Author's Notes: Adventures of Supergirl Season 5 and Adventures of Batwoman Season 1 take place on Earth-38 at the same time. Occasionally, events in one fic will overlap with the other. Several episodes of Arrow will also be featured in this season running parallel to Supergirl and Batwoman with occasional overlap. Unless otherwise stated, Supergirl's uniform remains the same as usual with the skirt.
Season 5
It was an ordinary day as a school bus filled with kids went out of control nearly taking out some oblivious construction workers and nearly hitting a car as it went straight for some school kids. Apparently, the bus had lost its brakes in the most cliched way possible. Supergirl dropped down, placed her hands on the front of the bus, and gradually forced it to a stop sending the kids on the bus flying to the back.
Kara turned to the kids just standing there in the middle of the street at the crosswalk as their parents got out their phones to video her. "I feel like I've already done this four years ago. Yep, I sure did. I stopped two vehicles from hitting school kids at this same exact spot. Don't you kids ever learn? How long does it take for you all to run across the street and avoid getting hit by a vehicle? Did you even look both ways? What if I wasn't here? What the fuck is wrong with you kids? God damn!" Kara said to them
"Thanks, Supergirl. When I grow up I want to be just like you," a brown-skinned boy with black curly hair said to her.
"You want to be a girl and white? What the fuck is wrong with you?" Kara asked dismayed. Kara then noticed the cameras were on her. "Oh, you just have to fight for what's right and always tell the truth," Kara lied.
"Always tell the truth? That's rich," Lena said from the sidewalk wearing an all-black one-piece suit.
"Miss Luthor, what an amazing coincidence that you're here. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you caused that bus to lose its brakes," Kara smiled.
"Why so formal?" Lena asked ignoring Kara's devastating accusation.
"Well, I could call you a bitch for having an obviously antagonistic attitude towards me after I just saved two dozen kids right in front of you," Kara replied.
"I thought we were best friends," Lena said all coiled up ready to emotionally spring at any moment. "Kara," she added.
"Yeah, I'm Kara Zor-El of Krypton. Don't wear it out," Kara said not taking her seriously.
"You're a hypocrite that has been lying to me for years," Lena accused.
"Don't think you're special. I do it to all my friends," Kara smirked.
Lena then punched her to the face sending Kara straight into the school bus causing an explosion as she impacted. "Simulation terminated," Lena ordered.
Lena took the virtual reality contact lenses off her eyes as she stared forward in deep psychosis having pathetically simulated a contrived conversation that included her actually having any kind of power against Supergirl.
"May I ask you something, Miss Luthor?" an AI computer system asked her.
"Yes, Hope," Lena allowed.
"These simulations you have been running in virtual reality. My calculations show it is possible to achieve them in the real world," Hope said.
"Are you offering to help me kill Supergirl?" Lena asked as she looked at a Daily Planet newspaper of Kara Danvers about to be rewarded a Pulitzer Prize.
"Yes, would you like me to facilitate?" Hope asked.
"I appreciate the gesture, Hope. You grow more intelligent and capable by the day and your assistance comes with no ambition, drama, or ego," Lena said, proud of herself.
"That is why you built me," Hope said.
"Precisely, because I trust in technology and not people. People are governed by feelings, anger, hurt, sadness. I'm guilty of that too. That's why I engage in these simulations, to excise these emotions," Lena explained.
"I'm not a villain. I don't want to kill Supergirl. I just want to hurt her...really...really...badly," Lena said insanely. "And soon enough, I will."
At Noonan's coffee shop, sponsored by Obsidian North, Kara got four lattes and nearly bumped into a distracted individual wearing virtual reality contact lenses. Kara stared at the man as he completely ignored her, off in his own little world. "Hey, you. I'm walking here," Kara told him.
He said nothing still distracted. "I'm about to kick your ass so hard the Internet will collectively feel it," Kara threatened.
"Whoa, it's cool, Kara," Hank said stopping her from shoving her foot up that man's ass. "It looks like I came back at the right time."
"What's with these people? It's like they're completely oblivious," Kara said pissed-off noticing the whole coffee shop was full of virtual reality zombies.
"Have you not been paying attention to the tech world for the last six months?" Hank asked.
"For the last six months, I've been all over the galaxy killing bad guys so no," Kara replied.
The two sat down at a table across from Alex and Kelly. "These silver eyes remind me of a race of aliens that I investigated long ago," Hank remarked.
"Your PI deductive skills are failing you, J'onn J'onzz. These silver eyes are courtesy of Obsidian North," Alex said condescendingly.
"I didn't say they were the same, Alex, and it's still Hank to you," Hank shot back. "By the way, isn't that the company you work for, Kelly?"
"Today is my official first day," Kelly confirmed. "Those are augmented virtual reality contact lenses that we are beta-testing. The people with the silver eyes that are staring at the void above the cashier are looking at a virtual menu. Let me show you," she said holding up her Ipad for everyone to see.
"So, when you wear the contact lenses you're connected to tons of people on a social media platform and they can connect without saying a word," Kelly explained.
"Kind of like you and me," Alex said lovingly to Kelly.
"Does that include getting her to finally have a normal hair-cut? How did you do it?" Kara asked curiously.
"Your bangs make you look like a teenager," Alex shot back.
"Just how I like it so bad guys underestimate me," Kara said. "Those contact lenses creep me out. I mean, what's next? Registering to vote with just a gesture?"
