Notice: All characters are owned by DC Comics. This is an original story based off those characters and storylines.
Chapter 6: Road to War
*Carol and Hal's Apartment, Coast City, California. USA*
11:31 EST 19th October 2013
She pushed open the door to her home, lazily dropping the keys into the bowl as she went.
Carol Ferris was tired, mentally and physically.
It had been years since she had worn the Violet Ring of the Star Sapphires, with the unlimited powers that came with it (and the times the ring had corrupted her mind, leading her onto a short career as a villain) it was so easy to forget just how draining using these rings were.
The Green was no different.
As she entered the living room, her heart pained once more as she saw the photos of her and Hal together, at bars, restaurants, holidays and at the Aircraft facility.
She closed her eyes and breathed.
Perhaps it would be easier to take them down, close her heart to it. Not allow herself to be reminded of what she had lost, but she needed it. Needed to remember every day what she was fighting for.
What Hal would do, if it were her who had been cruelly taken away from those he loved…
As she went to the kitchen to get herself a drink, Carol paused… something was off.
"Mercy?" she called out, receiving no answer, and it would be insanity for Graves to come here, and not remain at the hanger.
The ring buzzed, glowing like a star.
Without hesitation, she turned and smashed the intruder in her home against the wall.
Best pray it was not one of Batman's thugs…
"Hey hey hey! Easy, Stop!"
It was an unfamiliar voice, but one she vaguely recalled from somewhere.
His green glowing aura was the first thing she noticed, and very briefly, wondered if Batman had sent Guy to silence her, permanently. But his suit was far different, and he wore a mask, with a sidearm on his right thigh.
The younger man held his hands up in surrender.
"Hey. I- I'm sorry I broke in, Ms Ferris. I needed to speak to you."
Slowly, Carol lowered him back down, and they then stared at each other.
Carol raised an eyebrow, "And you are…?"
"Oh yeah, name is Baz, Simon Baz… Imma, I'm one of the other Lanterns of Earth."
"Shit." Carol muttered, "The Guardians, do they know-"
"Yeah, they do now… Ganthet sent me here though, to check on the person Hal's ring chose as the new wearer..."
Sadly, she fiddled with the bright green jewel that had been the roguish test pilot's own for ten years, collapsing onto the couch.
An awkward silence engulfed the room as Simon stood there, unsure of what to do.
"I'm sorry about Hal. I know it might not mean much from a stranger, but he was the best of us. I don't think there'll be another Lantern like him."
"He wasn't just one of their Lanterns." Carol said suddenly, "He was the man I loved, all in service to some aliens a billion years away." She responded, much harsher than she intended, "I'm sorry." She insisted.
"Don't." the younger man responded, "You've suffered a loss… nobody, not even the Guardians would blame you for feeling that way, Ms Ferris."
"I…" Baz hesitated, "I just wanted to hear it from you. Batman was one of my heroes, how did it happen?"
Carol patted the space next to her, "I got some beer in the fridge. Bring them over and I'll tell you all about it… and call me Carol, Ms Ferris makes me sound like a damn maneater."
The younger man blushed at that, "Sorry, ugh, don't drink alcohol. The whole Islam thing."
"Oh, shit, sorry…" said Carol, now feeling somewhat insensitive, "you ok with orange aid?"
Simon's face lit up like a Christmas tree, "I. Love. Orange Aid."
"Fuck, man." The male Lantern muttered, as he had spent the last forty or so minutes silently listening without interruption as the newest member of the Corps explained everything that had happened in the last half year.
Gotham city nuked by Lex Luthor, Batman's butler, wife and unborn child dead with the city.
In response, Batman had gone onto open Luthor's throat with a Baterang and was now on a war path to enforce a world-wide peace. In the process, plenty of heroes had lost their lives.
The Bat had finally been broken, not by one of his own infamous nemesias, the Joker, or Bane, but by Superman's own enemy.
"I can't believe it." Simon said plainly, still in shock at hearing it all in context from someone who had observed it all in real time. "Even when I was face to face with him, I couldn't believe it. Batman was one of my heroes as a kid… for him to do this, its insane."
Carol nodded, she grimaced, "And Guy… the coward never lifted a finger. He let Hal die and serves as one of Batman's main bootlickers even now."
"Yeah, it does seem that way… something else." He paused, "Kyle Rayner is missing."
"Jesus…" Carol muttered, thoughts going to one of Hal's best friends, and a man with one of the gentlest souls she knew.
