*Cat's POV*
I was sitting in a penthouse waiting for Carter to pick his last spot to visit before he had to go to college. While waiting for him, I was reading the paper and paid close attention to Kara's articles. Her writing soared over the years and hitting topics that I knew hit close for her. The white slavery ring in Bari, Italy, the poor in India and how they make due with what they have, the war in Afghanistan, the terrorists in Iraq and Iran. The undiscovered animals under the Artic and blown the North Korean government. Kara did wonders and after a year of abroad reporting, she was finally back in National City. I knew she was because of how the papers were coming out. I had asked Lena, once she bought the company, to keep an eye on Kara and keep me up to date with what she was doing. I knew Kara was back at the helm of my company because Lena sent a board meeting picture to me that had Jimmy looking cowed and Kara's smug grin before obviously taking the company to new heights.
"Mom?" Carter called.
"Yes dear?" I asked.
"Can we go visit Kara?" he asked.
Out of everything, he wanted to visit her.
"Why? I'm not complaining, but of everything?" I said.
"Well, she's the one who helped me get into the college and I'd like to see her before I go." Carter said.
"Helped you? When did she do that?" I asked.
"You were busy one day and I just so happened to come across Kara's office. I liked her so I went to say hi. It turned into an almost weekly thing where I'd go sit in her office and we'd look at colleges together. Kara asked me what my interests were and pointed me to the colleges that were good. And when it came down to it, Kara helped me write my resumes and everything." Carter said then he chuckled, "I practically had my own desk in her office. I'd sometimes go there for a bit of peace and quiet to do homework."
I sighed softly and agreed to take him to see Kara. So we returned to National City. I decided to step into my building to see what had changed about it. Carter came with me. The place seemed more techy than usual.
"Cathy." I said to the front desk person.
"Well, hello again Ms. Grant, Carter. How are you?" she said.
"Hello. I'm well. Now what happened here?" I asked.
"Oh, Sunny D came through. James and Lena may be the CEO and CFO in writing but she is the true CEO. Ever since she came back from her reporting abroad trips, she's taken this company and made it a force to be reckoned with. All of us quite enjoy the new rules and regulations she's made. If we have a valid reason why we have to step out so suddenly, she'd let us go no problem. Those who abuse that aren't here. The board meetings are always running smoothly and we have sections of the paper that are geared towards certain audiences. Heck, there's even a comic section for the children to be entertained by since it's a comic about the more public saves of Supergirl. The reporters have multiple topics and each one isn't on the front page of the picture no more than once every rotation. Every reporter has now had a front page article and has brought in more customers. Kara bulked up our computer team and made the paper electronic with perks and everything. With all the money that came in, she began to renovate the floors. The bull pen is awesome now." Cathy said.
I smiled and then headed up to the bullpen. When I stepped out, I saw what she meant. The bullpen had always seemed open but now it was even more open. I heard very familiar voices arguing.
"Kara, I think its a bad idea. What would Clark say?" James said.
"I don't give a crap about what he would say. That man gave up any form of being in my life when he left me. Plus, Cat and Lena both like where this company is going." Kara said.
"Kara, he still thinks what you're doing will get you exposed." James said.
"Really? Exposed? Now he gives a crap? He's just upset that I'm doing much better than him. That and Alex approves." Kara said.
"Kara, he sent me to look out for you, keep you safe. I can't do that if your off to the other end of the Earth. I got used to you being Supergirl even though he didn't want you to." James said.
"I see, both of you feel threatened because I'm doing a much better job than you." Kara said.
"Kara, I'm the CFO. Plus do you really think Ms. Grant would approve? She'd probably demote you back to her assistant." James said.
"Yes." Kara said.
"Looks like someone grew a backbone while I was gone." I said.
Carter went to give Kara a hug. I chuckled when I saw the look on his face when he realized Kara was still taller than him.
"Ms. Grant." Jimmy's voice squeaked.
"Kara, this place is awesome! I mean, it was cool before because mom was running it, but you've taken it to another level." Carter said.
I ignored James' sputtering and turned to Kara.
"Hello Keira." I said.
"Ms. Grant." she said.
"Well done dear. Lena's updates have nothing on what I'm seeing. Care to give me a tour?" I said.
