Appreciate the reviews! Hope I have Lena's voice right in this chapter - let me know, thanks! Supergirl is owned by Warner Bros. and DC Comics.

Cat awoke from a very sound sleep, the emergency ringtone she assigned to Alex blaring from her phone. Two-thirty in the morning? What the hell? This had better be good, Agent Scully or your ass is mine. I don't care whether your mother is here or not.

"Ms. Grant … Cat … I need your help! Kara keeps talking about finding Maxwell Lord. It's all I can do to keep her from entering the elevator!"

Cat registered the panic in Eliza Danver's voice. Why does she have Alex's phone? "Where's Alex? Let me talk to her."

"She's out like a light. I've tried to wake her and – NO KARA!"

"I'm on my way down. Have Kara put on her glasses if you can. Remind her she can't leave her floor without wearing them!" Cat ordered grabbing her robe before running to the elevator. "Eliza, are you there? Tell Kara to stay. I'll be there in a few seconds. Tell her we need to talk before she goes anywhere."

Cat could hear Eliza coaxing Kara, "Cat wants to talk to you, Kara. She's on her way right now but you have to let the elevator doors close first. Please, Kara!"

Cat stabbed at the elevator button. Damn! I can't get down there if Kara won't let the doors shut and I can't take the chance she'll leave before I get there! My voice should carry through the elevator shaft.

"KARA! I AM YOUR MASTER! YOU WILL OBEY ME! SIT DOWN ON THE GROUND AND LET THE ELEVATOR DOORS SHUT!"

The sound of the elevator doors closing and Eliza's relieved voice thanking her over the phone let Cat know the situation was somewhat under control. She cleared her throat with a cough as she entered the now waiting elevator. Why the hell is Alex asleep? She knows how fragile Kara's mental state is. We just had a long discussion about it two days ago. She shouldn't have allowed her mother to interact with Kara … ask her questions, without supervision.

"Careful, don't trip," Eliza cautioned as the elevator doors began to open.

Cat was grateful for the warning as she almost stumbled over Kara who was seated directly in front of the elevator.

"I didn't want to try and move her or anything until you got down here," Eliza explained.

"Kara, please move out of my way," Cat rolled her eyes when Kara, still seated on the floor, moved to the left of the door. Cat really hoped Eliza wouldn't remark after her next comment. "Thank you, Kara. That was well done."

Kara beamed up at Cat who promptly threw Eliza a warning look and was surprised that the doctor wasn't carefully observing Kara's reaction. Instead, Eliza was looking distractedly at the door to the suite Alex and Kara shared.

"If you … if you have things under control right now, I'd like to go check on Alex. She's normally a very light sleeper and I'm a little concerned I couldn't wake her up," Eliza was already heading toward the door.

"Go ahead," Cat caught the unease in Eliza's tone. "We'll wait here."

/

"Really tired, mom. I think I have the flu or something. Can't go to school today," Alex mumbled without bothering to try and open her eyes. Geez, I'm tired. And I feel hot. It has to be the flu. Why won't mom stop calling my name? I don't care if Zack Wilson wins the perfect attendance award … well, maybe I do. If I can get through fifth hour that'll count as a whole day then mom can pick me up from school. Yeah, that's what I'll do. "Mom? Can you pick me up after fifth hour? I think I'll go to …"

Eliza watched as her daughter finally opened her eyes, frowned and stopped talking. Holding up and shaking the prescription bottles she found next to the bed she asked, "Alex? Do you want to tell me why you need these? Especially at this strength?"

"Uh … not really."

"Alexandria?"

"Fine," Alex spat out as she gingerly removed her right arm from under a blanket.

"Alex!"

"I already had it looked at but the antibiotics they gave me weren't doing the trick. I figured I'd have it checked out again when we went to the DEO but then that got put on hold so I asked Lucy if she'd drop off something stronger with some pain medication," Alex winced as Eliza gently probed the area near the swollen and discolored bite mark.

"This is serious, Alex. Very serious. Get dressed. We're going to the hospital, now!"

