Princess Protection: Danger, Lantern Rayner, Danger!

by Marc | Aug 18, 2018 | Chronicles

ARTHUR: It was a relatively quiet trip. Arthur contacted Kori to let her know that they were going to be going a trip. He didn’t say where they were going only that they would be out of pocket for a bit.  She was to dress comfortably for the car ride, because there would be no flying.  He would be driving them to their destination.

He advised that they would arrive bright and early for their road trip. Not that it would take long, but he wanted to get an early start.  There were things to do, and people to see.  His request had been granted and he was about to waist anyone’s time.  Of course, earlier meant that he would arrive after rush hour.  No reason for them to have to deal with that. Not one to honk for someone to come out he stepped out and rang the doorbell.

Once Kori was ready he escorted her to the car opened the door and let her get in.  He was back in the driver’s seat and they would be on their way to destinations unknown…actually Gotham. Outside of Gotham actually, but Kori didn’t know that not until they were well on their way. Arthur said nothing he kept a stoic face as he drove. Perhaps he had something or some things on his mind difficult to say as they drove.  Either way outside of NPR coming from the speakers not much else was offered beyond pleasantries.

KORIAND’R:  There had been an ominous mention of something during their last meeting. Something about an examination, a thought that troubled her and made her anxious. That anxiety was almost palpable on the ride there but she remained quiet, looking out the window and watching the world whiz by at an almost painfully slow pace. Flying would have been faster. These vehicles were not good for this planet’s environment and the reliance these humans had on them was startling. Then again, they couldn’t fly. A journey more than a couple of miles on foot was probably troublesome and tiring for most of the citizens here. At least they were not employing animals to pull them around or ride on them to carry them about from one place to another. She still didn’t understand why cars had ‘horsepower’ when there were no horses inside at all. She looked. She was disappointed to find that there were no tiny horses under the hood.

The road signs were the only indication of where they were going. She wasn’t familiar with where the roads went and she knew general destinations and landmarks to go by from up in the air. The first sign that said ‘Gotham’ made her draw in a sharp breath.

“Really? After what happened? They don’t want me there, they don’t even like super powered people there.”

Perhaps because the more criminal and heroic elements of the city seemed to have some psychological issues they needed to work through. Some more than others. They seemed to embrace this though, embraced those oddities and weaknesses. She hadn’t really gotten a chance to learn more. She was just so careful and made her choices carefully so she didn’t disrupt the careful balance of things and upset people like…Dr Light.

“Are we going to see Red Hood? He was probably concerned about me.”

ARTHUR:  There was a lot on Arthur’s mind.  The things that had been shared. The things that were not shared.  To say he had a lot on his mind was an understatement, but it did not show.  If anything it seemed like any other day when he encounter others.   He engaged them in conversation and went about his business.  Arthur was not known to be a ball of energy.  He was rather subdued. When it became obvious what their destination was he opted not to answer the question.   Really?   Did it matter that Gotham was their intended destination?  Yes, there had been a great deal of damage that had occurred here, but it had been handled.

Arthur would not go as far to say that he was puzzled, but he was curious.  Curious about a great many things, but he kept his eyes on the road while traveling.  Opting not to pull into the city he continued along the highway, past the city proper heading towards the outskirts.  One might thing he was heading to Wayne Manor instead their destination was another Manor one where the grounds weren’t as well as maintained, but it seemed to have an order all its known, order out of chaos.  Out of the city there was a tangle of green that seemed to be teaming with life.

Through the gates they went as Arthur pulled the vehicle up  towards the entrance he stopped the glancing over towards Koriand’r.

“No, we’re not going to see the Red Hood.”   However, they had arrived at their destination. “I thought it best to consult another regarding our situation.”   He fastened his seat belt after shutting off the car.  “They’ve agreed to the meeting. ” Opening the door, he slipped out of the car waiting for Kori to join him.  “I’m afraid I will not be allowed inside.  “However, you are expected.”   It is best that he did not join her inside.  Plausible deniability.

“I can escort you to the door.”   Which he did.  The manor was large, but not massive.  It had a very peculiar air about it.  If it felt like they were being watched perhaps they were, by who Arthur wouldn’t be able to tell her.  However, there was something wild and untamed about it much like the wild growth that surrounded the structure.

Upon reaching the door he reached out to ring the bell.

KORIAND’R:  “All of this secrecy is troubling me,” she said softly. Maybe it was better that she didn’t know exactly what she was walking into. If she had known, would she have gone? Only Dr. Light knew the answer to that question.

This house was not like the others she had seen. The grounds were not as well maintained, like things were allowed to grow wild and untamed. In a way it was appealing, she liked the idea of allowing things to grow unhindered. Some of it brought back memories of the gardens she had visited when she was a child and back on her home planet. Though the climate here was much cooler and the plants were less colorful and full of foliage.

She remained close to Dr. Light as they approached the manor. Despite being stronger, faster and capable of firing devastating rays of energy, she was still susceptible to her emotions. She did her best to keep a strong face on but her eyes kept wandering and darting about.

She thought about asking who they were seeing but more than likely it wouldn’t have been a name she would recognize. She could only get an idea from how the grounds were. Either someone didn’t care to tend to the grounds or they just simply preferred it this way.

ARTHUR: All of the secrecy was troubling her.  Interesting, but it was true.  He wasn’t being very forthcoming.   Unfortunately for Koriand’r that was anot about to change.  Instead he offered a nod acknowledging her discomfort. It is all that he could offer her at the moment.

He was about to say something more when the locks on the door undid themselves and the door slid open slowly creaking loudly as it did.

“Enter Koriand’r of Tamaran.  We have been expecting you.”  The voice was loud but not overbearing, but as the door continued t to open there was no one there.   Until there was there was a flickering bit of light which caught Arthur’s attention given that it wasn’t what he expected, but he didn’t let on too much.

The little flickering bit of light danced around in the air zipping around both Light and Kori before settling back into the door way.

“He will guide you to where you need to be,  Princess of Tamaran.”

KORIAND’R: A more serious look was cast at Dr. Light. The voices were ominous and the fact they knew her title and where she hailed from was a bit disturbing. Whoever ‘they’ was. She had never laid her green eyes harshly on him but at this moment she did for a very brief moment. It was an unspoken promise that there would be some problems in his future if harm came to her.

She took a deep breath and took a slow step forward to follow the little light creature. She was almost waiting for the doors to close behind her, just like those horror films.

There were just so many questions, how did they know about her? What were they? Why do they have a bouncing light doorman?

LIGHT/GREEN LANTERN:  Light was unfazed by the serious look that was leveled his way, though he was more than a bit curious.  He knew this was not one person’s style.   People believed his associate to be a tad eccentric, but dramatic.  He wasn’t sure if that’s the way he would describe his colleague.  Watching Koriand’r take those brave steps forward across the threshold Arthur waited and a few seconds later the door did just that it closed on its own.  Or at least it appeared that way to anyone that was looking.

