Part 3 the first major arc finale (yes I do have more, but incomplete & in very rough draft form)
GREEN LANTERN - Legends of the Corps
-PLAN OF ATTACK-
-CHAPTER 8: The Corps-
TV reporter - "Who is this mysterious Green Lantern? Seen here in this
amateur video taken 2 weeks ago on Alcatraz island, the Emerald Gladiator
combats the Satanic Abel Tarrant, also known as 'The Tattooed Man'. Thanks
to this secretive hero, there were only minor injuries.
Brigadier General Alan Scott sits in his living room nursing a glass of
brandy & a cigar, watching his TV, astonished with everything he sees on the
screen. Not knowing how he feels about seeing another wearing the symbol...
Green Lantern, is that what it meant? This is definitely tied in to the
crash of the craft in the desert... but it's not like he can actually bring
this up to his commanding officer. It has been decades since he thought
about that night in the jungles of Vietnam. It had haunted him for years,
until one day he had wished he could forget, and by shear force of will, he
apparently had. Seeing the symbol in the desert again had re-awakened the
memories. It took so long to get his life back on track, and after all he
has accomplished... His wife Molly, in the kitchen...
Molly - "Is everything alright dear? You got so quiet suddenly..."
Alan - "Yeah, just watching the news."
TV Reporter - Since that day there have been multiple sightings throughout
California... just last week he
foiled 4 bank robberies, 2 car-jackings and assisted authorities in rescuing
a missing child lost in the Angeles National Forest.
Skip to an 8 year old child with black tousled hair with the name 'Kyle
Rayner' under his picture. The boy holds a rough sketch of Green Lantern
done with pencils & crayons.
Kyle Rayner - "...and then he swooped down from the sky and picked me up.
I'm gonna be just like him when I grow up!"
TV Reporter - "any attempts to interview the hero have been unsuccessful.
Now onto the situation in Middle East, President Bu..."
Hal Jordan, Green Lantern of Sector 2814, switches off his television and
glances over at the large alien (disguised as a very large man) known as
Kilowog, Green Lantern of sector 674.
Hal - "Emerald Gladiator? Where do they come up with this stuff?"
Kilowog - "Ah, give 'em a break... you're a big time hero! They've never
seen anyone or anything quite like you.
H - "Yeah they have... there's a guy in Metropolis that flies around pulling
cats out of trees all the time. And some lunatic in Gotham that dresses like
a bat... Hell, there were even stories back in the 50's & 60's of masked
'mystery men'. Great, I'm going to end up with a bunch of lunatics chasing
me down every day now, aren't I?"
K - "Eh, probably... It happens to all of us. Don't let it get to your head
like Sinestro... Man, that guy had an ego and he was a bit of a neat
freak... which you are definitely not."
Hal shoots Kilowog a dirty look and retreats to his final bag. As if going
over an invisible checklist...
H - "Well, that's it. The bags are packed and I'm officially 'discharged'.
I've notified Ferris Aircraft that I'm taking some time off before starting
up... let my mom & brother know I'll be 'out of town' for a bit. So, out of
one mans military & into another's, I suppose, when do we leave?"
K - "Well, you've been putting the Guardians off for a month, and that isn't
a wise thing to do, so I'd say... Now would be a real good time."
Before leaving both stepped up to their Lantern Batteries & recited their
sacred oath...
H & K - "In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might beware my power, the Green Lantern's
light!!!"
They stepped out of the barracks together into the night air. Hal glimpsed
back over his shoulder looking back on the life he's about to leave behind.
A rush of excitement came over him... finally a chance to see the stars up
close & personal. When both of them were sure no one was around, they donned
their uniforms & took flight into the desert sky.
General Scott, looking from his porch into the southern night sky sees the 2
green streaks taking off from the desert floor. Thinking to himself: "I
thought this part of my life was over..."
K - "Now, I'm gonna warn ya, Warp flight can be a bit disorienting for
newbies. But it shaves about 3 million light years off the trip to OA, so
it's a must. Are you ready?"
H - "I was born ready big guy."
K - "Heh, yeah, right. Alright, you need to concentrate on OA. Put all you
willpower behind it... and don't break your concentration. The trip will
take about 5 of your Earth minutes... Lose your concentration & you could
fly right through a star or bounce too close to a supernova..."
H - "...and that would end my trip real quick, wouldn't it? OK, got it, Han.
Can we get going now?"
Kilowog looking confused...
K - "Alright wise guy, don't get lost & I'll see you on the other side."
With a flash of Green light Hal was alone. Hal took a moment to look at his
surroundings. He had been so wrapped up in the conversation he hadn't
realized he was outside of the atmosphere. Looking to his left he saw the
moon, so close he thought he could reach out & touch it... He looked behind
him and saw the Earth. as a ghostly figure quickly interrupts him.
Abin Sur - "A-hem. They are waiting for you, you know."
H - "Never been this close to the moon before...or so far from home"
A - "You will get used to it. Now it's time."
Placing his ringed glove out before him, Hal concentrates on OA. In flash of
green light, he is suddenly transported into what he can only think of as an
enormous green wormhole. "Oh God, I think I'm going to be sick... got to
concentrate on OA. OA. OA. OA... O. A... After what feels like an eternity
(4 minutes later), he emerges on the other side of the wormhole. Before him
set's a small gray planet, not unlike Earth's moon, which he hopes is OA. A
tall humanoid figure with a birdlike beak & a fin on the top of his head
approaches Hal from the right.
