Kara arrived on Titan for talks on greater cooperation on fleet deployments. In the capital city, the Earth embassy was a large several-story tall pentagon structure. The UN globe of the Earth was prominently placed at the front of the building. It wasn't lost on anyone that a Kryptonian was actually in charge of the planet. A Kryptonian that didn't even attempt to pretend she was human at that.
Kara met with Imra inside the embassy. "The High Command will give you its decision whenever they feel like it," Imra told her.
"Cut the shit, Imra. What's their decision?" Kara asked impatiently.
"The High Command hasn't included me in their discussions," Imra said embarrassed.
"That sounds like bullshit," Kara frowned.
"In Titan culture, secrets of the mind are very important to us," Imra explained. "The High Command is very anxious and skeptical of a 21st-century Kryptonian partially raised by humans. You're a difficult person to define. You have the arrogance of Winathians, the stubborn pride of Braalians, one moment you're driven by your emotions like Khunds but then occasionally confound us by embracing logic like us."
"Well...fuck me," Kara realized. "I'm pretty damn certain all those qualities exist in every species."
"Not in such confusing abundance," Imra clarified.
"Yeah...or maybe galactic races are mere personifications of particular human emotions to drive a point about the human condition," Kara critiqued.
"That's a stretch," Imra doubted.
"Imra, are Titans...afraid of me?" Kara smirked.
"Yes, you remind us of ourselves. We've had our wars, our planet devastated, our civilization nearly destroyed, but the spice trade saved us. It took 1500 years for us to rebuild our world and you've done the same for Earth within only a few years. There are those on the High Command who are afraid of what you will achieve in the years to come, and they don't like the answer," Imra explained.
"The Galactic Federation is inevitable. I have the power to destroy entire systems and any race that threatens my agenda. Now, I have given House Ardeen control of this planet, I have allowed the spice to flow, and it's better for Titan to be on my side than against me," Kara warned.
"Unfortunately, Supreme Leader, it's out of my hands," Imra excused. "I'll also remind you that you're not invincible. If something were to happen to you, the line of succession goes to your Insane husband and your Insane children."
"It is literally impossible to destroy me," Kara rolled her eyes.
A sudden explosion ripped through the embassy, gutting all the floors, blasting out the windows, and killing nearly all the human staff inside. Kara shielded Imra with her cape within a fraction of a second as the explosion hit them.
Upon reports of the embassy explosion, the USS Nemo headed to Titan. Mon was told of the damage to the embassy and that Kara had been killed in the bombing. The Titans, Sarmon, Micah, and Imra docked with the ship. Imra had shrapnel scratches on the right side of her face from her ear to her eye. "Prince Mon-El, I regret we meet under such tragic circumstances," Sarmon said. Sarmon was the brother of Bertor of House Ardeen and a member of the High Command as well. While Bertor was more keen on cooperation with Kara, Sarmon was more skeptical. Micah was also on the High Command, a mentor to Imra, and the chief investigator of the planet.
"All of Titan grieves with you, today," Imra said sincerely.
"Yes, well...I saw that twelve Titans also died in the blast," Mon said, changing the subject.
"Our international investigation has turned up suspects," Micah said. "It was the Winathians."
Mon had a sit-down with Sarmon, Bertor, and Imra in the conference room. "Winathians? That sounds like bullshit."
"To create conflict between Earth and Titan," Micah reasoned.
"They do consider us allies that stand against them. You've also invaded and occupied their home planet under the dubious rationale they had weapons of mass destruction and intended an imminent attack," Imra added.
"How far we have fallen where it's required to have a rationale to go to war," Mon shook his head dismayed.
"You have other suspects?" Imra asked unconvinced.
"You mean, aside from our galactic rival we've been at war with for centuries? Well...how about the Sedi Order?" Micah suggested.
"The what?" Mon frowned.
"They're a small group of Titan priestesses who follow the teachings of a demi-goddess who sacrificed herself for all Titans approximately three thousand years ago," Imra explained.
"Fascinating," Mon rolled his eyes. "Why would they attack our embassy? That's hardly a woman's job."
"They have opposed the government occasionally, but they have always been peaceful," Imra brought up.
"Their leader, Helen Mohaim, has become a dangerous zealot," Micah said concernedly.
"Prince Mon-El, I would appreciate it if you kept this information classified but there have been incidences on Titan of violence against aliens. We don't have any conclusive proof, but we believe the Sedi are responsible," Sarmon said seriously.
"Any evidence?" Mon asked skeptically.
"Your embassy is technically on Earth soil. The site has been preserved for you to investigate," Imra assured him.
"Well, okay then," Mon allowed.
Mon went through the wreckage of the embassy. Several stories had been destroyed leaving a large open hole in the side of it. Mon went through each damaged floor until he found something interesting. Lifting a piece of debris away, he saw a bomb with several green liquid test tubes attached. Mon eyed the liquid Kryptonite vials knowing exactly what it was. Mon took out a scanner and examined the bomb. Immediately, this triggered the bomb's countdown. Mon teleported out of the area just as the bomb exploded creating another large hole in the embassy.
Mon teleported back onto the Nemo and handed the scanner over to Brainiac 5 with Micah and Imra present in Sick Bay. "According to the scanner, the DNA came from Helen Mohaim," Brainiac 5 said.
"Helen is the leader of the Sedi Order," Micah confirmed.
