Chapter 3: Intel
Krypton - 37 Years Ago
Astra In-Ze stood in the doorway of Sydney's bedroom, watching her seventeen-year-old sleep.
Her daughter was lying on her side, her face angled towards the entryway. One arm was folded underneath her head; the other was resting across her hip. She was snoring softly, her chest rising and lowering in-time with the puffs of air.
A small, wistful smile adorned Astra's face at the sight – Sydney had always been a heavy sleeper, even as a baby. She got the trait from her father.
Astra tiptoed closer to the bed, eventually sitting on the edge of the mattress inches across from Sydney's torso. She was perfectly content to watch her daughter sleep for several minutes.
When she finally worked up the courage to smooth a piece of hair back from Sydney's face, the girl let out a loud whimper and began to shift on the mattress.
Unbeknownst to her daughter, Astra often visited Sydney at night, under the protective layer of unconsciousness. Following their separation, Is-Ac's sleep schedule remained unchanged, and despite the tension that developed between them, he had never removed Astra's handprint from the apartment's security system. Alas, it was relatively easy for the general to sneak in and out of the building undetected.
Presently Astra found herself in new territory. In the past three years of countless visits, Sydney had never awoken.
Astra's hand hovered inches above her daughter's face as she panicked over her next course of action. As a general in the Kryptonian Army, she'd always been quick on her feet – able to conjure a plan of action in the deadliest of battles under the grimmest of circumstances. But, one surprise from her teenage daughter, and she was mystified.
Yet, when Sydney let out a second, more panicked noise, instinct took over.
Astra traced her hand soothingly across Sydney's arm. She leaned down to press a gentle kiss to the area between her daughter's eyebrows that had begun to crease in distress. "Shh, my Little Star," she whispered, "You are okay."
Sydney's expression immediately softened under her touch, and Astra ultimately failed to stifle the surge of emotion wedged in her throat at the sight. Sydney's eyes opened at the sound of Astra's shaky exhale.
"Mom?" she drawled, sleepily. "How are you here?"
"Go back to sleep, Little Star. You're dreaming," Astra replied, tenderly running a hand through her daughter's ebony hair.
Sydney reached out, loosely grabbing ahold of her mother's unoccupied hand. "I miss you so much," she sighed drowsily, her eyes slowly drifting shut. "Please stay."
Astra continued the calming strokes until she was certain that Sydney was asleep again. She stood up from the bed, smoothing her black tunic, and walked towards the door.
She wasn't sure when she would see her daughter again. Her and Non had a plan, but it was risky. It was their best hope at saving Krypton though, so she had to try. For Is-Ac, for Kara, for… Sydney.
Before leaving, she turned to face Sydney one last time, not bothering to wipe away the moisture trailing down her own cheeks.
"I love you."
Earth - Present Day
It was the morning after Sydney and Kara's skirmish at the National City Bay, and Alex Danvers had yet to sleep. She spent the night reviewing the D.E.O.'s information on Sydney and contemplating various solutions.
She knew how imperative this was to Kara. Her sister had lost her mother and father, her entire planet, her adoptive father…
Kara would not lose anyone else.
Alex was certain that Maxwell Lord was somehow holding Sydney prisoner at Lord Technologies, and that he had used an unknown black liquid substance to make the girl susceptible to his will. This serum had altered her Kryptonian powers, as well.
J'onn's photos of Sydney at Lord Technologies and Kara's retelling of her encounter with her cousin at the gondola were all the proof she needed.
They were also all the proof she had – a problem that needed to be remedied immediately.
The backbone of any decent plan is intel, Agent Danvers.
From the moment she'd learned of Sydney's earthly existence, J'onn's words from her D.E.O. training years ago began running on a loop throughout her head.
Kara, Astra, and J'onn united made quite the team, to say the least, but if they were going to make any progress in locating Sydney and reversing all that Lord has done to her, they needed answers. To Alex, the natural solution was to excavate the source.
So, Alex quietly gathered a team of agents, raided Lord Technologies, arrested Maxwell Lord, and remanded him into D.E.O. custody.
