Green Lantern Corps #11
“The Thin Green Line”

By Lightshear



Jade's eyes opened slowly and with some difficulty. Her surroundings were dark, but it was a darkness of tone and quality, as the area was lit well enough. It was the way everything felt to her that made it so frightening. Being able to see the room clearly only made it worse.

She was strapped to a table at the base of a tall tower, and it was open all the way to the top, which could have been a mile away for all she could tell. It was smooth metal and there were no windows or portals of any kind save for a single door that remained thankfully closed. All around her, silver tables held equipment that looked to be of advanced technological design, but though scientific in nature they could have been built for pure sadistic intent. Memories of how they had been used on her so far sent a chill up her spine. He hadn't even asked her any questions.

Not that it had mattered, as she couldn't speak. Something - probably whatever was causing the stabbing sensation at the base of her skull - kept her body from responding to her demands. She couldn't speak other than an babyish drooling gurgle, her arms and legs wouldn't move at all, and worst of all her power was so far beyond her reach that she couldn't even sense its presence. It had been her constant companion since childhood, and now she couldn't feel it at all. She had never felt so naked, so bare and defenseless. It was what paraplegics must feel, she imagined.

Her bonds covered her body, which was mostly nude, but were also covered in nodes through which needles or similar devices could be stuck into her body and locked into place. There was no mistaking her captor's motives - her lack of clothing was purely practical and had no hint of sexual intent. It almost made it worse somehow-- as if she weren't even human to him, but a laboratory experiment on a slab for him to cut and prod and study. She felt her eyes glazing over with tears when the door opened and he walked in.

"Awake again, I see," Pteran said. His voice was smooth as silk and his appearance pristine, but that silvery pearlescence that had once made her heart soar and her body swoon now evoked only nausea and terror.

She tried to ask him why he was doing this-- how could he do these things to her. All that came out was a soft cooing noise and a bubble of saliva that made her feel more defeated than she thought possible.

"I suppose I can tell you a little something while I wait for the equipment to warm up," he said. "And yes, I can tell what you're thinking. With my full powers returning, I'll be able to step into your head fully in a very short time. For now, my limited telepathy only works with you because of the… bond we formed."

He continued talking as he calmly crossed the room and turned on a number of switches, pausing occasionally to check data feeds and nod, pleased with the readouts.

"Everything Torquemada told you was true, you see," he said. "Though couched in more mystical psycho-babble than I prefer. You are what we called the Starheart - the first living being born with a direct physical connection to the green flame. If my theory holds true, you are the first of many that will come over subsequent generations. It's taken longer than I anticipated for you to come, and I suspect it has something to do with a defense mechanism within the source that I myself might have triggered when I passed through your father's…"

He paused and looked at her with a strange smile. He brushed one cool, slender fingered hand across her trembling cheek.

"I'm sorry. I tend to ramble, but you'll excuse my excitement. This experiment has been in the planning phase for so very, very long, and I haven't been able to share my excitement with… well, with anyone. Ever."

He leaned in closely to her and his liquid silver eyes roamed her face as he spoke into her ear. "There is a level of solitude in this universe that you cannot understand, child. Pray you never do. Infinity is a long, long time indeed.

"As I was saying before my digression, you are physiologically connected with the green flame-- the power source tapped by the central battery on Oa. The Guardians have refined their relatively crude method of tapping into this power, and the current model of Green Lantern rings are based on their studies. But they are fundamentally flawed, you see.

"From their first attempts at controlling the green flame - we call it that because of both its natural hue and its turbulescence - the output of any device that harnessed the energy was infinitesimally smaller than the output potential of the power source itself. In essence, no matter how much energy we tapped into, the output was an insignificant fraction of the whole at best."

He smiled to himself, seeming to have forgotten she was even here. He was talking to himself, and had a rapt audience. "I know what you're thinking, but trust me-- while the Lantern rings are impressive, they are pathetic compared to the real thing… like a single match next to an erupting volcano.

"So to cut this short, because frankly I'm anxious to proceed with the next phase of the experiment, what I plan to do is very simple: I'm going to determine what part of your genetic matrix enables your natural connection to the green flame and, if possible, I'm going to take it from you and splice it into myself."

He leaned in close to her and ran a finger over her lips. "To answer your unasked questions, no you won't survive and yes I have several contingencies in case the initial experiments fall through. But I can't fail, you see. The final experiment begins now, and there is nobody in a billion light-years who can help you."

Her mind raced, and panic welled up in her. As she felt the first needles plunging into her flesh, her mind went white with pain. When he began the spinal tap, the pain became blinding. It had an unexpected side-effect, however - her mind cleared. She was so wracked with pain that her mind seemed to detach from her physical body. She was almost on a different plane entirely - like she had drifted above herself and was watching the scene from afar.

She wanted to cry for help, but couldn't think of who to call. For some reason, maybe her total helplessness, maybe natural instinct, her mind instinctively went to the one man who had protected her first and most fiercely - the one who had been her first teacher and her oldest mentor in the use of her power and the pursuit of her calling.

She looked up to the heavens as tears rolled down her face, and her mind cried out…

"Daddy…"
_____________________________________

"Jenny!" Alan called out as he shot up in bed. He was covered in a cold sweat, shaking through a hard adrenaline rush, and momentarily unaware of where he was or what time it was. All he could remember was his daughter's face in unbearable agony.

