Nia NalYou wanted to see me?
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.
Nia
You don't think it's a good idea?
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.
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.
You need to pitch the article exactly like that to James. He's gonna love it.
Nia
I just witnessed a business owner refuse to serve an alien, and then assault him.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
Heroes go out there, even when they know something bad's gonna happen. That's what makes them heroes.
Well, CatCo's newest addition. It's very nice to finally meet you.
We've heard a lot about you.
Nia
All good things, I hope.
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.
Nia
Can I ask you, how do you know so much about me?
Well, I'm a twelfth level intell–
Nia
Oh.
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?
No. I didn't. Did you [points at Kara] call her Nura? [Kara shakes here head] She didn't.
It's going to be alright.
Nia
Alright? We've been kidnapped!
Reporting 101: when you get kidnapped, you're on the right track.
Nia
That doesn't make any sense.
Nia
Who?
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.
Where did you grow up, Nia?
Nia
A small town up north called Parthas.
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.
Nia
Maeve was always my biggest supporter. I can't believe she'd say something like that.
Nia
I knew she was gonna be crushed about the powers, but... Kara, she was so angry.
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?
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.
Nia
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.
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.
Have you ever considered putting your grief into tiny boxes?
Nia
That doesn't sound very healthy.
Nia
No, Hannibal Lecter. He eats people.
Nia
Miranda Priestly? Are you serious?
I'm as serious as the pursed lips of Miranda Priestly.
Nia
[seeing Alex and Kara] Okay, good, you guys can help me prove a point. Who is the greatest movie villain of all time?
Nia
Impressively unhelpful. Well, I guess you'll just have to accept that I'm right.
Hmm. This Earth custom that the girlfriend is always right is illogical and-and frustrating, but I can assimilate.
Whoa! You have a bento box fort.
Nia
Yup. Yeah, I do.
Nia
Yes.
Nia
Yes, please, take them all. I'm still stuffed from breakfast.
Well, let me guess, is this Brainy?
Nia
This morning, he brought me my favorite breakfast, and it was perfect, but I don't know. Isn't this... a little excessive?
Um, maybe giving food is Brainy's language of love, I don't know.
Nia
Well, I think I just need to tell him in plain English that this is 35 boxes of sushi too much love.
Yeah, that sounds like a very healthy and mature thing to do, but I'm gonna enjoy this while it lasts.
Nia
You said I had to be honest, even if it hurt your feelings, so here's the truth. It's just too much. Okay, from now on, no more food, no more poems, no more anything. I know that you mean well, I know where you are coming from and it's sweet, it's all so sweet. I just, it's too much.
You asked me to be myself, to be completely myself with you. But, now you tell me you don't want that. I can only operate at one hundred percent. It's just how I'm built. Which is entirely my problem and not yours.
Supergirl · 472 quotes