Alex knew J'onn would not be pleased with the arrangement, andon some level she understood. A three-hundred-year old Martian masquerading as the prejudiced, anti-alien head of a top-secret government organization dedicated to defending the Earth from extraterrestrials is obviously very committed to maintaining a low level of risk. A level that unlawfully detaining a billionaire, world-famous C.E.O. would inevitably raise exponentially.
But, years ago Sydney had stared death in the face and chosen to save Kara's life.
That act made her Alex's family too, and family trumped any risk – blatant or hypothetical – every time.
"You're compromising the security of this entire operation, Agent Danvers," Hank barked. He scrutinized a handful of D.E.O. agents leading the handcuffed Maxwell Lord into a cell room his organization typically reserved for alien detainees, dumbfounded by Alex's disregard of the American judicial system.
Alex did not blink, standing her ground against the Martian she'd come to revere as a father figure. "And he is compromising the security of my family. Guess which one I care about more!"
"As of now, we remain unsure of Bizarro's origins. Is she an alien? An enhanced human? We can only speculate at this point. Her location is also unknown. We can only hope that wherever Bizarro appears next, Supergirl is not far behind…"
"Aunt Astra?" Kara yawned, padding over into the living room section of her studio apartment from her bed. "What are you doing here?"
Astra was seated on the couch, watching the National City morning news while drinking a cup of coffee. "I circled back after I accompanied you here last night, following our discussion at the D.E.O. You left your window open. Once I entered, I saw that you were asleep so I…" Astra gestured at the pillow next to her on the couch, and Kara nodded in understanding.
After her standoff with Sydney the night before, Kara did not want to leave the D.E.O. until they had a solid plan of action to rescue her older (younger?) cousin. Despite Alex's insistence that she return home and get some much needed rest, Kara was desperate for action. Even after Alex promised to call her the next day as soon as she was needed, Kara had only agreed to go back to her apartment when Astra said she would go with her.
Waking up this morning, she felt better – well-rested and much more clearheaded. She was grateful for Alex and Astra, because if she had tried to execute any impulses in that mindset… people would have been hurt.
Looking down at her aunt, she felt a rush of gratitude. "Well, you're welcome here anytime." Astra's mouth dropped open in surprise, but the general recovered quickly, offering the younger woman a small smile in response.
Kara took a seat next to Astra on the couch, shooting her a sly grin. "I can't believe you're watching the news with coffee."
Astra stared at her blankly. "Why?"
"I don't know," Kara shrugged. "It's oddly human. I can't imagine you doing anything so domestic on Fort Rozz."
"Kara, I've been on Earth for twelve years, same as you. Even I can see that not all their customs are bad." Astra took a pointed sip of her black coffee and raised an eyebrow at her niece. "And, do you really believe that I still live in an intergalactic prison?" Kara's shocked expression conceded her thoughts on the matter, and Astra shook her head. "I have my own apartment."
"Wow."
"You're ridiculous, Little One. Although, I must admit this couch is the best one I have encountered," Astra said, settling backwards into it, her attention returning to the television program. Kara chuckled and scooted over to rest her head on her aunt's shoulder; she propped her feet up on the coffee table. Astra stiffened slightly at the physical contact, but before Kara could even think to move, she relaxed. For the next few minutes, the only sound in apartment was the morning news.
"I can't believe they're calling her Bizarro," Kara chimed, eventually.
"Oddly enough though, I think she would like it."
"Will like it," Kara asserted.
She sat up on the couch, shooting Astra a hesitant look. "Aunt Astra…"
"What is it?"
"Look, I know we've called a truce, for the moment at least, but I have to ask. Is it okay that you're here… that you're helping us? What about Non and the other Fort Rozz pris…er residents?"
Kara couldn't prevent the disdain from leaking through to her voice as she uttered her step-uncle's name. Even from the few encounters she had with the man on Krypton, she knew that he was not good enough for her aunt. He was certainly a step down from her beloved Uncle Is-Ac, who had been the warmth to Astra's coolness. Although she did not see him as often after his and Astra's separation, Is-Ac always greeted her with a warm hug and funny quip.
May he rest in peace.