The thought alone tore at his heart like a frozen knife, but the pure emotional certainty that it was truly happening increased his pain twofold. But it more than doubled his determination.

He rose quickly, noting with indifference that it was four o'clock in the morning. His left hand clenched, and he felt the ghost sensation of his old ring resting on his third finger. It was long since gone, but to this day he still felt its presence in a strange way. Perhaps it was what people who lost limbs called phantom pains, he sometimes wondered before invariably dropping the thought as a fruitless flight of fancy.

With a thought, emerald fire burst to life and swept over his body in a roiling liquid glow. It felt cool and made his skin tingle like a soft rain. As it flowed over him, his uniform appeared, materializing as the fabric wrapped around him and sealed itself together. Alan was already walking toward the window when the green fire rolled off his broad, strong shoulders and fell off his back, leaving the dark violet cape in its wake.

Green Lantern pressed a hand against the wall and with a thought he pushed himself through, leaving a ripple of harmless green flame behind him as he left his house behind and soared into the air.

He recognized with some slight curiosity that he hadn't thought of himself as Green Lantern in ages. The thought was immediately shelved for another time. His daughter needed him, and if that meant stepping back into a mask he hadn't worn in more than half a decade, then so be it. But he wasn't going to do this alone.

He flexed his left hand instinctively as he sent out a call to the young man who had become his student and protégé over the last several months. The boy was quick as a whip, though he had more of the kind of sass in him that young people these days seemed to have in spades. Alan tolerated it mostly because he could see the heart in the boy. He could also see the potential.

"Kyle, are you there?" he asked, and instantly an image of the newest Green Lantern of Earth appeared in front of him. He was in uniform, which meant there was trouble somewhere in the world that needed him. It made it harder for Alan to ask what he was about to, but only just.

"What's up, Alan?" Kyle Rayner asked. "Something important? Because the League is kind of--"

"I wouldn't interrupt if it weren't important, son," Alan interrupted. "It's my daughter. She's in great danger, and we're the only ones who can help her."

"Oh… wow, alright" Kyle said. "Give me a minute and I'll get out of this. I mean, they've got Superman, right? I doubt I'll be missed here."

"Thank you, Kyle," Alan said with a tight smile. "I'm heading to orbit, but you can follow my energy trail."

"No problem, sir," the boy smiled and nodded. The kid was respectful, he had to give him that. It got Alan thinking about something he rarely considered - his legacy. He saw Jay's bond with the other, younger Flashes, first Barry and now the new boy, and saw the pride in Black Canary's eyes when her daughter took up her name. He hadn't thought he had a right to claim these other Green Lanterns as part of any heritage he might have started, but something about calling for Kyle to help him find his daughter got the old man thinking about the future.

But that, too, would wait. The legacy most important to him at that moment was his child and rescuing her from whatever danger had found her. That, and wondering how in heaven the Green Lantern Corps had failed to protect her in the first place…
_____________________________________

When Hal opened his eyes again, the landscape had changed. He knew immediately that he wasn't on the terraformed world that had become the portal for an invasion by Sinestro and his Yellow Lanterns. As if the white rock of the barren moon weren't enough to tip him off, there was the matter of the diminutive blue-skinned man standing in front of him.

A quick glance around told him that Katma Tui and Tomar Tu were with him, both already aware of the change in surroundings, but neither seemed to know how they'd come here any more than he did. So, not being in the mood for theatrics, he decided on the direct route.

"Alright, Guardian," he said, stepping toward the short blue man, his wispy, gossamer white hair pulled into a long ponytail behind him, while large, dark-rimmed eyes stared evenly at Hal's approach. "What the hell is going on, here?"

"Ever the blunt instrument, Lantern Jordan," the Guardian sighed. "But as time is of the essence, I will oblige your question."

"No," Katma said, rushing forward. "No, there isn't time to talk! We have to get back to Oa, and I have to get back to RP-3493. An invasion force is attacking and they have power rings that channel a yellow light. They're every bit our equal, but our rings are almost useless against them. And Si-- and Sin'nus is with them. He-- he's been brainwashed o-or mind-controlled or something-- he--"

"Enough, Lantern Tui," the Guardian held up his hand, giving her a stern look. "We will not be returning. Not immediately. There is much you need to know, and nothing you could do to change the events happening as we speak."

He looked at them both, making sure they were ready to listen. Though obviously frustrated and anxious, they let him continue.

"I know what you have been doing, these last months. I know about your clandestine meetings, the trips to unknown space-- I know where you were when the Manhunters came and I know why. You were following the trail of the Renegade, but you were too close to see him."

"It wasn't Sin'nus!" Katma said, and though her tone was angry, it was constrained and controlled. She wasn't going to let her emotions overwhelm her, and Hal was impressed. He wasn't quite as interested in control.

"You've been spying on us?" he demanded, pointing an accusing finger. "How long? And why? We did nothing to warrant this breach of--"

"Breach of what?" the Guardian asked, his features as emotionless and cold as a statue. "Privacy? Trust? We are the Guardians of the Universe, Lantern Jordan, and there is no authority in the Corps higher than us. You have no privacy where we are concerned, and our ability to trust you is far more important than yours of us. Do you think us blind? Deaf? We have been aware of the Renegade for many long years."

