John scowled as he flew with Guy and Kyle flanking him on each side as the three entered the atmosphere of Oa and began their descent. To him it felt like he was being court martialed and not just being escorted to the Guardians. He then let out a deep sigh as he shook his head, trying to get rid of the dull headache in the back of his head. Getting whacked in the back of the head by Shayera wasn't how John thought his morning would go. Up until now they had flown in relative silence. That was until they neared Oa's Citadel.
"Who would have thought," Guy began with a snicker. "All we had to do to get Johnny boy here to come to Oa was to just tell his wife. She pretty much did all of the work for us. She practically threw you out of the airlock."
Kyle rolled his eyes under his mask, "Says the one who got punched by her. You're going to have a black eye for sure."
A look of annoyance flash on Guy's face briefly as he poked his lower left eyelid. He then shrugged, "Eh it'll heal. I still don't get why she punched me."
"Really you have no idea at all?" John scoffed.
"All I said was that I didn't know that the Justice League allowed their members be unfit," Guy argued. "What was wrong with that?"
"She's pregnant, not fat, you idiot," John retorted with a frown.
"How was I supposed to know that?" Guy asked indignantly. "It's not like anyone offered that information beforehand."
"It should have been obvious," Kyle stated with an unamused look as Guy stuck his tongue out to him. "You have to be an absolute idiot not to be able to tell."
"Says you," Guy muttered. "She was very hot so I guess that's an even trade off. How'd you even get a girl like that to fall for a guy like you anyways?"
John smirked, "Must have been my irresistible personality and charm that won her over."
The three were now in front of the the doors to the Guardians' chambers. John moved and stopped in front of Guy, halting any progression forward.
"Listen," John began in a stern tone. "I need you to not say a single word about Shayera in front of the Guardians. They don't need know about anything that's going on with us. Do you understand?"
Guy waved him off and rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah I gotcha John. My lips will be sealed."
"I mean it Guy," John stated before he took in a deep breath and turned towards the doors. "Just get it over with. Like how Wally would say, ripping off a bandaid."
Kyle put a hand on John's shoulder, "Don't worry, we'll be right there with you. Well maybe having Guy there isn't the best thing but I'll be there too. I got your back."
John nodded as the three proceeded into the room. John immediately noticed the disapproving stares from the Guardians as he entered the room. He immediately dropped his gaze and shallowed. He couldn't remember the last time he was on the bad side of the Guardians. The second thing John noticed were the amount of Green Lanterns within the room as well. This wasn't a simple meeting, John knew that much. He was practically on trial with the Guardians. The other Green Lanterns were to be witnesses of whatever was decided to be John's punishment.
"John Stewart, Green Lantern of Sector 2814, is recognized," Ranakar stated as he frowned. "Do you understand the circumstances under which you were called here the way you were?"
John hesitated before nodding, "I understand I haven't been attentive in my duties. For that I apologize. I just got...caught up with Justice League business. I need to remind myself how to balance my role within the Justice League along with my duty as a Green Lantern. I understand that my job does not only encompass Earth but all of Sector 2814 as well."
"Well at least you know that much," Ranakar retorted before his frown deepened. "But we do not appreciate dishonesty."
John looked surprised as he struggled to think of a reply, "But...but I...I did get caught up. It was related to the Justice League."
"Really?" Appa asked with an incredulous look. "When you say you were busy with your Justice League are you sure that you are not referring to the Thanagarian within the Justice League?"
The look on John's face must have been enough for the Guardians as Ranakar motioned with his hand for someone to come forward. Ranakar then cleared his throat before he spoke, "Green Lantern Salakk, step forth and be recognized."
John looked at the Green Lantern Administrator before he looked away and muttered, "Goddammit not him."
"Green Lantern Salakk," Herupa began. "Please repeat the information that you had informed us of earlier."
Salakk curtly nodded, "Yes, of course, as is my duty. I was within the Warriors Bar when I overheard Green Lanterns Kyle Rayner and Kilowog. It was clearly stated that John Stewart was recently married only four Earth months ago and that he in fact married the Thanagarian exile, former Lieutenant Shayera Hol of the Thanagarian Empire. The timing of this event stands to reason as to why John Stewart has been ignoring his duties within his own sector."
