In Accra, Ghana, Lt. Governor Kwame held an unauthorized meeting with several Western African nations to cause trouble. These days, Western Africa was tied to Spain and Portugal since its GDP was so low it didn't qualify as a nation collectively. Many in Western Africa were resentful of the Iberian dominance and Kara's plans to resettle Africans out of Africa. Kara continued her plan to evacuate humans to the sweet zone of 30N to 60N latitude which disqualified many of these nations. First, Lt. Gov. Kwame took down the Imperial flag and removed Kara's picture from the governor's office. Then, he gathered the nations of Western Africa in one place to discuss his rebellion against the Crown.

"Friends, we meet here today not as Ghanaians, Guineans, Moroccans, Algerians, Senegalese or Malians, but as Africans tired of being disrespected and abused by the corrupt and imperial power of the present. The time has come to forge new alliances. Those who understand the strategic importance of Africa and are willing to treat us as equals," he began.

"Fuck yeah!" the assembled governors agreed.

"Not as subordinates! And not as slaves! This is our time. We must choose our own destiny!" Kwame continued.

"Yeah, fuck yeah," the assembled governors nodded.

"A socialist Africa!" Kwame said boldly.

"Yeah...fuck...yeah," the assembled governors said with lesser enthusiasm.

Metropolis

Oblivious to the rebellion in Africa, Kara glanced at the television and saw Kon and Saora being celebrated as celebrities in Paris. It suddenly occurred to her that her son was now an adult and married, a Crown Prince. "Barney...am I middle-aged?" Kara wondered apprehensively.

"For a Kryptonian? No," Brainiac 5 said obviously. "Prince Kon's travel schedule is Vienna, Moscow, and then to London."

Kara focused more on Saora, a younger full-blooded Kryptonian. She spoke fluent French to the Parisian leaders and appeared to be winning hearts and minds. The Daily Planet also adored her which made Kara envious and slightly concerned.

"Ghana has gone full-blown communist. They're drifting away from the Commonwealth again," Brainiac 5 informed her.

"And who gave them this brilliant idea?" Kara rolled her eyes.

"Russian intelligence agents," Brainiac 5 replied.

"It's always the fucking Russians," Kara said displeased.

"The Russian delegation was in Ghana recently under the false pretense of mutual cooperation for a dam project," Brainiac 5 said.

"I thought we were sending American engineers for that," Kara recalled.

"The Russians are attempting to outbid the Americans in this regard," Brainiac 5 said.

"Shut down the system in Ghana. That will teach them not to fuck with me," Kara ordered.

"I already have, hence why the Russians and the Americans are trying to use Imperial resources to outbid one another on this project," Brainiac 5 said.

"Inform all fifty countries that no one is to use Imperial resources to do anything in Ghana until I say otherwise. Or else I'll shut them down, too," Kara ordered.

"A bit of an overreaction," Brainiac 5 advised.

"Fine, we'll see how this plays out. What's more important is seeing my son," Kara allowed.

"The Crown Prince had an abysmal approval rating but as a couple, it has dramatically improved," Brainiac 5 reported.

"What turned it around?" Kara asked.

"Princess Saora-El dazzled the French by debating their intellectuals and philosophers in French until all anti-Kryptonian sentiment evaporated," Brainiac 5 explained.

"The most glamorous and most intelligent woman on Earth," Kara mocked.

"So, they say," Brainiac 5 said delicately.

"Everything about this just...pisses me off," Kara admitted.

London

Kara and Mon received Kon and Saora at Buckingham Palace with much fanfare. The British leaders immediately ditched Kara as they went to see Kon and Saora enter the palace. "Oh, fuck me, right?" Kara asked dismayed.

The British PM greeted Kon and Saora at the entrance. They both wore white uniforms with O-15 ranks. "Welcome to Buckingham Palace, again. It's a pleasure to receive you, Your Imperial Highness," he groveled before them. "His and Her Majesty is waiting for you in the billiard room."

"Fantastic," Kon smiled with false sincerity.

Kara and Mon received Kon and Saora in the billiard room, a large hall where a few dozen British officials hung out. Against protocol, Saora walked up to Kara first with no curtsy. "Your Majesty, I'm the one your son puts his penis in," she smiled pleasantly. "Your Grace," she said to Mon, getting his style of address wrong. For a fraction of a second, Kara was caught off guard, shocked and appalled, in denial, then piss-offed, and then back to professional.

Kon then walked up to Kara. "Good evening, Your Royal Majesty," he said mockingly.

"Yes, well, shall we?" Kara asked annoyed.

"Saora," Kon sent her off away from him. To avoid embarrassment to her, Kara followed Saora so that Kon and Mon were now alone.

"Did that go wrong in ten thousand different ways?" Kon asked his father.

"I've seen worse. Next time, bring your A-game," Mon chided.