Tomar Re - "Greetings, Green Lantern of 2814, I am Tomar Re of the planet
Xudar in sector 2813. It was, unfortunate, to learn of Abin Sur's demise,
but it is always a pleasure to meet a new corpsman. Especially since we are
neighbors!"
H - "thanks... I'm gonna puke. Blllarrrgh..."
T - "Well, not exactly the way I was hoping to meet your successor Abin."
Abin Sur's spirit, once again appears emanating from the ring.
A - "Oh, do not despair Tomar, he grows on you... like a tarrelian fungus.
Hal, you are here now to complete your training. It is time for me to
depart. I can help you no longer, but I leave you in good hands..."
Abin Sur's ghostly visage leaves Hal's ring and becomes one with the massive
Central Power Battery below.
T - "your ring will now bond with your mind. It will take on your
personality traits. The Guardians have called a meeting of the elite force &
your presence has been requested. Looks like you'll be joining us for our
next mission."
The 2 Lanterns fly through the Oan atmosphere and touch down before the
Central Power Battery, in essence, a giant Green Lantern, not unlike the one
he uses to charge his ring. Below the power battery was a building draped in
flags bearing the GL symbol, above the door a sign read "The Hall of
Remembrance"... a thought suddenly dawning on Hal. With all the Green
Lantern's walking about the grounds, he could understand what everyone was
saying, no matter what species was speaking. He could read every posted
sign, which were all printed in English.
H - "Tomar, is English, like, the universal language or what?"
T - "No, Hal... your ring also acts as a universal translator. It will
translate any word written, or spoken, by every race in the galaxy, and some
beyond. It will not, however, translate words that have no direct
translation to your language... Hence, the 'Sprocking Poozer & such that you
hear from Kilowog all the time."
H - "Huh, I actually thought I knew the translation for those. This is
pretty cool.
Directly across from the Central Power Battery is the main citadel. Home of
the Guardians of the Universe. As Hal entered the Citadel an enormous hand
smacked him on the back...
K - "Hey tough guy, you made it! I thought you were lost it took you so
long. How was the flight?"
H - "Aside from the vomiting, I can't complain."
K - "I told you it could be a bit hairy for fresh meat. Come with me, the
Guardians are about to meet with the corps elite."
As they Make their way into the main audience chamber, Hal feels like he's
entered a massive courtroom. The circular room is surrounded on all sides by
a 12 foot yellow wall... in fact, now that he thought about it, all the
buildings on this planet were yellow. Curious. The floor of the main
audience chamber had a massive GL symbol in the center. Upon the walls
surrounding the chamber sat 36 chairs, Hal assumed they were for the
Guardians. Within the chamber were 5 other Green Lanterns (including
Kilowog), none paying him much attention. No 2 Lanterns seemed to be the
same... except for a pink skinned female, that looked as if she could have
been related to Sinestro. That's when Hal noticed there was a 6th Lantern,
that looked oddly enough, like a 2 foot tall chipmunk.
H - "Kilowog, is that chipmunk a Lantern too?"
K - "That's Ch'p, and it would be best not to say that too loud, he's got a
bit of a mean streak when someone comments on his size."
H - "OK, this is so bizarre..."
The doors behind them closed and all lights, except one green light focusing
directly on them, went out. The ceiling of the hall and the walls behind the
Guardians Dais became a map of the Universe, the light in the center of the
ceiling signifying OA. This was one of the most amazing things Hal had ever
seen. Then, one by one the Guardians of the Universe filtered into the room,
each of the 36 members floating down from the center light. The Guardians
were approximately 4 feet tall, with light blue skin, white (balding) hair,
wearing robes of black and green, with red cloaks. The black on their
uniforms was covered in Stars, matching the background behind each seat. The
Guardian in the center of the room stepped forward and spoke without moving
his lips.
Guardian - "Elite corpsman, you have been gathered here for a most grievous
assignment. Which may result in your deaths."
Hal thinks, "Jeez, welcome to the Corps, have a few laughs, fly across the
universe & get yourself killed..."
-CHAPTER 9: The Guardians-
Hal Jordan, newly appointed Green Lantern of Sector 2814, finds himself in a
most awkward position. He stands before the Guardians of the Universe (whom
he can't shake the thought that they look like big Smurfs) who, after only a
month on the job, have apparently recruited him into the Corps Elite. A
group of 6 Green Lanterns including: Kilowog (from sector 674), Tomar Re
(from sector 2813), Chaselon (from sector 3319), Katma Tui (from sector
1417), Salakk (from sector 1418) & Ch'p (from sector 1014).
Guardian - "The new Green Lantern of sector 2814 was able to defeat
Sinestro, original Green Lantern of sector 1417. In the fight, Sinestro
perished. We have learned something of the origins of the LEGION virus
through the body of Sinestro."
Hal shifted uncomfortably when he noticed he was being glared at from the
female GL that looked a bit like Sinestro. The first Guardian sits back down
in his chair. A second Guardian, two seats to the originals left, rises.
Guardian 2 - "The genetic makeup of the virus contained within his body
suggests that it came from the Anti-Matter Universe Qward. According to the
report from Green Lantern 2814, the virus alters the defensive powers of the
ring. This is most likely done in order to stop the ring from automatically
expelling the virus. An unfortunate byproduct, at least from the viruses
point of view, of this change is the ring no longer automatically protects
the barer from harm. The barer must produce shielding in order to protect
himself. This is fortunate for us.