"And you did nothing?" Hal said, dumbfounded. "Good people died when the Manhunters came. If you had done something…"

"You knew that Sin'nus was innocent, yet you cast him out anyway," Katma said, furious. "You let him suffer for crimes he didn't commit. Why?"

"This is much bigger than you know," the Guardian said, folding his hands behind his back and looking away in thought. "Much more vast than you can imagine. The traitor in our midst is no mere turncoat, and his machinations stretch back millennia. Only now, at the edge of his victory, can I see clearly what his plan had been all along. Only now can I appreciate his patience and his cunning."

"Enough with this cryptic bull," Hal said. "You've got some explaining to do, so do it. And you can start with how you knew what we were doing."

"That was more simple than you think. We had help."

The Guardian gestured behind them and they turned to look. They saw Tomar and G'nort, but nobody else.

Hal was confused. "What's…?"

"Look again."

But there was nobody there on that barren rock but himself, Katma, Tomar, G'nort and…

"G'nort?!?" Hal spat out, incredulous.

"Hiya, pal," the dog-man said, tail between his legs and ears down. He waved a little, and smiled sheepishly. "I'm real sorry about all this, honest."

"You're a… a spy for the Guardians?" Katma asked, every bit as shocked as Hal.

"It was I who made the arrangements," the Guardian said. "I ensured that Lantern Jordan would get probationary punishment for an otherwise forgivable offense, and that he be tasked to you, Lantern Tui. I saw to it that Jennifer Hayden be put under his tutelage. You three were the key, I was certain of it. You would be the ones who could ferret out the truth and face it when the time came. But I needed to be sure you could be trusted.

"My brothers have become blinded by paranoia. You must understand, we are immortals in name, but we once tasted of death. No threat can hold us hostage, but the thought of true death is… more than most of us can tolerate. My brothers became increasingly withdrawn and suspicious. We knew a traitorous foe of unmatched power drew closer and closer, but his movements were invisible to us.

"I alone sought to take action against our enemy before it was too late. I intended you to be my agents, but only after I knew that you were untainted by the threat that looms like a shadow over all we have accomplished in our long, unnumbered years. I needed an agent among you to report back to me, and he had to be dependable, trustworthy, and above all things loyal."

As one, the group looked back to G'nort, and the puppy-faced Lantern just grinned with a shrug.

"I can't believe this," Hal said, throwing his hands in the air.

"It's okay, pal-o-mine," G'nort said hurriedly, walking around Hal with a hopeful expression. "You can trust Ganthet, I promise! He's a good guy-- really!"

"Ganthet?" Katma asked of the Guardian. "But I thought you didn't take names…"

"My brothers do not," Ganthet nodded in greeting. "I have. This is not the end of our differences. If you are ready, I will explain what we face. Whatever the reasons for these many deceptions, I know now that I can trust you, and you know you can trust me."

"Do we?" Katma asked, arms folded in an unmasked challenge to his authority that she wouldn't have dreamt of a few months ago.

Ganthet just looked at her and spread his hands. "What other choice do you have?" _____________________________________

"We'll have to wait to give the fluids time to traverse your system, so to speak," Pteran said. He looked at her and leaned close to watch her face. "I know you can't talk, but I can read your eyes quite well."

With a delicate hand, gloved in latex, he ran red-tipped fingers across her cheek. He watched the streaks he left behind trickle down over the gentle curve of her face and smiled.

"I've come to know you quite well, indeed," he said, his eyes trailing over hers. "I could read your every mood just from the way you move your hands, the way you purse your lips. And, yes, the look in your eyes. So expressive… I know what you want, but you can't have it. I can't let you have unconsciousness during the process. You have to be awake for what's coming in order for it to work, and I've been planning this for too many lifetimes-- you have no idea how many.

"I suppose I could explain that much, anyway. Helps to pass the time, yes? What if I told you that the power you wield - the same power the Guardians tap through Oa and their Central Battery - is more than some simple ambient force or latent energy drifting through the cosmos? Would you believe that it is the power of creation itself?

"I didn't think you would," he smiled, watching her eyes dilating. He chuckled to himself as he moved to check the flow of the amber liquid into her body, and the crimson that was extracted. The wound in her stomach was perhaps larger than absolutely necessary, but he thought it better to be safe than pretty.

"It's a secret, you see? Nobody knows but me. Not even the Guardians realize that the power they wield like a clumsy bludgeon is the energy of existence, a byproduct of the birth of the universe. When life began, it was born, and it is a part of all living beings-- but precious few can even feel it, let alone control it.

"The Guardians were not the first, but they were heretofore the most successful. Until, as my calculations have now born out, a being was born that was directly connected to the source. That's you, Jennifer. Out of countless trillions of living things in either universe, you are the first of your kind."

He saw her eyes widen. "Hmm?" he asked. "Oh, right-- the universes thing. I imagine you're feeling rather… out of sorts, yes? Like your mind and body don't agree? And not just because of my blocking of your neural pathways, either - a deep down sense that you are, shall we say, inside out."

He spread his arms theatrically, hair falling a little in his face. "You have crossed the boundaries of your universe and stepped into the other. You're lying in the central tower of the central plaza of the central city of Qward - the only inhabited world in the Anti-Matter Universe."

