Karry Universe
Disclaimer: As always…
ANOUCEMENT FOR POWER GIRL AND THE FLASH: Not as bad as last time. Real life has gotten in the way so his chapter will be delayed. Instead of a Monday update he'll be doing a Wednesday or Thursday update.
Note 1: I know this is not Monday, but not going to be able to get to a computer tomorrow so thought you guys wouldn't mind getting it a day early.
Note 2: For this chapter I am using a villain normally considered for Batman. It's one both me and my friend who likes Batman, never even heard of until we were flipping through DC villains and found him listed. I am switching up the history to fit into Karry Universe, of course, and bring them as far away from Gotham and anything Batman related as possible. You know my views there.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Kara was on her phone in her office, grinning as she nodded to herself, listening to the person on the other end. "Yes," Kara said as something was printed out of a fax machine. "I got the contract right now." There was a knock on her door and Kara held up one finger without even looking, telling whomever it was to wait. "It will be reviewed soon and I'll get back to you. From the sounds of this, it will be a good relationship for both of us." Kara exchanged goodbyes with whoever was one the phone and hung up. "Yes!" Kara mumbled to herself, a smile still on her face as she pumped her fist in victory and thought to Barry: We got it!
"Um… excuse me, Mrs. Allen?" a female voice said, and Kara turned around. A blonde girl not much younger than Kara herself was standing at the door. Kara had nearly forgotten the knock on her office door a few moments ago.
"Sorry Ms.…?" Kara paused, a name not coming to her.
"It's fine, that sounded like good news. I'm Alice Fletcher," Alice said. "I'm a lab assistant here. I work with Dr. Jervis Tetch."
"Okay," Kara said, pointing to a seat opposite hers, indicating for Alice to take it. "Jervis Tetch. That's the experiments on improving brain function?" Alice nodded. "Can't say I'm up to date on his research. What may I help you with?" Kara couldn't help but think she was forgetting something.
"I was wondering if I could be transferred?" Alice said as politely as possible. "If I could work under someone else? I love working here, but I can't work with Dr. Tetch anymore."
"Any reason…?" Kara paused as she suddenly remembered. "Oh, you filed an harassment complaint against him, yes?" Alice nodded. "I thought Barry took care of that…?"
"He did talk to him and it was settled for a short while, but it has gotten worst since I got engaged. He's a nice guy but he's a bit… odd." Alice said. "He can't take no for an answer, and he keeps on quoting Alice in Wonderland to me."
"Alice in Wonderland? The movie?" Kara asked.
"No, the books," Alice said. "I just can't work with him anymore but I want to stay here and I know we're supposed to go to Mr. Allen while your pregnant but he's not here and I just really need this transfer…" she said on one quick breath, obviously having wanted to say this for a while.
"You won't have to work with him another day," Kara simply, said holding out her hand to stop Alice. "Take the rest of the day off. By tomorrow you'll have a new assignment." Kara smiled as she put her hand on the papers that had been faxed over. "Trust me… with the news that's about to come out we'll have a lot to do. We may even have to question Dr. Tetch's position eventually though."
"Thank you, Mrs. Allen," Alice said, grinning happily at Kara before leaving the office.
"Sally," Kara called to the girl sitting at the desk right outside her office. Cat Grant had been true to her word and sent over one of her reject assistants and so far, this girl was working out well. "Can you find all files on Jervis Tetch and his research. Have them on my desk by lunch."
"Yes ma'am," Sally said by the doorway.
"Also call up our lawyers and let them know I am sending over a contract I want them to look over right away," Kara said and Sally nodded another "Yes ma'am" before getting to work.
-Superflash-
Later that day a small man with blonde hair wearing a top hat was in Kara's office. The whole attire was slightly disturbing to look at and Kara could swear he'd looked more… normal upon his original job interview. "Dr. Tetch, I had a visit from your lab assistant this morning," Kara said.
"Why did you send her home? I need her," Jervis said with a slight droll.
"She's no longer your lab assistant, doctor." Kara said. "And her visit forced me to look into your work here. We've had several complaints about you from, not just your assistant, but other female employees as well. As for your work here we've put a lot of money behind you but have seen little progress or return."
