At Catco, Andrea Rojas forced her employees to watch a promotional video on her Obsidian North product launch where people imagined themselves doing relatively mundane things. "Ready Player One did it better," Kara whispered to Nia.
"Brilliant!" William clapped hard completely overcompensating.
"Thank you, William. I'm proud of it," Andrea said and then showed an ominous countdown to the launch date sixty hours away. "Which is why I want every department writing about the launch date on Friday: business, entertainment, sports, politics, work them into your stories as if our financial well-being depends upon it because it does," Andrea ordered.
"You getting any Terminator Genisys vibes?" Kara asked Nia. She shuddered at the thought of it.
"And another thing, one of you needs to provide continual updates on our growing sales. We need to pump this up," Andrea said enthusiastically.
"I'm your man," Willam said taking brown-nosing to a whole new level.
"Great, now, let's get to it," Andrea ordered.
Kara conversed with Nia away from Andrea and William. "I get that this launch is important but having every single story about the launch is going to destroy our credibility with readers in the long term," Nia said.
"It's best not to give a shit. We might even get a bonus if the launch is successful," Kara said brightly.
"Says the woman that runs Wayne Enterprises. Why are you even here?" Nia wondered.
"To fit in," Kara said simply.
"Well, speaking of fitting in, William seemed overly enthusiastic about the launch. I was so sure you would find dirt on him," Nia said frustrated. "First, he's involved in Dr. Jared's death and then the covert action in Mexico City. I find it hard to believe there isn't a connection."
"I know, right? I guess we were looking for connections where there weren't any," Kara lied. "I mean, he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I don't know. That sounds like bullshit," Nia detected.
"William Dey isn't a murderer, he's just an asshole," Kara shrugged as she texted said asshole to meet her for lunch.
Kara bolted from Catco and was ambushed by Kelly. "Kara, you're just who I needed," she said.
"Wow, you must be fucked," Kara smiled amused.
"I want to give Alex a gift for our anniversary, and I could really use your help," she said embarrassed.
"She wants a new motorcycle helmet. I know this because I have a friend that spies on her Internet searches," Kara said referring to Brainiac 5.
"You know, meeting Alex is the best thing that has happened to me since moving to Metropolis but having you in the picture has been a pretty cool bonus," Kelly said appreciatively.
"You're taking constant threats to your life in strides. I'm impressed," Kara smiled and then saw William Dey walk by her. "I just remembered I have a date at a coffee shop, so I have to get going."
"Wait, you're dating?" Kelly asked confused.
Kara joined William at the coffee shop. "So, what's your deal? You've been blowing off my text messages all morning."
"Phones can be hacked," he reminded her.
"Well, not mine," Kara said proudly.
"Your constant texting is like that of a teenage girl wanting attention," William chided. "I'm trying to bring down a powerful criminal family organization."
"All you had to was ask for my help," Kara said as she dumped a shit-load of sugar into her coffee. "What if I told you, it isn't worth it? You should just drop this investigation and go back to where you came from."
"Excuse me?" William thought he misheard.
"You heard me. I'm not anxious to get all of my co-workers laid off after you bust Rojas' ass," Kara said.
"But she's a master in corporate espionage with a network of criminal assassins," William protested.
"Yeah, and I don't really give a shit. Trust me, my friends do the same exact thing. It's all a game and here you are trying to win the game before it even starts," Kara objected.
"Andrea Rojas is not just a bad boss and a hack journalist, she's involved in a web of murder," William said seriously.
"And we'll weep for them in the press and set up a scholarship in their name," Kara said sarcastically.
"I can't believe you're this nonchalant about murder," William said aghast. "I mean, are we so accustomed to death and corruption in America that it no longer matters?"
"You don't want to go there, Brit. You got a shit-ton of problems of your own to deal with. Your country is facing an economic depression while the world economy is on the upswing, Brexit has been a total disaster, your Prime Minister doesn't know what the fuck he's doing, your country is about to split apart, you can't say anything offensive or you'll get arrested, and it's damn near impossible to get a gun," Kara shot back.
"Well, at least we have universal health care and a better educational system," William countered.
"No one gives a fuck about that. Historians don't write about the healthcare or education systems of great empires. No one's going to remember your cradle-to-the-grave nanny state. They write about how much ass they kick and when it comes to America killing terrorists, business is a booming," Kara smiled.
"I came to you in good faith," William said irritably.
