The new reporters throughout the city relayed the conclusion of the turmoil to the general public, their camera crews and new choppers recording the scenes where emergency services were helping the casualties and cleaning up the streets. Men and women all stepped outside to offer what assistance they could, comforting the injured and handing out food and water or sweeping up the debris left in the wake of the battle between Superman, Supergirl, metallo and Cyborg Superman. The remains of the robots were all retrieved by DEO agents, heading to a secure site where they could be disposed of properly and for good. Alex Danvers oversaw the removal of the kryptonite hearts and the transport of the drones themselves. After the compromised situation at Axis she didn't want to take any more chances.
Both Superman and Supergirl did their bit to clean up the city, as did the other heroes. Jon Jones walked amongst the casualties in his civilian form to offer support. Jimmy Olsen took photos for Cacto between helping hand out aid with the support workers. Nia Nal was absent, exhaustion overtaking her after the resolution of the fight. Brainy took her back to the DEO HQ to rest and recover. Hank Henshaw was apprehended and arrested by a join force of National City Police Department and the DEO, reprimanded into custody with a one-way trip to Iron Heights.
Also amongst the helpers was Maxwell Davies in his new battle armour, using it to pick up large chunks of debris or ferry civilians to safety. Many of the new outlets focused on him as he made a grand display of his suits capabilities. Eventually he paused in his humanitarian work to answer some questions from a reporter.
"I don't consider myself a hero" he told them, speaking to the camera and all the people watching, flashing his dashing white teeth. "But I do consider myself a citizen of this city and this planet. What you see before you is the latest innovation from TITAN Industries, a way to give back to the people and help make the world a better place. It had been my goal ever since I became CEO of this company to use everything in my power to help people. And now I believe we can."
Watching the new anchor praise Maxwell for his heroics and bravery was Lena Luthor, now situated back in her office staring at the large TV on her wall. Every time Maxwell's suit came into view she narrowed her eyes. There was something troubling and familiar about it.
It was almost sunrise by the time the city was almost back to normal. Thankfully there were no severe civilian casualties to rock the city. The same couldn't be said for the DEO agents Hank murdered in order to reach the portal. Alex glumly finished the last of the notices informing their families of their brave sacrifice, sitting back rubbing her eyes feeling tired and hollow. She thought she'd feel better once Hank was arrested and the last of the Metallo drones were dismantled, but the cost of getting here once again felt too high. Or maybe it was because there were still too many unanswered questions left out there. Her phone buzzed and she read Maggie Sawyer's name upon it.
"Thank you for all you're help in this case" she said from her desk.
"I was about to say the same to you" Alex smiled. "any leads on Kronos Limited?" she asked, one of the loose threads that was bugging her."
"No, but our friend Carl Carlton has been officially charged with fraud and mismanagement of dangerous materials. He's pleading a deal for the sake of his employees to avoid further charges, but it looks like Axis Environmental is destined for bankruptcy and closure."
"It's a shame. Before all of this they were a reliable resource" Alex sighed. All the good they stood for tarnished by one mistake she thought. "So are you closing the investigation?" she asked.
"My bosses want me too" she nodded. "And without further leads I can't see a reason to keep running it. Of course that wouldn't stop a government agency from taking it off my hands" she noted.
Alex smirked. "Take care of yourself captain" she said warmly.
"You too director" she replied before hanging up the phone.
Kara got back to her apartment an hour after sunrise, floating through her window and landing unsteadily on her feet. She winced rubbing her side as she limped over to her sofa, collapsing with a groan unwilling to change out of her costume. She carefully lifted her top and examined the bruises still healing from her battle with Hank. She always wondered if the cyborg was capable of killing her with his bare hands. If it wasn't for the intervention of that guy in red she might've found out.
She replayed the final moments once again, how easily the figure disabled Hank Henshaw and left him to the police. She had never seen a human do something like that, making her wonder if they were indeed human. The image of them glaring at her before walking off became etched in her mind. Last time this person tried to kill her, then left her alive. Now they saved her life and still left her alive. Its motives didn't seem to make sense. Who was this person?
"Long night huh?" Clark's voice said as Superman drifted in through the same window she used. Kara looked up at him and chuckled, wincing from the discomfort in her ribs. He took a seat next to her still in costume. "How are you holding up?" he asked.
