Kara addressed the people of Metropolis from the capitol building as the empire inched its way to complete global domination. At her side were Mon and Brainiac 5. "We observe today a celebration of freedom, symbolizing an end as well as a beginning, signifying renewal as well as change. The world is very different now. For I have both the power to abolish all forms of human poverty but also the power to abolish all forms of human life. The rights so generously given to you do not come from the state but from the hand of God. Let every nation know, whether it wishes me well or ill, that I shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of my regime. This much I pledge and more," Kara began.
"United, there is little we cannot do. Divided there is little we can do. To those people still living in huts and villages, struggling to break the bonds of human misery, I pledge my best efforts to help you help yourselves, not because I need your votes, or need your legitimacy, but because it's the right thing to do," Kara pledged.
"Let us all seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together, let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce. And this will be finished in the next one hundred days. The energy, faith, and devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our world and all who serve it. And so, my fellow citizens of the world, ask not what I will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man," Kara concluded.
In the palace, Kara started shooting off a list of executive orders. "I want a Peace Corps that will provide on-the-ground assistance to communities not yet enlisted into the system and those we have exiled to inhospitable deserts," Kara ordered.
"It has been our policy not to help these communities. If we help them, in any way, they will not be encouraged to enlist in the system," Brainiac 5 reminded her.
"It's taking too long, and people are stupid. How many children must suffer while the parents stubbornly refuse us? You must acknowledge that half of humanity has an IQ below 80," Kara said.
"You mean, half of the world is retarded," Mon clarified.
"Don't say that word. That word is stricken from the dictionary," Kara ordered Brainiac 5.
"Done," Brainiac 5 said casually.
"Only I can say that word," Kara insisted.
"IQ tests are notoriously unreliable and don't serve their intended purposes of discovering one's ability to learn rather than what they have already learned," Brainiac 5 said.
"Yeah, like, if you're born retarded how can your score go up with proper schooling and a nurturing environment?" Kara questioned.
"This is a strategic error that will prolong people enlisting into the system. Those who refuse us should have their children taken away and beaten," Mon said.
"That would...actually be more efficient," Brainiac 5 seconded.
"I think you're all missing the point of the Peace Corps. It's to make me look better. I'm a God damn saint and I want everyone to know it," Kara told them off.
"Why am I not surprised?" Mon rolled his eyes.
"I hope you're not surprised by this either. I'm putting you in charge of it," Kara said to him.
"Fuck me," Mon sighed. "Barney, I'm going to need a shit-ton of weaponry and armor for my new Peace Corps."
"As you wish," Brainiac 5 agreed.
"Alright, we all did a great thing today. We're heroes now," Kara said proudly.
Houston, East Texas
The city of Houston was incorporated into the Southern regions of Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. This bloc was simply referred to as the American Confederacy with its capital in Nashville. The decision to merge Houston with this bloc was to give the Confederacy a balanced GDP relative to other American blocs and to split the powerful Texas in half.
Kara addressed a large crowd in a sports stadium. "We choose to go to the Moon. We choose to go to the Moon... We choose to go to the Moon in this month and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard...and you all know I prefer it hard," Kara smiled. "This goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win," Kara declared.
Behind the crowd, a large dome structure lifted off the ground toward space. The dome was a bio-lab with vegetation and a lake, measuring the size of a zoo. The top and sides of the dome held translucent aluminum metal so those inside the dome would be able to see outside. The ship had sufficient shielding to block the sun's radiation on the moon.
"Behold the Gaia-class Colony ship, a self-sufficient bio-lab. In time, we will colonize the moon, the inner planets, the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and beyond. In time, we will not have to rely on these ships. We will terraform entire worlds with an Earth-like atmosphere and gravity. I will bring to you the technology of Krypton so that every star you see in the night sky will become reachable to you and to your children," Kara promised.
The Gaia-class ship rocketed through the atmosphere, into space, and then made its way to the moon within a few hours. Kara entered the NASA building in Houston as the Gaia was about to touch down. Upon coming closer to the moon's surface, the Gaia's ship's rockets slowed down its descent. It landed softly on the moon on a plain surface with the Earth facing them.