"That was your first mistake," Kara smirked. "I'm here at Catco to protect Nia's job and to troll people worldwide. You get in the way of that, I'll crush you like the insect you are," Kara told him off.
"You're inhuman," William said dismayed.
"You got that right," Kara said leaving.
M'yrnn and Hank came to the DEO to see Malefic still green goo in a fluid jar. Occasionally, the green goo would collect itself to form a face and scream before dissipating. "My son," M'yrnn shook his head sadly. "I can still sense his thoughts, his rage, his anguish."
"Yeah, I really did a number on this one," Hank said impressed with himself.
Lena came by and met up with Brainiac 5. "The transfer paperwork is completed. He's all yours," Brainiac 5 said to Lena.
"Thank you, Barney. This means a lot," Lena said pleased as DEO personnel took the tank away.
"I know I can trust you to always do the right thing. I look forward to your research results," Brainiac 5 said.
"Of course," Lena lied and left with the tank.
"Barney, what the fuck is going on?" Hank asked him.
"Just giving a good friend lots of rope...to hang herself with," Brainiac 5 said darkly.
"Damn, that's fucked up but I like it," Hank said amused.
"I knew you would. You desire a battle in which you can defeat your brother despite the Martian curse. I shall do everything possible to make that a reality," Brainiac 5 promised.
"Good man," Hank said pleased.
At L Tower, Lena immediately allowed the green goo to reform back into Malefic in a containment room. She then immediately shocked his ass and put him in restraints on a medical table. She then placed electrodes on his skull to keep him from phasing through the restraints. As she did all this, Eve aka Hope aka Brainiac 5 was watching and assisting.
"Hope, we don't nearly have the budget to keep him this way. Induce him to take human form," she ordered.
"Subject induced," Hope replied.
Malefic then became a human black man. "Scan his brain using Q-waves," Lena ordered Hope.
"You do realize that if you are successful, you will have accomplished something businessmen, doctors, scientists, politicians, and priests have all failed to do," Hope remarked stroking her ego.
"Keeping people from hurting each other," Lena agreed. "Activate."
Hope complied zapping Malefic. There was an energy discharge off Malefic and then suddenly Hope had a creepy male voice. "You can't touch me."
"Well...shit," Lena sighed.
At the DEO, Supergirl (wearing a skirt) dropped by alone. "If Barney's research on Rojas is true, this poses a grave security risk. I have to be absolutely certain before I have the DEO make a move on her," Alex said concernedly.
"But is it really more important than Kelly's job? Come now," Kara said.
"Don't make me choose between them," Alex requested of her.
"I'm working the tightrope," Kara assured her. "You know, I was thinking to spoil your anniversary gift but then I realized that would be wrong and insensitive."
"Well, first time for everything," Alex mocked. "Let's have some fun, shall we?" Alex said inviting Kara into the interrogation room.
Alex sat down across from Breathtaker, the alien Kara had captured in Mexico City. "Is this some kind of torture device?" she asked.
"This? Fuck no. It's a truth seeker. We torture prisoners in another room," Alex said to her. "Did Andrea Rojas hire you to kill Elenna Torres?"
"I don't ask who hires me," she replied honestly. "My jobs come over an encrypted server that pays me in Bit-coin," she said.
"Your attempt...at social commentary against Bit-coin is both sad and pathetic," Kara said to her.
"That currency bubble is going to burst any moment now," Alex told her.
"Says the woman not making millions off it," Kara scoffed.
"It's used for criminal activity," Alex reminded her.
"And the US dollar isn't? I still go around giving shady gangsters briefcases full of cash," Kara said.
"You truly are corrupt as fuck," Alex chided.
"Is this real? Is this happening?" Breathtaker wondered.
"Have you ever met Andrea Rojas, the Rojas family, or anyone they're affiliated with?" Alex asked getting back to her interrogation.
"I've only met the other contractors. There was this lady with tattoos, a guy that could detach most of his fingers, and this big dude with extra appendages," Breathtaker said.
"How many appendages?" Alex asked.
"He had four arms," Breathtaker replied.
"That's unfortunate. I was hoping he had four extra dicks," Kara smiled at the thought of it.
"Really?" Alex asked dismayed.
"Hey, I'm the normal one, alright. Normal women are into that sort of thing," Kara said defensively.
"I doubt that," Alex disagreed.
Kara placed her phone in front of Breathtaker showing a black-suited black man with two extra mechanical arms like Dr. Oct. "Is this him?"
"Yep, that's him," she confirmed.
