In Metropolis, Kara had a meeting with Sydne Ardeen, the mother of Imra. She was acting as an ambassador from Titan to Earth. Several other Titans were present for this meeting as observers. Brainiac 5 was at Kara's side in case the Titans pulled any telepathic shenanigans on her.
"The damage to the Titan people is incalculable. P'Jem was the holiest of holy sanctuaries," Sydne complained. "Imagine if the Vatican in Rome were destroyed?"
"I'm not that kind of Christian. I wouldn't give a damn," Kara said honestly.
"I'm here to demand an apology from your government," Sydne said impatiently.
"Ambassador, we are so sorry for your loss," Kara rolled her eyes with false sincerity. "But you were using the monastery as a surveillance station."
"Against a dangerous enemy. The Winathians wouldn't have found the station if your people hadn't interfered," Sydne pointed out. "Your Insane astronauts have been in space for several months and have already destabilized the sector."
"Maybe if you had told us about this surveillance station in the beginning, this wouldn't have happened," Kara shot back.
"We warned you this would happen. Prince Mon-El is too Insane. You should have put a human in charge," Sydne argued.
"I make command assignments here," Kara shut her down.
"There was a time when your people sought our guidance. I regret that time has passed," Sydne said.
"Oh, fuck you, Sydne. We both know this is crap," Kara shook her head dismayed.
"I have been recalled back to Titan. Our joint fleet operations have been suspended," Sydne informed her.
As the Titan ambassadors left the room, Kara frowned irritably. "Get me Mon," she ordered Brainiac 5.
On the Nemo, Mon and Eltro discussed their new conquest over dinner. "I found a new system in the Titan database, Corinth. They're not too far away so I figure we'd take a look," Mon said.
"Inhabited?" Eltro asked hopefully.
"Only three billion humanoids," Mon smirked. "The Titans have a mining agreement with them. I had Laurel send a message to their chancellor and they have invited us to their capital city."
"They don't know us very well, do they?" Eltro smiled. "I'll shine my boots. An Insane must conquer in style."
"I think I'm going to just take Laurel, this time. The chancellor doesn't want too many people coming down. We must give them the opportunity to politely tell us no before we wage war. It is the Insane way," Mon said.
"But we are conquering them, right?" Eltro asked concernedly.
"Of course. They have the largest shipyard in the sector and ships that can run circles around Titan at Warp seven," Mon said.
"Sounds like bullshit," Eltro doubted.
"They may be too tough for us to conquer after all," Mon said subdued.
Eltro simply stared at him. "You're bullshitting me, aren't you?" he asked alarmed.
"Captain, we're receiving a transmission from Earth," Laurel radioed into the room.
"Fawk," Mon shook his head annoyed.
Mon took his sweet time finishing dinner with Eltro before excusing him from the room. He then got on his computer to talk with Kara. "What is it?" Mon asked annoyed.
"The Sanctuary of P'Jem has been destroyed," Kara informed him.
"Not ringing a bell," Mon shrugged.
"Don't be an ass. Fortunately, no one was killed. The Winathians gave everyone on the surface three hours to clear out before they began their bombardment," Kara said.
"How courteous of them," Mon mocked.
"The Titans are not taking this well," Kara said seriously.
"Oh, really?" Mon rolled his eyes.
"Look, I have seen the Titan reports. The Winathians are a dangerous adversary," Kara said.
"That's crap. I've seen their best in person. I wasn't impressed," Mon said dismissively.
"I don't want Earth involved in this interspecies conflict," Kara said.
"We just conquered several inhabited planets," Mon pointed out.
"Let me rephrase, warp-capable species," Kara clarified. "The kind of species that could be a threat to Earth cities and colonies."
"No one is going to threaten Earth knowing how I will retaliate against them," Mon argued.
"Not all species are rational. I'm not taking that risk," Kara said. "Now, I have even more bad news."
