Chapter 18

"Sorry about your living arrangements but considering your reaction when you first woke up, we have to take out own precautions." Leo said, addressing the now awake Daxamite in his cell at the DEO.

"Could I get some Zakkarian Ale? It really helps all your problems disappear." The Daxamite requested.

"Unfortunately, no. I need you sober when you answer my questions. First off, who are you?" Leo asked.

"I am Mon-El of Daxam." Mon-El introduced himself.

"And what were you doing on Daxam? Like a job or your position or something like that?" Leo asked.

"I was a palace guard." Mon-El answered.

"So how did a palace guard like you end up in a kryptonian pod and crash landing on earth?" Leo questioned.

"What's with all the questions? I'm not here to cause any harm." Mon-El countered.

"Unfortunately, you just crash landed on earth without prior warning, in a pod that isn't of your species. That rings a few warning bells here on earth." Leo brought up.

"If you can give us the answers we need then maybe we can let you go free." Kara implored Mon-El.

"Judging by that symbol you wear on your chest you're kryptonian. I'm surprised you aren't in here trying to kill me." Mon-El taunted.

"Krypton and Daxam may have been at war but that took place before my time. Besides Krypton is gone. There's no reason to bring back the problems of the past. But insult my people and I'm sure I can convince my husband and my friends to make your stay in that cell nice and long." Kara said, gesturing to Leo.

"I suggest you cooperate Mon-El. I'm already inclined to let you stay longer already on the basis that you tried to strangle my wife. She's a kind and forgiving person though and so am I. If you want out of that cell you need to help us help you." Leo said.

"I was just a palace guard. We heard Krypton blow up but never expected that the debris would affect hitting Daxam. I was with the prince and we were to flee to safety. We had a kryptonian pod in storage. However, when I was starting the pod, the prince closed the hatch and stayed behind, leaving me to escape alone. I ended up unconscious during the flight and ended up here." Mon-El said.

"Here, is earth. I don't know if you've heard of it but like it or not, you'll probably be here for a long time Mon-El. Best get used to it." Leo said.

"I need to send a signal to Daxam. To let them know that I'm alive." Mon-El pleaded.

"There is no more Daxam. Your planet was ravaged by solar storms and is barren." Kara said sadly. Another mistake of Krypton rearing its head in front of her. Leo sensing her sadness, wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him, pressing a kiss to her temple. Mon-El didn't respond, slumping on the bed and processing the information.

"We should get going. We need to go greet the President when she lands in National City." Leo said reminding Kara that they had other things to do besides speak to the Daxamite. Kara nodded and the pair started walking away. They were interrupted when Mon-El spoke.

"I told you everything already. So, what's going to happen to me?" Mon-El asked.

"For now, you will stay there. Once we're done with other more pressing matter the we will discuss your fate. The most likely outcome is that you'll be confined to the DEO for a while. After that will probably be a probationary period before you become a refugee of earth. We will speak again soon Mon-El of Daxam." Leo answered before he and Kara continued to walk away.

"I never did get your names." Mon-El said.

"I'm Leo. Leo Titus. She is my wife, Kara Zor-El or as she is known on earth, Kara Titus." Leo introduced before leaving Mon-El alone in the cell. The Daxamite laying back on the bed to try and understand his current situation.

Kara and Leo landed at the air strip just as the doors of Airforce One opened. Kara was a little bit in awe of meeting the president for the first time in person. Leo on the other hand was smirking beneath his helmet when a little girl who was there asked Kara how well she knew the president and she could only awkwardly reply as a result of her nerves. Kara excitement could be felt clearly through the bond and Leo couldn't help but chuckle. The amusement wore off however when he received an alert inside his armor of an approaching high heat signature. He could only watch as a blast of heat hit one of the president's guards, setting the man on fire and causing him to roll down the steps.

"Supergirl!" Leo shouted. Leo reacted quickly, loading the whale Fullbottle into the Nebulasteam Gun and firing shots of water to negate the blasts of heat as they came.

The president was being escorted to the vehicle by the remainder of the guards and Kara tried to locate the attacker but the scattering crowd made that hard to do. In her distracted state, she was hit by a blast of heat, tumbling back into the control tower but recovering quickly. She saw that Leo was bracing himself to take a fire blast approaching him and another was approaching the president. Acting quickly, Kara shielded her with her cape, preventing her from getting injured. Leo quickly ran over to them.

"You okay Madam President?" Leo asked. He had done a scan and the source of the blasts had already left.

"I will be fine thanks to you and Supergirl." the president replied.

"We'll have you moved to a safe location Ma'am." Leo said, getting Kara to help the president into the vehicle before giving instructions to the driver. Once the car drove off, Leo turned to Kara.

