Sector 2513
West Tarmac, Raadia Epasian Memorial Spaceport
Witness crowded around, mostly Spaceport workers and a few reporters who had been preparing to travel. A green band encircled a large area, keeping the onlookers from getting too close, a body laid in the center. Beings, male and female, in green and black milled around, keeping the crowd back or taking notes. A young Rannian stood aside, eyes locked on the body.
It was Kelthran Raz’s first week as a probationary Field Lantern. He had completed his first phase of training on Oa. He still needed supervision under an experienced Lantern. The week had not gone well.
In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power, Green Lantern's Light!
**************
Just a plot idea that's been bouncing in my head since I saw Green Lantern: First Flight the other week, and then saw a rerun of one of my favorite new shows, Southland. There will be more coming, but I just wanted to tease you all.
And yes, for those who's seen Southland, shameless rip, I know.
Thin Green Line
Moderator: LadyTevar
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Agent Fisher
- Rabid Monkey
- Posts: 3671
- Joined: 2003-04-29 11:56pm
- Location: Sac-Town, CA, USA, Earth, Sol, Milky Way, Universe
Re: Thin Green Line
So, stop teasing and start writing.
Me: Nope, that's why I have you around to tell me.
Nitram: You -are- beautiful. Anyone tries to tell you otherwise kill them.
"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP" -- Leonard Nimoy, last Tweet
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Agent Fisher
- Rabid Monkey
- Posts: 3671
- Joined: 2003-04-29 11:56pm
- Location: Sac-Town, CA, USA, Earth, Sol, Milky Way, Universe
Re: Thin Green Line
I'm doing that, only problem is I picked up Mass Effect 2 yesterday. Guess what's been sucking up my time?
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Agent Fisher
- Rabid Monkey
- Posts: 3671
- Joined: 2003-04-29 11:56pm
- Location: Sac-Town, CA, USA, Earth, Sol, Milky Way, Universe
Re: Thin Green Line
Well, here’s the story. Took a lot longer than I thought it would, and I’ve kinda lost interest in this story. I was intending a whole long story series, still might do one. But right now, you’ll have to settle for a one shot look at the Green Lantern Corps. A one shot that pretty much rips off Southland’s first episode. Anyway, here’s The Thin Green Line.
Rann, Sector 2682
Dodging and weaving through the hover traffic, Fire Suppresion Technician Kelthran Raz piloted his hover truck, the large pillar of smoke from the fire consuming the apartment block marking his destination. With skill borne of urgency, he dodged around a slower fire vehicle and landed on the large open street. He and his partner, a MedTech, quickly exited their seats, opening lockers on the side of the ambulance, preparing supplies for any injuries.
A large explosion followed by screams drew his attention away from the truck. A yell for help followed almost drowned out by the wailing sirens and the roar of the fire. Kelthran watched a trio of FSTs that were working on the fire, spraying a chemical which would snuff the fire but wouldn’t harm anyone that might be sprayed. They moved closer to a window when another explosion occurred, a piece of flaming debris flying out and hitting the trio. Kelthran ran forward, an arm up, shielding his head. Reaching the first downed FST, he grabbed him by the back of the jacket, holding onto the drag handle and pulling, dragging him away from the fire, towards the waiting MedTechs. Other people grabbed the other two, dragging them back. Another scream for help came, and he looked towards the apartment block spotting a hand waiving in a high window. Grabbing his helmet from one of the side lockers, he began running towards the building, scooping up a halligan bar, making sure his helmet was on and sealed and his suit likewise.
He ran up flights of stairs, ignoring the flames, counting off the floors, moving around the stream of FSTs carrying injured and occupants trying to escape with whatever they could carry, another FST right on his heels. The rule of two, no FST ever went anywhere by himself. Second floor, third, fourth, fifth. The months and months of conditioning was paying off, giving him the endurance to keep climbing the stairs. Finally, they reached the second to last floor, the one he was sure he saw the hand waving out the window from. The other FST took the lead, running down the hall, finally stopping at a door and shoving on it. It refused to move. Kelthran pushed him out of the way, jamming one end of the bar in the door and pushed, grunting as he slowly forced it open. His new partner helped, the door opening enough for them to enter.
“FST! WHERE ARE YOU?!” He shouted out from behind the helmet, eyes searching through the smoke, heading towards where the bedrooms where. These apartments were of the same type as his, making it easy for him to navigate. He kept his head low, trying to see beneath the smoke.
Kelthran finally heard voice screaming for help. With a kick, he knocked the door away from its frame. Inside were two teenagers. He grabbed one, his partner the other. As they made their way back out of the room, a sudden blast of fire and debris blocked their path as the ceiling above gave out. He backed the survivors up, mind racing as he tried to think of something when a bright green light filled the room.
A voice sounded, deep and powerful. “Kelthran Raz of Rann. You have the ability to overcome great fear. Welcome to the Green Lantern Corps.” A ring settled onto his right middle finger, seemingly phasing through his heavy firesuit glove. A tingling feeling washed over him as his protective gear seemed to fade away, leaving him in a green and black uniform that he had never seen in person, just in news and entertainment vids. Kelthran looked over his shoulder at his partner, who was staring him in dumbfounded shock from behind his helmet.