Mon called Imra to his quarters. "I just spoke with Kara. There are a lot of easy ways for me to say this: The Winathians destroyed the sanctuary at P'Jem but no one was killed. The Titan High Command, for some odd reason, believes we're to blame for this. They're sending a ship to take you back to Titan in two days."
"Thank God," Imra said relieved.
"Perhaps, I wasn't clear. They'll be at this position in two days, but we won't be. We're leaving so consider this a permanent kidnapping," Mon said.
"I understand the situation," Imra sighed.
"You seem perfectly fine with your kidnapping," Mon said somewhat surprised.
"I expected nothing less from you, captain," Imra said truthfully.
"The Titan High Command is looking for a scapegoat. Now, they can't punish me, so they're going after you. If we give Titan High Command the impression you are our prisoner, it could help your career," Mon reasoned.
"I did contribute to the destruction of P'Jem. I should face some responsibility," Imra said honestly.
"Don't give yourself too much credit," Mon smirked.
"I was not just sent here as an observer but to represent the interests of my people. Clearly, I have failed," Imra said.
"Look, I'll make it up to them. How many Winathian cities do I have to destroy?" Mon asked seriously.
"The Titan High Command doesn't want a war or a genocide of the Winathian people," Imra rejected.
"Consider yourself kidnapped," Mon said to her. "As our prisoner, you're to perform your duties as XO."
"Is there anything else?" Imra asked rolling her eyes.
"No, dismissed," Mon said.
At the mess hall, Imra had a conversation with Brainiac 5. "I just heard you were kidnapped. Sorry, you will be staying with us," Brainiac 5 mocked. "I'm sure you will excel as a prisoner."
"My superiors believe I am responsible for the destruction of the P'Jem sanctuary. They're not going to believe I was made a prisoner either," Imra said subdued.
"Do you agree with that assessment?" Brainiac 5 asked.
"Fuck no. I told them not to go down there. When it was impossible to persuade them, I did what I could to mitigate the situation. None of this is my fault," Imra said angrily.
"You have aided and abetted the conquering of several worlds to the Galactic Federation. That should mean something, right?" Brainiac 5 asked her.
"I'm not sure that helps in my favor. The rapid expansion of the Galactic Federation via conquering and subjugating worlds has alarmed Titan High Command. They find this Insane officer crew too chaotic and unpredictable. I feel as if I have become just like them, a part of their Insane scheme for galactic domination," Imra said concernedly.
"You should take pride in knowing that your influence has made this tour a lot less genocidal," Brainiac 5 said objectively.
"I'll keep that in mind," Imra rolled her eyes.
"The crew is preparing for a prisoner party for you in your honor," Brainiac 5 informed her. "I'd be on alert."
Imra suddenly sensed the minds of the crew as they gathered around her in a sudden fashion. Mon led the ceremony with his Insane officer crew. "Imra Ardeen, you are now officially a prisoner," Mon declared. "Eltro, disarm her."
Eltro proceeded to disarm Imra of her pistol. "Eltro, cuff the prisoner behind her back."
"Is that really necessary?" Imra asked annoyed.
"I'm a slave to appearances," Mon said as Imra was cuffed.
"Are you mad? You made a deal with Titan High Command not to kidnap me," Imra protested.
"Yeah, I made that deal but I don't really give a fuck," Mon clarified.
"You will be hunted down and destroyed for this," Imra promised.
"Nah, I don't think so," Mon doubted. "Eltro, take off that handsome-looking uniform."
"Yes, Sir," Eltro said as sliced off Imra's Imperial jacket with her rank. Imra was now in just her undershirt.
"Now, we all pitched in to give you something in return that you can't take off," Mon said as he placed a device on her neck. "It's a tracking device that will explode should anyone try to tamper with it." He then turned to the entire crew. "Give it up for Saturn Girl, our Titan prisoner!"
"Hip hip hooray!" the crew shouted in jubilation.
"Hate you, hate you all," Imra said dismayed.
On the Atlas shuttle, Mon and Imra made small talk. "So, what do you know about Corinth?"