Simon looked back at her confused, "You think Wayne could have had something to do with it?"
She sighed, closing her eyes, resting her face in her hands, "Maybe. At this point, I think anyone who opposes him ruling the world is marked for death." Carol looked up, intense gaze into Simon's own, "I have to know, Simon: will Oa stand with us?"
Baz nodded, "Yes, he's gonna face justice one way or the other – his murder of Hal makes it a top priority. I promise we'll stop him."
The woman found herself unable to take any solace in that, "Its not just Batman. So many others went to his side, stood by or outright helped him. They're creating something I don't think even they can fully comprehend yet. I don't think anyone truly does."
Baz said little for a while, only staring blankly at the far corner of the room.
"14: 32."
Carol tilted her head, "What?"
"14:32, That was the time when they picked me up, the FBI. I was up to a lot of no good in those days." He chuckled dryly, "After 9/11… as a Muslim, two parents from Lebanon, it wasn't the time or place to be who you were. Even in Dearborn of all places, the glances and comments, of hate and fear, sometimes both… hell, they were sometimes worse than when we were attacked on the streets. And especially then as a young man… it made me angry… jacking asshole's cars felt like some kind of retribution for all of it… until one van happened to be filled with a bomb that I had no idea about. Shit, what was I meant to say, right? I only meant to steal it, not murder people… I drove the thing to where I knew nobody would get hurt, but the optics were plain as day. Three years in Guantanamo for being a terrorist, all I needed to do was fit the profile and it was all they cared for."
All this time, Carol had been a gasp at the story and injustice of it all.
He continued, "I see Batman now, passing these rules allowing his thugs to detain anyone he feels is a threat, secret prisons, surveillance on innocent people as if they were nothing but criminals."
Simon glared, "Fuck all that. He has to be stopped, for the people of our world, and for the man he once was."
*Metropolis, Delaware. USA*
19:01 EST. 20th October 2013
A young couple, recently engaged, walked the streets of one of America's safest cities, hand in hand. Despite the gloom of everything that had happened, they looked forward to the rest of their lives…
Until they were spotted.
"You too, stop!"
The Bat had recently introduced an even tighter curfew. One which would be respected at all costs…
Three members of the Arkham PMC formed an intimidating semi-circle around the scared couple.
"What are you doing out here past the mandated curfew?" demanded one of them, the most senior, judging by his beret. Whilst the others wore gas masks, making them even more intimidating.
"We- we're sorry, we just lost track-"
"Well, that's no excuse, is it?" gloated the Militia leader, a cruel smile on his gaunt features, an electric stun baton in his hand, now charged up, "You people need to learn the importance of rules and orders…"
"Hey, douchebags!" a new voice yelled.
All six turned to the man who had observed from the other side of the road.
He was an older man, late fifties to early sixties, an expression that said he was only truly happy when he was unhappy.
Despite his age, he still looked able to handle himself, a requirement for the man who had run Metropolis Special Crimes Unit for two decades.
The Arkham PMCs turned their attention towards their insulter, "got something to say, you old asshole?" one sniggered.
These three were younger, stronger (possibly on one of Batman's strength enhancer pills) and heavily armed… but Dan Turpin, a detective of the Metropolis Police Department, faced them all down without a hint of fear.
"Nah, you heard me, you little shit." He said defiantly, "Nobody picks on innocent people in my town. Leave them alone, and deal with me if you're real men."
The leader only grinned, "We can do both." And with that, he landed a punch to Dan's chest that sent him flying back through a shop window.
Trupin reeled in pain, internal parts broken, and being cut from the glass.
"Ugh damn you…" he pulled out his detective badge, never backing down, "You have the… the right to remain silent."
They only laughed at that.
"You're not in control anymore…" the commander glared, the stun baton charged, "Now, old man, lets teach you some manners."
It was the last thing Dan heard as the first blow knocked him out cold.
*Holding Cells, Justice League Watchtower*
02:20 GMT. 21st October 2013
"Absolutely not." Responded Nightwing, within the meeting room, unhappiest of everyone with their current situation "He doesn't belong here, we should've send him away already. Warn any of his Fanclub the Earth is off limits."
After the visit from Ganthet, Batman had called an emergency meeting of the League.
"The Guardians have made their intentions plain." Martian Manhunter announced, "They will return, not only for Batman, but for all of us." He glared, "All for simply making the planet safer. Perhaps turning away a potential ally would be unwise at this time."