Pushing his hair back left crimson streaks on his face that he did nothing to wipe away. The ichor held his hair in place, though he seemed oblivious. "Positive-matter beings like yourself don't seem to adapt very well. It has a tendency to unhinge your delicate minds. Some of you do better than others; Sinestro, for instance, retains all his brilliance and skill. Maybe even more, though he is somewhat more zealous than he had been. More an amplification of his personality than a twisting. Not like most others.

"That part was none of my doing, believe it or not. We did have a brief… discussion when he first arrived here (*see GLC #7), and I've been providing assistance and support both in counsel and in arms ever since, but it wasn't me that sent him here in the first place. All of the Positive-matter beings in Qward are here because of the Guardians. I have only given them purpose, power and a goal."

He looked up, watching the light gleaming off of another of his instruments. Her eyes went wide, and he realized she hadn't seen this one yet. He smiled.

"Here's something else the Guardians never thought to ask: if the Anti-matter universe has an equivalent and equal force for everything in the Positive-matter universe, wouldn't there be an energy here like the green flame?"

He applied the flex-spanner to her opened abdomen and turned the wheel. She couldn't scream, but her face said volumes. He nodded pleasantly as he continued.

"The answer is yes, Jennifer, and it burns wild and chaotic-- quick to respond to your commands, but deadly difficult to channel. Only the fiercest and most dominant wills can control it."

His eyes were wild and his smile broad. "It burns a most brilliant yellow. Let's see those narrow-minded fools find the time to stop me from attaining ultimate power when they're busy fending off an army of Yellow Lanterns and Qwardian Weaponers."
_____________________________________

"First you tell us about the Manhunters and Sinest-- Sin'nus," Hal said, correcting himself for Katma's benefit more than his own. He'd seen the way his former friend and teacher had held himself, heard the sound of his voice and witnessed what he was willing to do with that yellow ring of his. If he hadn't been Sinestro before, he was now. The only question was why.

"The Manhunters were a failed experiment of ours," Ganthet nodded thoughtfully. "They predate the Corps by, oh-- tens of thousands of years. We had thought that the perfect agents of justice had to be like justice itself - neutral, fair, and unswayable by threat, bribe or emotional appeal. Androids seemed the ideal solution. Incapable of emotional imbalance, they could only look at the facts of a case and act accordingly."

"That's a terrible idea," Tomar said, seeming to surprise himself at speaking up. He hadn't said a word the whole time, but now that his beak was open he decided to explain. "Justice isn't unfeeling-- it requires a grasp of nuance, extenuating circumstances, emotional impulses… too many variables and indirect actions for a machine to understand."

"Yes, it seems obvious in hindsight," Ganthet agreed. "But most things are. In the end, the genocidal war the Manhunters waged when they determined that suffering was the nature of sentient organisms, and thus all life must die to preserve peace and order was regrettable. They were shut down and sealed away."

"Regrettable?" Katma said, mouth agape. "These things tried to commit mass genocide and that's all you have to say about it?
"Hmph," Ganthet said, looking sidelong at the Korugaran woman like an old man might an uppity child. "There was great debate before implementing the Manhunter program. A third of our order left us over it. After the androids were boxed and sealed, another debate was had and we split again. Half of us became as you know us now, and eventually the Green Lantern Corps was born of our efforts."

"And the other half?" Hal asked.

"They… are not important to our current crisis. You asked about the Manhunters and Sinestro. The being who infiltrated our Corps is ancient and powerful, and clearly had observed the Manhunter incident. He released them from their bonds, reactivated them with the help of the central computer of Orddi V and sent them against us. Clearly his idea of an ironic punishment."

"But you knew Sin'nus had nothing to do with it," Katma said, a statement not a question.

"Of course not. Sinestro was wise and cunning, but we had kept all knowledge of the history of the Manhunters secret from anyone not directly involved, and anyone indirectly affected died before the Corps was even formed. Except our Renegade, it would seem.

"But we needed to draw the threat out. He obviously hadn't thought the Manhunters would succeed, but his true goal of weakening our Corps was a sound victory. Lest he go underground again and escape our ability to discover his identity, we needed to make him think we had taken the bait and were thus as foolish as he believed us to be."

"So you betrayed Sin'nus just to throw off the real enemy?" Katma said, incredulous. "How could you?! His whole life had been spent in service to the Corps-- to you! He lived to honor you and your cause, and you tossed him under the shuttle because it was… what? More expedient? More efficient?"

"Mind your tone, girl," Ganthet said. "Though I break with my brothers to treat with you this way, I am still a Guardian of the Universe and your superior. I also ask that you remember who it is that even now leads an army of traitorous Lanterns and anti-matter warriors to destroy the Corps you are so sure he honored."

"He wouldn't have done that if you hadn't betrayed him!"

"Wouldn't he? I have lived for millions of years - longer than you can possibly conceive of. I think by now I am skilled enough at seeing the core of a man's heart and judging his future. He hadn't fallen yet, perhaps, but he would have soon enough. And now we see the truth of him. Sinestro, indeed."

"Sin'nus R'oe did not fall," Katma spat, venom dripping from her voice. "He was pushed. You did this to him."

"I think you will find he has done it to himself. And our Renegade had far more to do with the corruption of Sinestro than I or my brothers. Had he stayed true, we would have welcomed him back when the war was won. As it is, he has chosen his side and revealed his true nature. It cannot be undone."

Katma just stared daggers at the short blue man, fighting to remind herself that she was a Green Lantern and he was her commanding officer. She could keep herself from raging at him, but she couldn't keep herself from turning and walking away.