"It has three billion inhabitants, several cities in the mostly equatorial regions," Imra answered.
"Yeah, but why does it have a Greek name?" Mon wondered.
"The Titan database doesn't have that information," Imra replied.
"Of course not," Mon scoffed.
"Seeing as how I'm your prisoner, I am not certain why I was chosen for this mission," Imra admitted.
"That makes two of us," Mon said smartly.
"I mean, really?" Imra pressed.
"These people have never seen Insane men before. They have interacted with Titans in the past. It's best if you give introductions," Mon said reasonably.
"Sir, you have a winged aircraft closing on you fast, FYI," Eltro radioed in.
"No doubt escorting the Prince of all Insane," Mon said arrogantly.
The shuttle was then violently hit. Mon attempted to do an evasive maneuver but the Atlas was not meant for combat. Mon missed the Corinthian fighter and was then hit again, fatally. The shuttle crashed in the middle of nowhere.
Mon and Imra allowed themselves to be captured. A hood was put over their heads and their hands were bound up with ropes. They were put inside a shack with it raining outside. Imra was struggling with her restraints while Mon took a nap. They were back-to-back with each other. "Mon!" she yelled at him.
"What?" Mon awoke annoyed.
"You could easily get out of these restraints and get us out of here," Imra whispered to him.
"Yeah, but it's raining," Mon pointed out.
"You're such an asshole. We could be on the ship by now," Imra said peeved.
"What's your problem?" Mon scoffed at her.
"Even if I did escape, there are three armed Corinthians outside," Imra pointed out.
"So, untie your restraints, make their heads explode, and be on your merry way," Mon said obviously.
"We're in the middle of nowhere with no ship," Imra countered.
Three armed Corinthians entered the shack. They looked humanoid but had extra cartilage underneath their skin around their mouths, noses, and foreheads. The leader, Traeg, took their hoods off. "A Titan? What brings you to Corinth?"
"I'm a prisoner of this Insane man and I wish to defect," Imra said quickly.
"You're her captor?" Traeg asked curiously of Mon.
"That's right," Mon said smugly.
"I don't recognize your species," Traeg admitted.
"I'm Insane from Earth," Mon told him.
"I've never seen Titans take orders from anyone," Traeg said amused.
"She's one of those special Titans," Mon mocked. "Look, we're here on invitation from your chancellor."
"She's not my chancellor," Traeg denied.
"Oh, you're one of those people. The recount not go your way?" Mon mocked.
"She's only put in power due to the Titans," Traeg explained. "If you're with them, you're on the wrong side."
"I'm always on the wrong side," Mon assured him.
"Neither of you has weapons. Why is that?" Traeg asked.
"We're a pacifist peaceful race," Mon lied.
"I'm curious about your starship. What can you tell us about it?" Traeg asked.
"It's the fastest ship in the galaxy on impulse power, has a cloaking device, rapid-fire laser canon designed to fight off multiple fighters, and torpedoes," Mon detailed.
"You fucking serious?" Traeg wondered.
"He doesn't know what the fuck he's talking about. He's not a tactical officer. He's a chef. We're here to prepare a banquet for the chancellor," Imra contradicted.
"Iron Chef," Mon clarified.
"You, Titans, have a reputation for being total liars," Traeg said skeptically.
"Perhaps," Imra rolled her eyes.
"Whoever you are, you picked a bad time for a visit," Traeg said menacingly. The three Corinthians then left the shack.
"So...are we going to escape now?" Imra asked impatiently.
"Nah, I want to see how this plays out," Mon said intrigued.
Soon thereafter, the orbiting Nemo received a transmission from the chancellor below. Eltro, Ol, Dax, and Laurel were all present for the video call. "We believe your shuttlecraft was shot down by a radical faction but since the attack took place outside our sensor grid, your officers won't be easy to find," the chancellor said grimly.
"I don't recall getting a report on any factions," Eltro said annoyed.
"They're a small group. We had no idea they were capable of an attack like this. Be assured, commander, your people are most certainly alive," the chancellor excused.
