The night of the earthquake disaster, Tor-Argo met with his leadership. "We have suffered great loss. You may even feel you cannot bear the weight of it. And that is why we're standing here around a deep pit so we can throw those griefs...and bodies into that hole. Remember that when other people die, our lives are affirmed. That is how we survived when Krypton was destroyed. For when ninety percent of Kryptonian lives died, it greatly affirmed the lives of all those that survived," Tor-Argo said to everyone.
"Savage, come here," Tor-Argo ordered.
Kon stepped forward with a grin on his face. "The savage has saved my life quite a few times now and most of the army. I will grant him the title of Lord of Land. He is now my chief admiral and general in charge of our artillery brigade. The titles were relatively empty as Tor-Argo had no authority to grant any land, he had no ships and no cannons. He also gave Kon back one of his lightsabers. Still, Kon felt like a boss.
"For all those who died, their lives will not be wasted in achieving my personal ambition," Tor-Argo promised. He then made a gesture suspiciously similar to jerking off and releasing in front of everyone. The crowd did the same likewise...except the women present.
The next day, Kon sought an audience with Tor-Argo at his tent. Mara was also present with him. "How come you gifted me with command of a fleet with no ships and a cannon brigade with no cannons? Just seemed a little queer to me," Kon said bluntly.
"You question my generosity?" Tor-Argo asked offended.
"I've already explained this to you. I don't build ships, lead men, or strategize. I'm just a dog," Kon reminded him. "I've assessed the situation and I want to leave."
"What service would you rather have?" Tor-Argo asked.
"I want the return of my ship so I can blow shit up. As chief admiral, I can attack the papists, disrupt their trade, and kick ass on the Christian councilors," Kon offered.
"The Christians of the Galactic Federation are a friendly nation, and I would never attack them," Tor-Argo denied.
"The Christians are under the command of a fucking robot, a Brainiac. A thousand years ago, a Brainiac stole one of your cities and quite possibly caused your planet to explode. You can't trust this motherfucker," Kon said.
"Where do you get off slandering our mentor, friend, and ally?" Mara scolded.
"What is this arguing?" Tor-Argo asked annoyed.
"The Christians will sack New Krypton for their own gain," Kon pressed.
"That is all for now," Tor-Argo said dismissively.
Kon then left in a huff. "You, stay," Tor-Argo said to Mara. "What is between you and your brother?"
"He's reckless, unprincipled, and is an agent of chaos," Mara told him.
"I won't tolerate fights between you, two. We are too close to defeat," Tor-Argo reminded her.
"Unlike my brother, I will not put myself above the cause," Mara said dutifully.
"The savage will not be granted his request but to settle his mind, send him a night at the brothel," Tor-Argo ordered.
"I feel you're rewarding bad behavior," Mara warned.
"I am rewarding him for saving my life and my army...that which you did not do," Tor-Argo told her off.
"I will negotiate the price personally," Mara relented.
"And you will join him. Men have a way of revealing their true intentions when they pillow," Tor-Argo said seriously.
Oh-Suck-Ah
In the capital, the city was fucked up from the earthquake. Fires were everywhere. There were screams of terror everywhere. Kara was more preoccupied with a play. The other councilors were with her. "We're prisoners of that woman," Sug-Jo whispered to Kiy-Sad.
"It serves no one to say such things and she can hear everything we say," Kiy-Sad warned him. "It will be over soon."
"When?" Sug-Jo asked anxiously.
"When a fifth councilor is chosen and Tor-Argo is eliminated," Kiy-Sad said simply.
"We will always be her hostages and puppets. It's the end of New Krypton," Sug-Jo said pessimistically.
Kara ignored their treasonous banter and focused on the play, a dramatization of Krypton's final days where Kara's parents, Zor-El and Alura sent Kara away for her own safety. Kara had a mini flashback of her last conversations with her mother.
"You are to protect the heir, Kal-El. In your journey to Earth, you will be but a pebble pushed and pulled by the gravitational currents. A woman may lose everything she's ever had, but she may also take it back. She must stare without fear into the cruel eyes of fate to ensure the heir is seen. If the heir survives, the House of El's prestige will be known to the entire galaxy," Alura had said to her.