A third Guardian arises as the second sits.
Guardian 3 - "We believe that the Qwardians are infecting Corpsmen to create
their own army. Once this army swells to it's desired number, they will use
this army to attack OA directly. Once we have been destroyed, the Corps will
effectively neutralized. The Qwardians will swarm this universe and without
the Corps to defend it, they will conquer.
A fourth Guardian arises across the hall, while the third sits.
Guardian 4 - "According to our calculations, the infected Lanterns will
attack OA within the next 36 cycles (48 Earth hours). We have sent out a
call to arms. Every remaining uninfected Lantern will be here within one
cycle. They will be our last line of defense. But know this, if you do not
succeed, and the defending Lanterns cannot stop these marauders, we will be
forced to destroy the main power battery."
A collective gasp reverberated through all the Lanterns (except for Hal who
just stood there dumfounded) at the mere thought of this.
G4 - "We are aware that this will, in effect, destroy the corps. It will
also stop the infected rings, we will then use our power to stop the
Qwardians from advancing into our Universe. We would much rather not destroy
the Corps if possible. To that end, as the elite force, it is your charge to
stop this from happening. You will enter the Anti Matter Universe, find the
source of the Legion virus, destroy it and get out. According to our
research, once this is done, all the infected rings will be cured."
Kilowog - "Masters, we accept the assignment and we will stop the Qwardians
from invading!"
Hal - "Hang on there big fella... Excuse me, Guardians... sirs. How are we
supposed to defend ourselves against an army that wields power like this?
Before I figured out how to beat him, which I still attribute to blind luck,
Sinestro was kicking my butt in a bad way. We won't even have the element of
surprise on our side, don't these rings, infected or not, speak to each
other? And why is it that I'm included in the elite Corps? I barely know
what I am doing..."
A fifth Guardian stands as the fourth sits.
G5 - "We have developed armor that each of you will don, this armor has
multiple functions. First, it will help to protect you from the brunt of any
attack. It will not protect you fully from harm, it will only lessen the
damage. Second, the armor has been designed to shield your rings from the
others. The armor was constructed much like this Citadel... your thoughts &
your rings emissions cannot be read by anyone outside these walls. You will
don the armor before leaving here. With that, we come to the third function
of the armor, it contains life support and propulsion systems. We will open
a dimensional rift and deposit you as close to the planet Qward as we safely
can. It will then be up to you to get there undetected and carry out the
mission.
A sixth Guardian stands.
G6 - "Due to the necessary impurity of your rings, you will not be able to
use them to destroy the source, which we assume is yellow. You will attach
this explosive device to the source and detonate it with this remote when
you are clear. As to why you have been chosen to accompany this group, the
main reason is obvious... you were the only member to defeat an infected
barer. Otherwise, we feel that you have... (he looks around at the other
Guardians before continuing) potential. You will all depart within the next
cycle.
With that, the Guardians arose from their seats and floated to the top
center of the chamber. Katma Tui turning to Hal with an irritated expression
on her face.
Katma - "I don't know how the military works on Earth, Jordan. But around
here we do not question the authority of our leaders. Your duty is to take &
follow orders, understood?"
Katma turns and begins to walk off.
H - "I don't know the Guardians from Adam. As a matter of fact, the only...
thing... I trust around here is Kilowog.
Katma - "These Guardians you do not trust have kept the universe safe for 3
billion years, not to mention the little mud-ball you call home."
Katma storms off. Kilowog & Tomar Re both place their hands on Hal's chest
to stop him.
Kilowog - "Better to stop while she's ahead pooz. You may not agree, but
she's right. Besides, she's got a special bit of dislike for you. Katma was
Sinestro's alternate.
H - "His what?"
K - "In heavily populated sectors it is necessary for Green Lantern's to
select someone to stand in for them when the Lantern is called away. The
alternate would also assume the role of Green Lantern if the original was
killed. Abin Sur had an alternate, but that alternate was killed in a battle
shortly before Abin took on his final mission. He hadn't had the time to
select another. You will have to select one as well. According to your ring
though, you were one of 3 possible GL's on Earth. That's pretty unheard of."
H - "2 others? Who and why was I selected? Is it because of the potential
the Guardians said I had."
Tomar Re - "No, you were simply the closest to ground zero."
H - "That's reassuring."
-CHAPTER 10: The Weaponers of Qward-
6 months ago:
The Anti-Matter Universe of Qward. It exists slightly out of vibrational
synch with our Universe. It exists due to a mistake made by one of the
Guardians over 11 billion years ago. At the center of this Universe lies the
planet Qward, the anti-matter universe twin of OA. Qward is the governing
planet of the entire anti-matter universe. The governing body of this
Universe is the Weaponers of Qward founded by Yokal the Atrocious, and
currently led by Kiman, the Chief Weaponer. The social hierarchy of Qward
consists of the Chief Weaponer, followed by his second in command, the
Master Thunderer, leader of the Thunder Guard and just below that, the
Destroyers. Each Weaponer harnesses weapons known as Qwa-Bolts accept for
the Chief Weaponer who dons the staff of Yokal the Atrocious a staff created
by the first ruler.