"These things take time," Jervis started, defensively.
"I am aware, which is why we gave you a lot of leeway, but you've been working here since we opened up and I've seen nothing. Palmer Tech has research on the same topic that is miles ahead of yours, and because of this STAR labs will no longer be working on your research. With all the complaints I have anyway, I have no choice but to fire you."
"You can't do this," Jervis said, suddenly standing.
"I just did," Kara said as politely as possible.
Jervis took a card out of his pocket and quickly reached out to put it on Kara's head, surprising her. "You will rehire me and give me back Alice." He stated forcefully.
"No, I won't," Kara said, moving back and taking the card off her head and putting it on the desk. "What is this?" Kara didn't notice the shock on Jervis face as she observed the card. "Now please, leave STAR labs before I call security to remove you."
"I need my research," Jervis said, wanting now, more than ever to continue what he was doing.
"Read your contract more closely. Your research belongs to STAR labs," Kara said. "You can buy it from us, but you would have to refund everything we put into it, plus a bit extra." Kara took out a piece of paper with calculations already on it and passed it over to Tetch. "We know how to protect our work here, doctor and unless you can give me that, your research will be transferred to Palmer Tech to see if there is anything in that they can use."
"You can't do this," Jervis said again as Kara stood up and walked around her desk.
"I'm sorry Dr. Tecth. I try to work with my scientist for the best interest for all of us, but STAR labs need to make money. Not waste it. Now please collect your personal belonging and leave or be escorted out."
"No, you can't!" Jervis said, suddenly standing up and punching Kara in the face. Kara missed the days when that wouldn't have hurt. She had not expected it, not being able to dodge in time, and with the baby taking necessary solar energies from her system, the punch hurt.
Before Jervis could do anything else he was tossed on to the floor by another figure. "Did you just punch my pregnant wife?!" Barry demanded, clearly angry as Kara held her nose. Behind him were a couple of security guards that worked at the labs. It seemed Sally had alerted security nonetheless. "Take him out." Barry ordered the two very bulky men, who grabbed Jervis by each arm, taking him literally kicking and screaming away. "Are you alright?" Barry looked over Kara who nodded. The injury from the punch was already healed up.
Barry put an arm around Kara as the two walked out of the office, Kara thanking Sally as she passed the desk, and to the Superflash cave. Cisco, Caitlin, and Krypto were in there as usual along with new addition Jesse, who seemed to be the only one actually working in the group.
"What's going on?" Caitlin asked at the look of worry on both superhero's faces; Barry telling her instantly of Tetch's behavior. Before Barry had even finished, in fact on the word 'punch', Caitlin was by Kara's side, checking her over.
"Oh… I'm glad you got rid of that Mad Hatter," Cisco said, making even Jesse stop to look at him.
"Mad Hatter?" Barry asked a little unsure.
"He always wears that stupid top hat and quotes Alice in Wonderland to everyone, so… Mad Hatter," Cisco said with a smile, proud of the name.
"Very original, Ramone…" Jesse muttered from her desk, not looking up as she obviously disproved of the name. Cisco raised an eyebrow in her direction, but said nothing as he turned to look at Caitlin and Kara.
"Hey what's wrong with that one?" Cisco asked defensively. "It's a good name!"
"What are you doing Jesse?" Kara asked, deciding not to comment on Cisco naming someone who was not a super villain. She moved passed Cisco to get nearer to Jesse.
"Research into Barry's powers," Jesse said at little distractedly, looking up from the computer. "They are fascinating! I honestly can't believe you haven't done this before." Jesse was smiling as she talked, finally looking away from the monitor to look at her boss. "Hopefully by discovering how they work I can help train you, Barry, to get faster and learn even more tricks. I have a theory but… I'm going to have to wait until I have everything sorted."
"Okay," Barry said, seeing no problem in this. Honestly he had wondered if anyone was going to look into his speed-force powers, but he hadn't really been bothered if no-one did. "Well at least one of you three are working." He now joked and Cisco stuck out his tongue at his friend. Krypto barked from his spot, going up to Kara, upset that he had not been there to protect her and the baby. Krypto had started to get even more protective of his mistress since the baby started showing. Kara stroked her dog's head though with a smile.
