CHAPTER TWENTY: 'The DEO'
LENA BLINKED ONCE. Then twice. The ceiling above her wasn't hers, or Sam's. It was foreign.
Bright lights flashed into her eyes harshly, before she slowly sat up and took in her surroundings.
She was on a bed. A bed that was attached to the wall like it would be in a prison cell. Was she in prison?
Certainly not. Seeing as though she was behind glass, rather than bars. As if she was on display, rather than held captive. Maybe both.
The room outside the cell, looked highly advanced in regards to technology. A keypad was sitting on the wall next to the door, suggesting only a code would enable the doors to open.
And they did.
A dark skinned man entered, dressed in black and had three stars on his collar. Definitely a government organisation. "You're awake."
"And I see you have eyes." Lena said, sarcastically.
"I'm Director Hank Henshaw. Head of the DEO. Also known as the Department of Extraterrestrial Operations."
The girl crossed her arms. "Is this…" she gestured to the cell with one of her arms, while the other stayed at her middle, "necessary?"
"Unfortunately, yes." The director folded his arms.
"Why's that?" Lena asked cooly. "I don't believe I'm a threat. Nor, have I been guilty with a committed crime."
"How about murder?" A new voice said at the door. Alex.
"You shouldn't be here." Hank said gruffly, although unsurprised at the sudden intrusion.
Lena narrowed her eyes at the girl, and realised she still had vervain in her system, due to her inability to hear her approaching. "And do you have proof of this, Miss Danvers?"
"That's Agent Danvers, to you." Alex said, ignoring her director who sighed, knowing the redhead will stay as long as she damn well pleased.
Lena couldn't help but have some respect for the girl. Blinded from the truth, yes, but still respected her for her loyalty and courage for what she believed in.
"How about the murders in Midvale ten years ago? Or Metropolis? Are you aware that they're happening again in National City?" Agent Danvers interrogated, fire in her eyes. "It's not a coincidence these murders began when you showed up."
"Ten years ago I was in Italy, where I spent five years studying the history and archaeology of Pompeii and Herculaneum." Lena explained, "an interesting yet, terrible tragedy in history if you asked me. I mean, it was a little bit of a mini holiday, you can check with the receptionists at the Bosco De' Medici resort." She snarkily added, "that is, if they're bothered to check files from ten years ago."
She hated this side of her. This side being sarcastic, cocky and narcissistic. It reminded her of Lex, and all she can think about was if she'll ever fall off the tracks like her brother.
This side to her, was her exterior. Her defence. A much darker, sadistic humour, as opposed to her banter she'd share with Kara.
"You see?" Lena said when both agents were quiet in through. "You've got the wrong…" no, not girl, not vampire. "Luthor." She snided.
"And Metropolis?" The director asked.
"Never heard of Metropolis until I came to National City."
Hank turned to face Alex. "Agent Danvers, a word?"
Lena smirked, when Alex glared at her before leaving the room. Lena trained her hearing as hard as she could, only picking up a bit of their conversation.
"You said you had conclusive evidence."
"I did."
"A damn name isn't justifying anything, Alex."
"She's a vampire, is she not?"
The director sighed. "I love you, Alex. You're like my daughter. But you can be so caught up in wanting to believe what you want, rather than facing the truth."
"Sir, we can—"
"No, Alex. What if she is innocent? Have you ever thought about that?"
"She's a suspect!"
"An innocent one."
The doors opened again, and Lena looked at them innocently. "Am I free to go, Director Henshaw?"
"You will be, after a few questions. Agent Danvers will be escorting you to the interrogation room. She'll take it from there." Hank said, turning to exit the room. He stopped, "I trust you will be on your best behaviour." He said in Alex's ear, who nodded firmly.
The glass in front of Lena opened, allowing her to step out of the cell.
Alex handcuffed Lena with vervain handcuffs, rendering her strength and burning her wrists in the process. "So, you're finally hearing me out." Lena quipped, the burning sensation not bothering her as much as it should.
Alex said nothing and escorted her out of the room. Lena took in her surroundings. Many people that were dressed in black, was either wearing an earpiece or holding a tablet or seated in front of a computer at the control panel.
A bunch of screens were on display, showing aerial views of the country, the news and other statistical information.
"Do aliens really exist?" Lena asked.
"Yes."
Lena just shrugged, "I mean, I am a vampire so, no surprise there."
Alex rolled her eyes, as they finally reached their destination.
She attached the handcuffs to the table in the room and sat opposite of Lena.
"Where's Lex Luthor?" Alex asked, getting straight to the point.
"No, 'what are your intentions with my sister?'"
Alex leaned over the table. "Enjoy it while it lasts." Lena had to admit, that did hurt her a bit. But she didn't show it.
"My brother is in National City. He's the one responsible for the murders. Well, technically, his little army of vampires."
"He's building an army?"