Kiman had grown complacent in his rule of Qward and wished to extend his
rule to the matter universe. Every scheme he had come up with failed, until
a group of Qwardian scientists led by Vestry the Thinker developed the
Legion virus. The Legion virus is a living organism with one though
ingrained into it: "Seek and infect all Green Lanterns & destroy those that
resist". Using a Transformer Bridge that allows the Qwardians to travel from
the anti-matter universe to the matter universe, Kiman gave the Qwardians
champion, Gnaxos, a crystal orb containing the Legion virus and sent him to
infect one particular Green Lantern that Kiman so despised. Chief Weaponer
Kiman, selected Sinestro to be the test subject for the Legion virus,
because, in his time of rule, of all the Green Lanterns, it was always
either Sinestro or the Bolovaxian Kilowog, that lead to his defeat. Kilowog
was much larger, and since this was to be a test, he wanted to test it out
on a less physically formidable opponent.
Space Sector 1417 near the planet Korugar.
A portal of yellow energy opens and through it a single craft emerges. The
pilot, Gnaxos of Qward, presses a few buttons and smoke begins filling the
cockpit. He sends out a distress signal toward the planet Korugar, home of
the Green Lantern Sinestro.
The planet Korugar in the Green Lantern citadel, Sinestro instructs his
alternate (he prefers the term apprentice), the young Katma Tui in hand to
hand combat without the use of their power rings.
Sinestro - "No, no, no Katma, always defend your head. Roll with the body
shots. If you do not defend your head, you will lose. Especially against an
opponent larger than you."
Katma - "I'm sorry master, I will try harder.
S - "Yes, you will. The average brain has the consistency of warm Kutaba.
What do you suppose would happen Katma, if you were to punch warm Kutaba?"
K - "I assume it would splatter, master..."
S - "Do not assume anything Katma. Think... of course it would splatter. At
least our brains are a little more pliable and protected by our skulls, eh?
Even if some are thicker than others. I expect nothing but perfection from
you my apprentice, because I would expect nothing but perfection from
myself. Now, do it again, this time keep your left up."
Their sparring begins again as an alarm sounds in the citadel. The sound of
the alarm catches Sinestro off guard and allows Katma a right hook punch to
his jaw. Sinestro hits the ground hard and is very angry.
S - "OOF! Did you not hear the alarm? That was a cheap shot & you will be on
monitor duty for the next 48 hours straight."
Walking over to the alarm console, shutting it off which makes the monitor
spring to life.
Computer - "A small, one man courier has just entered the system. It appears
to be damaged & requires immediate assistance."
S - "Katma, stay here and watch the monitors... I have to stop this fool
before he collides with our planet and makes a mess of everything I've
built."
K - "Yes, master"
But her words go unheard as he has already flown out the roof portal. Using
all of the speed he can muster, Sinestro quickly leaves planetary orbit,
passes the Korugarian moon and reaches his destination. He wraps the ship in
an energy bubble to help contain the ships leaking atmosphere & enters the
ship to see if the imbecilic pilot needs assistance.
The hallway to the bridge was deserted, dark and full of smoke. Sinestro
uses his ring to light the passage. At the end of the hall the bridge door
sits slightly ajar with a hand on the floor blocking the door from closing
completely, more smoke billowing from the bridge. Sinestro races to the
pilot to see if he still lives. He pushes the door open and bends down to
see if the pilot is still breathing. The pilot is wearing a helmet, Sinestro
pulls the helmet free and that's when Gnaxos struck. Plunging his yellow
Qwa-Bolt into Sinestro's leg and smashing a yellow glowing crystal orb on
Sinestro's right hand.
The impact of the orb against the ring is much more devastating than Gnaxos
expected and it was the last thing he ever did. The orb exploded destroying
the ship & Gnaxos, but that was not the worst of the devastation.
When the smoke cleared, only Sinestro remained. But he was changed. When the
orb containing the Legion virus was smashed on his ring, it immediately
infected it. Spreading from the ring, yellow vein-like tendrils quickly and
painfully began to cover him. He screamed as the tendrils spread through his
chest, down his legs and up his neck. The green of his uniform began to lose
pigment and became yellow. Once the tendrils had covered his entire body,
the re-programming began. Although the virus leaves the infected persons
personality intact it does ingrain one overriding mission into the barers
mind: "Seek and infect all Green Lanterns & destroy those that resist".
Sinestro, not feeling that Katma Tui was a formidable threat nor was she an
official Green Lantern, immediately sets off for the nearest sector.
On Korugar, Katma Tui's witnesses the entire sequence of events. She
attempts to fly out to help Sinestro, but her ring stops her. A ghostly
image of Sinestro appears before her.
Sinestro's ghost - "Where do you think you're going? Do not attempt to
rescue him, he has been infected by some sort of virus. If you interfere,
you will be infected as well. We have lost all communication from his ring
except for one phrase repeating from it 'Seek and infect all Green Lanterns
& destroy those that resist'. This information was all that was able to
escape before his ring was completely overrun."
K - "Then he'll be coming for me anyway..."
SG - "He will not, he does not find you to be a threat, and you are not,
well at least not until this very moment, an official GL."
K - "Of course, arrogant bastard."
SG - "Go to OA, give the Guardians your account of what has occurred here.
They already know as much as I have told you, but they will want all your
knowledge."