"How do you know that?" Ol asked.
"The radicals will want someone in exchange for the hostages. They always do; sidearms, explosives. It's important you don't give them anything," the chancellor said.
"Is this a war we can get ourselves involved in?" Eltro asked hopefully.
"We're not at war, commander. This is an isolated incident," the chancellor downplayed. "We're doing everything within our power to find them." She then signed off.
"That sounds like bullshit," Dax doubted.
"When the radicals ransom the captain for weapons, we'll give it to them. We have an opportunity to expand and widen this civil war," Eltro smiled. "Dox isn't going to cooperate with us. Contact the Jin-Saiyan homeworld."
On the planet's surface, Mon and Imra were still hostages. "Alright, ready?" Mon asked her. The two worked to get into a squatting position back-to-back until Imra lost strength and fell back down. "Looks like you need to go back to the gym."
The two tried again with Imra collapsing them both. "I think we got a little higher that last time," Mon allowed.
"You could easily stand up and carry me on your back," Imra complained.
"No pain, no gain," Mon refused.
The two tried again with them both standing up, back-to-back. "If we turn around and face each other, we might be able to untie ourselves," Mon suggested.
"Fuck me," Imra rolled her eyes and then twisted herself so that they were both facing each other very closely with Imra's breasts pushed against Mon's chest armor. "Try not to enjoy yourself too much."
"How come the Titan database never mentioned a civil war?" Mon asked conversationally.
"This isn't a civil war, merely a small terrorist group numbering a few dozen," Imra said.
"Can you reach my knot?" Mon asked.
"You want me to squeeze it or rub it?" Imra mocked.
"Yes," Mon mocked back.
"If not for the Titan database, you would never have found this place or P'Jem," Imra said resentfully.
"You're not responsible for that. I own that incident completely," Mon told her.
"I could have protested your visit more," Imra said.
"It wouldn't have stopped us," Mon assured her.
"It's clear that living among the Insane has compromised my reasoning," Imra said concernedly.
"You're just afraid to become one of us," Mon said dismissively. He then worked around Imra's restraints around her waist under false pretenses and then the two fell back down again with Imra on top of Mon with her breasts totally in his face.
"Finally...the desired result," Mon said pleased.
Imra shifted herself off of Mon and then continued to work on her restraints. Using her telekinetic powers, she worked to eventually untangle the knot and free herself. "See, not that hard," Mon complimented.
Three Corinthians barged in with their rifles. "Well...shit," Imra sighed.
On the Nemo, Eltro and Ol casually looked over some maps. "It's definitely the shuttle about four kilometers away from the capital," Ol pointed out.
"Four kilometers away from their capital is outside their sensor grid? What the fuck?" Eltro wondered.
"From what I can tell, the capital is surrounded by shanty towns. There are almost as many bio-signs on the outskirts as there are in the city," Ol said.
"Sounds like these poor schmucks need to be liberated," Eltro smiled. "Any Insane bio-signs?"
"Not yet and they turned off the shuttle's transponder signal," Ol said. "Sir, I have an assault team ready to kick ass in the launch bay."
"Hold on," Eltro said conflicted. "The captain can obviously rescue himself. If we kill his captors, the conflict is over. Is that really the Insane way?"
"It's possible, however unlikely, they did manage to get a drop on the captain. All I'm saying is we take a look around, recon the place," Ol said.
"Sir, we're being hailed," Laurel interrupted. "Audio only."
"Put it through," Eltro allowed.
"Is this Nemo?" Traeg asked.
"Yeah," Eltro replied.
"We're holding your captain and your Iron Chef. In exchange for their safe return, we want forty of your laser weapons, the same type we found aboard your shuttle," Traeg said.
"We'll think about it," Eltro said casually.
"I know you wouldn't want any harm to come to your Titan captain. We're expecting your full compliance," Traeg said and then signed off.
"Can you trace that signal?" Eltro asked Laurel.