"Why do I get the impression this interrogation is a complete waste of time because Barney already knows it all?" Alex asked pissed-off.
"You need practice, Alex. If it weren't for that truth-seeker Barney developed, you would be fucked," Kara said dismissively.
"Okay, we're done," Alex said getting up.
At the PI office, Hank and Kara had tea. "How are you feeling?" Kara asked with genuine interest.
"I'm still processing it all. But it gave me a deeper knowledge of myself and my people. I can live with that," Hank said completely unrepentant.
"How about you? Are you okay? You've been through a lot. The reporter you hated turned out to be a good guy and Andrea Rojas may be connected to murders," Hank asked.
"Honestly, I'm not surprised. Half the billionaire club are scumbags up to no good. I was convinced this Brit was a tool and I'm happy to say I was right," Kara shrugged. "I mean Barney showed me a video of him at a soup kitchen no-less. Isn't that the most good-guy cliche of all time?"
"It sure is," Hank agreed.
"With this Obsidian North launch coming up, I'm getting some serious Skynet vibes," Kara said concernedly.
"One thing I learned about Malefic is that family, loved ones, and friends are always on the edge of betraying you and fucking you over," Hank said.
"I would never betray you, Hank," Kara assured him.
"You already did with your Russian clone," Hank reminded her.
"That timeline doesn't exist now," Kara said dismissively. She then received a text from Alex. "Alex needs me at the DEO," she said.
"Want more tea?" Hank asked.
"Please," Kara said appreciatively and then touched her watch.
Supergirl (wearing pants) flew into the DEO and met up with Alex and Brainiac 5. "We had a break-in at Fort Sumter," Alex told her.
Kara gave her a blank look. "Lex Luthor's vault is there," Alex reminded her.
"Indeed, this is the assailant. He stole a weapon Lex Luthor called a Marathon Laser. It's able to launch a concentrated beam of heat at a target up to 26 miles. It's an assassin's dream," Brainiac 5 smiled as he showed them the video of the assassin.
"If he fired that weapon at the ground level, his range would only be three miles due to line of sight from the curvature of the Earth," Kara said as she did the math.
"Very good, Kara," Brainiac 5 said pleased with her.
"That still means he could fire the full 26-mile range if he was in a 500-foot tall building so don't think you two are so clever," Alex rebuked them both.
"Pretty impressive weapon though. Even the American military's most sophisticated laser is only lethal within 100 meters and only has a range of one mile," Brainiac 5 said.
"Okay, it sounds like bullshit. Is that your point?" Alex asked impatiently. "How can we track it?"
"I am scanning for the weapon. Hopefully, it will lead us to the man himself," Brainiac 5 said. "There is a high probability that the movements of this operative coincide with the Obsidian North launch."
"But the launch is virtual, not in one place," Alex objected.
"Can I play with Breathtaker?" Kara asked hopefully.
"Already tried that. It's pointless. She knows nothing else," Alex shot her down.
"We do have the other assassin," Brainiac 5 brought up.
"She's dead though," Alex reminded him.
"The host is dead but the spiders are not. They may reveal something if allowed inside a host," Brainiac 5 considered.
"Well, you can't be the host. You're a fucking robot," Alex said dismissively.
"And Supergirl's cells are impenetrable," Brainiac 5 pointed out.
Alex gave them a stunned look. "No, fuck no," she refused.
"I wouldn't dare put you in that position, Director. Perhaps an underperforming subordinate," Brainiac 5 suggested.
"Or a prisoner?" Kara brought up.
"You two are the worst. Those spiders could kill the host immediately," Alex said.
Brainiac 5 and Kara gave her blank looks. "No, I'm not subjecting anyone to that," Alex clarified.
"Very well, we'll have to bring in the Brainiac 5 Model 101," Brainiac 5 said reluctantly.
At L Tower, Malefic was a bit disgruntled being a black man experimented upon by a white woman. "You approach me even though I am conscious," he noted. "How thoughtful of you," he mocked.
"It seems we got off on the wrong foot. So, I have a proposition. You have the ability to incept thoughts into people's minds. I want to study your brain so I can develop technology that can do the same thing," Lena said.
"Forgive my skepticism but the last time a person showed interest in my brain, the high council sent me to the Phantom Zone," Malefic said pissed-off.
"I got this fancy phantom projector gun, right here," Lena threatened, showing the device to him.
"Now, we're at an impasse," Malefic said uncooperatively. "What's in it for me?"
