"What took so long?" Alex chided when they got to the DEO.

"Hey, only one of us has super speed," Kara reminded. "And the other doesn't mind using up all the hot water."

She stole a look at Cat, who glared back, eyes sparkling, betraying that she wasn't serious.

"Ooo, do I sense some tension?" Lucy smirked. "Is your new roommate situation tougher than you thought?"

"Not exactly…" Cat breathed, continuing to glare.

Kara pursed her lips, shaking it off as she looked away.

"What's the new development?" she asked, changing the subject as they followed Alex into the main atrium, stopping in her tracks when she saw Winn sitting at a console, along with James. "Oh...hey guys."

"Hey stranger," Winn smiled. "Stomach feeling better?"

"What?" she asked, forgetting about the dumpling battle that had gone down the other night. "Oh, right. Yeah, it's fine. Never better."

"I asked Winn to help conduct some computer models for us," Hank spoke. "We've received reports from the EPA and NASA that since last night, ozone depletion has receded by thirty percent."

"Wait," James stopped him. "I thought scientists determined holes in the ozone couldn't be reversed."

"They were wrong," Hank confirmed. "Our calculations prove that something is causing the Earth's temperature to drop rapidly and reduce the number of chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere, causing the lacerations to close up."

"With the models I've mapped out, if the pattern continues, the entire ozone shield between the troposphere and the stratosphere will be back to maximum capacity by...sometime later this week," Winn shared.

"Amazing," Cat shook her head. "Does that mean whatever attacked me is gone, if the damage has been reversed? How is that possible?"

"That, we don't know," Hank sighed. "But that's precisely what we need to figure out if we're going to beat this thing for good."

"We need to learn what's driving the earth's regeneration," Lucy added. "What other effects have been documented in the past twelve hours?"

"Sea levels balancing out, greenhouse gases falling back to normal," Hank reported. "In fact, the Sinharaja and Tongass rainforests have reported an uptick in vegetation growth that defies all botanical possibilities."

Kara suddenly felt like she was hit with a wave of dizziness, looking over at Cat, who caught her eye as she tried to control the blush creeping up her neck.

"You mean," Kara swallowed. "There...trees...are...growing rapidly?"

"Exactly," Hank looked at her strangely.

"Well...that's great!" Kara threw her hands up in the air, clapping them together. "I mean...gotta love trees! I know I do. Just...the shade they provide and all the...carbon dioxide…"

"Anyone else have any relevant theories as to what might be the catalyst for this?" he interrupted.

Kara's eyes continued to wander around the room as she crossed her arms, rocking back and forth on her heels, until she caught Alex staring at her. She looked away, then back, as her sister continued to watch, eyes darting between she and Cat, who was uncharacteristically quiet, looking down at her nails, her Louboutins, trying to stay unnoticed.

"Yeah, Kara," Alex finally chimed in. "Any ideas?"

"No! I...I don't know," Kara tried not to choke, looking around the room at all the people who knew her best.

"Kara, what's your deal?" Winn whispered. "Did you eat Twizzlers for breakfast again? I told you not to do that."

"Twizzlers?" Cat scrunched up her nose. "I'm the first to stress eat candy, but Twizzlers…"

"I'm fine! Guys...everything...is fine. I want to know what awesome thing is causing this just as much as the next person. So...ideas? Anyone?"

Kara looked desperately at her sister, praying she would keep her mouth shut.

"We'll keep you posted if we find anything," Hank told her. "In the meantime, I think it's safer for Ms. Grant to remain in quarantine, even though I understand you're eager to get back to work."

"Thank you," Cat nodded. "I...agree. It's better this way…to be safe."

"Right. Stay with Kara until we're sure you're in the clear. Anything you can tell us on the empathic front?"

"No. Just that...everything seems to be going...well...again," Cat breathed, smiling a little oddly. "I'll be happy, though...to get back to work. See my son."

Kara bit her lip, trying to keep it together, feeling her heart pulled in a million directions.