"They're masking it," Laurel replied.
"Isn't the Insane way to tell them to go fuck themselves?" Dax asked.
"Look, we all have our opinions on what is the most Insane course of action: give in to their demands to fuel and widen this civil war, assault their position and kill these fools, or do nothing and tell them to go fuck themselves. These are all valid answers but what is the highest level of Insane...," Eltro said.
"We're getting another transmission," Laurel interrupted. "It's the Titans."
"God damn it," Eltro sighed. As the Titan captain came into view, Eltro stepped up. "So...how can I help you?" he asked with false sincerity.
"Where is Prince Mon-El?" Captain Soapek requested.
"Never heard of him," Eltro mocked.
"Inform him we'll be arriving within the hour," Soapek said not amused.
"Except, we won't be where we are now," Eltro said smartly.
"You've made an error in your calculations. We'll find your ass. Please have Imra Ardeen ready to depart when we arrive," Soapek ordered.
"We have a bit of a problem. You see...I've never heard of her either," Eltro smirked.
"It would be best...not to fuck with us," Soapek said annoyed, and then signed off.
The Titan ship eventually arrived at Corinth and pulled alongside the Nemo. "The Titans are approaching, just one ship. Too small for an attack," Dax reported.
"Ol, I leave you in charge," Eltro said, ready to meet with them.
"Sir?" Ol protested.
"Relax. If they assassinate me, all of the Insane go to war. Pray they're that stupid. Pray, we're that lucky," Eltro said insanely as he ate an apple obnoxiously. "Besides...there's no reason we can't be civil, is there?"
"None, Sir!" Ol, Dax, and Laurel all agreed.
With that on his mind, Eltro came aboard the Titan ship, a Curetas-class cruiser. The ship was lightly armored, 7x less than the Poseidon-class Nemo. Its weapon systems were also weaker at 4x less than the Nemo. It was also 20% slower than the Nemo on impulse power. However, the more advanced Titan ship was capable of Warp 7 and had a shield rating that was 36x that of the Nemo. In battle, the two ships would be mostly at an obnoxious stalemate.
"Commander, welcome aboard. Now, shall we dispense with the bullshit? Reading your thoughts, I know that Imra Ardeen is on the surface held captive and you intend to give in to the hostage-takers' demands in order to start a civil war. My team will penetrate the base of operations and retrieve our Titan officer," Soapek said condescendingly.
"And what if your Titan officer is killed in the crossfire?" Eltro asked.
"Swift decisive action is the least risky response. They have captured a Titan officer. We must discourage any such incidents in the future by fucking them up," Soapek said.
"What if the Corinth government says no?" Eltro brought up.
"I've already been in contact with the chancellor and she has given me full opportunity to kick ass. Soon, I will be giving her a report on your scheme," Soapek said.
"Damn," Eltro frowned.
"It's not Titan policy to negotiate with terrorists...or the Insane," Soapek said. He then looked into Eltro's mind. "I now have the location of their whereabouts. This has been a very productive meeting," he smirked.
On the surface, Imra worked on using her telekinetic powers to loosen her restraints. Traeg came in suddenly and gave them both bowls of grub. Mon moved onto his side, moved over to the bowl, and stuck out his tongue to get to the grub. "Too bad you're not a lesbian or this would be a lot easier for you," Mon joked.
"You're disgusting," Imra told him off.
"Dig in. You need to keep up your strength," Mon said as he got his mouth all into that bowl.
Imra reluctantly used her fingers to get to the grub. "Yeah, that's right. Use those fingers," Mon mocked.
On the Nemo, Eltro was back on the ship but away from the bridge for some reason. Laurel picked up a call from Soapek. "Where is Commander Eltro?" he demanded.
"He's busy taking a shit. Can I take a message?" Laurel asked.
"I want to know where that shuttle pod is going," Soapek asked suspiciously. "It left your launch bay nine minutes ago."
"It's an Insane-human strike team that has already landed on the surface. If I were you, I'd go down there and stop them," Laurel smiled and then signed off.
