Chap 21
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Adam asked
"I'm sure" Kara replied
"The universe is a pretty big place."
"I will search the entire universe for my sister."
Kara turned to face Hank and Eliza "This is it" Kara said awkwardly. Eliza's eyes were red and she looked exhausted.
"There really isn't anything I can say to change your mind?" Eliza said. Kara shook her head. Eliza fought back the tears as she stepped forward and hugged Kara tight. "Just make sure you come back to me."
"We both will" Kara replied as she stroked Eliza's back. After a few minutes Eliza finally released her from the embrace but still held Kara's hand in hers.
Kara stared back at Hank "Clark has agreed to watch over National City while I'm away but I was hoping you could make an appearance as Supergirl now and then."
"I'm coming with you" Hank said.
"Hank no" Kara replied as she stepped forward and guided Hank away from Eliza and Adam. "I need you here, the DEO needs you."
"I made Jeremiah a promise. I've already failed to protect one daughter; I won't fail again."
"J'onn. Earth needs at least one of us to stay and I need you to watch over Eliza."
Hank thought for a moment "Promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise." Kara smiled before hugging Hank. Normally Hank would pull away after a few seconds but this time he held Kara tight.
"You know I would lock you in a kryptonite cell if I thought that would stop you." Hank said
"Did you just make a joke" Kara teased
"No, I'm deadly serious" Hank replied and Kara just smiled.
"We should get going" Adam called from behind them.
Kara quickly kissed Eliza's cheek "I love you."
Eliza nodded "I...I love you to" She sobbed. Hank moved to Eliza's side and wrapped his arm around her as Adam and Kara flew out of the apartment window.
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"The beam should hit any minute now" Adam said as he looked around the island. Spinalonga was uninhabited and reminded Kara of a ghost town. The moon light lit some of the narrow streets and Kara couldn't help but feel relaxed as the sound of the ocean poured over the islands pebble beaches.
"Do you know exactly where the beam will hit?"
"It should be close." Adam replied as he checked his calculations. "We should make are way to the top of the island."
Kara took hold of Adam's arm and flew to the top of the island. They stood in silence and waited for the Beam. Suddenly a loud bang echoed above them as a bright yellow light appeared and lit up the island.
"This is it, are you ready?" Adam asked. Kara nodded and braced herself. Not knowing what to expect. The yellow light surrounded them and she felt herself being lifted off her feet and pulled upwards. She was moving so fast it was nauseating; she squeezed her eyes shut and hoped the feeling would pass. Suddenly Kara felt herself falling, her eyes snapped open and saw the ground racing towards her. Her instincts quickly kicked in and she stopped inches from the ground.
"Welcome to Rann Kara." Adam said as he hovered above her. Kara stood and took in her surroundings; her eyes fell on the high rise buildings. "That's Ranagar, the Capital City of Rann" Adam said as he stood by her side "Come, let me show you." Kara took a step towards the City and suddenly found herself in the centre.
"Whoa" Kara said as she looked around for Adam. He quickly flew towards her. "What just happened?" Kara asked
Adam looked up to the sky before answering "Rann has three suns. My guess is you're more powerful here."
Kara blinked as she felt her eyes burning; her ears rang with the unfamiliar sounds. She pressed her hand over her eyes and tried to adjust to the increase of power.
"Are you ok?" Adam asked
"I'm fine" Kara replied. She could feel the pressure building in her head, she felt like screaming but then she remembered Alex's advice when adjusting to her powers on Earth and quickly took control. "Sorry" Kara said as she saw the worried look on Adams face.
"There's no need to apologise Kara. I should have known the planets suns would have this effect on you. How do you feel?"
"Strong; like I could take on anything or everything."
Adam chuckled "follow me but this time, try to take it slow."
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Alex walked alone along the empty streets of National City; she had been trying to find Kara's apartment but every turn she took eventually led her back to where she started. Alex decided to change her destination and head for Catco but again found herself at the edge of the City. She felt the frustration growing inside of her. Alex knew this was dream; she remembered Keane locking her inside the pod, trapping her inside her own mind.
"You know you can't escape this place"
Alex frowned and turned to face the familiar voice. Her eyes went wide as she stared back at herself. "What is this?"