"Good," he put a hand on her shoulder. "Keep doing what you've been doing, and I think you'll be alright."

"Ms. Grant's an empath!?" Winn squeaked. "Like...Deanna Troi empath? When did this...when was someone gonna…"

"Oh, Winn," James shook his head. "Always two steps behind the game. We gotta work on your reporter skills, man."

"I'm a tech guy, why do I need…wait, don't change the subject! Ms. Grant, you're an empath? How does that even…"

"She can fill you in later," Alex interrupted. "Run another projection on the ozone stratification."

"Yes, ma'am," Winn snapped back to his keyboard, afraid to ask any more questions.

As they dispersed, Cat looked at Kara, wishing she had telepathic abilities and could communicate without words, wanting to know exactly what they should do.

"Let's go," Kara mouthed, turning towards the exit, trying to slip away, before feeling a very strong hand on her shoulder halt her escape.

"I don't think so," Alex whispered. "You two, with me. Now."

Once they were in an exam room, Alex closed the door behind them. She turned around to face the two women standing before her, both looking equally defiant. Kara stood with hands on hips, trying to appear tough in her uniform, which always made her feel like she had the upper hand. But with this, she was doing everything she could not to curl into a ball on the floor and melt through the air ducts.

Cat crossed her arms in front of her, eyes narrowed, lips pressed together as she huffed, growing more impatient by the second, doing everything she could not to look at Kara, her own nerves almost drowning out the sound of anyone else's.

"So," Alex began. "You want to just tell me, or do I need to ask?"

"I don't know what you're implying," Cat spoke first. "Nor do I appreciate the tone with which you're implying it, so whatever it is, you might as well go ahead and…"

"She knows," Kara swallowed. "About...my powers. I told her before anything happened...I wanted to make sure it wasn't…"

"So something did happen?" Alex sighed, trying not to sound angry, or freaked out. "I mean...did you…"

"Yes," Kara breathed.

She looked over at Cat, who was still glaring defiantly, even as she anxiously tapped her foot against the concrete floor.

"Okay," Alex nodded slowly. "Well...that's…"

"None of your business, as far as I'm concerned," Cat growled.

"Oh I agree," Alex glared through her smile. "Except for the fact that whatever hold you've got on my sister is making the world vacillate between total destruction and utopian paradise."

"I didn't force her into anything," Cat argued. "And I don't have to explain myself to you, regardless."

"No, you don't," Alex shook her head. "But, it's only going to get harder for me to keep this from the others, especially Hank. How am I supposed to pretend I don't know what's going on when clearly…"

"Alex, please," Kara stepped a little closer. "I know it's a lot to ask, but...can you please not say anything? If we have to, then I will, but...can't we just consider it a miracle? The world isn't ending anymore, it's thriving. I don't know why, but if it's connected at all to what happens when... shouldn't you be happy for me? For all of us?"

Alex bit the inside of her lip. She paced a little, resting her hands on the metal table, trying to muster the support she knew she needed to give, but feeling overrun by fear.

"I'm a scientist," she sighed. "I go by what makes sense. I know your powers are based in science too, but this...is beyond what my training and research have prepared me for. To think that the fate of the planet rests in the reaction you have when you're...aroused...by another person? Not just any person…your boss? CEO of one of the largest media outlets in the world? Kara, that's a pretty big pill for anyone to swallow. It sounds..."

"I know it does," Kara shook her head. "I don't understand it either. All I know is how I feel, and that I'm lucky enough...to have found someone that makes me feel this way."

Cat was very quiet. She continued crossing her arms, looking down at her shoes.

"Okay," Alex threw up her hands. "If it's really that simple, I will stay out of it and just be happy for you. But I'm also your sister, and I don't know that I can trust that this won't end up somehow plastered all over some tabloid blog site, or…"

"Do you really think I'd let that happen?" Cat finally spoke. "All I've ever done is try to present Supergirl in the best possible light, give people the hero they need, give other women the example they deserve. I wasn't expecting...things to happen like this either, but they did. I tried to fight it...but I couldn't. You know as well as anyone what...a gift...to this world...Kara is. Do you really think I'd do anything to hurt her?"

