Supergirl, Season 4

Alex:
We seem to be having a communication problem.

Brainy:
Oh no, I assure you I understand every word that comes out of your mouth.

Alex:
Yes, but you are not comprehending it. Otherwise you wouldn't've spent the last three months acting like a grain of sand in my boot.

Brainy:
Oh, I guess that does sound annoying.

Alex:
Yes. Every time I tell you to do something, you either do too little or too much.

Brainy:
Yes, but I felt...

Alex:
This isn't the Legion. Okay, you don't get to just go rogue whenever you feel like it. So from now on, you don't leave this building, you don't breathe, unless I tell you to. Is that understood?

Brainy:
Affirmative.

Alex:
Good. [leaves]

Brainy:
May I breathe now?

Nia Nal:
You wanted to see me?

Kara:
Yeah, I was just checking in. I know James asked the new reporters to pitch him a list of story ideas. Did you pick an article?

Nia:
Yes. Uh, the feature on National City's new fashion district.

Kara:
Really?

Nia:
You don't think it's a good idea?

Kara:
It's fine. It's just I read on your résumé that you have a degree in international relations from Georgetown. Are you sure you don't want to do something with a little more heft?

Nia:
There's nothing slight about fashion, Kara. It's one of the most visceral forms of art. What we choose to wear tells a story about who we are. Whether you wear black and leather or pastels and silk, you're creating an inner version of yourself whether you realize it or not.

Kara:
Never really thought about clothes that way.

Nia:
Well, what makes this story so exciting is that the fashion district's setting up shop in the middle of East City. New legislation is allowing designers to live and work in industrial spaces that have been abandoned for decades. An area that's been a hotbed for crime is going to be infused with color and life. I just think of all the kids growing up in that neighborhood, all the new job opportunities that'll be created. The fashion district article I wanna write about isn't about clothes. It's about community and growth. And hope.

Kara:
You need to pitch the article exactly like that to James. He's gonna love it.

J'onn:
I've been trying to tell you, the climate towards aliens is changing.

Supergirl:
Yeah. Yes, I agree it is, but for the better. And yes, there will always be extremists like whoever attacked the bar, but overall, I think this country has made incredible progress. The president is about to celebrate the second anniversary of the Alien Amnesty Act, and for the first time on Earth, aliens are embraced as citizens with equal rights...

J'onn:
Which is part of the backlash. The assimilation with aliens has sparked fear among many humans. And aliens are feeling the brunt of that anger.

Supergirl:
I'm an alien, and I've been all over the world recently, and I've never felt more love.

J'onn:
Part of the reason why you're embraced as a hero is because you present as human. Most aliens do not share that privilege. I'm afraid your experiences are not the best barometer here.

Supergirl:
I'm embraced as a hero because I'm good at my job. And I really don't appreciate you questioning my judgment.

J'onn:
I'm just trying to offer you a different perspective.

Supergirl:
J'onn, you left the D.E.O. So maybe now it's time you leave protecting the city to me.

Kara:
You were right, about the crimes. They were motivated by hate. And there's a web of people...

J'onn:
Now that you know what's happening, you can fight it, Kara.

Kara:
But I need your help. They're going to attack the alien summit. Help me keep it safe, and then help me take on the rest of this movement, because it is bigger than anything I have ever fought. The people involved in it are like the people I save every day. A villain, I know how to stop, but these people...

J'onn:
I'm sorry, but I cannot fight with you. Not this time.

Kara:
But... but you have to. You were the first person to see this. You... who yelled at me to open my eyes, so how can you not join me now?

J'onn:
Because it's no longer my path to fight. When my father passed, he gave me a message: live as H'ronmeer taught and promote peace. I cannot do that whilst wielding a sword. I will help those in need, and I will be a voice for change like Dr. Vose. I will support you, Kara, but I cannot join your battle. I'm sorry.

Marsdin:
I'm sorry, Supergirl, but I can't, I won't cancel the summit.

Supergirl:
The Graves siblings are dangerous operatives. I'm afraid of what they could do to you and your alien guests.

Marsdin:
So am I, but there's always someone to be afraid of. Some force, some threat, that is beyond our control. And yet, we carry on. A leader who caves to fear is no leader at all.

Supergirl:
Are you sure resigning is necessary? There must be another way.

Marsdin:
My presidency is in violation of Article II of the Constitution. If I stay and fight impeachment, it will only cause more chaos and turmoil.

Supergirl:
You've done so much good. People need to remember that. Every step of your presidency promoted compassion, and equal rights for all.

Marsdin:
To be honest, there is a part of me that is relieved. Hiding who I am, it's taken its toll.

Supergirl:
I can understand that. Mercy Graves exposed you because she wanted to fan the flames of fear and hatred. And I will stop her. I promise you that. And once she's exposed, people will realize they never had to fear you.

Marsdin:
Fear can create monsters where none existed before. Remind the world that there is still goodness here. Be that beacon of hope that we still need.

Supergirl:
I won't let you down, Madam President.

Kara:
I had no idea your brother's history with Mercy went back this far.

Lena:
Yeah. Mercy started out as his head of security, but over time she became his closest confidant and frequent dinner guest.

Kara:
I knew Lex had a close relationship with her, but I-I had no idea you did.

Lena:
Growing up, my mother was very critical of me, as you know. She wasn't very helpful with the life stuff. Then Mercy came into our lives and she kind of took me under her wing. She taught me how to act, how to dress, how to always reach for the biggest gun. She was almost like a big sister. Almost.

Kara:
Was it hard for you after she left Lex?

Lena:
Yeah. I felt abandoned. But I really can't blame her. Truthfully, I blame Lex entirely.

Kara:
What happened between them?

Lena:
Mercy grew frustrated because Lex was so hyper-focused on Superman. He lost sight of the bigger picture. She felt intelligence wasn't enough, that humans needed to develop even greater powers and abilities than aliens.

Kara:
That sounds unhinged.

Lena:
Yeah. But I don't disagree with her main point. [seeing Kara's look of surprise] Well, why can't humans be as powerful as aliens?

Nia:
I just witnessed a business owner refuse to serve an alien, and then assault him.

James:
Yeah. We're getting a lot of calls like that lately. And it... it's good for us to follow up on these types of stories, so that people know how these businesses are treating aliens.

Nia:
Absolutely, but... it's bigger than that. Mr. Olsen, I really think we need a statement from our Editor-in-Chief. Aliens are being subjected to hate crimes like never before.

James:
It is horrible, which is why we are reporting on this kind of stuff. We are. But... I have to think strategically. And this is not the best time for me to write an editorial.

Nia:
I know you've been under a lot of scrutiny since unmasking as Guardian. You have another chance to fight for justice, now.

James:
Okay, please. What's on your mind?

Nia:
You may not know this about me, but I am a transgender woman. I know what it's like to be... attacked and denied because of who I am. When I saw that alien being attacked, I couldn't let it pass. I... I had to stand up, hold a mirror to that bully's face. And I made a difference. And that was just one person. You are the Editor-in-Chief of CatCo Worldwide Media. You can hold a mirror up to the entire city. We have to show people that violence against aliens is not okay, and that the only way we are going to survive is if we start truly seeing each other.

James:
Thank you, for sharing your truth, and your passion. But there's something else that I want you to understand, too, is that our readers that share our values already know that we support aliens.

Nia:
Well, what about the others?

James:
We're trying. We're... we're reaching over the aisle. If I editorialize too soon, they're just gonna call us biased. They're gonna prejudge us. Look, I've been doing this a long time, and the only way to reach people is through balanced reporting.

Nia:
When innocent people are being attacked, it's not about balance. It's about justice.

Mercy Graves:
Do you remember when you were afraid to show Lex your little inventions? That you would hide them from him until they were absolutely perfect. Do you remember what he would do?

Lena:
Yeah. He'd say they were cute and I should make them in pink.

Mercy:
This is exactly what he was afraid of. That you would outshine him. I know that you wanna resist, but you are just like me. You don't just wanna be the best, you are the best.

Lena:
Oh, I know I'm the best. You're the one not living up to your full potential. You've chosen a side. I'd never do that.

Mercy:
All you care about is lining your pockets.

Kara:
Yeah, also she's not a murderer, so...

Mercy:
Maybe that's just because she hasn't tried it yet.