"Did you really think I wouldn't return?" her eyes turned jet black as she glared back at Alex.
"Faora" Alex said "Why are you here?"
Faora chuckled "This is your dream Alex; I'm only here because you want me to be."
"You're the last person I want in my head" Alex spat back. Her fists were clenched as she tried to control her rage.
"But here I am, in your head. My guess is you missed me." Faora replied as a cruel smile escaped her lips. Alex couldn't hold back her rage any longer and she launched at Faora and tackled her to the ground; she wrapped her hands around Faora's neck "Where's my sister!" Alex shouted but Faora continued to laugh. Alex raised her hand but Faora managed to flip Alex over and she crashed hard onto her back. Alex quickly recovered and turned to face Faora and blocked her attack. She delivered blow after blow but Faora managed to block each attack before grabbing Alex's arm and throwing her to the ground. Alex fought for air as Faora pressed her knee down on her neck.
"I know you Alex; I've spent some time in there." Faora said as she tapped her finger against Alex's head.
"You don't know me. You're dead!" Alex said as she tried to break free.
"I know you're willing to give your life for the one's you love but where are they when you need them?"
"This is just a dream; I know Keane is controlling this." Alex grabbed a rock from the ground and whacked it against the side of Faora's head; she fell to the ground and disappeared. Alex's world began to spin and her vision blurred; she suddenly found herself tied to a chair inside one of the DEO interrogation rooms. She fought against her restraints but couldn't break free.
"Safe your strength Alex, you're going to need it." Faora said as she stabbed a sharp object into Alex's thigh. Alex's screams filled the room as Faora continued to torture her.
"It's just a dream" Alex whispered to her-self."This isn't real"
Faora chuckled "Doesn't make it any less fun"
Alex glared back at Faora "Kara will find me."
"Oh Alex, Kara isn't even looking for you. No one is looking for you. Accept Aeron as your home and you will wake up from this nightmare."
Alex's head snapped up "Never." She realised Keane was trying to break her down from within; to crush her hope of returning to Earth and reuniting with her loved ones.
"You're stubborn but I won't give up on you just yet." Faora said as she opened the door. Alex's heart sank when she saw her sister standing in the door way; she knew Keane would eventually use Kara against her.
Kara ran to Alex and began unfastening her restraints "I'm getting you out of here."
"Kara you have to go, now" Alex said as she watched Faora move behind them. Suddenly a green dagger stuck out of Kara's chest; she stared into Alex's eyes before dropping to her side.
"NO!" Alex shouted as she untied the last restraint and knelt beside her. She pulled Kara's body up onto her knees and pressed her hand against Kara's wound. "It's ok; you're going to be ok." Alex said as tears fell from her face onto Kara's.
Kara raised her hand to Alex's face "Open your eyes." Kara said before her hand dropped back to her chest.
Alex's eyelids fluttered slightly; she was conscious but was unable to call out due to the unknown pressure on her chest. She tried to move but her body was completely frozen. Alex sensed a presence beside her and felt something touch her face "Open your eyes". Alex's eyes snapped open as she inhaled a deep breath "Kara!" Alex called.
Draper placed his finger against his lips "Sshh" he moved back towards the door and listened. Once he was sure no one was coming he returned to Alex's pod. "We're getting out of here." He said as he sat Alex forward and swung her legs over the side of the pod. Alex gripped the edge of the pod and she pushed the images from her dream to the back of her mind.
"How long have I been in here?" Alex asked
"A while" Draper replied looking concerned.
"Why didn't you leave? You had the device"
"It didn't seem right leaving you in here. It also took Sardath a little longer to crack the codes on the device."
"Then you know these people are no longer infected. Keane's been lying to them and we have to warn them." Alex replied as she pushed herself up from the pod. Her legs buckled under her own weight and she dropped to the floor.
"Take it easy Alex."
"We have to tell them"
"There isn't time. Alanna and Sardath are waiting for us." Draper replied as he helped Alex back to her feet and guided her towards the door.
"Draper where are you" A guard called over the radio.
