Chapter 20

"Did he say anything else" Hank asked as he watched the DEO doctors and nurses run their checks on an unconscious Adam.

"Just what I told you. Did you find any more information on your search?" Kara replied.

"According to the records my team found, Adam Strange was an archaeologist who went missing ten years ago. They have been unable to find any paper trail since."

Kara thought for a moment "Is it possible for a human to survive on Rann?"

"Rannians are similar to humans." Hank seemed to be considering the possibility "I'd say it is possible, if he's telling the truth."

"So what's the plan? Are you going to read his mind and find out if he is telling the truth?" Kara asked.

"I prefer the human method" Hank replied as he entered the medical bay "I will question are guest first."

"And then read his mind" Kara whispered as she followed Hank into the medical bay. She needed to know if Adam Strange was telling the truth and had a way of teleporting between planets or if he was just another nut job.

"How's he doing?" Hank asked Agent Nichols.

"His vitals are looking good, he's a little dehydrated and looking at his X-Rays I'd say he has at least one broken rib and has received a nasty knock to the head." Agent Nichols replied.

"That might have been my fault" Kara said as she raised her hand "We kind of collided"

"But he's going to be ok" Hank continued but before Agent Nichols could reply their attention was brought back to Adam who had began to groan and stir.

"What happened" Adam slowly raised his hand to his head and squinted through his eyes.

"It's ok, you're safe" Kara said as she stepped closer to Adam.

"You're the kryptonian from the desert."

Kara smiled "I am; this is Director Hank Henshaw and Agent Nichols". Kara watched as Adam slowly sat himself forward. "You should take it easy."

"I have to get back" Adam winced and wrapped his arm around his body.

"You need to rest" Agent Nichols added but Adam ignored her and pushed himself to his feet. Hank moved and positioned himself between Adam and the exit.

"Am I your prisoner?" Adam asked

"You are not but I would like to ask you a few questions." Hank replied.

"Like I said; I don't have time. I have to get back to Rann" Adam limped forward but Hank didn't move. The two men stared at each other; each refusing to back down.

Kara quickly stood by Adam's side "Adam please"

Adam sighed and leaned back against the bed. "What do you want to know?"

"Clear the room please" Hank ordered and Kara watched as all the other agents left the medical bay. They waited until the door was closed before starting their questioning.

"Why don't you start from the beginning" Hank asked.

Adam hesitated before answering "Ten years ago I was on a dig in Peru; I was teleported from Earth to Rann via the Zeta Beam. I have lived on Rann ever since."

"What exactly is the Zeta Beam?" Kara asked

"The Zeta Beam is a teleportation device created by my father in law, Sardath. The male population of Rann are sterile; Rannians were on the verge of extinction. My father in law created the Beam in hopes of finding a way to ensure their survival. I fell in love with Sardath's daughter Alanna, my wife and we had a child together."

"So why have you returned to Earth?" Hank questioned

"I wasn't supposed to; I was knocked of course" Adam paused "My wife and father in law went missing over two years ago; I've been searching for them ever since." Adam swallowed hard and turned away.

"My sister..."

"Kara" Hank interrupted but Kara ignored him and continued.

"...Went missing over a year ago. She was sucked into a portal and I've been looking for a way of finding her."

"So you understand why I must go" Adam replied

"I do" Kara thought for a moment "let me come with you."

"Kara!" Hank said "I won't allow you to..."

"No disrespect but I don't need your permission" Kara interrupted.

"Think of Eliza and your responsibilities as Supergirl." Hank replied.

"Right now, the only person that matters to me is Alex."

"We don't even know if Alex is still alive"

"You must believe she is. Why else would you allow Max Lord to continue his research on opening the portal?"

"This is different"

"How?"

"Because Lord's research isn't putting you in danger!" Hank shouted. The room fell silent.

"If your sister is alive there is no guarantee we will find her" Adam said softly.

"There is no guarantee you will find you wife and father in law but that hasn't stopped you searching." Kara replied.

"And look how long he's been searching" Hank added "are you really willing to do the same?"

"Yes"

Hank shook his head "Alex wouldn't want this, she..."

"She isn't here and we both know Alex would do the same for me." Kara interrupted.

"Kara please think about what you'll be leaving behind." Hank pleaded but he knew this was one argument he wouldn't win. Their bond was too strong.

"I've made up my mind Hank. I'm going; that's if you'll take me." Kara asked Adam.

"I know better than to argue with a Kryptonian." Adam replied as he held up his hands in surrender. "I will need do to some calculations and work out where the next Zeta Beam will appear."

"Then let's get started" She tried to give Hank a reassuring smile but he just looked back down at his feet. Kara and Adam left the medical bay and headed for the exit.