Lena rolled her eyes, "I just said that."
Alex scoffed, "and how do I not know you're apart of it? Why are you throwing your brother under the bus so easily?"
"I told you before, Alex. The only thing we have in common is our last name."
Alex leaned back into her seat. "So, where is he?"
"I don't know." Alex narrowed her eyes at Lena. "I honestly don't."
"You're my only lead to him. If not, an accomplice." Lena scoffed at that. "How many times has he spoken to you?"
"He showed up at my apartment once. Prior to that, he stalked me, while I was… stalking your sister." Lena said awkwardly.
"Excuse me?"
"I only wanted to ensure she got home safely." Lena reassured calmly. "He mentioned your father."
"I'm not talking to you about him." Alex said sternly. "I'm here to take down the monster responsible for these murders."
"And yet you're interrogating the wrong person." Lena sighed. She had no other choice but to try and form an alliance with the DEO.
She didn't like the idea, especially when they drugged and captured her. But like Sam said, an enemy of the enemy is a friend.
"I told you, I can tell you all I know. His plans, his next move. But you have to believe me when I say that I had nothing to do with those innocent people dying," Lena said earnestly. "You have to learn to trust the thing you hate most." The vampire knew she was alluding to Jeremiah being a vampire.
Alex's mocha eyes hardened. Her facial expression mixed between contemplation and fear.
Fear that she could be wrong. Fear that this one decision can ruin all that she knew about vampires. That they can be the good guys.
"A double agent." Alex muttered, and Lena nodded.
"Let me help you take my brother down."
Alex folded her arms. She wasn't in the position to recruit Lena on some undercover mission. She also didn't fully trust Lena either, but if Lena wanted kill her, she would have by now.
She wondered what her father would do in this situation.
"So his army is responsible for National City. Was it him that was responsible for Midvale?" There was a pause, and Alex knew Lena was keeping something from her. "How do you expect me to trust you working with us, if you're hiding something?"
Lena looked away, "I'm afraid if I tell you the answer, you'll tell Kara."
Alex didn't need her to vocalise it. She knew. "Lex killed Kara's parents, didn't he?"
Lena nodded. "I had nothing to do with it, I swear on my life."
Alex held her hand up to stop Lena from talking, the gesture resembling Kara's. "Your life means nothing to me, Luthor." Alex sighed, as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "I don't know what to do." She admitted softly.
"Let me help you." Lena insisted.
"How?" Alex asked, "how the hell am I supposed to trust you after what you've just told me?" Alex shook her head, as if she was at a loss. "And how do I continue lying to my sister? Let you be with her, while you're lying to her too?" She sounded desperate, begging for answers almost, and Lena felt for her.
At least now, the two had something in common. Guilt. Lena knew exactly how Alex felt. The guilt and the fear of Kara never forgiving either of them.
The raven haired vampire spoke calmly, "Alex, we both hate the idea of lying and forging an alliance. But it's for her protection. The real threat is Lex and you know it." Lena leaned forward, "Please. I don't want her to face the truth from either one of us. We can tell her together."
Alex paused, thinking of her sister and what would be the best solution so Kara wouldn't spiral. "We'll tell her together." She settled on. Kara was all facts and truth. She knew her sister hated people beating around the bush.
Alex uncuffed Lena and they both settled in awkward silence. Was this the beginning of their… acquaintanceship?
"What uh, what are your intentions with my sister?"
Lena snorted. "Really?" She deadpanned.
"Well, I don't like you so you better give me one hell of an answer."
"I know you don't like me, but I really like Kara. She's lucky she has you for a sister."
Alex arched a brow, "even if said sister dislikes you?"
"Even then." Lena grew quiet. "I compelled her."
"You what?"
She may as well lay everything out on the table if she were to work with Alex. Well, not everything.
"She figured out what I am, Alex. It wasn't safe for her to know." Lena sighed. "The man driving the truck that almost hit Kara, was compelled by Lex. He wanted to get to me."
Alex listened intently, during a moment of silence. "Thank you."
Lena furrowed her brows, "what for?"
"For saving Kara's life."
Lena smiled. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat." The response was immediate, and both Lena and Alex thought of the same thing.
Perhaps the vampire's intention with her sister extended more than just a 'girlfriend' or whatever they wanted to call themselves.
Perhaps Lena also intended to be Kara's guardian angel in disguise.
"Can I ask you one more thing?"
"You just did."
"Do you regret turning into a vampire?" Alex said, ignoring Lena's antiques.
Lena thought about the question, her steps faltering a little,"no."
"Who turned you?" Alex probed deeper.
Lena sighed, "that is a mystery to me." It bothered Lena that she didn't know who turned her, but it was also a relief. "I don't remember my human self if I'm honest. But if my human life was a hellhole, and being a vampire offered me sanctuary then, I'm glad I turned."