Hawkman, Zatanna, Captain Atom, Batgirl, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, Kid Flash, Nightwing, Powergirl, Ra's Al Ghul and Black Canary were all present.
Batman at the centre. Listening to various arguments as to what their next course of action should be.
Their "guest" Sinestro was also there, kept in an energy-powered red cell. He had put up no resistance and now stood smiling as the arguments went back and forth.
"No disagreement." Said Cyborg, "But Dick is right. We can't just let this guy" pointing at Sinestro, "weasel his way into acting as if he's our ally. He's another bad guy."
"He wasn't lying about the Guardians." Hawkman pointed, "And there's no reason to assume he's being dishonest about his intentions."
Batman said nothing, still contemplating.
"I agree with Nightwing and Cyborg." Declared Ra's, "This man is a dangerous mass murderer. No better than the likes of Joker, Black Adam, or Lex Luthor.", he shock his head with an unhappy look, "If we enlist him, we damage our cause."
"-He's right, Batman." Came to arrogant voice of Sinestro, "Your pets are correct to fear me, all are. But you must understand, you and I are the same."
A ruckus erupted as the statement, "He's nothing like you!" an angry Nightwing shouted, "You're a psychotic murderer. Nothing more."
"If he's Batman, I'm the pope." Added Black Canary, also glaring at their prisoner. Showing her allegiance in this argument.
Sinestro remained calm, looking towards Canary.
"Ah, but only as you have consumed the bile of lies the Guardians have spread about me, even now that you see what they truly are." He then turned to Batman, seemingly in earnest, "In truth, I was once a man such as yourself, Batman. And I see myself in you, and your allies. Why for example, would I have told you the truth of Krypton?" he looked at Power Girl, who reacted uncomfortably, but hid it with a glare at Sinestro, who continued, "No matter which universe they come from, the Guardians are liars and deceivers. Unwilling to protect the people of any of their universes." He turned back to Batman, "It therefore leaves men like us to lead." His seemingly stuck in place arrogant features twisted into one of sadness, "like you, Batman, I know of loss as well and what such tragedy can inspire…" then, his face twisted into dark anger, "And being betrayed by those who I was called friends."
"Once…" he paused, "Once, as you know, I was a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Their greatest in fact, before the late Hal Jordan took the mantle… I never questioned the motives of the Guardians, only later did I realise, they are cold, unfeeling creatures, bent only on establishing their twisted ideal of control across the galaxy, and I was their weapon to achieve it."
Sinestro shook his head, seemingly caught up in multiple flashbacks as he thought back to his life – everyone present remaining silent… and truly listening, especially Batman himself.
"They gave me my sector, which included my own planet of Korugar, I had the power, the moral fibre, and the vision! Was I not meant to improve my home? I did what needed to be done, and I cut rot out." He said the last sentence with venomous pride in his voice.
"I ripped down the corrupt government that had been destroying my people for so long. I made it safe… for them, and my own family: my beloved wife, Arin, and my sweet daughter, Sornanik."
For a short time, the hatefulness lifted from Sinestro, dark eye's reminiscing…
"What happened?" Batman finally spoke up, voice low and pitying. Now face to face with his prisoner, separated only by the security gate.
The Yellow Lantern's eyes closed, "Some of the rot remained. My wife… she must have seen them coming, it was why she sent our child away for her safety, not even myself could know…"
The dark hate and anger returned, but a tinge of sadness sept through "The Guardians… they sent me off-world. I was on another planet, saving lives, when it happened. No healer could explain it, but I could see their hand in this. The exiled government had her murdered to get to me." He paused, "I admit my retribution may have been somewhat overzealous."
"That's one word for it." Nightwing snarked, "Hal Jordan said you killed hundreds before the Lanterns stopped you."
Sinestro looked at him, and chuckled dryly, "Ah, my fellow Corpsmen. Yes… when they arrived, their minds had already been filled with lies. That I was the villain." He looked disheartened, "Those men and women, many of whom I had trained personally – including Jordan – they were beyond reason. I never wished to fight them… alas, they were too many, and I was labelled a monster for saving Korugar. Hal was the one who stripped me of my power, one of my closest friends, his was the worst betrayal of all."
Silence hung over the cellblock. Leaguers all thought silently, coming to their own conclusions as to Thaal Sinestro's version of events.