"So any other news?" Caitlin asked.
"Well…" Kara and Barry looked at each other, both deciding to tell these three employees the good news. "We got the contract with NASA! They want us to convert some of the technology we're developing here for use in space, and since the new President wants to rebuild our space program, NASA wants us to design new prototypes ships for going into space and even new telescopes. If everything works out well some of our scientist might even end up going to the space station."
"Damn, wow…" Cisco said, whistling too with a clearly impressed attitude toward this information. "Any chance the head of the anti-meta human department will go?"
"We need you down here," Barry said with a smirk to Cisco. "Besides, I don't know if you would survive NASA training." This caused nearly everyone to laugh. "Well, I'm done in my lab for today so we're heading home. Call me if anything goes south." Cisco nodded as the pair left the labs.
-Superflash-
Jervis Tetch walked into his apartment. "Fired!" he slammed the door behind him. "Can you believe that, Carol Lewis?" Jervis said, turning to the only other living thing in the apartment, which was a monkey. "They fired me and took my research!"
He moved over to look over the monkey in its large cage. "And it didn't work… Not on her. It's supposed to work on everyone. I need to know why. I need my research." The monkey came up to the man and started to screech. "Of course. I'll go get it back." Jervis pet the monkey before looking out the window. "Once night falls…"
-Superflash-
That night Barry and Kara were sitting on their couch, playing a game of Monopoly. "Mine," Barry said with a smile as Kara landed on his property. "Three houses. That's going to cost you." Kara stuck her tongue out of her husband as she handed over the fake money, which made her completely bankrupt. "You should surround now."
"It's a stupid game," Kara said, pouting and Barry could feel her getting unusually upset. He sighed as he sent happy emotions to her.
"It's just a game sweetie," Barry said, kissing her cheek. One day we'll be losing to this little one. Barry put his hand on Kara's stomach.
"Losing?" Kara asked.
"Human tradition. Parents let the kids win," Barry said with a smirk.
"I'd prefer our kids earn a victory," Kara said it clearly, not being a Kryptonian tradition. On Krypton we had to actually practice and win. Kara confirmed to Barry in her head.
I bet there was one or two times when you were just playing with your parents when they let you win. Especially with a stupid game like this, Barry thought back. "They wouldn't want you to be sad at losing. You'll see eventually. My turn."
Barry took the dice and was around to roll when Kara's cellphone binged. Kara looked at it. "An alarm went off at the labs," Kara informed Barry. "Maybe you should check it out.?"
Barry nodded, dropping the dice and running out. I'll clean up, Kara thought.
Leave it for later, Barry thought back.
Kara looked at Krypto who was resting on the floor but had looked up when Barry ran out without him giving a sad moan at being left behind. "Hey, you stay with me," Kara said, opening up her arms so Krypto jumped up onto the couch and snuggled against Kara gently. Kara silently pet her dog as she turned on the TV. "I miss being Supergirl…" she sighed to herself now as Krypto licked her face.
-Superflash-
Barry had run into Superflash cave first to get on his outfit before running to where the alarm had gone off. He looked around. The lab was a mess. Whose lab is this? Barry asked as Kara as he looked around.
No one's anymore. It was where that Jervis Tetch worked, Kara answered Barry, being able to see what he could obviously.
Well, I think he decided to come back, Barry thought. Call Cisco and Caitlin. Tell them to come back to the lab. I want them to look over this doctor's research. Barry couldn't help but notice their security guards were missing.
What about Jesse? Kara asked
I ran passed her when I got on my outfit, Barry answered. Remind me to tell her not to work herself to death. They might have not known Jesse for long, but Barry was really starting to think of her like a little sister. He kind of felt he owed her a lot considering her parent's murderer was also his mother's murderer and he was the sole cause of all the deaths, although he didn't try to think of that aspect too deeply.
Not long later Cisco and Caitlin were working with Jesse, looking over the research. "Seems Jervis might have been more successful than he let on," Caitlin said. "Well in one way… I think he mastered mind-control."
"Seriously?" Cisco said. He was out of his league on this one. This was more bio than anything else.