"You'll have to give her a minute," Hal said sharply as she left. "She just found out her hero was turned into a villain by her leaders. It's been a bad day for all of us."

"I had expected stronger stuff from her," Ganthet said, shaking his head.

"If you think she's weak, you're blind," Hal snorted. "You're also holding back. What's going on, here?"

"The villain has revealed himself," Tomar said. "Ganthet says they convicted Sin'nus-- Sinestro-- whoever, they convicted him to play into their enemy's plans and draw him out. The Yellow Lanterns must be part of all this, and our mystery foe is at its heart, am I right?"

"Hmph," Ganthet crossed his arms. "You have the right of it, yes. And I was ready to use you all as a spearhead to strike at the heart of this dragon, but you ruined everything by failing to protect the most important part of the entire plot. Where is Jennifer Hayden?"

"Jade?" Hal raised an eyebrow. "She's gone. Ran off with her boyfriend, we think. You're saying she's the lynchpin to your strategy? Because the kid's got talent and a lot of potential, but she's no--"

"She ran off with who?" Ganthet interrupted. "G'nort told me she was missing, but you know who she's with? Tell me!"

"That hot-shot punk Pteran Ryde," Hal shrugged. "He's got a mouth on him, but he's harmless."

"Fools!" Ganthet said, eyes wide and looking close to anger - a shock, since Guardians rarely showed any emotional state at all. "I thought you smarter than that! I should have known-- Ryde? You left her alone with him? And they're gone?"

"What's the problem?" Hal asked.

"The problem, you narrow-sighted imbecile, is that Pteran Ryde is an imposter! His dalliance with the Starheart… I thought you had allowed it as a way of keeping tabs on-- but you never once asked the question?"

"Wait, wait, wait," Hal said, looking skeptical. "If there's no Ryde then who is he? And what happened to the real Ryde?"

"There is no Pteran Ryde, you fool!" Ganthet said, and there was no mistaking his frustration and anger this time. "He does not exist! He is a figment created by our foe to infiltrate the Corps and enact his final solution right beneath our noses!"

"Where is he?" Tomar asked. "If the girl is that crucial, we have to find her!"

"That isn't all we have to do," Ganthet said. "Since we cannot make directly for the heart of our enemy, we will have to deal with Sinestro and his army after all. I had hoped to circumvent this fight, but now it has become unavoidable."

"No problem," Hal said. "Kat and I can--"

"No! Katma cannot face Sinestro. She will attempt to reason with him or sway his heart, but that man has no heart left. She will only be a liability, and one we can scarce afford. You will take the lead. You have some charisma - your fellow Corpsmen respond to you-- use that. Take the reins of leadership and hold the line!"

"Then what will she do?" Tomar asked.

"What must now be done," Ganthet said darkly. "Infiltrate the heart of the enemy's fortress - on Qward, no doubt - and free Jennifer before the enemy kills her for her power."

"But her power is inborn," Hal said. "It isn't like he can just cut it out of her or anything."

"How little you know," Ganthet scowled. "By now he'll have already begun. And if we wait any longer to begin, he might just succeed. If that happens… the Universe may be forfeit."
_____________________________________

Hal arrived on Oa to find the entire city running in all directions. The sky was cluttered with emerald streaks as Green Lanterns hurried off to distant locations, no doubt fighting off these strange new enemies with rings of yellow.

Ganthet had warned that the attack would come from several fronts, using worlds that were tied closely to some Anti-matter universe. Apparently their universe and ours were like mirror images, but at certain points in the cosmos they rubbed nearly against each other. At these points, the veil between could be breached. RP-3493 was one of these, and the Guardians had begun its terraforming in order to hide the secret at its core.

Just one more deception to add to the growing list. It was becoming obvious to him that the Corps didn't amount to much more than toy soldiers, so far as the Guardians were concerned. He'd always suspected as much, and had bucked their authority on more than one occasion specifically because of it. That cynical assumption didn't make it easier to accept, now that he knew it to be true. If anything, it made it more difficult. Little in life was as difficult to stomach as a low expectation met.

Hal wasted no time barging into Salakk's office - the control hub for all Corps activity. The four-armed alien looked nearly overwhelmed, which was a feat for the multi-tasting master. If the Corps were nothing more than marionettes for the Guardians, then Salakk made an excellent puppeteer.

"Jordan!" he shouted. "You aren't supposed to be here! You were sent urgent orders to--"

"Consider those orders belayed, Salakk," Hal said, marching past the rows of floating screens and holographic readouts, past 3d displays and battlefield analyses, and to the foot of Salakk's hovering command chair.

"What is the meaning of-- I don't have time for your macho preening, Jordan! You probably haven't been paying attention, but there are armies of unknown beings - possibly of trans-dimensional origin - beating a bloody path--"

"Right toward Oa," Hal finished. "I know. And I know about the Yellow Lanterns. They're coming here, Salakk. Sinestro is leading them, and they won't stop until they've turned the Central Battery red."

"Sinestro? Then the rumors are true. We received brief reports, little more than garbled comm.-chatter, and then silence. Every Lantern along that path has been killed."

"Drop the barriers, Salakk," Hal said. "Let him come."

"You're suggesting we simply allow the enemy access to Oa?!"