-CHAPTER 11: Last Stand on Graxos IV-
5 Months later:
The Legion virus has become a widespread epidemic. Sinestro has cut a swath
of destruction across dozens of sectors. The Green Lanterns that he has
encountered in the process, he has either destroyed or infected. All those
that he has infected have, in turn, begun to infect others starting a chain
reaction unlike anything the Guardians have seen. They have lost contact
with over 900 of their agents with the number quickly rising. Something else else must
be done. But with no knowledge as to the source of the infection, there is
no way to know what to do. Their current mode of thought is that Sinestro
was the first to be infected, maybe if he is stopped the others will be
cured. The rings are all linked to the Central Power Battery, and they have
been able to track the progress made by the infected. On occasion they have
warned the GL's that the infected are nearing their sector... always
resulting in tragedy. Sinestro, currently in sector 2815, is after Fentara,
Green Lantern of that sector & of the planet Graxos IV.
Abin Sur, Green Lantern of sector 2814, has been dispatched by the Guardians
to the outer regions of sector 2815, the sector bordering his own. His
orders, to apprehend Sinestro by using conventional methods... no power ring
if possible and defend Fentara. To this end, Abin was able to pull out his
old star-fighter from his days with the Ungaran defense force. His 10 year
old son, Amon, always proud of his Green Lantern father, painted over the
Ungaran defense force emblems with Green Lantern symbols. Amon was already a
wonderful artist and Abin had high hopes that one day he would attend an art
exhibit of his sons. Little did he know, this would be the last time he
would ever see his family again.
Sector 2815, the airspace above planet Graxos IV.
Abin - "Alright, I'm not supposed to use the ring in case I am tracked,
so... Computer, lock onto the energy signature from Fentara's ring. We must
find him before Sinestro."
Computer - "Acknowledged. Processing. Location, Quadrant 3 of the mining
colony Prime, Northern Hemisphere."
A - "Excellent, plot a course, let's see if we can give him a hand so we can
get out of here."
The Mining Colony Prime, Currently the scene of a massive cave-in that
Fentara is attempting a basic search & rescue mission. Fentara is not aware
that he has been targeted by Legion. Abin's mission is to bring Fentara &
Sinestro safely back to OA, where Legion would not yet dare to go. Per the
Guardians order, Abin is not to use his ring since it would give his
position away also. This would not be the first time Abin's disobeyed an
order. Rather face the consequences than allow innocent beings harm.
Exiting the star-fighter, Abin approaches the sight of the cave-in and
speaks into his ring...
A - "Fentara, old man, this is Abin Sur, I'm here to assist you.
An image of Fentara appears on standing on the surface of Abin's ring.
Fentara is a tall, thin Elvish looking alien with blonde hair & pointed
ears.
Fentara - "Abin, old friend, it's been a while! Your assistance is most
welcome, and quite timely."
A - "I wish I could say this was the only reason for my visit, we must wrap
this rescue up quickly & leave immediately for OA."
F - "Legion is coming for me, isn't it?"
A - "Yes, and I'm already breaking protocol by helping you, so let's get to
it.
Shortly after rescuing all of the trapped miners and securing the disaster
site and boarding the star-fighter.
F - "So, who is to guard my sector while I am gone? My alternate, Arisia, is
far too young & in-experienced to handle such demands."
A - "No one, you would be condemning her to activate her now. Your sector
can spare you for a few rotations. Come now, we must get to OA before it's
too late.
Sinestro's voice echoes through the interior of the ship.
Sinestro - "Oh, Abin, it is already too late. And look at this, three for
the price of one!"
Sinestro and a very young female stood outside of the ship. The female, also
from Graxos IV, had been infected by the Legion virus.
F - "Arisia, No!"
S - "Would you look at what I found practicing at your Citadel, Fentara? She
show's such promise... Actually put up quite a fight. Nothing I couldn't
handle, of course."
Abin's star-fighter begins to lift off...
A - "There's nothing we can do for her Fentara, we must go NOW!"
Fentara ignores Abin, for he is not aware that Arisia is also his daughter,
and flies through the wall of the ship straight at Sinestro & Arisia,
blasting energy beams at Sinestro. But before any of the beams reach
Sinestro, Fentara is disintegrated by a massive yellow energy beam.
Sinestro, shocked (and irritated), looks over his shoulder at Arisia, who
stands there holding a smoking yellow cannon produced by her ring.
S - "I wanted your father alive or, at least, I wanted the kill you over
zealous half-wit,"
Arisia - "I am sorry master, it won't happen again."
Taking advantage of the poor turn of events, Abin Sur flies his
star-fighter, full throttle, into the Graxosian atmosphere.
S - "Now look what you've done, idiot! Grab your father's ring, and follow
me, we need to get Abin Sur or his ring before he escapes."
As Abin's fighter leaves the atmosphere his ship is pelted with fire, but
nothing that his shipboard shields could not handle. Suddenly the ship is
rocked by a massive explosion as his shielding is compromised. Thinking to
himself... "If I can get to my own sector, at least I might be able to lose
them". As he crosses over the unseen sector division, the fighter is
suddenly struck by more gunfire. Without the shielding his hull is
compromised. The sudden loss of atmosphere in the cabin activates his ring
and protects him, however the ring cannot protect him from the yellow
projectiles. Abin's body is struck multiple times, each wound more grievous
than the next. Wounded, alone, and unable to defend himself from Sinestro
and Arisia, Abin can think of only one defense. He must escape and at least
get the ring to safety and he only has enough power for one hyper-space
jump. Using his ring to seal the hull breaches, he attempts to plot a course
for OA, just to find the Nava-computer was destroyed in the fire fight. He
must make a blind jump...
