A/N: Gasp! What is this? A chapter before a full month? Yes, indeed! I've finally finished writing the final chapter...only, it turned out that there was lots that needed to be written and quite a few loose ends to wrap up, so the 'final' chapter ended up getting split into two. This is the first. The second will be along within the week...and did I mention there is also an epilogue?
Much thanks to Guest for being kind enough to leave a review. Where's everyone else at? *peers*
Enjoy this penultimate chapter!
Chapter Twenty-Four: Silver Linings
"Stewart, the Guardians are asking for you!"
John groaned as he dropped the shield he'd been bracing against Ke'Haan and neatly dodged the gigantic green fist the Varva native shot at him.
"Good," Kilowog's second-in-command approved, straightening from his combat stance.
"Thanks." To Laira, who had delivered the Guardians' summons, John said, "What do they want now?"
The beauty from the planet Jayd, one of the Lanterns recruited after the first Battle of Oa, shrugged. "Who knows. They've been calling in a whole bunch of Batch 1757."
"Great," John said dryly. Batch 1757, as the Corps had taken to calling them, were so named because that was the exact number of Green Lanterns who had had to be recruited after Sinestro's first attack — and, now that the war was over and the Corps had time to breathe again, they were being put through their paces by both the Guardians and the senior Lanterns. For John himself, this summons was not new — he'd already been called in several times to discuss Sinestro, the events on Earth, Sinestro again, Hal Jordan, and John's own role in the Corps.
With a sigh, John left the practice field; while he headed off towards the Hall of the Guardians, Laira smoothly stepped into his vacated position and took her turn training with Ke'Haan.
Since the official end of the war, the Guardians had been a perpetual presence in their Hall — now fully restored to its splendor — as they laid plans for the future. Sinestro's betrayal and subsequent uprising and the revelation that other lights on the emotional spectrum had been harnessed had shown them that the Green Lanterns had been stagnant for too long, and that things needed to change. Rumors about potential actions abounded among the Corpsmen, chief among them an invitation to Hal Jordan to rejoin the Corps, as by now most had heard how he had single-handedly overcome the power of yellow fear to defeat Sinestro. John himself didn't know whether he ought to be bothered that his colleagues were expecting his predecessor to come in and presumably replace him, but one thing he was certain of was that Hal Jordan deserved to wear the ring. Where that left John's role as a Green Lantern, he wasn't sure. He'd taken the ring reluctantly at first, but it had grown on him, and he now felt just as at home in the Green Lantern Corps as he had in the Marines.
So it was a bit of a shock, once he was standing in front of the Guardians in their Hall, to have them all fix severe stares on him, and to hear from Ranakar, "John Stewart, do you believe you have what it takes to be a Green Lantern?"
John gaped. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me perfectly, Stewart."
"Are you questioning my ability?" John demanded.
"Your ability is plain to see. We are questioning your commitment," Herupa Hando Hu said bluntly.
"We are moving forward into a new dawn," said Appa Ali Apsa, "one that involves new challenges, new threats, and variables we were not previously aware of. In order to do so, we require a Corps of wholly dedicated Green Lanterns, who are both aware of and willing to adhere to their immense responsibilities."
"Believe me, I'm aware." John scowled. "As for 'adhering' to them, though — no, I don't think that's possible."
"I beg your pardon?" Basilus demanded, as Ranakar, Appa Ali Apsa, and Herupa Hando Hu all glowered darkly at him from their seats. Ganthet and Lianna were no less stern, but they weren't yet passing judgment.
"Permission to speak bluntly?" John asked, directing his question at Ganthet, who inclined his head in assent. Lianna now looked more curious than anything.
"Look," said John, "I understand the duties of a Green Lantern. I really do. But you need to understand that what you're expecting from us is completely unreasonable. You said Green Lantern responsibilities are immense — you used exactly the right word. The scope of what we have to do is unbelievable — and you expect us to do it without backup, all by ourselves in our sector — ring or no ring, that's insane. When was the last time you all got off your high chairs and actually went out to see how vast a galactic sector is?
"And we have our responsibilities to our own home planet as well — do you know how much trouble Earth gets into? For whatever reason we attract all the crazies in the universe — and the Justice League isn't anywhere near enough to deal with them all. Hal Jordan was a damn miracle worker to be able to handle the Corps, the League, and be a military pilot on top of it all — but that cost him more than you'll ever know. It's no wonder he quit when the war came calling — it's just too much to deal with all at once. And he still stepped up when it mattered, defeated Sinestro and his stupid yellow fear when no one else — not even you — could touch him."