The flickering light moved away from the door into the foyer. It danced around Kori before sliding through the air moving slow enough for her to keep up as it moved past the grand stair case it was heading elsewhere zipping down the hall before stopping to make sure that their guest was still with them. If she lingered too long there were a few pulses followed by a high pitch tone to get her attention.  It was his way of saying, “This way! This way! Follow me!”

When Kori caught up it moved down the hall towards the room of requirement…well in this case a very large room that was filled with books. It was a library.  There were other rooms that could have been selected, but perhaps it was the best place to start.   The room was filled with light and there were books that lined every wall and it even had a stair case that went to a second level where there were more shelves that lined the walls. It was something out of a classic movie, including the individual that stood at the railing dressed in a black cloak.

“Welcome, Koriand’r.  Welcome to the Mansion of the Emerald Grove.  I am one of its guardians.  I have been told you came to this world in search of sanctuary.  Now that sanctuary is threatened.  Your past has refused to stay where you placed it.  It has followed you here to your chosen  refuge.  Tell me. Why have you come? Is it protection that you need? What dangers have followed you from your homeworld?”

The voice was slightly distorted, but could be made out clearly, but it did not sound human in the least.

KORIAND’R:  “I came to seek refuge, away from a life of slavery. My right to freedom and control over my own destiny.”

She considered the questions very carefully, her eyes never leaving the figure. Did she need protection? That was a very good question. She had been able to fight off nearly every foe thrown her direction. It was only in numbers that they even had a chance of defeating her. Not even the bounty hunter concerned her too much. She was more concerned about the damage he would do in order to get to her though. It was the people around her that needed more protecting. It was a funny twist of fate in that way.

“I have nowhere else to go, Stranger. I may have…endangered my people by escaping my situation. A bounty hunter was employed to kill me. There was an arm of a dangerous race that had interest in me. Their resources would be poorly spent sending a ship here…not to devalue myself but I do not see it worth their investment.”

She took a deep breath before continuing, attempting to be as honest and and clear about her intentions as she could be.

“I did not wish to bring harm to those on this planet. I feel as if the consequences of my actions are causing the very thing I feared bringing upon these people. I made an oath when I arrived that I would protect them and I would do my best to embrace this planet as my own..for I have no other to call my home. If I continue as I am, more threats may come to me…more innocent people caught in the fire.”

She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. Maybe she didn’t need a guardian to explain what she must do, she already had thoughts and there were pieces in play that could assist her. Should she return? Should she go back to the mess she left and clean it up before it haunted her once more?

GREEN LANTERN:  “Tell, me Princess of Tamaran.  Does Tamaran have no allies you could turn to?  No one that could help you liberate your people and planet?  Were you comfortable with leaving your former life behind? Surely it must have crossed your mind the danger your courted when you chose to escape?  Your actions would have consequences.  Your people.  Those that came in contact with.  Surely the specter of your past would haunt your footsteps no matter where you went.  Yet you selected a world that may be ill prepared for the consequences of these actions.” 

The figure pushed off the railing walking towards the stairs.

“There must have been someone that you could have reached out to to aid you against this tyrannical force of miscreants.”  The cloaked figured stopped.  “Does Tamaran stand alone in the dark against the villainy of the Daemonites? Do they run rampant unchecked by no one? I was told that there was a force dedicated to upholding order across the galaxy.  Did they not come to your aid?  Did you not think to seek them out?”

He began to walk down the steps stopping at the middle of them as he looked upon Koriand’r.   “I have heard your tale.  What brought you here.  Why you stand here before me.  Yet I find myself concerned that there are pieces missing.    I find myself perplexed as to why a bounty hunter a Czarnian origin would be dispatched to kill you.  Why would he want to kill you?  A failed experiment as you have described it.  As Mister Spock would say, that is…”

Removing the hood Green Lantern revealed his face, masked face.  “…quite illogical.”

KORIAND’R:  “There were not Lanterns there to stop what happened. No one heard the cries of my dying people when they invaded. No one came to aid my mother and father when they were slaughtered. No one came to aid when the tears of a child princess stained her dress as she was unwillingly taken away.”

She was getting angry with the questions. She answered them the best she could but with each passing word she found herself angrier and irritated with the entire situation. She brought her hand to her collarbone very quickly, turning the image off that disguised her as human so that this man could see the pure fury that was in her eyes and the fire that ignited among the strands of her red hair.

“I was a CHILD. I was innocent. I grew up with those creatures, my skills and my body were honed to their desires.

What else was I supposed to do? I didn’t find a Lantern until I came to this planet.”

She snorted dismissively as he mentioned the bounty hunter, “Well, he failed. I attempted to ask him but he would give no answers. I do not know what is going on with Tamaran, at all. I have not known a thing since I stepped foot off that planet. If I could find that pest I would blast the answers out of him myself.”

There was an abrupt silence when the figure removed the cloak. She wanted to scream at him but at least the shock had caused her to loosen her fists.

“That….”

She was still angry, it was very difficult for her to shift her mood so suddenly. At least she went from a boil to a simmer but her eyes were narrowed at the Lantern.

“…was not funny at all.”

KORIAND’R:  “I have already considered those options. I am aware of how the organization handles ‘threats’. I was spending my time attempting to find another solution. I find sunbathing very useful for thinking.”

Though the only she had considered wouldn’t have been very nice but it certainly would have involved the bounty hunter, as he is the only one with something resembling space craft capable of travel.

Had it really come to this though? Even Dr Light was out of options for her? The only option seemed to point…wherever that fool was.

“He is capable of regenerating from devastating attacks. I’m not sure how strong he is but the chain and the bike seem to be his best tools. He was essentially grounded when the bike was blasted. However, it too seemed capable of repairing itself. I don’t know anything about Czarnians beyond the fact that they are essentially extinct. I suppose anything can be brought back with cloning.”

For a moment she thought she had misheard what he had said, neutralize sounded a lot like ‘neuter’ for a brief moment. Either way, the fact stood that he was a problem.

“More will come. I doubt he was boasting about the sizable bounty. I want to end this before it becomes worse. So…”

She feared the answer to this question, there were very few ideas jumbling in her head and there was nothing brute force was going to be able to do in this particular situation. She may have to use more subtle skills.

“…any ideas on neutralizing my bounty hunter problem? I was considering resorting to negotiations that may appeal to him.”

She didn’t really want to get into the details of what that particularly meant but she knew what the hunter had a fondness for, though it may only be a distraction at best.