"Houston, we have touched down," the Gaia commander informed Houston.
The NASA HQ cheered at their success. Kara smiled amused at the petty accomplishment. From that point on, the colony had astronauts awkwardly walking around the moon's surface, collecting samples, driving around on a rover, and occasionally playing golf.
"Shall we put the Imperial flag on the surface?" the NASA commander asked her.
"Of course," Kara said obviously.
"But we don't have the last star yet, the Russians," the NASA commander reminded her.
Kara froze at that. "Do it anyway," she said spooked, and then left.
Cuba
The Imperial 2nd fleet came upon Cuba for an invasion. Kara was on the deck of one of the aircraft carriers as fighters and helicopters took off to support the ground troops. The battleships fired relentlessly against the Cuban coast to keep the defenders back. After the last fighter launched from the carrier, Kara flew off to join them. The fighter bombers blasted the beaches in waves while Kara fired heat vision beams with precise accuracy. She went over the trees with her X-ray vision and fired on Cuban positions.
On the beach, the Imperial marines got a foothold. Kara dropped down and had a meeting with the marine generals. "The population is not rising up against the regime as we expected," one of them said to Kara.
"March your men to Havana. I have something special planned for them," Kara replied.
Brainiac 5 drones, disguised as regime officials, entered various government offices and assassinated the entire government and military leaders. Upon taking over the government offices, Brainiac 5 then impersonated the now-dead officials and ordered the Cuban military to stand down. In the confusion and chaos, the Imperial marines quickly destroyed or forced the surrender of all Cuban military units. The island was now in Imperial hands.
Afterward, Kara gave her interpretation of the invasion to the press. "The people of the world do not conceal their admiration for their Queen who wishes to see a democratic system in Cuba. The Imperial government can take no action to stifle the spirit of liberty."
Houston, East Texas
Kara watched as a rocket launched off and entered Earth's orbit. The pilot then extended his orbit of the Earth and activated his warp drive. The ship accelerated and successfully reached Warp 1. At light speed, the rocket rotated around the Earth several times a second before slowing down and entering Earth's atmosphere. The rocket capsule landed in the ocean where it was recovered by a carrier.
"Now, that's the right stuff," Kara congratulated the pilot, the first time a human had orbited the Earth at warp.
Kara made a speech on this accomplishment in human history. "All of humanity rejoices in this successful flight. This is a historic milestone in our own exploration into space and speed. But the world still needs to work with the utmost speed and vigor in the further development of our space program. Today's flight should provide an incentive to everyone in the world concerned with this program to redouble their efforts in this vital field. Important scientific material has been obtained during this flight and this will be made available to the world's scientific community."
Metropolis
Brainiac 5 met with Kara on the civil rights issue of the day. "Private hospitals are being boycotted and some private clinics have been firebombed in the southern region of America."
"Why?" Kara asked curiously.
"They have been encouraged by your anti-abortion rhetoric. With your directive, all Imperial hospitals and clinics do not provide abortion. However, it is not illegal for private hospitals and clinics to do so," Brainiac 5 explained.
"I just figured these private healthcare options would disappear in time without there needing to be a law," Kara said confused.
"While currency is no longer applicable, trade continues," Brainiac 5 reminded her.
"Why would people go to private health care when they have us?" Kara wondered.
"There are a number of procedures and medical research like abortion, sex changes, plastic surgery, interspecies gene splicing, embryonic stem cells, cloning, and so forth that you have banned for Imperial healthcare. Also, as I have stated many times, we're having to ration care due to the enormous demand for services. By and large, the human race is taking advantage of our universal healthcare system and are taking medical visits several times a month for non-emergency issues. It's straining our available resources, creating waiting times, and forcing some to consider private health care," Brainiac 5 explained.
"When will you be able to meet demand?" Kara asked.
"Within the year," he replied. "We are expanding rapidly with drone production and the manufacturing of medical supplies and equipment. Soon, every Imperial citizen will have the same health care as the top 1% did during your time."