Supergirl:
Fellow citizens of America, these are complicated times. Some of you are confused, many of you are scared. You just found out that the President of the United States is not from northern Iowa like you thought. She's from a planet somewhere out in the vast universe. Many of you feel betrayed because you were lied to. President Marsdin took responsibility for that. She resigned from office. But the fear that's spreading in this country like wildfire isn't because the president lied. It's because she comes from someplace different. All of you know that I am also from a different place, another planet. But I've lived here long enough to know that it doesn't matter where we were born, because we are all the same. The character of a person, or alien, is not defined by where we are from, but by what we do. The people that exposed President Marsdin wanted to divide us. They want us to turn on one another, live in fear, grow in hate. But I know we are better than that. I know we can work together with love and respect, treat our neighbors with kindness. I'm an alien, and I love this planet that I am proud to call home. I want what we all want: to be a good American. I will stand by the new administration as this nation begins to heal. And I'll continue to protect my friends and neighbors just as I always have. I hope you will all do the same.

Peter Lockwood:
We lost the Luthor Corporation contract last week.

Ben Lockwood:
What?

Peter:
I had to shutter two blast furnaces. Takin' on statue commissions just to make ends meet.

Lockwood:
What if you retrofitted the factory to process Nth metal? You could re-train your employees.

Peter:
This town was built on steel. American steel. You rip out that foundation, and everything will crumble around it. You mark my words.

Lockwood:
People thought textiles would be the end of modern society, but the Industrial Revolution, it created unprecedented opportunities...

Peter:
I'm not one of your students, Ben. And I'll remind you, it was called a revolution for a reason. And I'll also remind you that steel is what paid for that fancy college education of yours that you only wanna use when you wanna condescend to your old man.

Lockwood:
Worth every penny. Right, dad?

Peter:
Not so much.

Lockwood:
Nativist. A term often used in a derogatory fashion to describe those who fear the other. Question for you. What's wrong with those who wish to protect their homes from the outsiders?

Alien Student:
Well, America is a country of immigrants.

Lockwood:
Yes, but that's always been controversial. You see, in 1775, Benjamin Franklin himself writes of his own fears of immigrants, whom he warned "The immigrant will never adopt our language or customs any more than he can acquire our complexion."

Alien Student:
Franklin was talking about German immigrants back when America was still a British colony. I don't see how it applies to anything.

Lockwood:
Oh, I can see why this, uh, point of view would be problematic, especially since we are talking about human immigrants; human immigrants who, in the past 200 years, made America great no matter what their complexion. But now, we welcome immigrants not only from outside our borders, but from beyond our atmosphere, so let me just ask you, how does the human worker compete? Anyone? How does the human worker compete against an alien who could lift two tons of steel over its head without even breaking a sweat? How does the human worker compete against an alien that can fly goods from one coast to the other, leaving our trucks to rust away in the sand?

Another Student:
[confused] Sorry, professor, what page are we on?

Lockwood:
Ben Franklin's fears have come to pass. The modern immigrant cannot assimilate, and it's not a question of desire, it's not a question of culture. It is a question of biology, and from that context... [an alien student, insulted, stands and leaves] From that context, I should be proud if you were to call me a nativist.

Alien Student:
This... isn't nativism. It's xenophobia.

Lockwood:
Well, I can't say I'm surprised to hear that from someone with your complexion.

Lockwood:
Sometimes things happen in life that we can't explain. Like a good man being sent to an early grave. And when, not if, these things happen, it can make us feel like we want to give up. So, I'm very happy to, uh, read to you my father's favorite quote. Well, it's the only quote he knew. Winston Churchill. "Never give in." "Never give in. Never, in nothing, great or small, large or petty, except in considerations of honor and good sense. Never yield to force, or the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy that confronts you. Never. Never, ever, give in."

Mercy:
People love you, Ben. You have a rare gift of communication, like Franklin Roosevelt or Mussolini. The people I work with, they don't have such gifts. But I think if we could all work together, we could make this country a much better place.

Lockwood:
How?

Mercy:
We're gonna expose the president as a liar, a fraud, and an alien.

Lockwood:
Read a little 4chan, do ya?

Mercy:
I can understand why you wouldn't believe me. But can you imagine if we proved it was true? How that would change the world?

Lockwood:
Well, that's a nice dream, but, um, I don't even know who you are.

Mercy:
Mercy Graves. And that's my brother, Otis.

Otis Graves:
[rolling down the limo's driver partition] What's up?

Mercy:
[offering Ben a folder] And most importantly, this is Fiona. Part-time bartender, full-time alien rights activist. Don't be fooled by the lipstick. Beneath the disguise, she's a monster. One who is organizing other monsters to defend themselves against us. But that's okay. Because some of these creatures have skills we can use. So what do you say? Besties?

Lena:
Where is she?

Alex:
She's this way. Hey, listen, I know that you and Supergirl, you don't always see eye to eye on everything, but it means a tremendous amount to us, to... to me, that you're always here when we need you the most.

Lena:
People underestimate me, but I care. I really do.

Agent Taylor:
[freeing two aliens from custody] Okay. Make it look convincing.

Mercy:
It's gonna look real convincing. [shoots Taylor]

Agent Raymond Jensen:
I thought we didn't kill humans.

Otis:
He wasn't human. He was loose ends.

J'onn:
Man, you picked the wrong house.

Manchester Black:
Don't think so. Man your age lives alone. No personal history to be found. A bit dodgy, that. Red flags. So, tell me, J'onn J'onzz, how do you know Fiona?

J'onn:
You're her fiancé.

Manchester:
That I am. Luckiest man in the world. Only Fiona dropped off the radar. Not like her. And you seem to have spent some time following her about.

J'onn:
Fiona is just a friend.

Manchester:
Well, friend, I'll ask you once more. Where is she?

J'onn:
[his eyes glowing red as Black grabs him] Today is not the day to push me.

Manchester:
Not from around here, are we? Relax, man. Weren't going to hurt you.

Lockwood:
I seem to recall you telling me that Supergirl was dead.

Otis:
We never said it was official.

Mercy:
We'll make her dead. The plan still stands.

Lockwood:
Well, your plan is small.

Mercy:
Excuse me?

Lockwood:
You want to show people that aliens are monsters. That's good, but you don't do that by attacking their protectors, the police, the DEO. Yeah, that will make them afraid. That'll make them feel fear, up here, in their mind. What you need to do is make them feel it in their bones.

Mercy:
And how do you plan on doing that, exactly?

Lockwood:
You show them that they need to be afraid for their children.

J'onn:
That word, ahimsa, it's Hindu?

Manchester:
It means non-violence. Just something Fi used to say.

J'onn:
Tell me about her.

Manchester:
When I met Fi, I was... well, I guess you'd call it "ganged up".

J'onn:
Mm.

Manchester:
It was football hooligans. Sorry, soccer hooligans. Any excuse to break a window. We worked for me dad. He taught me how to win a fight. It's easy, once you know the trick. [points to his temple, indicating his brain] There's a switch in here. Keeps you from hurting another person. You can turn it on... [snaps his fingers] ...and off.

J'onn:
So, why did you stop?

Manchester:
I met Fi. She kept the books for the gang. Didn't hurt no one. No one but me, because one look from her, and I was dead, man, gone, hers. And she showed me... showed me other ways. Non-violent ways. Ahimsa. Then the boys found out she was an alien. Mm. Wasn't safe there anymore. So I told her... I told her to go to the States so she'd be safe.

Nia:
I just wanted to mention how thankful I am. 'Cause, uh, I've been reading about Ms. Grant, and CatCo, and you. You know what we do up here is important, right? I... I've also been reading about matters of the law. Did you know someone could be prosecuted for continued instances of the same crime?

James:
Yeah. I have a lawyer.

Nia:
Of course. I'm not even saying you're thinking of taking up the shield again. But, if you were, especially with Supergirl down, don't.

James:
Is this the same Nia Nal I'm talking to, the cub reporter who convincingly and rightfully convinced her boss to act? And to speak out when the innocent are being attacked?

Nia:
I know. I don't sound like myself. But that's because this is different. If you go out there again, I have a feeling something bad will happen.

James:
Heroes go out there, even when they know something bad's gonna happen. That's what makes them heroes.

Alex:
Well, CatCo's newest addition. It's very nice to finally meet you.

J'onn:
We've heard a lot about you.

Nia:
All good things, I hope.

Lena:
Well, James said your passion for making the world a better place is matched only by the elegance of your prose, so...

Nia:
I wish I could say I paid him, but I could not have made that up.

Colonel Lauren Haley:
I've noticed you reorganized the strike team command and control system.

Alex:
I did.

Haley:
Are you aware that system has been in place since the DEO's inception?