Kara snapped out of it as the play concluded. Ish-Do and Kara met with the actor who played Zor-El. His name was simply Ito, a mere commoner. "Your depiction of the late Zor-El was profound," Ish-Do complimented.
"Too kind, I am but a flicker of Zor-El's light," Ito replied modestly.
"Let's not jerk him off too hard," Kara interjected. "Your skills as an actor are unparalleled...on this world. Though you are taller than my father."
"If only I could cut myself at the knees," Ito joked.
Kara's eyes went red for a second as she advanced on him. "A minor fault maybe."
"But I take it seriously as part of my method acting," Ito said.
"Then, we have a role for you to play. Join the Council and vote to condemn Tor-Argo to death," Ish-Do ordered.
"Condemn Tor-Argo or you will be condemned," Kara added.
"Well, okay then," Ito readily agreed.
Mara reluctantly went to the brothel house. In Kryptonian culture, sex was merely treated as recreation like exercise or yoga. The Christian Church went into overdrive to preach that it was dirty and sinful. Still, Kon was only six years old and appeared as if he were fifteen. Mara felt this might be a complication, so she needed the best.
"Tor-Argo needs a prostitute for the night," Mara said bluntly. "Here are some cups to sweeten the deal."
"Very nice," Gin, the brothel owner said pleased.
"Ki-Ku would be honored to serve your client but those that booked her already would have to be reimbursed," Gin said. "And after all the earthquakes and fires, a lot of stressed-out men desire her services. Also, we lost four rooms to flooding."
"Hard times for us all," Mara rolled her eyes.
"Five hundred gold pieces would be acceptable," Gin said finally.
"I think you misunderstood me. I'm not here to rent out the entire brothel, just one room," Mara said peeved by the price.
"I don't think you understand who we are. We are the best brothel in all of New Krypton. My ladies are first-class artists, enriching the mind and nurturing the spirit," Gin said.
"I'm only paying one hundred pieces," Mara said stubbornly. Out of loyalty to Tor-Argo, she wanted to keep the price low, but she also thought Kon didn't deserve it.
"Four hundred pieces is the lowest I can go, or Tor-Argo won't enjoy his evening," Gin threatened.
"I'm sorry. I should have clarified. This is not for Tor-Argo but the Insane savage," Mara replied.
Gin nearly gagged on her drink. "Will you be joining him then?"
Mara internally screamed but quickly recovered. "Only to translate."
"I think you will enjoy your time here. In a sense, Lady Ki-Ku will be serving two clients at once. I can guarantee no prying eyes for so little," Gin pressed.
"Three hundred pieces will suffice," Mara said finally.
"You will both be treasured guests," Gin assured her.
That night, Mara escorted Kon to the brothel. "This is an incredible honor. Lady Ki-Ku is one of the best prostitutes on New Krypton," Mara assured him.
"Yeah, but why?" Kon wondered. "Am I being bribed to stay here and shut up?"
"Typically, I wouldn't be allowed to join you, but a special exception has been made," Mara said.
"So, I'm going to have an awkward boner the whole night?" Kon assumed.
The two arrived at the brothel house and met with Gin. "Everything you say and do will be monitored," Mara warned Kon.
"Seems like the total opposite of what one would expect from a brothel," Kon said dryly.
Gin led them both to a private room. "I hope you enjoy your private evening," she said with false sincerity. She then walked off and allowed Ki-Ku to arrive. "I am honored to serve the savage on this beautiful evening," Ki-Ku said, also with false sincerity.
"I feel I'm being watched," Kon said paranoid.
"Don't make a scene," Mara scolded.
Ki-Ku watched as the siblings bickered and then poured a small cup of alcohol from a bottle. "Thanks," Kon said appreciatively as he ignored the cup and took the bottle. Ki-Ku stared with shock as Kon downed the bottle instantly and gave a loud burp. "You...burp...pour...burp...very...burp...well," Kon complimented.
Ki-Ku gave a WTF look but quickly recovered. "I imagine everything is quite different from your home world," she allowed.
"I would say so. Where I come from, our prostitutes don't wear clothes and don't ask questions," Kon grinned. Ki-Ku poured another cup only for Kon to just take the bottle. "Another fine pour," Kon said and then drank the cup as well.
The bottles were then taken away leaving an empty table. "What do you see?" Ki-Ku asked Kon.
"I see nothing," Kon frowned.