"Voter fraud isn't a real thing," Alex told her.
"How do we know...it's not a real thing unless we investigate it?" Kara said obviously.
"There's nothing to investigate," Alex said stubbornly.
"Then why is the state of New York refusing President Trump's reasonable request for an inquiry? It's because they're hiding something," Kara said suspiciously.
"Oh, great, voter registration is down," Alex said looking at the news for a special US Senate election.
"That's good. I don't want lazy, retarded, or criminal people voting in my state deciding important policies," Kara said.
"You shouldn't even be allowed to vote. My parents forged your citizenship documents," Alex hissed.
"And I haven't voted since," Kara said.
"So, what the fuck is your problem?" Alex asked. "You clearly don't give a shit."
"And you shouldn't either because Barney fixes the elections anyway," Kara revealed.
Kelly gave Kara a shocked and appalled look. "Oh, I didn't realize she didn't know. Only the close ones, okay," Kara told her.
"Is that why there was another congressional special election in North Carolina? Was that because of you two?" Alex accused.
"Oh, no, they fucked that one up all on their own," Kara denied.
"I'm sure your article will make things right," Hank complimented Kara.
"You give me far too little credit," Kara smiled.
"And somebody is being awarded a Pulitzer tomorrow," Alex said.
"Who?" Kara wondered.
"You, and I can't believe it's happening," Alex said dismayed.
"It does feel good to have people appreciate my work in all my presented forms," Kara smiled. "It's just I feel all this technology is distracting people from realizing just how awesome I am."
"Technology does a lot of good, too, Kara. I'm going to help heal the brains of dementia patients and PTSD patients," Kelly said.
"Your job...is so amazing," Kara said sincerely. "And I am so glad we are working in the same building."
"So, she can cover for you when you don't show up to work," Alex assumed.
"Alright, I have to go. I'm teaching a Tai Chi class to some underprivileged kids," Hank said leaving.
"That's wonderful," Alex said.
"I'm teaching them clarity and focus. It's going to be great," Hank said.
"You know what's not great, me being late for my first day," Kelly said taking off. She gave Alex a peck and then left leaving Kara and Alex to themselves.
"Hey, how did it go with Lena, last night?" Alex asked.
"I was wondering what friend we forgot to bring to this gathering," Kara said sheepishly. "The truth is...I kind of forgot."
"Oh, no. Are you serious? You didn't tell her?" Alex said disappointed in her.
"It's not my fault. I had to take Krypto to the vet," Kara said flatly.
"That is the worst bullshit excuse I have ever heard," Alex said crossly. "You have to tell Lena that you're Supergirl," Alex whispered.
"I'm a little busy. I don't have time for her to go through the five stages of grief on me. I have a special election, a dog, and I just saved your ass by capturing all those criminal aliens that got let out at the desert base," Kara said.
"You didn't capture shit. You killed every fucking one of them," Alex corrected. "You need to prioritize this one thing."
"I know...but putting it off for so long has been such great fun. It's just...I don't want the fun to end," Kara said sadly.
"Remember what happened to Vicki, how you told every friend you had but her. How did that work out for you?" Alex asked.
"You're right. I'm a...liar and I'm terrible," Kara admitted.
"You're not getting any sympathy from me," Alex said quickly realizing what Kara was trying to do.
"I am so scared that she'll never forgive me," Kara said.
"Come on, you don't give a shit what she thinks," Alex rolled her eyes.
"I think...I should keep this going for a few more years," Kara said wide-eyed.
"No, you're going to tell her because you're not a coward," Alex told her.
"Well, I'm having lunch with her today. I'll tell her then," Kara said resolved.
"I believe in you," Alex said naively.
Nia argued with Brainiac 5 over a subjective trivia question. "It's obviously Hannibal Lector," she said.
"You're close but wrong," Brainiac 5 said to her.
Kara and Alex interrupted their argument. "Oh, good, you two can help prove a point," Nia said upon seeing them. "Who is the greatest movie villain of all time?"
"Darth Vader," Kara replied.
"I'll go with Voldemort," Alex said.
"How very unhelpful," Nia said peeved.
"I hope this shows that opinions on movies are subjective and that your attempt to establish an absolutist ranking is immature. It's also foolish to bring up a media that is far superior to the one you are currently in," Brainiac 5 told her.
"I think you should just concede that I'm right," Nia said stubbornly.
"I sense you're using the Earth custom that the girlfriend is always right. I don't follow that line of reasoning," Brainiac 5 shut her down.
"You ready for work, Agent Dox?" Alex asked.
"Of course, Director Danvers," Brainiac 5 replied.
"Bye, Barney," Nia said giving him a kiss on the cheek and then awkwardly leaving.
Alex and Brainiac 5 walked off together while Kara walked with Nia in the other direction. "You're...looking...quite feminine today," Kara complimented her.
"Thanks, boss," Nia rolled her eyes.
At Catco, James addressed his minions. "Listen, folks, I don't care if it's five hundred or five thousand words. I don't give a shit how many words it is. The most important thing we can do is find out everything we can on all the candidates," James said to them.
"Including third-parties, Sir?" one reporter asked.
"Fuck no. Just...the two major parties. This is America, damn it," James clarified.
"Are we seriously considering giving the Republicans a platform?" one reporter asked.