"Where is she now?" Mon asked.
"On Arrakis. Insane prince, you have done well to discover this conclusive evidence but Helen is a Titan and this is now a Titan investigation," Micah told him.
"Nonetheless, Imra and myself will be assisting you," Mon insisted.
"Your assistance is not required," Micah told him off.
"I don't think I heard correctly. Thirty humans and my wife were killed in the bombing. I want her ass as much as you do," Mon argued.
"This is a Titan security operation," Micah said flatly. "We will inform Ambassador Imra Ardeen of any new developments that may concern you." He then walked out of Sick Bay like a total asshole.
Once he was gone, Brainiac 5 gave them the real information. "The DNA scan has an age of a 3-month-old. This DNA evidence was fabricated to make it look like it was her. Also, I assassinated Helen Mohaim a few years ago and have been impersonating her ever since."
"I am shocked and appalled by you," Imra said shocked and appalled.
"I saved your life and have been promoting you as the prodigy of prophecy. You should be thanking me," Brainiac 5 reminded her.
"You couldn't just be the head of the human religion. You had to conquer ours as well," Imra scolded.
"But, of course," Brainiac 5 said obviously.
"I'll be in the cargo bay," Mon said somberly and walked out.
Mon looked over the caskets of all those who had died. Their caskets were draped with the Earth's flag of fifty stars and thirteen stripes representing the fifty nations of Earth and seven continents, 5 oceans, and the moon. One casket stood out with a black and silver House of El flag draped over it. The casket was in the center among all the humans that had died with her. Mon approached this casket and placed his hands on it.
"Her death is a loss to both our worlds," Imra said as she entered the room. "She saved my life in the explosion. She could have saved herself," she said, her voice cracking.
"She often put others before herself...when it was convenient," Mon allowed.
"She spoke of joint missions between Earth and Titan, humans, Insane, Titans working together as one," Imra said.
"There are things the High Command is not telling me," Mon said accusingly.
"It made no sense for the Sedi Order to be involved in this nor the Winathians," Imra concluded.
"The enemy is the High Command," Mon said obviously. "Do I have your support?"
"After all the bullshit you've put me through? Yes, but not for you," Imra said as she looked down at Kara's casket.
"I'm going to Arrakis. The ship is yours. Inform High Command I intend to exterminate the Sedi Order, personally." Mon told her.
"My mother belongs to that order and they're innocent of this crime," Imra protested.
"I'm aware of that. So long as I am there, Titan High Command will not authorize a strike against them. Should they become impatient with my progress, I'll be there on the ground to protect them for when they do strike," Mon said.
"Why do I get the impression you're using this incident as an excuse to kill thousands of my people," Imra said suspiciously.
"Trust me. I know what I'm doing," Mon smirked.
"Then take this necklace. It came from my mother. It could give you the credibility you need to find them," Imra said and handed the necklace to him.
Mon briefed Eltro on the situation. "Imra is in command but you know the drill," Mon said.
"The Insane are always in charge of the asylum," Eltro recited.
"I'm going to Arrakis to find the Sedi Order and persuade them that celibacy is not the true path," Mon said.
"The Titan High Command will eventually strike the Sedi Order if you take too long in your mission," Eltro warned.
"Pray they're that stupid, pray we're that lucky," Mon smiled insanely.
"Communications on Arrakis suck ass. You have extreme heat, electrical sandstorms, and geomagnetic instability. We won't be able to communicate with you effectively," Eltro reminded him.
"I can make my way in a sandbox," Mon said dismissively. "You continue the investigation up here. Whatever the Titans tell you, believe the opposite. You've been trained well in the Insane ways. I know you'll do the right thing."
Mon then teleported off the ship to Arrakis.
Arrakis
Mon was now back on Arrakis, the planet with the giant worms whereby spice was produced from its droppings. As soon as he appeared, a giant sandworm tried to eat him. The sandworm erupted from the sand with a gaping mouth. The sandworm was 400 meters long and 40 meters wide. Mon was about to fight the sandworm when the worm suddenly retreated back into the sand and took off. Mon then sensed a young girl wearing desert attire nearby.
"That was some trick," Mon said impressed.
"You're an Insane," she identified.
"Mon-El, Prince of all Insane," Mon introduced himself.
"Jancel Ardeen. I'm curious. Why are you here?" she asked.
"I'm on a pilgrimage to study your queer ways," Mon lied. "I seek a teacher."
"This is not a place for the Insane. Turn back," Jancel advised.
"If it's alright with you, I intend to follow you back to your order," Mon said.
"I don't think you're truthful about your intentions," Jancel suspected.
"Well...no shit," Mon admitted.
"So, I either let an Insane man into my order, stay here and be killed by you, or take you in the opposite direction where I will perish as well," Jancel realized.
"Sounds about right," Mon nodded.
Titan
On the Nemo, Eltro considered a patient who was in critical condition from the bombing in Sick Bay. "He may be our only real witness to what happened," Eltro said to Imra.
"He's comatose, brain-damaged, and human making him an unreliable witness in that order," Imra pointed out.
"Just give it a try. What's the worst that could happen?" Eltro said.
"It makes me uncomfortable," Imra said flatly.
"For Titans, telepathically invading minds this way is akin to rape," Brainiac 5 explained.
"Damn," Eltro said stunned.
