"That was interesting," said Razer as he and Aya exited the atmosphere of another world.

"I thought so too, my love," she said, "Our next destination should prove even more interesting."

Aya began analyzing long-range communications as they started to pass through an asteroid belt bordering the planet behind them.

"What precisely was that thing?"

"A pan-dimensional, silicon-based, cephalopod. However, I believe we successfully nullified its multi-dimensional capability and returned it to its place of origin. It will no longer be able to feed on the denizens of the world below."

"That's . . . certainly a relief," said Razer.

"Yes." Aya stopped and turned toward Razer. "Query: you seem dissatisfied? Have I done something wrong, my love?"

Razer shook his head, "No, of course not. I am happy to be with you again."

"You are holding something back," said Aya as she glided closer to Razer. "What is it?"

Razer sighed, "It's only . . . I had hoped we could spend time together."

Aya tilted her head, "But we are spending time together, are we not?"

"Of course we are," said Razer, "But I meant alone. With only you and me."

"Oh," said Aya, lowering her head. "When you asked me to choose a destination I selected worlds in need of aid. Where we could make a difference."

Razer's face softened as he glided toward Aya, "Aya, you weren't yourself, you don't need to atone for what happened."

"Yes-I -do," said Aya sternly. She collected herself before speaking again, "I want to help those in need. It is part of being a Green Lantern."

"Aya, you aren't a Green—"

"No," she interrupted, "I know I am not. And if I attempt to return to them they will have me disassembled and dissected, as they had intended to do before Hal retrieved me."

"They, what—when?"

"You were not present at the time. The incident occurred after you left to join the Blue Lanterns, shortly after Atrocitus' defeat."

"I didn't know. I shouldn't have—"

"You would have helped if you could have. I know this. But optimal outcomes were achieved. I survived and you learned valuable lessons from the Blue Lanterns. But we have digressed. I know I will never be a member of the Green Lantern Corps, but my essence is composed of green energy, as is the spark of life that animates me. It is part of what I am."

"No," Razer shook his head, "It is part of who you are."

"But we are now several tangents removed from the origin of this conversation. You desire to spend time alone, my love?"

Razer glanced away from Aya, thinking for a moment, then he looked back to her large, waiting eyes. He hesitated. "I want what is best for you, Aya. If helping others will help you to feel better, then that is what I want."

"It will, but I also want what will make you feel bett—"

Their conversation was interrupted when a green blur burst in toward them from deep space, struck Aya with colossal force and slammed her into a distant asteroid, creating a cloud of dust as the asteroid was pulverized.

"Aya!" Razer shouted as he raced after her. Summoning his hope, he created a gust to scatter the debris of the destroyed asteroid. He prayed silently that he would find Aya unharmed and readied himself for battle.

Then, when the dust scattered: "Kilowog?!"

The Green Lantern Kilowog hung in the space near the asteroid. Aya was barely visible beneath his bulky arms, which were wrapped around her in a bear hug.

"Your display of affection is appreciated, Kilowog," said Aya evenly, "I am also pleased to see you."

Razer glided toward Aya and Kilowog, "I think that's enough affection for now."

"Give me a break. I'm just happy to see the kid," Kilowog let go of Aya and punched Razer in the shoulder, sending him flying backward before he righted himself. "And you? Where ya been all this time ya poozer?" He didn't give Razer time to answer. "Me 'an Hal heard about you two. This and that world being saved by a mechanical green girl and a blue poozer. Nice new outfit, by the way."

"Thanks," said Razer.

"Is Hal nearby as well?" asked Aya, her eyes widening.

"He is," said a new voice as Hal Jordan flew in toward the others, "He's just a little slow." He stopped to give Aya a hug before turning to look at Razer. "I knew you'd find her if anyone could."

"And he never let me forget either," said Kilowog, "I told him more than once he should think of trading in his green ring for blue," Kilowog motioned toward Razer's blue power ring.

"Well it's good to see you kids back together, no matter how long it took." said Hal, smiling.

"We are gratified as well, Hal," said Aya.

"Hal," the Green Lantern raised an eyebrow, "And I remember when you used to call me Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Every time." He chuckled.

"Things change," said Razer, "Often for the better."