"We both want the same thing. We were both betrayed by those closest to us. Work with me and we can do great things," Lena enticed.
"I don't want to do great things. I want revenge," Malefic said angrily. "So, I have a proposal for you. Martian biology prevents me from attacking my brother. That's why I have been attacking those close to J'onn J'onzz. If you remove the barrier that prevents me from killing my brother, I will give you access to my mind."
"I'm into stopping people from killing each other. That kind of goes against my plan," Lena refused.
"Studying my mind is the key to your dream. I know your desperation. I know the depths of your ambition. Isn't one man worth the world?" Malefic asked.
"I have to develop the technology first," Lena stalled. "Your terms are acceptable. Let us begin."
At the DEO, Brainiac 5 Model 101 arrived looking like an attractive blond woman that immediately impressed Alex. "Another drone of yours?" Alex asked.
"Not just any drone. Living tissue over a metal endoskeleton," Brainiac 5 pinched her arm revealing it to be flesh.
"Like with skin, blood, organs," Alex said fascinated.
"Precisely," Brainiac 5 agreed.
"For what purpose?" Alex asked.
"To seduce Kate Kane and acquire personal information about her preferences and habits. I am happy to say the experiment is running smoothly," Brainiac 5 said pleased with her.
"This is so fucked up," Alex said dismayed.
"I'll say," Kara gagged for a different reason.
"Shall we begin?" Reagan asked them.
In the interrogation room, Reagan was subjected to the alien spiders. There were now spider tattoos all over her face. "So, you've augmented yourself to allow the spiders to speak through you," Alex clarified.
"Yes, and thanks to my polygraph filter, it won't be able to lie," Reagan said.
"So, do I have to play twenty questions or are you going to tell me what the fuck is going on?" Alex asked.
"The spider knows nothing, nothing of our assailant or who hired it," Reagan revealed.
"Well...shit," Alex said disappointedly and left the room.
Reagan then eyed Kara. "I have access to Eve's mind. I know who is behind this," she said.
"Really? Who?" Kara asked interested.
"I can't tell you. It would end the game too quickly," Brainiac 5 smirked.
"Is Andrea Rojas behind it?" Kara asked.
"Maybe, maybe not," Brainiac 5 shrugged.
"Alright, Brainy. I'll play your game," Kara smiled.
Kara met up with Alex outside the interrogation room. "I'll interrogate Andrea Rojas myself and make her talk," Kara said.
"Okay, slow down. We need to be strategic. We need to see the bigger plan here. Plus, there is still a chance she may not even be involved," Alex objected.
"If she's not involved, no harm, no foul," Kara said dismissively.
"Kelly believes in the work Andrea is doing that helps people and Andrea has never been accused of doing anything illegal. Kelly has been through the wringer and I really don't want to ruin this for her unless I have to. Trust me, I want answers, too, but with these kinds of accusations we must be certain," Alex said.
"Kelly and her job do not concern me," Kara said coldly. "You are allowing personal feelings to jeopardize the security of the world."
"If Andrea is involved, we will find out how," Alex said to her.
"We have already made the choice. Now, we must understand it," Kara said referring to Brainiac 5's coy answer.
"What are you going to do?" Alex asked concernedly.
"I'll take Andrea to a place outside American jurisdiction where she can be interrogated...properly," Kara threatened.
"You can't do that," Alex said horrified.
"Perhaps we can discover Andrea's secrets without interfering in Kelly's good work," Brainiac 5 said breaking the tension between them.
"As you wish," Kara said and then flew off.
Hope placed mental electrodes on Malefic's head to scan his brain. "Careful now, that's my brain you're fucking with," Malefic said suspiciously.
"The occipital lobe is where the Q-waves are generated, like sonar from a dolphin. But your waves are a very special frequency that allows you the unique ability to control thoughts and emotions of others," Lena explained.
"Are you saying my abilities don't come from the gods?" Malefic wondered.
"No," Lena said awkwardly. "So, this is the frequency we want to isolate."
"This unique ability has been my cross to bear my whole life. I was called a queer by adults and peers alike. To think my condition all came down to a frequency," Malefic said bitterly.
"All you have to do is incept these three test subjects. As you project your Q-waves onto them, we can measure the frequency until we find the magic number," Lena said simply.
"So, are we ready?" Lena asked.
"As long as killing J'onn J'onzz is the final result, I can't wait," Malefic replied.