"Evidence will solve this crime, not telepathic invasions of a man that can't even consent," Imra said.
"The DNA on the bomb was planted. It's now a conspiracy. Forty-three people died including Kara. Isn't that worth mind-rape? Isn't that worth your career? Isn't that worth dying for?" Eltro pressed.
"Fine, fuck it," Imra relented.
Arrakis
Suddenly, a giant sandstorm hit Mon and Jancel. Inside the sandstorm were intense lightning storms from the static electricity. Mon grabbed Jancel and teleported them both to the peak of a mountain above the sandstorm. "Thank you," Jancel said amazed at where she was.
"Now, where is your order's base?" Mon demanded.
"Where did you get this necklace?" Jancel questioned.
"My first officer, Imra Ardeen, gave it to me. She related to you?" Mon asked.
"She's my older sister," Jancel answered. "You either gained her trust or you...killed her."
"Your mother? Where is she?" Mon pressed.
"You're the Insane man that is responsible for the destruction of the monastery at P'Jem," Jancel recalled.
"I'm not apologizing," Mon said automatically.
"The High Command defiled it by making it a surveillance base. You exposed their hypocrisy," Jancel considered.
"And that makes me one of the good guys," Mon reasoned.
"My mother is at the sanctuary. It's not far from here," Jancel said.
"Nothing is far for me," Mon reminded her.
Titan
On the Nemo, Imra telepathically invaded the mind of the comatose man. "He was in charge of security. He saw many faces, some of which he knew, some of which he did not. One man brought a package with him. He told him he didn't need to see it and let him through," Imra narrated as she went through his memories. Imra saw a man wearing a suspicious hoodie. "Who are you?" she asked herself as she tried to get a glimpse at his face.
Imra then withdrew shocked and appalled. "Wow, what a piece of shit. He had just one job," Eltro remarked.
"I know, right? I don't feel bad for mind-raping him now," Imra said relieved.
"Can we euthanize this guy already," Eltro asked Brainiac 5.
"No," he shook his head.
"So, what's the verdict?" Eltro asked impatiently.
"It's Micah," Imra frowned.
Soon thereafter, Sarmon and Micah were requested to come aboard the Nemo. "We have an eyewitness. The person responsible for the bombing was not Sedi. It was you," Imra accused Micah.
"The fuck? I'd like to interrogate this so-called witness," Micah said pissed off.
"Yeah, no," Eltro shot down.
"Then, I'll question the witness," Sarmon volunteered.
"The witness is in a coma," Brainiac 5 clarified.
"You used telepathy on a comatose person without consent?" Sarmon asked accusingly and then tore his robes he was so shocked and appalled.
"Telepathic evidence is inadmissible," Micah added.
"It's not evidence at all!" Sarmon said outraged. "Imra, my niece, you have shamed Titan and yourself."
"Even more so than bombing a foreign embassy and killing over forty people? I mean...what the fuck?" Eltro scoffed.
Sarmon ignored the Insane man. "You will be summoned to appear before the High Command to make an account for your actions," he said to Imra.
After the two had left, Eltro and Imra had a chat about it. "This is some bullshit," Eltro told her.
"I'm not a fool. I know that Micah was the one who attacked your embassy and put the blame on the Sedi Order. I'm going back to make my case to the High Command," Imra said.
"What if they're all in on it?" Eltro asked.
"I must have faith that my father is not one of them," Imra replied.
"How about you trust the Insane way of handling this? Capture Micah, torture his ass, telepathically mind-rape him, and find out what's really going on," Eltro told her.
"The ship is yours," Imra said flatly and then exited for the airlock to the docked Titan ship.
Arrakis
Jancel finally made up her mind to lead Mon to the sanctuary. Upon arriving in an underground cave system, Mon was ambushed by Sedi women with bladed weapons. Eve Aries and Sydne Ardeen came forward looking peeved. "Prince Mon-El of the Insane," Eve identified. "You're a long way from home."
"I'm here as a stalling diversion and to protect you. Your High Command wants you dead. They've bombed the Earth embassy and planted evidence to make it look like you did it," Mon explained.
"We have done nothing wrong. I haven't left this desert in two months," Eve said. "We will be exonerated in a court of law."
"Your naivety amuses me. They're treating you as terrorists and will kill you all," Mon told her.
"You speak of naivety, but why should I trust you? After you assassinated our leader and replaced her with a drone impersonator?" Sydne revealed.
"To be fair, I wasn't part of that plot," Mon said defensively.
"You told him where to find us. You're a bad girl, Jancel," Sydne scolded her daughter. "Is there anyone else with you?"
"No," Mon said truthfully.
"To cross the sands during this time of year, to evade the giant sandworms, to survive the sandstorms is impossible for a lone man," Eve doubted.
"Actually...it's super-easy, barely an inconvenience for an Insane," Mon corrected.
"We're putting you in prison for the time being," Eve determined.
"Can you have one of your members guard me inside the cell, presumably one that is young, slender, and a virgin?" Mon asked disrespectfully.
"You are able to resist our telepathy but eventually the walls in your mind will fall and then you'll be ours," Eve threatened. "Take him away."
Titan
On Titan, Imra prepared to get chewed out by the High Command. Sarmon, Bertor, and three others were present on the High Command. "Before we begin, do you have anything to say?" Sarmon allowed.
"What I did, what I have always done, was done for the best interests of Titan," Imra said.