"I can't, mom. I have to watch Kara. She's –"

"She's Cat Grant's responsibility. You are mine and that infection needs immediate medical attention. Should I call an ambulance or do you think you can make it to the car?" Eliza asked.

"I … we can take the car," Alex sighed. She is right. This definitely doesn't look or feel good. "I'll call Cat. She's going to have a fit being called at quarter-to-three in the morning."

"Don't bother. She's already with Kara. I was worried when I couldn't wake you. I called Cat and she came down," Eliza deliberately left out Kara's insistence on finding Maxwell Lord. "She and Kara are in the hallway. I'll tell them we're going to the hospital while you get dressed."

Alex watched her mother leave the room without waiting for a reply. Great, now I really feel like a ten-year-old. What the hell did I do with my pants?

/

Kara felt like she was being split in two. She desperately wanted to go to the hospital with Alex and Eliza. Eliza's curt, "I'm taking Alex to the hospital. I'll call you later," was addressed to Cat, not her. Eliza didn't even look in her direction before ducking back into the suite. When Eliza emerged a few moments later with her arm around Alex's waist, guiding her to the elevator, her focus was totally on her daughter. That Alex wasn't even putting up a token argument in front of her or Cat scared Kara. She couldn't remember a time Alex didn't do at least a little grumbling about how she was "fine" – at least when she was conscious to do so.

The words Eliza used, taking Alex to the hospital and not the DEO, alarmed Kara. Whatever was wrong with Alex was serious enough that Eliza was taking her to the nearest medical facility. Kara was tempted to call out and ask what was wrong but Max had trained her well. She sat quietly waiting for her next instructions from Cat exactly as if she was back in her little room at Lord Tech listening to Max. She wasn't allowed to speak until he allowed it. Her face was set in the carefully schooled blank mask he insisted on until he told her she could stand. Inside, however, she was screaming. Ask something, Cat! Ask Alex or Eliza what's wrong! Did I hurt Alex when I grabbed her arm? She looks really pale and … like she went ten rounds with Agent Jackson and lost. Rao, Cat, ask a damn question! PLEASE!

She wanted to get up and go with them … but she couldn't. Cat ordered her to sit down. She was stuck sitting on the floor next to the elevator until Cat decided otherwise. For the first time since Maxwell Lord claimed her as his, however, she consciously thought about disobeying a command.

The doors of the elevator slid closed. Kara listened for any conversation between Eliza and Alex mentally kicking herself for not listening earlier when Eliza initially went to wake Alex. Why didn't I? Because I felt so damned good that Cat praised my ability to move my butt to another spot on the floor. Nothing else mattered and that … is wrong. Wait, what's Eliza saying?

"… she'll be fine. We need to concentrate on you."

"I guess. I do feel like crap," Alex mumbled. "Did you tell them? I'm kinda embarr-"

"I didn't say a word. Promise," Eliza reassured. "I am surprised that Kara didn't ask. Usually she's –"

"Too far gone, mom," Alex interrupted. "She only cares about Cat and – Dammit! I think I'm going to be sick!"

No Alex! I care about you! I'm so sorry if I hurt you! I –

"I suppose we should try and get some sleep," Cat's voice intruded snapping Kara's focus back to her master. "I'm not leaving you here alone. Grab your pajamas and we'll head upstairs. Don't forget your glasses and cane, either."

Kara scrambled off the floor and went to gather the items. She longed to check out Alex's room for some type of clue as to her medical condition but she couldn't. Cat's instructions hadn't allowed her that freedom. When she returned, Cat was standing next to the elevator holding the doors open.

"Glasses on," she instructed and Kara's world went dark again as she settled the glasses onto her face.

/

"Are you comfortable, sweetie?" Eliza asked looking down at her daughter.

"Yeah, mom, fine. You should go back and check on Kara and get some rest. It's gonna be a while," Alex said pointedly eyeing the IV drip next to her bed.

"I'm staying here, with you," Eliza said as she sat down and proceeded to make herself comfortable in a large chair.

"I still can't believe they're allowing you to stay with me," Alex shook her head secretly pleased her mother had chosen to stay with her, "or that I got a room this fast."