S - "Excellent shot Arisia, there is hope for you yet... ABIN SUR, YOU WILL
SURRENDER AND HAND YOURSELF OVER TO LEGION, OR YOU WILL BE DESTROYED!!!"
Abin thinking to himself - "Wherever I end up, hopefully I can find a worthy
successor. At worst, I'll fly into a star & destroy the ring and myself.
Either way, I cannot let this ring be taken. He pulls the hyper-space lever
& is thrust into hyper space. Sinestro is not pleased at all & decides to
take it out on his new pupil, smacking her hard with the back of his hand.
S - "YOU BLUNDERING IMBECILE!!!"
Arisia - "I am sorry master."
S - "No, you're not, but you will be. Your ring will take you back to our
masters for the proper punishment, I now have the daunting task of tracking
this fool.
A - "But master, just go after another, Abin is finished."
S - "I, young one, do not give up when my prey fights back... I will not
allow him to get away with humiliating me like this. and do not dare assume
to instruct me in my ways or I will do much worse to you than our masters
could."
Abin's ship emerges from Hyper-space, only after its power cells were
completely drained. Not enough power to even land the ship... not even sure
if he would be able to land it even if he had the power. Barely hanging onto
consciousness, Abin commands his ring to find a worthy successor as quickly
as possible. It will take a while for Sinestro to track him, at least the
one chosen will have a few cycles, with the rings' guidance, to prepare or
to get safely to OA. With his dying breath, Abin recharges his ring one
final time.
Abin - "In brightest day... in... blackest night. No evil shall...escape my
sight... let those that... worship evil's might... beware... my power, the
Green Lanterns li..."
The fighter is destroyed in an enormous ball of fire in a desert,
appropriately named, Death Valley.
-CHAPTER 12: The Source-
Hal Jordan, Green Lantern of sector 2814, fearless as he may be, is
currently scared out of his mind. Maybe not scared, more like 'freaked out'
as he would put it. He and his fellow Corpsman just entered the Anti-Matter
Universe of Qward via a "Dimensional rift", created by the Guardians of the
Universe. Still trying to wrap his head around all that has happened to him
over the past month is a bit overwhelming... He had always dreamed of being
among the stars, in a shuttle or a Mars lander... even with his power ring.
But having to rely on a suit of armor is even a bit more challenging. But,
the little blue men in the dresses made it & they've been doing this a lot
longer than he has, so he'll just have to suck it up & have a little faith.
He had imagined the Anti-Matter Universe to be somehow, different in
appearance than the "normal" universe. But it was not, everything looked
basically the same. The planet Qward, on the other hand, looked much
different than it's positive Universe counter-part. OA greatly resembles
Earth's moon, Qward looks just like a large rock with no discernable shape.
The space surrounding the planet is thick with asteroids and other spatial
debris. The Corpsman use their suits propulsion system to gravitate towards
a large chunk of rock... Hal sticking close to Kilowog & Tomar Re since
they're the closest thing to friends he has up there.
Hal - "So, that heap of rock is Qward?"
Tomar - "Yes, once it was a planet much like your Earth, but in the last
great battle between the Guardians & the Qwardians, their moon was
destroyed. This is the result of that cataclysm."
Kilowog - "You two shut yer holes. Ya wanna give away our position? Salakk,
take Ch'p & Katma , make your way down the left flank towards the planet.
When you're there spread out among the debris, try ta find the source & call
us. Don't engage until we're all ready. Tomar you and Chaselon are with me,
we're goin' down the right flank. Newbie, you stay here and keep an eye out
for Thunderer's, Destroyers or any of our own."
H - "What the hell are Thunderer's and Destroyers?"
Katma - "The bad guys genius, anyone not wearing green, got it?"
All the Lanterns depart leaving Hal alone on his rock pondering just how
much he hates Katma Tui when something catches his eye. A yellow burst of
energy and a flying "Thunderer" (or Destroyer since he still doesn't know
the difference)... followed by a missing Air Force Lieutenant. Guy Gardner
stood there laughing hysterically at what he had just done. Guy's military
fatigues were covered in yellow veins emanating from the ring on his right
hand, all converging into the "G" on his "Green Bay Packers" T-shirt, also
being covered by his bomber jacket.
H - "Suit, enhanced vision mode"
The suit complied & the view screen inside the helmet magnified. What Hal
saw disgusted him. Guy was standing there with a Qwardian in a crown
torturing a young girl in a Green Lantern uniform. She couldn't have been
more than 14 or 15 years old. She had no yellow on her, she was one of them,
not infected.
H - "Guys, the man that killed Sinestro is here. I know him... he's a real
dick & he's currently torturing one of our own with some bug-eyed guy in a
crown."
Kilowog - "Yeah, we see him... don't know who the girl is, but there's not
much we can do about it right now.
Salakk - "I have a visual on what could be the source. It looks like a
rougher, smaller version of our own central power battery. It's being
guarded by one Destroyer & two of our own."
Katma - "Kil, we also have a visual on the girl, she's there as well. If we
had a distraction of some sort, we could get in there, plant the charges,
get the girl & get out.