"Stewart, are you advocating for Jordan's return to the Corps?" questioned Lianna.
"If anyone deserves to be a Green Lantern — if there's anyone who can fulfill the absurdly high standards of perfection you expect — it's Hal Jordan," John said with conviction.
"So, to be clear," said Appa Ali Apsa with a disapproving frown, "you are not willing to fulfill your responsibilities as a Green Lantern?"
John stared at him in disbelief. "It isn't that I'm not willing, Appa Ali Apsa. All your Green Lanterns are willing — otherwise they wouldn't have accepted the ring in the middle of a freaking war. It's that what you term 'adherence' to responsibilities — the way you envision it — is physically and mentally impossible. You want the Corps to improve, and move forward — then you need to ring in the changes big time. If you don't, sooner or later we're going to end up in the same situation, and there might not be a Hal Jordan to dig us out of it then.
"You asked me if I'm committed to the Corps. My answer is yes. I believe the universe needs the Green Lanterns, and I'm honored to be part of it. But for the love of all that is holy, I can't deal with threats on Earth and patrol an entire galactic sector by myself! It's not feasible, and it's ridiculous that you think any one person can!"
"Yes," Ganthet said thoughtfully as John stormed out. "Perhaps it is."
Carol's gone to Zamaron to figure out whether she wants to be a Star Sapphire or not. If she does, she'll free the men when she comes back. If not, she'll make sure they send another Sapphire.
Batman scowled as he read the short note Hal had sent to him, courtesy of the Flash.
"I don't suppose he said when she's coming back?"
On the other side of the conference table, Flash shrugged helplessly.
"That's helpful," Zatanna huffed.
"Zatanna," Wildcat warned.
"I know, I know, patience." Zatanna sighed. "I'm not angry with Carol. She was in pretty rough shape after Sinestro skewered her. And she wasn't the one who trapped all those men. But I'm just fed up with this entire situation and I want it over."
"Just a bit more, Zatanna," Flash said encouragingly — then he quailed under the withering stare she sent him.
"We can't do anything about that except wait. I'm sure Carol will make sure the men aren't trapped for much longer," Superman said diplomatically. "In the meantime, there's something else I want to discuss. I believe we have an obvious candidate to fill the vacancy in the League." He cast a significant glance at Hal Jordan's empty chair.
"John Stewart," Wonder Woman agreed. "He is a worthy successor."
"He has the honor and skill of a true warrior," Aquaman put in.
"I say we make it official the next time he gets back planetside," said Hawkgirl.
"Before we extend the invitation, there is something we need to consider," Batman cautioned.
Superman groaned. "Batman…"
"It is a factor," Batman insisted.
"What? What's the issue?" asked Black Canary.
"John Stewart's identity is public."
"So is mine," Vixen pointed out. "What's the big deal?"
"You weren't very well known before the League. Same goes for you, Zee," Batman said as Zatanna opened her mouth. "Green Lantern, on the other hand, is a high profile figure in the hero community, and a Founding member of the League. The position's been under even more scrutiny these past couple of months because of Jordan's disappearance and Stewart's emergence. Officially inducting Stewart into the League is going to bring a lot of attention from parties we may not necessarily want poking around our business — and Stewart's public identity could lead to connections being made where we don't want them to."
"Bruce, that's going to be a risk with anyone," said Superman. "We can't make decisions based on whether or not they might lead to someone realizing something about us. We have to do what's best for the League."
"I know that. And given the existence of other, potentially hostile hard light wielders, I agree that we need a Green Lantern. But we do have to think about how this could impact the rest of us. Even if it doesn't change our decision, we need to be prepared. We need contingencies. Cadmus already has files on all of us, and with the latest fiasco, I'm almost certain they've identified both Hal and Carol. They already know the secret identities of most people here," he said pointedly.
"So bringing in John Stewart isn't going to make much of a difference, public identity or not," the Atom noted.
"We still need contingencies," Batman insisted.
"I'm not arguing against that," Atom said placatingly.
"When you say 'contingencies', what do you have in mind, exactly?" Wonder Woman questioned.
