A Lantern
In The Dark
Disclaimer: I've been feeling for some time now that the Cosmos in the Arrowverse is largely ignored and deserves a bit better. So this is an attempt to do something with that that may become its own story fairly soon. Also makes use of a concept Arlyss came up with regarding Earth and the Dominators and how the rest of the Universe views the two. Also, in this, it wasn't Hal Jordan who was first recruited, but instead, it was John Stewart.
Summary: He's been in training for some time now but John Stewart still has questions. Namely, why most in the Corps give him the cold shoulder.
"I believe we can conclude today's training, Trainee Stewart." Commented the Guardian known as Ganthet as he watched one of the Corps' newest members finish another piece of their training.
"Yes Sir." Replied John Stewart of Earth, an African American male, before letting his latest construct fade away.
"Despite being in training for only two months, you have done remarkably well, Trainee Stewart." Commented the little blue man with a smile.
John smiled back. "I like to think its due to my interest in Architecture and being trained as a Marine, Sir."
But then his smile died as he thought of something and Ganthet easily noticed it. "What troubles you?"
"Its… Its something I've been wondering about since I got here, Sir."
"Ah, the way the others treat you? And why only I'm the one who will willingly train you?" Asked Ganthet knowingly.
John at first just nodded. "Yes Sir. I don't understand. Is it because I'm from Earth? The color of my skin? Which… I guess a part of me was foolish to think the Universe would be beyond the concept of racism." He replied somewhat sadly.
Ganthet closed his eyes for a moment and let out a sigh before opening them again. "Its unfortunate that such a concept still does exist in this time. But alas, with you, Trainee Stewart, it has nothing to do with the color of your skin. But more so of the fact you are from Earth. As your planet has an… Arrangement with a race known as the Dominus."
Here, Ganthet would use his own power to show an image of what a member of the Dominus, or as those on Earth would call them, the Dominators. "That looks like something from a Horror movie back home." Muttered John as the thing was butt ugly!
But then he got serious. "And arrangement? What arrangement? Believe you me, if we were dealing with Aliens on Earth, I wouldn't have had such a strong reaction when I got here two months ago!" Exclaimed the Marine.
Who had inherited Abin Sur's ring prior to the Alien being's death on Earth. "It has come clear to me and some others that you are largely ignorant of what is going on between your people and the Dominus. My instincts guided my course in choosing to train you as the Ring's decision to choose its bearer is rarely ever wrong."
"No disrespect, Sir, but I'm pretty certain a large majority of my people aren't aware of any arrangements with that race."
"Are you certain? As the arrangement I speak of involves yours allowing the Dominus to take Human slaves to do as they wish in order to keep them from fully taking over and enslaving Humanity, Trainee Stewart. That is why those of the Corps ignore you, that is why a vast majority of the Universe does not look kindly upon Humanity due its association with the Dominus." Ganthet told him gravely.
John just looked back at him in horror. "I… That's… That's horrifying, Sir! I can't believe someone on Earth would be willing to go that far! But… Given our past history where my own particular race for example was enslaved for hundreds of years, I guess its not too impossible something like this would happen." Replied the man in a disgusted manner.
Feelings of disgust, horror, and rage within him over the whole thing. But then righteous determination filled him as he stared once more at his mentor. "I know one thing I can promise you right now, Sir, and that's if I ever come across these Dominus bastards, they'll know the righteous fury of my Ring's power." He declared as he held up his fist with the Lantern Ring on it, its power glowing for a brief moment.
"And when I find out who is behind this deal with them, they too will know my Ring's power."
"While noble, take caution against losing yourself to the darkness that exists." Heeded Ganthet.
"I will, Sir. But if you don't mind, could we train some more?" Requested the Marine as he wanted to be as trained and prepared as possible.
Ganthet chuckled. "I had a feeling this would be the case. Very well, let us continue."
And though it would take time for the others to warm up to him considering Earth's reputation where the Dominus was concerned, things would eventually begin to take a turn for the better.
Author's Notes: Hope folks enjoyed. Would you guys like to see this continued in its own thing?