Once the initial shock of Aya's bot armor had worn off on the crew, the next step was to convince her it was a bad idea. Not that they were ungrateful for her efforts with the Trubidon, but she was untrained, unskilled, and a rookie at this. She would just be someone else they'd have to keep an eye on. But with every conversation brought up, Aya maintained her determination to joining the Lanterns outside of the ship.
"I am getting more comfortable in my cybernetic armor every day." Aya explained while assembling her armor. "I can now assemble my armor in two point one seconds."
"And up until two days ago you were just the Interceptors navigation system with a body." Kilowog replied.
Hal stepped off the lift, joining the crew on the main deck.
"Jordan, back me up here." Kilowog said.
Hal folded his arms. "Any girl who can get ready in less than three seconds has my stamp of approval."
Aya's head lifted a fraction. Her eyes began glowing from the link up with the ship. "Sensors have located the energy signature of a green lantern power ring, approximately eighteen point two terraqauds from us."
"Great work Aya, plot a course directly to that signal." Hal ordered. He walked across the deck to the bridge, "We're doing a little recruiting."
"Which, if successful, will bring the total of your Green Lantern force to three." Razer said folding his arms. "Atrocitus will be shaking in his boots."
Hal looked over his shoulder. "Four, including you."
"And there would be five of us, if you included me." Aya reminded.
Hal smiled at Aya's determination. He had no problem letting her join, so long as she didn't act like him when he was a rookie. So far…eh…her behavior was still up in the air.
"Right, how could I forget with you constantly bringing it up?" Kilowog asked. He rubbed his eyes and turned to Jordan. "Jordan, you gotta stuff the genie back in her box. You can't let our nav computer get used to walking around like a GL."
"You may be unaware, but my interface with the ship allows me to hear every sound on this vessel." Aya explained.
Jordan resisted the urge to laugh. "Aya, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I think it's best if you stay with the ship."
Aya nodded and returned to her console. Hal didn't need to see her face to know she was upset. Cybernetic implants or not, when a woman is upset every man knows it.
The Interceptor landed on the outskirts of the city. The landing ramp lowered to the ground. Hal and Kilowog rose from their stations and departed the vessel, leaving Aya and Razer with the ship. Aya rose from the main console and walked toward the main deck. Razer caught the sound of her footsteps.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
Aya turned toward him. "To train."
"Train?"
"If I am to be valuable member of this team, I must train. I have already downloaded Sergeant Kilowog's lessons from Oa, but if I do not execute them, then I will have learned nothing." Aya explained.
Razer looked at Aya for a moment. Though her face withheld any emotion, he could see she was as determined as ever to aid the green lanterns, no matter how often they would deny her. It was admirable of her to be so determined, but would it make a difference?
"Perhaps you would like to train with me? I am not accustomed to the fighting techniques of Red Lantern's. And I believe you would learn from Kilowog's lessons as well." Aya suggested.
Razer turned back to the computer console. "I'll pass."
"Should you change your mind, I will be just outside." Aya informed him. She turned and left the bridge.
Aya walked to one of the side consoles and pressed several commands. The table leveled out in the center of the room. Biobeds retracted into the walls. The upper computer indicator retracted for a moment, then return with a new function. Green beams dissected the deck into uneven parts. Several beams moved across the floor.
"Maneuvering session level one, activated." Aya said. She turned to the console and began.
Aya began walked around the room, ducking or jumping over the easiest beams of light. She worked her way around the room, watching the path of the moving beams. She leapt in between two passing beams, missing their path completely. She returned to the console within seconds.
"Time." Aya stated.
"Twenty point seven seconds." Came the response.
"Increase difficulty level." Aya said.
"Begin level two."
The beams adjusted their trajectory. The moving beams increased in speed. Aya started her session once more. She jumped over lower beams and slid beneath the ground avoiding higher beams. She rolled around alternating trajectory beams and returned to her feet. The beams in the center had increased speed by ten percent, too fast for Aya to simply walk through. Aya ran toward the beams. She dove beneath the horizontal beam in front of her and flipped herself back onto her feet fast enough to dive roll in between the beams. Aya rolled back onto her feet in front of the console.
"Time."