"They will not be a problem," Astra responded, vaguely. At Kara's exasperated look, she amended her statement, albeit reluctantly. "They understand where my priorities lie… Most of us have become somewhat close over the past decade. So," Astra shrugged, "they get it, as humans say."
"Good," Kara beamed. Looking at her aunt, she saw that the woman was still struggling to say something – willing her thoughts and words to unify. Kara rotated her body so that she was facing Astra on the couch, and waited.
Astra placed a hand on Kara's knee, lightly squeezing it, and finally began speaking. "Kara, I know that I have put you in a difficult position these past few months… but, I just want you to know that I… that you are very important to me. Rao, when I saw that first news report of you as Supergirl, I felt such a mix of emotions. I was so happy you were alive of course, but I felt horrible for not knowing of your existence."
Kara attempted to interrupt, but Astra shook her head slightly, continuing. "I recognized Kal-El as Superman, but I knew he wouldn't remember me. It was easy enough to figure out his secret identity, and I scoured all of Kansas looking for you. Unfortunately, I assumed you would be older than him…"
"Aunt Astra," Kara broke in, "I know you looked for me. It was implied when you first revealed yourself to me. I never thought that you didn't…" Kara stopped talking, noting Astra's expression. Aha. "But this is not just about me."
"Sydney," Astra sighed heavily. "Looking at all these photos around your apartment, I see that you were safe and loved during your stay on Earth. But, Sydney… Rao. She's my daughter. I should have been able to sense that she was here alive and in danger."
Kara slid closer to her aunt on the sofa until their hips were touching. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Kara's phone ringtone began to echo in her pajama pants pocket. It was probably Alex with news from the D.E.O. Shooting Astra an apologetic look, she unlocked the device and read the new text messages.
"Aunt Astra, it was Alex. Maxwell Lord was arrested. He's at the D.E.O. base right now."
"Let's go."
Twenty-three seconds later, the two Kryptonians were airborne – Kara dressed as Supergirl and Astra donning her black anti-Kryptonite suit.
Alex entered the room where Maxwell Lord was detained flanked by Kara and Astra. Kara grew heated at the sight of Lord in his transparent cell, her anger searing hot. Astra visibly hardened, ice cold and calculating.
"I see you've upgraded your security since our encounter earlier," Lord snarked from his upright, seated position on his cot, taking note of the two women standing behind Alex.
Alex had no patience for their usual banter. "You're going to answer all of our questions regarding Sydney. If you don't… well, that wall of glass keeping you safe is no match for even one Kryptonian. Imagine what two can do to it … and subsequently you." Lord eyed Astra warily, realizing there was more to the woman than he initially figured.
To further illustrate Alex's point, Astra stalked up to the glass cage containing Lord. Without a word, she flew up to the very top of it and gently stroked a small section of the cell wall, all the while maintaining eye contact with Lord. Seconds after she removed her pinky finger, thin cracks spread out from the region of contact.
Alex resisted a predatory smile at the sound of Maxwell's audible gulp. He looked fearful, but also… confused, an expression she had yet to see on the arrogant billionaire's face.
"How … do you know her name?" he stuttered finally, after Astra landed and retook her position next to Kara.
Alex frowned, her mouth opened to respond, but Kara was faster. "Did you really think I wouldn't recognize my own cousin?" she snapped, her arms rigidly folded across her chest.
"She's your cousin?"
Astra's voice was low as she strode forward. "You're saying that you kept my daughter imprisoned and did Rao knows what to her for however long, and you didn't even know who she is."
Maxwell Lord slid backwards on his cot. His back hit the wall of the cell with a thud. "Listen," he urged. "I can see this is personal for you, but it was not intended that way."
"You mean, besides attempting to create a weapon to kill Supergirl?" Alex said deliberately.
"You can drop the act, Danvers. I know her real name is Kara. She is your adoptive sister," Lord boasted, thrusting his chin in the direction of Kara.
Alex and Kara froze, exchanging quick glances. Astra's eyes drifted back and forth between the pair, quickly deducing that Lord's words were true. Before she could say anything, Kara threw her a look that screamed "Later!", and Astra nodded once in reply.