That evening, William Dey was snooping around Andrea's office. "Mind if I join you?" Kara asked.
"Shit," William realized.
"What are you doing here?" Kara asked suspiciously.
"Andrea is up to no good. She killed my best mate," William told her. "And I have less than a day to find out what she's planning."
"I wish...I wish I gave a shit," Kara said dismissively. "Look, that launch is important to a good friend of mine and you're not going to fuck it up."
"Are you hearing yourself?" William asked dismayed.
"Are you seeing yourself, in your boss' office, trying to find something incriminating that probably doesn't exist?" Kara asked. "You're lucky I got a friend of mine to hack the cameras. A friend that has recorded your every move if you continue this little investigation of yours."
"How can you be so callous?" William asked her.
"Lots and lots of practice," Kara replied. "Now, get the fuck out," she ordered.
A frustrated William left the office completely defeated. Kara then got a phone call. "Barney got a signal from the Marathon Laser. It's in downtown Metropolis," Alex told her.
"I actually have stuff to do. Have Nia do it," Kara said then hung up.
"The fuck?" Alex wondered and then dialed Nia.
Nia, as Dreamer, flew towards the signal. Rip Roar was on top of a clocktower looking down with the laser weapon in hand. Nia dropped down right above him. "Let's talk," Nia said to him.
Rip Roar extended two metal tentacles ending with claws at her. Nia avoided the tentacles and got in close where the two brawled in a fist-fight. Rip Roar cast Nia down where she hung onto one of the hands of the clock. Rip Roar sent a tentacle down towards her breaking the clock-hand off. Nia fell a ways and blasted Rip Roar with an energy attack distracting him. She then fired an energy cable at the falling clock-hand with her right hand and another energy cable on the building. She then flung the clock-hand back at Rip Roar stunning him.
Rip Roar took the clock-hand and ripped it in two. He then flung the pieces down at her. She deflected them with her right arm and left leg. "Damn, that hurt," she hissed.
She then launched energy cables around Rip Roar forcing him off the building. The two fell together and slammed onto a monorail train. The two tumbled a bit on the roof and then had a ferocious fight of metal tentacles and energy cables. They then moved to the side of the train nearly hitting pedestrians as the train went by a stop. Rip Roar grabbed a hold of Nia and threw her into the train busting down the train door. Nia got back outside on the side of the train and looked for Rip Roar. A metal tentacle suddenly went through the train, blasted out a window, and sent Nia off the train to the street pavement below.
Nia cried out in pain and nearly avoid getting hit by oncoming traffic. She flew off towards the train and tackled Rip Roar. The two continued to fight with Rip Roar slamming Nia repeatedly on the roof of the train with his tentacles. Rip Roar then cast Nia off the train where she smacked into an oncoming train going in the opposite direction. Nia quickly recovered and flew back to the original train. Rip Roar grabbed two civilians with his metal arms and flung them into the air. Nia shot towards the two civilians catching them both and putting them on the ground. As Nia approached, Rip Roar took hold of the speed stick and took it to the maximum. He then broke it off so the train couldn't be stopped.
"You have a train to catch," Rip Roar said to her and took off onto a building.
Nia suddenly had a dream of the train falling to its doom at the end of the track killing all the civilians inside. "Oh, fuck," she realized.
Meanwhile, James Olsen, Kara Danvers, and Supergirl (wearing pants) attended a special fundraiser in a grand hall. There were "Olsen for US Senate" posters and signs everywhere. James was in a nice tux while Kara was in a fashionable white dress. Paparazzi were everywhere taking photos of them.
"How does it feel to be on the other side of the camera?" Kara asked him.
"I feel so nervous," James admitted.
"Don't worry. If you make an ass of yourself, we can get drinks later," Kara assured him.
Supergirl approached the reporters and cameramen. "James Olsen is a good friend of mine. I would trust him with my life and so should everyone else," Supergirl said to the reporters.
"I thought superheroes were supposed to stay neutral in politics," a reporter said.
"Not true. I am a good friend of President Trump and his family," Supergirl replied.
James came to the podium to speak to his donors, the elite of Metropolis. "For the longest time, I was once a liberal frustrated with my inability to succeed. I had student loans, a job that didn't pay very well, and I noticed every day the poor and downtrodden in Metropolis as a cameraman," James said reflectively.