"You see where the bottle is no longer. Presence is felt most keenly in absence," Ki-Ku observed.
Kon stared at Ki-Ku in awe. "True...true."
Another bottle was placed on the table by another servant. "The purpose of Willow World is for people to come here to forget their troubles be it boredom, pain, hardship, disappointment. They believe this place is about physical pleasure, which it is, but it can be more. The people I see are those who wish to be anywhere but where they are."
"Sounds like Disney World except for the furries and pedophiles," Kon noted.
"And now I invite only the savage to a private room," Ki-Ku said.
Mara watched as Kon left with Ki-Ku into the other room. She kept guard using her X-ray vision in case Kon did anything controversial. Having underage sex with a prostitute was the least of her worries.
During the night, Ki-Ku was on top of Kon with them fully dressed. It didn't take long for Kon to get Ki-Ku to drop the act and go wild. "Yeah, baby, oaah, yeah, baby," Ki-Ku said over him.
"This is so wrong," Kon admitted but didn't want it to stop. "Oh, my God, I'm with a prostitute."
"Come on, you, big Insane son-of-a-bitch! Oh, yeah!" Ki-Ku shouted.
"Where did that come from?" Kon asked amused.
"What?" Ki-Ku wondered.
"Hey, don't stop, I like it," Kon clarified.
Kon then got a phone call from his mother on his galactic communicator smartphone. "I got to take this," Kon said with Ki-Ku still on top of him.
"Don't stop," Ki-Ku encouraged him.
"Shut up, hooker," Kon told her off and took the call.
"Kon, where the fuck are you?" Kara demanded of him. "You took off with five subs and now they're all gone."
"I'm just exploring some...space anomalies. I'll be back soon," Kon lied and then hung up.
"Oh, my God," Ki-Ku realized.
"I did not intend for you to hear that," Kon said sheepishly. "Now, let's get back to the Insane son-of-a-bitch thing."
"You're Prince Kon-El, the son of Kara Zor-El," Ki-Ku said wide-eyed.
"Oh, shit," Kon realized.
The next morning, Kon exited the brothel slightly disappointed, and met up with Mara. "Nothing happened, unfortunately. She learned who I really was, and I had to kiss her to erase her memory but that fucked her up for the rest of the night. Apparently, I went too far and now she doesn't even remember she is a prostitute. So, as you can see, I did a heroic good deed," Kon said to Mara.
"When you see Tor-Argo again, act grateful and stop asking about your ship," Mara scolded.
That night, Mara reported to Tor-Argo on the brothel debacle in his tent. "How did it go?" Tor-Argo asked.
"My brother was pleased. Ki-Ku has exceptional skills," Mara lied.
"Mara, what do you remember of your childhood?" Tor-Argo asked.
"I remember not having one," Mara said bitterly.
"Your mother wars against us in Oh-Suck-Ah. What could have turned her into the woman she is today?" Tor-Argo asked.
"Willful choice, being spoiled," Mara guessed.
"We all have things we war against. Yet most do so with honor," Tor-Argo mused.
"Forgive me but most of you are men. A man may go to war for many reasons: conquest, pride, and power. But when my mother goes to war, she's simply...at war," Mara said darkly.
The next morning, the Council met with all five members. "The time for discussion is over. Ito has been nominated to be our fifth member so we can have a quorum. Let us vote," Ish-Do said impatiently.
"I vote no," Sug-Jo said. "Legally, the council must have quorum before any vote."
"That's what I am trying to do," Ish-Do said confused.
"I will not vote yes on anything until we have a quorum," Sug-Jo insisted.
"How the fuck are we supposed to have a quorum if we can't vote to appoint new councilors to give us a quorum?" Ish-Do asked pissed off.
"Not my problem," Sug-Jo said dismissively and went to leave.
"You dishonor us all," Ish-Do accused.
"I've assessed the situation and I'm leaving," Sug-Jo said and then left in a huff.
Afterward, Ish-Do had a chat with Kara. "It's a mere delay. I will conduct a vote to impeach Sug-Jo and then plans can move ahead."
"Yeah, when?" Kara asked impatiently.
"Please be patient," Ish-Do said condescendingly.
"You are all playthings. You have no idea how fucked you are. Do you know why I hate Tor-Argo so much? He reminds me of my Insane husband, whispering, plotting, planning shit against me. His secret heart is no secret to me," Kara said.