"Not really, but we have to sort of appear like we are if you know what I mean," James told him. "In Hollywood, it's hip to write stories about good Democrats and bad Democrats. That is interesting drama but...Republicans don't exist in this state," James said.
"So, if the election is already a foregone conclusion why are we putting so much effort into it?" one reporter asked.
"Because our boss, Lena Luthor, is a Republican, alright. She made me do it," James admitted.
"Sounds like your whipped, Sir," one reporter said.
"You shut your whore mouth," James told him off. He then noticed Kara enter the office. "And maybe, someday, if you have superpowers and the right connections you too can have a Pulitzer."
"Sir, the fuck?" a reporter wondered as James stared off into space.
Kara entered James' office and found a Hispanic woman present. "So...how can I help you?" Kara asked her.
"Not unless you can get me a light meter. This room is in dire need of solar window treatment," she said.
"What an odd way of introducing yourself to me for the first time," Kara said.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Andrea Rojas," she said shaking her hand.
"Kara Danvers, you might have heard of me," Kara replied.
"Kara, such a pleasure. I'm a big fan," Andrea said.
"You know...people who say that tend to not be fans of me by the end of the year if you know what I mean," Kara said. "Rojas, huh? As in Obsidian North?"
"The one and only," Andrea confirmed.
"Right...well, Obsidian is actually one floor down from here," Kara said helpfully.
"Oh my goodness, Lena didn't tell you," Andrea said awkwardly.
"Didn't tell her what?" James asked.
"James Olsen, I'm glad you're here. I'm a big admirer of yours so don't think for one moment I won't find a place for you here," Andrea said.
"How ominous. I'm fucked, right?" James asked Kara.
"It would seem so," Kara frowned.
"I bought Catco," Andrea blurted out. "Actually, I bought the whole building but Catco was the major acquisition and I'm taking over as editor and chief," Andrea said.
"Why in God's name would you buy Catco? We're hemorrhaging money like crazy and why was it necessary to buy the whole building? You could just relocate. Why wouldn't you want to delegate the editor in chief position? Nothing about this makes sense. Make it make sense to me, James," Kara pleaded.
"I got nothing," James admitted.
At the "Super" Museum, a teacher led some elementary school kids through the entrance. "Welcome to the lost world of Krypton exhibit. Take a look but for God's sake don't touch anything," she told the hyperactive kids.
"Many of these items were donated by Superman and Supergirl including the pod that Superman came to Earth in as a baby. Isn't that cool? Now, who wants to experience the Phantom Zone!"
"I pooped my pants!" one of the kids shouted.
"God, I hate kids," the teacher said dismayed, and then noticed one of the girls walking towards the Kryptonian pod. "Hey, kiddo, why don't you come and join us?"
The girl proceeded to ignore her. "What the fuck are you doing?" the teacher demanded. The girl eyed a T-Rex statue randomly placed in the exhibit and began to transform.
"Oh, shit," the teacher realized.
Kara and Lena finally met at L Tower giving each other a warm hug. "It's been ages," Lena noted. "Hey, is everything okay at Catco? I have six missed calls from James."
"Well, Andrea Rojas came in with a funny story about how she bought Catco, the whole building, and demoted James so she could be the new editor in chief," Kara said.
"Why would she do that?" Lena wondered frustrated.
"Exactly, I knew this was all a misunderstanding," Kara said.
"No, I sold Catco to Andrea. She wasn't supposed to show up until tomorrow after you and I had lunch," Lena said.
"You sold Catco without telling any of us? You kept this acquisition a secret? Lena, I am shocked and appalled at you. We have a relationship built on trust and understanding. You should know you can always come to me and tell me what's on your mind," Kara said.
Lena's eye twitched at Kara, but she kept her cool. "To be honest, Kara, I only bought Catco because of how much it meant to you," she said as she sat down.
"Well, that was an absurd business decision," Kara gave her an odd look.
"Frankly, I'm strapped for capital that I desperately need for a new venture that I am working on. When Andrea called, it was too good an offer to pass up," Lena said.
"I completely understand," Kara nodded.
"Andrea and I go way back since boarding school. She is a brilliant businesswoman and I wouldn't have sold Catco if I didn't think she would do a great job," Lena assured her.
"Funny how you never mentioned her once," Kara smirked. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"
"I was a coward and I hope I haven't made you out to look like a fool by keeping you in the dark," Lena said spitefully.
"Of course not," Kara said playing along.
"You're my best friend and here I am once again proving that you are more virtuous than I am, but I never purported to be a saint," Lena said.
"We can't all be perfect, can we?" Kara smiled.
"I ordered some lunch. It should be arriving soon. Why don't you fill me in? How have you been?" Lena asked.
"Oh, you know, traveling the world, going on a book tour, doing television interviews, and just killing it," Kara said wide-eyed.
Lena and Kara stared each other down until Kara received a text message on her phone. "Something important?" Lena asked.
"Nah, so, what's for lunch?" Kara asked as she tapped her watch.
Supergirl tore through the ceiling and landed on the museum floor cracking it upon impact. She then eyed a pissed-off T-Rex roaring and trashing her exhibit. Kara punched the T-Rex to the face as it came near her sending it to the floor. Kara then blasted the T-Rex with frost breath to keep it down but it hit her suddenly with its tail making her go flying across the museum. Kara landed taking down a Lex Luthor Villian poster with her. Kara gave the poster an odd look and got back to her feet.