Alex:
Yes. But with all due respect, the system was outmoded. It used to take us 90 seconds to get out the door after first alert. And now by re-tasking two analysts...

Haley:
You cut out the middle men and reduced deployment time to 60 seconds, which could be the difference between life and death.

Alex:
Exactly. So...

Haley:
I'm commending you, Director Danvers.

Kara:
You've declined interviews for decades, but you've graciously agreed to speak with me today. Why now?

Amadei Derros:
I see what is happening to our country. Divisiveness and discrimination. If we want to fight prejudice, people need to know about who we are as aliens and what we do. To lead as an example for others, I must be seen. It's not comfortable to me. But comfort is not my priority right now.

Kara:
Well, I'm sure your example will inspire many. You've saved countless lives with your gift. Is it true your healing abilities don't work on humans?

Amadei:
As of yet, my frequency cannot reach humans. But it is my greatest wish to heal the human heart.

Lockwood:
You know, I was just talking about you on my show recently.

James:
So I heard. And just to be clear, you and I do not represent the same things.

Lockwood:
Hmm. Far be it for James Olsen to listen to an opinion that is not his own.

James:
I listen to opinions that are not my own. But what I heard in your show was full of discrimination and hate, and that's when I stopped listening.

Lockwood:
I see. So this is the part where you and others like you start making crass generalizations based on ignorance and stereotype.

James:
And you forgot the part where people like me walk away.

Haley:
You did good work today. But the next time I give you orders, I expect for you to follow them.

Alex:
Yes, ma'am.

Haley:
Still, I have to say, it's much better to have you in charge than that imposter, J'onn J'onzz.

Alex:
Excuse me?

Haley:
When we at the White House learned about your former director's true identity, I recommended his removal. He was trying to erode the DEO's mission. Employing aliens instead of catching them, all the while pretending to be someone he's not. I am glad order's been restored, and we're heading towards more civil, honest times.

Alex:
J'onn J'onzz is the one who recruited me, promoted me, and taught me everything that I know. He's my family. And he is the best director this organization has ever seen.

Haley:
J'onzz set a bad precedent. But we will set things right. From now on, we are strictly by-the-book, which means are going to act according to rank, and let's be clear about yours. Now, you might run this place, but I am your superior officer. You report to me. Understood?

Alex:
Understood. [turns to leave]

Haley:
Director Danvers, when you exit, you salute your ranking officer.

Alex:
[saluting] Yes, ma'am.

Haley:
[returning the salute] We'll work on that. I still believe there's hope for you yet.

James:
So when do I get to meet Agent Liberty?

Tom:
You're talking to him.

James:
You're Agent Liberty?

Tom:
We're all agents of liberty.

James:
Nah, I mean the big guy, the guy who signed the leaflet. I was hoping to get to interview him.

Tom:
Well, that's above my pay grade. I was just asked to show you what we do, answer some questions.

James:
And this is what you do?

Tom:
Patrol the streets, keep them safe for humans, just like you do with Guardian. I mean, this week is special. We don't want any roaches crashing people's Thanksgiving dinners.

James:
Roaches? That's pretty heavy language, and I would really appreciate it if you didn't call aliens roaches in my presence.

Tom:
That's what they are.

James:
Or you just classify them that way so you don't have to deal with the fact that they're living and breathing beings, just like you and I.

Kara:
Most aliens want to live peacefully, just like humans do.

Lockwood:
Okay, and where's the proof in that? Because there have been numerous alien attacks, human lives have been lost.

Kara:
But there are also aliens making extraordinary contributions. Everyone that I interviewed for my "Aliens in National City" series was exceptional.

Lockwood:
Okay, but for a second let's just talk about human exceptionalism. For example, your own editor-in-chief, James Olsen, he was supposed to be here tonight, was he not?

Kara:
Yes, yes.

Lockwood:
Okay, so Guardian. If the Children of Liberty are such a problem, why hasn't Guardian renounced them? In fact, rumor is he's meeting with them right now, which seems to indicate that James Olsen understands that these people have something of value to say.

Kara:
There is a very clear difference between having something to say and the hate speech in these leaflets. This manifesto will only incite violence and fear, and as Americans we are better than that. On Thanksgiving, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, it is a day for family, for community. It is about welcoming different cultures and celebrating a gratitude for life together. That is what liberty is about.

James:
I happened to meet with a regular guy, named Tom, who happens to be afraid of aliens and afraid of their capabilities and he feels inferior.

Kara:
People can be powerful too. You and Alex are examples of that, James.

Lena:
Yeah, but not as powerful as aliens. I mean, no matter how many weights you lift, you'll never be as strong as Supergirl.

Alex:
No, but with technology, we can hold our own.

Lena:
But what if we could do more? What if we could make people super?

Eliza:
It's not possible. The biological processes that cause alien powers are incompatible with human DNA.

Lena:
Okay, but just say we could, right? If James is right and people feeling inferior is what makes them join these hate groups, then we could just level the playing field.

J'onn:
The last thing we need is a bunch of evil people running around with superpowers.

Lena:
Okay, but evil people wouldn't get powers.

James:
So, only certain people qualify?

Alex:
And who would decide who gets them? They'd be playing God.

Lena:
And if they don't listen?

James:
Then I will find a way to make them listen.

Lena:
That's not a plan.

James:
I don't have time to talk about this right now.

Lena:
They don't have time to talk either. They're out there looking for a fight!

James:
I appreciate the fact that you're trying to help me, I do. But I don't need it. I'm gonna be fine.

Lena:
Right, because you can handle it?

James:
Yes, I can handle myself! I don't need you freaking out about every little problem that I have in my life! Take the DA for example. You got all worked up about that, and it turned out to be fine! Okay? I'm going.

Lena:
It was fine because I made it fine!

James:
What are you talking about.

Lena:
I talked to the DA, James. I traded information about Bruno Manheim and she dropped the indictment.

James:
You did what?

Lena:
You heard me.

James:
You lied to me.

Lena:
I would do it again in a heartbeat. I love you, and there's no line in the universe I would not cross to keep you safe.

James:
If that's what you think love is, I'm not sure if I want any part of that.

Kara:
Alex, there's a dragon on Main Street.

Alex:
Well, that's what I get for making a Harry Potter reference.

James:
I came here on my own accord. To talk to you, to listen. I'm prepared to hear your side of the story. I mean, obviously you have an agenda, but why? There has to be something, a core to your anger, something that's happened to you.

Agent Liberty:
Something did happen to me, Mr. Olsen. I saw men struggling to remain relevant, to provide for their families. I saw human beings being treated less than they deserve, less than exceptional.

James:
Surely there has to be a part of you that can find a commonality between aliens and humans. We just want good, safe, lives for our loved ones.

Agent Liberty:
No, we're not here to talk about my empathy, or lack thereof, for aliens.

James:
Okay, you tell me, what am I writing?

Agent Liberty:
You won't be writing anything. I'm giving you an opportunity to sit in front of the camera for once, to be the story. To galvanize, not to inspire. Because Guardian stands for everything my followers strive for, human exceptionalism.

James:
You want me to inspire your followers? And how exactly do you want me to do that?

Agent Liberty:
I want you to destroy something, a monument, something that stands against everything we believe in.

James:
I don't send things down, that's not my style.

Agent Liberty:
I get it. You're not a willing participant yet. But you will be. I believe in you, Mr. Olsen.

J'onn:
I saw Manchester at the bar while I was grabbing dinner. He wanted me to tell you how sorry he was.

Kara:
J'onn, you told me Manchester is on the path of peace, like you.

J'onn:
We share a similar struggle, yeah. So I understand how much he wants to feel like he's doing something, and how hard it is for him to resist his more violent urges.

Kara:
You don't think he's capable of killing five Children of Liberty, do you?

J'onn:
I mean he is angry, but under that anger is just a lot of pain. Fiona's death just rocked him. Manchester has a good heart, and I'm not ready to give up on him just yet. I mean, he's been on our side every step of the fight, he's resourceful and stubborn, and if he wants something he'll go after it. He could be useful.

Tom:
If you stay, if you blow up that monument, then everyone's gonna think you're with them. That you're a Child of Liberty. You're gonna give them the face that they've been dying for, the legitimacy–

James:
So what? That's what happens if I stay. But if I go, and I preserve my reputation, you die. And in the meantime I'm lost and you're dead, and I am no better than him. And I'm stronger than that. I've spent my entire life building myself up into the man that I am today and I have not given society one reason to doubt me. But what is reputation? I mean what is it? It's nothing. It's not who you are. So if the latest friends group wants to tear that monument down, we will build it right back up. Agent Liberty can do whatever he wants with my reputation. I know who I am.