"I'm going to make a statement condemning the violence towards these private healthcare facilities, but you will do nothing to stop them," Kara told him. "Let them burn."
In the pursuit of universal housing, large apartment complex skyscrapers were constructed in Metropolis and other major cities around the world. These apartments were relatively small at 76 square meters. Kara brought the press to a random housing development swarming with Brainiac 5 drones and human workers. "It's not enough that every man, woman, and child have a roof over their heads. They must all have the American dream of a large house, two stories, with a lawn front and back, a garage, and a pool," Kara declared while wearing a hard hat.
"You're saying these new housing units will be available to E-1 personnel who refuse to get a job, go to school, or have children?" a Daily Planet reporter asked.
"No, that's not what I said," Kara said irked. "Basically, every rank is going to get a housing upgrade and then every rank is going to start getting a housing allowance so they can have more than one house."
"If someone has multiple houses, won't all but one of them be vacant at any point in time?" a reporter asked.
"Yeah," Kara shrugged. "I want my people to be able to have as many vacation homes as they wish, in accordance with their rank. It's not enough to just have hotels and campsites."
"Isn't that a gross waste of resources?" one reporter asked.
"All of humanity...is a waste of resources," Kara snapped and then calmed herself down. "I mean, I love you all and want the best for you."
Metropolis
Kara met with her newly appointed Earth Secretary General, Lando Norris with a pay grade of O-10. "Your jurisdiction is the entire planet. In time, you will be answerable to the System Adjutant who will have jurisdiction over all planets in the Sol System. A lot of the decisions that I have been making for this world will eventually fall to you. You will be the executive branch in contrast to the World Congress. You will be able to propose legislation and veto legislation. The World Congress will require a 2/3rds vote to override anything you do," Kara explained to him.
"I understand, Your Majesty," Lando said submissively.
"Normally, the sovereign stays out of foreign and domestic affairs and allows someone like you to govern. With me, it's the opposite. You will advise me, and I will be making the decisions. I expect you to see me once a week on the concerns of the world unless I decide to reschedule you," Kara continued.
"That wasn't a part of our deal," Lando said miffed.
"I'm altering the deal. Pray, I don't alter it any further," Kara said and then dismissed him from her office.
Houston, East Texas
After touring Latin America to shore up her rule there and with the cooperation of the three governors overseeing the entire region, Kara continued her space program. A rocket lifted off and shot off toward Mars. At Warp 1, the rocket reached Mars in a few minutes, slowed down to orbit around the planet, and then fired back to Earth at Warp 1.
Kara waited in nervous apprehension as the rocket came back. "One wrong calculation and his rocket will slice through the planet at lightspeed killing us all," the NASA director told Kara.
"No shit," Kara said nervously. "Not even I can stop a rocket at lightspeed."
The rocket successfully slowed down, entered Earth's atmosphere, and fell into the ocean where it was collected by a carrier. On the carrier, Kara congratulated the pilot and then made some remarks. "We have a long way to go in space. We started late. But this is the new ocean, and I believe humanity must sail on it and be in a position second to none."
Metropolis
At the Daily Planet, Kara did a live television interview with the whole world watching. "Would you be willing to tell the world your position on women's rights?" the reporter asked gently.
"Well, we are attempting to make sure that women, for example, who work-one-third of our working force are women-we want to try to encourage and certainly stimulate governmental leadership in providing equal opportunity of rank and equal conditions for women. Twenty-two countries out of fifty do it now, but we can do a much better job on that. We want to make sure that the available talent which we have in this country in trained women is being used effectively. I think we want to make sure that some recognition is given to the special problems women have as the mother and the housewife, and at the same time their desires to participate usefully in public and private life," Kara replied comfortably.
"I think that's a very good objective but what about women in positions of power?" the reporter asked.
"Well, it used to be that keeping a family, and raising children, interrupted the careers of women. Now, a woman acquires rank with each child being taken care of and that rank can be transferred over into the job market. As for positions in the government, let's see, I recall giving two awards to two random civil servants in some random department the other day. We have women working for the Earth Secretary General...I think one is a treasurer or something," Kara said sheepishly.