On the surface, Eltro and Ol casually walked around on a recon mission. "Look at all these poor people," Eltro remarked. Suddenly, they were grabbed and shocked by masked men. They were then taken into a random house where they met Garth Ranzz.
"You should have listened to the Titans. They warned you not to do anything foolish," Garth said.
"Before you fuck us, you could, at least, take out us for dinner," Eltro mocked.
"This is the thanks I get, insult and mocking? If you had gone anywhere near that shuttle pod, you would have been killed," Garth said offended.
"We haven't revealed our true power. We're kind of badass," Ol informed him.
"How do you know about our interactions with Soapek?" Eltro asked.
"He patrols this sector so we have him under close surveillance," Garth said.
"I get it. His secretary is your agent," Eltro nodded.
"We monitor all communications and ship deployments since the incident at P'Jem," Garth said pissed off. "We know they're preparing for a war against us."
"They've got decent shields but their weapons are shit. They couldn't hurt a fly," Eltro rolled his eyes.
"The war is here. Several rebel factions are working to overthrow their government, their corrupt government which has close ties with your mind-raping friends," Garth revealed.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend?" Ol figured.
"The hostage-takers have no plans to release your captain or your Titan officer. Once they get their ransom, they will be killed," Garth said.
"Yeah, but...what if we keep giving them weapons even after they kill our captain?" Eltro asked.
"The fuck is wrong with you?" Garth wondered.
"You wouldn't have ever found that spy station if not for us. That means you owe us," Eltro reminded him.
"Once he is free, my debt will be repaid in full," Garth said.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Eltro mocked.
Garth gestured for them to look over a tablet. "Your captain is being held here. These are barracks for the guards."
"How many?" Ol asked going into tactical mode.
"At least four inside the compound, two on the wall, and two guards outside the gate all armed with particle weapons," Garth said.
"Shit, just eight? No one has time for that," Ol rolled his eyes.
"One of them is one of our operatives," Garth added.
"Sir, what are we doing here? This is nowhere close to a fair fight," Ol protested.
"When you're right, you're right," Eltro agreed. "We're going to go to the local bar and get shitfaced."
"Wait...what?" Garth asked incredulously.
Dozens of Insane cargo ships arrived at Corinth and went to the location of the rebel factions. They immediately began distributing weapons to the rebels far above and beyond what had been asked for. Eltro and Ol came out to meet with Traeg. "This is more than we asked for. We will release the hostages to you tomorrow," Traeg lied.
"No, the captain's life is far more valuable than this," Eltro said drunkenly.
Traeg gave Eltro and Ol an odd look as more shuttles arrived full of weapons and explosives. Garth and his Winathians also came on the scene and watched the distribution. "Are you trying to overthrow the government?" Garth asked confused.
"Hopefully, a world war that lasts several years," Ol said.
"This right here is fucked up, but I cannot bring myself to oppose it," Garth smiled.
Realizing the situation, a Titan strike team arrived to retrieve Imra. As soon as Imra freed herself using her telekinetic powers, Mon fired energy rings around her boots and hands to stop her from fleeing. "What the fuck?" Imra shouted at him.
"I'd like to see you get out of those restraints," Mon smirked.
Traeg came into the room and saw Imra's condition. "What is this?" he asked confused.
"Has our ransom payment arrived?" Mon asked expectedly.
"Yeah," Traeg said, still confused.
"Keep us alive for a few more days and more shipments will keep coming," Mon assured him. "The Titans are likely on their way with a strike team. When they do, use sonic charges to distract their telepathy," Mon advised.
"Well, okay then," Traeg said and then exited.
"I will make you retarded, I will lobotomize you, I will make you a homosexual!" Imra threatened Mon with greater and greater escalation. "I will snap your neck, I will explode your head!"
"Assuming, of course, this is the real me and not one of my clones. The real me could be on the ship or even on Earth. So, you better be right or I will kill your ass," Mon said patiently.