GREEN LANTERN:  “Doesn’t that sound like a terrible waste of resources to keep sending someone after you time and time again?  Not to mention the amount of damage it will cause?” Perhaps it’s time to stop playing defense and go on the offense.  You were meeting the Czarnian head on.  Sounds like he was looking for a fight.  Also, from everything I’ve gathered he doesn’t sound like one that will keep his mouth shut.  Big bounty.  Alien warrior princess.”  Kyle shook his head.  “Also discretion doesn’t sound like his cup of tea.  You know not when there are buildings exploding and the sort. That could be a way in.”  That is if they talk with other individuals.

“What I’m getting at if there will be others that means a couple of things.  We have a total Han Solo – Bobba Fett situation going on.  Empire Strikes Back.  Recommended viewing.”  He had to throw that in.  “However, that means that despite the fact he wants the big score he may not be the only person on their way.  They could be arriving any time to do what needs to be done.  So we have decisions that we need to make.  Staying planet side while potentially full of allies puts innocent civilians at risk and even if you do a death match beat down and either end it for them or send them packing their going to keep coming.  That’s a total no win scenario for anyone. Total Kobyashi Maru.”   No one wants that.

“There for we need to find out who’s sending these bounty hunters after you and why and that’s going to involve information gathering. If this Czarnian bounty hunter won’t give up the information some one will.  Something be a secret not if there’s going to be a whole host of bounty hunters coming our way.   However, this does mean that our immediate problem needs to be handled.  We need a plan and we can’t come up with a proper plan if we have a Czarnian on our back.”

Which is problematic.  “I don’t know what we can offer him outside of a complementary kick in the ass.  I’m pretty sure asking or telling him to leave will be laughable at best.  If that was possible problem would already be solved.”  He pursed his lips.   “I can do a bit of research see what I can find out about Czarnian’s, but I also think it would best if you stay here at least for the time being.  You were tracked to Gotham and probably can be tracked no matter where you go, but I believe the manor can offer a bit of protection.”  Maybe.  He should really confirm that with Alan.   Kyle was 90% sure.

“Also, it will give us a chance to come up with a plan and just as important train together.”  Find out how they work as a team.  The thing that always goes down how fast is trying to work together and not knowing how to work as a team.  Kyle watched enough ani..read enough man….read enough to know that.   Additionally, it would give him a chance to figure a few things out.

KORIAND’R: The princess was left blinking several times. There were names and things mentioned that she had no clue what they meant. One sounded vaguely Japanese but it wasn’t a language she had yet absorbed into her vocabulary but she had heard it spoken enough to know of its origin. Half of what he said made sense but she was lacking the context of some of the situation.

She was safe where she was too. Raven had good shielding up, she was very skilled even if she was quiet and a bit dark. Kori didn’t have feelings for her one way or another but it felt safe there.

“I…wasn’t going to ask nicely. I was planning on seducing him. He has a weakness and a fondness for women. I could easily use that to my advantage and perhaps he’ll even speak more about this bounty. If I can isolate him somewhere there isn’t an immediate threat to the citizens nearby, this may be possible. Though if we keep waiting, he may grow impatient and start blasting away again. He may take the safety of this planet hostage until I am given up. This other plan would cut him off before it got to that point. Or…he kills me. Or…I am taken back to Tamaran. Either way, the threat is removed from this planet. I will fight until I cannot fight anymore. This is my way.”

She shrugged. It wasn’t an ideal situation but she didn’t have strong feelings about it either way. Sex was just sex, when it was more intimate that was when things tended to get mixed up and scary. It was easier with detachment. It was what she was familiar with.

GREEN LANTERN:  Sex and violence.  Apparently, that was the way the world heck the galaxy worked.  Who knew?  Probably everyone.  Kyle didn’t know if it was an epiphany or some type of cruel joke.  There were dozens of thoughts that ran through his mind as Kori laid out what she wanted to do.

It was a plan to which Kyle could offer one response.

“That’s the very definition of asking nicely.”

Kyle didn’t balk, but seriously how was that not asking nicely?  Anyone? Anyone?

“Ok let’s logic bomb this.  Game?”  She said it right?

“Let the logic bombing commence.  The bounty hunger is seduced.  You get the information that you’re looking for.  What then? I mean was sex on the list of things that he would take in exchange for your life?”  Fair question.

“If so.  Well, that solves that problem.  If not, is there a follow up to neutralize him after you get everything you need out of him? And to clarify neutralize him to the point that he is no longer a problem.”  He thought it was a fair question. Unless she’s like Zoe from American Horror Story Coven, and it’s death by “V” Kyle didn’t see that solving the problem completely.   All’s fair in logic bombing.

“Second question.  What are you going to do with the information after you’ve gotten it from him?  Does it change your predicament?”

KORIAND’R:  “I didn’t expect that to work so easily. So, no. It’s a tool, not an end game. He has a lust for destruction as well, he could be turned towards a more appropriate target. That would also be a win. Maybe they’re only paying him so handsomely so he won’t turn on the deal. Imagine how rich he could get off of destroying them and taking the loot?”

It was very much a pirate angle, if they were already promising him a good fat sum, they probably had more to offer if they were split open with his bare hands. Part of her was pleased with the thought of being able to orchestrate such a chain of events but things didn’t always work so simply.

“I’m not sure, it depends on the information. I have considered that I may have to leave, regardless. If it’s something only I must address and fix, it would be better done with at least one powerful ally beside me. I will report anything I find, of course. If that sector is assigned to someone, perhaps they will see fit to aide me as well.”

There was a problem in this though, she didn’t know who was behind the bounty. If the Daem were involved there was a lot of unknowns about them and how far spread their influence was. If it was from Tamaran? If it was from one of her own people? It was also a complicated situation. If her leaving negated the arrangement then they were probably already under attack.

“…I need information. There is only one man with the truth of what is going on. That is completely and utterly unavoidable.”

GREEN LANTERN:  The red flags were up all over the place, but, he did so Kyle listened as this was laid out. It gave him a moment to take it all in   “Okay, assuming that you are successful with this plan of action you want to then suggestion to the bounty hunter that an even bigger bounty awaits if he turns on the individual or individuals that hired him?”  He was restating to make sure that he heard that part correctly.  He needed to make sure he heard that.

“Negotiating to bribe him is one thing with something you have is one thing. Negotiating with him for something you don’t have just on a promise is another.  That can go wrong many different ways, no matter his proclivities. Sure he likes violence, but is that enough of a lure to turn him off his original bounty. I mean what happens when they make a better deal?” It happens.  “Someone flips once they’ll flip again.”  At least that’s a possibility that should be considered.

“I mean if he wants a challenge and he enjoys violence well, one thing to consider is that if there are more coming why not hire him to take out his competition.  Like all of his competition.  If the Daem hired him apparently they have resources that outstrip his competitors unless they have something of value he wants. I guess it does come back to if he was to take that type of deal what do you have or could you potentially have that would be of some value to him to take that job for you.  I guess I’m just a bit iffy on turning on the person that hired you. It’s bad for busisness though someone could just as easily say you get what you pay for.”