"And the field of medicine?" the reporter pressed.
"I think medicine is a field we should stimulate women's development. I think some women make good doctors. They have personal qualities and patience. I think 2 or 3 percent of those admitted to medical school are women which is...lacking," Kara said embarrassed.
"Do you think women are using their universal education benefit to their best advantage?" the reporter asked.
"The problem is that as soon as a girl gets educated, two or three years later, they get married and have kids. So...what was the point?" Kara asked incredulously.
"So, how can women maximize their potential?" the reporter asked.
"I think it's a sensitive and important matter how a woman juggles family life and a career. I've done what I can so women don't have to choose between the two. Now, if women want to, they can pop out five-six kids and be financially secure. The issue at hand is that if all women decide not to have children, the fertility rate goes down to zero, and then the species is fucked...like before. So, we want to strongly encourage women to have kids and wait to have careers when...they're at retirement age. And with our universal health care and medical advancements, it's quite possible for women to have any job they want when they're fifty-sixty," Kara said.
"What about removing women from the workforce to make room for unemployed men?" the reporter asked.
"Well...I rely on Barney to make those sorts of...assignment changes," Kara said awkwardly. "I mean, I don't see men popping out kids so what is he going to do if not work?"
"Take care of the kids while the woman works?" the reporter guessed.
"Do you think it's really wise to let men take care of the kids on a mass scale? I mean, I don't trust my husband to do shit when it comes to the kids," Kara objected.
"Certainly, there are sectors where women are more suited than men in the workforce," the reporter suggested.
"We're a meritocracy on the individual level so if there is one woman better than one man at one job, she'll get the job. I have Barney take care of all this. He's not a man or a woman. He doesn't even have a gender. He literally doesn't give a shit on how someone looks like on the outside," Kara deflected.
"Your Majesty, that's all the time we have. Thank you for your honest answers to a serious issue," the reporter concluded.
"I thank you...for bringing this issue to my attention," Kara said politely.
Not long afterward, Kara's Earth Secretary General died in a suspicious plane accident over Africa. At the same time, Burundi declared their independence and desired to slaughter each other in a civil war. Kara addressed the issue from the palace. "It gives me the greatest pleasure to the government and people of the kingdom of Burundi, to deny your independence. We, in the Imperial government, have watched with interest the transition of Burundi from its status as a shithole ethnically cleansing barbarian nation to a protectorate of the empire. We know that your people, like all other people, cherish individual liberty. Therefore, we know that the only way to maintain order and prosperity is through the empire. We look forward to the people of Burundi repenting and coming back to the fold so that you can continue to participate in world councils as befits an Imperial protectorate. The people of the empire will work to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two peoples so that this never happens again in the future. Together, we will work towards the goals of freedom, dignity, and peace," Kara said on live TV.
Immediately, the government and military leaders of Burundi were assassinated by impersonating Brainiac 5 drones until a new leader emerged that was willing to cooperate with Kara's regime. Similar revolts happened in Rwanda and Uganda. They were put down in the same way with Kara personally visiting Uganda to appoint a new loyal leader.
"So, Mufasa, right? That's a name that commands respect and power," Kara said of her new Uganda governor.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said gratefully.
"What were you before you became a general?" Kara asked curiously.
"Well, my father left, and my mother died, so I was raised in an orphanage cleaning pots and pans. When your regime took over, that's when I was able to succeed," he said smiling.
"Great story," Kara said pleased. "Go to the highest mountain in Uganda and look around in all directions. Your jurisdiction is all that the light touches."
"I am greatly honored, Your Majesty," he said and took a knee before her.
Metropolis
Kara was furious when she heard the news. "The World Supreme Court has decided the sixth amendment requires criminal defendants be given legal counsel for free by the state. This is some bullshit!"
"All legal counsel comes from the state and all legal counsel is free for any legal dispute or proceeding," Brainiac 5 reminded her.