"Is my jet pack here?" Adam asked

"We'll pick it up on our way out" Kara looked Adam up and down "We'll need to get you a change of clothes. I'm sure the DEO can provide something."

"I happen to like my spacesuit" Adam replied

"But we're not in space"

"Point taken"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Kitchen, living area, bathroom" Kara said as she pointed out each area. "There are leftovers in the fridge or if you prefer I could pick something up."

"I really just want to get started on my calculations."

"Of course; is there anything you need?"

"Do you have a pen and notepad?" Adam asked. Kara returned in the blink of an eye with the pen and note pad. "Impressive" Adam added before taken a seat on the sofa. "I'm guessing you and Superman are somehow related"

"You know my cousin?" Kara asked as she sat in the chair opposite.

"Are paths have crossed in the past. He has a good heart; a trade that obviously runs in the family."

"I should call him and explain where I'm going. I'm sure he will watch over National City in my absence."

"Your sister, is she human?"

"She is."

"You must care a lot for her." Adam said as he continued his calculations.

Kara inhaled deeply "I had lost my world, my family" Kara paused "but gained something I never had on Krypton; a sister. Alex's love helped me heal and made accepting Earth as my adoptive planet that much easier." Kara chuckled to herself.

"What?" Adam asked

"It's nothing, just a memory." Kara replied

"Tell me"

Kara smiled "It wasn't always easy for Alex; I was always doing or saying something that embarrassed her in front of her friends."

"Like what?"

Kara thought for a moment "I was supposed to meet Alex after her PE class. As I approached the gym I could hear these loud bangs coming from inside. So naturally I ran in to help; only to find two girls throwing balls at Alex while the teacher and other students just stood by and watched. Now at the time I didn't know they were just playing dodge ball so I ran onto the court and shielded Alex with my body. One of the girls, the school bully may I add; threw the ball at my chest but it bounced off and smacked her in the face and broke her nose. I felt so bad. When I found out Alex had took the blame I tried explaining to Eliza it was me but she thought I was trying to protect Alex."

"Sounds like you two have always had each other's back"

Kara nodded "We have" She stared back at Adam "Do you believe your wife and father in law are still alive?"

"I know they are. I can't explain how I know, I just do."

"It's a gut feeling"

Adam smiled in agreement. "I should get back to work"

"Of course, let me know if you need anything."

"You know, I could really do with a pepperoni pizza; it's been so long since I've had a slice."

"I'm on it." Kara decided to collect the pizza on foot and give Adam some space to work on his calculations.

Kara returned forty-five minutes later with an extra large pepperoni pizza for Adam and an extra large double cheese pizza for herself.

"According to my calculations, we have three days until the next Zeta Beam hits Earth. How fast can you get to Spinalonga?"

"Greece?" Kara asked.

"Yeah"

"Pretty fast. When do we leave?"

"The next Zeta Beam will hit Earth in two days. We just need to make sure we're on that island."

"Don't worry we will be" Kara replied as she took a mouthful of pizza

"Great, should give you time to put your affairs in order"

"You make it sound like I'm not coming back"

Adam chuckled as he retrieved his pizza "I'm sure you will return, with your sister." Adam held up his slice of his pizza and waited for Kara to tap it with her slice. Kara smiled, tapped her pizza against his before looking back down at the counter. "What's wrong?" Adam asked

"Nothing" Kara blinked the tears away "It's just that's something me and Alex used to do."

Adam smiled "Here's to getting are loved ones back"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next morning, Kara entered Cat Grants office and closed the doors behind her before walking over to Cat's desk.

"Kira, I assume there's a reason you've closed my doors." Cat said without looking up from her desk.

"Miss Grant" Kara paused. She hadn't quite figured out how she was going to explain the situation to her boss. Cat placed her pen down on her desk and removed her glasses before looking up at Kara.

Cat examined Kara and sighed "how much time do you need."

"What" Kara asked surprised

"The last time you looked this awkward you were asking for some leave to..." Cat struggled to recall the reason her assistant needed to take holidays.

"I went on a mini road trip with my sister."

"So you able put a sentence together this morning."

"I need to take some time off from work; only I don't know how much time."

"Does this have anything to do with your sister?"

"There's a new lead."

"I thought you're..."

"My adoptive mother arranged the funeral." Kara interrupted "I believe my sister is still alive. I just need some time to follow up this lead."

Cat stared back at Kara "You've never given up on her; have you?"

"No. I know she's still out there."

"By all means take your leave; I'm sure Witt can cover the phones in your absence."

"Thank you Miss Grant" Kara was surprised how easy that had been. She quickly turned and headed out of Cat's office before she could change her mind.

