and handed Alex and J'onn a package. Vasquez left after that. Kara pulled out three wrapped packages and set them before Lena. Alex added her package as well as J'onn added his package.
"Happy Birthday Lena." Kara, Alex, and J'onn exclaimed together.
"We just wanted you to have a good day." Kara blurted to Lena. Lena smiled even as a few tears fell.
"Wow! I didn't expect anything." Lena said as Alex handed her package over. "Thank you." Lena unwrapped the package to find a high powered energy shield.
"So you get into trouble a broach looks like a plumeria, but can be worn with any of your outfits. Just touch the flower." Lena touched the flower and was wrapped in an energy shield. She touched it once more and the shield dropped. "There is a small piece of the Harun-el powering it. You should be able to use it to keep yourself safe with no problems." Lena hugged Alex in thanks. "You're my friend. I want you here for a long time." Lena nodded and backed out of the hug.
"My turn." J'onn said as he handed his present over. Lena unwrapped the package to find two information crystals. "I know you have a crystal reader. I thought you might want to learn a little more about Martian history and mythology." J'onn was suddenly engulfed in a hug from Lena. "You can call me space dad if you want." He whispered in her ear as Lena cried softly. Joyful tears fell down her cheeks. He hugged her tightly and let her go. She set the crystals on the table.
"Mine doesn't protect you. It's. Well you will see." Kara said as she looked down at the floor and back to Lena. She was nervous now that she had picked the wrong present for her love. The CEO blushed and opened the large package first to reveal the Boost Droid Command Star Wars set. Lena actually squealed out loud as she looked over the box. She couldn't wait till she got home to begin working on them. "Thank you Supergirl."
"You really like them?" Kara asked Lena. The CEO grabbed her friend hugging her hard with joy.
"Thank you." Lena's grateful words assuaged the nervousness the Super had felt.
"One more." Kara pushed the individually wrapped books that were tied by string together, toward her. "Kara Danver's thought, maybe tonight you could come by her place and have dinner together." Lena nodded as she untied the string. Kara had arranged for Kelly, Andrea, Nia, J'onn, Alex, and Brainy to attend. Jess, Lena's secretary would be there too. Sam and Ruby couldn't make it, but there was a gift from them waiting at Kara's home.
"Oh Kara." Lena said breathlessly as she looked at the Alice In Wonderland 1st edition. "How did you?" Kara smiled even as J'onn and Alex smirked. Alex had found Kara always found special birthday gifts for those she cared about. Lena opened the second wrapped book and burst out laughing. The God Effect: Quantum Entanglement, Sciences Strangest Phenomenon signed. Even J'onn and Alex laughed. Lena hugged Kara, melting into her love's arms.
"We have to go, but we will see you tonight at Kara's." Alex and J'onn departed while Kara held Lena.
"We're not being too careful." Kara whispered watching the door to make sure Lex didn't show back up.
"Right now, I just need you." Kara held Lena a while longer. "Come on, I'll help you get this loaded in your car." Lena reluctantly released Supergirl. They packed everything up in the bag, except the broach which Lena placed on her lapel. Kara grabbed her satchel as she filled in sixty three across quick...to live and breath… EXIST.
"How's it look?" Lena asked as Kara looked her over.
"Perfect." Kara said as she lifted the bag and walked next to Lena. The two walked out and down the stairs talking and laughing. Edwards watched them.
"Careful Supergirl. Hell Week is coming." Edwards whispered as he turned to go back to his lab. "Let's see how you do with Hell week."