Also, it would be nice to have a backup plan.

“I can’t say what the other Lanterns will and won’t do, but my offer to help you stands, but I have to take it a step at a time. There are too many pieces on the board right now and equal amounts of unknown.”  He said honestly.

“The immediate problem needs to be handled.” Frankly without it coming back in the third act to bite them in the ass.

KORIAND’R:  Everything I had was confiscated…then later destroyed and burned when he attacked.”

The wreckage was in the custody of Nowhere though but she doubted there was much left to bribe with. They had probably already destroyed it to prevent it being taken or possibly reverse-engineered.

“X’hal, I only have hope and faith. It’s all I’ve had for many years. I know in the sense of logic that doesn’t really amount to much but when things are desperate…sometimes it’s the only things that count.”

There weren’t a lot of options left and there were fewer contingencies. If they removed the Hunter’s tools…he’d only be slightly more manageable. It was a matter of taking them and destroying them utterly and completely that was the very difficult and potentially disastrous part. That would leave them both stranded and without options though.

She winced as she pushed her hair from her face and rubbed at her temple with her fingertips.

“If that fails, he kills me. That will satisfy his bounty and possibly end the conflict. It is not the option I want but it is a very real possible outcome.”

GREEN LANTERN:  “Well, that’s very fatalist of you,” he said regarding the last statement.    “Hope and faith are good, but a good solid plan is even better.”  And that they were severely lacking in. They also should have a plan, B, C and D, but Kyle would start with A once he could get his thinking cap on.

“There are some things to consider, but there’s also some things that you need to think over, as well.    Specifically, how far you’re willing to trust people, because from where I’m standing there’s there’s a severe lack of trust.”  That was Kyle’s truth, and no one could tell him different as of right now.

“It may be the nature of your situation, and if it puts me out of line then it puts me out of line.  As my friend…closest person I have to a best friend told me once, I can only be me.  I can’t be the Green Lantern people want me to be. I have to be the Green Lantern I need to be me. The Green Lantern they need me to be and need and want don’t always go hand in hand.”

What does that mean? Hard truths.

“Fighting until you can’t fight any more isn’t a real option.  It’s nice way to get dead and frankly it’s a pretty shitty thing to do to your people.  You can’t help them if you’re dead.

“You are their Princess, aren’t you?  That means that they look up to you, that they have some affection for you unless they don’t care? That’s not the situation is it?”   Again, was it out of line?  Maybe?  However, there was just something about it that rubbed Kyle the wrong way.  Maybe he was a little naive ok a lot naive about things, but things weren’t adding up.

“As far as getting killed or being willing to be taken back to Tamaran I don’t know. If that were the case, you wouldn’t have come here.  You would’ve resigned yourself to that fate long ago.” It was frank, it was honest, it was the only way Kyle knew how to be at the moment, because…he had his reasons.

“You would’ve gone there instead of coming here or you would have attempted to figure out how to rectify the situation that you currently find yourself in.  So, before I find myself trying to solve the unlogic puzzle that’s sitting here in front of me how about you tell me what’s really going on Tamaran that you don’t want to talk about?”   Or whatever it is that she’s playing close to vest, because it’s obvious.

“Because A.  As stated before you’re a princess. That means you have some modicum of responsibility and/or authority.”  At least that’s the way Kyle saw it.  Unless she’s a princess in name only.

“So, you should give a damn about your people.  Which I think you do.   However, you didn’t come here and say, “my planet is under attack I need your help to save it, you came and sought sanctuary.  Maybe it was everything that happened I don’t know.  Still those were the choices that you made. Decisions that have and will follow you no matter where you go.”

“Which brings me to B.  You’re willing to get pissed off about some things, but not the right things as I see it.  It confuses the hell out of me, and probably frustrates the hell out of others, but I can’t speak for them.“ The entire getting upset about being questioned the way she was. Who wouldn’t question her like that?

“Last but not least there’s C. You put this planet in jeopardy knowing full well what could and would happen, and seemed a-ok about it, because you had a nice place to chill.  So, was earth a pit stop on your getaway tour?  Did you really think you could out run what you’re trying to run away from?  The Daem is just one part of it.”

“If we’re going to do something about this then we need to be focused and free of surprises and right now this isn’t as they say isn’t passing muster.”   And no one has time for that.

“If are you going to get angry, throw a fit, and toss in some tears to boot then do so.  I’ll sit and let that play out.

“I want to help you, but I feel like I’m operating partially in the dark. There’s pieces here and there that offered up, but there are other pieces that are missing at least that’s what it feels like.”

KORIAND’R:  She inhaled deeply. She was trying not to be grim and dark about the potential outcomes. It didn’t suit her and darkness wasn’t something she could wear very well. She’d rather be happy, or disguise as much as she can with some optimism and finding joy in the little things.

She finally felt calm enough to sit without breaking the furniture,  or setting it ablaze or any number of things she wanted to do when she was angry. It wouldn’t have been right, not when she was a guest in this man’s home and it had put Dr. Light out of his way to bring her here as well. She’d be letting two men down.

“My sister is their queen, she was put into that position during the invasion and not very long after my parents had died. The terms were quite simple, my sister Komand’r would serve as queen and I would be exiled, taken into the care of the invaders. Never to return to my home. Returning would put the safety of my people and my sister at risk, it may even negate any agreements my sister may have made to make sure our people were looked after. So, my family may be respected and I may be fondly remembered as the sweet young princess…but I fear any return may cause a great deal of problems.”

It wasn’t so simple when there were agreements that were signed. Oaths that were required to be honored.

“I didn’t have anywhere else to go, except as far away as I could. So, I don’t know if someone put the bounty to ensure I never return to my home planet. It could also be an effort to clean up any research that was performed on me. Perhaps someone doesn’t want me falling into the wrong hands. There seems to be a great deal of concern or fear on part of whomever created the bounty. They don’t want me around, they don’t want me alive and they don’t seem to like that I am here either. I do not know anymore without going straight to the Hunter, the Czarnian.”

There were other problems but at least the calmness had allowed her to think things through. What was it that frightened someone so much that they would pay many riches for her to be gone? Knowing what that is would be like possessing some intangible power.

GREEN LANTERN:  Kyle watched, but said nothing. Ordinarily he was game from plenty of things, but at the moment he had to play the “straight” man to all of this.  It was a lot and he could allow himself to be overwhelmed or delight in the fact that he was standing across from a rea- life alien, again, but he couldn’t. That had to be set aside by the fact that a great deal of harm came to people, a building was destroyed and there was an intergalactic bounty hunter on the loose looking for a princess.