"That's not the point. They're inventing rights out of thin air. How much longer until they invent more rights out of their ass," Kara argued. "The sixth amendment text clearly says a defendant may have assistance to counsel for his defense, not mandatory."
"The actual text says, 'and to have the Assistance of Counsel,'" Brainiac 5 corrected. "It could easily be interpreted to mandate counsel."
"That's not how it was interpreted historically," Kara said stubbornly.
"Is that how it was interpreted in the 21st century?" Brainiac 5 asked knowingly.
Kara simply stared at him. "Fuck you, Barney," she said pissed off.
"I assure you, this legal interpretation will not negatively affect trial convictions," Brainiac 5 predicted.
"I feel like this world is spinning out of control. For every fire I put out, there are always two more new ones," Kara said distraught.
"Should any murderer we know to be guilty be acquitted due to a jury or legal technicality, there's always the Star Chamber," Brainiac 5 assured her.
"Alright then," Kara said satisfied.
Nepal
While Kara was running the empire, Mon inspired mountaineers to get to the top of Mt. Everest. For him, it was a casual affair but for the humans, it was a great athletic accomplishment. Mon led teams up to the top, ensured everyone survived, and then congratulated them on their success. Oftentimes, Mon would let a human team go up on their own. When they would need help due to injury or weather, Mon would train emergency responders to get to the scene and rescue them. It wasn't as exciting as warfare but there was still life and death involved. It also became a "thing" to bury one's relatives on Mt. Everest so that their bodies would be preserved longer. Impressed, Mon assisted these sorts of high-altitude funerals. Finally, without Kara's permission, Mon brought their son, Kon, to the summit as well.
"That's the right stuff," Mon said to all the successful mountaineers.
Metropolis
Kara established the World Art Advisory Council where Imperial citizens would be permitted to enjoy their passion for art. There was some controversy and negotiation over how one would be promoted in the art world. Kara visited the art museum with Brainiac 5 before the meeting. She stared intently at a painting that was completely blank white. Kara squinted as she stared at the canvas trying to find anything in the visual and X-ray spectrum. "Is this really art?"
"Do you feel an emotion?" Brainiac 5 asked her.
"I feel bewildered and pissed off," Kara said honestly.
"Then, it is art," Brainiac 5 told her.
Kara rolled her eyes and went into a conference room filled with weird-ass artists. "Art is a relationship between the artist and the rest of society. If you produce art that has nothing to do with you just to please your audience, you're a sell-out. If you produce art only for yourself that only you can understand, you're probably a narcissistic asshole. Therefore, your art will be judged according to the public's reaction and Barney's knowledge of technical skill and historical knowledge of the art world," Kara assured them all.
"In the past, the private sector determined the value of our art," one objected.
"They didn't value your art. They just used your painting as a money laundering scheme to give one rich asshole money to another rich asshole in a legally dubious manner," Kara shut her down. "That nonsense stops now."
"How can we guarantee the art world will have full independence from government influence and coercion?" one asked.
"I really don't give a shit what you do. I don't go to art museums. If you paint me with a funny face, I won't give a fuck," Kara replied. "The only exception is any negative representation of my late sister. If you do that, you'll probably die, not going to lie."
"I believe that any representation of the Prophetess, peace be upon you, is forbidden," one Arab artist said.
"Sure, whatever," Kara allowed. "Just don't think that rule applies to everyone else."
"We have a statue we hope is to your liking, Your Majesty," a group of artists said as they uncovered a statue. The statue was on a marble pedestal and was colored green to mimic cooper's patination. It was a woman in Roman robes with a crown and a flaming torch similar to the statue of liberty. One obvious difference is that the face mimicked Alex's face.
Kara simply stared at the statue's face and began to tear up. "How did they know how she looked?"
"I took the liberty of assisting them," Brainiac 5 said softly.
"I think I'm feeling a true emotion now," Kara said tearfully and took a knee before the statue. Brainiac 5 assured the artists Kara was pleased with them and ushered them out of the room. Brainiac 5 then approached a grieving Kara.