"Not access, just a fair fight. Listen, they're marching straight on us. They only stop to pick off Lanterns on their way here. If you keep sending more men, they'll be crushed before they get a chance to realize what they're up against. But if we stand together here-- we form a green line and make them cross it."

"Playing the numbers game is a tremendous gamble, Jordan," Salakk said, but he was clearly considering the odds. Hal wasn't sure if it was true of all Slyggians, but Salakk could run numbers in his head fast enough to boggle a computer.

"If we fail and they breach our line…"

"Then we don't fail," Hal said, pounding his fist. "Alone or in small groups we're just targets, but together? It's the best chance we have, and it keeps collateral damage localized instead of spread out across the galaxies."

"You make a compelling argument," Salakk rubbed his chin. "Presuming you are correct and that they are focused solely on attacking Oa. How do you know they won't veer off from their course if we move out of their path? Where are you getting your intel and how do we know it's reliable?"

Hal smirked. He couldn't help himself. "A little blue man told me…"
_____________________________________

From across the Universe they had come. Every nearby sector had sent at least one Green Lantern, some sent both, but the numbers were staggering. Hal looked around himself at his comrades in arms, green, white and black uniforms gleaming in the light of Oa's atmosphere behind them. The deep of space ahead, stars all around, and a glow of green from so many power rings fueling so many energy shields that the world was covered in a green light.

"Seems t'me we been fighting off armadas on Oa way too often, lately," a deep, rumbling voice grunted from behind him. Hal turned to see the hulking form of Kilowog drifting up to him.

"What are you doing here?" Hal asked with surprise. "You should be in a med-bay. You look like you can barely float, let alone fly-- let alone fight off a yellow army."

His old friend smiled his well-known 'I don't give a d###' smile. He pulled off nonchalance well, but Hal had known him long enough to see the slowness of his movements, the slight discoloration in patches of his skin. He favored his left arm, and hunched more than usual. He had taken an incredible pounding during the Manhunter battle, and was in no condition to be on the front lines again so soon.

"Are you crazy or just stupid?" Kilowog grumbled in his rolling bass voice. "That's just what the enemy wants. They took me out so I couldn't be here for this-- wanted a message sent when they arrived that the biggest and baddest wouldn't be able to help. Well, there's no chance I'm gonna sit in some bed while my men fight and die to protect me. Not while I've still got a breath in my lungs and a ring on my finger."

"Do you know what we're up against?"

"Sure," he chuckled. "Salakk told me when he tried convincing me t' stay home. Bunch of poozers with yellow rings. No problem."

"Sinestro is leading them."

"Yeah, I know," the huge man said, rolling his neck and displaying an impressive amount of muscle in the movement. "Bad news for him. I been wanting a crack at his smug puss for years."

"Hal!" a tiny voice called out from the distance, and they turned to see Arisia flying towards them. "Thank the Gods you're okay! I'd heard you were in one of the attacks…"

"It'd take more than that to put me down, Reesh," he smiled.

"Is it true, what they're saying?" she asked with big eyes. "Do these people have yellow rings?"

"Yes," he said. "But they bleed just like the rest of us."

"But our rings won't work against yellow!" she squeeked. "How are we supposed to beat them in space where there's no terrain to use to get around the rings' flaw?".

"That's just the thing, kid-- our rings can beat yellow. The flaw isn't inherent in the ring itself and it can be overcome. A Guardian told me that."

"How? How do we do it?"

He looked to the distance and let out a long breath. "I don't know. He didn't tell me that part. No time. He just said it was explained in one of the lost texts of the Book of Oa."

"That's it?" Kilowog said with a snort. "He tells you we can beat the yellow impurity, then won't say how?"

"That's all he said," Hal shook his head. "That and that no one is truly fearless, whatever that means. He said when we understand that, we'll understand how to overcome the flaw."

"Not very helpful," Arisia pouted.

Kilowog looked at her and his eyes narrowed. He lurched ahead and wrapped himself in a construct of emerald light that projected his image large enough for everyone to see.

"Listen up, poozers," he said, his voice booming and simultaneously transmitting through every Lantern's ring.

"I know what you're thinking. I know because I've been where you are. You're staring down the long dark and you don't know what's on the other side. I stared down that dark, once, and I held the line. I stayed bright, and endured, and found out what's on the other side of that hell - victory. Not just winning, but victory.

"And to be victorious takes everything you've got. It takes a fire in your belly. You're gonna be pushed farther than you've ever been. You're gonna hurt, you're gonna suffer, you're gonna watch your buddies die beside you and, hells below, you just might do some dying yourself. But if you endure! Endure when every muscle and bone and sinew is begging for an end-- endure when your mind tells you no and your guts are churning acid-- endure all that comes, and you'll be victorious in a way you've never felt.

"And you will endure! You're Green Lanterns! When the Spider Guild threatened the outer regions, the Corps held the line and they were driven out of the known universe. When Kanjar Ro led an empire against the free systems of the center, the Corps held the line! He was beaten down and his empire stripped, their people liberated.

"A Green Lantern beat Horus on the dead plains of Galyn. A Green Lantern ended the Lucien War with one engagement. Green Lanterns have faced men, monsters and Gods, and we have won. And when the Manhunters came to Oa, the Corps held the line!