"But then I was rescued by Cat Grant at Catco," James said appreciatively. Kara and Cat smiled hanging out together at the same table. "And then I started making some real money as Catco editor. I mean, I got rich fast. But with success came taxes and regulation. I was giving practically a third of my pay away in taxes. For someone that worked so hard to climb the ladder, that's fucked up."
"So, I don't really agree with anything the Republicans stand for except when it comes to taxes and debt. No more taxes, no more debt. It's that simple, people. Read these fine black lips. No new taxes," James promised.
The rich folks were on their feet with thunderous applause. "Let's all get drunk as fuck," James said to the crowd and then started shaking hands.
"He's grown so much," Cat said wiping away a tear.
"Maybe you two could hook up," Kara suggested.
"I'm not divorced yet," Cat reminded her.
"So, how's Carter?" Kara asked referring to her younger son.
"Oh, well, that whole wanting to be a girl thing ended up not being a phase. I blame you," Cat said.
"Me?" Kara said aghast.
"Instead of wanting to be a soldier, a police officer, or a fireman, he wanted to be you. I put him through all sorts of therapy. Do you know what it's like to have a strange child?" Cat asked.
"Oh yeah, I mean, he doesn't want to be a girl. He wants to be a galactic assassin or some shit," Kara said dismayed.
"Where did we go wrong?" Cat wondered.
"Maybe people can't be molded by their environment. Maybe people have souls that have desires beyond anything that can be controlled. In Midvale, I put down a lot of bad teens but I rarely thought the parents were the blame," Kara said reflectively.
"Do you think he can win?" Cat asked of James.
"Oh, fuck no," Kara doubted.
"Then what's the point?" Cat wondered.
"There's no point to anything. All that matter is having fun," Kara said.
"Speaking of fun, you wanted to talk to me about a media empire proposal," Cat said seriously.
"I'm not nearly drunk enough to talk business just yet," Kara said.
"Then drink up," Cat ordered as they both downed their wine glasses.
The monorail train continued its way full-speed to its doom. "Fuck," Nia wondered as she stood at the front of the train. She then fired off energy cables at the surrounding buildings to slow down the train. The energy cables ripped off the buildings nearly sending Nia onto the tracks. Nia tried again firing right and left at the buildings and then holding the energy cables tightly. The train slowed down slightly as a dozen energy cables stretched from Nia to the buildings around her.
At the party, Kara noticed the screeching train with her super-hearing. Supergirl also heard it as well. "Nia," Kara realized as she heard her cries of effort to stop the train. She went over to Supergirl. "Check it out."
"Just let him perish," Supergirl said coldly.
"I'm in charge here," Kara told her off.
"We're equals," Supergirl reminded her.
"When you've done what I've done, then you can dare to call yourself my equal. Now, go," Kara ordered.
Supergirl shook her head annoyed and walked out. Paparazzi followed her out of the building as she took to the skies.
"And here I thought you and Supergirl were the same person," Cat said drunkenly.
"Get the fuck out of here," Kara laughed.
Supergirl flew towards the train and noticed it slowing down. Nia's costume was ripped at her arms as she strained herself. Supergirl watched passively as the train finally came to a stop at the edge of the track. An exhausted Nia then fell. Supergirl was about to make a move when the passengers caught her and brought her inside. They laid her down on the floor.
"She's just a kid. No older than my own daughter," one woman remarked.
Nia suddenly awoke and was assisted to her feet. The passengers on the train applauded her heroism but Rip Roar had escaped. Supergirl eyed the scene and then flew off no longer needed.
While Malefic was fucking around with small alien critters with his inception, Lena watched a CNN report on James' US Senate campaign. She could clearly see both Kara Danvers and Supergirl near to each other.
"What the fuck is going on?" Lena wondered.
"Perhaps your hypothesis that Kara Danvers and Supergirl are one and the same is incorrect," Hope said helpfully.
"No, it can't be," Lena dismissed immediately. "Could it be a Brainiac 5 drone using a hologram?"
Hope gave her no answer. Lena broke from her psychosis and got back to work. "I got it. I have the right frequency now," Lena said pleased.
"Congratulations," Hope said happy for her.
A hungover Supergirl (wearing a skirt) entered the DEO. "Okay, Barney, catch me up on everything," she requested.
"Rip Roar has a fusion cannon. It is an ingenious combination of Lex Luthor's Marathon Laser plus a particle amplifier," Brainiac 5 said showing its schematics on screen.
Kara froze upon hearing Lex's name. "Continue," she said irritably.
"It has a power one-hundred times hotter than the center of the sun," Brainiac 5 said.