Alex closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she looked back at her sister, wishing this were easier, that she knew where she was coming from, that she could predict the future and protect her should this be too good to be true.

"I will keep this between us," she breathed. "For now. But if anything goes wrong...I'm gonna need you to tell Hank."

"Thank you, Alex," Kara hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry. I know this is…"

"Don't be sorry," Alex shook her head. "It's my job to try to understand."

She watched Ms. Grant closely over Kara's shoulder. Cat swallowed hard, feeling all of Alex's protectiveness, her skepticism, thankful Kara had such profound support, but worried she may never be able to live up to her standards. With all the fame, money, and power she'd acquired, she hadn't felt this inadequate or scrutinized in quite some time, at least not in the eyes of anyone that mattered.

"What do we do now?" Kara asked.

"I guess...what you've been doing," Alex shrugged. "Sorry...this is just too…"

"Would you be having such a difficult time if it was James?" Cat asked, trying not to sound venomous. "Instead of me?"

Kara turned beet red, looking down at the floor, hating that her two favorite people couldn't just get along, but also glad Cat was able to hold her own.

"I…" Alex froze, wanting to defend herself, but resisting. "You're right. You're totally right. But it's not because you're a woman. It's…"

"My age?" Cat continued.

"I guess...I have some work to do," Alex swallowed. "I will own up to that."

She tried to look at Cat a little more kindly, showing she was willing to examine the prejudice she didn't even realize she had, before turning back to Kara.

"Maybe you should try consulting Alura again," Alex offered.

"Good idea," Kara agreed.

Alex led them to the holochamber, where Kara pressed her hand to the keyboard.

"Do you want me to come in with you?" Alex asked.

"Yes," Kara nodded. "Both of you. Please."

They entered the room, allowing the doors to swish shut behind them. Alex loaded the program, and seconds later, Alura appeared.

"Hello, Supergirl."

"Hi…" Kara started. "Oh, um...you can call me Kara again, actually. Thanks, mom."

Kara glanced over at Cat, who smiled back softly, even as she appeared lost in the enormity of what was transpiring.

"Alright, Kara," Alura affirmed. "How may I assist you?"

"I know you told me I needed to figure out this...death, apocalypse, demon thing...myself, and I've been trying, but I was hoping you might have more information that could help me."

"It is possible," Alura nodded. "What is your question?"

"Well…" Kara swallowed, wishing she'd at least been able to have the "sex talk" with her actual mother, in person, wondering if that would have made this any less awkward. "I've...discovered something about myself. A new power, one I didn't know I, or any Kryptonians, for that matter, were capable of. It's...it happens when I...sexually…"

"The Gaia Effect," Alura stated solemnly, hopefully, recognition spreading across her face.

"The...there's a name for it?" Kara breathed.

"On Krypton, there were once many gods and goddesses, who along with Rao, created the heavens and the planets," Alura began. "Over time, however, much like on Earth, these stories were considered myths, rewritten to support the ruling class, the patriarchal order that developed within our society. Those in power even went so far as to corrupt the only remaining goddess, Cythonna, spreading lies about who she was and what her intentions were."

"That's...awful," Kara shook her head.

"Though not surprising..." Cat rolled her eyes.

"Without dark, there cannot be light," Alura continued. "But because Cythonna's powers were seen as a threat to Rao's, it was decided that she must be contained. Rao banished her into the red sun of Krypton, where it is said he watches over her, preventing her from having children or creating any more deities in her wake."

"That's...seriously fucked," Alex sighed under her breath.