"Now a fallen Lantern leads an army against his brothers. They carry weapons like our own, but fight dirty and mean and will not stop until we are all dead to the last man. They want nothing short of the end of the Green Lantern Corps. But if I remember right, they aren't the first to try. And they won't be the last to fail, either. Remember the oath! Remember your pledge! Turn to the Central Battery and draw the last charge you'll need before the darkness turns to dawn!"

The assembled Corpsmen turned and looked back to the city of Oa, shaped like the symbol they wore on their uniforms. And at its center, the Battery. They raised their rings and pointed them at the towering structure, visible even from this distance. As one, they spoke. In voices varied and tones unique, some even without words. Their rings flared brightly and drew energy from the Battery, large and powerful enough to recharge them even from this distance.

In brightest day, in blackest night - no evil shall escape our sight. Let those who worship evil's might beware our power…

"Green Lantern's Light."

Hal felt the surge fill him with strength, and warmth spread from his fist. The hairs at the nape of his neck stood on end and he knew it was time. He turned and saw the approaching hordes; yellow constructs snapping and crackling like nightmares come to life. Some of their ring-bearers were literal giants, some too small to see. Some were hideous enough to turn your stomach just at the sight of them, and some were too beautiful to behold.

Qwardian Weaponers flanked them in one-man starfighters armed with twin cannons that crackled with the same anti-matter lightning that the warriors hurled by hand. Gauging from the size of the cannons, Hal assumed these were much worse.

The Corpsmen could talk to each other through their rings, but all were silent as they watched the approach. The hush of the void lent the hurtling masses of their foes an extra air of menace. It seemed unreal - like your worst dream slowly taking form before your very eyes. You couldn't stop it, and you couldn't run from it. It was coming, and you would have to face it. The only question was whether you'd live through the night.

"Hold the line!" Kilowog shouted. "Let them come! Let them try! I've put most of you through worse in basic-- there's nothing they can do to you that you can't beat."

The horde was coming. Larger, now, and more numerous. Their constructs grew more focused and more frightening. More amazing still, since Green Lanterns were said to be without fear.

"No man is without fear," Hal whispered. Why hadn't Ganthet just told him how the f### to do this?

"Hold!" Kilowog yelled. "You are not the rookies you were when the rings found you! You are not just soldiers in a battle! You are Green Lanterns, and you will hold!"

They could practically smell the enemy now. Could practically hear them, even in the cold silence of space. So close that they could feel the foul press of the energy from their constructs sending feedback through their ring. It was time.

"Charge!"
_____________________________________


The Green Lantern Corps:

R JL Green Lantern - 90
Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111
U Kilowog - 112

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70
Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77
Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63
Thunderer of Qward - 50
Thunderer of Qward - 50

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

Map: The Institute Grounds

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses.

You weren't kidding about the length were you?!

Well now looking for a villian.

Initiative: 2,5=7
Objects: 5,1=6

Anybody ready to help out?

You might wanna check for villains like 2 pages into Shears' intro...they may have gotten lost along the way....








Haha, kidding! I really liked it, just couldn't resist :D

I'll take this one for you ALC.

Ini: 4 + 2
Obj: 4 + 5

Great! Here is my setup.


The Green Lantern Corps:

R JL Green Lantern - 90 K2
Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 L2
U Kilowog - 112 M2

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70
Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77
Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63
Thunderer of Qward - 50
Thunderer of Qward - 50

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11
HO: L11

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...3p1=x-446y-305

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses.

Good luck!

Setup:

The Green Lantern Corps:

R JL Green Lantern - 90 K2
Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 L2
U Kilowog - 112 M2

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 J-24
Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 K-24
Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 L-24
Thunderer of Qward - 50 J-25
Thunderer of Qward - 50 L-25

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...f5p2=x-543y312

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses.

I am going to need it. Just rememberd that Dr. Spectrum has TK. This will certainly be interesting.

(Now that I think about this game a bit, Why arn't we playing on the space map? Treat Thanos's fortress as clear terrain and it would make much more sense for this one. Oh well.)

Turn 1a:
1) Hal moves to O9.

2) Kilowog moves to L8.

3) Tomar Tu moves to K8.

Setup:

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9 @1
2) Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K8 @1
3) U Kilowog - 112 K8 @1

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 J-24
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 K-24
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 L-24
4) Thunderer of Qward - 50 J-25
5) Thunderer of Qward - 50 L-25

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&t3=x-453y-293

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses.

Turn 2, Player 2:

1) Kravager picks up Thunderer 1 and flies to Q-18, dropping Thunderer in Q-19.

2) Lorgoth picks up Thunderer 2 and flies to R-18, dropping Thunderer in R-19.

3) Slake flies to P-18.

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9 @1
2) Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K8 @1
3) U Kilowog - 112 K8 @1

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 P-18 @
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 Q-18 @
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 R-18 @
4) Thunderer of Qward #1- 50 Q-19
5) Thunderer of Qward #2- 50 R-19

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...-3&u3=x-333y20

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses.

Hey Lightshear, how am I supposed to write about all the blocking terrain and objects. Space junk? Also if I use TK attack with an object to I have to make a Yellow Ring roll?

Turn 2a:
I clear, tempting as it is to push. (Oh where is Jade with my EE?!? Oh yeah getting experimented on by galactic baddy capable of scaring the Guardians of the Universe )

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9 @1
2) Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K8 @1
3) U Kilowog - 112 K8 @1

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 P-18 @
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 Q-18 @
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 R-18 @
4) Thunderer of Qward #1- 50 Q-19
5) Thunderer of Qward #2- 50 R-19

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...-3&u3=x-333y20

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses.