"And a private one," Eliza added as a brief knock proceeded the ER physician who initially treated Alex.

"Hey, Ms. Danvers," Dr. Dave Wyatt said in greeting as he entered the room. "Happy to see you're all settled in."

"Ah, yeah. All settled in. Thanks," Alex returned. "They're letting my mom stay in the room with me, too. Kind of unusual, isn't it? I mean, it isn't visiting hours."

"Oh, well, it's the least we can do for you," the doctor smiled.

"Excuse me?" Alex was confused. She glanced at her mother who looked equally perplexed.

"I recognized you from television. You're the one who stopped Maxwell Lord. Damn, that was the coolest thing ever. That's where he bit you, isn't it? On the forearm? I knew it as soon as I saw you!" Dr. Wyatt practically gushed.

"Oh," was all Alex could think of to say.

"I'd be honored if you'd give me your autograph … for my little girl, I mean," the man fumbled.

"Ah … okay. Tomorrow? After I've had some rest?" Alex said unaccustomed and a little flustered at the doctor's obvious hero worship. That sort of open admiration was usually reserved for Supergirl, not her.

"Tomorrow? Sure, that's fine," Dr. Wyatt nodded and turned to leave. He reached for the door handle, stopped and looked over his shoulder. "I know you'll sleep well in this room, Ms. Danvers. I requested it for you personally as soon as I found out it was vacant."

Alex wasn't sure if there was something in the IV cocktail aside from antibiotics. The doctor's last statement didn't seem to make sense. She frowned, "Not following you, doctor. What's so special about this room?"

"Up until yesterday the name of the patient assigned to this room was Maxwell Lord. Kind of cool, huh? I thought you'd appreciate the irony," Dr. Wyatt smiled broadly and left the room totally oblivious of the death stare Alex sent his way.

/

Cat was relieved when she noticed the marked difference in Kara's facial expression as the two women rode the elevator to the next floor. Gone was the rather unnerving blank mask Kara wore moments earlier – the one eerily similar to how she looked in the courtroom as Cat stood between her and Sgt. Biggs. Her usual expressive countenance was back and she looked … upset? Cat waited for the tirade of words but, as she stepped off the elevator, Kara remained silent. Cat led the way to the suite she and Carter currently occupied.

I shouldn't leave her alone. Not if she was talking about finding Maxwell Lord. She still looks distressed. What the hell did you say to her, Eliza? I don't want to open up that Pandora's Box … not without speaking to Eliza first. Kara doesn't seem to want to talk about it. I'll give her some space. She'll say something when she's ready.

"I think you should sleep in my room, Kara. I don't want Carter to wake you when he gets up in the morning," Cat obfuscated as she walked into her bedroom grabbing a pillow and blanket from her bed. "You may take off your glasses – I don't want you to accidentally break them while you sleep. Here's a pillow and blanket. The couch is yours."

Kara dutifully took the offerings after setting her glasses carefully on the small table on one end of the sofa. She settled onto the couch with a huff. Cat narrowed her eyes at the display of temper as she bit her tongue to avoid saying something that might have unintended consequences. Okay, I think we both need some sleep. Maybe she'll feel like talking in the morning.

"Get some sleep, Kara," Cat said feeling slightly guilty about deliberately issuing an order not strictly necessary.

Kara looked like she wanted to argue but obediently laid her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. Cat listened as Kara's breathing slowed and a peaceful look replaced the stormy expression. Well, at least it was easy to get her to sleep. Hopefully some rest will do her good.

Cat looked longingly at her bed knowing she wouldn't sleep until she received an update from either Alex or Eliza. She poured herself a scotch and made her way onto the small balcony where she stared out at the city while going over the night's events. An hour and two drinks later she received a call from Eliza.

"Alex won't be getting out of the hospital anytime soon. She has a very serious infection from the bite," Eliza sounded as tired as Cat felt. "I'm staying with her."