At the dinner table, Kara felt uncomfortable as Saora was getting along quite well with the British political aristocracy and chatting it up with Mon. After dinner, Kara met up with Mon to pull him away for a moment. "How is she?" Kara asked anxiously.

"She's not Insane, genetically speaking, but she's definitely Insane in mind and spirit," Mon said approvingly.

"I'm going to chew her out," Kara said, walking off.

Mon winced at that as Kara and Saora left the room. "I hope my wife isn't causing too much trouble," Kon said mischievously.

"My son, you're the luckiest man in the galaxy," Mon assured him. "Of course...people keep telling me the same thing."

Kara gave Saora a tour of the palace, taking her away from all the guests. "This is the throne room," she pointed out with two throne chairs in the back. "And this is the picture gallery," Kara said as they continued down a hall.

"This is my adopted father, Jeremiah, and my adopted mother, Eliza," Kara pointed out one portrait.

"Who is this?" Saora asked of one portrait.

"That's my...real father," Kara said hauntedly. "In time, your portrait will be hung here as well. After all, you're part of the family now."

"And yet, I don't see any portraits of Kelly Olsen," Saora noted.

Kara simply stared at her audacity. "Well...there's only room for people directly related to me. There will be another room for more...distant relations and in-laws."

Kara then led Saora to the library that was filled with old-fashion books along with computers. "I find myself quite comfortable in this room. A place to be all by myself."

"A place to escape to...a place to escape your many followers," Saora said sympathetically.

"You're not a very shy person, are you?" Kara stared her down.

"There's a perverse logic to it. Your son is actually quite shy in public. He'd rather kill than speak with people. Of course, shy people tend to be drawn in by a strong protector. A strong character tends to enjoy public life. I thrive on it," Saora admitted.

"I wonder if your strong character is the very thing that will expose you both to danger," Kara warned.

"My idea of heaven is a crowd, campaigning, speechmaking, leading people," Saora said.

"Does that also include insurrection?" Kara tested.

"Where my mother failed, I will succeed," Saora said confidently.

"By eloping into the House of El?" Kara mocked.

"Your son gifted me New Krypton. A feat that somehow evaded you," Saora shot back.

"You can have those condescending insufferables," Kara sneered.

"And upon the death of your generation, the Galactic Federation will be mine. We both know Kon can't be bothered with actually governing," Saora pointed out.

"You'll face stiff competition from Mara. Since they're twins, they will have to rule together," Kara reminded her.

"But according to the rules for succession, the oldest child of either myself or Mara will take the throne and that will be me. Kon and I have been busy on this front," Saora replied.

"Be careful, my daughter-in-law, Kon has a tendency to throw away his toys once he's done with them," Kara warned.

Kara visited Alex in the countryside at the stables. "I hope you're not intending to ride while pregnant," Kara scolded.

"The only one I intend to ride right now is Kelly," Alex replied.

Kara looked away awkwardly. "Then, why are you here?"

"Kelly is taking horseback lessons and I feel nostalgic here. It's like Midvale in the 21st century," Alex said reflectively.

"Look, we don't have to talk about how your best friend who you secretly loved was really into horses and how I prevented you, two, from hooking up," Kara assured her.

Alex simply stared at her with dismay. "I'm over it."

"So, I had a family gathering with Saora. I was all set to hate her, but she's grown on me," Kara admitted. "In the end, I was utterly charmed."

"This is Faora's daughter, the bitch that killed tens of thousands of people in Metropolis and tried to terraform the planet that would have killed all life," Alex said disdainfully.

"You don't have to remind me. When she escaped the Phantom Zone, I killed her ass," Kara said defensively.

"The same Kryptonian genes for militancy and murder go through Saora now. You better keep an eye on her," Alex warned.

"People are rarely just a reflection of their genes," Kara countered.

"Then, I'm afraid, I don't know what Barney was going on about," Alex shrugged.

"What?" Kara asked suddenly alarmed.

"Barney was attending to Saora's escort at some French play in London and then they went to a restaurant together. Apparently, she was talking mad shit about you," Alex said nonchalantly.

"What did she say?" Kara demanded.

"You'll have to talk to Barney. You know how he records every word," Alex said dismissively. "I'm sure it was nothing."

Kara immediately summoned Brainiac 5 to the palace while the British military conducted drills in the courtyard. The two had small talk while the British military fired their guns every so often in coordinated volleys. The two were interrupted constantly by the gunfire.

"So kind of you to come," Kara said pleased.

[Gunshots]

"It's not far. I do have many drones working in the palace," Brainiac 5 reminded her.

"You still...," Kara began.

[Gunshots]

"...traveling up and down the country...," Kara continued.

[Gunshots]

"...to recruit students from the top schools into...," Kara said.

[Gunshots]

"...the military," Kara finished.