Turn 2, Player 2:

Also clear.

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9
2) Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K8
3) U Kilowog - 112 K8

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 P-18
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 Q-18
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 R-18
4) Thunderer of Qward #1- 50 Q-19
5) Thunderer of Qward #2- 50 R-19

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...f5p2=x-355y124

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses.

Sorry, things have been hectic. And as important as this turn is I wanted to get it right.

Turn 3a:
Free) Tomar Tu will Perplex Kilowog's attack to 10.

1) Hal will TK Kilowog to K13.

2) Kilowog will Charge to O17 and attack Slake. Def. 17 - att. 10 = need 7. Rolled 5,4=9 hit. Slake takes 4 clicks. (He will split the points with Hal.)

3) Tomar Tu will RS to K11 and shoot Lorgoth. Def. 16 + 2 ESD - att. 10 = need 8. Rolled 3,2=5 miss.

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) [2] R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9 @3
2) [] Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K11 @3
3) [2] U Kilowog - 112 O17 @3

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 (3/7) P-18
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 Q-18
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 R-18
4) Thunderer of Qward #1- 50 Q-19
5) Thunderer of Qward #2- 50 R-19

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&t3=x-345y-223

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses

The Yellow Lanterns drew up short of the green shell around OA. They seemed waiting for some sort of signal. The Green Lanterns looked/smelled/sensed/percieved across the void the yellow sparks that spat and sparked.

Hal looked over at Kilowog. "Never thought I would say this but right now I miss Guy."

Kilowog gazed into the distance. "Yeah would have been nice to have someone to trade quips with."

Hal smirked, "Guess I will have to do." attempting an Guy impersonation of an italian accent, "Lets do this thing!" Kilowog chuffed back at him knowing that the leaders joking like there wasn't a care in the world would hearten the rest of the troops.

Kilowog aplified his voice. "TEAMWORK PEOPLE! These posers don't know the meaning of that. You show them and make it count! Hal, Tomar on me plan 315."

As Kilowog flew forward at top speed focusing his entire considerable will into becoming a speeding bullet, Hal projected a shield around Kilowog that he hoped would hold off the yellow beams and thunderer bolts long enough for the plan to work. He scooped up any space debris and spread out the mass to absorb the yellow energy. Predictably the Yellow Lanterns threw up individual shields in front of themselves. A few of the Thunderer's bolts flew wildly at them. Tomar, flying close behind Kilowog was also shielded by Hal's progection. He picked a big nasty looking officer and focused all his will into punching a meter and a half hole through his shield. The shock of his shield failing momentarily stunned the officer. Kilowog sped though the opening, "KOWABUNGA!" He smashed his huge right fist into the officer's face. The officer spun and looked completely shaken but the sickly yellow glow didn't entirely leave him.

Don't sweat it--you're the player, this is all for your benefit.

Turn 3, Player 2:

1) Slake attacks back. 8 to a 16. 2 + 2, miss.

2) Thunderer 1 takes a shot. 9 to an 18. 1 + 2, miss.

3) Lorgoth fires at Tomar Tu. 9 to a 19. 1 + 3, miss.

4) Kravager fires at Tomar Tu. 9 to a 19. 1 + 4, miss.

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) [2] R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9 @3
2) [] Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K11 @3
3) [2] U Kilowog - 112 O17 @3

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 (3/7) P-18 @
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 Q-18 @
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 R-18 @
4) Thunderer of Qward #1- 50 Q-19 @
5) Thunderer of Qward #2- 50 R-19

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...3&u4=x-243y-13

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses

Turn 4a:
1) Hal Pushes (Willpower) and RS to P10 and shoots Slake. Def. 14 - att. 10 = need 4. Rolled 4,2=6 hit. Yellow Ring roll = 3. So Slake takes 3 clicks and is Koed.

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) [2+3+2ko] R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9 @3@4
2) [] Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K11
3) [2] U Kilowog - 112 O17

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 (0/7) Koed
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 Q-18 @
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 R-18 @
4) Thunderer of Qward #1- 50 Q-19 @
5) Thunderer of Qward #2- 50 R-19

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&u5=x-336y-256

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses

Ack, sorry about that--I was real busy yesterday and I forgot that I didn't have time to look at the board and take my turn...

Turn 4, Player 2:

Clearing

The Green Lantern Corps:

1) [2+3+2ko] R Starro Green Lantern - 90 O9 @3@4
2) [] Tomar Tu (E Tomar Re) - 111 K11
3) [2] U Kilowog - 112 O17

Total: 313

vs.

The Yellow Lantern Corps:

1) Slake (U Deathbird*) - 70 (0/7) Koed
2) Kravager (E Dr. Spectrum*) - 77 Q-18
3) Lorgoth (V Stargirl*) - 63 R-18
4) Thunderer of Qward #1- 50 Q-19
5) Thunderer of Qward #2- 50 R-19

* w/ Yellow Ring

Total: 310

LO: P10, K11, O-15
HO: L11, Q-18, R-18

Map: The Institute Grounds

http://www.ianparmenter.com/hcutils/...&t4=x-313y-244

Scenario Rules:

--> Yellow Rings: When a Green Lantern makes a successful ranged attack against a bearer of a yellow ring, roll 1d6. On a result of 5 or 6, the attack misses