Chapter 2

Hal and a fidgeting Kilowog flew off to where they had decided they'd meet up with Razer and Aya. He knew it wasn't actually his fault, but all Kilowog's flinching and fidgeting was really getting on his nerves. "Kilowog! Will you pleassseee stop?"

Kilowog flinched at his outburst and looked at him timidly. "I'm...I'm sorry, H...Hal..."

Hal sighed. "It's alright, Kilowog. Just c'mon..." They together in silence, until a flock of purple birds flew out of the trees in front of them. Hal slowed to let them fly by, but turned when he heard a shriek behind him.

The bolovaxian had his arms clutched over his head, eyes squeezed shut, and legs pulled up to his chest as he trembled. He timidly opened an eye to peek at an exasperated Hal. "Kilowog, c'monnnn..." He nodded and flew after him. Hal sighed. This was going to be a longgg flight. He wondered how Aya was fairing with the sunshine, happy Razer.


"Oh, wow! Look, Aya!" Razer crouched down to stare at a tiny animal. It was furry and had a horn sticking out of its forehead. It looked like a large rabbit. "Hi, little guy..." Razer reached out to pet it, but it turned and jumped into a bush. Razer frowned. "Ayaaa...it ran away..." He looked at her with a forlorn expression.

"Razer. We must meet green lanterns Hal and Kilowog at the designated coordinates." Aya gazed at Razer as he pouted.

"Pleasseee, Aya?"

"Razer. We must leave." She put a hand on his shoulder. His eyes glazed for a second again and he stood. In a flash, Aya had her back to a tree and Razer was leaning over her, his forearm leaning against the tree over her head as well.

"Why...?" His voice was soft, almost a purr. Aya's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"Razer, you are not acting yourself. I must take you to green lanterns Hal and Kilowog so that we can help you get well again."

He leaned in closer. "Oh, I'm more than well, Aya. More than well..." He slipped his hand into hers and raised her hand, kissing the back of it. Then he raised his gaze back to hers. Razer smiled and started to slowly lean in closer.

"Razer...I..." Aya stared at his eyes, feeling her processors misfiring as she got lost in their blue depths. She felt her body leaning towards his. Her lips reaching for his...

"Aya!" The pair pulled apart as they heard Hal's voice call. Razer turned his head, arm still leaning on the tree to look over at the approaching human and bolovaxian. Hal smiled then regarded the situation and frowned. "Um...Aya, what's going on here?"

Razer shifted away from the tree and turned to stand in front of Aya protectively, crossing his arms over his chest. "And what do you want?" Hal was surprised as Razer nearly snarled the question at him.

"We were supposed to meet you here, Razer? Remember? Well, maybe you don't. You weren't acting yourself." He glanced at Aya who looked from him to Razer in confusion.

Razer glared at him, baring his fangs in his anger. "Stop making eyes at my woman."

Hal's eyebrows shot up as his eyes opened wide. "Your...WHAT?"

Kilowog looked between the pair timidly. "H...Hal...don't yell...it's not nice..."

The human ignored him, his eyes narrowing, as he jabbed a finger at the volkaregian. "What are you talking about, Razer?" The tension in the air was nearly tangible.

Razer returned Hal's glare. "Stop pointing that finger at me, oaf or..." Razer twitched and his eyes glazed again.

Aya's voice could be heard from behind Razer. "I am picking up the same changes in Razer as when he previously acted unlike his usual demeanor."

Razer grinned and turned at Aya's voice. "Aya! Are you hiding from me? You silly girl!" He wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug and lifted her off the ground, swinging her in a circle.

Aya squirmed. "Razer. I must insist you put me down." The happy red lantern nodded and placed her back down. Aya glanced over at Hal. "Green lantern Hal? I am unable to ascertain what is causing these changes in sergeant Kilowog and Razer."

Hal was standing straight and regarding the two. "Little lady, that is an unprofessional way to act. We are on a mission and should deal with it in the utmost seriousness!" He glanced at the two men. "At attention, men!"

Kilowog jumped and timidly raised an arm up in a scared salute. "S...sir, yes, sir..."

Razer saluted and giggled. "Sir, yes, sir..."

Hal nodded, clasping his hands behind his back. "At ease, gentlemen." Both men relaxed and Hal turned to Aya. "Status report!"

Aya could easily have given a thorough and detailed status report, but was thrown off by the current changes in her companions. She couldn't determine the cause of it.

Hal barked out his command again. "I believe I asked for a status report!"

"Everyone is acting unlike themselves due to unknown reasons. I am unable to determine the cause."

Hal nodded. "Very well..." He glanced around. "Have you analyzed the surrounding area?"

"I have not due to..."

"Well, what are you waiting for? An invitation?!" Hal roared at her.

Aya's eyes went blank. A moment later she refocused. "There is a substance in the air that is causing the change, but it is interfering with my scanners and I can not currently pinpoint its source. Although I can say with certainty that it only affects the respiratory system of organic beings so I am free of its influence."

Hal snorted. "Whatever, Aya. You expect me to care?" Aya was caught off guard by this change. The males of her crew were acting most erractically. The usually confident and bold Kilowog was acting timid and afraid. Hal who was always kind and joking was suddenly serious and then mean. Razer who tended to be broody and not particularly emotional was acting silly and then...possessive of her. All of their behavior was the opposite of what it typically was and it concerned Aya that she couldn't determine the cause, but she would find out the cause. She glanced at the trembling Kilowog, giggling Razer, and sneering Hal. She had to find the cause and she better find it out soon...


Now all three guys are out of it. How will Aya manage on her own? Can our favorite AI save the day? We'll just have to see. I'm trying my best on the opposites, but if anyone has any other ideas for opposites let me know. Please read, enjoy, and review!