"I've been keeping tabs on Cadmus for years. I have almost as much information on them as they do on us. There are a few key personnel I've managed to identify. One of them happens to be a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist who went to high school with both Hal and Carol," Batman said significantly. "His name is Hector Hammond and I'm reasonably sure he's the one who identified their alter egos."
"And you want us to do what? Blackmail him?" Canary said in disbelief.
"Nothing so crude. Just make him aware that we know he knows, and that we're watching."
"What is that going to accomplish?" Vixen wanted to know.
"It'll make him — and Cadmus — think twice about doing anything with the information they have."
"And if they think twice and go ahead with whatever they're planning anyway?"
"Then we'll have to take more direct action. But the knowledge that we're aware will be a good deterrent, for a start."
"I don't like this conspiratorial plotting, Batman," Superman said with a frown.
"You don't have to like it. That's what you have me for."
Hawkgirl shrugged. "It makes sense to me. I don't mind paying a visit to Mr. Hammond."
Superman exchanged a look with Wonder Woman and sighed. "I suppose if we really have to…"
"It is a necessary evil, Superman," Aquaman advised. "When holding the fate of a nation in your hands, some decisions cannot be made nicely."
"We're not a nation, but I see your point." Superman glanced at Doctor Fate, the silent observer at the end of the table. "Fate? You haven't said anything yet. What's your take on this?"
"John Stewart deserves a place with us," the wizard said solemnly. "As for Cadmus, we are currently in the midst of a cold war with them. At some point we will come to a crossroads, but extending an invitation to the new Green Lantern is not it."
"It's decided, then," said Superman. "We'll invite John Stewart to the Justice League, Hawkgirl — and presumably, Batman" — the Dark Knight nodded — "will call on Hector Hammond to…deter him…and we just have to wait until Star Sapphire comes to free the crystallized victims. Meeting adjourned."
He sank back into his chair as the rest of the Leaguers filed out. Batman nodded at him and Wonder Woman gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, but when they'd all vacated the room, Superman was left alone to ponder when being a hero had become so complicated.
Star Sapphire showed up at the Watchtower three days later, while Vixen and the Zatanna were on duty. The two Leaguers were understandably wary, but Star Sapphire declared herself and was admitted into the space station via the cargo bay.
"Carol? Is that you?" Zatanna peered closely at her.
"It's me," Carol confirmed.
"You look…different."
She really did. The leotard with its star cut-out was gone, replaced by a practical, full bodysuit that was completely purple save for the solid black section running longitudinally down her torso and the pale pink star over the center of her chest. Her self-designed tiara-pilot hybrid mask remained, its tiara points holding back her dark hair and its more elaborate features marking her status as a fully-realized Queen of the Star Sapphires. Her ring was nestled securely on her gloved finger and her eyes and aura glowed peacefully and gently with violet light. It was a far cry from the vengeful and furious Star Sapphire who had attacked Hal in Coast City.
"I found my place," Carol said simply. "Anyway, I just got back from Zamaron, so I figured I'd drop by and set your guys free."
Zatanna perked up at once. "You know how to reverse the crystallization?"
"I think so. I haven't actually done it, but I found out how to do it. The Zamarons walked me through the process."
"Doesn't sound very foolproof," Zatanna said dubiously.
"Zatanna, I promise, no harm will come to your father," Carol assured her. "I can do this. Please, let me repay you for saving my life."
Zatanna looked at Vixen, who merely shrugged. The magician was the one with the personal stake in this issue, and she had seniority in the League; this was Zatanna's call.
"Okay," she agreed.
The two Leaguers led Carol to the lab, where J'onn's and Zatara's crystal blocks had stood unchanged for the past month. Carol took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and placed her ring hand on Zatara's crystal. The crystal glowed, then transmuted into violet light that returned to her ring, vanishing as if it had never been there at all — and Zatara was left swaying on the spot, free of his prison.
"Dad!" Zatanna was by her father's side in an instant, supporting him as he dazedly blinked his way back to reality.
"Zatanna…?"
"You're okay, Daddy. You're okay. Thank you," she said to Carol, and her immense relief and gratitude were clear.
"You're welcome," Carol replied. She already had her hand on the second crystal block.
A moment later, J'onn too was released. The Martian stumbled before Vixen caught him and gently guided him to a chair.
"Easy there, J'onn."