"Your accomplishments are noteworthy," Bertor allowed.
"They do not justify mind-rape," Sarmon rebuked him.
"One of our own members was responsible for bombing the embassy and who tried to blame it on the Sedi," Imra pointed out.
"That assessment is correct. Micah is a Sedi member," Sarmon revealed.
"Seeing as how he's a man, I find that difficult to accept," Imra said flabbergasted.
"Evidence was discovered in his home. It's irrefutable," Sarmon said. "He and the Sedi Order will be dealt with accordingly."
"So, what if there is a guy that planted evidence against the Sedi Order in the bombing and planted evidence in Micah's home?" Imra asked obviously. "No, not possible? Inconceivable?" Imra asked them all.
"Regarding the matter at hand, your position as ambassador is terminated immediately. I'll also remind you that your loyalty oath to Titan is still in effect so you're not allowed to leave the planet to be a Galactic Federation officer or Vindicator," Sarmon ordered.
"If none of you are willing to listen, then fuck you all," Imra said and then left in a huff.
Arrakis
Now it was time for the other Ardeen daughter to get chewed out. "You put us all in danger bringing that Insane man here," Sydne scolded Jancel in the sanctuary.
"He saved me from the sandstorm. He doesn't deserve to be in prison," Jancel protested.
"Not until we verify his story," Sydne replied.
"Imra trusts him," Jancel said.
"Imra has done great things and she has mighty powers, but she's been corrupted," Sydne told her. "When that drone impersonated Helen, our grand master, it could have been the end of our order."
Titan
Imra ignored orders and went back to the Nemo. "This some bullshit," Eltro said to Imra in his quarters.
"I knew the risks," Imra shrugged.
"You should petition the government, assemble an assembly," Eltro said cluelessly.
"A protest wouldn't accomplish anything," Imra sighed.
"How about a coup? We help you sack the government," Eltro said wide-eyed.
"Titan will never accept that and the High Command is made up of my own family members," Imra pointed out.
"Who needs enemies when you have that kind of family?" Eltro said dismayed.
"I feel an attack on the Sedi on Arrakis will be imminent," Imra said worriedly.
"Prince Mon's got this," Eltro assured her.
At High Command, Sarmon discussed the next course of action with Bertor and the others. "The Sedi Order sanctuary is on Arrakis, here," Sarmon pointed out on a hologram map.
"How do you know for certain?" Bertor asked.
"We've had search patrols in orbit. We're going to bombard the camp and destroy the sanctuary," Sarmon said.
"Our goal is not to exterminate these people," Bertor protested.
"Our goal is to maintain order. They've already destroyed an embassy," Sarmon pointed out.
"We can conduct siege operation. They will be forced to leave the sanctuary and we can apprehend them with minimal loss of life," Bertor said.
"With one decisive thrust, we can fuck this insurgency once and for all. We can't let an opportunity like this pass us by," Sarmon said.
"A surgical strike would have fewer casualties," Bertor countered.
"The geomagnetic anomalies make that impossible," Sarmon discounted. "This is the only way. We'll begin preparations immediately."
"My wife and niece, Jancel, are down there," Bertor reminded him.
"For centuries the Sedi Order has manipulated Titan politics with their trickery and witchcraft. We've eliminated the influence of the Harkonnens and overthrown the emperor. We now have the opportunity to end another faction that threatens House Ardeen. Your wife failed our family by joining the Sedi Order," Sarmon said forcefully.
"I married her after she joined the Sedi Order," Bertor corrected.
"Then, you have failed yourself and this house," Sarmon rebuked.
Arrakis
After hours of attempting to break his mind, Eve and Sydne decided to interrogate him directly. "There is only one way to be certain about your intentions. I have to mind-rape you," Eve said. "You must lower your mental defenses to let me in."
"Yeah, no," Mon denied.
"It's just as distasteful for me as it is for you. Your unchecked Insane emotions will likely shock and appall me," Eve said.
"Fine, fuck it," Mon allowed.
Eve then telepathically invaded Mon's mind to learn the truth about his mission. She frowned as she went through layers upon layers of Mon's sexual fantasies of each and everyone present. She persisted nonetheless and determined Mon's plan of action.
"We can trust this Insane man," she said to everyone.
Titan
On the Nemo, Eltro and Imra worked together in the situation room. "We can trigger a malfunction in this satellite that should allow us to enter the Arrakis system without being detected," Imra said.
"So, what's your deal?" Eltro asked curiously.
"I'm not overly interested in those who died at the embassy. My main concern is my mother and sister within the Sedi Order on Arrakis and stopping an interstellar war with the Winathians," Imra said.
"I have this impression that maybe you have a strong affinity for the late Supreme Leader...perhaps...even sexual affinity," Eltro smirked.
Imra bristled at that. "I know that you, Insane, desire war and conflict but I'm begging you, for my family's sake, that you look for a peaceful solution."
"Alright," Eltro agreed.
Soon thereafter, Titan High Command hailed the Nemo still in orbit. "Where is your captain?" Sarmon asked.
"He's taking a shit. Can I take a message?" Eltro asked.
"Investigation of the embassy bombing is nearly complete," Sarmon said vaguely.
"So, who done it?" Eltro asked.
"The evidence against Micah and the Sedi Order is compelling. There's no longer any need for your presence here," Sarmon said.