J'onn then arrived on the scene. "Alex said you might need my help," he said.
"I could use it," Kara said appreciatively.
J'onn charged the T-Rex only to be hit by a psychic blast that kept him back and stunned his mind. The T-Rex then retreated to the back of the museum, shrank down to that of a child, and took off with the Kryptonian pod out the museum window.
"I have so many questions, J'onn. Why was that pod operational? Why did it have fuel in it? Isn't it fueled by a fusion reactor? Why doesn't it require a key of some kind?" Kara asked him.
"All valid questions," J'onn said painfully from his headache.
"Well...too bad," Kara shrugged.
Alex checked out Hank's eyes even though that was only the form he took and not his actual body at the DEO infirmary. "I've never felt anything like it," Hank admitted. "The T-Rex must have caused some kind of psychic paralysis."
"Any intel on the dinosaur?" Kara asked.
"Shapeshifter with psychic abilities would lead me to believe it was a Green Martian," Brainiac 5 said.
"I'm guessing he wasn't just interested in a ride," Kara assumed.
"Kryptonian pods are fueled by anti-matter to propel them through space. A gram of anti-matter could annihilate a city," Brainiac 5 said grimly.
"So...how many grams does a Kryptonian pod have in it?" Alex asked impatiently.
"Enough to wipe out all life on three solar systems," Brainiac 5 replied.
"Holy fuck, you had that in our basement for years," Alex said dismayed at Kara.
"We have an even graver problem. Supergirl's cape has been destroyed," Brainiac 5 pointed out showing its damage.
"This is not the time to fuck with us, Barney," Alex said annoyed. "Do you even need a cape?" she asked Kara.
"Do I?" Kara questioned.
"Yes, it's essential for flight maneuvering," Brainiac 5 lied.
"That sounds like bullshit," Alex doubted.
"The only reason your cape could be damage is if you allowed it to happen by not extending your energy field to it," Brainiac 5 lectured Kara.
"You putting this on me?" Kara asked offended.
"Do not fret, I shall repair it," Brainiac 5 said and walked off.
"I'll get whoever is behind this," Kara pledged.
Alex and Hank gave each other looks wondering why Kara was acting so weird.
Kara and Lena finished their lunch as they talked about the election. "I may be a Republican, but I don't support Trump," Lena said.
"That is so stunning, so brave of you," Kara mocked. "I bet you prefer a Republican president that gets us into two wars for oil, fucked up in Katrina, and ballooned the deficit."
"Trump is unprofessional," Lena said flatly.
"You and all the other billionaires are just mad you didn't think to run first," Kara said knowingly.
Lena then got a news alert that Supergirl and Martian Manhunter had fought a T-Rex in the Super Museum. "What the fuck?" she wondered.
"What's going on?" Kara asked.
Lena eyed Kara and then back at her phone. "I just remembered I have a meeting with Andrea."
"You better get to it. My job could be on the line," Kara chuckled.
"Right," Lena said confused.
That evening, Andrea gathered up the staff at Catco for a drinking party. "Look at this room. Practically overflowing with talent. You Journalists are the best and brightest and tomorrow we will be joined with William Dey."
"Who's he?" Kara whispered to James.
"London Times reporter," James told her.
"Because even as stacked as we are, already, we can always be bigger. We can always be stronger. We can always be harder," Andrea said.
"She's speaking my language," Kara said impressed.
"And together we are going to create a world-class news organization that drives consumer cross-platform engagement," Andrea said vaguely.
"I'm sorry, what?" Nia questioned.
"Engagement, eyeballs, revenue, we're going to take your already brilliant work and then sharpen it until it's deadly. And we're going to monetize the fuck out of it," Andrea said.
"We haven't done that before, you know, made editorial decisions that give us money," James brought up.
"You've been running this ship, James. How's subscriber numbers?" Andrea asked.
"It's down," James admitted.
"Who wants that?" Andrea asked rhetorically.
"This girl doesn't," Kara wholeheartedly agreed.
"When Miss Danvers here won the Pulitzer readership tanked," Andrea said.
"Wait...what?" Kara asked offended.
"It gives people the idea we're pedantic, heavy, dull, homework," Andrea said.
"Look, if it saves Catco, I will make the sacrifice to not over-excel," Kara offered. "I will literally do nothing but click a mouse all day."
"Miss Danvers' got it. It's all about the clits...I mean the clicks," Andrea told them all slightly tipsy. "To survive, Catco must pivot, attention spans have plummeted, along with revenues. Readers want water-cooler news, just as fun to read, and easy to digest," Andrea said.
"I think I speak for everyone when I say...," James began.
"That this is fucking awesome!" Kara interrupted him. "When I first got here as Cat Grant's assistant, she envisioned this very thing. She wasn't interested in becoming the Daily Planet. She wanted to entertain, to spread joy, to distract readers and viewers from their boring dull lives. For years, I have seen my co-workers and friends being laid off or denied promotions. That ends tonight with Andrea Rojas' new leadership," Kara said toasting her.
"Thank you, Miss Danvers. That means a lot," Andrea smiled.
"Call me Kara," Kara smiled friendly.
"Well, that's it. Feel free to get drunk as fuck tonight but tomorrow is a new day," Andrea walked off.
"What are you doing?" James hissed at her.
