Lena's POV

Seeing the happiness of Linda and Mikhail being reunited warmed my heart. I can't understand a word the two are saying but they seem happy. Stepping closer to Kara, I bumped her shoulder. "Hey."

"Hey," she smiled. "Thank you for all of your help. I don't think we could have brought her to our side without you."

"I'm glad I could help. When will you contact Argo?"

"Soon. I didn't hear anything from Lex on my way here." Kara swayed nervously. "Now that he knows she's going rogue, he's going to come after us."

"I'll have some cots brought in. Now that they're together, I doubt we could separate them." Alex pulled out her phone and messaged another agent. "They can stay here as long as they need."

"Thank you, Alex," Kara's attention shifted. "Linda, would you like to see our mother?" She paused. "Or a working memory hologram for now?"

"You can do that?" Kara nodded. "Sure…I have so many questions about our people. I'm curious to see how much truth Al…Lex told me about Kryptonians and our world."

"Mikhail, shall we continue?" J'onn held a ball in his hands.

Placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, Linda said something in Russian before switching back to English. "Thank you, J'onn."

"I'm not sure but we're here to answer any questions and help where we can." Walking over to the panel, Kara activated the system. The hologram of Alura came forth and startled the newcomers.

"It's okay," I whispered. "It can't hurt you or Mikhail." Linda smiled shyly before stepping closer.

"Linda, this is our mother, Alura Zor-El. She and Zor-El, our father, sent me to Earth before Krypton was destroyed. I didn't know until recently that part of Krypton actually survived."

"It did?" Linda gazed upon the hologram. "How?"

I listened as Kara taught Linda Krypton's history and how she came to be on Earth. For the most part, she was astonished at her heritage. It became clear very quickly that Lex had doctored some of the information he told her. I knew he was a liar but good God. He would use anyone. Do anything to get what he wanted.

"I know that look," Alex spoke softly. "You're pissed at Lex all over again."

"You would think I'd be used to it by now," I smirked. "I'm sure it'll come out that I'm Kryptonian soon. We need to get Mikhail to a safe place. If Linda is anything like the rest of us, she'll want to join the fight."

"Maybe. If she can stay on Argo with him, I think she'd be okay with us taking over." Alex folded her arms. "Did she tell you anything of use about Lex?"

"Not too much. He kept her in the dark for the most part."

"Damn."

After we got Linda and Mikhail settled for the night, Kara and I went back home. Pulling the blonde into my arms, we cuddled on the couch. "I'm glad we can be here instead of staying at the D.E.O."

"Yeah." Kara snuggled into my embrace. "I'd stay there if you were though."

"I'm aware," I kissed the top of her head. "I know you slept on the floor of the hospital wing when we were on Argo." Kara stiffened. "Alura told me."

"Oh…"

I can't see her face but I know she's blushing. "I never knew I'd be lucky enough to have someone love me the way you do. I know we had our moments but still."

"Me too," Kara nuzzled into me. "Can we chill for a little while? Just turn something on and listen to it?"

"Or I can read to you again." Kara's head popped up. In a flash, she was back with a book and my reading glasses in hand. "I guess that's my answer."

"I really like when you read aloud."

"I know." Finding the bookmark, I put on my glasses and began to read.

Xxx

As I walked a board member out of my office, I saw Lillian exit the private elevator. A to-go bag in hand. "Mother."

"Can we speak in your office?" She held the bag forward. "I brought lunch."

She's nervous. "Sure." Stepping aside, I allowed the older woman entrance. "Jess, would you hold my calls unless it's someone from my priority list?"

"Of course, Miss Luthor."

Entering my office, I x-rayed Mother and the bag. It's actual food and she has no weapons. What is she up to? "To what do I owe this visit?" Taking a seat behind my desk, I motioned to a guest chair.

Placing the bag on my desk, Mother sat. "Le-,"

I held up my hand to stop her. Turning on my shielding device, I waited. "Go ahead."

"Lex." Mother eyed the device. "He's going down the anti-Kryptonian rabbit hole again. This time with a viger I've never seen. I wanted to warn you. He's planning something."