"Gladly. There's a board meeting at two this afternoon so if you'd like you can sit in." Kara said.
Kara offered her arm and I took it.
"Carter my boy, come on. I still have your favorite fidget sphere." Kara said.
Carter smiled and flanked Kara's other side.
"Plus, I think you'll enjoy one more thing." Kara said as she handed him something.
He took it.
"Now, I know you want to open it, I have one for your mom too, but open it in my old office. I spruced things up in there for if and when you decide to drop in and come visit me." Kara said.
"Really?" Carter said.
Kara smiled at him, "Of course. I know you'll have breaks and the university your going to isn't too far from here so when you have breaks and want to get off campus. Come visit. Or call me and I'll come get you."
Carter grinned. I smiled at the picture the two made.
"I have a meeting to get to, Carter, you know your way to my office. Go ahead. All your favorite stuff is in there as I never touched them. When Lena took over, she let me keep my office as well as the other office. Ms. Grant," Kara had a playful smirk on her face, "If you will."
I had the urge to take her arm and I couldn't resist. I followed her to her office where she grabbed what she needed then to the board room. People started filling in early. About fifteen minutes before two, almost everyone was in the room that was supposed to be there. Kara had given me a list of the people in attendance. At my raised eyebrow she just told me to wait and see. She had a mischievous look in her eyes. I looked around at the people and saw an extra person in the room. I was shocked to realize that it was Lena. Lena was dressed in something she would never be caught in or recognized. There were two people missing by the time two rolled around. Just as Kara began the meeting, a female came running in.
"Ms. Danvers. I apologize for being so late. I was just coming back from lunch and I noticed the time. I'm so sorry." the woman said.
"We just started. Where is your department head?" Kara asked.
"I told him of the meeting a day before, four hours before, and an hour before." the woman said.
"Alright. You know the drill Kasey. In the front. Since this is your first time, I wish to talk to you alone after this once you have a chance." Kara said.
"Thank you Ms. Danvers." Kasey said.
While Kara was dressing her down, I took the time to look over my former assistant's obvious wardrobe change. Despite my comments about her wardrobe while she was my assistant, I couldn't help but say she had a decent one. Now it seems she's reserved what I could assume is her formal meeting attire. She was wearing a metallic blue three piece suit with a metallic silver tie. She had on a light gray dress shirt. Her dress shoes were shiny. The suit was obviously tailored to her and it showed off her best assets. Then the startling fact is that she was standing at her full height. She's never stood at her full height. I tuned back into the meeting and I was glad I did because what I saw was glorious. Ten minutes after the meeting started, which Kara had done a lot in those ten minutes, the person we were missing came in.
"Sorry I'm late." he said.
"Ah, no. You know the rules. You're late, you don't get a seat. You can stand by the door and take notes from there." Kara said.
"It's only ten minutes. The email said the meeting started at two." he complained.
"Jackson, give me a valid excuse and we'll see if you can earn your seat." Kara said.
"It's Jason. Get it right. And it's only ten minutes. Meetings always start ten minutes late." the male said.
"You don't get a seat and find out what you missed on your own." Kara said.
The male tried to take a seat but to my surprise, the seat actually disappeared. Kara paid no heed to him as she continued on with the meeting. She went around the table, avoiding Lena and I, and asked what they could work on better. I was surprised that the meeting only lasted an hour. Kara completely ignored the man as he attempted to try and take over the meeting by sending notes around and distracting people.
"I brought a special guest here today. It's unexpected but quite welcome. Everyone please welcome back the founder of CatCo, Cat Grant." Kara said.
I stood up and waved.
"Ms. Grant. If you would be so kind as to tell these aspiring people what made you build this company." Kara called.
"I would be happy to Kara." I said and made sure to use her name.
I gave a short ten minute brief about how I started. How I got places because I never was late. Kasey looked down but Jason grumbled.
"Thank you Ms. Grant. And with that concludes this meeting. Kasey, Jason, stay behind. I wish to talk to you." Kara said.
All the people left, even Lena. I caught her on the way out as I knew Kara had it handled. They were in ear shot after all.
"Well Cat, I knew you knew it was me, what do you think of Kara?" Lena said.