This was the stuff comics were made from him.  Who was he kidding? This was the stuff that cool ass anime were made off, but again he couldn’t bask in that. No. No. No.  He had to be the Space Cop.  Yay!  At least that is what was passing through his mind at the moment while Koriand’r spoke about what amounted to very limited information.

Nothing about that sounded right in the least. Kyle had seen enough episodes of Game of Thrones to know how things like that worked out.

However, they would get back to that.

“Let’s do a little information sharing here.   What do you know about the Czarnians? Like do you know how they died out? Do you know what they were like? What we’re dealing with here?  I know.  I know.  I ask a lot of questions, but this is where we head into the realm of the unknown.  At the moment we control neither the vertical or the horizontal.  So, let’s find out what we do control.”

KORIAND’R:  “I don’t know much, admittedly. I had a lot of lessons and a lot of stories were told to me but sometimes stories are tales of caution and twisted somewhat.”

She was feeling a little frustrated, she was trying to be as honest as she could manage and be forthcoming with what information she knew. It was hard when her learning was halted by her own world’s changing events. Her education had become much more brutal and out of necessity for survival.

“Czarnia used to be a thriving planet, much like Krypton. A very proud species. Something went horribly wrong. I’m not sure if it was a virus that preyed on their genetic weakness or some other kind of weapon altogether, but they were all eradicated. The entire species was gone with the exception of one. The Last Czarnian, or so the stories have said. Some say he was responsible for what happened, others say he was just lucky and was the only one immune. If that is true…then what the Hunter said was very confusing. He said something about clones. Many other races have the technology to do such a thing. It’s possible if they had the source material, I guess. I didn’t get a chance to ask more questions. I was being electrocuted and it was very unpleasant.”

GREEN LANTERN:  Kyle thought about what he should share.  Would it help the situation or make the situation more confusing?  Clones.  Should it matter?  Did it matter? However, if it was possible that they were dealing with a clone it would be interesting.  Kyle find himself curious about this, but decided to set it aside.  Whether this individual was a clone or not it was after Koriand’r and given the fact that she was currently residing on Earth it placed the planet in jeopardy.   It could quickly become a battlefield, or a bargaining chip and Kyle rather avoid either of those possibilities.  He was determined to make sure that was not an option.

Koriand’r’s frustration was the least of his concerns at the moment, because she was currently was the epitome of frustration.  Whether it was intentional or not she was not being as forthcoming as Kyle believed she could, because he didn’t think for a moment she was naive, far from it.  Every so then he saw glimpses of the person that he wanted to get to know.  Not the bubbling individual that spun tales of woe that made as about much sense as a Klingon saying Kahless skipped in fields in flowers hand in hand with a Romulan.

This was definitely two plus two equals five situation and right now there was only one person that could correct the equation.

“So, it’s possible that we can be dealing with an actual Czarnian or a clone of one?”   Makes you wonder who’s churning out clones and what that could mean.

And she wants to use her powers of seduction to pump him for information.  Then what?  There was no real follow through there.   More like hopeful humpings and potential for a bad plan of action afterwards.

“What I know of the last Czarnian is that he doesn’t roll over on his contracts. It’s part of his code.  Maybe that’s a rumor.  If he’s a clone, then maybe that didn’t make it through the process.  Who knows, but we could be dealing with either or.”  That’s the way he saw it.

“That aside, when he decides to make his next move I would prefer it to be away from earth.  Alien battlefields don’t make for friendship bracelets and ice cream parties.  Usually they you strapped to table and cut open.  Additionally, there’s no telling if there isn’t another bounty hunter waiting in the wings.”  Home court advantage only goes so far and based what he knew the amount of destruction that the Czarnian could cause would devastate the planet and if he was a clone who’s to say there aren’t more waiting to take his place and finish the job. Though this is a bit of an odd situation giving his best bud was cloned and engineered himself.

“So, how do we want to handle this?  Step 1 is to remove Earth from the equation.  Step 2 is to acquire information and neutralize threats.   Step 3 is how do we stop this from becoming a common occurrence meaning that whatever business is going on at home will have to be handled or you’ll be running and fighting until the end of time and that’s no way to live.  If there are cards to lay out on the table then lay them out.  You no longer have the luxury to pick and choose, because I suspect you value life over death. If you wanted death you wouldn’t have fought back. You would have ended a long time ago.”

KORIAND’R:  “I am without a craft that could handle space travel. What I arrived with was confiscated and it was hardly in flying shape. Physically I couldn’t handle the lack of atmosphere very long. I am strong, but I am not that strong. You could…your ring grants you the ability to do so? I’m assuming. Forgive me if I’m wrong. Do I just…go to Tamaran? I risk breaking the treaty, this would put my people at risk. Doing nothing would put the people of Earth at risk.”

The Lantern was right about her not wanting death. It was the reason she fought, it was the reason she endured. That and she didn’t want what happened to her and her people to happen to anyone else. Enduring everything had made her a hardened warrior and she hid that behind an armor of positivity and aloofness. She didn’t like peeling that armor back, it felt vulnerable. These people didn’t want an alien that had murdered so many in an effort to survive. They didn’t want a warrior that had been trained and changed to be some kind of weapon. She had seen that in how they treated Damien and in a way she and him were so very similar in that shared darkness.

“The Czarnian could be used. He has the information but he’s choosing not to share it right now. Clone or not, he’s a formidable opponent that not many would want to cross. Without pulling you out of your jurisdiction, without pulling others from their other missions and responsibility…he’s the only tool we have if he can only be turned the right direction. Or he won’t and then we’ll need to figure out how to throw him at the star you call The Sun.”

If the Lantern was looking for a peek into her brutality, there it was. She wasn’t above absolutely burning every atom of his body. Still, more may come.

“I don’t know what else to do. In the end, I’m the problem, I’m the focus of this. Do I turn myself back over to the Daem? It’s not death, it would cease any hardships for either problem. They would have to deal with whoever made the contract themselves. Their problem. The odds are not great.”

GREEN LANTERN:  “You already broke the treaty when you escaped.” He said it before and he said it again. “Standing here right on this ground not in the “care” of the Daem mean that the treaty is null and void. The treaty that you refer to is predicated on the idea that you would remain in the care. Unless there is something that I misunderstanding? You have violated said treated by making your escape.” He arched his brow.

“Before we go any further. Before we say anything else tell me what is the difference between you escaping and you going home? The treaty went up into smoke when you escaped.” He generated a story book and sent a rocket ship through it. “You’re blowing holes through you’re own cover story. So shall we start again from beginning or shall we continue from the middle of this half-truth, half fiction word dance you want me to engage in?”