"One minutes and sixteen point two seconds."
"Increase difficulty level." Aya said.
The computer indicator began firing green energy blasts in four second intervals, altering direction with every shot. The center beams increased in speed thirty percent. More horizontal and vertical beams were added to the room, while several were deleted.
"Begin level three."
Aya cartwheeled herself into the beams. She landed and quickly flipped herself backwards. Her arms narrowly missed the green beam behind her. Aya jumped over another beam and lead herself into a slide on her knees beneath another pair. A beam activated across the floor where Aya was. She quickly arched her back before the beam could touch her. Aya straightened up. The indicator shifted in Aya's direction. The green blast shot past Aya, snapping her attention. She dodged the blasts and dove into the center section. She moved quickly, ducking and dodging the moving beams. She managed to slip out just before another blast was shot in her direction. Aya flipped over the last beam and reached the console.
"Time." Aya called.
"Four minutes and five three point nine seconds."
"Increase difficulty level." Aya said.
Razer had stayed on the bridge for the reminder of the day. The noise on the main deck told him not to venture into the war zone. Whatever training Aya had taken to, Razer doubted anything would be left of the deck without extensive repairs. No doubt he would get the blame for not keeping an eye on Aya.
The door slid opening, dragging Razer from his thoughts. He looked over his should to see Aya walking to the main console.
"Finished training?" he asked.
"Negative. I have only completed the first forty nine lessons of the one hundred and seventeen downloaded lessons." Aya explained. "I came in to, as Hal Jordan would say, 'take a break'."
Razer turned back to his console. "How much of the deck survived?"
"All." Aya answered.
"Impressive, considering it sounded like a war from in here."
"The Interceptor can absorb the green energy it expels so no damage or power is lost to the ship." Aya explained.
"Impressive."
"Thank you."
The console in front of Aya beeped.
"Incoming transmission from the lanterns." Aya said.
"Aya, Razer, do you read?" Hal asked.
"Affirmative Hal. Have you located Green Lantern Dulock?" Aya asked.
"We did, but we've hit a small snag." Hal answered.
"What kind of snag?" Razer asked.
"Ol' Dulock challenged the guard captain to a duel for the Queen's hand in marriage. Duel's tomorrow morning." Kilowog explained.
"We're sticking around until the duels over." Hal explained.
"Is there anything you require of us?" Aya asked.
"Make sure the ships ready to leave tomorrow. Jordan out." Hal said, ending the transmission.
Razer leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "Wonderful. Frontier lanterns are as reckless as Core Lanterns."
"You are referring to Dulock's duel." Aya stated.
"Of course I am. There is a far more dangerous and immediate threat out there now. We don't have time for the trivial plights of this planet." Razer said. "If he feels his planets needs are above the galaxies, we should leave now."
"Do you wish to tell Green Lanterns Jordan and Kilowog you believe the four of us can stop the Red Lantern army?" Aya asked.
Razer glared at her. "I didn't say that."
"Your statement implies as much." Aya said.
"I simply don't see why we're waiting around here when there's a war ready to start." Razer explained.
"If we do not stop for these 'plights', then what is the point of stopping the Red Lanterns? Should we fail, the plights are then meaningless. Should we succeed then there is one less plight waiting at the end of the war." Aya said.
Razer turned toward the console. "You sound like Jordan."
"I will take that as a compliment."
Razer smirked to himself. She was definitely learning.
"What are those?" Aya asked.
"What are what?" Razer snapped, looking over his shoulder.
Aya pointed toward the sky. Razer looked through the view panel of the ship. The evening sky was lit up with patterns and flares from fireworks. Razer turned his attention to the panel again.
"They're fireworks. Most likely in preparation for the duel." He answered.
"A curious action for such an event." Aya stated.
"It's probably a cultural tradition." Razer said. He ran several programs in preparation for tomorrow's departure. He noticed Aya was still watching the firework intently.
He'd forgotten what the lanterns had told them about Aya. She had no memories before the Interceptor left Oa, nothing that linked her back to her home world. Her very life was linked to the ship, powered by the green lantern energy. She was still very much a child in most ways, eager to please Hal and Kilowog. She was learning the hard way of how cruel the galaxy can really be.
