Avenging Justice 2:
Caught Between an Ultron and a Doomsday
Part XVIII
Sector 0000, Oa
Ganthet listened as his brothers argued vehemently. His shock of white hair in a perpetual state of wildness, a fact that separated him from them. All of them were in perfect control of every facet, from their speech to their visage. He was also the wild card on their council, ever since the power of Fear took one of them.
They were scared, none of them would admit it, but Ganthet knew. They talked about stripping away emotion, letting Will be their only guiding light. Yet, they were beings, and fear was part of any living thing. Especially when what scared you, was a reflection of yourself.
"We can not allow this to stand," one of his fellow Guardians said. "They are arming a legion with a power that could bring untold chaos."
Another of his brothers added in, "We lost Sinestro to Fear, now Love is making a rise. We all know that the beginning of Blackest Night begins with the rise of new corps, powers we shunned for their uncontrollable nature."
"You worry over nothing," the first one chimed back in. "The real threat is the Zamaron's themselves."
"Brothers," Ganthet interjected, "we have guided the Universe for millennia and have seen many things, experienced quite more. The Zamaron's could make powerful allies, I suggest we send a small team of Lanterns. Maybe a friendly face, Lantern Jordan is known to one of them."
"Absolutely not!" the first Guardian spoke, his voice near anger. "He left his post, kept the knowledge of this abominable corps, and only told us after the Nova Corps found out."
Ganthet cleared his throat, "Before actually. The data he brought back on their numbers, and recruitment has been invaluable. One could say we know more about what we face now, because he did all of this."
"You defend your little pet project," another Guardian interjected. "I was never a fan of the Humans gaining the power of a Green Lantern. They aren't ready yet, too primitive."
The Guardian beside Ganthet started almost as the other ended, "Lantern Jordan has proven himself over and over again. He's fought against Sinestro, save Oa, and has set an example of what Humanity can do. Because of him, Lantern Stewart was inducted, and you appreciate that one."
"Yes, because he follows orders!" the first Guardian spat. "Jordan is too fly by the seat of his pants."
Ganthet held back a laugh, that wouldn't earn him any friends, "On his planet, those qualities made him a great 'fighter pilot' and have translated well to his role here. No, he is a good choice, because despite his personal connection, he did his duty as well."
"I do not like this, but will go with the consensus," the first Guardian grumbled.
An hour later, orders were sent out and Hal Jordan found himself leading a group of eight Lanterns back to Zamaron. Sitting high above, the Guardians didn't show any emotion, from their normal grumpy demeanor. They broke off, with Ganthet heading back to his sanctuary. Behind him came the Guardian that had defended Hal Jordan. He recognized them as one of the few female Guardians, and something in him flipped.
"Ah, Sayd," Ganthet said calmly. "What can I do for you?"
She nodded, "You have a plan. When I brought you the prophecy, you weren't surprised."
"No, but you can see our brothers do not see it as anything to be worried about," he replied.
She took a breath, finding the prophecy had shaken her, "Then why do they hide it?"
"For the same reason you couldn't," Ganthet replied. "The same reason why I believe Lanterns like Jordan, Arisia and McCallister are the future. They control their emotions, without needing to purge them."
She almost looked horrified, "This isn't what we agreed to."
"That was Eons ago, and one thing I've learned watching life bloom, is that the wisest of courses, can seem foolhardy with perspective and time," Ganthet almost seemed sad. "I have a new project, one that will help if what you fear is to come to pass. Your assistance would be appreciated."
Her head turned, but with curiosity, "This should be interesting."
Sector 1416, Zamaron Solar System Boundary
They came together at once, three forces, unaware of what fate had in store. First came the Green Lanterns, their blazing green lights making them stars in the sky. Led by Hal Jordan, Kilowogg and Arisia took his left and right, with three more coming up behind them.
Second came the Nova Corps, their ships in formation, ready and deadly. Inside multitudes of warriors prepared for the worst. At the lead was the crew of the Milano, the Guardians of the Galaxy. They had been paid to lead the force here, and the lead negotiator was a "friend," Rhomann Dey.
The last were a band of Kree commandos, part of the elite Starforce. Led by Yon-Rogg, disgraced not so long ago by Captain Marvel, and punished by the Supreme Intelligence. He had worked hard to raise back to the elite level he'd attained before. So had many of those in his team. Each wore their disgrace like an albatross around their necks. They wouldn't fail another mission ever, even if they never returned. However, Yon-Rogg liked returning, so he was okay with doing the job any way it could be, no matter how horrible.