"I'm on a break, why?" Draper replied calmly
"The woman and her father we're caught trying to escape. They managed to take down two guards and are on the run. Keane wants all guards searching for them."
Draper lowered his radio without replying "Damn it."
"We can't let the guards find them; Keane will banish them." Alex said
"I know." Draper thought for a moment "I will join the search but you need to stay here."
"No way"
"You will be detained the minute the guards see you."
"Are only chance of getting out of here is if we turn Keane's people against him. We have to tell them the truth."
"Draper" the guard's voice called over the radio.
Draper clenched his jaw before replying "I'm on my way."
"And Draper, Keane wants them found quietly." The guard added before ending the conversation.
"What's your plan?" Draper asked
"Find Keane and punch him until he tells the truth."
"Please tell me you're joking." Draper replied
"I'm not joking about the punching part. I will need you're radio."
"Why?" Draper asked as he handed over his radio.
"I will use it to broadcast Keane's confession. You just make sure you find Alanna and Sardath before the other guards."
"I have an idea of where they will be hiding. Are you confident you will get him to confess?"
"I have to"
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Alex knocked on the door of Keane's lab door and waited. She glanced up and down the corridor and made sure she hadn't been followed. The door slowly opened and Alex quickly grabbed the handle pulled it towards her and launched at the person on the opposite side and tackled them to the floor.
"Alex" Rhea said as she looked back up at Alex.
"Rhea I'm sorry" Alex said as she quickly got to her feet. She held out her hand and pulled Rhea to her feet. She quickly glanced around the lab but there was no sign of Keane.
"What are you doing here? Did my father release you?" Rhea asked
"Not exactly." Alex looked back at Rhea "Please take a seat." Alex said as she guided Rhea to a nearby stool.
Rhea took a seat and began rubbing her elbow "What's going on Alex?"
"What I have to say won't be easy for you to hear."
"Just tell me"
Alex paused for a moment "I found some of your father's research and it proves he has cured everyone on board this ship." Alex waited for Rhea to say something but she sat silent. "There is no reason to keep you all locked in here." Alex watched as Rhea stood and walked to the opposite side of the lab.
"How do you know my father has a way out of the wormhole?" Rhea finally asked.
"We don't but we have a device that can transport us out of the wormhole; we just need to lower the ships shields."
"We? There are others?"
Alex could hear footsteps running down the corridor outside the lab. She moved over to the door and listened. Once they had passed the lab Alex turned back to Rhea and felt something hit her in the chest; knocking her backwards. Alex placed her hand over her chest and inhaled deeply. The feeling reminded her of being shot in the vest; she looked up and saw Rhea standing over her, pointing some sort of weapon at her.
"What are you doing" Alex asked as she propped herself up onto one elbow and shielded her chest with her other arm.
"This is my home and I won't let you take it from me." Rhea said
"You don't have to stay here. You could live..."
Rhea began to laugh "Who are you to tell us how to live."
"Rhea"
"Stop talking to me like I'm a child Alex. I may look like a child but I am much older."
"I don't understand why you would want to stay here."
"No, you don't. You're so occupied with returning to your sister. A sister who won't even be looking for you."
Alex frowned "You're the one responsible for controlling my dream inside the pod; not your father"
"I am. My father wanted to release you sooner but I persuaded him to keep you in there."
"Why"
"It was fun. The most fun I've had in a long time."
Alex began to stand but was hit with another blast from Rhea's weapon and she flew backwards and crashed into the glass window. She landed on all fours and struggled to breathe through the pain in her chest. She was sure she had broken a rib, possibly more than one. The door to the lab opened and Keane stepped inside. He looked from Alex to his daughter before locking the door behind him.
He grabbed Alex and pulled her to her feet. "I should have known you were behind this. Where are the Rannians?"
Alex managed to push Keane away and leaned against the now cracked glass window. Keane charged back towards Alex.
"Father Wait, I'm sure she doesn't know. She came looking for you." Rhea said as she held her father's arm; stopping him from reaching Alex. Alex took the opportunity to discreetly reach inside her suit and turn on Drapers radio.
"Who helped you escape the pod?" Alanna, Sardath...Draper? Keane asked.
"What gives you the right to imprison your people on this ship?"