"I thought she said she was cleared by the medical staff at … where she works. Why didn't she –"

"She was watching out for her sister, Ms. Grant – Cat, to the detriment of her own health." Remorse was evident in Eliza's voice, "It's something I unintentionally taught her to do."

"Are you at National City General? Have they admitted her yet?" Cat asked trying to forestall any further self-reproach by Eliza. It was a feeling she, herself, was intimately familiar with. Maxwell Lord targeted Carter because of her relationship with Supergirl.

"We're at National City General. She's been admitted," Eliza answered. "They're giving her very strong antibiotics intravenously. It'll be at least a week before she's released."

"A week?"

"Yes, a week. It's a very serious infection," Eliza explained.

"Okay, I'll have my personal physician look in on her," Cat said already looking through her phone for the doctor's number. "What's her room number?"

"Um … about that," Eliza hesitated. "She was assigned the same room Maxwell Lord was in – the doctor in the E.R. thought she'd appreciated the irony. She doesn't and neither do –"

"I," Cat finished angrily. Of all the asinine … "Don't worry, Eliza. She'll have a different room within the hour. Tell her to expect a visit from Dr. Tamera Robinson in the morning."

"Thank you. I'll stop by to pick up some clothes later today. I'm staying with her at the hospital, Cat," Eliza's voice was resolute.

"Of course you are," Cat agreed making sure her voice conveyed a strong note of approval.

"You're … you're okay with that? Alex said you'd be upset no one –"

"Alex forgets I'm also a mother. You stay with your daughter. Kara and I will be fine," Cat said reassuringly. "Give Alex my best."

Several telephone calls later, Cat re-entered her bedroom and paused to study the young woman sleeping soundly on the divan in her bedroom. Kara's head was propped up on a pillow borrowed from Cat's bed and her legs were sticking out over the arm of the too short, too soft, sofa. I hope you're Kryptonian body keeps you from having a helluva backache in the morning, Kara. I'll have the hotel procure something a little more comfortable tomorrow. After that, I guess it's time to have a nice long chat about what's going on in that head of yours.

/

Lena could hear the usual heavy Friday late night Metropolis traffic on the streets far below her office balcony as she studied her mother's proposal and smiled. Working with NASA? An exclusive contract? And there are far reaching applications for this technology? What an incredible opportunity!

"Is that smile any indication you wish to join me? Help me to restore the Luthor name? Turn it back into something we can both be proud of?" Lillian cocked her head.

"You're really serious? About this. Us working together?" Lena asked steeling herself for the inevitable letdown that always came when dealing with her mother. She probably means Luthor Corp will work on the problem not actually her and I together. As Luthor Corp's CEO and she needs my approval to work with some of the scientists ... to use our labs. That's all this is – she doesn't really mean she wants to work with me.

Lillian's next words dispelled Lena's thoughts, "Of course. Think of it, Lena. The Luthor women teaming up, working side by side, solving a problem the brightest NASA engineers couldn't. We could very well save lives."

"That's if we can figure out how to protect astronauts from a very intense radiation beam. I heard about the most recent solar flare and the damage the radiation caused the International Space Station," Lena nodded. "I didn't hear about NASA's bidding out the problem to the private sector."

"One of Lionel's old friends, Marcos DuVey, is a project manager for NASA. We've stayed in touch even after your father's death. I called him after … Lex. Asked if there were any way possible Luthor Corp could do some work for NASA. I wanted to clear the family name," Lillian explained. "He told me he'd keep us in mind if something did come up. When this solar flare problem arose and his team was already over budget he called me. Asked me if Luthor Corp is interested. Are we?"

"I think we are. According to the proposal's specifications, NASA is looking for something small, about the size of the visor on an astronaut's helmet to absorb the radiation," Lena scrolled through the proposal again. She bit her bottom lip as her mind already started running through possible ideas.

"That's right. They can't have any energy deflect off and risk hitting anything else. The energy has to somehow be contained. I'm just not sure how to –"

"Small capacitors on either side of the, uh, helmet," Lena didn't bother to look up from her computer and missed the smug smile on Lillian's face.

"I don't know of any capacitors able to handle that amount of sheer energy," Lillian said. "Let alone small enough to fit on either side of a helmet."