"And Kara" Cat called. So close, Kara thought to herself before turning and facing Cat. "If you find your sister and she decides to tell her story; Catco gets full access."

"Yes Miss Grant" Kara replied knowing full well Alex would never tell her story to the media.

Kara left Cat's office and approached Winn's desk "Meet me upstairs in five minutes, bring James with you." She knew they wouldn't agree with her decision to leave with Adam but she had to tell them; she owed them that much.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"When do you leave?" Winn finally asked after Kara finished explaining.

"Tomorrow night" Kara replied

"Not enough time to throw a leaving party" Winn joked nervously.

James cleared his throat before staring back at Kara "How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know" Kara replied followed by an uncomfortable silence. "Please say something."

"I'm not sure what to say. It's not every day your best friend tells you she's leaving the planet." Winn said "But I understand why you have to go."

"Thank you Winn. Although I'm sorry because I think Cat's just volunteered you as my replacement." Kara watched as panic covered Winn's face.

"I'm not ok with this" James said "How do you know you can trust him"

"I've spoken to Clark, he has confirmed Adam's story and said I can trust him." Kara replied but James just shook his head.

"So that's it, you're just going to leave" James continued

"I'm coming back"

"You don't know that." James paused "The chances of Alex being alive are..."

"If there's the slightest chance she's alive I'm taken it." Kara interrupted.

"I can't help but feel your guilt is making you chase after a ghost."

"How dare you." Kara's voice shook as she tried to control her anger.

"I'm sorry Kara, I don't want to upset you but I also don't agree with what you're doing. National City needs Supergirl."

"What about Alex? Am I supposed to give up on her?"

"We laid Alex to rest."

"No! That wasn't my decision. I never gave up on her."

"Guys please." Winn said and the room fell silent once more.

"I'm sorry" Kara began "I didn't come here to fight. I guess...I guess I came to say goodbye."

Suddenly Winn's arms were wrapped around Kara. "This isn't goodbye" He whispered. Kara nodded and hugged him back. Winn stepped aside and they both looked back at James. When James didn't make a move, Kara hugged Winn one last time and made her way to the exit. She pressed the elevator button and waited as tears began to roll down her face.

"Kara wait" James shouted as he ran up to her and wrapped his arms around her "I'm sorry."

"It's ok"

"Just promise me you'll come back"

"You're not getting rid of me that easy" Kara joked. The two hugged until the elevator doors opened.

"Be safe" James said as he kissed Kara's cheek.

"I will see you soon" Kara replied as she entered the lift. She watched James wave as the doors closed before quietly sobbing. Kara decided to avoid walking past her colleagues and exited Catco via the elevator shaft. She arrived at her apartment within minutes.

"Hank" Kara said as she noticed him and Adam sitting around the kitchen bench. Her eyes fell on the hand bag hanging over one of the dining chairs and looked back at Hank. "You told Eliza on me" her eyes were wide and her heartbeat quickened as her adoptive mother entered the living room.

"The question is, why didn't you tell me Kara" Eliza said

"I was going to come see you and explain." This was turning out to be a tough, emotional day Kara thought to herself.

"Well there's no need to explain. Hank and Adam have told me everything and you're not going."

"Eliza I love you and I don't mean any disrespect but this isn't your decision. I'm going to find Alex."

"No!" Eliza shouted "I cannot lose you too." Eliza moved into Kara's bedroom and sat with her head in her hands.

"Could you give us some privacy please?" Kara asked Hank and Adam. She watched as they quickly left her apartment before approaching Eliza. She knelt down in front of her and gently pulled her hands away from her face. "I know you don't approve of my decision but please understand I have to do this."

Eliza shook her head before wiping her tears "I spent years searching for Jeremiah after his death. I was convinced he was still out there, somewhere."

Kara frowned "I didn't know."

"That's because I told you I was going on business trips. I was really following leads but every lead led to a dead end."

"What made you stop searching?"

"Alex. I kept my research locked away in the basement and she found it. She begged me to stop but I just pushed her away. I hadn't even realised it was her birthday; I had completely forgot I had invited her over. Alex being Alex, she hid her feelings well. It wasn't until I almost missed her graduation that I realised how much my obsession was hurting the ones around me. I'll never forget that look in her eyes. It was then that I realised I had to let him go."

Kara swallowed hard "I'm not ready to let Alex go"

"I know I can't stop you but I'm begging you, don't go"

"I have too."

Eliza began to sob uncontrollably as Kara repositioned and sat at her side; she placed her arm around Eliza's shoulders. Eliza rested her head against Kara's chest and held her tight.

"I will come back, I promise." Kara whispered as she kissed the top of her head.