"Yes," both Jesse and Caitlin said together and then look at each other. "You can explain." Caitlin nodded to Jesse.
"Seems he managed to make a device to suppress brain functions in this area, right here. This would make the person controllable. My guess would be to the first person to give an order," Jesse said pointing at a picture of the human brain and indicating an area to Cisco. "Although the device would have to be against the head for it to work."
Kara, who had been listening, sat up as she sent the memory of Jervis Tetch putting that card against her head to Barry, who ran to her office and grabbed said card before running back.
"Like this?" Barry asked holding the card up, noticing something strange about it. "He tried to use it on Kara. It didn't work. So it's a bust."
"Not exactly," Caitlin said, bringing up an imagine of a brain. "This is a scan of Kara's brain."
"Oh wow,' Jesse said looking it over. "I mean I knew she was an alien but wow."
Barry looked at Cisco who shrugged, as he look the card. Inventions were what he was good with, not physiology. He needed more to find out how these cards ticked. "Okay more explanation needed."
"Kara's brain is different to ours," Caitlin said. "The area that would need suppressing to control her is different to ours… the point being, if these were made for humans it would not effect a Kryptonian."
"Okay, I'm going to his apartment," Barry said, putting his mask up.
"Whoa give me some time to study these cards. Make a way for you not to be brainwashed," Cisco said.
"I got Kara," Barry said. "It worked against Grodd, and even those visions Phobia gave me." Barry ran off without another word, leaving the others in annoyed silence.
"Sometimes I wish he would wait before running off," Cisco finally sighed as he went to study the card anyway.
-Superflash-
Barry easily ran into the apartment they had on file for Jervis Tetch to only find a monkey trying to get a banana out of a lock box. The monkey saw Barry and pointed, making sad noises. Barry raised an eyebrow but went and got the banana for the monkey who happily took it and ran to the couch to eat.
"Okay… weird," Barry said.
"What?" Caitlin's voice was over the coms.
"He has a monkey," Barry said and heard the laughing as Barry looked around the apartment. He couldn't find anything that would tell him where this Jervis went.
-Superflash-
Kara was coming out of the bathroom when there was a crash and her door flew off its hinges. Jervis Tetch walked in, wearing a large top hat with two people Kara recognized as guards for STAR. They both had a card attached to their head. "Ms. Allen," Jervis Tetch said with a weird smile. "Now you did not fall under my device. That was not nice. How did you do that?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Kara said as Krypto jumped up between his mistress and the intruders, growling. "No powers." Kara said in Kryptonese, knowing Krypto would understand. Krypto continued growling however. Barry… Kara thought, and could feel Barry coming back to their apartment immediately.
"Get rid of the dog," Jervis ordered and the two guards went towards Krypto, who reacted right away by biting them both. Even under mind control pain caused them to retreat. "I said get rid of the dog! Get her." One guard went towards Krypto, the other towards Kara. Krypto seemed torn between wanting to protect his mistress but also wanting to obey her orders of no powers. Kara pushed the guard away from her, trying not to use all her strength.
The guard grabbed her arm hard, which hurt. Krypto bite the guard coming at him again and headed towards Kara when Barry showed and punched the guard holding onto Kara. "Mrs. Allen," Barry said, grabbing the card off the guard's head and then off the other guard, fast.
Barry turned around to see face Jervis but he was gone. "Wait? What?" The guard said, looking around. "Mrs. Allen? What happened?" Krypto growled at them and Kara ordered him off.
"Long story," Kara sighed, taking out her phone to call Joe. They would need his help here.
Barry ran out to get out of his outfit so he could return as Barry Allen instead of the Flash.
-Superflash-
"Well the guards are fine," Joe said a few minutes later now in Kara and Barry's apartment. "Some minor injures from breaking down doors and a couple of small dog bites." Krypto barked from his spot. He was told not to use his powers and he did well. Kara smiled as she pet him and looked at her phone.
"Media has gotten a hold of this," Kara sighed, her phone was binging non-stop now. "I've got to make a statement."
"You were just attacked," Barry said putting an arm around his wife. "All this stress is not good for you or the baby." Barry couldn't help but worry for his wife and child. Wanting to protect them. It was only natural. "Can it wait?"