"Well, okay then. We'll be on our way," Eltro smiled.
"We'll keep you informed of any subsequent developments. You have my deepest sympathies for your loss, our loss, all of Titan grieves with the Galactic Federation. Pleasant journey home," Sarmon said.
As soon as he was off-screen, Eltro turned to the bridge crew. "Set a course for Arrakis. Maximum warp."
Arrakis
The Nemo arrived at Arrakis and immediately disabled the orbiting satellite to avoid being detected. A shuttle then exited the Nemo and went down to the surface. They were immediately fired upon by two Titan fighters. Dax and Ol managed to maneuver behind the two Titan fighters and disable their engines but they took too much damage to continue.
"Our shuttle has been fired upon. They've taken damage. They're returning back to the ship. We're being hailed," Laurel reported.
"Well...shit," Eltro sighed.
Sarmon then appeared on screen. "Why are you in the Arrakis system? Why did you launch a shuttle pod to the surface?" he demanded.
"Why did you fire on it? We're supposed to be on the same team here," Eltro protested.
"Arrakis requires Titan authorization which you do not have. Answer the question," Sarmon pressed.
"Prince Mon-El is on the surface having a chat with the Sedi. You attack them, you attack him," Eltro warned.
"You were ordered to leave the system," Sarmon said annoyed.
"With all due respect, Prince Mon-El outranks you. With Kara dead, he is the Supreme Leader," Eltro pointed out.
"The Supreme Leader is merely a figurehead. I and the High Command have authority over all planets and colonies of the Titan Empire including Arrakis. I imagine it was Imra who disabled the satellite," Sarmon replied.
"What? No...," Eltro lied unconvincingly.
"Leave immediately or we will fire upon you," Sarmon threatened.
"Bring it," Eltro smiled.
On the surface, Eve and Sydne met with Mon. "Our telescopes show three Titan cruisers in orbit. They know we're here. We should evacuate immediately," Eve said alarmed.
"You guys have so little faith in me," Mon shook his head unimpressed.
"We seek minimal loss of life. You destroying those ships and them firing upon us at the same time maximizes loss of life," Sydne told him off.
In orbit, the three Titan cruisers fired wildly attempting to get a hit on the cloaked Nemo. Every so often they got a hit as their sensors were able to detect the Nemo's general location. The Nemo returned fire but they were getting hammered by the Titan cruisers.
"You're hopelessly outgunned, weapons offline, and engines failing. Don't force me to destroy your ship," Sarmon hailed the Nemo.
"He's right. Our deaths won't help those on the surface," Imra concurred.
"Alright, let's get the hell out of here," Eltro agreed.
With the Nemo gone, the three Titan cruisers bombarded Arrakis hitting the Sedi positions. The Sedi moved underground and evacuated the area. Soon thereafter, the sanctuary was completely destroyed.
On the Nemo, Eltro was disgruntled. "What does High Command have against the Sedi Order? Why are we here?"
"The Sedi Order historically have been a small band of women who many believe have had undo influence in politics and business, supposedly enriching themselves at the expense of the population but then being strictly pacifist in time of war. They also dominate Titan arts and cultural expressions," Imra explained.
"Is that true?" Eltro wondered.
"Sarmon hopes to consolidate power on Titan by eliminating the other factions that have held back House Ardeen. The Sedi Order will not doubt oppose High Command on an attack on Winath," Imra said, avoiding Eltro's question.
"Winath is Galactic Federation jurisdiction. We invaded and took them over fair and square," Eltro protested.
"There are other Winath colony worlds that have yet to be attacked and occupied. As a Galactic Federation member, Titan wants its share of the pie, so to speak," Imra explained.
"I mean, all they had to do was ask," Eltro rolled his eyes.
"Kara preferred sacking Winath's leadership and installing a puppet on Winath rather than conquering all Winathian colonies and worlds," Imra reminded him. "If the Galactic Federation allows the Titans to attack Winathian worlds even after they have surrendered the home planet, it will create an insurgency of resistance."
"Sounds like fun," Eltro smiled.
"If Winath bogs us down, it will slow down the conquering of the galaxy at large. How is that the Insane way?" Imra questioned.
"You're saying honoring treaties and preserving the peace within the empire can unleash a greater more coordinated Insane crusade on the rest of the galaxy?" Eltro asked.
"Exactly," Imra replied.
Eltro entered the bridge and addressed his Insane bridge crew. "Set a course for Winath, maximum warp."
Titan
With the destruction of the Sedi Order, supposedly, Sarmon turned his attention to the Winathian Empire. "When the Galactic Federation invaded Winath, the Winathian fleet escaped. We must hunt down this fleet and destroy them. The weapons of mass destruction may be aboard this fleet," Sarmon pressed. "I have ordered Hermes probes to create false warp signatures around their colony worlds to entice the Winathian fleet out of hiding."
"Is this truly necessary at this time?" Bertor asked.
"We know they have the weapons of mass destruction. You have all seen the data," Sarmon reminded him.
"Data can be falsified," Bertor objected.
"Our operatives have reason to believe the Winathians intend to install planet-busting lasers to their ships. Sooner or later, the Winathians will attack Titan with this technology and then we will all be fucked. Why wait to be fucked?" Sarmon asked rhetorically.