"Comparing Tor-Argo to your Insane husband...these are serious accusations," Ish-Do said stunned. "Make this public and Tor-Argo is fucked."
"What would be the point? None of you can stop him," Kara said dismissively.
"Aside from the fact Tor-Argo now takes a shit in the woods while I reside in a heavily fortified capital with a much larger army and...," Ish-Do said defensively.
"Do you know what I went through to gain my level of power? No Kryptonian has ever done it. Not Kal-El, not Dru-Zod, no one. I was forced to endure unmentionable inconveniences on Earth to weaponize my power. Only I became the ultimate power in the universe. And do you know how?" Kara asked him.
"Thirty years of direct yellow sunlight and personal training by a special forces agent?" Ish-Do figured.
"By compelling fate to look at me so I could scratch out its eyes," Kara corrected as she got close to him, whispering in his ear.
"I am deeply frightened and aroused at the same time," Ish-Do admitted.
"Good," Kara said pleased. "Now, stop fucking around and do your job."
Sug-Jo assessed the situation and decided to leave the capital with his entourage via a long convoy. Ish-Do intercepted him in the woods with his own men. "You would have been safer in the capital with witnesses all around you. Now, you're fucked," Ish-Do said to Sug-Jo.
"You're just a bureaucrat. That's all you'll ever be. A puppet of that crazy bitch," Sug-Jo said to him.
Ish-Do frowned and then had the entire convoy slaughtered on the spot with intense laser fire from all directions. When he was done, bodies and scrap metal were all around the forest.
Tor-Argo addressed his officers including Kon and Mara. "I expect to be falsely impeached...one of these days, eventually," he said rolling his eyes. "When that happens, the government will declare war on us. I desire no lands, no honors, just to be left alone so I can manage my humble farm," he lied.
"I'll send a message to my brother to help. Then, we'll rush Oh-Suck-Ah and obliterate our enemies. Then, we will have peace," Tor-Argo said and then proceeded to hand gesture a jerk-off and release to his men.
In the middle of the forest, Tor-Argo met with his half-brother Sae-Ki. Like a total asshole, Sae-Ki made Tor-Argo and his men wait for a couple of hours. When he finally arrived, he came with his large army in an obvious power move. "I spy a fucked-up army with my little eye," Sae-Ki said to Tor-Argo when they finally met.
"It's true. I lost many men in the earthquake," Tor-Argo admitted.
"So, in your desperation, you summoned the vast legions of your loser half-brother?" Sae-Ki asked.
"Yeah," Tor-Argo said obviously.
"You piss-drinking motherfucker," Sae-Ki smiled amused.
"You look well, brother," Tor-Argo said warmly.
"I've had nothing to do but guard this lake and grow my forces. And the rumors are true. You've tamed a savage," Sae-Ki noticed.
Kon came forward to meet with Sae-Ki and sized him up. "I'm just a dog," Kon said to him and went back to the group.
"Indeed," Sae-Ki laughed amused.
"The savage has artillery skills crucial to our cause," Tor-Argo explained.
"You have a proposal for me?" Sae-Ki assumed.
"We join forces and kick ass on the capital, ruling this planet side-by-side," Tor-Argo said.
"I like this idea already," Sae-Ki smiled. "My men are eager to kick ass by your side!" he shouted to Tor-Argo's men. "Let's get naked in the hot springs and get drunk as fuck," Sae-Ki said eagerly.
"Follow me," Tor-Argo obliged.
Later that day, Kon and Mara had a meeting with Tor-Argo at his tent. It was raining...again. "I am no match against Kara Zor-El. If she defends the capital against you or meets you on the battlefield, we're fucked. But, maybe, if you fixed up my ship and let me pilot it, I could balance the scales," Kon said deceptively.
"I've made no decision on your role in the battle," Tor-Argo deflected.
"You've given me honors, titles, lands, houses, hookers, and blow, but I don't know if any of this has any meaning if you don't use me," Kon said frustrated.
"You should let this go," Mara warned.
"I am aware of your mother's power and her weaknesses, but it's not entirely certain she would join the battle against us. I must prepare for all contingencies," Tor-Argo said.
"Then, I stand with you whatever fate may bring," Kon said sincerely.