"A few bruises that'll heal" she replied, sitting in her seat to talk to him. "What about you? How's Lois?"
"She's checking in with the daily planet" he explained. "Submitting her story probably."
"Thanks for coming to help" she said.
"You know you can call whenever you need me" he pointed out, wondering how many other emergencies he might've missed.
Kara sighed. "I know, but I thought I could handle it. And I had help."
Clark shook his head. "You know you don't have anything to prove right?" he told her, interlocking his fingers as he studied her. "I know the memorial was a few days ago" he added, watching his cousins reaction. "What happened five years ago…?"
"Was still my fault" she interrupted, shame coating her face. "I was reckless then. Then earlier this week I was reckless again. People could've gotten hurt and it would've been my fault. I'm supposed to be protecting this city."
Clark nodded. "I know what it's like to have that weight on your shoulders. But if I've learnt anything it's that we all make mistakes. I've had my fair share of community hospitals" he confessed, which surprised Kara. "I know what it's like to fail people in disastrous ways. I also know telling you it's not your fault won't change anything. But I can tell you we can both learn from the experience and use it to become better." He looked out into the city, noting "from what I've seen you have become better in the last five years. This city is still standing. And I've never seen so many people come out to help like I have tonight. A part of that is down to you. You inspired them Kara."
Kara looked out into the city, listening to all the men and women, strangers to one another, coming together to help their home rebuild and recover. She smiled, feeling a deep sense of pride. Maybe she has come a long way. "It still feels like I have a lot to make up for" she said.
Clark nodded, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Then I'm here for you, whatever you need, for as long as it takes" he told her.
She smiled, letting him bring her into a hug resting her head on his shoulder. It felt good to have her cousin back for a while. "How long until you return to Argo?" she asked.
"A day or two" he replied. He wanted to make a few stops here before returning to their vacation amongst their people. "By the way, just a heads up, Lois might've heard a rumour about you dating a guy lately." Kara groaned, prompting Clark to ask "Is that true?"
"Please can we talk about something else" Kara complained before Superman could start teasing her about her love life.
Nia woke up in the DEO medical bay around three am, her body aching and her head dizzy. Mercifully her sleep was dreamless so she didn't wake up from further nightmares. Brainy monitored her as a doctor checked her over, her mask and costume remaining in place out of respect. Once she was given a clean bill of health Briany walked over to her, waited until they were alone, and asked her "are you alright my love?"
"I am" she replied, leaning in to kiss him softly grateful he was here when she woke up. "What happened to Hank? Or the robots?" she asked, having passed out not long after the Metallo drones raced through the portal on Brainy's signal.
"The machines developed by Axis were sent to a distinct and remote locations in deep space" he explained clinically. "When I discovered I could shut down the gateway in time, Lena Luthor and I devised a plan to alter the coordinates set instead. Once they were all through the portal we stranded them. I calculate their energy reserves will run out in approximately…" he checked his watched, "forty two hours, assuming they don't fall into the gravitational pull of the nearby white dwarf star. The nearest planet for they to reach is fifty hours from their destination. They'll either freeze or lose power out in the middle of nowhere."
Nia listened to the bloated explanation and smiled, relieved the kryptonite powered threat was over. "And Hank Henshaw?"
"Safely incarcerated in Iron Heights" he told her. "He was arrested many hours ago. I made sure his cybernetics were disabled before I bought you here, and have been coordinating the clean-up ever since. National City is safe" he assured her.
Nia released a breath. It was all over. And yet she still felt heavy, that weight on her shoulders. She knew it wasn't completely over. The vision of the red devil standing over Supergirl returned, reminding her there was something on the horizon.
Brainy examined his girlfriend in silence for a moment, measuring her expression before saying "if I may, there is something I feel we must talk about." She returned his gaze curiously as he explained "I've noticed an increase in your capabilities of late. You are developing at an extraordinary rate."
"Is that bad?" she asked.
"On the contrary, you're performing at predicted levels" he noted. "But earlier you surprised me with a rather…emotional display. You're powers reacting to something other than the battle."
Nia furrowed her brow, crossing her arms saying "I don't know what that means?"
Brainy took a step back, calculating what he was about to say may trigger an unpredictable response from her. "You summoned an image of Supergirl to help defend yourself and the portal last night" he told her, watching her reaction carefully. "And I couldn't help but notice there were further flashes within this image, as if it was but a small section of something bigger."