Manchester:
If this is their home base, and they're planning something, Agent Liberty will be there.

Supergirl:
Exactly. That's why we need backup.

Manchester:
No, that's why we need to be smart. A guy like that can smell the D.E.O. a mile away. If we go in blazing, he'll hit the trigger or worse. We need to sneak in on the hush, no big guns. You know, your way.

J'onn:
You betrayed Supergirl tonight. You betrayed me and your promise to Fiona. No vengeance is worth your soul!

Manchester:
What soul, old man?

J'onn:
I saw the love you had for Fiona, how you fought for her. I also know what you're gonna do, and I can't let you kill a man, even if that man is Agent Liberty. Once you cross that line, Manchester, there is no going back.

Manchester:
You have no idea what lines I've already crossed. [points at J'onn's chest] See that there? That's your heart, beating. Mine is dead. And every time I close my eyes, I wait to hear Fi's voice. There's nothing, just silence. I'm empty, man.

J'onn:
That is not true!

Manchester:
You want to know the truth? [places J'onn's hand on his head and attaches an item to J'onn's chest] Look.

J'onn:
[Sees flashbacks of the people Manchester tortured and killed recently] Why won't it stop?

Manchester:
That's an empathy amplifier. It was created to use against empaths. Don't move around, keep everything in. If I can't escape this pain, neither can you. You shouldn't have believed in me.

Nia:
Can I ask you, how do you know so much about me?

Brainy:
Well, I'm a twelfth level intell–

Kara:
–He's really smart.

Nia:
Oh.

Brainy:
All you need to know is that what you see isn't necessarily what will be. Hence, the need for exploration and interpretation. But that is why I'm here. So, you have nothing to worry about Nura.

Nia:
Did you just call me Nura?

Brainy:
No. I didn't. Did you [points at Kara] call her Nura? [Kara shakes here head] She didn't.

Manchester:
What's that?

Lydia Lockwood:
Oh, Ben's great-great-great-grandfather made those.

Lockwood:
Yeah, he was a blacksmith. That bayonet, well it's one of the first things the Lockwoods ever forged. It's from the American Revolution.

Manchester:
Is it really? Can I? [takes out the bayonet]

Lockwood:
You know, it's from Bunker Hill, remember that one? It's the one where the Brits thought they had won, but the battle ended up so bloody that it cost them the war and it wasn't worth it.

Manchester:
Bloody is right. I mean, can you imagine sticking this into a bloke and then twisting it in his guts?

Lydia:
That's graphic.

Manchester:
Graphic. It is. Lockwood, it's a fine piece. Do you ever wish your husband was a steel man, Lydia?

Lockwood:
Stop.

Manchester:
Of course that's not really the family business anymore, is it? Now you lot just dress-up in your wicked, metal masks. Isn't that right, Agent Liberty?

Brainy:
It's going to be alright.

Nia:
Alright? We've been kidnapped!

Kara:
Reporting 101: when you get kidnapped, you're on the right track.

Nia:
That doesn't make any sense.

Kara:
Tell that to Lois Lane.

Nia:
Who?

Brainy:
It's simple. We bide our time, and then spring into action using our super... kung fu, in which we have many belts in an aggressive rainbow of colors.

Manchester:
Why are you here? Both times you let me go on my merry, and both times I went on to do, well let's call it unspeakable things. So my theory is, part of you wanted me to get away. Part of you wanted me to do what you couldn't.

J'onn:
You're wrong.

Manchester:
Ah, 'cause you want to be a bloody saint. 'Cause you ain't gonna study war no more, yeah.

J'onn:
You think that's a weakness?

Manchester:
I think it's a character defect.

J'onn:
A couple of weeks ago, you had that same defect. But maybe that's my curse, believing in people that don't deserve it.

Manchester:
You think my soul's still up for grabs, old man?

J'onn:
Yes, I do. [turns to go and then turns back] And I think you do too.

President Baker:
Hello Supergirl.

Supergirl:
President Baker.

Baker:
[takes out a newspaper and reads the headline] "Human Rights Activist Imprisoned" [shows the newspaper] Their words, not mine.

Supergirl:
Human rights?

Baker:
Yeah, a lot of people, a lot of donors are asking: how can you tolerate this in a government that's supposed to be for the people?

Supergirl:
That meant to imply that aliens aren't?

Baker:
Aren't what?

Supergirl:
People, sir.

Baker:
Of course not. But you are a government employee, like me. And as such, we need to make sure that we're serving all the people of this country, not just the ones we agree with.

Haley:
For reasons of national security, from now on the D.E.O will require full transparency from its assets.

Baker:
We need to know your secret identity, Supergirl.

Alex:
No, we keep her off the books for a reason. She can't tell you that, sir.

Baker:
And why not? Lockwood just shined a huge spotlight on the fact that you are withholding who you really are. Now keeping that secret inflames things, gives the public more reasons to distrust you and my government.

Supergirl:
If I did that sir, everyone I know, everyone I love, would be at risk.

Baker:
My family is with the Secret Service as we speak. You think they're not in danger? No one should be above the rest of us. We need to put country first.

Supergirl:
I'm sorry, sir. I can't give you what you want.

Baker:
Then I thank you for your service, but you're dismissed, effective immediately. I hope you'll comply. The United States does not want a war with Supergirl.

Supergirl:
And I trust you won't start one.

Supergirl:
Just because I don't work at the D.E.O. anymore doesn't mean I'm going to stop being a hero. No matter what you say.

Alex:
So you used your brain compartmentalizing thing with Kara?

Brainy:
What does Kara have to do with anything?

Alex:
Is this permanent or are you going to remember that she's Supergirl soon?

Brainy:
Kara? Your sister with the glasses? [starts chuckling] Good one, director. They don't even look anything - Oh! Yes, my compartmentalization was on a timer.

Haley:
How do you think we keep this country safe? Every soldier in every war has had to things they considered awful. Now this is reality. Sometimes reality is messy. And it's ugly and uncomfortable. And you end up doing things you thought you'd never do.

Haley:
You had me fooled, Danvers. I thought you were a soldier. But then I find this out. All the lies you must have told. You have undermined everything that we stand for, all to protect your own sister. Supergirl.

Kara:
But who am I without you? The whole reason I became Supergirl... it was to save you.

Alex:
And I'm still going to be the reason. I'm still going to be me. And you're still going to be Kara, my sister. I just won't know that you're Supergirl.

Kara:
Oh, easy. My favorite movie.

Alex:
Center Stage.

Kara:
[insulted] Excuse me?

Alex:
What? You spent an entire summer learning the red shoe dance. You broke three lamps. No. Okay, um... Terminator 2. Duh.

Kara:
No, that's your favorite. Come on, Alex! Think!

Alex:
[racking her brain] I'm totally blanking.

Alex:
Where did you grow up, Nia?

Nia:
A small town up north called Parthas.

Lena:
Doesn't that mean "paradise" in Irish? It's a pretty high bar.

Nia:
Paradise is an understatement. The town's not just beautiful, but aliens and humans have lived together in harmony for decades.

J'onn:
Hey, Brainy.

Brainy:
Greetings, J'onn.

J'onn:
I came to see how Alex was feeling. Have you seen her?

Brainy:
I have not. But I have located our dealers' van.

Alex:
[approaching] Brainy, that's great.

Brainy:
I have also located Director Danvers. A day of many victories.

J'onn:
Impressive. It took you less than two minutes to get that information.

Alex:
How did you learn to speak dude-bro?

Brainy:
The same way they did. The movies.

Nia:
Maeve was always my biggest supporter. I can't believe she'd say something like that.

Kara:
Nia, I'm so sorry.

Nia:
I knew she was gonna be crushed about the powers, but... Kara, she was so angry.

Kara:
I know it's not the same thing, but if it makes you feel any better, I've been through a lot with my sister.

Nia:
I appreciate your support, but this isn't something that you can understand. I have alien powers, my sister doesn't. And now she hates me. [Kara pulls over] Why are you pulling over? [they climb out of the car] Kara, what are you doing?

Kara:
I do understand. Probably better than anyone. [removing her glasses, she takes off into the sky, then lands again] I am Supergirl. Very few people know my true identity because it's not safe for them to. But I'm telling you because I think it can help you. And I don't think it will harm you. You, too, are a hero. I was the sister with powers. And I watched Alex pay the price for it in so many ways. Most of the time, she handled it with grace, but I'll tell you, there were times that it got ugly. When we were younger... and even now. But I have faith that the love between two sisters will prevail in the end. I have to believe that. I just need you to know now that you are not alone. You have a family. You have me.