"Really? That sounds like bullshit," Kara doubted.
"You need not worry. It should only tickle you," Brainiac 5 assured her.
"Way to end all tension and suspense," Kara said annoyed.
"With power like that, just imagine what it could do," Alex said worriedly.
"We need to find it," Hank said obviously.
"Tracking it will be rather difficult," Brainiac 5 admitted.
"Well, Obsidian North launches today and I don't want that ruined," Kara said passionately.
"Wait...yesterday you didn't give a shit about the launch," Alex pointed out.
"I...changed my mind. Is that a problem?" Kara asked obnoxiously.
"It is when you disrespect my girlfriend," Alex said pissed-off.
"Shit...Alex, I was under a lot of stress. I had this fundraiser for James to plan. Can you cut me some slack?" Kara asked.
"That wasn't stress. It was like you were homophobic or something," Alex said scornfully.
"It's not like I haven't made a million gay jokes about you in the past," Kara said dismissively.
"This was different. You were cold and indifferent," Alex raged.
"I don't have to take this. I've assessed the situation and I'm leaving," Kara said storming off.
"Well...shit," Alex said remorsefully.
Supergirl came back into the DEO moments later wearing pants. "You done with your temper tantrum?" Alex asked her.
There was an awkward pause. "Yes," Kara replied.
"I have found Rip Roar. His radiation signature is at the Vostok Antarctica research station. Almost as if he wanted us to find him," Brainiac 5 said. "I have determined that all three assassins that we know of have targeted Vostok researchers all within the last month."
"What's the significance?" Hank asked.
"I believe to compromise the security of the base," Brainiac 5 said.
"Why there?" Kara asked.
"There is a hot spring lake deep underneath the ice. Now, if I were a super-villain, I would fire a beam straight into that lake," Brainiac 5 said.
"If he did that, he could melt the polar ice cap?" Alex asked incredulously.
"Assuming the weapon can do what it says it can do," Brainiac 5 allowed.
"That would unleash a flood, like never before seen since Noah's Arc," Hank remarked.
"I'll alert PATRIOT that we're headed to their research station. The last thing we need is another Cold War...in Antarctica," Alex said seriously.
Kara snorted at that. "PATRIOT has already been informed. We're free to enter," Brainiac 5 assured her.
Supergirl and Hank flew over to the Vostok research facility and found a number of dead Russians on the floor. Kara crossed herself as she touched them. "We must find Rip Roar quickly," Hank said to her.
Kara found Rip Roar running off. Kara sped in front of him cutting him off. "Leaving so soon?" she asked him.
Rip Roar unnecessarily sprung out metal tentacles, attached them to the walls, and carried himself several feet closer to her with his Marathon Laser. He then fired at her. Kara let the beam hit her chest without effect. Kara slowly made her way towards him getting shot multiple times. She then blasted the rifle out of his hands with her heat vision. Rip Roar then withdrew his tentacles as he surrendered. Hank took the Marathon Laser from the floor.
"Smart move," he said to him.
Kara advanced on Rip Roar. "What were you trying to do? Your weapon didn't have nearly the firepower Lex thought it did."
"I only do what they tell me," he replied.
"Who is they?" Kara demanded.
"I don't know," he said.
Hank went ahead and handcuffed Rip Roar to a metal crate. "If this weapon is not nearly as powerful as what we were led to believe, then why did he try to gain our attention?"
"He's a decoy," Kara realized.
"You can't stop what's coming," Rip Roar told them.
A submarine off the coast of Metropolis suddenly detonated a nuclear warhead underwater. The shockwave created a tall powerful wave that would slam into the East Coast. "Supergirl, get to Metropolis now," Alex ordered her.
"We're having difficulty transmitting to their location. It would appear Rip Roar was a decoy," Brainiac 5 said slightly concerned as a giant tsunami was headed their way.
"Kelly is out there. I have to get to her," Alex said moving out.
Brainiac 5 pinched her neck dropping her to the floor.
Supergirl (wearing a skirt) and Aquaman eyed the tsunami wave moving towards them on the docks. "Well...shit," Kara remarked.
"It was like tens of thousands of fish suddenly all screamed in terror and were silenced," Arthur said sadly.
"So, do you mind if we share Mera? I'm not allowed to date men," Kara asked.
"The fuck? She's my wife and the mother of my child," Arthur said incredulously.
"Hey, sharing is caring," Kara said.