"I did," Brainiac 5 replied.

"So, I understand...," Kara switched topics.

[Gunshots]

"...you saw Princess Saora recently," Kara said, getting to the point.

[Gunshots]

"Yes," Brainiac 5 replied.

Kara waited for a second. [Gunshots] She then composed herself for her important question. "How was...," she asked.

[Gunshots]

"Oh, come on!" Kara shouted outraged.

"I can have them stop if you wish," Brainiac 5 said obviously.

"Please do," Kara said frustrated.

The drone commander in charge of the unit outside had them march off. Kara then turned her full attention to Barney. "What did the bitch say about me?" she demanded. "I know you two hung out at a play and a restaurant."

"I couldn't possibly betray the confidentiality of the conversations made during either occasion," Brainiac 5 declined.

"I define what is confidential. Spill it," Kara ordered.

"I should mention I was several seats down from her," Brainiac 5 evaded.

"Don't bullshit me, Barney. You have perfect hearing and recollection. What was said?" Kara asked.

"Was that she found Earth second-rate, dilapidated, and sad. Like a neglected provincial outpost. And that one came away with a sense of a tired institution without a place in the modern galaxy," Brainiac 5 recalled.

"That fucking bitch!" Kara shouted outraged. "What did she say about me? Well?"

"A middle-aged woman so incurious, unintelligent, and unremarkable that Earth's reduced place in the galaxy was not a surprise, but an inevitability," Brainiac 5 quoted.

"Well...we'll have to have her over soon," Kara said, glaring daggers.

As the situation in Ghana got worse, Kara summoned the Russian ambassador to answer for his nation's continual shadiness. "Why did the Russian president give the Hero of the Russian Federation award to Kwame? He's not even Russian. What the fuck are you trying to pull this time?" Kara demanded.

"Your Majesty, the award makes perfect sense in light of our mutually beneficial cooperation in a dam project on the Volta River that will provide power and water resources to the people of Ghana," the Russian ambassador said.

"There's no need for a dam. We have hydrogen fusion generators," Kara said.

"Which you have not provided to the Ghana people," the Russian ambassador pointed out.

"They're not even supposed to be there. I ordered those people to move north," Kara said defensively.

"Well, the Russian government is gravely concerned for the wellbeing of those who have decided to stay," the Russian ambassador lied.

"You're full of shit," Kara detected. "I'm going down to Ghana, personally, to deal with this. I decide on planetary economic policy and then Lord Dox carries it out."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, you must give the more fortunate peoples of the world the opportunity to charitably give to those who are less. That is the Russian interpretation of Christianity," the Russian ambassador said boldly.

"Get the fuck out," Kara ordered.

Accra, Ghana

Kara, Mon, and an Imperial escort arrived in Accra for a surprise inspection. Kwame and his people scrambled to give her a respectable welcome. Kara, Mon, and Brainiac 5 approached Kwame's outdoor throne wearing their white uniforms. Kwame was surrounded by his advisers, also in white as if to indicate he believed himself a king now. Kwame summoned Daily Planet reporters to record anything controversial that might occur between them.

Suddenly, Daily Planet reporters swarmed the scene wanting to take pictures and ask questions. "Hey, too close," Kara warned them as she was about to give them all the clap.

"Your Majesty, Ghana welcomes you," Kwame said with false sincerity.

"You can start by kissing my ring," Kara said as she held it out.

Kwame reluctantly kissed her ring in submission. "Very glad to be here," Kara said with false sincerity. Kwame and Kara then took a picture together making it extremely awkward for her if she were to kill him on the spot.

Kwame and his escort then took off leaving Kara and Mon behind. "Where the fuck does he think he's going?" Mon wondered.

At her hotel, Brainiac 5 briefed Kara on the situation. "Russian engineers are in the country to begin work on the dam," he reported. "He's trying to play both sides with you and the Russians."

"The Russians are just one nation. I am sovereign over all fifty," Kara said pissed off. "No human leader plays me."

That night, Kwame hosted a tent party but gave Kara the cold shoulder the entire time as he greeted and chatted it up with other African leaders. Finally, Kwame gave Kara some attention as he desired a photo-op with her. Kara obliged and walked over to him in the center of the tent as everyone watched to see what would happen next.

"I think we both know the significance of this moment," Kwame said boastfully.

"Yes, but do we understand the terms," Kara glared.

"Your Majesty," Kwame said as he held his hand out to her.

Kara immediately crushed his hand forcing him to cry out. As she broke every bone in his hand, she lifted him off the ground with her other hand over her head. "You fucks don't seem to learn, do you?" Kara said angrily.

She then threw Kwame through the tent and a far distance away where his body slammed into the unfinished dam and splattered on impact. Kara then eyed the gawking reporters and then the African leaders that had dared to side with Kwame over her or tried to have it both ways. "Who's next?" she asked them.