"And let rumors spread? No, it needs to be taken care of," Kara said. She loved the fact Barry wanted to take care of her but she also wanted to do her job. "We'll be fine. I contacted Cat Grant already. She has agreed to come with a camera and stream my statement live wherever I want."
"My house," Joe said. "You can't stay here. You're coming with me." Joe then gave Barry a look. "I'll protect her and my grandkid." Barry smiled, thankful to his foster father.
If that's settled you go back to STAR and see if the team has any information on Jervis, Kara thought to Barry. Barry nodded kissed his wife before leaving. Joe held out a hand to Kara who took it and told Krypto to follow and the trio left.
-Superflash-
Barry walked into the cave where his own trio of tech support was still working away. "Okay, plans?" Barry said.
"This," Cisco said holding up a small device. "Put it behind your ear and it will neutralize the effect of the card. Keep you in control just in case your bond with Kara doesn't work this time. It's always good to have a backup." He emphasized the 'always' to a raised eyebrow from Barry.
Barry took the small device to put is behind his ear as instructed. "And any idea where he is?" he now asked.
"One," Jesse said. "Well, it was actually Caitlin's idea."
"While he annoyed several female employees, he seemed obsessed with his lab assistant. A couple of people have commented on this," Caitlin said. "Maybe because her name was Alice and he had some weird obsession with Alice in Wonderland. We think he will go after her. Force her to love him, maybe."
"Mad Hatter is not a bad name for this guy after all." Barry mumbled to himself. "Lead me to her," He ran out, and Cisco got on the coms.
-Superflash-
Kara was sitting in Joe's living room, Krypto next to her his head on her lap as she stroked his back. Cat Grant had arrived with the camera. "This will be broadcasted live on all CatCo media," Cat informed Kara. "And thank you for giving this scoop to CatCo."
"Well, you're easier and faster than anyone else," Kara joked with her former boss. "Okay, I'm ready."
Cat turned on the camera and then nodded to Kara to start. She took a breath. "Hello. As you know I am Kara Allen, co-owner and manger of STAR labs. As has been reported today already, a former employee attacked me in my own home. I fired him this morning because of several harassment claims against him and his lack of conclusive research. It seems he wanted revenge. I thank the Flash and Supergirl for saving me. They are true heroes and I hope they catch this former employee before he does anymore harm to anyone else."
Cat turned off the camera and was on the phone instructing her people to play it on loop for a while in seconds. "That was good," Cat said finally with a smirk.
"I don't understand. Why did you thank Supergirl?" Joe asked confused. "She wasn't there obviously."
"But no one knows she wasn't there," Kara said. "You told us yourself the guards don't remember anything after that card was put on their head to the time Barry took it off. The only one who can disprove Supergirl being there is Jervis Tetch and who's going to believe him over Kara Allen?"
"She just bought us more time before people start questioning Supergirl's non appearance," Cat Grant said. "Time that we need. Unfortunately, any excuse we have been coming up with is sounding… off. What about that shape shifter?"
"Krypto and J'onn don't get along," Kara said. "You said if we had a fake Supergirl appearing, Krypto needed to be with her and it's won't be convincing with J'onn."
"Well we'll do a costume test and see what I think," Cat said, determined to see for herself.
"I would also need a fake Supergirl to walk into the DEO," Kara said. "Some people there who don't know my identity are starting to wonder."
"We'll figure something out," Joe said putting a hand on his daughter-in-law's own. "Don't worry."
-Superflash-
In the meanwhile, Barry had run to where Alice lived with her fiancée to find Jervis already there, taking a clearly brain-washed Alice out. "My Alice," Jervis said coyly. "Always will be my Alice."
"She's not yours," Barry said, running in front of Jervis. "She'll never be yours."
"I control her now," Jervis said, glaring at the Flash now. "She's mine. She loves me. Not him. Tell him. Tell him you love me."
"I love him," Alice said noncommittedly pointing to Mad Hatter, but there was clearly no feeling behind it. She was doing what she was told.
"That's not love. Love is not easy to get rid of. This is easy," Barry said, running fast and grabbing the card from Alice's head. The second the card was gone Alice blinked and, noticing Jervis had her hand, started screaming at him and pulling away. "See. You can't make someone love you!"