"If you wish, the statue can be placed on an artificial island in Metropolis harbor," he said gently.
Kara closed her eyes and tears went down her face. "Make it so."
In her office, Brainiac 5 presented a status report on world leaders. "The Vietnam president is attempting to create a Christian theocracy above and beyond the first amendment," he reported.
"I recall you, as pope, encouraging world leaders to do so under the pain of excommunication," Kara said skeptically.
"Nonetheless, he's gone overboard and now his people hate him. He's also high on the corruption index. The northern section of the country has threatened to secede if he continues to be the leader," Brainiac 5 said.
"I'll call an early election and get him out of there," Kara said dismissively.
"There is no organized opposition and he's also violated the first amendment on speech, assembly, and petition for grievances," Brainiac 5 continued.
"What do you want me to do about it?" Kara asked annoyed.
"Nothing. A coup is scheduled for his own people to assassinate him. Should he ask for help, simply do nothing," Brainiac 5 replied.
"Well, okay then," Kara agreed.
Shortly thereafter, the Vietnamese president was assassinated in a military coup, but the northern section seceded from the empire anyway.
Dallas, Texas
Kara, Mon, and Brainiac 5 were present to meet with NASA officials and visit the city. Also present were the Texas Governor and two Senators. In this context, Texas (except the Houston area) was a country all to itself. It also contained New Mexico and Oklahoma. Unlike Houston where the Imperial government was flooding the area with resources and high-tech jobs, Texas was largely ignored and pissed off with the regime with many calling for secession. Kara was shielded by this discontent as she met up with brown-nosing officials.
"At noon, you will have a meeting with civic, business, and religious leaders at a steak luncheon," Brainiac 5 summarized her schedule.
"The only reason I'm here is the steak," Mon said annoyed.
"Don't be an ass," Kara scolded him. "How are we getting there?"
"A limo. Should the weather be good, the bubble top will be removed," Brainiac 5 said.
"Good, good," Kara agreed.
"You should get there with super-speed or incognito. This is tactically dangerous," Mon warned.
"The people want to see me," Kara rebuked.
"Fuck the people," Mon replied.
"Fuck the...Mon, why do you think I am here? Why do you think I work so hard?" Kara asked aghast.
"There is a risk," Brainiac 5 allowed.
"Fine, Mon sits with me," Kara said.
"Shit," Mon muttered as he walked off.
"Such an asshole," Kara hissed.
"It actually works to our advantage. Neither the governor nor the senators want to sit with him," Brainiac 5 said.
Kara then eyed her smartphone showing a news article referring to her as Mrs. El without her honorifics or titles. "What the fuck?"
"We're in Texas," Brainiac 5 reminded her.
Despite the press, the politicians, and the political climate being hostile to the royal family, the people of Dallas cheered as Kara's motorcade went past them. Kara smiled and waved to the crowd with enthusiasm from the back seat. Mon remained mostly motionless bored and anti-social. In the middle seats were the Texas governor and his wife. In the front seats were a driver and another Brainiac 5 drone. TV camera crews were present all along the path to get a glimpse of Kara as she passed by.
The motorcade came to a stop as Kara got out and shook hands with some nuns. The motorcade came to a stop again so Kara could shake hands with some schoolchildren all gathered together. Mon merely rolled his eyes as he stayed in the car being a total asshole. The motorcade then continued without incident. As the motorcade headed toward a bridge, a green beam sliced through the air and barely missed the limo. Less than a second later, another green beam sliced through Kara's back and out her neck. The beam continued into the governor's torso and disabled the Brainiac 5 drone in the front seat.
Kara was in the middle of waving her right hand when she was shot. She immediately clutched her neck and bowed her head as she struggled to breathe. Alarmed by her condition, Mon took hold of her. The driver slowed down as he looked back. "Holy shit," he realized.
"Drive, asshole," Mon ordered him.