Alex:
I am so proud of you.

Kara:
And I see we're not the only ones who gave you a Valentine's gift.

J'onn:
Well, most of these are from the aliens in my support group. This box is from members of a Crime Watch I helped set up to catch taggers who were spraying "Free Ben Lockwood" up and down the block. And these flowers are from a Toomian whose, uh, lost family I found.

Alex:
Well, it is amazing how many clients you've already helped. I mean, you left the DEO with the goal to change your life, and you have.

J'onn:
I sense discontent in your voice. How are things with Haley? Better?

Alex:
Um, she's been in Washington, so that's good, I guess. It's just, seeing how much you've accomplished, it reminds me of how little I've done since I took over the DEO.

J'onn:
You have not done little. Mercy and Otis Graves. Agent Liberty.

Alex:
I mean in my personal life. I took over the DEO to use that stability to finally be able to pursue the things that I want. And I did, you know, at first. And I dated a lot.

Kara:
Oh, we know.

Alex:
Yeah, well... you know, and I was also working on my adoption portfolio, but, you know, when President Marsdin got exposed, it kind of all just fell to the wayside. It's weird, because I feel like I have this capacity for so much more lately and I'm doing nothing.

Nia:
Brainy.

Brainy:
It is I. And I'd like to make myself clear, since I did not last time. I am not here for a date.

Nia:
Happy Valentine's Day to you, too.

Brainy:
I sense sarcasm, which I find confusing in this context. You see, I am here because Kara told me about your mother's passing, which I was very sorry to hear. But having run simulations, I've deduced that there's an 87.4% chance that you would now wish to train as a superhero. And I have brought my most complex mind mazes to help you hone your skills and interpret your dreams.

Nia:
Brainy, I know it's my destiny to have these powers. But I'm still grieving, Brainy. My mother passed away so suddenly.

Brainy:
Have you ever considered putting your grief into tiny boxes?

Nia:
That doesn't sound very healthy.

Lockwood:
Don't look so troubled, son.

George Lockwood:
Why not? You're locked up, and you're the only one who's brave enough to stand up for humanity.

Lydia:
It isn't right.

Lockwood:
Listen, the movement that was created, I have to believe will create the circumstances of my release.

George:
But... I wanna do something for you, now.

Lockwood:
Well, then be a man. A man of action. Be the man that your grandfather wanted me to be, but at your age.

Alex:
It's like the creature extracted his heart perfectly. There's minimal tissue damage. There's no blood loss. It's like it cauterized itself.

Brainy:
A sophisticated killing. Much like its ship, which presented as solid rock. Also, what's interesting is this creature's shed skin suggests that it underwent some sort of metamorphosis quickly after arrival, which I do find comforting. I would much rather face that anything snake-like, which I do have a deep phobia about. As any rational being would.

Alex:
You hate snakes?

Brainy:
Yes. Much like the hero of the Spielberg epic Raiders of the Lost Ark. A terrific picture.

Alex:
Any luck narrowing things down?

Brainy:
I'm working on it.

Alex:
Then why are you looking up Valentine's Day gifts?

Brainy:
I am 85% focused, which is the equivalent to a very capable CSI team. Now, I just have one other matter of importance to take care of, and once I do, I guarantee you 100% of my mind. Unless, of course, you'd like to help out? In which case I could stop multitasking sooner. I'm sure of it.

Alex:
I hate Valentine's Day.

J'onn:
Look, you lost someone. I know how that feels. Let me help you.

Manchester:
You think I'm good deep down, eh? Well, it's a bad time to be a good man. Take you, for instance. If it weren't for your bloody promise, I believe you could solve all the world's problems. You just need... motivation.

Supergirl:
Long time, no see. Who's Clockwork Orange?

Manchester:
What's the line? "No man is a failure..."

Hat:
"...who has friends."

Manchester:
Every action has an opposite and equal, yeah? This "Earth first" Liberty crowd, they hurt aliens. And what, they don't think we'll hurt them in kind?

J'onn:
That's London.

Brainy:
And it looks like they stole the Crown Jewels to make a bigger statement.

Manchester:
Why? 'Cause Supergirl says that's not the way? Supergirl's like a folk tale. In theory, comforting, noble. In reality, oof, ill-equipped and clinging to ideals of a time long past. When they go low, she goes high. We put them six feet lower. We're through giving these devils the benefit of the law. Supergirl's done. This is the era of the Elite.

Supergirl:
I won't let you keep killing people.

Manchester:
Oh, like your government intends to kill people? You really don't know, do you? Next week, your beloved government is launching a satellite that will shoot down any alien spacecraft trying to enter our atmosphere.

Supergirl:
That's impossible.

Hat:
I have it on good authority.

Manchester:
Hat kidnaps secret agent types, learns what they're up to. That's why we formed this band of merry men. [Menagerie clears her throat] Sorry, merry people.

Supergirl:
Why should I believe you?

Manchester:
Talk to your mate, Baker. You know, the bloke who just pardoned the grand bloody wizard of the Children of Liberty. Ask him about Operation Claymore. And then ask yourself, what if it were your ship they were blowing up? You came here in a rocket. Child in a basket, you know? Real Moses stuff. Here's your chance to tell the bosses to let your people go. Or us plagues will do it for ya.

Supergirl:
I've made up my mind. You can't convince me to change it.

J'onn:
I know you better than that. Just don't let him bring you down.

Supergirl:
Manchester got you, didn't he? At the prison.

J'onn:
All I've wanted to do since my father died is honor him. Live by his example.

Supergirl:
And you have.

J'onn:
But I'm struggling, Kara. There's a duality in me that's at war. I want to be a man of peace, just like my father, but every fiber of my being is fighting against that. Being a Manhunter was part of my nature.

Supergirl:
Are you considering picking back up the sword?

J'onn:
I made a personal vow I wouldn't take that lightly.

Supergirl:
Well, if you choose to join the fight to bring the Elite to justice, I'm sure your father would understand. Even M'yrnn joined the fight against Reign.

J'onn:
Manchester is baiting me. We're connected somehow. I think he can feel the rage that lies within me. The rage born of the massacre of my family. One thing's for certain, Manchester was a test for me. But whether he's a test of my resolve or just a mirror showing me that I cannot walk my father's path, I just don't know.

Supergirl:
You will find clarity, J'onn. I know you will.

J'onn:
[watching Nia in a dream-state] Does it usually take this long?

Kara:
The dreaming? Her handling of the dreamscape is getting faster, but the Elite could be anywhere.

J'onn:
Have you told her she doesn't have to wear the suit in private?

Kara:
It's just a phase. I did the same thing when I became Supergirl. I practically slept in my suit. And, I mean, let's face it. The suits are pretty cool.

Alex:
[venting about Lockwood's protection detail] I don't know what I should do. Especially when I should be out there tracking down Manchester and the Elite, who I'm pretty sure are still targeting him.

Kara:
Well, I'm sure Supergirl will find them, and before that rally, so you don't have to worry about Lockwood.

Alex:
Yeah, but how can I, with a clear conscience, protect a man who is causing so much pain in the world?

Kara:
You're a hero, Alex. Heroes make tough decisions.

Alex:
Well, that's not very helpful.

Kara:
I mean, well, it's your job, right?

Alex:
Right.

Kara:
You keep people safe. And like it or not, protecting Lockwood at that rally will keep all of those people safe. Human and aliens.

Alex:
[sighing in disgust] Ugh.

Kara:
I thought that was good advice. I don't know.

Alex:
Well, it is. It is. It's just exactly what Haley said.

Brainy:
In thinking of peaceful protests, might we consider the success of the Women's March, the Million Man March, the Freedom March?

Haley:
Tiananmen Square, the Bonus March of 1932. For every success story, there's one of lives lost. This march is filled with nearly 1,000 aliens or alien allies, which fall under our protection. And if anything goes wrong, it's on us.

James:
Nervous about covering the march

Franklin:
I'm fine.

James:
No, it's okay if you are, Franklin. I mean, we are living in crazy times, right? It's just important to remember what we do here every day. Reporting on events like this, taking the risk to show all sides, and showing the humanity there, that's nothing less than heroic. I mean, think about it. You fight injustice with your fists, you can help one, maybe a dozen people. But good journalism, that can impact millions. It's why we became journalists in the first place, right?