Nia became uncomfortable, recalling the moment he was talking about. She let her fears overwhelm her and she pulled a section of her dream into reality and made it real, her vision of Supergirl distraught matching her emotions momentarily giving them form. She couldn't explain it but she knew a slip up when she saw one. And Brainy, her clever Brainiac Five, of course noticed its significance.
"From what I understand about your history, from our records in the future" he continued, noting how he was from the thirty-first century, "your powers have the ability to project part of the visions you see if there is a sufficient emotional connection to it. I didn't anticipate this ability to manifest for some time, but after last night… I must ask Nia, is there something you're not telling me?"
Nia knew this was coming at some point. She hoped there would've been more time. But given how serious her dreams were getting she needed to address it. And with Brainy familiar with their future, maybe he had some insight that could help. "There is something Brainy" she confessed, reaching out to bring him closer so she could lower her voice. "But if I tell you, I need you to promise not to tell anyone else."
Brainy looked at her with an expression of trust, making sure nobody was in earshot before asking "is this about Kara and the stranger who attacked her a few days ago? Is she in danger?"
Nia took a deep breath before telling him "I don't know. But there's a chance she is the danger." With Brainy's interest piqued, she told him everything.
TITAN Industries was rushed off its feet in the early hours of that morning. Maxwell himself had barely a moment to breathe as he rushed to and fro his meetings with stock holders and other fresh guests. In his hands he carried a newspaper with his greatest accomplishment on the front page, a photo of himself in his new red and blue battle suit. Last night was its debut and it's first official test drive, and he couldn't be happier with the results. He already had a dozen notes for improvements and tweaks and left it with his engineers promising to return that afternoon to oversee the modifications. But right now everyone wanted the scoop on his new venture.
Maxwell found five minutes following his last meeting to make for his office and take a breather, though his excitement was bubbling over with success. Just as he stepped out the lift he was met by his assistant who gave him the latest mountain of calls received and appointments that needed scheduling. Maxwell promised the young man they'd sit down and organise this, but after he dealt with something also brought to his attention. Giving his assistant some praise and a head start, Maxwell entered his office and found an attractive young woman standing by his window overlooking the streets dressed in a grey business suit with her dark hair tied into a pony tail.
Maxwell chuckled, struck by the mirroring display of confidence he displayed in L-Corps office over a week ago that looked just like this. He smiled broadly placing his paperwork down as he approached the woman waiting for him. "When my assistant told me Lena Luthor was waiting for me in my office, I must admit I got excited" he said, announcing his arrival so Lena could turned around and face him. He spread his arms wide, walking forward greeting her warmly. "It's good to see you. You are looking as radiant as ever" he said.
"We need to talk about your exosuit" she said bluntly, her expression narrow and her arms folded. She was in no mood for small talk."
Maxwell acknowledged that, dropping his arms but not his smile. "You and everybody else in this city" he laughed, pouring himself a drink from a nearby decanter. "It's even making national headlines. I've just come out of a meeting with a general from the DOD. They sound very interested in my work as of now. They're even prepared to help fund TITAN into mass producing it. Imagine" he beamed. "This time next year the US military and every law enforcement in the country capable of repelling all alien invasions. The future looks bright."
"It does" she agreed, walking up to him pointing to the photo him in his suit. "And almost too good to be true. Last time we talked you told me your company was years away from developing this technology."
"What can I say, my engineers had a breakthrough" he said. "Once we did I diverted all my attention to it. So far it's operating at ten percent its projected capabilities, but I envision after a few months those numbers will sky rocket."
"I also recall you saying you had no intention of playing the hero" she added, raising an eyebrow.
"I seem to recall telling you that I didn't intend to sit on the side-lines anymore" he countered. "The people were in danger and I had the technology to help. How could I not pass up the opportunity?"
"Convenient then that you had this technology" she said, her gaze fixed on him as she stalked forward. "It was a stark turnaround for you this breakthrough." She turned to pick up the newspaper, holding up the front page with the headlines "TITAN CEO SAVES PEOPLE OF NATIONAL CITY". "When I saw this I immediately had to see it for myself. The funny thing is I seem to recognise these designs. From our meeting in my office. They look exactly like your schematics, to the letter. The same designs that could only exist when combined with my brother's battle suits."
