Part 8
Daria and Jane stared as three figures landed on the deserted road in front of them.
The first was a red skinned woman, a Green Lantern dressed much as Daria was when she was first transformed, but with metallic green wristbands instead of white gloves. The next was an African-American male, dressed in sneakers, sweatpants and T-shirt. The third figure Daria instantly recognized as Hawkgirl; even without her beaked helmet and mace, the huge wings folded down her back would be hard to miss.
The man stepped forward, arm outstretched. "Hello, Miss Morgendorffer," he said, "I'm John Stewart." He shook Daria's hand, then gestured to his companions. "I'm sure you've heard of Hawkgirl, and this other Green Lantern is Katma Tui." Shayera and Katma both shook hands with the girls.
"Excuse me, ma'am for asking," Jane said, "But - are those real?"
"What?" said Hawkgirl. "Oh - you mean my wings. I thought you meant.." she smiled. "Yes, they're real."
"Miss Morgendorffer," John resumed, "I think you know why we're here. There's been a bit of a mistake."
"You mean this ring. It's yours?" said Daria, holding up her hand. "So how did I get it?"
"I'm afraid that's my fault," said John. "Let's just say that under certain circumstances, a Lantern's ring is programmed to seek a new owner, and I - uh, accidentally triggered the program in mine," he said, a little sheepishly. "You should be flattered, though, that the ring thought you worthy of it." He held out his hand. "May I?"
For a moment, Daria was confused. "What? Oh. Yeah," she said, with a sigh. "Here's your ring back." She removed it from her finger and gave it to John. "It was fun while it lasted, though," she said, wistfully. John placed the ring on his finger and, using its last dregs of energy, transformed his clothes into a Green Lantern uniform matching Katma's.
Katma spoke up. "John's right, you know. We arrived right after you rescued your sister. John wanted to recover the ring then, but I was curious. I downloaded your ring's logs and was surprised by how quickly you adapted to the power." Katma smiled. "Three lives saved in less than two hours - that may be a new record for a neophyte. I decided that we should track you and find out a little more about you before revealing ourselves. I've been trying to make up my mind about something."
Daria was a little miffed; she didn't like the idea of their being followed - but on reflection, they may have had a good reason to. "I guess you're leaving now that you've got your ring back. Can you at least give us a lift home?"
That won't be necessary," Katma said, "I've decided.. With all the metahuman activity in this sector, the Corps can use reinforcements." She removed her power ring and placed it in the palm of her hand. Daria stared as the ring glowed and floated above Katma's palm. As the glow brightened, another ring coalesced above the first. When it fully materialized, Katma retrieved her ring and replaced it on her finger, as the new ring continued to hover in midair.
"What are you waiting for? Take it, child." Katma said.
"You mean -?"
"Yes, it's yours. You've got what it takes. I'm going to take you on as a trainee." Katma turned to John and smiled. "You're still sick. Go take a couple of weeks of leave; I'm sure your Lady bird won't mind. I'll have Kilowog take over my classes for a while. When Daria finishes basic training, you can proctor her. She'll be reserve Lantern for your sector.
"Wait a minute," John said. "You're giving me an intern?"
"I have no choice. I won't have time to give her a full training course, and you're fully qualified to be a proctor."
Katma again addressed Daria. "Well, what are you waiting for?"
"Oh!" Daria was speechless. After deciding she wanted to be a superhero after all and seeing the chance slip away, she was being offered her own Power Ring and all of the awesome responsibility that went with it. Did she really want to take it after all? She asked Katma, "Are you sure you've got the right person? I'm just a kid."
"You'd be surprised at the age of some of our recruits," Katma said. "Sometimes the number of years is the least of makes one a Lantern."
Jane said, "Don't get cold feet, amiga. Remember what you told me on the way out here. I think you've found your calling." She nudged Daria. "Go ahead. It looks good on you."
Daria sighed one last time, and then straightened up, stepped forward and took the ring. She looked at the two Justice Leaguers, Jane, and finally at Katma, who slowly nodded. Taking a deep breath, she placed the ring on her finger.
When the by now familiar green flash died, she was again garbed in the same Lantern uniform she had previously created - skirt, boots and all.
"Wait a minute," said Daria, "Don't I have to be sworn in or something?"
"Indeed you do," Katma replied. Her ring glowed and opened a hole in the air. She reached in and pulled out an object that resembled the symbol that all three of the Lanterns wore. "This Power Battery is John Stewart's. Normally you would inherit it, but because John is still alive, I'll have to return it to him and get you your own." She handed it to Daria. "But for now it will suffice for what you are about to do."
Daria took the battery. "Hold it in front of you and touch its face with your ring," Katma said. "Keep it there. Now, repeat after me. 'In Brightest Day-' "
Suddenly, the words filled Daria's mind even as she heard Katma say them. She continued the oath even as Katma Tui's voice faded...
In Brightest Day,
In Blackest Night,
No Evil Shall Escape My Sight.
Let Those Who Worship Evil's Might,
Beware My Power,
Green Lantern's Light!
John stepped up and clasped Daria's hand. "Congratulations, kid. Welcome to the corps. You're one of us now. You may be a little young, but if Kat vouches for you, that's good enough for me." Daria returned his battery, Shayera shook her hand also, and then Jane stepped up to embrace her best friend.
Finally, Katma Tui stepped forward to face her newest student. "John has taught me some of Earth culture. If I remember correctly, someone of your age's formal education is not yet complete. That is why you will be a reserve Green Lantern, and your permanent status will be determined by the Guardians."
"The Guardians?" Daria was puzzled.
"The Guardians of the Universe. They created the Power Rings and organized the Green Lantern Corps." Katma willed a book into existence and floated it over to Daria. "This is the Book of Oa. In it is the history of the Guardians and the Corps, and it is also a manual for the proper use of your ring. I would advise to familiarize yourself with the book. I will return in two days with your battery, and then your instruction will begin in earnest. Be sure to get plenty of rest." Katma gave a grin familiar to all drill instructors. "You'll need it."
"Eep!" Daria's enthusiasm deflated. "Just what I need. More homework."
John took the opportunity to recharge his ring. Hearing him repeat the Oath sent a chill through her. This wasn't just rescuing people and saving kittens from trees. There were a lot of people out there with powers like hers and some of them weren't very nice. Sooner rather than later, she thought, she would have to face them.
John seemed to read her thoughts. "Don't worry, kid. Katma trained me well, and Shay and I will make sure you know the ropes."
Just then a sound familiar to John and Shayera made them look up. Making a landing approach was a Javelin craft belonging to the Justice League. It settled down in front of them, and as the engines shut down, the boarding ramp opened and five figures stepped out.