"She's come a long way from that shy assistant of mine. Hell, she holds the record, five years as my assistant." I said.
Lena chuckled, "Yes. I assume you are aware of her exploits?"
There was the undertone of whether or not I was aware of Kara's super exploits and I nodded.
"Since your her mentor, I feel like I should tell you. When Kara came in the first time with Clark, I knew who she was. My brother already knew but he never knew about Kara. Kara's a hidden genius and she picked up the fact I knew quite quickly. We talked and we came to the agreement that I'd pretend I didn't know of her exploits. Kara has a way of breaking down walls." she said.
"Yes she does." I said.
Kasey walked out of the room with a happy look on her face.
"Oh, Ms. Luthor, Ms. Grant." and the woman said.
"Kasey, what do you think?." Lena said.
"Oh, well, it's going to be an adjustment. Not by much. Ms. Danvers told me that she has an idea on who to have as my assistant and will tell me the details later. I was told to just wait out here for her." Kasey said.
I looked in to see Jason getting angry but Kara was calm. Jason was angry enough with the situation that he went to hit Kara, Kasey flinched slightly. She let it land.
"Jason, I do hope that you haven't been treating your people like this." Kara said.
"Well you've been a pain in my ass. You're not even the CEO so I should be fine. I'm a department head anyway." Jason said.
"You no longer are a department head nor do you have a job in this company. I want you out of here by the end of the day." Kara said.
"You can't do that. As I said. I'm a department head. You're just a reporter." Jason said.
"She most certainly is not." Lena stepped in.
"Who are you to hit anyone, much less a woman?" I said as I followed.
Jason paled considerably but then a sleazy smirk came across his face, "I can do whatever the hell I want. I'm the department head and I can influence the decisions the CEO makes. If she doesn't like it, well, I have my ways."
"Jackson, where are your glasses?" Kara asked.
"Glasses? I don't need glasses. I'm the one with twenty twenty vision. You're the one who's blind if you can't see that I can take this company back to it's glory days." Jason said.
"And who's the one who made the advancements lately? I do believe the renovations were my idea. Plus, Lena Luthor and Cat Grant both like the way this company is heading." Kara said.
"Lena Luthor? She's not even here. Cat Grant stepped down. I don't care." Jason said, "and it's J-A-S-O-N not Jackson. Jason. Ah, Mr. Olsen. I do believe your right on time."
"What seems to be the problem?" James asked.
"These hot ladies are telling me that I am fired. They have no grounds. I was only ten minutes late to a meeting." Jason said.
"Kara, I thought I told you to stop this. I am the one who makes the final decisions, not you." James said.
"Jimmy, everyone knows that you're merely the CFO on paper. Also, I don't believe you were ever meant to take over this company. Lena is the CEO and she makes the decisions. You were the second choice on who was supposed to take over for Cat Grant." Kara said.
"No you weren't. You were Cat's mere assistant who couldn't do anything, then whined about your reporting job. I'm surprised that Snapper hasn't fired you." Jason said.
"Tell me then Jimmy, Jackson. If you can answer this, then I'll consider your words as meaningful. What does a salad with extra dressing mean when Cat orders it?" Kara said with a smirk.
Kara turned to Lena in their silence, "Lena, Jackson's termination file is on your desk waiting for your approval. I have multiple accounts on his behavior and a lengthy one from his assistant. Her promotion packet is on your desk as well. She works much better than him and is always on time. She had let me know of his whereabouts before the meeting."
"Why would it be on her desk? It should be on mine. I'm the one who does that Kara. Also, a salad with extra dressing is just extra dressing." James said.
"Damn, I knew I wear things that people can't even begin to see me in but to be unrecognizable? I should wear this when I go out more." Lena said.
Kara chuckled, "Oh please, your eyes give you away Lee. And Jimmy, that answer is wrong. She may have called me names, but I knew what she meant. Cheeseburger with extra fries from Big Belly Burger and a large Dr. Pepper."
"Speaking of promotions, I believe this is yours." Lena said.
Lena handed over a file I recognized as one I handed Kara when I promoted her to reporter. Kara opened it up and smirked.
"Lena, why thank you. I do believe that I have some trash that needs to be taken out." Kara said as she placed the folder in my hands.
"Carter Grant front and center!" Kara shouted at the top of her lungs.