On the Nemo, Eltro assembled the officers to discuss their plan of action. "Kara is dead and Prince Mon-El is unreachable. In the hierarchy of the Galactic Federation, the next in line is Barney. However, Imra is the number one Vindicator and was given command of this ship by Prince Mon-El before he left. However, however, I am the highest ranking Insane on this ship," Eltro began. "So, with rank out of the way, what should we do?"
"My mission is to study life and to do so, life must be preserved and allowed to thrive. I will only agree to the destruction of life if the ends justify the means. In this case, attacks on the Winathian fleet and the colony worlds are not necessary. If we are to have Winath as an ally, we need to preserve their military capabilities and infrastructure. They are also less likely to be enthusiastic partners with Titans or the Galactic Federation at large if we decimate their populations. Instead, we will be looking at an insurgency that will last a generation," Brainiac 5 said.
"I also oppose this escalation. Winath has already been defeated. It's obvious Sarmon is launching this attack to shore up his power base at home, eliminate his domestic enemies, and cement his legacy. He's an asshole and must be stopped," Imra said. "If warning or siding with the Winathians stops this escalation, I'm for it."
"What if Sarmon remains in power? We will be betraying our closest ally. Fuck the Winathians. And when has it ever been Insane to stop a war?" Ol pointed out. "We shouldn't be involved."
"We're already involved," Imra reminded him.
"There's no guarantee the Winathians are going to believe us. What if they call bullshit?" Dax asked.
"There is one Winathian that might trust us," Eltro said.
"Garth Ranzz," Imra rolled her eyes.
"How do we find him?" Eltro asked her.
"I have insider knowledge on where he might be," Imra said vaguely.
"I think...Prince Mon-El would pursue the same course of action," Laurel said supportively.
"That's what I keep telling myself," Eltro smiled.
The Nemo approached a blue nebula in Winathian space where the Winathian fleet was likely hiding. "Open a channel," Imra said to Eltro.
"Well, okay then," Eltro said confused, and gestured to Laurel.
"The High Command has decrypted your security protocols. We're well aware that your task force is hiding in this nebula," Imra said to the nebula.
After no response, Eltro tried his luck. "This is Commander Eltro Gand. We have some information you're going to want to hear." Immediately, several Winathian cruisers emerged from the nebula.
"We're being hailed," Laurel reported.
Garth then appeared on the screen. "You have a poor choice of friends," he said scornfully.
On the Nemo, Eltro, Imra, and Garth had a chat. "We supported you during your war against the Harvesters and you reward us with an invasion on the false pretense of us having weapons of mass destruction," Garth accused Imra.
"To be fair, Winath sent only you to assist us and it was likely to spy on us. Should Earth have failed to defend itself against the Harvesters, you could have been next," Imra discounted.
"This invasion has been a disaster for both our empires. When the moment is right, we will strike," Garth said pissed off.
"Your planet is occupied by the Galactic Federation, your colony worlds are cut off from the supply lines, and your fleet's movements are known to the Titan High Command. In so many ways, you are fucked. Person to person, you should be grateful. I'm throwing my career, rank, and freedom away to warn you," Imra said.
"Why are you doing this?" Garth questioned.
"The Titan High Command is betting on having the element of surprise. If they see resistance, they may back off," Imra said.
"When does this attack begin?" Garth questioned.
"Soon," Imra said vaguely.
"That sounds like bullshit," Garth doubted. "And what do you think, Insane man?"
"I wouldn't be wasting my time coming down here if I didn't," Eltro said obviously.
"The other captains will want to hear this in person. You will come aboard my ship," Garth said to Imra.
"Now, just wait a minute. They can come to our ship," Eltro objected.
"And let you, our enemy, capture all of our captains? I've already taken an extreme risk by coming here," Garth said paranoid.
"You'll notice you haven't been attacked," Eltro said obviously.
"I'll go," Imra agreed. "There's too much at stake to bullshit around."
As soon as Imra was onboard Garth's ship, she was immediately placed in a torture chair and strapped down. "The fuck?" Imra protested.
"Where is the location of your fleet?" Garth demanded.
"They're at Regulas," Imra replied.
"Well, we're just going to have to confirm that," Garth said darkly. "You didn't expect the entire Winathian fleet to mobilize on the word of one loyal Titan, did you?"
"For a moment there, yeah, I kind of did," Imra said dryly. "And am I supposed to be impressed by this chair? It doesn't do anything."
"The chair is merely to hold you in position. I'll be the one interrogating you," Garth said.
"Take your best shot, asshole," Imra spat.
Garth pointed his hands and fired lightning into her body. At first, Imra's telekinetic shield blocked the lightning but only for a moment. Imra tensed up as she felt her body violently contract. "All the other Titan operatives we've captured were either dead or seriously fucked up after I was done with them. I have no desire to see that happen to you. Where is your fleet?"
"I've already told you," Imra glared.
Garth blasted her with more lightning. At this point, Imra was shouting and screaming in pain. "Use your most powerful attack. I'm bored. You're boring me, Garth," Imra said after Garth relented.
Garth hit her with a stronger attack. The lightning buzzed around the room, electrified the chair, and caused Imra's hair to get spiky. Imra laughed through the pain. "Are you enjoying yourself, Garth? How many times have you imagined me in this chair? How many times did you jerk yourself off and shock yourself thinking of this moment?" she mocked.
"That's not far from the truth, honestly," Garth admitted. "After those peace talks, I actually came to trust you."
