Commander in Chief

This is what Cat does.

Beneath the glamour and glitz of fame and impeccable outfits–the witty commentary and sharp, laser-focus on current events–the money and the charities and the corporations and the Empire–this is what Cat Grant does. She’s built cities upon two ink-stained hands with a strong will, alone–has shifted and molded the media perception as much as she’s reported on it. 

But in much humbler beginnings, she started as a political pundit and, according to whispers and gossips who’ve turned their eyes upon her during the country’s (and the world’s) great time of need in the aftermath of this latest alien invasion, devastating and insidious, they wonder if that’s where she’ll end. The great Kitty Grant, truth seeker–will she end up in Marsdin’s campaign? 

There were always talks of running, herself–a push for it, in the early 2000’s–but Cat had stood firm on the platform of holding people accountable, instead of becoming the very reflection she aimed to hold a mirror against, and it’s funny really, that’s a little how she feels, now, standing in front of Olivia, hand in her pocket as she holds up a brief packet, dropping it on her desk. Olivia was far better suited for Office than Cat would be. It’s not a failing, just a fact.

(What the gossip rags don’t know about the all mighty Cat Grant is that she didn’t start as a political pundit: she started as a girl named Kitty who liked to slip into her RA’s dorm in shorts and a stolen sweatshirt, editing papers on some nonsensical science before slipping them back into Olivia’s desk and falling asleep on her bed, without telling her or asking for permission for any of it)

“Of course you wouldn’t. And I’m, hmm–” She notes, casual and calm, stepping a little closer, the papers gone and the news handled and her hand smoothing out the rumples in Olivia’s jacket regardless of drawn blinds and closed doors. “Glad,” A quirked brow, “I can help ensure America doesn’t know that. Olivia Marsdin, a stalwart force that’s become synonymous with human resilience. It sounds good, doesn’t it?” On top of the stack of papers is an article for The Planet with Perry’s name on the byline, leading with the same sentence. “Of course it does, I wrote it.” Perry just pushed it.

This is what she does, offering Olivia a small smile in the face of great tragedy, nodding. She’ll sit with her until she has to go–she’ll wordlessly slip into her office when she gets back–and underneath articles is the speech she’s written for her without asking her permission for the funeral she’s about to attend without her. 

“‘And the strength we can find through unity even through loss. Might it make us stronger, because of it.’ But you don’t have to be strong here, Liv. It’s all a load of bullshit.” She notes, jacket now smooth. Humming, “So sit and take a nap. It’s the only sleep you’re going to get for the next week. Let’s go, chop chop.”

She couldn’t help the small, pride filled smile that spread across her face.  Olivia Marsdin, a stalwart force that’s become synonymous with human resilience. It sounded perfect, it sounded exactly like something Cat would write. (and later she would roll her eyes at the byline because of course his name would be there) 

All she ever wanted to be was a good leader and role model. Someone who could protect her home and it’s people. She didn’t have the strength of Supergirl, Superman’s speed or even Wonder Woman’s lasso but it wasn’t just these things that made them good. The Super’s messages of hope and Wonder Woman’s compassion. These were the things that made them super. Hearing that gave her the hope that she was living up to that.

“I don’t know how you do it, Catherine. Your way with words, it astounds me, constantly. Always having the right words right away. It’s superpower” She chuckled, she was jealous. She knew how to inspire with words, knew what to say most of the time but those moments weren’t as common as Cat’s. Speeches were written for her, planned hours, even days in advance. She had time to think about what she planned on saying. Cat seemed to pull them from no where. Not that she was surprised, oh no she knew Cat Grant ‘Queen of all Media’ when she was simply ‘Kitty’ college student who couldn’t stop breaking into her room. She had the same incredible knack for words then as she does now.