H - "Guys, they just cut off one of her fingers... and I think she's passed
out. Can we move this plan along a little?"
Kilowog - "Alright, Salakk, my team is has a visual on the area, we need a
distraction..."
Not waiting for orders any longer, Hal abandons his post. Thinking to
himself - "Well, if you need a distraction, I'm your guy." Unfortunately, no
one on the planet sees him since the propulsion system in the suit is very
slow.
Kilowog - "Get back to your sprockin' post newbie! This is our gig, you
haven't got enough experience in these suits..."
H - "Know what big guy, you're right! Screw this."
Hal energizes his ring and the armor disengages revealing a modified GL
flight suit. Immediately the infected Green Lanterns are aware of his
presence and set off after him with Guy in the lead.. Hal flies at top speed
towards the unconscious Arisia, grabs her, and heads out away from Qward and
the two teams of Green Lanterns. The Legion infected Lanterns along with a
few Destroyers immediately alter their course in pursuit.
Kilowog - "Sprock! Well, if we needed our diversion, that'll do. Salakk,
move in, use conventional weapons, no rings until the charge is planted.
Chaselon has the charge, Tomar & I will cover him directly. Move it Poozers,
we only get one shot at this..."
Hal douses Arisia in protective energy and set her down on an orbiting rock
when he is hit upside the head with a yellow fist. Guy & his army of
Legionnaires stand ready for a fight.
Guy - "Look at what the cat dragged in, if it isn't old 'Lucky Ace' himself.
How're the Corps treatin' ya, Jordan? Don't bother answerin', I really
couldn't give a damn."
Guy hits Hal hard & repeatedly with a pair yellow energy fists. Hal, after
regaining his composure, takes cover behind another chunk of rock.
G - "Come on Jordan, don't you want to come out & play??? Can you believe
it, I take this ring from that alien, I get all of these powers, and an army
that obeys every command I give them. Watch this..."
Pointing at one of the Legion infected Green Lanterns.
G - "You, kill yourself."
H - "Guy, don't..."
But it was too late, the Green Lantern Arkis of sector 3272 used a beam of
yellow energy to disintegrate himself leaving nothing but the yellow glowing
ring.
G - "Pretty cool huh, Jordan? Look who's better than who now... I command an
army and you're still just someone's lap dog."
H - "This isn't you Guy, you've been infected with a virus by that ring."
G - "Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what? I can now, officially, beat the crap outta
you without breakin' a sweat. Let me give ya a direct quote from one of my
least favorite people. 'Just proves one thing Hal, even if you don't think
I'm the best around here... with this ring... at least I can always prove
I'm better than you. Get over it."
With that Guy unleashes a salvo of yellow missiles towards the rock Hal sits
behind, destroying it utterly. Anticipating what Guys reaction would be to
his next move, Hal uses his ring to snare a large rock fragment and hurls it
towards Guy following it up with a pair of giant boxing gloves. All Guy sees
is the rock sailing at him & creates a giant saw blade to cut it in half. As
he does the boxing gloves nail him in the head from both sides. Guy falls
onto a meteor fragment, dazed, wiping blood from his lips & nose. His army
of Destroyers and infected Lanterns began to surround Hal prepared to
pounce.
G - "STAND DOWN NOW!!!"
Guy stands up staggers to one side & rights himself.
G - "He's mine"
Kilowog, Salakk & Tomar Re drain the energy cells of their suits using the
propulsion systems to maneuver one of the asteroids towards the surface of
Qward. Katma, Chaselon, Ch'p prepare themselves to make a run for the
source. In order to do this quickly & get out, they must abandon their suits
and use ring power. Luckily, most of their former comrades have been
distracted by the Hal vs. Guy slugfest, leaving only a few Thunderer's
guarding their prey.
Kilowog - "Alright Poozers, it's ShowTime. Starburst attack GO!"
All of them abandon their armor and take flight. Katma taking point,
Chaselon with the explosives in the center, Ch'p on the rear, Kilowog on
left flank, Salakk on right. Tomar Re stays back on the asteroid for
emergency evac. if necessary, he also holds the detonator. The 5 lanterns
barrel through the Thunderer's like they were bowling pins. They land
surrounding the source of Legion, protecting Chaselon so he can place the
explosive.
Guy suddenly is struck with a command - Go to the central battery, stop
them. Sweating, from the continued fight with Hal, Guy staggers back.
G - "NO, I will not... "
The rest of Guys army takes flight to the battery. Hal takes advantage of
the distraction and pounces on him. Due to his lack of training Guy is no
match for Hal & the ring of power.
Back at the Qwardian Central Battery disaster strikes. Chaselon's crystal
body is shattered by a bolt of yellow lightning and in his remains stands
Chief Weaponer Kiman.
Kiman - "You will not destroy all that I have worked for. I will have my
revenge... Legionnaires, Destroyers ATTACK!!!"
Kilowogs team is overrun with enemies. Immediately Katma & Ch'p are
infected with the virus. Salakk, defending himself & Kilowog from an
attacking Destroyer is caught off guard by an infected GL and has one of his
four arms violently ripped off. Tomar Re, still quite a distance away uses
his ring to get Salakk out before anything worse could happen to him,
leaving Kilowog alone.
Kilowog - "Jordan, I could use some help out here, you got anymore of them
jeeps lyin' around?"
H - "Hang on big guy, I'll be there as soon as I wipe the floor with Guy."