KORIAND’R:  The truth hurt. The truth she was attempting to deny all this time was thrown right in her face and it hurt worse than a slap. She needed to be told that, it took hearing it from someone else, someone who was angry and frustrated at her for it to really sink in. When it hit, she shrunk back into the couch and pulled her knees up to her chest. It was like feeling helpless again. She was a prisoner to her actions and the consequences that had rippled across the cosmos.

She broke the treaty. It didn’t matter what the reasons were or what she was trying to escape. It was a very simple chain of events, she escaped and this put Tamaran in a bad position. If the bounty had come from Tamaran like the Czarnian said, it was highly possible it came directly from royal decree. This more than likely meant that her beloved sister, Komand’r, issued the order herself. Another truth that was painful and it made her a little angry as well.

“Then I broke it. I brought this on myself and to my people. It is my responsibility to set things right but I will not surrender myself to such torment again. I feel…I feel like breaking things until it is fixed. I may even need to come against my own sister, the queen. This is not what heroes do. Does this make me a horrible person, Lantern? Does this make me as bad as they are?”

Those green eyes were wide when she looked to the man. She was out of tears to cry over her situation and it didn’t feel like it was appropriate. Still, she was nearly overwhelmed by everything she felt in this very moment. It didn’t feel like there was a ‘right’ solution.

GREEN LANTERN:  “I’m less concerned about whether or not this means you’re a hero. I’m more concerned about what you want to do about this.  Your actions have consequences and it’s time to deal with them.  I could sit, get you something to drink and we can commiserate about what a shitty deal you got. I could say that someone in a similar situation probably would make the same choice over and over again. I don’t know. I can’t deal in hypotheticals. I have to play the cards that have been dealt as do you.”  There was no way around that.

“That said if we’re working under the assumption that your sister has decided that you’re not worth the salt of your tears then we have a place to start from.  This is not about whether or not you’re a hero it’s about what your survival means to you?  I mean if I go big picture. I can say.  Well, if one person is the cost for my planets survival than by all means let’s do this, but at what cost?   Honestly, truthfully, hasn’t that struck you as odd that your planet came under attack. Your parents killed and it all stops because this deal is struck. The planet’s survival comes down to one single person being placed into the care into the aggressors. They get you and everything’s good now? Wars are usually fought over something for something.  Not just because some group wants one person unless there’s something you’re not sharing or something that you’re not aware of. Theft and plunder of resources I get.  Oppression I get.”  Those were things that people have fought over before. A single person out of an entire planet?

“This I don’t quite get, but let’s start.  What do you know about your sister?  What kind of leader is she?  She handed you over to the people who murdered her parents.  She gave you up to stop a war.  For the good of the planet.  It sells well, but no festering anger or hate for the Daem?  Now she or someone within her government have sent a bounty hunter after you?”  He paused for a second.

“To what?  Prove to the Daem that you are no friend of Tamaran?  I mean…let’s think about this for a second.  If this is coming from Tamaran a planet that lost a war it sounds like they’ve recovered quite well. Well enough to hire a bounty hunter and from the sounds of it he doesn’t come cheap.  They can set this in motion so quickly.  Doesn’t that strike you as odd?” It felt odd.

“What do you know if anything about the arrangement that was established after your were handed over.  Did the Daem pack up and head to parts for unknown or did they maintain contact with Tamaran?”  She may not know, but Kyle was trying to figure out what was what.  He was also trying to figure out motives.

“Let’s not forget that if the Czarnian fails there are going to be more bounty hunters.  As bounty hunters fail then the price will go up.  How many coffers does Tamaran have to offer up?  Is this the legacy you want for your homeworld?  Where does it end?  Say the bounty hunter kills you, succeeds in ending your life what happens then?  It’s not like this a clause in the treaty is it?  In the event you escape then you die.  All is forgiven and the Daem forgives Tamaran? Doubtful.  Do they get someone to take in your place and they become the tribute?  The fate of a world rests on one person’s forced sacrifice?”

KORIAND’R:   “Taking hostage is common practice to gain political leverage. Sometimes it’s not aggressive at all, some royals taken as wards instead and raised with different families to create bonds and ties. It’s not the strength of a marriage bond but it’s a show of good will between two families. Taking me may have had the effect of making my sister compliant to their demands, I don’t know what has happened since. They could have reshaped the entire political structure of the kingdom in my absence. I’m not just one person, I’m a symbol of my people, I’m a princess, I hold…held…power and influence.”

Talking this out sort of helped things make sense to her. She had to withdraw herself from her emotions about her sister to see it.

“I’m a threat, Lantern. If I am free, I am also free to disrupt whatever they have established. If my sister is out of the picture, I am next in line to rule. I don’t know if this is being done to get in the favor of the Daem again. I honestly don’t know what would make me so valuable otherwise. What they did to me made me much stronger, it unlocked power in me that was considered very dangerous. I could have easily struck a hole in the hull of their ship with a powerful blast.”

She lifts her head to give him a slight glare, “I’m not dying. It wouldn’t set things right, the next bully race would just come along and start the whole cycle all over again. Maybe not soon but perhaps the same thing would happen to my sister that happened to my parents.”

She didn’t have all the answers to these questions, the fact she didn’t was very frustrating.

“…Dr Light mentioned seeing a doctor, a medical one to see if there was something uniquely tied to me. I am not thrilled by the idea, I am absolutely nearly paralyzed with fright at the thought, but perhaps it would answer some questions.”

GREEN LANTERN:  “That I’m familiar with, but you weren’t taken hostage, you were handed over.  They didn’t come in and snatch you. Your sister passed you over and usually when something like that happens it occurs because the individual that was the aggressor needed to be put in check to ensure they wouldn’t be foolish to do that again. At least that’s would make more sense.”

He looked over at her.  “Which would suggest that the people of Tamaran put up some type of resistance at some point.  See, we keep going in circles about this and you keep telling me you were given to the Daem, but from what I understand the Daem were individuals that were causing great harm to Tamaran, so before I move forward again.  Did Tamaran get conquered or did they put up resistance and get dealt a decisive blow that caused you to be taken as their “ward”?  They didn’t need to stop anything if they were winning?  They wouldn’t need you to keep the planet in check. They already murdered the ruling class.  So, can you expand on the events with the Daem, beause otherwise I’m going to get stuck here and continue to wonder how this come to pass and have thoughts that maybe I shouldn’t have about motivations.”

He shrugged “There is always going to be someone that thinks that they can push people around. That they can do whatever they want, but see that’s the thing.  If the Daem are the bullies and they were winning was it some type of situation where they were like.  Alright we kicked you around enough we’re going to let you have your queen, but to remind you we’re in charge we’re going to take her sister and we’re going to what?  See that’s where you lose me.  They bully you for what? Resources?  Then decide to take you and go off and what bully another planet?  Beyond having you whatever checks do they have?  They have all the upper hands here.  Did they really need you to remind a defeated people who was in charge?”