"Is it coincidental that your marriage coincides to just before the time period of which you began to ignore our summons?" Appa asked John.
John steeled himself as he looked up at the Guardians, "Last time I checked it wasn't against any law or code for a Green Lantern to get married. If you want for me to admit that I let my emotions get the better of me then fine I will. Just remember that we're living beings with emotions and not machines like the Manhunters."
Ganthet sighed, "We know that John but you have a track record with this Thanagarian causing problems with your duties before. Following the Thanagarian Invasion of Earth you ignored our summons for well over five months. Granted we understood that your planet was recovering from said invasion. We also took into consideration that the Justice League itself was left in shambles and as well needed to recover. We gave you time to collect yourself. When you finally did respond to us you made a request to be transferred to an entirely different sector. Given your own accounts of the Thanagarian Invasion, and the various events that unfolded, we knew why you had requested to be removed from Sector 2814. While prior we may have had consideration for your situation, we cannot take one Green Lantern's romantic interests in high regard to when making our decisions. We have to make our decisions for the greater good of all of those within the universe, not just one individual. I'm sorry John."
John once against looked down to the floor as he shifted on his feet uncomfortably. John knew Ganthet was the only Guardian with any empathy within him and had more tolerance than the others. Even when requesting his transfer, Ganthet was the only one to show him any sign on remorse when declining his request. He also knew Ganthet had hardly any sway when it came to Ranakar, Herupa, or Appa; he would always be outnumbered three to one. John had his doubts the other three Guardians could even recall what having empathy for others felt like.
John deeply exhaled as he slowly looked up, "So now what? I get a good talking to and return to Earth? I promise to answer any and all calls from here on out?"
Ranakar narrowed his eyes slightly, "You will not be escaping this with minimal disciplinary action John Stewart. It will not be as simple as a, as you stated, good talking to. It is quite apparent that the Thanagarian is a source of distraction for you. We had previously warned you, when we learned you had yet again involved yourself romantically with the Thanagarian, that your relationship was not to cause you anymore interference with your duties. We had even advised for you to not continue your relationship any further with the Thanagarian. To send you back to Earth would simply send you back to the very same source that created this inconvenience."
"Hence why we have reconsidered your previous request of being reassigned from Sector 2814," Herupa stated.
John felt his stomach immediately twist as he had a growing suspicion of just what his punishment was going to be. His next thought went to how long would he be separated from Shayera. He couldn't leave Shayera alone on Earth, especially not now. There was no possible way.
"Green Lantern John Stewart," Appa began. "You are hereby relieved of your duties of Sector 2814. You will restation to Oa immediately to be used as a utility Green Lantern within sectors that need additional assistance. Green Lantern Kyle Rayner step forward." Kyle hesitated before complying. "Effective immediately, Kyle Rayner, you will be assigned Sector 2814 and will be stationed on Earth."
"How long is this switch going to be?" John asked with overt concern within his tone. "I can't just leave Earth indefinitely."
"You had no qualms with residing on Oa for nearly a decade when you were with the Honor Guard," Ranakar reminded him. "As far as we are concerned, these changes will be permanent until we can find a sector that would need an additional Green Lantern. At that point in time you will then be re-assigned to a new sector."
"That's not fair!" Kilowog exclaimed as he forced his way through the crowd of Green Lanterns and stood next to John. "That decision isn't just effecting John. What about Shayera? What is she supposed to do without John? You can't separate them like that!"
"Kilowog don't," John sharply whispered to him.
"Green Lantern Kilowog you were not recognized to speak," Appa replied with disdain. "We have little to no qualms over what effects the Thanagarian. As far as we are concerned, Thanagarians are not befitting of such privileges."
"I also agree with Kilowog," John was admittedly surprised to see Katma step up next to Kilowog.
"Not another outburst," Ranakar let out an exasperated sigh. "Green Lantern Katma Tui, you were as well not recognized to speak."
"Whether I am recognized or not I shall speak," Katma lightly frowned. "I find your decision will not benefit the Green Lantern Corps in the long run and should be altered to a degree."