"I'll follow the car in case the attacker tries anything. See if you can find anything of note. I'll be back later with Alex." Leo said, using the Hawk bottle to spawn wings and following after the President's vehicle. Kara started walking around and examining the damage done. It didn't take long for a squad of DEO agents to arrive and start collecting evidence. It was a moment later when Leo and Alex arrived.

"So where's the president?" Kara asked.

"Safely at the DEO. We'll need to examine the battle data and the evidence later on to get a close match of whoever the attacker was. Initial findings show that it was some form of pyrokinesis or heat vision." Alex said.

"So you're saying that there might be a rogue kryptonian on the loose?" Kara asked.

"Doubtful. Doesn't carry the same energy pattern we've known kryptonian heat vision to have." Leo remarked. Alex excused herself to speak to some NCPD officers that had turned up.

"Maggie Sawyer. NCPD." the woman who seemed to be the lead officer introduced, showing her credentials.

"Alex Danvers. Secret Service. This is a federal crime scene officer Sawyer. I'd appreciate it if your people don't contaminate my evidence." Alex said.

"You secret service people are always the same. Looking down on us like you're so high and mighty. As though we can't handle the evidence here and figure out that an alien did this. Probably Infernian, maybe even Kryptonian judging by the damage. By the way, your people are bagging different types of evidence together." Maggie retorted before leaving.

"I'm surprised that now that you have been delivered full pardon, you choose to remain in your human disguise J'onn." The president commented as she was brought on a tour of the DEO building.

"I've grown to like this disguise. It makes me feel more at home on earth." J'onn remarked.

"I'm thankful for all the work you and the DEO have done. But with the coming of the alien amnesty act, things will change." the President said.

"I'm doubtful. There will always be aliens out there, murderers and killers who cannot be allowed to roam free on earth." J'onn countered.

"And what are your thoughts on this, Leo?" The president asked.

"I believe the DEO can change with the times. To become an organization dedicated to keeping peace between aliens and humans. That can come in many forms including intervening with organizations that seek to harm the delicate relationship with their actions. I have no doubt that on both sides, alien and human, there will be those who will not be pleased with this act and seek to have it removed. My belief is that is what the DEO will be doing with the advent of the alien amnesty act." Leo answered.

"Yes, no doubt there will be many dissenters. But it is my hope that by extending an olive branch we can resolve the issues without conflict. In the event that it does escalate to conflict, I have faith that the DEO will respond swiftly and bring a decisive end to it for the sake of everyone, both alien and human." The President remarked.

"It is foolish to hope for so much ma'am." J'onn countered.

"There is nothing more real or powerful than hope J'onn." The president responded. Leo excused himself from the conversation, joining Kara, Astra and Alex at the main console.

"The president is certainly an impressive woman." Astra commented.

"I know. She's so amazing! And she called me Supergirl earlier too." Kara gushed.

"While I think it's extremely cute how you fawn over the president, don't you have an interview scheduled with Lena Luthor in around 30 minutes?" Leo said.

"Oh right, I forgot about that. I need to go get ready." Kara said, starting to panic.

"Kara, just breathe. You can handle this. If you can question someone at least half as good as Leo can, which I know you can, you'll do well interviewing her. We'll update you if we find anything on the attacker." Alex said, putting her hands on Kara's shoulders to get her to calm down. Kara nodded and flew out of the DEO to get ready for her interview.

"We should probably analyze the battle data from the Sclash driver see if we can find anything. You mind helping me out Astra? See if you can identify the source of the attacks?" Leo asked, starting to walk towards his lab. Astra nodded and followed close behind. Alex meanwhile went to see if there was anything new they had found from the evidence.

"Infernian." Astra remarked as they went through the battle data and the video replay of the attack.

"You got all that just from watching it once?" Leo commented, impressed by her swift response.

"It did help that we narrowed down the type of attack we were dealing with. The attack pattern and variety of the blasts means heat vision is out of the picture. That leaves only pyrokinesis. The only species I know of with such an ability would be an infernian." Astra explained. Leo received a text from Alex saying that Maggie Sawyer wanted to meet her to show how the NCPD gathered intel on aliens. Leo sent her a text on Astra's suspicions on the attacker and Alex replied that she would try to find out anything on an Infernian.

"Ms. Luthor, I'm surprised you would ask for me to be the one to interview you." Kara said, greeting Lena when she entered her office.

"Please, it's Lena. And if you have a parking ticket I can have it validated for you." Lena offered.

"Then call me Kara. And it's no problem. My husband gave me a lift here." Kara said smoothly, lying about the fact that she had actually flown here.

"I wanted to show you something actually." Lena said, going over to a biometric vault and pulling out a small device.

"What is it?" Kara asked, studying the device.