"I have every right; I'm protecting them."
"You're lying to them. Their cured and should be allowed to leave this place."
"No!" Keane shouted "Out there is only death."
"It's not your choice to make." Alex replied. Keane raised his hand but Alex blocked it and kicked Keane's knee causing the man to fall to the ground. She grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back and wrapped her other arm around his neck.
"Let him go" Rhea shouted as she pointed the weapon back at Alex.
"Why are you protecting him?" Alex replied as she fought to keep her grip on Keane.
"He's protecting me."
"Rhea" Keane warned
"My father may have been able to cure his people but he hasn't been able to cure me. I was exposed to a larger dose of the infection."
"How" Alex asked. She felt Keane shake his head; warning his daughter not to say another word but Rhea ignored him.
"When my father discovered our planet was dying, he stopped building weapons and put all his effort into finding a way to save his planet. He spent every waking hour working in his lab. I missed my father so I snuck into his lab." Rhea paused "I shouldn't have been in there but it was an accident." Suddenly Rhea started to laugh "I really thought I could tell this story again but perhaps it's time for the truth."
"What do you mean?" Keane asked confused.
"I knew what I was doing father. I had spent many days in your lab, watching you work while mother spent most of her time with the twins." Rhea said bitterly. "I was tired of being alone and pushed to one side."
"You were never alone." Keane said
"Lies! You always put your planet and its people before your family and mother always put her precious boys before me."
"You released the virus, that's why your exposure was so high and that explains why I haven't been able to find a cure for you." Keane said
"You haven't found my cure because you failed as a father."
"You killed your brother's" Keane said as he stared back at his daughter. Alex released her grip on Keane and stepped back. She found it difficult to digest what she had heard. This girl had destroyed an entire planet for attention.
"You're sick" The words left Alex's lips without thinking. Keane stood and looked back at Alex for a moment before walking over to his daughter and held out his hand "Give it to me." Alex watched as Rhea handed Keane the weapon.
"You've heard too much, I'm sorry." Keane said as he pressed a button on the device; Alex watched as it turned into a blade.
"You don't have to do this" Alex said
"She's still my daughter" Keane replied as he stepped towards Alex. Alex quickly pulled the radio out of her suit and threw it down at Keane's feet.
"I'm not the only one who's heard too much. You're people know the truth now." Alex said. Keane stared down at the radio before charging at Alex. Both Alex and Keane crashed through the glass window and landed in the corridor. Alex got to her feet quickly and felt a sharp pain burn across her upper back. She staggered forward and turned in time to block Keane's attack. She held his hand/dagger above their heads, preventing the blade from reaching her. She raised her leg and kneed Keane between the legs. Keane fell to his knees, dropped the blade from his restrained hand and caught it in his free hand. He swung his hand and the blade cut across Alex's side. Alex released her hold and staggered back, quickly examining her side. Kean charged at Alex once more but she used his strength against him; she grabbed his arm, turned her body into his and flipped him over her shoulder. Alex felt a force hit her in the back which caused her to fall forwards. She looked up and saw Rhea holding a metal bar above her head. Rhea took aim and slammed the bar across Alex's leg. Pain erupted up Alex's leg as she rolled in time to avoid the second blow aimed at her head.
"Put it down!" A voice called from down the corridor. Rhea froze as she watched guards and other residents appear in the corridor.
"Ville, take the human downstairs." Keane said as he stood and took the bar from Rhea.
"Take them both downstairs." Ville ordered and watched as several guards grabbed Keane and Rhea by the arms and drag them down the corridor.
"Take your hands off me." Keane ordered as he fought against the guards "I save you, I saved all of you."
"That didn't give you the right to keep us imprisoned here" Ville shouted back.
Draper ran down the corridor and dropped at Alex's side "You don't look so good." He said as he saw the blood pouring from Alex's side.
"Thanks" Alex joked as she tried to hide her pain.
"Draper, take Alex to the medical bay." Ville said
"What about Sardath and Alanna" Alex asked.
"I will make sure they meet you there and Alex, thank you" Ville replied.
Keane place an arm under Alex's legs "I can walk" Alex said.