"I'd love to keep you here forever, Maxwell. Please, continue to give me reasons," Alex dared, staring him down.
"Anyway," he quickly backpedaled, "taking out Supergirl… that was for the greater good." He ignored Alex's eye roll, pushing forward. "When I received Sydney, she wasn't exactly in a condition where she could recount her biography…"
Kara stiffened. "What. Do. You. Mean?"
"There's no gentle way to say this," Lord warned. He cleared his throat, choosing his words very carefully, suddenly extremely aware of his mortality. "Sydney was braindead when I received her three months ago. If it weren't for my treatments she would have remained that way, indefinitely."
The subtle spike in temperature of the air on the back of her neck told Alex that Kara's eyes were glowing bright red. Not quite ready to witness Lord's death, Alex twisted around, seizing her sister's hands tightly to ground her.
Astra was the first to speak. "I'm monitoring his heart rate." He speaks the truth, Kara," she murmured under of breath, out of Lord's earshot. Facing Lord once more, General Astra probed, "Who did you 'receive' her from?" Her words were harsh, clipped sounds.
Lord swallowed deeply, clearly out of options. The three women, each powerful in their own, unique way, braced themselves for impact.
"Project Cadmus."
Kara roamed the D.E.O.'s maze of hallways, searching for J'onn's office. Once she finally found the room, she saw that its door was closed and knocked twice.
"Come in, Kara," the Martian called from the other side of the still-shut, opaque door.
Kara raised her eyebrows as she opened the door, mumbling, "So, this is how it feels."
"Where are Danvers and General Astra?" J'onn asked, reading an assortment of paperwork from his position seated at his desk.
"They're still interrogating Lord." Kara said, sitting in the chair across from J'onn. "I needed a break."
J'onn stilled his movements, looking over at Kara for the first time. "What can I do for y…"
"Do you really need those?" Kara blurted out unexpectedly, her eyes wide.
The Martian frowned, confused, before he realized that Kara was staring at his nose. Well, more specifically, she was staring at his reading glasses, the ones even Alex did not know he possessed. He hastily yanked off the eyewear and shoved it into the first desk drawer his hand reached.
"Danvers 2.0, why are you here?" he deadpanned. J'onn did not appreciate the bright grin Kara radiated at his abrupt actions. Well, mostly – the girl was having a rough 24 hours, after all. "If you're here to defend Alex's actions in arresting Maxwell Lord, don't worry about it. I underst…"
"No, it's not that," Kara started. "I just… I've been thinking about Sydney and the future. I know that between you, Astra, and Alex we will get her here, eventually. But, what happens next is really uncertain."
"We will come up with something, Kara. With Lord here, it shouldn't be too difficult to reverse engineer the serum he has been using on her."
"True," Kara relented. "But, Lord told us she was braindead before he started the serum treatments, and regardless, we need a backup plan…"
"You're right." J'onn stated, not comprehending what exactly Kara was asking.
"You. You're the backup plan."
"Excuse me?" The chair J'onn was seated in creaked under his weight. "Kara… I've told you before that my powers do not work on Kryptonians…"
"I know!" Kara interjected. "But we don't know how Lord's injections and whatever else Sydney was subjected to… have affected her physiology." She gazed at J'onn for a long moment, the plea clear in the downward tilt of her mouth and shine in her eyes. "Please, J'onn, just promise you'll try something if all else fails."
J'onn shook his head. "You know what happened with the guard at Lord Technologies when I tried to use my powers. Why would you risk the same tragedy happening to your cousin?"
To J'onn's astonishment, Kara actually smiled at him. "I believe in you," she said, simply. "And you should too."
"Fine," J'onn conceded, at last. Refusing to acknowledge the sudden lightness in his chest at the Kryptonian's words, he crossed his arms and glared at Kara. "You should get back to Alex and Astra. I'll join you all shortly."
"Right," Kara agreed, clearly amused by J'onn's front. She stood up. "I'll see you in there."
J'onn stared after Kara as she exited his office, a noticeable vigor in her walk, and shook his head in disbelief.
Surely, those Danvers Sisters were going to be the death of him.