"Yes, we're aware he's up to something. What makes you think this time is worse?"

Mother started to unpack the food. "He came to me ranting and raving about someone called Red Daughter. She's a Kryptonian that was found in Siberia."

Eyeing the food, I thought for a moment. I can't trust her. "Why should I believe that this time is different?"

"There's a type of alien on this planet, I'm sure you're aware, it's called a truth seeker. If it's around a person they're compelled to tell the truth. If it's worn, they can't lie. I will wear one and you can ask me any question you wish." Taking a bite of my food, Mother kept my gaze. "Wait a few minutes. You'll see it's not poisoned."

I never thought she'd wear one. I never thought she'd offer to wear one. "Why are you doing this?"

"I'd much rather have a truth seeker on for this," she paused. "Have all of them come—Agent Danvers, J'onn, and Kara. Agent Danvers can read my body language, J'onn can read my mind, and Kara can throw me into the sun if I betray you."

"Alright." Pulling out my phone, I turned off the device and dialed Kara's number.

"Hey, is everything okay?"

"Yes. Mother is here. She wants to wear a truth seeker. Will you have Alex bring one to my office?"

"Yeah, of course. I'll let Alex and Brainy know. I don't think I'll be able to get away from Andrea."

Smirking, I sent Andrea a text message. Give me my girlfriend for two hours. I'll owe you one. -L

How did… Are you the one she's talking to? -A

Yes. -L

"Well, apparently, I can make it." Kara laughed. "Do you have something to do with it?"

"Possibly," I smirked playfully. Mother rolled her eyes. "Will you bring J'onn as well?"

"Yeah. We'll be there soon."

Ending the call, I turned the device back on and began to eat. "They'll be here shortly."

J'onn and Supergirl tapped down on my balcony moments later. Entering the office, tension between the three of them was almost palpable. "I come in peace," Mother held her palms facing forward. "I want to help. J'onn, I give you permission to read my thoughts at any moment." The woman's eyes moved to Supergirl. "If I betray Lena, you can toss me into the sun, The D.E.O., or prison. Whichever you see fit."

"You know I wouldn't toss you into the sun," Kara smirked, coming to stand beside me. "You really must have had a change of heart to allow yourself to be around this many aliens at once under the seeker's effects." Alex entered, case in hand.

Eyeing the container, Mother frowned. "It's an exception. Not all aliens. You know this."

"Are you ready?" Alex asked, gesturing to the seeker.

"Yes." The alien latched onto Mother's arm causing her to cringe. "This feels disgusting." Meeting my gaze, she relaxed. "Ask away."

"Why do you think Lex is more of a danger this time than others?"

"Because one of his remaining family members is sleeping with an alien. He also thinks Supergirl and her friends stole, or are trying to steal, this Red Daughter person. He's banking on whoever she is. He's being backed into a corner. You know we don't do well when that happens."

"Why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because I love you. I always have. I know I've not been the best mother since we adopted you." Shifting in her chair, Mother continued. "Over the past few years, I've seen what good you've done with the company. While I may not agree with the company you keep, you've done a lot for the human race as well. Much more than Lex ever did. Or ever would." Pausing, Mother looked at the truth seeker. "I meant what I said when you defeated the Daxamites. I backed the wrong Luthor."

Hearing my heart rate, Kara placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently. She means everything she's saying. She can't lie with that alien attached. "Thank you."

"While I can't defy Lex publicly, I want to help you in any way that I can. I want to transfer my shares of the company to you. I want to keep my seat on the board but give you enough to outvote anything Lex may try to do." Reaching into her bag, Mother pulled out a thick folder. "Everything has been taken care of. Look this over and let me know what you think."

Taking the folder, I thumbed through it. "I will look it over tonight." Access for her bank accounts, vault, and will is in here. It's been notarized and everything. What is she planning for?

"My lawyer has a copy of everything. No matter what happens, Lex can't argue any of it."

My brow creased. "Why are you doing all of this?"

