Irene hated that she just had to sit in the Daily Planet and pretend that everything was normal when Clark was about to go in front of the whole world and prove his innocence.

When she had left Clark in the morning to go to work he smiled at her and acted like it was going to be a normal day. But they both knew the truth and Irene could still see his concern no matter how he tries to hide it.

"You're worried." Jimmy said as he pulled up a nearby chair to sit next to her.

"How can I not be?" Irene replied not taking her eyes off the television across the room. A large crowd had gathered around the Capital, not that she expected anything else. Superman was expected to arrive and everyone wanted a glimpse of the Man of Steel. What concerned Irene was the offensive signs that most of them were holding. "Look at them."

The crowds seemed to be decisive. There were signs of said Superman was a hero and children that were dressed up like him.

There were also signs that read 'SUPERMAN IS AN ILLEGAL ALIEN' and 'THIS IS OUR WORLD, NOT YOURS!' as some members of the crowd continued to yell "Get Out!"

"It's not like they can hurt a hair on his perfect head." Jimmy said attempting to lighten the mood.

"It's not that. It's just I've seen this my whole life." Irene said unable to not feel emotional. This was always a sensitive topic for her, but one she was never afraid to speak about. "The rejection. The not wanting someone here because their different. These are the same ideas and beliefs that make a country think it's okay to separate children from their parents. That it's okay to put people in cages just because their not citizens."

Maybe that was why she was so connected to Clark. She understood what it was like to be an outsider. She grew up being afraid. Afraid to speak Spanish in public, afraid that her mother would be deported. Irene had to learn assimilate in a country that didn't want her to be different, that was designed for her not to succeed.

"That's why the world needs Superman. To give people hope that things could be better." Jimmy said and it was nice to see him to hopeful. Not only was he a fan of Superman but he was also his friend.

Soledad O'Brien from Metropolis 8 was at the Capitol reporting everything that was happening. Every television in Metropolis was probably watching, everyone anxious to see what Superman was going to say.

"The Senate hearing is expected to get under way in any minute now. Of course the big unknown in all of this is: Will Superman show up?" Soledad questioned as people continued to shout in the background. "That is what they're really waiting to see."

"You two talked this through right? Decided that this was the best option." Jimmy asked and Irene could see that Jimmy also had his doubts about all of it. Something just didn't feel right.

"It's not like he had any other choice." Irene said as she nervously twisted her pen between her fingers. "If he doesn't go they'll think he was something to hide. That he's guilty. But something just doesn't feel right."

"Mr. Keefe. Mr. Keefe." The familiar name coming from the television causes Irene to look up . Soledad was now questioning Wallace Keefe, the man who had vandalized the Superman statue at Heroes Park. But he no longer looked like the same man from over a week ago. He was clean shaven and dressed in a fine suit. His wheelchair looked brand new and something simply didn't sit right about it all. "Quick question for you. You're heading in to meet with the senators. What would you tell them?"

"I've come here to tell them to wake up. This is flesh and blood. He's delivered a war here. And this..." Wallace Keefe said as he gestures at his two amputated legs. "This is what war looks like. I have nothing."

"There are plenty of people, sir, who would say he's their hero." Soledad argued.

"He is not a hero!" Wallace Keefe snapped and seeing the hatred in that man's eyes only cause Irene's worry to increase.

It was odd hearing the entire floor of the Daily Planet in almost complete silence. Usually the sound of typing and papers being shuffled around was heard throughout the entire day. But everyone was so invested in the Superman hearing at the Capital that working and meeting deadlines didn't seem that important. This was possibly going to be the biggest news story of the year.

Suddenly the crowd in front of the Capitol began cheering in excitement or booing in disdain. The camera changed their focus to up in the sky where Superman was slowly flying down. He was being careful because he didn't want to scare them.

Instinctively Irene stood and walked closer to the T.V. with some of the others. She felt so anxious that sitting down felt impossible. Seeing him there felt surreal, and she hated that he had to see all those terrible signs about him.

"And there he is. Superman is here. He's actually at the United States Capitol. This is really a historic moment."
She reported as live footage of Superman walking up the Capitol steps was displayed. "We expect that Superman would give some kind of a statement to the Senate to the American people, and of course to the world."

Metropolis 8 changed switched to footage inside the Capital where everyone was already gathered. The moment that Superman entered the room they all went silent. Even Senator Finch seemed surprised to see him there, but she also seemed proud.

Superman slowly walked to the defendant's post and the look on his face killed her inside. To the world Superman might have looked serious or stoic, but Irene could see the sadness in his eyes. He never imagined that choosing to be Superman would come to this. To him being accused of killing people.

No one would have ever accused Clark Kent of even hurting a fly. But that was because they didn't know Clark Kent was Superman. They only doubted Superman because he wasn't from their world, because he was different.

"Let me say at the outset that I am grateful to our witness for coming before us today." Senator Finch began, addressing the room full of people. "This is how a democracy works. We talk to each other. We act by the consent of the govern, sir, I have sat here before to say that shadow interventions will not tolerate by this Committee."

Irene felt as Jimmy took her hand in attempt to reassure her, and it did help her calm her nerves. She couldn't seem to affected by all of this, her coworkers would think that it was odd. Sure they all knew that she had contact with Superman, but her acting this way would look unprofessional.

"Neither will lies. Because today is a day for truth. Because only by speaking..." Senator Finch began but something seemed to have caused her to loose focus. Her sudden pause was concerning considering that she was speaking with such confidence before. "Only by working... together, can we... can we...can we... Can we create a free and a..."

There was what could only be described as a look of terror in her eyes. In one moment the camera was focused on Senator Finch's face and in the next second the television screen went black.

There was a moment of confusion where all the Daily Planet workers looked at each other for answers. And as a minute went buy the black screens around the room came back to life as the Metropolis 8 broadcast switch to the cameras outside the Capital. Playing footage from moment before the screens went black. Moment before a large explosion came from inside the building.

Everyone in the room gasped in horror and Irene felt as if all the blood had left her body. She released a shaky breath and suddenly being able to stand didn't feel possible as she felt herself go weak. Jimmy put his arms around her just before her legs gave out to prevent her from falling.

"Irene are you okay?" Jimmy questioned as he guided her to the closest chair practically forcing her to sit down. "Here sit down. Are you okay?"

"I think... I just got a little light headed." Irene said but she knew that she wasn't okay. Her hands were shaking and she still like it was impossible to stand on her feet.

Jimmy had a worried look on his face as he studied her. How could he not be concerned? She almost fainted in the middle of the Daily Planet.

Suddenly Cat was at her side turning Irene's face to her. "Irene you've gone pale."

Irene looked around at her coworkers and realized that she wasn't the only one that felt sick after what they had all witnessed. Some people were even crying knowing that hundreds of people had just been killed from that explosion. Maybe some of them know people that worked at the Capital.

Irene wasn't worried about Clark's safety. She knew that physically he was okay, but she also knew that the guilt was destroying him. He had to have been blaming himself for not being able to stop it.

Irene couldn't help but hate herself to because she should have seen it coming. That hearing was the perfect opportunity to frame Superman again, and this time the whole world saw it.

A/N: I may have gotten a little political in this chapter, but the topic of immigration is not only important to the Superman character but also to Irene. This is also going to be a turning point in the story. It's going to get a little dark and more serious from this point. But I'm very excited for what's to come.