Kara's back muscles seized up throwing her head back into the line of fire. A third beam sliced through the top of Kara's head blasting a piece of her skull off and exiting into the air. Kara's head, now gutted, went forward as her body went limp. The limo then sped up toward the hospital. Mon placed Kara's body in a comfortable position and then sat motionless. There was blood all over his gloves, uniform, and on his face.
The limo entered Dallas General where Kara's body was taken inside. The governor was also brought in, severely wounded. Mon calmly picked up some skull fragments from the limo floor and walked into the hospital. Kara's body was rushed into the emergency room. She had a pulse, and she was struggling to breathe. Her eyes looked fixed, dilated, and staring into nothing. Mon casually entered the room and watched as the doctors scrambled to do anything. A tracheotomy was performed on Kara's neck exit wound and hooked up to a ventilator.
He eyed the right side of the head where the skull had been blasted open and most of the brain destroyed. The right cerebral hemisphere was completely gone. A human priest arrived on the scene and began Last Rites. Kara's pulse then stopped and attempts to revive her were in vain.
"My Lord...," the doctor said shakily. "I have to call it."
Mon simply nodded. The doctors recorded the time of death and left the room as the priest continued the ritual. Mon waited for the priest to finish and then went over to Kara's body. He lowered her eyelids and then also left the room.
The shooter was ultimately captured along with the Kryptonite plasma rifle. He was brought into a room and interrogated by Brainiac 5 as to his motives, but he gave nothing up. The room then opened with Kara emerging in a fresh black Supergirl uniform. "Has he talked, yet?" she asked Brainiac 5.
"No," Brainiac 5 replied.
The shooter gave Kara a wide-eyed look but remained silent. "I have ways to get information out of people," she threatened.
"If you do that, he won't be competent for trial," Brainiac 5 warned.
"There won't be a trial," Kara glared. She grabbed the shooter and kissed him passionately. As she did, she read his memories while erasing those memories at the same time. Once she was done, the shooter was lobotomized. Kara wiped away her lips disgustedly.
"The rifle," Brainiac 5 said as he handed it to her for inspection.
Kara eyed the rifle with X-ray vision noticing the Kryptonite power cell. While designed to kill her, the rifle would be lethal for any human. "Single-shot pulse rifle," she analyzed.
"Yes," Brainiac 5 confirmed. "The Kryptonite is synthetic, made domestically."
Kara handed the rifle back to Kryptonite and then turned back to the shooter who seemed dazed and confused. "What would be the point of punishing him now?" Brainiac 5 asked her.
"Punishment is not about rehabilitation. It's retribution," Kara replied and then fired heat vision into his gut at an angle to give the maximum amount of pain and damage. The beam went through his spleen, and stomach, sliced through his aorta and vena cava, kidney, liver, and diaphragm, and then shattered his right eleventh rib. The shooter went down to the floor and struggle to breathe as he bled out.
Kara waited for him to die and then turned to Brainiac 5. "I want her family provided for," she said referring to Melissa.
"She had no family," Brainiac 5 replied. Kara closed her eyes in grief. "So, who was it?" Brainiac 5 asked.
"It was the Russians," Kara replied.
Kara shot into the air over Dallas spooking those who thought they had seen her killed. Kara then flew over to the night side of the planet and positioned herself over Russia. From her distance, she saw most of Russia in night. Kara then powered up to Prime and glowed as bright as a star. The Russians looked up and saw that their night turned to day as a new sun appeared in their sky. The day became brighter and brighter until it was a bright summer day. The Russian leaders, from Moscow, eyed the star in the sky realizing what it was. With all of Russia bathed in her light, the entire country was made aware she was not dead.
Kara then pulsed her power to get their attention creating a flash of light that could be seen all across the country and then flew off back to Metropolis. The Russian daytime then faded back to night.
Author's Notes: This episode basically summarizes the Kennedy presidency. Many of Kara's speeches and interviews are mocks of Kennedy's own speeches and interviews. The episode, Melissa, was kind of a one-shot but it would basically pose the question of why she isn't in every new episode in some capacity. I don't really need to mock the CW version every episode. Kudos for those who figured it out before the revelation.