"You know what? Don't trust me. Keep shocking me. I want more of your juice in me," Imra told him.
"Seriously? Cuz, I'll do it," Gart threatened.
"Yeah, give it to me," Imra said, shaking her body and waving her hair. Garth then blasted her once more but now Imra was crying out as if she was sexually aroused by the torture. "Oh, yeah, right there," Imra said as she was able to redirect the electricity to specific areas on her body.
"Leave us," Garth ordered his guards.
Upon realizing what was happening, Garth couldn't help but feel aroused as well. No one had been able to take this much power from him and live. "Let me tell you a story, Garth. There was this guy who was standing guard. He saw what he believed was a sandstorm so he didn't warn anyone. In reality, it was an army. The army sacked the city and let the guard live. For all time, that guard is known as fool," Imra told him. "And you will be that fool!"
"I have three higher levels of lightning power I can use on you," Garth threatened.
"You're afraid to injure me? That's so adorable," Imra said deliriously.
Garth grabbed a hold of Imra and got in her face. "Where is your fleet?"
"I was a fool to think you could listen to reason. Perhaps High Command was right. You all should be destroyed," Imra spat.
The ship suddenly got hit. "Report," Garth demanded.
"The Imperial vessel has followed us into the nebula," Ayala informed him via radio.
"You going to make enemies of the Insane as well?" Imra asked him. Garth considered the idea and then turned back to Imra. "You've failed, Garth. I'm a Sedi like my mother before me."
"So be it, Sedi," Garth sneered. "If you won't tell me the real location of your fleet, I will destroy you." Garth then hit Imra with his strongest attack which caused the electrical systems in the ship to fluctuate.
Imra cried out in pain as she was hit, unable to deflect it. "Who's the fool now? Your feeble Titan telekinesis is no match compared to the power of the Jith. You will pay the price for the attack on my world," Garth said angrily.
Imra screamed and squirmed in her chair as she was really shocked. "Now, Titan princess, you will die," Garth said as he took it up to maximum. Imra started to lose control of her telekinetic abilities as the chair began to warp and the walls started to bend. The entire ship started to shake. Imra's clothes began to smoke and her skeleton could be seen under her skin.
"Garth, please," Imra pleaded with him between screams.
Garth suddenly relented, emotionally and morally exhausted by what he had done. "Hail the Nemo," he radioed the bridge.
Imra was brought back to the Nemo and placed in Sick Bay under Brainiac 5's care. She had been sedated and was resting. Garth also entered Sick Bay with a nominal guard to watch him. "So...how is she doing?" Garth asked awkwardly.
"You have some nerve showing your face around here after what you've done to her...but God damn it, I respect you for it," Eltro said sincerely.
"I did what was necessary," Garth said defensively.
"You should have recorded it so the other officers and I could have watched it," Eltro said disapprovingly.
"She'll be fine in a day or so," Brainiac 5 informed them.
"So, you satisfied or do we have to send her back to you in two days?" Eltro asked dryly.
"I'm good," Garth assured him. "I'm ordering the Winathian fleet to intercept the Titans at these coordinates," he said and showed a datapad with the map. "It might be interesting for you if the Nemo were to join in on the fun."
Eltro couldn't help but smile. "Fuck yeah, Sir."
The Winathian fleet composed of six cruisers and the Nemo moved into position to intercept the Titan fleet. "The Titans will arrive in two hours," Laurel reported. "Garth is hailing us."
"On screen," Eltro ordered.
Garth appeared on-screen. "Our sensors detect twelve Titan cruisers approaching."
"When will the rest of your fleet arrive?" Eltro asked.
"They won't get here in time," Garth frowned.
"Sounds like we should have planned this out better," Eltro grimaced.
The Titan fleet soon arrived numbering the twelve Curentes cruisers. Their ships outmatched the Winathians in weapons, shields, and armor.
Titan
Sarmon, Bertor, and the rest of the High Command were monitoring the situation. "The Winathians have more ships on the way," Bertor noticed.
"They won't arrive for several hours," Sarmon said dismissively.
"You told us this strike would be a surprise, that there would be minimal casualties on both sides. The Winathians are using standard particle canons. There's no evidence of weapons of mass destruction. We have to call off the attack," Bertor protested.
"Our forces are committed. We can't turn back now," Sarmon refused.
"The USS Nemo is there. If that ship is destroyed, my daughter, your niece, will be killed and it will create an interstellar incident with Earth," Bertor argued. "I can't allow this."
"Guards," Sarmon gestured. Immediately, they pointed their pistols at Bertor. "If you interfere again, you will be arrested."
In space, the two fleets were about to fire on each other. "The Titans have locked weapons," Ol reported.
"On us?" Eltro asked.
"No, just the Winathians," Ol replied.
"Are we being ignored?" Eltro asked dismayed.
The two fleets fired on the other with the Nemo getting hit by friendly fire. "We're in the crossfire," Ol reported.
"One of the Winathian ships' reactor is down. A Titan ship is moving in to finish them off," Laurel reported.
"Get in between them and fire on the Titan ship," Eltro ordered.
The Titan ships then fired on the Nemo inflicting heavy damage. "Our weapons aren't putting a dent into their shields," Ol said grimly. "Hull plating is now gone. Torpedo tubes not responding."
"Just lost helm control," Dax said as the Nemo was getting hit repeatedly.
