Chapter 16: Truth, Justice, and a PR Nightmare
The aftermath of the Black Mercy incident left National City buzzing, not just with relief that Supergirl was back, but with a renewed scrutiny of her methods. Cat Grant, ever the media maven, was already spinning the narrative, but the public was fickle. Kara, despite her recent ordeal, found herself facing a PR nightmare, trying to balance saving the world with maintaining a positive image. Adam watched her, a sympathetic pang in his chest. "Being a hero is tough. Being a hero with a publicist who's also your boss? That's a special kind of hell."
Then came the Master Jailer, a new alien threat with a penchant for capturing and imprisoning aliens, including Supergirl's cousin. The headlines screamed about his brutal methods, and Kara was caught between her duty to protect the innocent and the growing public fear of aliens.
Adam found Kara looking distraught, staring at a news article criticizing Supergirl's handling of a recent incident. "Rough crowd, huh?" Adam said, leaning against her desk, a sympathetic smile on his face. "Seems like everyone's a critic when you're trying to save the world. It's like trying to please the internet. Impossible."
Kara sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I just… I don't know what they want, Adam. I'm trying to help, but every time I do something, someone finds a reason to be angry."
Adam nodded. "Yeah, that's the thing about public perception. It's a beast. But you know what Cat Grant always says? 'Perception is reality.' And sometimes, you gotta play the game. It's not about being fake, it's about controlling the narrative. Like, if you're going to save a bus full of puppies, make sure there's a camera crew there. And if you accidentally flatten a building, make sure you've got a good explanation. And maybe a really cute puppy to distract everyone."
Kara chuckled, a faint smile touching her lips. "Puppies, huh? Is that your expert PR advice?"
"Hey, it works for politicians," Adam quipped. "But seriously, Kara. You're doing amazing things. Don't let the noise get to you. Focus on the truth, and eventually, it'll cut through the BS. And if not, well, at least you saved the puppies." He paused, then his voice grew a little more serious. "And about this Master Jailer guy… he's a real piece of work. But every jailer has a key. Or a weakness in their tech. Just saying."
Later, Adam found Winn furiously trying to analyze the Master Jailer's advanced alien technology. "He's got these energy cuffs," Winn explained, gesturing at a holographic display. "They're virtually unbreakable. And his tracking system is flawless. We can't find a way to disable them."
Adam leaned over the console, feigning intense concentration. "Hmm, unbreakable cuffs, huh? You know, I was watching this old sci-fi movie – total classic, you wouldn't know it – but there was this alien tech, super advanced, seemed unbreakable. But the hero, get this, figured out that it had a specific frequency that could disrupt its energy field. Like, a harmonic resonance that would cause the whole thing to vibrate itself apart. Or maybe a specific power source that, if overloaded, would short-circuit the whole system. It's like, they build these amazing things, but they always forget the 'off' switch."
Winn looked at him, his eyes wide. "A harmonic resonance? A specific frequency? But that's… that's so specific!"
"Hey, I just watch the movies," Adam said with a shrug. "But sometimes, the answers are hidden in plain sight. Or in really obscure alien tech manuals. Just a thought. And if you're tracking him, maybe look for a pattern in his targets. He's a jailer, right? He's probably going after specific types of aliens. Like, the ones who escaped Fort Rozz. Or the ones who owe him money. You never know with these guys."
Winn was already typing furiously, his fingers flying across the keyboard, a spark of renewed hope in his eyes. "Adam, you're a walking database of weirdly useful information!"
"Just trying to keep things interesting," Adam quipped. "Now go save the world, or at least get a good night's sleep. You look like you've been fighting a spreadsheet monster."
As the D.E.O. worked to track the Master Jailer, Adam found a moment of mischievous inspiration. He knew the Master Jailer was obsessed with his "justice." He managed to print out a fake "Master Jailer Fan Club" sign-up sheet. It featured a poorly drawn caricature of the villain, complete with a tiny, angry face and a giant key. Underneath, he wrote: "Membership perks: guaranteed incarceration! (And maybe a free prison jumpsuit!)" He then discreetly left it on a D.E.O. computer that Winn frequently used. "A little humor never hurt anyone. Except maybe the Master Jailer's ego."
Later, Kara found him by the coffee machine, looking exhausted but relieved. "We got him," she said softly. "Winn found a way to disrupt his cuffs. He said it was because of your idea. A specific frequency. You really are… incredible, Adam."
Adam just offered a tired smile. "Just a lucky guess. Glad it helped." He looked at her, his smile softening. "You okay, Kara? That was a lot. The public, the Jailer… you're always fighting on so many fronts."
Kara leaned against the counter, a comfortable silence settling between them. She leaned heavily on Adam for emotional support and advice, finding solace in his unwavering presence. Their romantic connection continued to deepen, a quiet understanding passing between them.
"He sees the real me," Kara thought, a warmth spreading through her chest. "The one who struggles, the one who doubts. And he still believes. He's my anchor."
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