They all took a knee and bowed their heads in submission to her. Kara turned to Brainiac 5. "Order the Spanish Governor to appoint a new lieutenant governor here." Kara then turned to the stunned crowd. "Well...shall we begin the dance?"

Metropolis

While Kara and Mon were in Africa, Kon and Saora addressed New Kryptonian leaders in a mini coup. "What is it to be a Kryptonian today? Prosperous, powerful, privileged. Certainly," Kon began.

"And yet, it is also troubling. I look around me and find our people divided as never before. Indeed, as at no time since our planet's destruction. There has been a change, a slippage in our strength. Blight has descended upon us too many times before. There is a dry rot seeping into every corner of New Krypton. Too many of us have lost our way, our will, and our sense of historic purpose. It's time for a renewal, a new generation of leadership. So, I'm asking each of you to be pioneers in this renewal to reclaim the old empire, to reclaim our position and responsibilities as a mighty people. Only through denying freedom, tolerance, and equality of opportunity to heathens, can we claim them for ourselves. God bless you all, and God bless New Krypton," Kon toasted.

The Kryptonians gave Kon a WTF look but then recalled their past, their glory days, and then suddenly he was given a standing ovation.

In the palace, Kon and Saora made themselves at home. "Sup?" he asked Saora.

"Time for the weekend and relaxation," Saora said as she got on the bed.

"It's only Wednesday," Kon recalled.

"Weekend enough for me," Saora smiled.

"God, I love those 4-day weekends," Kon smiled. "I want to thank you. My mother is now in Africa killing fools because of you."

"Why do I give a shit about Africa?" Saora asked.

"It means you have an effect on her. If not for your insults being overheard and recorded by Barney, she wouldn't have gone down there and made such a fuss," Kon said.

"I'm supposed to be back in London to see her after I visit India and Pakistan," Saora said concernedly.

"Go to Buckingham Palace and insult her to her face, this time," Kon encouraged.

"You trying to get me killed?" Saora wondered.

"You exaggerate. She won't kill you or else she'll lose me," Kon assured her. "I expect a full report on your catfight."

"As you wish," Saora rolled her eyes.

"Now, I'm going to the bar to get drunk as fuck," Kon said and then left the room.

"Such an asshole," Saora realized and then frowned as dread started to fill her.

Ghana

On the plane back to London, Kara and Brainiac 5 had a meeting. "Reactions to you dispatching Kwame were overwhelmingly positive. The Daily Planet called it shrewd strategic maneuvering an example of impeccable political brinkmanship, an outstanding personal success," Brainiac 5 reported.

"Do they bullshit me to gain favor with me or is it because they fear me?" Kara wondered.

"Yes," Brainiac 5 answered.

"Saora wants a private audience with you at Buckingham Palace when you arrive," Brainiac 5 said.

"What for?" Kara glared.

"To apologize, perhaps," Brainiac 5 suggested.

"Or talk more shit. Move it to Windsor Castle so I can dispose of her privately, if need be, away from public eyes," Kara ordered.

England

At Windsor Castle, Kara received her daughter-in-law. "Your Majesty," Saora said nervously.

"Do sit down," Kara ordered.

The two sat down across from each other. "I suppose I owe you an apology," Saora began.

There was an awkward silence between them. "Leave us," Kara said to her guards. The two waited until they were alone in the room.

"I made some offending remarks about you last time I was here," Saora said vaguely.

"There really is no need for this. Reports of you talking shit did get back to me. I confess I was momentarily pissed off. But in this job as a mother and Supreme Leader, I've learned not to take things too seriously. People say things for all sorts of reasons, which get misquoted or misunderstood, and before you know it, those words have turned into a Galactic War," Kara said wide-eyed.

"I'd like to offer an explanation," Saora said.

"Of course," Kara allowed.

"The truth is that I don't have a handle on yellow sunlight. To say I strained Kon's penis would be an understatement," Saora began as Kara awkwardly listened. "Behind closed doors, Kon didn't like being upstaged in bed."

"I can imagine," Kara nodded uncomfortably.

"There were other factors. Kon and I have been experimenting with cocaine laced with a small amount of Kryptonite. At the restaurant, I was high as balls and stuff just came out of my mouth. And now, I know that these comments got back to you," Saora explained.

Kara waited for an apology that was not forthcoming. "To think I offended someone I admire so much distresses me," Saora said. "The way you do your job, the way you cope with the pressure, the personal sacrifices you've made, not to mention your composure and dignity. As a woman, it's so inspiring. And what you just did in Ghana. It was just extraordinary."

"Let me be very clear," Kara said dangerously. "No one manipulates me. What I did in Ghana had nothing to do with you. You are broken, fragile, and lost compared to me. As of right now, I have ice in my veins for you but...you're still my daughter and you always will be."