Supergirl:
What are you doing here?

Quentin:
We're here to show our support for the repeal of Alien Amnesty.

Supergirl:
But that amnesty is what gives these aliens their rights.

Quentin:
Why should they get any rights? They're just here to hurt us.

Supergirl:
They're not... look at them. They're not here to hurt anyone. They... most of them are fleeing war and violence, just like I did when I first came to Earth.

Quentin:
They're not like you. You're a superhero.

Supergirl:
No, you're wrong. I am just like them.

Lex Luthor:
"Against other things, it is possible to obtain security, but when it comes to death, we human beings all live in an unwalled city." Do you know who said that?

Lena:
Please, Lex, you don't have to do this.

Lex:
I'm doing this for us, for the entire human race. Listen down below. They're already cheering. And it was Epicurus, by the way. An aphorism 230 years old, and yet still as apt as ever.

Lena:
You sound like a freshman philosophy major, and you're gonna kill millions of people. The world can't live under a red sun.

Lex:
Neither can Superman. You see, sis, we as a people have become soft and fat, and stupid. [calls are made on a loudspeaker for him to surrender; he taps his watch, and an explosion is heard] Where was I?

Lena:
My god, Lex, you killed them.

Lex:
Oh, that's right. Uh, we must put faith in ourselves, but instead, we look up to him, with big, glassy eyes because we think he's invincible. But it's my duty to dispel the world of that notion. And when he dies, they will finally wake up and see him for what he really was, a false god.

Lena:
At least he's a good man.

Lex:
HE IS NOT A MAN! I was the man of tomorrow, not him! Not him!

Lena:
So it's all ego, then?

Lex:
[surrendering as armed soldiers enter] No, it's science. I want to see if the Kryptonian pretender can bleed. Even gods can die. You'll see. Everyone will see. And then, they're gonna thank me.

Lex:
They call this a mercy furlough.

Lena:
Thank you, officer. That'll be all.

Lex:
They never let me out of their sight. As if I'd run away like a dog set loose from his leash.

Lena:
Well, you would.

Lex:
Of course I would. But I can't. I'm numb top to bottom. My guts are in knots, there's blood in my...

Lena:
Okay, that's enough.

Alex:
Lena, I'm so sorry this is happening, but you and I both know the limitations of modern medicine. I mean, even best case scenario would leave James paralyzed. Your serum could heal him entirely.

Lena:
Or it can kill him. I can't summon a breakthrough through sheer force of will.

Alex:
Then how is that every time I've seen you work under pressure, you have done exactly that? Lena, you have all of L-Corp and you have the DEO at your disposal. I mean, there must be some resource that you're not utilizing.

Lex:
Did I ever tell you about my dog, Ignatius? Before you joined our family, he was my closest companion. And when I was seven, he had to be put down.

Lena:
If you're gonna continue to compare James to your dying dog, I'm not sure I'm gonna be amenable to your point.

Lex:
I wanted to be there for the procedure. But Mother insisted that I go on a business trip with Father. She thought I was being too sentimental.

Lena:
That's our mom.

Lex:
That's my mom. A trip with Father, that sounds like something that ordinarily would've pleased me. But on this particular trip, he brought a woman with him, and insisted that she go everywhere with us. [coughing] So, here I was, seven years old, dog dying, Father ignoring me.

Lena:
Is there a point to this story?

Lex:
At first, I swore to loathe this woman. How dare she take my father from me at the moment I needed him most? But I couldn't keep my promise. Because she was wonderful. She was so kind to me. On the day they put Ignatius down, she embraced me, and sang me this beautiful Irish song. By the end of the trip, I wished that she was my mother.

Lena:
But she wasn't your mother.

Lex:
She was yours. I want you to know with certainty that while I came from poison, you came from love. And if the rest of this family stands steadily in darkness, you will always fall into the light. I knew that from the moment I met her.

J'onn:
How are you capable of this?

Manchester:
When you broke into my mind to stop me from killing the Lockwood brood, you opened up a motorway. It goes both ways. So whenever you poke around in my mind, I can poke around in yours. So I did. And looky what I found. Your people's most powerful weapon.

J'onn:
You don't know what you're toying with.

Manchester:
Oh, but I do. I dug deep into your mind. And the ground. You call yourself a man of peace, Martian, but your god was one of wrath!

Eve:
Wow. Nice prison you got here.

Lex:
It's for conjugal visits. But still, after this, it's back to concrete and iron.

Eve:
Sounds lonely.

Lex:
Stryker's is a petri dish. Bottle city. I've even managed to teach some of the inmates chess. I like mentoring.

Eve:
It's a waste. You're a once-in-a-generation mind, and the only man standing between us and total annihilation.

Lex:
I can show her how to master her powers and help you contain her.

Minister of Defense:
I know you're the man for the job. Lex Luthor; foremost specialist on everything Krypton. You will make her Kaznia's weapon, hmm?

Lex:
She'll hate whomever you want. Operant conditioning is a specialty of mine. But you'll need to follow my instructions to the letter. Can't break a Kryptonian, but maybe we can bend one.

Minister of Defense:
And for this?

Lex:
Money, as discussed.

Otis:
Not as liquid as he used to be.

Minister of Defense:
I warn you, you are only a consultant.

Lex:
Cross my heart.

Lex:
You've read that one more than the others. Gatsby. Why?

Red Daughter:
It's beautiful. Lush. I, uh... I think that's the word. The language... it's hard to even imagine the world that way.

Lex:
I didn't give it to you because it's pretty. This is a book about vapid, profligate fools. Money is always acquired at someone else's expense.

Red Daughter:
But you have money. You must. The way you come and go...

Lex:
I do. Because it is their weapon. The way their world works. Read it again.

Otis:
So what's the play?

Lex:
Paper tigers.

Otis:
[confused] Uh...

Lex:
Chinese idiom. Paper tigers threaten, but are destroyed easily. Kaznia wants to move on the U.S. They're crazier than Russia. They wanna bring back the glory days of the Soviet Union.

Eve:
So you wanna help them?

Lex:
I don't care about their politics. Regimes change. Kings die. But if Kaznia attacks America, and I foil the attack, America will hail me as a hero. To do that, I'm gonna need patsies in both the East and the West. So, Otis, fetch your sister and find me a real American. Someone charismatic, a radical.

Otis:
I think I know just the guy, Mr. Luthor. Name's Ben Lockwood, seems smart.

Lex:
I'm glad someone does.

Otis:
Wait. Where you going?

Lex:
Back to Stryker's. Prison's the best alibi the world has yet devised, and I'm about to need a lot of alibis.

Lex:
I just realized, you haven't asked me why I need the black rock.

Lena:
I assumed homicide.

Lex:
Just the opposite. I'm dying.

Supergirl:
I, uh... I come offering donuts and my help. Lex usually attacks within the first 48 hours of escaping. Now, I know we've had our differences, but I think we should team up to catch him.

Haley:
While I appreciate a good cinnamon cruller, Supergirl, the President has ordered to redirect manpower to Washington, D.C.

Alex:
For security. In case of any unrest after the repeal vote.

Supergirl:
So, who's looking for Lex?

Haley:
FBI, CIA, US Marshals. I believe SEAL Teams one through six. Everyone but us.

Alex:
I have been tasked with tracking down Lex. And I'd like to ask you about Eve Tessmacher.

Lena:
You're gonna use Eve to get to Lex.

Alex:
I think she's the weak link.

Lena:
I want in on the investigation.

Alex:
Lena, you were just assaulted.

Lena:
Yeah, and I'm not a cop, but I know Eve.

Alex:
Okay. But you should know that I'm working with Supergirl on this.

Lena:
Finding Lex is more important than any differences we may have.

J'onn:
So what's the answer?

M'yrnn:
H'ronmeer save me. This again?

J'onn:
I need guidance. Why won't you save me?

M'yrnn:
Why should I? I'm not the one who failed as the one task I have. Or was it another Green Martian who erased the mind of the DEO colonel, who reached into Manchester Black's brain to inflict pain upon him, and opened a channel for him to access your mind so he could defile my grave site and steal the Staff of K'hollar, which he could've used to destroy planet Earth?

J'onn:
Everything I did, I did in the name of peace.

M'yrnn:
You killed him.

J'onn:
He was a killer.

M'yrnn:
Then so are you.

J'onn:
Well, what would you have me do? Sit around and pray all day while the world around me burns like you did on Mars?

M'yrnn:
At least I didn't run.