I was surprised when my son came charging in and stood right in front of Kara with a grin.
"Present!" he said with a responding grin.
"As CatCo's newest CEO. I believe an opening for the assistant to the architecture department head has opened. If you wish, you may be a part time assistant, what with your schooling and everything." Kara said.
"Yes ma'am. Who's the department head?" Carter asked.
"That would be me." Kasey came up with a small smile.
"Hi. I'm Carter. Nice to meet you." Carter said as he OFFERED his hand.
"I'm Kasey Cooper." the same one from the meeting said.
James and Jason both looked dumbfounded.
"When was this established and why wasn't I notified?" James said.
"Yeah." Jason said.
"Jimmy, I do believe your old position as the Dailey Planet's photographer has opened up again. Perry has graciously accepted your return to work as you no longer have a job here at CatCo Worldwide Media. I talked with him and told him that it would take you a while and he agreed just so long as you were back to Metropolis by the end of this week, he won't fire you." Kara said. "As for you Jerry, I have security combing through each and every one of your files as well as having Detective Maggie Sawyer interviewing each and every one of your employees to verify their findings."
"Jason Buckerton, you are under arrest for coercion, corporate espionage, and assault. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." Maggie Sawyer came in and arrested Jason. She read him his rights as he was led out of the building.
"Now that that is taken care of, Lena, I will set up my office tomorrow. I have company to entertain tonight." Kara said.
I turned to Carter to find that he was working out the terms of agreement with Kasey. Carter has really grown up. At the time, I thought having Kara watch him that one time the babysitter was unavailable was going to be a disaster, but now it was the best thing ever. Ever since, Carter had latched onto Kara and with her help, he came out of his shy shell. He wasn't afraid of the bullies at school nor showing his genius brain. Whenever he could, which was whenever he was to go with his dad, he asked if Kara could watch him. Kara always was available for him and she gave him to tools to succeed in his school. He even complained to me that the teachers never explain science and math the way Kara does. In fact, I've caught him sneaking into Kara's office just to ask her to teach him. He was always asking Kara if she would help him with both math and science projects. Even if he didn't latch onto Kara that quickly, what sealed the deal for me is when Carter had a silent day after spending the night at his father's place. I brought Carter into work with me that day because I wasn't expecting to have him as he was supposed to be with his dad. I told Kara the plan but she just grinned and told me that she would watch him. I knew Carter would want to stay by me that day but when I mentioned that Kara was going to watch him, he beamed. He didn't say anything but waved at Kara. Kara signed at him and the smile grew. He signed back and Kara led him away to her office. When I came to get Carter for lunch, I was stunned when I found my boy giggling that turned into full on laughter. I didn't want to disturb whatever was making him laugh so much but I wanted to know so I poked my head in. Kara was doing an impression of me, which by the way was spot on, Carter was rolling in his seat laughing. He TOLD Kara that it was awesome and to do him next. It took me hours to get Carter to feel comfortable enough to just text on his quiet days, but it looked like Kara needed only minutes. Kara then picked him up and whispered something in his ear and he gasped. He asked her again and she nodded. I never knew what that was about but that's when I found how close Carter really is with Kara. The first time he asked me to proofread his entry essay to MIT, I was so proud. I happily took it and read it. It was beautiful and he told me that it was because he learned from the best. He let me hug him and kiss his head. Kara had gotten him to open up more around me.
Back to the present, Kara was talking to Kasey who looked a little nervous. Kara pulled Kasey away and I turned to Carter.
"Carter," I said.
"Yes mom?" he asked.
"How was it?" I asked.
"It's awesome. Once Kasey is settled, and I'm settled in to college, I'm going to be working for her part time. She'll have another assistant for when I'm not here and when I can't because of school stuff. This is sweet! Not only do I get to work for one of my favorite people ever, I also get a headstart in getting experience in my field. Plus, I'll have pocket money and start a savings." Carter said.
"Your favorite?" I asked with a teasing grin.
"Uh, yeah. Kara's the new CEO. I knew why you didn't put her there at first, but she's ready now." Carter said.
"Why didn't I put her there?" I asked him, wanting to know.