Guy, staggering, conjures an M60 & begins shooting at Hal, clipping him in
the arm before Hal is able to take cover.
H - "You're still a crap shot Gardner."
G - "Kill you... you sonova..."
Guy unleashes another Salvo of bullets in Hal's general direction. Hal takes
advantage of the situation and smashes Guy in the back of the head with a
glowing baseball bat. Gardner goes down. Hal flies over to him. Guy begins
to raise up...
H - "God, you're skull is thicker than I thought. Alright, let's make this
fair, I'll end this without my ring..."
G - "Bastard.."
Guy stands up & Hal starts beating him down with his fists until Guy can no
longer stand.
H - "Stay down... I'll be back for you later."
Hal flies over to the main firefight holding his injured arm, finding, to
his horror, an infected Kilowog is there waiting for him.
K - "Come on newbie, let's do this..."
H - "Ah, crap..."
Kilowog punches Hal in the stomach... hard knocking him to the ground on his
knees. Hal jumps up, quickly regaining his breath as Kilowog goes to pounce
on him. Hal hit's Kil upside the head with a large rock and makes a run for
it, taking to the sky. Hal flies over to Tomar Re, who's treating to
Salakk's wound.
Kiman - "After him, you ingrates, I will not have the Guardians pets best me
again."
A horde of Thunderer's & infected GL's start after him.
T - "Things are looking bleak out there, the weapon is armed, but it isn't
where it needs to be. if I activate the detonator now, at best, we'll dent
it."
H - "What needs to happen?"
T - "it must be detonated from within the battery."
H - "Alright then. There's a girl out there on one of the asteroids that
could use your help... nice knowing you Tomar."
Hal grabs the detonator and with all the speed he can muster, flies directly
for the explosive charge. Knocking everyone down in his path Hal reaches the
charge, grabs it and flies head first into the battery activating the
detonator as soon as he enters. In a brilliant green flash the battery
explodes, dousing everything in a bright green light. The planet Qward,
itself begins to break up, finishing the job the Guardians began so many
years ago. Katma Tui, Kilowog, Ch'p and all other GL's infected by the
Legion virus are immediately released of it's hold. Kiman was pinned between
a large fragment of the battery and a piece of the planet he once ruled.
Katma Tui approaches him...
Katma - "Alright Kiman, by code 263 of interplanetary law, you are under
arrest..."
Kiman - "As if I give a frag about your interplanetary law, you are all just
puppets being us... mrphphph."
Katma gags him and binds him in glowing emerald chains. The surviving
members of the GLC round up some of the fleeing Qwardians, but many escape
to unknown regions.
Kilowog, Tomar Re and Ch'p approach the ruin of the power battery sifting
through the rubble in hopes of finding Hal. And they do beneath one
particularly large piece of debris.
Kilowog - "Son of a pooz... he's still breathing. Tomar get him, Salakk &
the girl back to OA immediately. We'll follow up with the prisoners.
Hal awakens in a large room surrounded with beds full of injured Green
Lanterns. As he begins to rise a hand comes down on his chest to stop him.
Hal looks over to see a single Guardian standing beside him. The Guardian
begins to speak to him without telepathy...
Guardian - "Harold Jordan of 2814, you have shown exemplary courage, skill
and, if I may say, a bit of luck. My brothers and I were most impressed with
your abilities and, due to a sudden vacancy, would like to offer you a
permanent place among the Elite."
H - "Please, call me Hal. Thank you for your generous offer, but if it is
all the same, I would really like to get back home...
G - "Alright, 'Hal', you may return home as soon as you wish. But the offer
stands, and you may be called on occasion to assist with urgent matter not
pertaining to your sector. And you may call me Appa Ali Apsa. I am the
Guardian that governs your sector. I do expect great things from you... I
will be watching..."
Appa Ali Apsa turns and floats off as a familiar voice breaks the silence.
Kilowog - "Son of a Pooz, I knew you were too stubborn to die."
H - "Yeah, how're the others?"
K - Well, Salakk has seen better days, the Guardians have fitted him with a
prosthetic arm (of my own design, I might add). Ch'p & Katma's got a few
bumps & bruises, but she's stopped calling you names under her breath
anytime you're mentioned. The girl you rescued will be OK, her name is
Arisia, she's an alternate GL, I'm actually off to train her as a permanent
corpsman now."
H - "Well, at least some good things have come of this... Where's Guy?
Tomar Re approaches...
Tomar Re - "Gone. As far as we can tell, his ring did not turn back to
normal. The virus was completely obliterated, but Sinestro's ring was the
first to be infected and suffered irreparable damage. But I saw the two of
you battling, it will only be a matter of time before he wants a rematch,
I'm sure."
Earth, One week later, traveling up the Highway 1 up the coast of
California, civilian Hal Jordan enjoys the sunshine as he drives the rented
convertible back towards his hometown of Coast City. The following day is to
be his first at Ferris aircraft, and he couldn't be more ready to start his
new life. He has not heard from the Guardians or any of the other Corpsman
since returning, which was fine, he needed a break. He had discovered an
interesting change in the behavior of his power ring... his & his alone no
longer holds a weakness to the color yellow. Apparently, the rings makeup
had been altered in the blast back on Qward. Hal has no idea if the change
is permanent, but if not, so be it, he's proven himself already. Yes sir,
his life is looking pretty good right about now... who knows what the future
will bring!
End
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