J'onn:
I have been trying to make up for that. By protecting this planet.

M'yrnn:
Trying and failing.

J'onn:
If I'm such a failure, why did you trust me with the Symbols?

M'yrnn:
Because you said you could handle it. You insisted...

J'onn:
I shouldn't have! I tried to you, Father, but I can't! And you should never have asked me. I'm not a man of peace! And if that means I have to give up the Symbols, and Martian religion has to die, then so be it. At least I will know who I am!

M'yrnn:
And who are you?

J'onn:
I'M THE MARTIAN MANHUNTER!

Supergirl:
So this is the team.

Alex:
Yes, Lena has joined us.

Supergirl:
Uh, so why are we in the 'burbs?

Lena:
Well, I realized that Eve is in love with Lex.

Supergirl:
Crazy Lex-Girlfriend.

Alex:
Which indicates her heart drives her actions.

Lena:
And she spoke fondly of an elderly aunt, her only family in the city.

Alex:
Mary Tessmacher. This is her house. Eve used to visit every Sunday.

J'onn:
You tricked me into getting angry.

M'yrnn:
You were angry already. Just pushing it down. And you were right to be angry with me, J'onn. I wasn't clear. I said I wished for your to promote peace, but I never intended for you to become me. I meant only that your should help the world in whatever state is true to you. When I found you again, I was so proud of the Martian you had become. I never meant to make you feel you had to change, J'onn. I'm sorry. I failed to impart my unconditional love for you.

J'onn:
I'm so sorry I couldn't be the keeper of the Sacred Symbols, Father.

M'yrnn:
Hmm. You were able to keep the Symbols alive a little longer. That brought comfort to an old Martian. The important thing is, you know who you are.

J'onn:
Maybe there's another way. H'ronmeer gave us the Symbols in the heart of the desert of T'ozz. I could return them there.

M'yrnn:
A hard journey. And if you succeed, they will lie dormant until someone worthy comes to claim them.

J'onn:
Maybe somebody will.

M'yrnn:
Hmm.

J'onn:
Thank you, Father, for all your help.

M'yrnn:
You know, J'onn, I'm just an extension of your memory of me. Any answers you found, they came from inside you.

J'onn:
Yeah, I know. But it was still really good to see you.

M'yrnn:
It was good to see you, too... Martian Manhunter.

Supergirl:
I mean, people actually believe that I attacked the White House. They think I'm a terrorist. Years of helping people just wiped away with one lie.

Alex:
No, not one lie, it's lots of lies. And Ben Lockwood has been telling whoppers for months. He's just creating division. And then most of the country is just terrified and now they're looking for solutions to make any sense of it.

Supergirl:
Shouldn't the truth matter more?

Lena:
No, not when Lex is involved. He's an expert at perception. Consummate gaslighter. He can make you doubt things that you know are true.

Haley:
Lockwood.

Lockwood:
"Secretary Lockwood" now, of the Cabinet-level Department of Alien Affairs.

Alex:
Should be inmate 42053 of the National City prison.

Lockwood:
[sarcastically] So good to see you, too.

Haley:
Mr. Secretary, how can we help you?

Lockwood:
I am here to requisition any alien technology or weapons that may assist in containing Supergirl. And then you'll summon Supergirl here.

Alex:
So you can ambush her?

Lockwood:
So we can serve justice.

Alex:
Even if we could summon Supergirl, I would need a presidential order to comply with your request, as per paragraph four, subsection A of the DEO charter. Isn't that correct, Colonel?

Haley:
That is the protocol.

Lockwood:
Okay, let me ask you a question. Are you absolutely certain that you want to waste my time?

Haley:
We may not know each other well, Mr. Lockwood, but I do things by the book, even for Secretaries.

Alex:
My commanding officer and I both agree that we think that something suspicious is going on at the Department of Alien Affairs, and I am trying to tell her that we can't just follow their every order, but she insists on the chain of command. And I don't know how to reach her.

Kelly Olsen:
Well, uh... can I take a stab?

Alex:
Please.

Kelly:
You need to stop getting angry and get smart. Okay, now I had a real jerk of a C.O. We were stationed at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Bashur. And one day, a man pulled up in this decrepit pickup, his pregnant wife in the back, and he's just trying to get to the only midwife in the region. Just a half mile across town. And the C.O. doesn't care. Rules are rules and he doesn't have the right papers.

Alex:
So what did you do?

Kelly:
I yelled and screamed about doing the right thing and got nowhere. But my sergeant convinced the C.O. that it would be safer for his unit not to risk the life of the man's wife and child. He knew what the C.O. cared most about; his men. You can't change people. But you can appeal to who they are. Even the toughest C.O.s care about something. [silence, as Alex mulls things over] Let me guess, right now you're wishing that you never called me.

Alex:
Actually, it's quite the opposite. I'm really glad you didn't leave.

Otis:
Where'd Supergirl go?

Kara:
I don't know, but I... I saw a red blur go through that door.

Otis:
[moves to leave, then stops] Wait a minute. D Block's for guys only. What are you doing here?

Kara:
[trying to hide her kryptonite-infected hand] I, uh... I'm a reporter. I was doing an interview in the dining hall when the guards rushed us out. The article's on prison reform. Maybe you'd care to comment?

Otis:
I don't trust the press. They always parachute into crises like this without any context for the larger systemic issues at play.

George:
[rounding up aliens with his father] They look so human, I... sometimes I forget.

Lockwood:
Yeah. It's a lot easier when there's a snake coming out of the back of their head. We can't humanize them, son. So remember, don't ever mistake them for anything but the roaches that they are.

Brainy:
By George, I think we've got it. We stumbled upon your core trauma, James. And surprisingly, it isn't a Lex Luthor murder attempt. It's your father's death.

James:
Brainy, you said that whatever I saw in your mind palace was gonna be based on real memories. I wasn't at our father's funeral.

Brainy:
Yes. You were. Incontrovertibly.

Kelly:
No, Brainy, he wasn't. I was alone. That is not something you forget.

Brainy:
Consider the possibility that James was there, and you, Kelly, did not see him.

James:
I was across the street. At a diner. I got locked in the bathroom and nobody could hear me. By the time the manager opened up the door, his funeral... his funeral was over.

Brainy:
Perhaps that is merely a picture of the truth that got framed and hung in your mind. An excuse you invented that, over time, even you came to believe. The mind will play tricks to protect itself. Think of memories like a watercolor. While you're painting, the colors blend into each other without clear borders until they grow opaque. Once the painting dries, the picture is set.

Kelly:
Yeah, I'm sorry, I need a break.

Lena:
[trying to fight tears] I always considered myself strong, brave. But... to share yourself like that, I...

Brainy:
If I am understanding Dreamer's words correctly, none of us should be afraid of who we are. Nor should we fear sharing that.

Lena:
I feel so paralyzed right now because I'm not able to. I'm... not able to move forward. I can't find Lex. I can't fix James.

Brainy:
I understand that you have been betrayed by many people in your life, Lena. I know that feeling, too. But if you want to be trusted and accepted, then you must also trust. It will be risky. But I can tell you that if you close all doors, you will have a 99.9% chance of sorrow.

Kara:
So you are both human and alien.

Dreamer:
Yes. My parents believed that humans and aliens could co-exist. And I am living proof of that. But growing up wasn't easy. I am also a trans woman. I'm different, Ms. Danvers, but so is everybody. And I don't know when that became such a bad thing. The greatest gift we can give each other is our authentic selves and sharing that. Sharing our truth is what will make us strong. So here I am. I am both human and alien. And I am a trans woman. S'mores are my favorite dessert. But I will always choose salty over sweet. I broke my nose when I was fifteen during a game of kickball. And my mother was my heart. And since I lost her, it's felt like a piece of me is missing. But my father is my spine. I'm a Gryffindor. Uh, my Patronus is a dapple gray stallion. I'm an INFP. Uh, a Miranda. House Stark. I love Thursdays and April. And nerdy boys who think too much. And I am proud of all that I am.

Kara:
You should be.

Brainy:
[watching with Lena] What does... love feel like?

Kara:
Are you afraid of how the world will react to you now that they know you're an alien?

Dreamer:
Of course. But you know what else? Fear sucks. It sucks. And I am so sick of feeling hopeless. Dawn doesn't come unless we want it to. But we don't have to wait for a new day. We are the new day.

Kara:
Your mother would be so proud of you.

Lena:
I'm sorry I was so short with you. You were just trying to do your job.