"We're venting atmosphere," Laurel added.
Titan
The doors to the High Command opened as Mon, Eve, and Sydne entered. Their clothes were dirty and blood-stained indicating they had been having way too much fun killing Titan fools in the Arrakis desert for the last few days. In the confusion, Bertor took the pistol of the guard right next to him. "Nice to see you, Chancellor," Eve said victoriously.
"This woman is an anarchist," Sarmon said to Mon.
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Mon smirked.
"Whatever she's told you isn't the truth," Sarmon deflected.
"The Sedi didn't bomb the embassy. You did. The bombing was an excuse to round up the Sedi," Mon accused.
"She would do or say anything to spread her cult beliefs. The Sedi have spent thousands of years to subvert the Titan government behind the scenes. They would kill us all if they had the chance!" Sarmon shouted.
Mon gave Bertor the nodd. He immediately fired on Sarmon with his stolen pistol, dropping him. "This is Bertor Ardeen, give me the fleet commander," Bertor hailed.
In space, the battle suddenly ended. "We're being hailed by Titan," Laurel said.
"Eltro, how's it going? Having fun with my ship?" Mon asked.
"More or less," Eltro said dryly. "What's happening?"
"I'm in the middle of a coup here. Come back to Titan as soon as you can if you don't want to miss out," Mon ordered.
Titan
Mon met up with Bertor, Sydne, and Eve for the next move. "The people of Titan are in your debt," Bertor said to Mon. "War and glorious death to you, Sir."
"Live long and prosper to you," Mon replied with a smile.
"We may be witnessing a new era for the galaxy," Eve mused.
"House Ardeen will be administering a less aggressive policy toward Earth. We're ready to be true partners in the Galactic Federation," Sydne assured Mon.
"Kara sought to establish an old American style Constitution for the Galactic Federation. In this Constitution, only the Imperial Senate can declare war, not individual planets or civilizations. And when the Imperial Senate does declare war, the Supreme Leader will execute all manners of war as commander in chief of the Imperial military. The individual member planets may still have their own armed forces, state militias, so to speak, but may not execute their own foreign policy. What happened between Titan and Winath will never happen again," Mon explained.
"But you will allow all member planets to defend themselves against any enemy aggressor and you will respect the already existing borders of the Titan Empire?" Bertor questioned.
"Absolutely," Mon assured him.
Winath
A Charon-class shuttle arrived on Winath with the Imperial fleet in orbit above. Kara, Imra, and Brainiac 5 met with Garth in the capital. "I'm surprised to see you, Supreme Leader," Garth said to her.
"Rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated," Kara smirked. "I've been nearly assassinated so many times that I use drone bodyguards to imitate me these days."
"Still, how are you able to control these drones all the way from Earth?" Garth asked curiously.
"The drones have an independent AI that I developed. The AI is so advanced very few can even tell the difference," Kara smiled amused. "These drones are also immune to telepathic and Kryptonite attacks."
"Impressive," Garth said sincerely. "As you can see, there are no weapons of mass destruction here."
"Yeah, well, there were other reasons for our invasion," Kara said sheepishly. "For example, peace."
"Peace?" Garth questioned.
"With Winath and Titan under the Galactic Federation, neither world will be allowed legally to attack the other. The centuries of warfare, sabotage, political manipulation, and espionage between you and the Titans are over," Brainiac 5 explained.
"Sure didn't seem that way just now," Garth said skeptically.
"We're still working on getting rid of uncooperative bad apples," Kara admitted.
Garth nodded, satisfied with that. "Ambassador Ardeen, I sincerely apologize for torturing you. I know now that you're a Titan we can trust."
"Can I speak with Garth alone?" Imra requested.
"Yeah, sure," Kara allowed. Kara and Brainiac 5 then walked off to talk to other Winathian leaders.
Imra walked up to Garth once they were gone. "I'll accept your apology under a few conditions."
"What conditions?" Garth asked concernedly.
"You and your sister join the Vindicator Corps. You will work with me in S-class while your sister tries out of A-class. We will be working together on S-class missions, fighting side-by-side to make the galaxy a better place," Imra demanded.
"Is that all?" Garth asked skeptically.
"What you did to me awakened something in me," Imra said positively aroused. "For the time I'm on recuperation leave, you're mine."
Titan
In the desert caves of Titan, Sarmon made his escape from prison. He met a shady figure in the darkness. "This plan of yours was a failure. Decades of work has been lost," Sarmon said pissed off.
"Am I to be blamed for your incompetence?" the shady figure asked.
"Kara Zor-El should have been killed!" Sarmon said outraged at being tricked.
"You brought the Insane Kryptonian family into this. I'm leaving Titan before my position is compromised," the shady figure pointed out.
"What about me?" Sarmon asked.
"Your disappearance would only create further suspicion. This is only a delay. The unification of all under the Church of Scientificity is only a matter of time," Lemnos said as he revealed himself out of the darkness.
Author's Notes: RIP, Gary Rand Graham, you were an outstanding Vulcan character. Enterprise Season 3 dealt with a 9/11 situation whereas Season 4 is an obvious critique of the Iraq War. That's kind of cute, I suppose. We have another Kara death fake-out. I switched up some of the characters to ensure it was Garth who tortured Imra to show the relative power between them and to shape the beginning of their romance. As with most things in AOS, love blossoms from fucked-up situations.