"Really" Keane asked as he helped Alex to her feet. Nausea rose in her throat as the pain ran up from her leg to her head. Alex felt her-self fall forward but Draper caught her and lifted her up into his arms. "My ways quicker" Draper said as he rushed down the corridor to med bay.
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Alex limped into the control room and saw Ville, Draper, Sardath and Alanna preparing the ship and the device.
"You should be in med bay" Draper said as Alex approached them "How did you get past the Doc?"
"I'm an elite agent remember" Alex replied
"What did you give him?"
"That's none of your business" Alex replied as she looked down at where her watch used to be.
"Are we almost ready?"
Draper smiled "We are, Ville managed to get Keane's coordinates which will get us out of the wormhole and then Sardath will use his device to transport us to Rann."
Alex didn't need to ask how Ville managed to get Keane to give him the coordinates; she had already noticed Ville's bruised knuckles and could only imagine the state Keane must be in. "Will it be powerful enough to transport the entire ship?" Alex asked.
"He's had to make a few adjustments but he's confident. The man's a genius" Draper looked Alex up and down "you should sit."
"I'm fine" Alex lied.
"No I mean you should sit as were about to start up the ship and get out of this wormhole. That and you also look like you're about to fall down."
Alex frowned but slowly made her way over to one of the chairs and gently lowered her-self down. She wasn't one to take a back seat but Draper was right; she was still weak. The Doc had managed to close up her wounds but she had lost a lot of blood and they didn't exactly keep her blood type on board. Alex watched as the others took their seats; Ville made an announcement and order those on board to take their seats. Ville and Draper started the engines and followed the coordinates. It felt like they had been travelling in the wormhole for hours until the eventually their way to freedom.
Cheers erupted in the control room as they finally escaped the wormhole. Alex stared out of the window from her seat, the stars where so bright and close she felt as if she could reach out and touch one. The thought brought memories of Kara and her home flooding to the surface and she swallowed the emotion back down.
"Are you ok?" Alanna asked. Alex simply nodded and Alanna smiled back "We'll have you home soon" Alanna added before turning back to her father "You ready father?" Sardath nodded and turned back to the controls. His hands moved so fast Alex struggled to watch him work.
"Brace yourselves." Sardath said before pressing a finale button on the device. A few minutes passed and nothing happened. Alex, Draper and Ville looked at each other nervously but Alanna and Sardath continued to look straight ahead. More minutes passed "Nothing's happening" Ville said.
"Be patient" Alanna said as Sardath began pressing more buttons on his device.
"Let me take a look" Ville said as he stood and began walking over to Sardath. Ville stopped in his tracks as the ship shook violently; the sound of metal bending echoed around them as the room was suddenly filled with a bright yellow light. The ship was pulled forward, forcing those seated back into their chairs. Ville flew forward but Alex reached out and managed to grab his arm. The pain burnt up her side and she was sure her wound had reopened but she refused the let the man go. The yellow light dimmed and Alex felt the ship falling; Ville flew forward causing Alex's belt to snap and they both crashed onto the cockpit window. Alex looked over her shoulder and saw the ground racing towards them; she saw a blue/red blur in her peripheral vision as the ship stopped in mid air before slowly landing on the ground below. Cheers erupted and echoed around the ship.
Kara and Adam hovered above the ship "That's a big ship" Kara said as she scanned for the entrance. She could hear the people inside cheering.
"It's not a ship Kara, it's a space station." Adam replied as Kara found the entrance and flew towards it; quickly followed by Adam. Kara began pulling at the door "Be careful, we don't know who or what is inside." Adam said. Kara nodded before ripping the door from the ship and dropping it to the ground. She stared back into the ship; slowly figures began to appear in the opening. More Rannian guards appeared behind Adam and Kara but Adam ordered them to lower their weapons and help those exiting the ship.
"Next stop Earth." The familiar voice filled Kara's ears; her heartbeat quickened as she flew into the ship. Her eyes wide and scanning every face and room. She heard the familiar voice again as her eyes fell on the room ahead; she quickly flew towards the room and stopped outside. Her mouth was dry and her palms felt sweaty. Kara took a deep breath before pushing the door open and stepping inside.