"There aren't any," Lena finally looked up from her screen. "That's where Luther Corp comes in."

"No," Lillian corrected. "That's where you and I come in. I'd like to work on this project with you. Really. I've made mistakes, haven't been the mother … haven't supported you like I should have. I have confidence you can do this. I'd like this to be the start of a new, of a better, relationship."

Lena scrutinized Lillian's face unable to find any sign of duplicity. Oh, my god, I think she really means it. She really wants to work together. "I'd … I'd like that but, as CEO of Luthor Corp I have a duty to my stockholders. They –"

"This is not about money. I'll gladly sign away any patent rights, which will probably be worth tens of millions of dollars, to Luthor Corp. This will be very high profile. What better way to signal the change in Luthor Corp? Make it seen as a force for good?" Lillian asked knowing that alone was enough to draw Lena into her plan. She held up a flash drive before setting it down on her daughter's desk. "Here is NASA's data on the solar flare. It is unofficial data. Marcos didn't want to deal with the fall-out if it was discovered he gave Luthor Corp an unfair advantage so all he included were the raw numbers."

Lena reached for the flash drive and stared at it. This is legitimate. No nefarious plot to rule the world, kill Superman or get Lex out of prison. All those years I felt she didn't think I was good enough, smart enough, to be a Luthor. "You're sure?"

"Absolutely," Lillian affirmed with an air of conviction. "I don't think anyone else is capable. There is one caveat, though."

Lena resisted the temptation to let her shoulder's slump. I knew it was too good to be true. Time for the other shoe to drop. Lena's voice was carefully neutral when she asked, "What's the caveat, mother?"

"Marcos was only able to give us a two-week window before the project is offered to other contractors. Then we'll have to –"

"Two weeks?" Lena's voice rose half an octave. "For the entire project? You're not talking about a prototype even. You mean a finished product? One tested and ready for use?"

Lillian raised an eyebrow, "Are you up for the challenge? If not I –"

"No! No, I mean, okay. Yes, we can do this," Lena nodded not nearly as confident as she sounded.

"That's my girl. Lex always said you were more gifted in theoretical and mechanical physics," Lillian watched as Lena almost preened at the comment. "It's time the Luthor women put the past behind them and forged a new future together. Are you in?"

Lena stood up and held out her hand. I can't believe this is happening … it's almost like a dream come true. She really believes in me. "Pleasure to work with you, Dr. Luthor."

Lillian took her daughter's hand and shook it, "The pleasure is all mine, I assure you."

Lena watched as Lillian left the office then inserted the flash drive her mother left with her. Four hours later she glanced at the clock. Three o'clock in the morning. No wonder I can't think straight. I'll catch a few hours of sleep and, hopefully, this will make more sense in the morning. Two weeks – isn't time enough to figure this out but … I have to. This is my chance to prove to her I'm every bit the Luthor that Lex is. She said she believes I can do it … I can't let her down! I'll find the solution!

/

Lillian enjoyed a celebratory glass of wine as she took in the Metropolis skyline from her hotel balcony. She was inordinately pleased with how she handled Lena. Mission accomplished. Lena, my dear, always so transparent … so easy to manipulate when the correct buttons are pushed – the right bait is dangled. I doubt you'll allow yourself much time to sleep in the next two weeks if only to prove yourself worthy of my affection. Always yearning for acceptance – for love. If I didn't know you were, in fact, Lionel's daughter, I'd never believe you were of Luthor blood.

Yes, General Lane, I have the perfect plan for Supergirl. You remember how she expelled all her power when fighting Red Tornado? I'm sure you do … how many millions of dollars did you spend on that worthless piece of metal? My daughter will design something to help drain her powers … a helmet equipped with a specially constructed visor to store Supergirl's immense energy. I'll burn the power right out of her. A regular cell, underground, will keep her powerless … weak. We can subject her to sunlight then force her to expel her energy over and over again, indefinitely. Think of all the knowledge we'll gain, the experiments we can run … I wonder if Kryptonians regenerate an amputated limb?