"Believe it or not." He continued, "but I've never blamed Hal Jordan, nor any Green Lantern for their actions. They are all indoctrinated. The Guardians poisoned his mind, he was their tool." He stared Batman directly in his eyes, "it was that same dogma that led him to turning on you, as you have gone onto save your own planet." He sighed sadly, "his death is of their making."
Once more, Wayne remained silent, allowing the others to voice their thoughts.
Nightwing walked up beside Batman, "you can't believe any of this, Bruce. No matter what he says, right now he's the leader of a genocidal army of madmen and women that's laid waste to thousands of worlds. We can't join with him."
"I agree with Grayson." Said Ra's, who looked on at Sinestro, "men like him whisper their poison. Pollute your senses and leave you blind to the monsters they are."
"I think we should work with him." spoke Hawkman, to the shock of some, Sinestro himself giving a grateful nod to the Thanagarian, "Regardless of his record, he is correct as to the threat we face."
"I concur." Added Martian Manhunter, his arms crossed, standing in the centre.
Cyborg shock his head, "Hell no. We take bad guys down. We don't form partnerships with them."
A subdued argument erupted, with sides being formed as to what they needed to do.
Nightwing was the loudest who opposed Sinestro's offer of friendship, and he was backed by the majority; Cyborg, Ra's, Zatannah, Canary, Raven, Kid Flash, Starfire and Captain Atom.
Hawkman and Martian Manhunter were the sum total who supported taking Sinestro's offer of aid as it stood.
All waited for Batman to make his decision… but to the surprise of all he was stopped by the Korugaran.
"I see the mistrust of your allies of me makes this difficult. Then there is no reason to be any less honest: I need you, Batman, your forces, your abilities. I have no interest in destroying you. And now we share the same enemy."
The Yellow Lantern stepped ever closer, inches from being burned by the red glowing gate.
"They will never leave you or this planet in peace. They will bring war, and harm to the people." That triggered something in Batman, his fists clenching, and mouth gritting at the idea of harm coming to the entire planet that was now his second charge.
Sinestro noticed and slyly smirked, "I am not deceiving you. I desire revenge. Aligning with you serves that purpose." His tiled towards the direction of the Martian, slightly looking over Batman's armoured shoulder, "Ask the Martian. He can tell if I'm lying, can he not?"
Bruce turned his head and nodded to Jo'nn.
Moments passed as Martian Manhunter probed Sinestro's mind, looking for any traces of deceit in his words.
"He speaks the truth." Jo'nn announced to all.
"Well." Nightwing said, "at least we know he's honest about being evil." He looked to everyone else, "I vote for letting him rot in a cage."
The rogue Lantern merely laughed as his gaze rested upon Dick Grayson, "You think to contain me, little bird?"
Basking in a bright yellow, Sinestro casually floated out of the cell, past Batman, and right in Nightwing's face, mere inches from each other, whilst the former Boy Wonder stood his ground.
"You have no idea what I'm capable of." The pink-skinned alien glared in disgust, looking him up and down, "I could kill you with a mere thought."
Within seconds, Sinestro was shoved back against the metal wall by the throat, courtesy of Starfire.
"Do anything to him." she spat, emerald eyes wrathful, "And I'll show you what it means to have fourth degree burns."
"That's enough!" Batman finally spoke up, drawing everyone's attention.
Batman paced up to where Starfire now held Sinestro, who he glared at, "Threaten one of my sons again and I'll give you something to truly fear."
"You still distrust me." Sinestro said rhetorically with a sigh, "very well…"
Everyone braced, for an attack, or an effort to escape perhaps… neither of which came.
The leader of his self-named Corps removed his ring of his own volition.
"Here." he said, the jewel in hand, yellow constructed armour vanishing, replaced with regular Korugaran clothes, offering it to Batman.
"What is this?" questioned Zatannah. Clearly suspicious.
"Consider it a gesture of good faith." The Korugaran responded, who gave it over to Batman.
The Dark Knight took a moment to study the deceptively powerful weapon, and handed it over to Ra's Al Ghul, keeping an eye on their now disarmed prisoner who had given up his near unstoppable weapon. Weary as to what his game was…
"They are Guardians in name only. They want control, nothing more. How many civilisations do you think they have sat back and let die?"
Without a prompt, Sinestro went back into his cell, which powered up once more.
"I am not a good man. But mark my words. When the time comes, you'll need me. And together, we will end them." He said with a final, sadistic glee.