"Fuck!" Imra shouted as she tried to break Mon's energy ring restraints. "We're supposed to be allies."
"So, I'm supposed to go along with Titans propping up a corrupt government that gives you favorable mining rights at the expense of their people?" Mon asked.
"When did you grow a conscience?" Imra spat.
"A civil war on a planet of three billion people, an interplanetary war between Titans and Winathians over Corinth? What's not to like?" Mon asked obviously. "I didn't start all this political bullshit that started centuries ago, but I will finish it."
At the capital, a hologram of Sydne Ardeen appeared before the Corinthian Chancellor. "Is the capital secure?" Sydne asked concernedly.
"We have taken over the last pockets of resistance in the shanty towns. I am in complete control of the planet now," the chancellor said confidently.
"And what of my daughter, Imra?" Sydney asked.
"We have sent out our patrols. We have already located her shuttle. It won't be long," the chancellor assured her.
"Prince Mon-El of the Insane is with her. He is quite aggressive. Allow him to make the first move," Sydne counseled.
In the middle of the night, the Titan strike team attacked the compound. They used telepathy on the two guards to let them in and then shot them. They covertly made their way to the walls and took out the two guards. The Titans then got into a firefight with the remaining men in the compound. As the two sides fired on one another, lightning suddenly hit the Titans, dropping them.
Garth, Eltro, and Ol entered the shack where Mon and Imra were being held. Mon tore off his restraints and got to his feet. "Now that I have rescued you, my debt is repaid," Garth said to Mon.
"Yeah, whatever," Mon rolled his eyes.
Imra suddenly snapped off her restraints and then telekinetically blasted Garth out of the shack to the other side of the compound. With a scream, she blasted the shack apart. The Corinthians fired on her once she was in the open. "No," Imra said as she telekinetically held the laser bursts suspended in the air. She then flung the bursts back at them knocking them to the ground.
Annoyed, Garth got back to his feet and fired a lightning streak at Imra. She collected the lightning in a ball in her hand and fired it back at him. Garth deflected the ball of lightning into the sky. The Insane watched amused as Imra and Garth faced off. Garth fired off electrical balls of lightning at Imra in quick succession. Imra managed to move all of them away from her before they could hit her. Garth kept it up, firing more balls at her. Imra soon realized what was happening.
"Oh, fuck," she realized as the electrical balls were floating all around her.
Garth smirked as he triggered all the balls in a blinding flash of light. Garth then found himself suspended in the air, his arms locked behind him, and his body turned away. Imra emerged from the light and fire with her hand held out. "Stand down, asshole," Imra ordered him.
"I know better than to let my guard down in front of a Titan," Garth spat.
Imra closed her fist exploding Garth's body. Suddenly, a streak of lighting emerged from Garth's imploding body. It raced toward Imra and punched a baseball-sized hole through her gut. Garth then materialized as Imra fell to the ground.
"Alright, that's enough. Impressive light show," Mon complimented, ending the fight.
"She's bad," Eltro reported upon seeing Imra's injury.
"I didn't mean for her to get injured," Garth said remorsefully.
"She'll be fine," Mon assured him. He went over to Traeg and dragged him to his feet. "I'm done playing hostage with you. You have three Titan hostages now," he pointed out. "Am I free to go?"
"Yes," Traeg nodded.
Mon turned to Eltro and Ol. "Advise the Corinthian rebels on how to attack the capital. Do not assist them too much. They must do it themselves."
"Yes, Sir," Eltro and Ol said together.
"We're leaving before shit gets hot," Garth said gruffly as his men left with him.
The next day, the armed rebels marched on the capital. "Wipe them out. All of them," the chancellor ordered her generals. Hovering tanks and formations of infantry exited the capital to meet the rebels on the battlefield. As the chancellor's army approached, the rebel army activated a shield decoy, courtesy of the Insane, that covered their entire forces. The chancellor's army's tanks fired on the decoy without success, unable to penetrate the shield.