The two of the groups were not supposed to be there, Yon-Rogg bit back at the discrepancy in their intelligence. He'd have to make sure to report this, and possibly have the gatherer punished for not getting correct or accurate data. Still there were ways of handling this.
"They are aware of us," Minn-Erva snarled. "What do you want to do?"
Yon-Rogg kept his tone calm, "We see what they know." Clicking broadcast, he called out to the gathered forces, "This is Kree scouting craft, Helion. How may we be of assistance?"
"Move along, Helion, this is a Nova Corps business," the voice came back. "You and the Green Lanterns are not needed at this time."
A Human voice intercut, "Sorry to disagree, but we are here on Lantern business, if needed, we will contact you."
"So, this is going to turn into a standoff then," Minn-Erva was already running the scenario in her head. "We'd probably be able to slip past them if we do a short jump and come back on the other side."
Yon-Rogg nodded, "Do it." Broadcasting again, "Well we'll be on our way then, good luck on your business here."
The Helion turned, hit is maneuvering thrusters and sped off. After a few seconds, it opened a warp gate and slipped through. True to form they made another jump, this time coming in on the other side of the system. The entry would be tight, and they'd have mere minutes to get in, destroy or take over the technology, then leave.
Everything went according to plan, they were clear and the planet was ahead. Which is why the sudden deceleration caught them off guard. Yon-Rogg looked at his crew and could see them frantically, but methodically going over the systems. Everything came back as normal, so the only reason was external.
"Sorry to disappoint," came a smarmy voice. "Can't let you interrupt what is to come. After all, that's what we're here for."
Dozens of alarms blared as the Helion's systems malfunctioned and the crew saw the space scape rapidly spin around them. Punctuated by sporadic appearances of Zamaron, immediately the Kree inside knew they were in trouble. Not only were they out of control, the planet was getting bigger, they were about to crash into the atmosphere at full speed.
Physics wouldn't be on their side for this one. In spite of the certain doom for them all, his crew sprang into action. He fought the controls the whole way, hoping to give them enough time to do what they needed to. At the very last second he felt the Helion respond to his commands and they entered the atmosphere at a slightly more favorable angle.
The rest was a blur, and eventually they stopped. It was a hard stop, and none of the Kree would remember actually doing it. However, they were still alive, at least for the moment. What came next was easy, getting to it would be harder, as they now had to extricate themselves from the ship.
Back with the Green Lanterns and the Nova Corps, their present argument was interrupted by a cadre of Amazonian like warriors. Beauty and strength married together that became almost indistinguishable. Their uniforms were not overly revealing, but weren't heavily bulky either.
"Don't let us stop you boys," Carol said with a smile. "However, I do believe we should have a say in what is about to go down."
"Are you okay," Hal said, as if no one else was there beside him.
She smiled, aware just how much he loved her, and she didn't need the ring for that, "I am fine. However, this is a sovereign territory and we must ask both of your groups to leave."
"Excuse me, this is Rhomann Dey, of the Nova Corps," a voice interjected. "We need to speak with leaders. We wish to resolve this matter peaceably."
Before the meeting could get any further, a bright lance of light hit two Nova Corps ships, causing their occupants to be jettisoned into space. Quick thinking by the Green Lanterns, saved them from grizzly fates. However, the other Nova Corps ships reacted, thinking the Lanterns had attacked them.
Soon the Lanterns, and the Nova Corps were in full-fledged battle. Salvos were fired on both sides, each one trying to get some space to regroup. For the Lanterns holding the survivors, they split their attention between shielding themselves and their passengers. It was the immediate appearance of a blazing wall of light, that stopped the fight from escalating.
"And here I was hoping you'd join in the slaughter," came the voice a newcomer, full of smarm and condensation. "Well, what better way to make a splash for my Sinestro Corps, then to take all of you out in one shot."
Their attention now drawn to who had attacked the Nova Corps ships, the combined forces understood they were in outnumbered. The former Korugaran, Sinestro floated in space. Behind him were about twenty of his own personal army, beings selected from across the galaxy for their ability to inspire fear.
Thaal Sinestro, once a Green Lantern, but exiled for his abuse of power, sped towards the two groups. The Guardians lacked the conviction needed for real change. They believed Will alone was enough to tame the Galaxy and bring peace. Real peace was only to be brought by instilling the right amount of fear into all the sentients of the universe. The fear that if they stepped out of line, one of his people would be there to stop them. One needed a stern, strong hand to guide them. Something the Guardians just didn't understand, and something he planned on teaching them.
"Attack my Sinestro Corps, obliterate them!" he called as the forces of Fear and Will collided, and he watched the supposed might of the Nova Corps, falter before the power of Fear.