That night, Sae-Ki was talking mad shit at a dinner party with Tor-Argo's officers. Kon and Mara were present. However, at some point, Sae-Ki went too far. "When Tor-Argo was but a child, he was sent off to be a political hostage. When he left our mother's arms, he shat himself and then rode all the way that way."
The room went deadly silent. "No disrespect, of course," Sae-Ki said drunkenly.
"None taken," Tor-Argo said finally.
"As it happens, I've received another offer. To be a member of the Council," Sae-Ki said. At that moment, Sae-Ki's army had them surrounded with every checkpoint blocked. "You have been officially served," Sae-Ki said as he handed a letter over to Tor-Argo.
"I am to appear before the Council to answer for my treachery," Tor-Argo read. "So, Ish-Do finally managed to fill my seat."
"It was an offer I couldn't refuse," Sae-Ki smiled.
"I will answer the Council's call...tomorrow at sunset," Tor-Argo agreed.
"You and your men will remain here until you answer," Sae-Ki told him.
The next morning, Kon and Mara discussed the situation. "I could kill Sae-Ki and all of his men. It would be too easy. And as a reward for my service, I get my ship back," Kon said.
"Stop talking about your ship," Mara said annoyed.
"What do you suggest?" Kon asked frustrated.
"Tor-Argo will go to Oh-Suck-Ah where he will likely be executed and his officers will likely commit suicide with him," Mara said.
"And that's the plan? The Insane are all about murder and the Kryptonians are all about suicide. Surely, there is a healthy level in between," Kon said incredulously.
"What could you possibly do if mother intervenes?" Mara asked.
"Anything is better than this," Kon said stubbornly.
"It's better for a few to die than the entire army. That is what you don't understand," Mara told him off.
On the coast, Kon stared longingly at his sunken sub off the coast. Kash-Ya came out to talk shit. "I'm bound to this fate. Every death I escape, there's another waiting," he complained. "Why am I even talking to you? Like, pissing in the wind." Kash then noticed Kon's sword. "Do you even know how to use that?"
Kash ignited his red lightsaber. Kon smirked and ignited his own lightsaber with one hand. "Use both hands," Kash instructed.
"I'm good," Kon shook his head.
After a short duel, Kash got the upper hand and sliced through Kon. Suddenly, Kon turned to smoke revealing himself to be a clone. "What the fuck?" Kash wondered.
At the same time, Tor-Argo had a meeting with Mara. "I wonder if your feelings are clear?"
"I am your servant," Mara replied.
"You keep saying that, but you constantly confuse priorities with your brother," Tor-Argo accused.
"There is no confusion," Mara insisted.
"No having it both ways. We are one thing or another. Are you with me against your mother and her allies or with your brother?" Tor-Argo demanded.
"I have served you loyally and completely. My brother is the key to your victory, and I have done everything to make him cooperate with your plans," Mara said defensively.
"Nonsense. You have the same power as he does and yet you only serve me as a translator and adviser," Tor-Argo said impatiently. "You refuse to kill or curse but why? You don't even believe in your Christian faith. So, why?"
"It's because I refuse to be like my parents and my brother and all of their murdering friends and associates. Every hour, I wish for death. I am drowning in a river of anguish. I just want it to end so I can be free of this cursed life," Mara confessed.
Tor-Argo walked away into the rain feeling he was at his lowest point.
At sunset, Tor-Argo made his decision. He summoned all of his officers to his tent. Sae-Ki and his army approached for an answer. "Sae-Ki, I take command from you and will go to Oh-Suck-Ah where I will submit to the will of the Council. I will leave for Oh-Suck-Ah assuming nothing happens that would require me to stay here as a matter of tradition."
"I completely agree, brilliant lord of trickery," Kon said in support of Tor-Argo's decision.
"I'll send word to the Council. You will be escorted by my army until you reach Oh-Suck-Ah's gates. From this day forth you have nowhere to go and nothing to be," Sae-Ki said victoriously.
That night, Sae-Ki was with a prostitute. After he was done with her, he went outside to his courtyard. A sudden wind hit him. He fell backward and smacked the back of his head on a rock. Kon then watched as Sae-Ki bled out and lost consciousness. The rest of the pond became red with his blood. Kon then turned to smoke disappearing from the area.