"But there were some Kryptonian women who did not accept this version of our history," Alura went on. "They believed there were other goddesses, powerful and benevolent, from whom we could still learn much. They began studying the mythos of other planets and cultures, including Earth's, at the same time that Kryptonian scientists began experimenting with pulsars and other low level yellow suns to learn about what our bodies could achieve if our red sun didn't stifle them. They learned of our potential for super strength, speed, every ability you and your cousin have today. But they also learned about an additional power, one that only Kryptonian women possessed, a sexual energy that could spawn new life, and perhaps alleviate the damage that was already sending Krypton into disrepair. They were successful in harnessing enough power to complete several experiments, fostering new vegetation in regions that had not seen any growth for decades, even bringing some specimens that had gone extinct back to life."

"That's…" Kara was blown away by this. "But...why didn't they use it then to…"

"The government would not hear of this. They forced the women to discontinue their experiments, taking away their access to any material from the yellow suns, allowing them only to theorize whether, if properly harnessed, with enough access to a sun as large as Earth's, it could be possible to save the planet from extinction. This was years before you were born, Kara. Before Astra and I were even born. It was only through my own research, in looking for an alternative to Myriad, that I discovered record of this in government archives. I shared the information with Astra, but by then, it was too late. You were just a child when we sent you away. I did not want to burden you then, but I held on to this knowledge should you ever discover it for yourself one day."

The room was silent. Kara absorbed everything, slowly, painfully, filled with anger and also hope, a strange mix of grieving all over again for the home she lost while hanging onto any glimmer of salvation for her new world.

"So...there was another way to save Krypton," she swallowed, clenching her jaw. "If our female ancestors had been allowed to follow their instincts, they could have used their abilities…"

"It is possible, had they been allowed to secure a stable energy source that would have activated our powers on Krypton, but we can never know if it would have been enough to save our planet," Alura shook her head. "There is a chance, however, that it can save yours now."

Kara stepped back a little, fists tight, reeling.

"So...you're saying my powers...are really enough?" she asked. "I can stop the entity from accelerating the planet's destruction, and restore it back to the way it was?"

"Yes, Kara," Alura nodded. "But you would not be able to do so without the help of others. You are extremely potent, but your powers can only do so much, because you are not human. Humans must also aid in resurrecting the Earth and maintaining her health for future generations, humans of every gender, every segment of society. All must do their part. They are the ones who have fed the fury of this apocalyptic nightmare. They must be part of the solution. And still, together, you will not, can not, bring her back to her original state without destroying the progress, the civilization, humans have erected. A balance must be achieved between the natural and synthetic worlds. But, with their help, your powers should be enough to keep the entity at bay."

"That's…a lot of responsibility," Kara sighed.

"It is your destiny," Alura smiled. "You are the only living being left with this ability, but you must work with the earthlings to properly channel it. It is now up to you to move forward, to decide whether you will accept the task of continuing to foster love and peace across the planet, and help others recognize their own potential as well."

Kara took a deep breath, stealing a look over at Cat, who was very quiet, very still as she watched the hologram flicker before them.

"And...what if…" Kara began hesitantly, swallowing. "For some reason…we can't...fulfill our destiny…what…"

"I cannot answer that," Alura told her. "The data only goes so far. Without any examples of full implementation, I can't offer more beyond what I've already shared."

Kara nodded slowly, realizing her mother couldn't have known exactly how these powers would develop under the Earth's sun, or that they were enhanced by a specific, focused desire, an attraction greater than any other she'd experienced earlier in life. These were all new developments in the research her foremothers began long ago. They never knew the powers were capable of drawing out their demonic counterpart since they'd only harnessed it on a small scale. It was up to Kara to extend their vision, to learn whether it could actually be the key to Earth's salvation.

"Alright," she closed her eyes. "Thanks, mom."

She signaled to Alex to shut down the program. The lights came back on.

"Well," Alex swallowed, looking back and forth between her sister and Cat. "I guess it's a good thing you never fired Kara all those times you…"

"Alex," Kara sighed. "Come on."

"I don't know if I can keep this a secret," Alex shook her head. "The stakes are too high."