"No, she was mine and she will be again!" Jervis took out another card and went to put it to Alice's head, who had backed away from him but Barry got between the two. Jervis reacted and put the card on Barry instead and ordered Barry away but he did not move. "What?" Jervis said, stepping back as yet another person did not fall under this control. He thought his device was perfect.
"Your mind control is easy to defeat as well," Barry said with a sigh, taking the card off him and tossing it on the floor before punching Jervis and knocking the former STAR employee out. He then turned to the frightened Alice. "Call the police and tell them Jervis Tetch is here and knocked out. I got to go." Normally Barry would take Jervis to the police station himself but he wanted to go back to Joe's and make sure Kara was okay.
Alice nodded, going back inside for her phone as the Flash left.
-Superflash-
By the time Barry had run back to Joe's Kara was already in bed with Krypto snuggled against her. He kissed her forehead before pushing Krypto away. The dog gave Barry a look before moving to the bottom of the bed. You got him? Barry heard the clearly tired thought of Kara. It had gotten late.
Yeah, Barry thought back, laying down next to his wife. Go back to dreamland. Kara didn't response, as she was already asleep. Barry chuckled to himself as he lay there, silently smiling as she watched Kara's dreams for a while before falling asleep himself.
-Superflash-
Caitlin had received a text early in the morning from Jesse, asking her to meet Jesse at the STAR lab field. "Jesse?" Caitlin called out. "Where are you?" There was a flash as a speedster appeared and Caitlin was surprised on who. "Jesse Wells? You're back?" Caitlin just assumed this was the Jessica Wells of Earth-1. She was even wearing the same speedster outfit.
"What? No, it's me! Jesse Morgan," Jesse said removing the mask. "I used inspiration from pictures of my counterpart for this outfit." Jesse had been caught up on parallel worlds and her counterpart who visited, leading for the team to find her a while ago.
"How are you running?" Caitlin asked confused. "How are you fast?!" As far as Caitlin knew the particle accelerator explosion was the only way to get speedster powers and obviously Jesse was nowhere near the explosion.
"That's why I asked you to come here," Jesse said. "But you can't tell anyone. This is our secret for now."
"Oh… kay," Caitlin said, and Jesse took out a vial with some dark liquid in it.
"By studying Barry speed I started to find a way to replicate it. I came up with this," Jesse held out the vial to Caitlin who took it. "I don't know what it would do to a speedster like Barry but for normal humans it lets us run like Barry for a while. It runs out though and I can't go that fast with it or do the tricks Barry has been doing. That's why I want your help. I want you to improve this. Make it better."
"You tested this on yourself," Caitlin said in shock looking over the vial. "Couldn't you have tested it on something, or someone else first? We don't know if there are any side effects. What else this might be doing to you."
"It will only work on humans," Jesse stated. "I couldn't risk testing it on anyone else, Caitlin."
"We need to run tests on you right away," Caitlin sighed.
"So you'll help?" Jesse asked, hopeful.
"First we find out if its safe and then, yes… I'll help," Caitlin said, unsure of this. She hadn't realized how deep into Barry's powers Jesse had already researched.
"Thank you – with both you and I working together, we can make Velocity better."
"Velocity?" Caitlin asked, confused.
"That's what I have been calling it," Jesse said, proud of the name. "Velocity, cool name right?"
"Don't turn into another Cisco," Caitlin mumbled, smirking though. She already had one person naming everything. She didn't need another.
Post Chapter Note: …and bombshell. I doubt anyone saw that one coming. Heh... I hope you enjoyed. Don't worry though, I have plans – and before anyone asks, no I am not following what I did in the second chapter of Finding You. Completely different plans here.
ONCE AGAIN NO UPDATE THIS THURSDAY.
Please REVIEW
Next Time on Karry Universe:
Moving On Up: After Mad Hatter attacked them in their own home Kara and Barry are starting to realize that maybe the apartment they could afford when she was Cat Grant's assistant and he just a CSI is not appropriate for them anymore. It's time for them to move on up and to a better, bigger, place.
Karry Master OUT!