"Because I trust you more with my life and this company than I do Lex at this point. You were always a brilliant child. Far more than Lex. Because your father gravitated towards you, I gravitated towards Lex. I see that I shouldn't have done that now." Nodding slowly, I took in the information. "I'm aware this isn't going to erase the twenty odd years of emotional trauma I've caused."

"It's a starting point. We'll see where it goes from here." I paused, glancing towards Kara asking a silent question. "While I know you've said you'd never come to Thanksgiving, would you be open to a simple dinner?"

"Yes,"she answered without hesitation. "I would be open to dinner with you and Kara."

"Do you have any more questions?" Alex asked. "I need to get this guy back to the D.E.O. soon."

Studying the older woman, I thought over everything. "No. I think that's all." Nodding, Alex opened the container and placed the seeker back inside.

"So, am I planning anything nefarious?" Mother asked, meeting J'onn's stern expression.

"Not that I'm aware of." He shifted, slightly uncomfortable. "If you truly are changing, I welcome you."

"Thanks," she scoffed.

"Mother," I warned.

"Some things will never change," he chuckled.

Hearing a woman cry out, Kara and I looked towards the window. "I need to go. J'onn, will you assist?"

"I'll get back to the D.E.O. and assist if needed," Alex chimed in.

"Of course." With that, everyone said their goodbyes and left.

Once we were alone, Mother spoke. "Do you believe me a little more now?"

Do I? I want to say yes but there's a feeling in my chest that I can't ignore. "I believe everything you said with the truth seeker on. It will take time for me to trust what you say without one. However, you have to at least be civil towards my alien friends. Especially Kara."

Sighing, the older woman nodded. "I'll do my best. It will be easier for me to accept Kara since she saved your life. I may not agree on the method, but I'm glad you're still alive." Standing, Mother gathered her things. "Will you walk me out?"

"Of course." Locking my office, I told Jess I'd be back shortly.

The walk to the main floor was filled with talk of the upcoming dinner. As we exited the building, a purple portal opened. "You traitor!" Lex yelled, aiming his lexosuit canon.

Everything seemed to happen slowly as Mother yelled, putting herself between Lex and I, and my kryptonite armor activating. My armor finished closing around my face as the green beam hit her in the chest and she fell into my arms. "Mother!" Before I could fully process what happened, Lex was gone.

Kara landed and ran towards us. "What happened?" Her brow creased. "Your armor?"

"Lex," I answered. "He used his canon." Mother tried to speak but I stopped her. "Shhh. Don't. Save your energy."

"Let me take her to the hospital. I can get there faster than an ambulance. Meet us there." I nodded slowly. Standing, I deactivated the armor and watched as the two ascended into the air. This is going to be all over social media. I'll have to come up with some story to address my armor.

When I arrived at the hospital, Kara, dressed in civilian clothes, met me in the main lobby. "They've taken her back. She's not doing well."

My stomach churned as we entered the hospital room. Mother was attached to every type of monitor imaginable. Coming to her side, I fought back tears. "I'm here."

Smiling weakly, Lillian cupped my cheek. "I'm glad I was able to make my peace with you before I died."

"Mother…" My voice cracked.

Looking past me, she became serious. "Take care of my daughter."

"I will," Kara answered softly. "With all that I am."

"Good. Lex is on the warpath. Don't let him win." Taking a ragged breath, Lillian coughed. "I love you, Lena."

"I love you too," my voice shook. As mother became limp and her heart rate flatlined, I set her hand down gently. I could feel the cold calmness start to ease in as nurses came to prepare Mother's body for the morgue.

"What can I do?" Kara asked quietly.

"Call Jess. I'll need to call her lawyer and deal with arrangements." Clearing my throat, I asked if we could be left alone for a few moments. Of course the nurses agreed and closed the door behind them.

Pulling me into a strong embrace, Kara held me as I wept into her shoulder. "I've got you."

Lillian wasn't the best mother by any measure but she sacrificed herself to save me. She gave her life without hesitation to protect me from Lex. In the end, she acted like a mother. Lex will pay for what he's done.