"You promised," Kara reminded. "I know, it's…"

"What happens when you start fighting? Huh?" Alex crossed her arms. "Or, if she decides it isn't profitable to be seen with..."

"Do you honestly have such a low opinion of me?" Cat stepped towards her, hands balled into fists. "How dare..."

"Stop!" Kara stepped between them. "Enough. Alex, I get why you're afraid, but you have to trust me. Cat's been there for me...in ways...I've never even told you about, but I realize now I should have. You don't know her like I do. None of us know exactly what's going to happen. This is all so new...but...I have to believe in the future, Alex. All I'm asking is for you to believe in me too, like you always have. Please."

Alex shook her head, turning towards the door, then back, face painted with anxiety and uncertainty.

"I'm sorry," she breathed. "I...I know...that you're a good person, Cat. I do. And I do believe in you, Kara, I'm just not used to trusting your powers in...conjunction with someone else's. I don't want this to be the end. For any of us."

"It won't be," Kara assured, summoning all of her confidence, even if some of it was a facade.

She hugged her sister tightly, trying to make her feel that no matter what happened, no matter who she was with, their bond would remain the same.

"Alright," Alex sniffed. "Go. Be happy. But if anything goes wrong, I'm gonna need you to come back and defend me to Hank."

"I will," Kara smiled a little, still hoping she wouldn't have to tell him about any of this, knowing it was likely inevitable.

"Okay," Alex pulled back, holding her sister's shoulders as she smiled at her bravely. "I'll give you two some space."

She walked through the doors, letting them swish behind her, leaving them alone in the cold, octogonal room.

Kara sighed, stepping close to Cat, sensing her doubts, her questions, underneath the frustration.

"I know...this is a lot. Much more than I'm sure you were expecting when…"

"No," Cat breathed. "I didn't know exactly...how dire the circumstances would be...but I knew this wouldn't be...typical. I guess that's another reason why I denied it for so long."

Kara nodded slowly, looking down at her feet.

"You're not...stuck with me, you know," she whispered.

"Aren't I?" Cat shook her head. "You heard what your computer-mother said. Without help, you won't be able to stop this."

"I know...I just mean...you and me...we aren't...I don't want you to feel...trapped. We still don't know exactly what...our connection...means, why the entity is after you, and not me."

Cat swallowed. She looked around at the metal and rock bulkheads, pacing a little, before turning back to Kara, standing close, waiting for the younger woman's cobalt eyes to meet hers.

"Oh I think we do," she breathed.

Kara stood still, pulse surging through her veins, staring into Cat's eyes as the older woman slowly reached out, touching her face.

Suddenly, her phone began to buzz. She closed her eyes, sighing as she removed it from her pocket.

"It's Carter."

Kara nodded, encouraging her to take the call.

"Hi sweetie," Cat answered, continuing to pace around the room. "I...I miss you too. So much...I know it seems like everything's fine, but we still don't…"

Kara began pacing too, feeling guilty for keeping them apart, knowing it wasn't totally her fault, but understanding how scared he must be, what it was like to have to come to grips with the threat of your parents' mortality.

"I...I don't know, honey...I want to, but...Lunch? I...maybe…"

She looked up at Kara, eyes heavy, desperate for an affirmation. Kara nodded before she could fully think it through.

"I can do lunch. Yes. I'll text you the address. Alright? See you soon."

She hung up, sighing deeply as she tucked her phone back into her pocket.

"How am I supposed to do this?" Cat shook her head. "I can't be alone with him, and it's not like Supergirl can be seen brunching in midtown."

"I'll go," she told her. "As Kara. Not as Supergirl."

"Fine," she swallowed. "But how will that explain to Carter why Supergirl's not there, if she's the one protecting me?"

"I don't know yet," Kara admitted. "We'll figure it out on the way there. I just have to stop at home to change first."

Cat wanted to trust that it would all work out, thankful she was getting to see her son, but overwrought with questions swirling through her mind about everything beyond that.