"It's still a prototype but it's a device that will identify if whoever uses it is an alien or a human. With the advent of the alien amnesty act, I felt it would be good for the people to know who among them are actually people." Lena answered.

"What are some of the implications of the device?" Kara asked smoothly, using Leo's lessons to withhold her personal emotions and preventing them from affecting the interview.

"For one, people can know who's actually human and who isn't." Lena pointed out.

"How about the aliens? Would this not affect their anonymity and their ability to fit in?" Kara asked.

"I feel as a human, it's only fair that I know whether or not the person I'm speaking to or working with is actually a human. Also, L Corp is in the business of making money and I have no doubt that this will make a lot of money for us." Lena answered.

"What are your thoughts about misuse of the device? Say if someone with a particular dislike for aliens, chooses to use it? Like maybe a shopkeeper charging extra just because a customer is alien or choosing not sell to them at all? Would this device impact the aliens' ability to live here? Would that then cause several problems for them and cause them to retaliate? As we have seen from racism, prejudice can be very dangerous." Kara questioned. Lena seemed shocked by the questions.

"I've never thought of things like that. I mean, I would assume people would just use the device to find out if someone they knew was an alien, maybe be curious to learn about them or be more accommodating with their needs." Lena responded.

"Okay, then how about misuse by terrorist organizations that are anti-alien? They could use this to identify aliens and places they live so as to mark out targets. What's to stop your device from being used in such a fashion? The attacks might even end up affecting innocent people as well." Kara pointed out.

"That is something that I will have to reconsider. I guess this device is still very much in the works and perhaps I need to rethink it. Thank you for interviewing me about the device Kara. You've given me a lot to think about actually." Lena said, putting the device away.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable or anything Lena." Kara apologized.

"It's fine. You've made me think more on the issue instead of doing something I might regret later on." Lena commented.

"For what it's worth Lena, I think you are an amazing woman who really means well. But I think we both wish to see only the good in people. We fail to realize that not all aliens are bad and not all humans are good. It's something my husband really helped to instill in me." Kara said, picking up her things and getting ready to leave.

"Kara, if it's okay with you, we should grab a coffee sometime. Talk and get to know each other." Lena offered as Kara was walking out the door.

"Sure, just tell me when. I'd be delighted to get to know you more Lena." Kara said before walking out of her office and out of the L Corp building.

"How was the interview love?" Leo asked, greeting Kara with a kiss when she entered the DEO.

"Good and Bad. Lena was working on a device that could identify aliens. I asked her questions that made her consider the negative implications of such a device and feel bad for putting her in such a spot. Do you mind if I work on my article in your lab?" Kara said. Leo simply pulled her close to him and they walked towards the lab.

"You know you misspelled some of your words there. Also, the article feels like you're the one giving your views rather than writing things based upon an interview with Lena Luthor. from what you've told me, I doubt Snapper Carr will accept something like this." Leo advised, his head on Kara's shoulder as he peered at her work.

"I don't know how to remove my bias for this. It took all I had not to just discount Lena and all the effort she put into the device for the possible ramifications it could bring. And Snapper's not one to give an easy time. He's giving James problems and James is supposed to be in charge of everything." Kara groaned out.

"Maybe a little positive flourish? You could discuss the device first; its benefits and L Corps aims with introducing the device. Then bring up how you asked Lena about the possible negative implications of such a device. You could mention the questions you posed to her or just misuse in general and its possible implications. Leave it open ended and let the readers decide if its good or bad and show that L Corp is still exploring the device's potential." Leo suggested.

"That could work. You're the best Leo! Thanks." Kara said, thinking over his suggestion and then working out a whole new article based upon the interview.

"Speaking of which, I hope Thai's good for Lunch. Astra went out to grab some food before you came and she said she wanted to get Thai. I told her to get food for you too when you came." Leo said, going over to his computer and working over some calculations.

"Sure. Thai sounds good to me. What are you working on?" Kara asked, taking a break from her work and taking a look at what Leo was doing.

"I'm trying to see if there's any way that I can bring the hazard trigger under control. To understand what exactly causes me to lose control and see if I can create something to mitigate it." Leo said, playing footage of his fights in his hazard form while numbers ran on a separate screen.

"That sounds complex. I'm sure you'll figure it out. We'll stop them. Together." Kara said giving him a hug from behind before she went back to her own work.

"Speaking of which Alex should be back soon as well. She went out with her new police officer friend to see if they could find any leads on an Infernian in National City. Turns out they went to an alien bar. Eye opening experience your sister said and a great deal of respect she has for Officer Sawyer now if the tone of her voice was anything to go by. They didn't find anything though." Leo said, not turning from his work. Kara simply hummed as she too focused on her article. It would be half an hour later when Alex and Astra entered the lab carrying bags of food.