KORIAND’R:  “There was a lot of destruction. Many people died. We were up against weaponry that destroyed what defenses we had. I did not witness much, my sister and I were protected by the guard for as long as they were able to. I do not know how to answer these questions as I am not sure and like I’ve said before, I was a child. It was some time ago. I also do not know the details of the arrangement. My life after those events was very different and a lot of information was kept from me. I spent a lot of time in cells and labs, drugged or in too much pain to really be completely coherent of what was going on around me.”

She wanted to know the answers to those questions too but she had no way of truly knowing at the moment. The only one with a small bit of information was the one hunting her.

“The Hunter may know what I do not.”

GREEN LANTERN:  Kyle took in the information that was provide and let it sit for a moment.  There were things that he could say and do that could help and hinder.  There were dozens of thoughts running through his mind, but he knew better than to get away from him.  He should be overwhelmed, but he wasn’t.  From the moment he started speaking he spoke with one thought on his mind.  There were innocent lives at stake here.  There were situations that he would never be able to control or assert some influence over, this was not one of them.  He was taking part in this and why he may not win ever little battle here he could to make sure that his points were made, understood, and not set aside.

Whether people wanted him to or not he had been entrusted with the office a Green Lantern, it wasn’t about trying be the best it was about doing what was best.   He could make it a numbers game, but the fact of the matter was this was not a problem that the people of earth needed to take on, nor should they.   This was something that needed to be handled away from Earth and probably as far away from the sector as possible.

There were far too many unknowns, but that would not prevent him from doing what he felt was necessary to try to bring this to resolution.  This could not and would not stop at Lobo.  While he was a threat, a major one, he was one of potentially many.  If he could be handled, then it would begin a never ending line of bounty hunters.  This had to be stopped at the source.

“Alright.  That’s fair, but as for Light’s Doctor that’s why you are here.  He came to speak to my mentor about another option.  This is us finding another option.  This is us trying to prevent it from being a situation where you would be subjected to any type of procedure that was similar to the ones you endured already.   This is us trying to figure out where to start.”

Sliding his hands to the arms of the chair that he sat in he pressed himself up to his feet so he could address one of their concerns.  “As far determining what was done to you I could give it a go.  There’s no guarantee that I would immediately find anything.” It all depended on what information his ring had access to.  He could do a scan similar to the one he did on Conner.  There should be away to detect changes that were made.

“A passive scan should be able to do the trick.”  Kyle didn’t need to speak he merely needed to think it.   He could keep chugging along, but Koriand’r might want a moment.  “Though, I would be  poor host if I didn’t give a chance to rest some and let you have a meal.”  Give them both a chance to take in what had been shared and discussed.

KORIAND’R:  “There is a chance it may reveal something, perhaps something I do not know. It may or may not help but it is all we can do this very moment. Confronting the Hunter is the next step. I do not have the ability to do that off the planet without the appropriate craft and appropriate permissions to leave. Something about the network they have orbiting the planet. That is completely in Nowhere’s hands. I do not expect them to grant me any favors, I am not in a good place with them.”

She wasn’t very hungry, she could eat until near bursting most days but her appetite was absent at the moment. She didn’t feel as if she had the luxury of time to eat and rest. The sooner this was dealt with, the better. If it meant going off planet, then that is what it meant.

“There are places on this planet that are barely inhabited by people, some barely habitable to most lifeforms. I could lure the Hunter there. Either way, this can not be avoided. At worst, I may be able to convince him to take me there alive. I will figure out how to deal with it from there. If I am not here, the threat to this planet is lessened. It’s not ideal but it’s all I have given the options.”

She shook her head at the offer of his hospitality, “Thank you. We have much work to do.”

GREEN LANTERN:  “Then I’ll do the scan, but I’m going to veto the meeting with the bounty hunter here on the planet.  Even if you go somewhere uninhabited it doesn’t mean that someone won’t be watching.  Like I said Earth needs to be removed from the equation.  If that means we leave the planet then we leave the planet.”   Fights happen yes but the moment this takes a turn for the worse and someone catches wind of it it will make things incredibly difficult going forward.

“Put yourself in my shoes in anyone on Earth’s shoes.  Would you want that going down on your planet?  If it could be avoided?  We have an individual that possibility caused the destruction of his entire species.  An entire species.  I’m not say one or two Czarnian’s and entire species.  They were once a peaceful race and then things took a turn for the worst and he is either directly responsible or indirectly responsible.  Whether it is true or not that is not a risk I’m willing to take.  It is an unacceptable risk.”

There were other reasons why Kyle wanted him off planet.   “His regenerative abilities are off the charts.  His mere presence…”  A chill ran through him as he considered.  The possibilities.  What if NOWHERE got their hands on a sample just enough to create some last resort type of weapon.  What if he was turned against Conner, Wonder Woman, any metahuman that got out of line.  What if they made dozens of them them that they could control.  What if they behaved as the original.  Was this a game of hypotheticals?  Yes.  However, given the rumors, what he gathered from Conner, and various bits of rhetoric if something wasn’t recovered from the Mariposa this Lantern in training would rather avoid gifting them with anything of that sort.

“The risk is too high.  As for not being permitted to leave.  Let me worry about that.”  Among other things.  They would have to figure out where this meeting and/or confrontation would take place. He didn’t care if he sounded or was behaving like an alarmist, but this wasn’t the time for him to go conservative when it came to risk.

“Let’s get the scan completed.”  With a thought visor glasses appeared over his eyes they were tinted green and appeared to be a single piece that spanned across his eyes.  They began as outlines that quickly were filled in as if they were bring drawn out of air.   To Kori they looked like nothing more than high tech specs, but Kyle there was a HUD that gave him various readouts that were projected in front of him.  They could be made visible to Kori, he was making sure everything is working order which it was.

“I’m going to need you to stand up so I scan you.”

ALAN:  … and then…

Everything around the two turns green, just seconds before the spirits all around them begin to take shape. Little ghostly elements of the green spawning to life. Small impish creatures. With blue-white eyes, white hair, and smurf-like skin tones. Kyle has seen the figments of his Mentor’s before. They don’t normally have any other coloration but that of the green, similar to his own constructs. This is different. One by one their eyes turn toward Kyle and Koriand’r. Each of the impish creatures seems to have the ability to look through you with those thousand yard stares.

Except that their shapes are suddenly dispersed by…

“…. times up, Lantern. If you’re going, you’re going now. They’re coming,” Alan Scott isn’t wearing his mussed up old three piece suit, his hair isn’t loosely kept and for perhaps the very first time he doesn’t seem even the slightest bit inebriated. “If you’re both here when they get here. She’s going in a Cage and you’re going back to your Mother, without the Ring.”

“Make a choice. Right now. What do you stand for, Kyle?”