Maxwell shrugged, his expression steady giving nothing away. "What can I say? I told you Lex was a big influence on me. But I also seem to recall you turning me down when I made the offer to partner with me."
"And yet you knew exosuits suddenly have everything you needed from me" she said pointedly. "I know my brother's designs when I see it. But while I doubt you and him have anything to do with each other, that can only mean you got them another way." she crossed her arms, staring accusingly at him. "I can only conclude you stole them from my company files."
Maxwell held her gaze, swallowing the drink in his mouth before taking another sip. "That's quite an accusation" he said, stepping back to sit against his desk. "And were it true, that would mean I not only engaged in industrial espionage but fraud as well. I assume you have proof of these allegations?"
Lena clenched her jaw, shaking her head in disappointment. "I know you had opportunity to do it yourself" she said, pacing the room angry at him and herself. "My personal laptop has a direct connection to my company system, which I've confirmed accessed the files on Lex's suits the same morning I left you in my apartment. And the timing is convenient, so soon after I reject your offer to give you access myself. And I'm sure if I was to see those designs I'd find evidence they all lead back to L-Corp."
Maxwell listened, nodded, and then put his glass down. "I've already submitting my designs to the DOD and every other interested party looking to fund my exosuit" he told her confidently. "And you're right, the timing is convenient. And also circumstantial. I used to date a lawyer, who's a district attorney now, so I know what would be considered inadmissible. Now tell me, did you find evidence of your laptop being hacked, any way for someone without your password or logic information could've accessed your files?" he waited until Lena clenched her jaw sternly, indicating exactly what he thought. "Sounds like all you can prove is we had a wonderful, consenting night of passionate sex where you dutifully left me in your apartment. If you happened to leave your personal laptop behind, that sounds like a security risk on your part not mine. I'm just another good Samaritan now." he broke into a smile, liking the name.
He stepped around her to return to his decanter, pouring another drink offering one to her. "I know you stole those designs" she said. "I know you used me, as if I was only of your scandalous conquests. And if there's one thing I don't forgive, is being used to further ones agenda" she growled distastefully.
"Oh Lena, you wound me" he said sadly. "For the record, everything I told you was the truth. Why I wanted this project to go ahead, who extraordinary I think you are, how exquisite our night together was" he added, brushing her cheek tenderly until she slapped it away. He sighed, dropping the professional pretence. "As for my conquests, you should try reading those tabloid articles everyone seems to glance at. You'll find many of them to be prominent figures, lawyers and councilmen, relatives or associates of businessmen now in my employ. You may find my reputation distasteful, but I've found it opens quite a few opportunities for me. Especially in the grips of some difficult negotiations" he said.
Lena stared at him, finally seeing through the charm and flashy grin and seeing the devious and cutthroat businessman who dominated the negotiation table. It was no wonder he always got his way when he was willing to sleep with the enemy and use it to find every potential advantage or exploit that would improve his chances. Subterfuge, blackmail, extortion, who knows what goes on behind the scenes to help him rise to the top. And Lena fell for him, led him to her bedroom and gave him the perfect opportunity to ensure he got what he came for. She felt disgusted.
"Now if there's nothing else Miss Luthor, I'll trust you to see yourself out." he said, echoing the last thing she said to him while standing in front of his windows with his back to her.
Before Lena turned to storm out, she had one final thought she felt compelled to voice. "You're debut turned out to be a huge success she noted, tossing the newspaper to the desk. "It would seem this recent attack from the Cyborg Superman came at just the right time, along with his army of robots. Quite a boon it would seem" she noted. Maxwell didn't say anything as he let her complete the thought. "Axis Environmental was contracted to create those machines for a shadow client. Makes one wonder what they had intended for that army. Maybe even to make a spectacle, set a stage for a big announcement."
Maxwell's face was caught in the reflection staring innocently over the horizon as he took another sip from his glass. "It is a shame we couldn't have joined forces Miss Luthor" he said disappointed. "But I want you to know I think on our time together fondly. I'll be sure to seek you out if I ever find an opportunity for us to work together again" he promised, turning back to look at her. "Until then, please know my door is always open. I would love another night of…stimulating conversation."
Lena didn't give him a response, turning on her heel and walking out of his office. She had her suspicions, now she had a goal. That goal was to prove Maxwell Davis stole her brother's designs and maybe even set all these events into motion. Until then, she was forced to leave his office empty handed while he gloated from his desk smugly.