"Stepping outside would give you a better view of the fireworks." Razer said.
"Agreed, however the Interceptor must be ready for our immediate departure." Aya said. She turned her gaze from the fireworks and continued with her work.
Morning found Razer walking onto the main deck to find only Aya at one of the stations. She had yet to activate her armor, signifying she hadn't felt the need too, or she simply hadn't gotten around to it. What really bothered Razer, though, were the missing lanterns.
"Is the ship primed for takeoff?" Razer asked.
Aya turned in her chair, suddenly aware of Razer's presence. "Affirmative, we are simply waiting for the return of Green Lanterns, Jordan, Kilowog, and Dulock."
"They haven't returned?" Razer asked.
"Negative, I suspected they are still within the palace." Aya answered.
Razer walked to the communications array. "Interceptor to Hal Jordan."
"Go ahead Razer." Hal said.
"The ship is primed and ready to leave, why aren't you back here with the lantern we tracked?" Razer asked.
"He's gone missing." Hal answered.
"I can easily find him." Razer said
"No, you can't just go running around in that Red Lantern getup. We've got enough on our hands without you starting a panic." Hal explained.
"My talents are wasted waiting here." Razer replied.
"Stay with Aya. Have her run a scan for Dulock's power ring." Hal ordered, cutting off the transmission.
Razer growled to himself.
Aya turned her chair around toward Razer. "Sensors have located a weak energy trail. It is possible that it is Green Lantern Dulock's ring. The energy trail is too distant to make that determination with total confidence."
Razer smirked. "So you're saying we need to be closer?"
"It would aid me, but our orders are to remain on the ship." Aya replied.
Razer turned and walked toward the lift. "I was order to help you trace the power ring, which is exactly what we'll be doing once you armor up and go with me."
Aya stared at Razer for a moment, pondering his statement. She lifted her arm and activated her armor remotely. "Only two point one seconds required." Her armor quickly dispersed around her body. The green energy field activated around her exposed body. Her transparent eye shield dropped down over her nose. "Are my components properly aligned?"
Razer glanced back halfheartedly. "You look fine."
Aya walked into the lift beside Razer. "You also look fine."
Razer wasn't sure whether to laugh at the stupidity of her statement or simply ignore it. He chose to ignore it. The lift doors slid closed behind them. The landing ramp lowered them to the ground. Razer looked around at the city in front of them. He quickly turned toward Aya, who looking at the energy projection from the scanner built into her armor.
"Where to?" Razer asked.
Aya looked up from the scanner. "I am detecting the energy about eight thousand and forty six point seven two meters south west of our current position. I suggest we fly close to the ground to avoid being seen by someone."
Razer frowned. "Can you fly?"
In response, Aya's leg armor began shifting beneath her. She started flying above Razer, like a lantern. "Affirmative. I designed my armor to accommodate thrust capacity. Without it, I would be unable to 'keep up' with the crew."
Razer flew up to Aya. "Lead the way then."
The sensors led Razer and Aya deep into the catacombs of Betrassus, a very unnerving event in itself. The catacombs were shaped in stone, and made in the shape of an arch. Within the arches, the burial plots were carved from within the walls where the dead would lie. They walked through the catacombs, Razer leading the way. His ring emitted a light to guide them through the dark arches of the catacombs. Aya trailed a few steps behind him, watching the sensor readings. The light passed over the skeletal remains of the dead.
"This is not a promising search." Razer said, taking his eyes off the dead.
"Agreed." Aya stated.
They rounded the next corner. Razer cut his light and held out his arm to stop Aya. Ahead of them was an open corridor, leading into the open section of the catacombs. Footsteps echoed through the overhead. Someone was coming toward them. He pushed Aya through the closest tunnel out of sight. They lay on the ground while the patrol of two guards past them without a sight.
Razer stepped out first once the patrol had passed.
"For future reference, I prefer not to be pushed into the dirt." Aya said as she walked past him.
"I'll take that under advisement." Razer replied sarcastically.
The signal led them deeper into the catacombs. The sunlight from the outside all but vanished the deeper they drew. Razer once again used his ring as a light for them. The archway plots became smooth walls. There was nothing in front of them. No corridor, no path, nothing to continue the search.