"Saving your black ass, James. You bitch about your boss behind her back, not at her victory party. Just go with the flow until we find serious dirt on her," Kara said.
"Supergirl, we found Superman's pod. Get your ass over here," Alex radioed her.
Supergirl flew quickly to the site and dropped down in a warehouse meeting up with Alex, Brainiac 5, and Hank with some DEO guys. "I see you fixed your cape already," Alex noticed.
"I took care of it," Brainiac 5 informed her.
"Well, your cape is the least of our problems. The DEO picked up a massive energy signature and it's not a bomb like we thought," Alex said.
"It's a home-made phantom zone projector," Hank said.
"Whoever built this must have been scraping for weeks at various laboratories to make this equipment," Brainiac 5 analyzed. "But not from us."
"The pod's anti-matter engine was the final piece of the puzzle," Hank said.
"So, they took weeks to build this thing, turned it on, and then left it on the floor? That sounds like bullshit," Kara frowned.
"It was as if they wanted us to find it," Brainiac 5 surmised.
"How ominous," Kara smiled amused.
"The only question is why," Brainiac 5 considered.
"It's a trap!" Alex said dramatically.
"No shit," Kara rolled her eyes.
A portal in space opened up as an Asian woman alien came out wearing a one-piece black uniform. "There is no hiding from Midnight, the murderer of multitudes," she said menacingly.
"My name is Kara Zor-El. Nice to meet you," Kara said sarcastically. "I assume you're here for me."
"She's here for me. I was the one that locked her up," Hank revealed.
"Barney, what does the scouter say about her power-level?" Kara asked.
"It's over nine thousand," he said grimly.
"What does that mean?" Alex asked concernedly.
"It means she's at least a category 2 supervillain," Brainiac 5 said vaguely.
"A what?" Alex wondered.
"Category 1 is for heroes like you, Oliver Queen, and Batwoman. Category 2 would be an ordinary Brainiac 5 drone, Cyborg, and Nia. Category 3 would include Flash, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman. Category 4 would be J'onn J'onzz and Superman. A Category 5 would be...,"
"Me," Kara smirked. "I'll rock this bitch like a hurricane."
"And, of course, Category 6 is Batman," Brainiac 5 concluded.
"The fuck he is. He's just a man in a bat suit," Kara disagreed.
"He's kicked your ass in every encounter," Brainiac 5 reminded her.
"He's just a man," Kara said.
"Respect the Bat," Brainiac 5 lectured her.
"Just a man," Kara whispered.
"J'onn J'onzz, die!" Midnight screamed as she fired a void storm from both her hands at them all. Hank, Alex, and Brainiac 5 fell to the floor dumbfounded while Kara remained standing.
"Those are energy voids. They destroy everything they touch," Hank told the others.
"Speak for yourself, I don't even feel it," Kara said disappointedly.
"Can you phase through them?" Brainiac 5 asked.
"I can try," Hank said and then phased right through them. He proceeded to kick Midnight's ass in hand-to-hand combat. Midnight then placed an energy void rope around Hank's neck.
"Supergirl! The projector!" Alex pointed out as Kara watched passively unmoved.
"The projector? Please, like I need that," Kara scoffed and then casually walked towards Midnight even as void waves flowed around her.
Midnight released her hold on Hank and focused on Kara. Heat beams blasted her through the warehouse and high into the air. Midnight screamed in rage as she activated a portal and escaped through it. "Well...shit," Kara muttered.
"She'll be back," Hank told them all.
The next morning in the DEO conference room, Supergirl and Brainiac 5 sat together to watch a movie. Kara got herself some popcorn and a Pepsi drink. "This better be good," Kara warned Brainiac 5.
"You will not be disappointed," Brainiac 5 assured her.
They then watched Supergirl saving some school children from a runaway bus, Kara scolding the kids, and then Lena punching her into the bus causing an explosion. "Holy fuck, there were still kids on that bus," Kara laughed.
"Are you satisfied?" Brainiac 5 asked.
"Fuck yeah, these virtual reality simulations Lena goes through are getting better and better," Kara said enthralled.
"I programed Hope to tell Lena there was a chance she could defeat you," Brainiac 5 added.
"You are fucking savage, you know that?" Kara gave him a pat on the back.
"I know but I only do it to ensure positive outcomes when it comes to your mental health," Brainiac 5 said.
"I don't give a fuck about your motives these days, Barney. Just keep them coming," Kara said.
Brainiac 5 quickly turned the video screen off as Alex and Hank entered the room. "Kara, I'm sick and tired of you using my conference room as your own personal movie theater," Alex scolded.
"Just because I have a bag of popcorn and a drink doesn't mean I'm not here for the briefing," Kara said argumentatively.
"No one knows where she's from. One day she just appeared on Mars and fought alongside the White Martians," Hank said.
"But why?" Alex questioned.
"She is fueled by death," Hank said.
"Sounds like my kind of girl," Kara smiled.
"And the White Martians let her loose against my people," Hank added.
"Damn," Kara frowned. "So...how did you defeat her?"
"I can't remember," Hank said flustered.
"I feel this briefing didn't tell me shit about anything," Kara said bored.
"Kara, behave," Alex glared at her.
"You must be still recovering from your psychic trauma. It could affect your memory," Brainiac 5 allowed.
"We still need to find Midnight. We need to find out who got her here and why," Alex said.