"She wouldn't be interested. She likes a real man," Arthur said puffing his chest out.
"Well...how about your mom? Is she still single? She's aged quite well," Kara asked.
"We're not having this conversation," Arthur rejected.
"You think you're too good for me because of one fluke outing?" Kara antagonized.
"Whatever, girl, I'm the king of the oceans and the box-office," Arthur smiled.
"I got one in the works. When I finally hit, I'll be the top female superhero ever," Kara said confidently.
"Yeah, low bar there," Arthur scoffed.
"You see that wave over there? Fix that shit," Kara ordered.
"You have any idea how big that wave is? I can't do it," Arthur shook his head.
"Give me that trident, wuss," Kara ordered.
"No, it's mine. Get your own," Arthur refused.
"It's only as powerful as its user and you're weak as fuck," Kara said to him.
"That vulnerability is what helps me to be relatable to common folk unlike your Mary Sue ass," Arthur mocked.
"Give me the fucking trident before your favorite bar gets washed away," Kara demanded.
"Fine," he said letting her have it.
Kara floated in the air with the trident and made it glow as bright as the sun. Focusing on the trident, she sent the waves back away from the East Coast dissipating them. Metropolis was now safe.
Kara arrived at the DEO and saw Brainiac 5 scanning Rip Roar. "Did he say anything?" Kara asked a recovered Alex.
"No, not even with the truth seeker. The tech he wears has biologically adhered to him. To get to him, we have to take off the suit which would kill him," Alex said. "Also, it couldn't have been Rojas."
"Why not?" Kara asked curiously.
"The wave would have taken out Obsidian North's hub on the East Coast," Alex said.
"A clever way to keep suspicion off her though," Kara said skeptically.
"That's a conspiracy theory," Alex discounted.
"I'm just saying, keep your eyes open," Kara said wide-eyed.
Alex rolled her eyes. "We have to find out who's calling the shots."
Brainiac 5 stepped out. "I have yet to crack him but I doubt I'll get any useful intel from him."
"You son-of-a-bitch, you nerve pinched me," Alex accused angrily.
"You were about to do something foolish," Brainiac 5 told her.
"Is saving Kelly foolish?" Alex demanded.
"She's not a mission priority," Brainiac 5 said coldly.
"Fuck you, she's a priority to me," Alex said angrily.
"If not for Supergirl, you both would have died," Brainiac 5 said simply.
"How the fuck were you in two places at once?" Alex demanded of Kara.
"The Supergirl that went to Vostok was a drone," Brainiac 5 replied.
"This has to stop. I need to know what's going on at all times, and I need to know who is who at all times," Alex stormed off.
Kara eyed Brainiac 5. "That was too close. I don't want to restart the timeline again."
"Indeed," Brainiac 5 agreed.
"So, who the fuck are these guys?" Kara asked.
"They call themselves Leviathan," Brainiac 5 replied.
Kara simply stared at him and started to laugh. "Really? GAAAY!"
"Shall I kill them all?" Brainiac 5 asked.
"Nah, let's see how this plays out," Kara smirked.
That night at L Tower, Malefic reached an epiphany. "It is finished," he said.
"What is?" Lena asked not taking him seriously.
"I have clarity on how to dispose of my brother now that you have removed my mental block," Malefic said.
Hope took out a pistol ready to kill them both if need be. "But I didn't remove it," Lena corrected. "I could never let you hurt another person."
"We had a deal," Malefic said outraged.
"If you knew anything about a Luthor, you would know better than to trust me," Lena said obviously.
Malefic went to attack her when Lena suddenly took control of him using her own simulated inception. Hope put her pistol back into her coat as she saw what was happening.
"You like it here, don't you?" Lena asked rhetorically.
"Yes," Malefic replied.
"Who's Lena's bitch?" Lena asked.
"I am," Malefic nodded.
Author's Notes: You can't persuade people to understand climate science with bad science. The power of the weapon, the rate of melting in Antarctica, and other factors would not have caused that instant tsunami. Even if it did, the tsunami would be everywhere beyond Nia's scope of vision. The situation with Carter is a reference to Adventures of Supergirl Season 1. The Brainiac 5 Model 101 was featured in Adventures of Batwoman. This was done to deal with the plothole of Brainiac 5 being completely machine in my version. To nail the point home that Rip Roar is a Dr. Oct rip-off, Nia got a Spiderman 2 scene. The real rip-roar is an alien with actual arms and has nothing to do with Leviathan.