At the same time, a smaller rebel group infiltrated the lightly defended capital. The rebels fired on a tank disabling it and then took out an infantry squad with laser and canon fire.
"I thought the battle was going to take far from here. This is too close," the chancellor said irritably to her generals.
The rebels entered the hangar and immediately stole all the fighter aircraft. Now, the airspace was controlled by the rebels. On the battlefield, the chancellor's army cautiously approached the decoy shield believing they might be able to penetrate the shield with individual units. The infantry troops approached the shield slowly with their rifles ready and then impacted the shield. Immediately, the infantry soldiers were fried and disintegrated on the spot.
"Oh, fuck!" the infantry said as they pulled back.
The rebels furthered their way into the palace but got bogged down by the chancellor's guards. "We don't have time for this shit," Traeg said as they were losing the element of surprise.
Traeg fired at one of the large windows. His squads moved toward the window, fired projectile cable guns to the roof, and then moved up a floor. Now, on the top floor, the rebels made their way to the throne room. As soon as they reached the door, they became completely surrounded.
"Well...shit," Traeg said disappointed.
The rebels were led at gunpoint to the chancellor. "Your little insurrection is at an end, asshole," she said to Traeg.
"Chancellor! Your reign is over!" a second Traeg said with another squad.
"After him. This one is a decoy," the chancellor yelled at her men.
The first Traeg raised his hand and fired on the chancellor's men stunning them. They attempted to fire on him without result. Finally, the chancellor was alone with the rebels. "Jam the doors," Traeg ordered.
Once the doors were jammed, Traeg removed his face mask revealing himself to be Eltro. "Now, chancellor, we will discuss a new treaty."
Although the Insane significantly assisted, the rebels were given due credit for their victory. A shuttle arrived in the capital carrying Kara, Sydne, and Brainiac 5. They were met by Mon, Eltro, Ol, and Traeg, the new chancellor.
"What is the status of my daughter?" Sydne asked Mon.
"She's fine," Mon replied. "And still my prisoner."
Sydne eyed Mon with annoyance. "Assisting the Corinthian uprising has caused a serious rift between Titan and Earth. Along with the destruction of the P'Jem monastery, it is your intention to piss us off?" she asked.
"You couldn't begin to comprehend my plan even if you did read my mind," Mon smirked.
Kara walked up to Traeg. "Congratulations on your election. Your people are indebted to you for your bravery. Now...you work for me which means mining rights to the Titans shall remain as before. You will return all Titan prisoners. Your shipyards will start producing the kinds of ships I want. All three billion of your people are mine."
"Well...fuck me," Traeg said shocked and appalled.
"Oh, it gets worse," Kara assured him. She then turned to Brainiac 5 standing next to her. "Begin the process of converting these heathens."
"Of course," Brainiac 5 nodded.
Kara then turned to Traeg. "I'm not like the Titans who prop up friendly regimes that are corrupt as fuck. I don't need to. Fuck with me and your entire government is fried. Then, you'll peacefully and democratically elect a new virtuous government. When that government fucks with me, I'll fry them, too."
"I understand," Traeg grimaced.
"Then, I will watch your rule with great interest," Kara said as she dismissed him. She then turned to Mon. "You will return Imra to Titan, immediately."
"You know, Imra can be a real pain in the ass: stubborn, arrogant, sometimes I wish I could just send her out an airlock, but she makes up for it in the sack," Mon said to antagonize her.
Kara glared at him but kept her cool. "I'm not leaving without her."
"Sure, absolutely. Send her back home in disgrace. Nothing would make me happier. Then, I'll make a Winathian my XO," Mon smirked at Sydne. "I wonder if Garth Ranzz would be interested."
"Is he fucking serious?" Sydne demanded of Kara.
"He might," Kara frowned.
"I'll speak to the Titan High Command on how they wish to proceed," Sydne said shaken and stirred, and then went back to the shuttle.
Kara gave Mon a conflicted look. "Keep up the good work." She then followed Sydne into the shuttle.