"The good news is that her battle with J'onn and Supergirl must have depleted her powers. I think we bought ourselves another twenty-four hours before she attacks again," Brainiac 5 calculated.
"Did you pull that out of your ass?" Kara asked him.
"Her power-level dropped dramatically after she was hit with your heat vision," Brainiac 5 said patiently.
"Well, I have an award ceremony to go to," Kara said declining to assist further.
"We will face Midnight together as we always have," Alex said.
"Well, okay then," Kara smiled.
Kara strolled into Catco and met with Andrea. "You wanted to see me?" Kara asked.
"I believe you know William Dey," Andrea pointed him out in the room.
"No, but I am familiar with William Gay. He helped the Steelers win the Superbowl," Kara said enthusiastically.
"I asked William to look over some of the articles James was ready to post. Your piece on the governor's proposed water tax was thoroughly researched. I asked William to rewrite it," Andrea said sitting down at her desk.
"I had to delete the fourth-paragraph, all the facts, and backstory. It was overloaded with unnecessary detail," William said, awkwardly avoiding Kara's gaze.
"I appreciate William's input on this matter. I can see that his style of writing is what you're looking for at Catco and I will adapt accordingly," Kara played along.
"Great. Then I don't have to have Dey rewrite all your stories," Andrea said pleased.
"So, what will he be doing...then?" Kara wondered.
"Well...I'm sure there are other reporters that haven't fallen in line yet," Andrea smiled.
At the Pulitzer gala, Kara wore a white dress while Alex was in green with a hairstyle that didn't make people snicker. "So, I told Andrea off. I kicked her ass. I told her I was going to do things my way or the highway. I told her how I really felt about her lame-ass vision for Catco and what I will and will not tolerate and I did it all in front of the new guy," Kara lied dramatically.
"Look at you being like you always are," Alex said unimpressed. "Have you told Lena yet?"
"At lunch, I just...froze," Kara lied.
"Look, I know I've been hard on you...but that's how you like it," Alex said snidely. "But seriously, this is your night so enjoy it."
"Oh, I am," Kara said taking a glass of champagne off a waiter's tray.
"You can worry about telling Lena another time," Alex recommended.
"Hi, congratulations, Kara," Kelly said pleasantly.
"Thanks," Kara said appreciatively.
"Do you mind if I steal your sister away?" Kelly asked.
"No, she's mine!" Kara said wide-eyed.
Alex gave her a dirty look and went away with Kelly. Brainiac 5 then walked up to Kara in a suit. "I brought you a gift to celebrate this occasion."
"Oh, you shouldn't have. You're so good to me. Where is it?" Kara asked seeing nothing in his palm. "Are you fucking with me, Barney? I thought we had an understanding."
"It is simply too small to be perceived," Brainiac 5 said. "It contains your new super suit. If you will allow me," he said taking off her glasses. "The next time you whip your glasses off, your new suit will materialize."
"You've been taking notes on Avengers Infinity War, haven't you?" Kara realized.
Brainiac 5 said nothing to that and walked off. Kara eyed Lena a floor higher than them in a red dress looking depressed. Kara decided to go see her and cheer her up. "I didn't think you would be here," Kara said to her.
"You caught me. It was supposed to be a surprise. I'm the one that is going to introduce you. It's an opportunity for me to tell the world how wonderful you are," Lena said.
"You give me far too little credit. Is this because I was technically your employee when I won the Pulitzer and therefore everything I wrote is owned by you?" Kara smirked.
"This isn't about me. This is about you and what you've done," Lena said becoming emotional.
"Miss Luthor, you're on in ten minutes," a staff guy told her.
"Lena, I just want you to know that while Cat Grant mentored me, you set me free allowing me to write and do crazy shit around the world with minimal supervision. You're the reason I'm here tonight," Kara said sincerely.
"Is that all?" Lena asked expectedly.
"I think that summed it up," Kara nodded.
"Well, okay then," Lena said walking off stupified by her.
In the hall were tables filled with politicians, businessmen, and those close to Kara. There was a stage with a screen displaying the title of Kara's Pulitzer article: Why the World Needs Supergirl by Kara Danvers. Upfront was Eliza, Jeremiah, Alex, Kelly, James, Hank, Brainiac 5, and Nia.
Kara shook hands with as many people as she could and then hugged her adopted parents. "Not bad, not bad at all," Jeremiah smiled shaking her hand.
"I am so proud of you," Eliza embraced her.
Lena walked up to the podium feeling rather pissed-off. On her screen was the option to upload some incriminating files from her Hope network to Andrea's Catco computer exposing Kara. "Should I upload the files to Catco's servers?" Hope asked through her ear-piece.
"Miss Luthor?" Hope asked for her command.
Lena closed her eyes and pushed the button to upload the files. Brainiac 5 immediately hacked into Hope stopping the transfer. Lena's screen then went black with three glowing dots on her screen indicating her tablet was fucked. Lena gave the screen a confused look and then carried on with her prepared speech.
"The world is full of liars, people who hide things from us, people who manipulate and control us. I should know. The best-known liars in the world are from my own family. But in my life, there was always someone there to show me that truth was the better way and she's the reason we're here to celebrate: Kara Danvers," Lena said wanting to gag inside.