GREEN LANTERN: Kyle was in the middle of completing his scan which provided him with useful information, but noting that seemed to speak of the Daemonites.  He was about to speak when the ring decided to convey some important information.

[Warning: This deals with a banished sector, please return to your central battery and await instructions.]  The scan stopped and the construct disappeared.

That was not good.  Definitely not good.   Just then the images began to appear, they seemed to be fading into reality out of nothingness the green images, but as they came into focus he saw the eyes, eyes he had seen before.   This had gone from bad to worse it seemed as Kyle took a deep breath and within in a flash they were gone and…Alan?

Was that really him?  He didn’t have time to can’t his head to the side because even when they were training Alan still did it with a smoking jacket on and a drink in his hand.   They’re coming.    He didn’t need to be told who they were given the eyes that had gazed upon him.   He had a choice to make.  Hadn’t he already made it?

Saying it is one thing doing something about it is another and right now he wasn’t going to surrender the ring.  Not because of something that needed to be done.  He knew that there would be consequences, but if they were going to come and reclaim the ring then it was going to have to be done for something more than a simple scan.

“I think both know answer to that.  I was given a ring to help keep the peace. To do what needs to be done to protect others.  To help restore order.  I chose to help those that need help. That’s never going to change.”  It was time for them to go.  They really can’t be the Guardians of the Universe less one Sector.  That’s really not what they call themselves right? They say Guardians of the Universe.  They are empowered to help keep order.  Things have gone wrong and now it’s on his doorstep. He has no time to argue that point doubtful that they would listen.

“Time to go Princess.   My superiors are coming to try repo my ring and put you in the clink.” And that’s not happening.  Time to stay a step ahead as long as they can.

KORIAND’R:  Kori shot up on the couch. She was on her feet, hands balled in fists and standing far taller than everyone in the room because she was actually standing on the couch itself. It was the quickest reaction she could have. The room went green and there were very strange figures and suddenly, two Lanterns. Were there two here?! How was that even possible and was this planet in that much of a threat that they needed both here?

She was shocked, looking between the two of them. She wasn’t sure what happened exactly but there was certainly something happening.

“That is not going to happen, I don’t even want to know what a clink is.”

She was trying to picture what that might be in her head but she had trouble figuring out something that made sense. It seemed such a silly word and it was conjuring similar silly imagery.

“Then we go…”

Her eyes were on the other Lantern, perhaps considering whether or not he was going to stop them or hinder their escape from this incoming threat. She wasn’t even sure where they were going, out of their reach? To Tamaran? To some far corner of space where nothing was?

ALAN:  POST MISSING

GREEN LANTERN:  Kyle can feel his heart racing just a tad faster.  Adrenalin was kicking in.  He focused on what Alan was saying.  Six or seven recharges at the most then he would be cut off.  Then he would have to use Alan’s old Lantern to recharge his ring. Kyle closed his eyes for a moment and remembered what Ganthet told him in the prerecorded message. Kyle was the only one that could limit what he could do. If there was a enemy that stood before him it would be Kyle himself.  That’s what he focused on.  He understood the risks of charging up his ring with the Starheart Lantern, but if he didn’t try then Ganthet had every right to take the ring back.

“Got it.  Ration my power.  Last resort is your Lantern.”  He took the Lantern from Alan nodding.  “Lobo on the dark side of the moon.”  He looked at Kori then back to Alan.  “Thank you, Alan.  I promise I won’t let either of you down.  Thank you Starheart.”   He didn’t have time to go on about anything.   “I don’t know how long I’m going to be gone.  My friend the one I was going to seek out Ted Kord for.   Pass Ted’s name to him.  Tell him I think he can help with his situation. He’ll know what I’m talking about.”   His mom.   She’ll be okay. She’s always okay.

“We have to go.”  He held onto the Lantern his own was with him at all times.  He made sure of that.  It just wasn’t visible.  He wasn’t sure if he could do the same with Alan’s lantern. He considered what he could make part of him thought Falcon, but he needed conserve his power.

Walking towards the door Kyle nodded.  “I’ll make sure I keep my ears open for you.”  Was he ready?  Was he ever going to be ready?  His mother told him that sometimes there was nothing to it, but to do it.   This was one of those times.

The moment they stepped outside a construct began to appear before them.  It was a interesting design. It was a shaped like a ‘T” with the end coming to the point and the top making the wings.  The cockpit was spherical, but large enough for two.   There was a gun that was along the bottom of the ship tip and the back of it appeared to have a booster of some kind.   Anyone that was familiar with Cowboy Bepop would instantly recognize the Sword Fish II with some modifications.

Kyle got into the front when the cock pit opened.  “Strap yourself in.” He told Kori as he did the same once she was inside.  Once she was in the hatch closed.   The craft roared to life and they were already lifting off, rocketing towards the sky.  They needed a ship and now they had one.  They were comfortable, but there would be no walking around or auto pilot, they were basically going to be hot rodding it.

“Our first destination.  Darkside of the moon.  Best to meet this head on.  Agreed?”

KORIAND’R:  Kori was a little annoyed, but she only allowed it to show a moment. She didn’t understand what was going on between the Lanterns, only that the Lantern she was dealing with was on a ration with his power. It was noted. She may need to do quite a bit of the heavy hitting if they encountered problems to avoid him using his own power. Everything was going so quickly, moving at such a pace that it seemed difficult to keep with but she adapted, she was quick to catch on. Some things weren’t worth questioning.

Part of her annoyance was the fact he could craft a space-worthy ship so easily. He could have just mentioned that it wasn’t a problem as she had indicated multiple times. She said nothing though, instead following his orders and settling into the cockpit quickly, the harness straps quickly clicking into place. This wasn’t her first rodeo with a quick escape and she doubted this would be her last. She just didn’t like that she had very little control over the situation at the moment.

“No. No stopping. Swing close enough for him to see us. He’s been stalking after me, he’ll continue to do so if he sees I’ve left. The faster we pull him away, the sooner we can get to our destination.”

Tamaran. Home. She wondered if it was even the same anymore, she had such fond memories of her home planet. Those words were not forgotten though, advice to not trust her sister no matter what she says. Perhaps time and their experiences had changed them both. She hoped it didn’t change Kom for the worst but there was no telling what happened in the years since Kori had been away. She only hoped her sister didn’t endure the torment she did. She didn’t deserve that. No one did.

“If he is able to catch up, we can deal with him then. Let him work for the prize…or his demise.”

Something had certainly changed over time. Kori felt a little bit like her old self at the moment, the personality she had to adopt for her survival, the darker edge she needed to claw through each day and each victory. Those passions she often wore on her sleeve were tossed aside for the moment and the gaze she had towards the unfamiliar evening sky was full of determination. It was time to end this, to find some closure and discover the true reasoning for the events that changed the course of her life so violently.