Carter smirked and just pointed at the little crest on his collar. It was Supergirl's coat of arms. He knew. He knew Kara was Supergirl. Kara came back and looked at us.
"You two ready to leave?" Kara said.
"Yes please." Carter said.
We left and headed for Kara's home. Once we were there, Kara offered drinks.
"Hot chocolate please!" Carter called. "Other places don't do your's justice."
I shrugged and nodded at Carter to say that I wanted the same thing. Kara just chuckled and made the drinks. Once drinks were in hand and we were all sitting in the living room, Carter opened his gift. It was a watch that was in the shape of Supergirl's coat of arms.
"Carter, this works as a regular watch just with some upgrades. It has hidden compartments that I know you'll love to find. I will leave you the joys of finding the hidden compartments and the necessary means to open said compartments. I will tell you what is in them though so you don't have to guess at what they are. The hidden compartments hold things that you normally would never have. Outwardly, I have hidden common tools for you. A ziptie or duct tape cutter, a shim if you ever find yourself in handcuffs, pepper gel spray, taser, and flashlight. The more uncommon ones are a bow staff, grappling hook and zipline combo, and gps. No one is to ever know you have these items. None moreso than those in the hidden compartments. This watch is special in the means that it is genetically encoded to you personally. The watch and the items inside will not work for anyone besides you. In the hidden compartments is the lowest tiered omegahedron, a card that links to my personal account, and finally the emergency button needed to call me. In no way shape or form are the hidden items to be used unless it is a dire emergency. The omegahedron is a powersource, the card is for when you are in financial trouble that is not caused by you. Of course the beacon is for when you need my help. Off of those topics, the band of the watch holds a tiny symbol. If you are dealing with a hostile alien, show them the symbol. If they calm down be polite as they recognize an ally of the Chatelaine. They will not mess with you for fear of defying the peace between their race and mine. If they don't, get their name and tell them that the Warlady of the House of Ze will be in contact with them." Kara said.
"Thank you Kara." Carter said.
"And one more surprise, with this watch, I am officially making you my little brother and that no one messes with my little brother." Kara said.
Carter launched himself at Kara and hugged her.
"Carter, there's something else in that package." Kara said.
Carter looked in the package and pulled out a crystal on a chain, a tablet, and a phone.
"That chain is made from Nth metal, the strongest metal known to the universe as even the strongest beings won't be able to break it. The crystal is encoded to you as it is an empty information crystal. It is for you to store personal projects on without the fear of the file being corrupted. If the file is corrupted, the crystal will download the original file. The tablet, also encoded to you, is compatible with all Earth programs and run them much smoother. The crystal will hold all your files. To others the tablet will look like a human tablet. To you, it works like your favorite thing to mess with while you were with me. You know how the keyboard works. Your phone acts in a similar manner. It is compatible with all cellphones so you can make calls. The best part is that you don't have to pay for data coverage as it runs without data or wifi. So that is one less bill to pay. For you, the keyboard is your favorite." Kara said.
"Is that why you manage?" I asked her, "the tablet and phone you use is the same. I'm assuming Alex has the phone."
Kara smiled, "I've made you one too. Just until your used to the keyboard, it will remain a qwerty keyboard."
"Whats the different key…?" I cut myself off when I saw Carter already moving everything from his old phone to his new one. He was entering data with one hand, "Nevermind."
Kara giggled and handed me one as well. She handed me a similar looking watch to Carter's and told me that in the hidden compartments are the same but with adjustments. I enjoyed the rest of the night because Carter dragged out Settlers of Catan and we played. Kara crushed us then she and Carter played chess and checkers. Then the two of them played Mario Kart. Soon enough, Carter and I stayed the night and headed home in the morning. Kara helped Carter move into his school's dorm and get settled. Once he was set, Kara and I headed back to CatCo and set Kara up in my office. It was quite fun to see James and Jason banned from CatCo as James tried to come back into the building to 'visit' but security stopped him in his tracks.
AN: I quite enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope you all liked it too.
I have the finale of the Ink Master series in the works. I decided to have the mythology set as the final piece.
Any one shot idea's please put in the reviews of the chapter that says one shot ideas or pm me. I may or may not do them. I probably won't do any social media ones either as I don't particularly care for them other than youtube.
Thank you, ~Immortalshark.