J'onn groaned as he pressed his hand to his head. "What…happened?" He caught sight of Carol and lurched unsteadily to his feet. "Star Sapphire…"
"Whoa, J'onn, relax," Vixen told him, making him sit down again. "It's all good — she's good. Okay?"
"She attacked us…"
"Different Star Sapphire, and that was a month ago."
"A month?" Zatara repeated incredulously.
"It's a long story," said Zatanna.
"It might take them a while to get their bearings," Carol said apologetically. "Debbie wasn't exactly very careful when she was blasting crystal left and right."
"Are you going to Coast City to free the rest?" asked Vixen.
"I'm heading there now," Carol affirmed. "You can let Batman know I'm on the job. I know he's been bugging Hal about it."
Dr. Ian Egerton had been having a pretty uneventful day until security called to tell him that Star Sapphire was outside the Coast City S.T.A.R. Labs facility, apparently peacefully, and claiming she could reverse the crystallization of the seventy-one men being kept in their basement.
"Anyone from the Justice League with her?" he inquired suspiciously.
"No, sir, she's here alone."
Egerton decided he'd better see this for himself, so he jogged the whole way to the main entrance to find that Star Sapphire was indeed there, waiting patiently and non-threateningly. She didn't really fit the description he'd heard from various sources, though; for one thing, she was showing a lot less skin than public gossip supposed — for another, she didn't look at all like a malicious, manhunting harpy.
"Dr. Egerton," she greeted casually. "I heard you're the one to speak to about the crystallized men."
"I am. I heard you're the one who put them where they are." He crossed his arms and met her gaze coolly, fully aware she could do the same to him if she pleased.
"That wasn't me. It was a…rogue member. On behalf of the Star Sapphire Corps, I apologize for the harm she caused. I'm here to set things right."
"We're a little wary of unknown metas around here," Egerton told her. "I'm sure you can understand. Do you have anyone to vouch for you?" She seemed all right, but he wasn't about to let a meta he knew nothing about into his lab.
"I'll vouch for her." Both Egerton and Star Sapphire startled as Wonder Woman dropped down from the sky. "Batman is otherwise occupied, so he sent me to oversee the process," the Amazon said to Star Sapphire.
"So I see," Star Sapphire said dryly. "Well, then, Doctor…?"
Egerton glanced at Wonder Woman to get her nod of reassurance before he led the two women into the lab.
His day wasn't uneventful anymore.
Hector Hammond watched with narrowed eyes as Egerton, Wonder Woman, and Star Sapphire — in a different costume, but undeniably her — traipsed past his lab.
It is Carol.
Having spent some time around the woman lately, Hammond recognized her voice, the set of her shoulders, and the way she held her chin. Add that to the fact that Carol had been MIA since Star Sapphire had been wounded by that Yellow Lantern, with only flimsy excuses from Hal Jordan to explain her absence…the pieces fit. Which meant that Hal had also been involved in the climactic showdown a fortnight ago — and of the five hard light wielders who had been involved, only one of them could possibly have been Hal.
Though he'd been expecting it for some time now — especially since a rather disagreeable visit from Batman and Hawkgirl, complete with thinly-veiled threats — the realization still hit Hammond with an unpleasant jolt.
Hal was the Green Lantern of Coast City, and Carol was Star Sapphire.
The pieces fit, all too well, and Hammond wasn't sure what to make of them. He'd had his suspicions, but getting confirmation that two of his oldest friends were part of the caped community was hard to swallow. Even if it was only their power rings that gave them their abilities, the fact remained that they had those abilities, and they were actively using them — and that meant that one day, they could turn those same abilities on unsuspecting people.
It was a possibility Hammond would not condone. He would inform Cadmus — this was sure to elevate his status in the hierarchy — and Hal and Carol would be placed on the organization's watchlist. Good people though he knew them to be, Hal and Carol were just as vulnerable to poor decision-making as any other meta — perhaps more so, since they were 'regular' humans who didn't have the benefit of the metagene or alien physiology potentially enhancing their mental faculties. And with the power they held, and no one to hold them accountable…the consequences if they ever slipped up could be catastrophic.
Hammond would not let that happen. He would do whatever it took against whomever he had to, to not let that happen.
Even if they were his former friends.
A/N: I have very few chapters left to hear from you all, so...please review! And stay safe!