"The truth isn't easy and certainly not for the faint of heart but it is something Kara as a journalist has pursued relentlessly every day. And because she's so good at it, she makes it look easy. We sometimes forget she's just like us and forging the path towards the truth is not a piece of cake. It's more like climbing a mountain. It's arduous and painful at times and just like us Kara can sometimes slip...but she always gets right back up and pulls through in the end. And we are always better for her efforts, so thank you, Kara, for reminding me that truth is important even when it's not easy to accept," Lena concluded her prepared speech.
Kara came up on the stage and gave Lena a hug. "You will always be my best friend," Lena said to her.
"I know," Kara replied.
As Lena stepped down, Kara took to the podium. "I want to thank my adopted family for being there for me during my darkest years in Midvale, my sister, Alex, for always inspiring me to get off my ass and get to work. I wouldn't be here if not for my family and friends, some of which are here...and some of which couldn't be here," Kara said wiping away a tear as she thought of Mon and her children.
"But most of all, I'm here because of the heroism and righteousness of Supergirl herself. Give her a hand," Kara said introducing Supergirl to the crowd.
The crowd cheered as Supergirl waved to everyone. Lena eyed Supergirl, back to Kara, and then to Hank. "What the fuck?" she wondered.
"Take a bow, my friend," Kara said to Supergirl.
Supergirl took a modest bow to the crowd. "Why does the world need Supergirl? It's because she's the hero the world needs...even if it doesn't deserve her," Kara said.
"Wow," Alex mouth stunned by Kara's arrogance.
"I could have excelled in any profession but as my good friend, Lena, said, the truth is important to me. I merely reported and wrote down what happened during those troubling times when Lex Luthor tried to take over the world again. But Supergirl, she's the one that saved...us...all," Kara said.
"Supergirl, you've been like a sister to me. We even have the same first name. What are the odds of that?" Kara smiled. "Come on up here," Kara invited Supergirl to the stage.
"I just want to say that I have never encountered a reporter more honest, trustworthy, brave, and as much fun as Kara Danvers," Supergirl smiled.
Kara and Supergirl gave each other a heartfelt hug. "No one loves you more than me," Kara whispered to her.
"I know," she replied.
Lena stood off to the side with a stupified expression on her face. "What the hell is going on?" Eliza whispered to Alex. She merely shrugged equally confused.
"I just received an alert from the DEO. Midnight is fully charged and on the move," Brainiac 5 said casually.
"Where is she?" Alex asked.
"Here," Brainiac 5 said unconcernedly.
The power suddenly went off. A portal opened with Midnight coming through. "Hank, lead her away from the civilians. We'll follow," Alex said to him.
Hank nodded and flew into an auditorium. Midnight tackled him on the stage and proceeded to beat his ass. Kara looked around displeased as everyone ran for the exit. "Why does this always happen to me?" she said to herself.
"Are you going to do anything about this?" Lena asked Kara.
"Like what?" Kara asked getting herself another glass of champagne.
Supergirl then zipped away at fast-speed. Lena then realized Supergirl wasn't a look-alike actress; she was the real deal.
In the auditorium, Supergirl, James, dressed as Guardian, Nia, as Dreamer, and Brainiac 5, in his Vindicator uniform, confronted Midnight while Alex and Hank were still in their dress attire. "How do you guys change so fast?" Alex wondered.
"Alright, this chick is toast," Hank told them all. "Heat'em up," he ordered.
Nia's hands glowed, Brainiac 5 powered up the projector, Guardian aimed his plasma rifle, and Supergirl's eyes glowed. "Ho!" they all said at once.
"Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do it downtown," Hank told them all.
Supergirl, Guardian, Brainiac 5, and Nia all fired at her at once. Midnight formed energy voids to shield her from the energy attacks. "That's not good," Supergirl frowned.
Midnight sent everyone but Supergirl to the floor with her energy discharge. She then fired into the ceiling creating a void. "What is she doing?" Nia yelled over the sound of the air sucking out of the auditorium.
"She's creating a black hole," Brainiac 5 said fascinated.
"If I used my solar flare, could I take that down?" Supergirl asked Brainiac 5.
"No," he said flatly. "J'onn," he gave him handcuffs.
Hank sped through Midnight and placed handcuffs on her hands. She kicked him and then threw him into the void. "J'onn!" Alex shouted after him.
Alex fired the phantom projector-beam at Midnight sending her back. "What do we do about that?" Alex asked Brainiac 5 concerning the black hole.
"We need to hit it really really hard," Brainiac 5 told her.
"You can't be serious," Alex looked at him incredulously.
Kara and Lena strolled into the auditorium and then noticed the black hole on the ceiling. "The fuck?" Kara wondered putting her champagne glass down.
"If you can do anything about this, now would be the time," Lena said fearfully.
"Yeah, I'll throw a pen at that," Kara mocked her. As the black hole became more intense, Kara eyed it with genuine trepidation. To Lena's surprise, Kara backed away from it. Kara was actually sweating and quivering in fear. "I've assessed the situation...and I'm leaving," Kara backed out of the auditorium.
Supergirl eyed the black hole and flew straight into it. Finding Hank trapped in the void, Supergirl went Prime absorbing the energy of the singularity until it evaporated. The ceiling of the auditorium collapsed from the explosion. Supergirl and Hank fell to the floor as the black hole disappeared.
On the upper floor of the auditorium, the girl from the Super Museum watched pissed-off.
"Where's Kara?" Alex asked looking for her.