"My sensors indicate the energy signal is getting stronger. But it seems our search is over." Aya said, shutting down the sensor.
Razer looked around. The signal had gotten stronger but there was no way to continue. It didn't make sense unless…He touched the wall beside him. It had been recently placed. "Not quite." Razer swung his ring, emitting a whip, and broke through the wall.
The wall crumbled and the dust settled, it revealed a fresh coffin on the other side. Razer and Aya entered cautiously. Razer pushed the stone lid from the base. Inside the coffin lay-
"Dulock." Razer said.
Aya stepped beside the coffin and raised her hand over the lanterns body. "There doesn't seem to be any signs indicating a struggle."
"So he didn't go down fighting." Razer said. He knelt by the coffin. "Odd. His ring is gone. Has it gone back to Oa?"
"The Interceptors sensors would have noted that. The signal is still near here." Aya explained.
Razer stood and turned to Aya. "It's time we notify the others."
"Agreed." Aya said.
Hal and Kilowog stood in one of the corridors of the stadium. Hal leaned against the stone wall. Somehow, he didn't quite imagine the trip to Betrassus to proceed as such. The interruption of a coronation, a duel between guards, a missing lantern, and a pair that can't seem to follow orders. He wondered if this was what the guardians felt every time he disobeyed an order.
"Great job obeying orders, do I need to wright them down from now on?" Hal asked.
Razer and Aya stood beyond the gate, hidden in the shadows.
"A warrior acts." Razer stated.
"A warrior listens to his superiors." Kilowog reminded.
"Enough, I'll give him the insubordination lecture later." Hal said. "What have you found?"
"We found his body in the catacombs. We're still trying to locate his power ring." Razer explained.
"If it hasn't chosen a new barer already." Kilowog said.
"My sensors indicate that the ring is somewhere within the castle walls." Aya said
"My gut instincts say so's the killer." Hal said.
"Then we must find this murderer and bring him to justice." Aya said. "It is what green lanterns do.
"We will, but we need to do it carefully. We'll need proof. You go back to the ship; we'll call if we need backup." Hal ordered. "We might have to make a quick exit. Kilowog and I have a trap to set."
Razer and Aya turned from the corridor and made their way back toward the ship.
"Razer, am I a member of the crew?" Aya asked.
"What?"
"Am I a member of the crew, or merely a part of the Interceptor?" Aya defined.
Razer frowned. "Why do you ask?"
"Our actions of disobeying orders will lead to a lecture of insubordination from Hal Jordan. However it is directed toward you, instead of both of us. Why?"
"Because the idea to leave the ship was mine and not yours." Razer explained.
"Interesting, however the order to remain onboard was meant for both of us. And I am just as responsible for the act of insubordination as you are." Aya explained.
"If you are so intent on being lectured, then you should tell Jordan when they return." Razer replied.
Aya paused a moment. "I will."
The Interceptor rose above Betrassus and took back to the stars. The crew was seated at their stations. Hal seemed still dazed by his last meeting with Iolande, which Kilowog was convinced the queen had finally cracked and kissed him.
Kilowog shook his head. "How long are you gonna sit there and look like a love struck goofball?"
Hal turned. "Huh?"
"Approximately one point one minute. Another point nine seconds and Razer might have missed the insubordinate lecture." Aya answered.
"That almost sounded like a joke Aya." Kilowog replied.
"It was indeed an attempt at humor; however it was obviously a failed one." Aya explained.
"Did I miss something?" Hal asked turning toward Razer.
"We lost two green lanterns while in search of one, wasting several days, and the A.I. system is attempting humor at your expense." Razer explained. "Did that cover everything?"
"You forgot the part where Kilowog slobbered all over himself." Hal replied.
"Of course, how could I forget that?" Razer said.
Hal chuckled.
"Very funny Jordan. You were the one who volunteered yourself in a duel." Kilowog said.
"Which I would have won." Hal reminded.
"Not that it matters, we still have yet to gather anymore lanterns onto the team." Razer reminded.
"Then we'll keep looking. For as long as it takes." Hal said. "Aya, plot a course to our next destination."
so this was more focussed on razer and aya, like i said.