"We're back and we have food." Alex announced, placing the food on an empty table. Leo turned off his monitors and went to greet them while Kara gave a simple hi, typing quickly to finish off her work. Astra walked over to where Kara was, watching her niece work with pride while eating. Once Kara was done typing, she walked over to where the food was and took a pack for herself before taking a seat once more.

"So, what's the plan for the signing tomorrow?" Kara asked.

"Alex will be among the civilians. If she catches sight of anyone suspicious she'll tell us. I'll be near the podium to act as a guard. You and Astra will be in the sky keeping an eye out and waiting to react." Leo explained detailing the plan.

"We can't rule out the fact that the Infernian might be working with or working for someone. So, we need to keep out eyes open for anyone suspicious." Alex pointed out.

"Infernians are dangerous. They can expel fire from any part of their bodies. Kara, we must remember not to use out heat vision for that would only serve to make them stronger." Astra warned.

"I guess that concludes this strategy meeting. I'll run this by Hank later on. If anyone doesn't mind, I could go for some more of that green curry." Leo said, ending the serious mood as everyone enjoyed the food and talked about lighter matters.

"I hope with this we can usher in a new age of peace for all." The president said before she started signing the papers for the alien amnesty act only to have them catch on fire. Leo was quick to leap onto the stage and put the president behind him, blocking the fireballs aimed at her with no reaction except for grunts of annoyance.

"I would appreciate if someone would stop that Infernian right about now." Leo commented dryly as he continued to shield the president from the fireballs.

Kara charged in first but was blasted with heat vision, sending her crashing against a concrete structure. Alex tried to apprehend the Infernian however she did little but annoy the alien as she was set on fire and tossed into the water fountain. Maggie who happened to be at the signing was the next one to confront the Infernian, her effort rewarded with getting her hand burnt by the Infernian. Astra was quick to react and pulled the officer out of danger. The distractions served their purpose though as it allowed Leo to attack the Infernian. He cranked the wrench once before leaping at the Infernian. An energy projection of a crocodile's jaw enveloped his leg before he scissor kicked the Infernian. The crocodile jaws clamping down on the alien before she was tossed into the fountain and didn't get back up.

"There you go." Alex said, helping to patch up the last of Maggie's wounds from her attempt at detaining the Infernian.

"So, DEO huh. Not a bad place." Maggie commented, getting of the medical table and stretching her limbs experimentally.

"I want to apologize. We didn't exactly have a very good first meeting. And I want to thank you. I guess working here has sort of blinded me to the fact that I shouldn't treat all aliens as hostile right from the start. Funnily enough, it took you a human to teach me that when I work with aliens on a daily basis." Alex admitted.

"It's fine. Life's about making mistakes and learning as we go along. If you think I'm good to go then I'd best be making my way out of here and heading back to the NCPD." Maggie said, grabbing her jacket.

"If it was alright with you, how about we go hit a bar tonight? Get to know each other better?" Alex asked.

"Oh sorry. Some other time Danvers. I've got a date tonight with my girlfriend. I'll see you around." Maggie said before walking out of the DEO facility, catching a glimpse of those saying goodbye to the president along the way.

"It has certainly been an interesting time in National City. I would like to thank all of you for playing a part in keeping me safe and allowing the signing of the amnesty act to go through. With this I hope we will be able to usher in new age of peace and someday even cooperation between aliens and humans. It is my belief that this organization will be an important pillar towards achieving that goal." The president said, addressing the people gathered to see her off. She got into the car, giving one last wave as the vehicle left to take her to her flight back to Washington DC.

"Hey Leo. Sorry I'm late I was just talking to James." Kara said as she entered the loft.

"It wouldn't have anything to do with how happy or vindicated you were feeling earlier does it?" Leo said with a knowing smirk, getting up from his place on the couch to pull Kara into his arms. He led Kara to the couch, pulling himself away to get something from the fridge.

"Snapper Carr accepted my article and James finally put his foot down on him. I didn't think Snapper's mouth could open as wide." Kara said.

"I think this, calls for a celebration." Leo said, placing two tubs of ice cream in front of Kara. Kara let out a joyful squeal before diving into the first tub.

"I sent my article to Lena as well. She thanked me for giving such a fair view of the product and of her company. She also said thanks for making her consider new views. I told her I had a lot of help from you and she said she wants to meet up and get to know the both of us. I was thinking we could do lunch tomorrow." Kara said. Leo nodded in agreement, accepting the offered scoop of ice cream from Kara. It didn't take long before both tubs of ice cream were gone. Leo noticed that some melted ice cream on Kara's cheek and playfully licked it off before giving his wife a kiss that quickly devolved into passionate lip locks and roaming hands.

Hope all of you enjoy this chapter. Once again, who should the final boss be?

Evol

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Blood