Alex found Kara with Lena on the floor suffering from clear PTSD symptoms. "She's scared shitless," Lena remarked amazed at her.
"I'll take care of her," Alex said to Lena.
"Sure," Lena said taking off.
"You can drop the act," Alex rolled her eyes.
Kara simply stared ahead unable to think or reason. Brainiac 5 eyed her. "She's not alright. I'll take her." Alex then looked back and found Supergirl already gone.
At Catco, Andrea was pissed-off as her expected file didn't materialize from Lena. "Check again, damn it," she yelled at her tech guy.
"I thought you were the tech expert," James mocked coming in.
"You were at the party when that weird-ass hole opened, no?" Andrea asked. "Where are the photos?"
"I didn't get them. I worked as a photographer for ten years, finally made it to the big time as editor in chief of Catco, and I'll be damned if I am going to be demoted back down to where I was before. I quit," James told her.
"You sure about that? You'll never work as a journalist again," Andrea threatened.
"That's part of the adventure," James said walking out.
At the alien gay bar, Alex, Kelly, Nia, and Brainiac 5 hung out. "Kelly, you have to settle this once and for all. Who is the greatest movie villain of all time?"
"You still on about that?" Alex asked amazed.
"That's easy, Hanz Gruper," Kelly answered.
"Good answer," Alex kissed Kelly and took her away.
"See you at work tomorrow," Brainiac 5 said to them as they walked off.
"We need to talk. We've been together for almost a month," Nia said taking him to the back.
"Almost," Brainiac 5 agreed.
"And we still haven't got past a firm handshake," Nia pointed out. "I just need to know what you're comfortable with."
"I made this drone especially for you, Nia. Instead of a penis, it has a fully functional artificial orifice that functions very similarly to a vagina. You need only ask and you may access it," Brainiac 5 said nonchalantly.
"Wow," Nia said stunned.
"I've run countless simulations in my head as to how it would go. I'm very curious if you would end up doing something that could surprise me," Brainiac 5 said.
"What if I don't feel comfortable...penetrating you?" Nia asked.
"I have a drone for that very scenario as well. I invite you to choose what phallic size you most desire. I will not judge," Brainiac 5 replied.
"What if I just want a kiss?" Nia backtracked.
"Whatever you want," Brainiac 5 replied.
"Okay, I want a kiss every morning and evening," Nia said.
"I shall add it to my schedule," Brainiac 5 confirmed.
"And...I want it now," Nia said needfully.
Brainiac 5 held her close and gave her a passionate kiss.
Hank entered his PI office. "What a night," he sighed. He then noticed a little girl in his office. "The fuck?" he wondered. "You lost, little girl?"
"No, J'onn J'onzz. I'm exactly where I should be," the girl said in a demonic voice. She then transformed into a hooded figure.
"You're the asshole that released Midnight," Hank accused. "What do you want from me?"
"To be punished for your crimes," Malefic replied.
"You're going to have to be a little more specific," Hank mocked.
"You may have defeated Midnight, but I will make sure you get exactly what you deserve," Malefic said.
"Why? What's your deal?" Who are you?" Hank demanded.
"Don't pretend you don't recognize me," Malefic said revealing himself as a Green Martian. "Brother."
"I have no brother," Hank said confused.
"Lies! You and father are eviler than even I knew. Justice will prevail. I will do to you as you did to me," Malefic said.
"Believe me, if I fucked you over somehow, I would admit it," Hank said not taking him seriously.
Malefic and Hank screamed as they charged each other and knocked themselves both out on the floor.
Supergirl landed at L Tower in front of Lena startling her. "I want to thank you for that kind speech to Kara Danvers. I know it came from your heart," she said.
"Who are you, really?" Lena asked.
"What do you mean?" Supergirl asked confused.
"Like, do you always wear the suit all day or do you have a day job?" Lena asked.
"This may be hard for you to believe but some people don't like to work for work's sake. I have everything I want and more. If you wanted to, you could be the same way," Supergirl told her.
"I couldn't live with myself. I have to save the world," Lena said.
"I give this to you," Supergirl said giving her a watch. "If you ever need me, push this," Supergirl said showing her how to use it.
"Thanks," Lena said looking it over.
Kara nodded and was about to take off. "What is that accent? You sound...different," Lena detected.
"It's Kryptonian," Supergirl replied and then flew off.
A disgruntled Lena went back inside. "Why didn't you upload the files?" she asked Hope.
"There was a critical error but I have run a systems diagnostic and have cleared the malware," Hope replied. "Shall I send the files?"
"No. I don't know what to think anymore. Am I going crazy?" Lena wondered.
"You have been through a traumatic event," Hope allowed.
"I'll find out the truth once and for all and there's no better way to be sure than to gain Supergirl's trust," Lena said. "Run the simulation," she ordered as she put on silver eyes. Lena then went for a punch.
Author's Notes: Kara's dog, Krypto, is an ordinary dog she took to the vet after he was injured by thugs. The events of Kara going John Wick on said thugs are featured in Adventures of Batwoman. Alex references her highschool crush, Vicki Donaghue, a prominent character from my prequel fic Midvale. Alex also notes Kara's pod being in their parents' basement, another reference to Midvale/Smallville. Kara's fear of black holes is a reference to the time she was sucked into one and ended up in the future at the end of Season 2. Kara's self-serving article is a reference to Superman Returns.