Kara:
Friendship is the most important job, and I was so focused on my article, I forgot what really matters.

Lena:
No, Kara. The truth is, even if you'd been standing right next to me when Lex escaped, I really wouldn't have let you be there for me.

Kara:
What do you mean? Why?

Lena:
Because I'm the one that's keeping secrets. Eve wasn't the only one working with Lex. I... [her emotions begin to overwhelm her] I was working with him, too. He contacted me four months ago. He knew I had the Harun-El. He had cancer and he was afraid to die. He's my brother. And in my heart, I knew he was manipulating me, but I believed him, and I helped him and he betrayed me. And I was weak, and I will never forgive myself for that. I can only imagine what you think of me, Kara. I don't blame you.

Kara:
[hugging her as Lena cries] No, no. You are not weak. You are a brilliant, kind-hearted, beautiful soul. Your brother asked you for help, and in life and death situations, you help family. No one can judge you for that. I'm so sorry you felt like you couldn't tell me.

Kara:
Supergirl would never work with Lex.

Lena:
It's not Supergirl. She's a blank slate. Or, at least she was.

Kara:
What are you saying?

Lena:
It's a question of nature versus nurture. She's been tested, trained, and indoctrinated by Lex in a prison in one of the most oppressive regimes in the world.

Kara:
But she has to have good in her.

Lena:
There was good in Sam. And Reign was a monster. Lex has created the very thing he fears the most. A Kryptonian weapon trained as a killer. And in Lex's hands, it's more dangerous than an atomic bomb. And he has it pointed right at America.

Kara:
She is not an "it". Lex may have molded her, but there has to be some part of Supergirl still in her.

Alex:
I just don't wanna fail.

Kelly:
Why do you think you'd fail?

Alex:
My mom was, uh... she was incredible with me. I mean, she always just... hugged me when I cried, and she... fixed up my bumps and my bruises, and work on my science projects with me.

Kelly:
Hmm.

Alex:
And she made me feel so loved. And, you know, for a lot of my formative and toughest years, she did it alone. And she is the one that inspired me to think that I can do this on my own. But now that this is... I mean, it's right in front of me, and I'm just not sure I could even be half the mother that she's been for me.

Kelly:
Okay, look. I've only known you for a short time. But from what I've seen, you're the most nurturing person that I've ever met. You take care of your friends, your sister, you took care of my brother when he was in the hospital. And even me. Who you barely knew. You care too much to fail, Alex. I mean, you are gonna be an amazing mother.

Kelly:
I was engaged.

Alex:
James never mentioned that.

Kelly:
Yeah, well, he didn't know. No one did. Because I was in love with my sergeant. And we couldn't be out while serving abroad.

Alex:
What happened?

Kelly:
She died while on patrol. And I couldn't mourn her. I was just numb. Alone in my pain. And I, um... I didn't face it until I was back stateside a few months later. I thought that wound would never heal. And then I got her farewell note. Service members send them sometimes before tours of duty in case they don't come back home. I never thought that I'd have to read hers. She said that she had every faith that I would find another person who would make me smile. And so will you. You will get a second chance at everything. Don't lose hope. Today, this is absolutely a deep wound. But someday, it'll be a faded scar.

Lockwood:
[surprised to see George at the D.E.O.] What are you doing here?

George:
You left in the middle of Mother's funeral.

Lockwood:
Yes, and I know. But I had to. You want me to catch your mother's killer, don't you?

George:
Of course I do, but you... you left me alone in a church full of people and... I just lost my mother. And I need you.

Lockwood:
I know, but we need justice, son. First your grandfather, now your mother. Everything that I am doing is for their memories.

Lockwood:
Arrest them!

Brainy:
[moving in front of James and Dreamer] No! Each one of us swore an oath to defend this country and its Constitution. The Secretary is asking you to compromise that oath. I urge you, follow your hearts. Not your orders.

Kara:
Lex Luthor sent you here, right? So once you've done his bidding, what's he gonna do to you? You're a loose end. Everything he's told you, he's lying. He hurts people. For god's sake, just look him up.

Red Daughter:
He did those things in service to the world. You are so... limited. Your life could mean so much, and yet you fly around in a cheerleader skirt. How did they do it? What did they say to make you believe? Look out the window and you will see fear, racism, strife. This country is a fattened heifer. I am here to cut its throat. But first... admit that you were wrong. Go on. That you defend the corrupt. The American dream is snake oil.

Lena:
We went to Kaznia and we found Lex's lab. He's been experimenting on aliens, trying to harness their powers. And a lot of these aliens seem to come from a DEO facility in the desert.

Brainy:
Find the missing aliens, find Lex.

Lena:
But whatever we do, we better do it fast. Lex is planning on invading America.

Brainy:
What?

Alex:
You should've led with that.

Lena:
Well, then you're gonna love this. Lex has a clone of Supergirl.

Alex:
What?

Brainy:
You should've led with that.

Kara:
I was so close. I had him. I... now they've destroyed all my evidence, so I've got nothing. Lockwood walked, and people think Supergirl's an assassin, and the president is working with a man who's almost blown up the world more than once.

J'onn:
Come on. Don't do this.

Kara:
I told myself, pen's mighter. "Let's do what Ms. Grant would do." And it all fell apart.

J'onn:
Look, you'll find a way. You always do.

Kara:
Lex knows who I am. He wants me dead.

Lena:
It's a baby Truth Seeker, and I need the truth.

Lillian:
You mean I can't lie?

Lena:
Nope. My middle school boyfriend, Taylor.

Lillian:
I paid him $14,000 to never speak to you again.

Lena:
I knew it. Don't worry, I'm not gonna ask you if you love me. I already know the answer.

J'onn:
All right. Private security cameras everywhere, power-dampening clubs. They're guarding something important.

Dreamer:
I have an idea to get us in. We do a Wookiee Gambit.

J'onn:
Absolutely not.

Brainy:
A Wookiee what?

J'onn:
You haven't seen Star Wars?

Brainy:
I believe I've been adequately shamed for that in the past, thank you.

Dreamer:
Basically, J'onn shapeshifts as a guard and pretends to bring us in as prisoners. It's the best way to get in.

J'onn:
Why does everyone always think getting captured is the best plan?

Lillian:
Why don't we have a cup of tea while Lex tells us why he summoned us here?

Lena:
He summoned us here to gloat.

Lex:
You think so little of me, Lena. It hurts. I'm a sentimental guy. I didn't do all of this for me, I did it for us. I mean, look, we all know if I wanted you two dead, you wouldn't be treading on the presidential seal having a tea party. Everything I've done has been strategic to lead up to this very moment. The Luthor name cleared. Our family poised to take its rightful place in history.

Lillian:
And what exactly are we poised to do?

Lex:
Revolutionize energy worldwide. I'm rounding up aliens and harnessing their power to be used and sold; sort of like supercharged disposable batteries.

Lena:
That's vile!

Lex:
Vile and viable. As another world leader once said, "I don't see why men shouldn't be as cruel as nature."

Lillian:
Try not to quote Hitler in public, dear. It'll hurt the brand.

Lex:
How are you alive? How did you do it?

Supergirl:
How do you think I did it? I'm Supergirl.

Lex:
Just like your cousin. No matter how many times I stamp you out, you miraculously resurface with your glossy cape and your perfect hair.

Supergirl:
Let me let you in on a little secret, Lex. Truth and justice always prevail.

Lex:
[laughs] You and your cousin are such saps.

Red Daughter:
I trusted you, Alex.

Lex:
You're either dumb or staggeringly naive. You had my history at your disposal. Internet accessible. If you had bothered to look, you'd have realized two things. Defending poor, broken Kaznia is a little small potatoes for Lex Luthor. But, perhaps more significantly, I hate Kryptonians. And what are you? A Kryptonian.

George:
Turning against each other has only led to more division, more hate, and more violence. There must be a better way. [he's asked if his perspective has changed because of what happened to Ben] Yes. I've seen firsthand how that kind of anger can tear a family apart. I've lived that heartbreak. And I wanna make sure nobody else has to. If humans and aliens can just listen to each other, then we can stand up, united, against those who seek to divide us.

Lena:
If you do this, it's genocide. The public will find out the truth, and when they do...

Lex:
The truth is meaningless. The people of Earth believe I am their savior. They needed a human hero, and I fulfill that need. Nothing will ever change their minds. Facts are irrelevant. All that matters is spin. People are so stupid, they don't even read. And even when they do, they certainly don't think. I am the leader of this nation now, and nothing can stop me.