"Hal," started Aya, "May I speak to you for a moment?"

Hal looked at Aya, surprised, "Uh, privately?" She nodded. "Sure?" said Hal, glancing at Razer.

"It's alright," said Razer, hiding his unease, "Go ahead."

"Yeah," Kilowog said in his loud boisterous voice, attempting to break the tension. "It'll give me and blue poozer here time to catch up."

"Alright, Aya. What's this about?" asked Hal once they were away from the others.

"It is about my existence. Something I am afraid to tell Razer."

Hal frowned, "I'm not going to like this am I?"

Aya shook and lowered her head.

Hal watched Aya concerned, "Is it . . . I give up, just tell me, please."

Aya nodded, still looking down, "When I activated the virus to eradicate the corrupted copies of my program . . ." she hesitated, "I did not allow the program to complete."

"What?" asked Hal, his eyes suddenly wide.

"I designed the virus to execute itself on a recursive loop designed to radiate outward, purge all traces of my program and return to the source, to me, validating the deletion protocol before purging my own existence."

Tears began to fall from Aya's eyes to float freely in space, freezing as they drifted.

"I . . . was afraid. I did not want to die. I panicked and aborted the virus, but, not before it destroyed my physical shell." She added, speaking more and more rapidly, "I did not tell Razer. I do not want him to know of my cowardice. But I had to tell—"

"Stop it, Aya," said Hal, holding her by her shoulders. "You were afraid to die. Every living thing is. You have got nothing to be ashamed of. No one can fault you for wanting to live. But you're here now. That's all that matters."

"No it isn't," said Aya, "I aborted the virus before validating the complete eradication of my corrupted program. There could still be traces left behind. Maybe enough to—"

"Calm down, Aya. It's been seven years. No one has seen any Manhunters and the universe is still here. I'll keep my eyes open but you can't let this fear run your life."

Aya nodded after a long moment and finally looked up, "Thank you, Hal."

Hal smiled at her and let go of her shoulders. "Good. Now dry your eyes, kid."

Aya nodded again and wiped the frozen crystalline tears from her eyes.

"Alright, now is there anything else I can help you with?" asked Hal. "I see you're back together with Razer. That has to be going well, right?"

"I do not know," admitted Aya.

"Oh, no," said Hal, instantly worried again.

"Razer expressed an interest in spending time alone with me but then he retracted that desire when I inquired further."

"Also," Aya continued, "While he made many displays of physical affection after reintegrating me, those displays have become fewer and further apart. I do not understand the cause for this."

"Well," Hal scratched the back of his neck, "I'm sure he was just relieved to see you again. We all are."

"Since being reunited, Razer and I have traveled to four different planets. He has not kissed me on either of the last two planets we visited. I feel that something is wrong but I do not know what."

Hal made a face, clearly uncomfortable. "We need to find you a girlfriend to talk to," he said.

"Please, Hal," said Aya imploringly, "I require additional data."

"I . . . I don't know," stuttered Hal, "You've kissed, right? Maybe he just doesn't know what your second base is?"

"Second base?" asked Aya, "I do not understand."

"Ehhhwllll . . ."

"What?"

"You know, first base, second base, home run," sputtered Hal. He activated his green power ring and created a bat construct he used to strike an asteroid like a baseball.

Aya shook her head, a look of utter confusion on her face.

"Didn't they program you with knowledge about the birds and the bees?" asked Hal, exasperated.

"Birds and bees and bases and homeruns? These data points possess no apparent correlations with love or with physical affection. How is this information supposed to assist my relationship with Razer?"

Hal sputtered again before the noises finally started to form words, "What—what I'm trying to say is that he probably doesn't know what to do with your . . . with your . . ."

Aya leaned inward, her blue eyes wide as she waited for Hal's answer.

Hal finally gestured to her chest, "With your female . . . parts."

Aya looked down at her own chest then at Hal, "What should he do with them?"

"I don't know! Just check any teenager's internet history! That should tell you!"

"Processing," said Aya, thinking, "You advise me to travel to Earth in order to consult the teenagers of your civilization. I will comply. Please tell Razer where I am going."

Hal's mouth hung open, "What? No, that's not what I meant. Hey! You're not leaving me alone with him! Hey, get back here!"