"How so Katma Tui?" Herupa asked. "How is it that this resolution will not fair well?"
"There is nothing forcing John Stewart to remain on Oa even if you were to restation him," Katma pointed out. "You underestimate the emotion of love. While John Stewart may be wholly dedicated to the Green Lantern Corps, he is more so dedicated to his wife back on Earth. John Stewart will simply resign from the Green Lantern Corps should you force him to reside on Oa and no longer Earth. In the end you would be forced to return him to Earth should that happen." John silently listened. Admittedly that was one of the first things John had considered when the Oans had stated he would be restationed onto Oa. "If anything you will be losing one of the strongest Green Lanterns we have. If I may, I believe I have a resolution that may benefit everyone involved."
The Guardians looked amongst each other before they all nodded. Ganthet gestured for Katma to speak further. Katma in turn lightly smirked as she continued, "My suggestion would be to send John Stewart to the Vega system to assist with the Green Lantern's campaign to stop the war. All of you have stated that you are sending the most capable and experienced Green Lanterns. Would it not stand to reason to send a former member of the Honor Guard himself? I would even venture to say Kyle Rayner should as well accompany him. After all, Kyle Rayner was about to be appointed to the Honor Guard himself before you abruptly reassigned him just now."
"What of Sector 2814 then?" Herupa asked with a raised eyebrow. "Are we to just leave it without a designated Green Lantern?"
Katma shook her head, "I believe as the final step of his training that Guy Gardner should be assigned Sector 2814 in their absence. Guy Gardner needs to prove that he is capable of looking over a sector of his own. I believe Kilowog will agree."
Kilowog sighed as he nodded, "Kat's right. The poozer doesn't have anything else I can show him. The only thing left is for him to take care of a sector by himself."
The Guardians began to talk amongst themselves as John glanced over to Kilowog. "What kind of a war are we talking about here?" John quietly asked. "We're not talking big like when we fought Nekron and the Black Lanterns right?"
"Not sure if it's that bad but it's not much better either," Kilowog replied back. "We only found out because Larfleeze got booted from Okaara. Short story is that he got brought to Oa when he ran into the GLs in Sector 2820. The Guardians sent out the Honor Guard to Vega to see just want the hell was going on. It's complete chaos out there. We don't know why but the Gordanians apparently betrayed the Citadelians and are now in bed with the Psions. Nearly every planet in Sector 2828 has declared war on each other. The Guardians had no choice but to revoke their No-Lantern Policy. Right now Larfleeze is reluctantly helping us to try to take back Okaara."
"A war like that could take months if not well over a year to end if it involves multiple planets. That's not including that you have a race like the Gordanians involved," John stated. He knew enough about Gordanians, from Shayera's own accounts from her experiences with them, to know of the danger they possessed. While John had never met Larfleeze, he had heard more than his fair share about the Orange Lantern over the years. Having the Psions and Citadelians as well involved did not alleviate any of John's concerns; they only heightened them.
"Green Lantern Guy Gardner step forward," Ganthet suddenly instructed.
Guy smirked as he strutted in front of John, Kilowog, and Katma. He stood tall as he flashed the Guardians a grin, "You wanted to speak to the Guy Gardner himself?"
Ganthet let out a small sigh as he rolled his eyes, "Guy Gardner, effective immediately, you are to be the Green Lantern assigned to Sector 2814 and stationed on Earth. Green Lanterns Kyle Rayner and John Stewart will be sent to Sector 2828 to assist the Honor Guard and the other Green Lantern forces."
"Hell yeah!" Guy pumped his fist. "Corn dogs here I come!"
"And due to your point of sending only the best of our Green Lanterns," Ranakar began. "Green Lanterns Katma Tui and Kilowog will as well be assigned to assist with the war within Sector 2828."
Ganthet then lightly smiled, "But first Katma Tui, Kilowog, Kyle Rayner, and John Stewart shall escort Guy Gardner to Earth before they are to leave for Sector 2828. This will allow John Stewart to tie up any loose ends he has on Earth."
John let out a small sigh of relief. Though his next challenge, which he didn't know how he was going to get past it, was now laid before him. John had no idea how he was going to tell Shayera.