Recalling everything he could about the Lanterns and their abilities, he formed a tunnel through the flames, enough for his partner and the survivors to get through and out to the stairwell. As soon as they were safe outside the voice sounded again.
“Kelthan Raz, you have been summoned to Oa for training and registration.” The green glow was back and he shot upwards, through the roof, into the open air then higher and higher, the brightness of the daytime sky giving way to the black of space. He looked up and saw a warp forming. With no control he was steered right into it, leaving behind his home and life.
******
Oa, center of the universe. At one time it had been just the home of the isolationist Guardians, and the base of their enforcers, a lonely planet with a standoffish reputation. The past few years, the destruction of the corps, the reconstruction, the wars, had changed things. Now, nearly every major power in the universe maintained an embassy on Oa. And each embassy represented a nation that was willing to submit to the Corps as the ultimate in justice. Above that world, the diplomatic vessels of various powers travelled the darkness, the different types and colors as numerous as the ships.
A warp tunnel opened and a green glow shot out, heading straight down to the Oan Citadel. A common sight above the planet. Kelthran looked at the various ships in amazement as he descended through a cloudbank. He had never been to space, let alone across the universe. Finally the green glow faded as he set down on a large clearing.
“Ah, our newest traditional.” Kelthran turned to face the whoever it was, looking up. A tall insectoid, four arms, eyes looking at him. “We were wondering when we’d see a new one. Follow me, the Guardians wish to talk to you before you join the others for training.” He said, turning and starting to walk off, obviously expecting Kelthran to follow.
They moved towards the large building next to the clearing, passing two large humanoid, green and black uniforms, one with some sort of life support suit on, their eyes on him. He walked past them, entering a hall, the Lantern Symbol adorning the floor, portraits of the heroes of the Corps lining the wall. As he passed the faces of Lanterns of the past, he gulped softly, finally realizing just what he was getting into.
“Guardians, Administrator Salakk presenting the new recruit from Sector 2682.” The insectoid called out, bowing his head to the elevated platform. Kelthran stepped forward, bowing as well.
“Then it as we predicted, Lantern Sunata has passed.” Said one of the blue skinned, white haired creatures. It’s voice seemed to echo throughout the chamber. The Guardians of the Universe bowed their heads, silent for a few moments. Finally, they looked back at Kelthran.
“Greetings, Kelthran Raz. I am Ganthet. I am sure you are aware of where you are and who we are. You have been chosen by the ring to become part of the Green Lantern Corps.” Said one of the Guardians, looking down at him. “Will you agree to join?”
******
“STRAIGHTEN UP, YOU POOZERS!” Came a bellowing voice and the sound of twenty different beings snapping to attention. A giant creature, standing head and shoulders above any of the trainees strode onto the training ground. “No, strike that, Poozers are worth something. You all are white circles until I say otherwise.” The creature stated, voice rumbling.
“You all think you’re hot stuff.” He said, then formed a datapad from his ring, looking it over. “What do I have to work with?” He asked, more to himself than the trainees, but his voice carried well. “I’ve got four Thrannican Security, a member of Special Tactics and Reconnaissance, ah, two Katarian Special Tasks officers. You guys are always worth a laugh. What else, a smattering of military, an Issira Battle Lord.” The giant chuckled. “And of course, our two traditionals.” He said, looking over at Raz and another Trainee.
“Alright, White Circles, listen up. I am Instructor Lantern Kilowog. Most of you volunteered to be here, handpicked from the best military and law enforcement in the universe. Two of you were chosen like I was, the ring sought you out and decided you seemed to have what it takes. But until I say you’ve passed, you’re all nothing but Trainees. I will instruct you in how to use that fancy ring. Despite how you got here, I will make you into ring slingers worthy of joining the other fifteen thousand lanterns out there.” He said, pacing back and forth infront of the assembled trainees.
“YOU!” He called out, pointing to a being three over from Kelthran. “Name, sector and job.”
“SIR! TRAINEE LANTERN MITARI VAKAR, SECTOR 1496, LARIAN INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION!” Came the hollered reply.
“What made you want to join my beloved Corps?” Kilowog asked, staring down at the trainee.
“Sir, to be the best of the best.”
The instructor snorted then turned, moving down the line and stopping in front of Raz.
“Name, sector and job.”
“SIR, TRAINEE LANTERN KELTHRAN RAZ, SECTOR 2682, RANNIAN FIRE SUPPRESSION DEPARTMENT!” Kelthran yelled, his mind flashing back to his time at the FSD academy the instructors always yelling, always in his face, trying to teach him to be calm when it seemed like the last thing he wanted to do.
“Traditional recruit, just like me. Why you’d you decide to stick with the corps? Lotta white circles like you decide to give up the ring.” Kilowog asked, looking him over.
“Sir, to save lives.”
Kilowog laughed, a deep booming sound. “Good answer. I think we’ll make a poozer out of you.” He strode back out infront of the assembly. “Alright, first lesson. Life support field and floating.”
******
“One Sector, One Crisis, One Lantern. Used to be how things got done. And it worked pretty well. Then came Parallax. The scum of the universe loved it. We weren’t there to keep them in line. Raynar brought back the Corps. But it wasn’t the same as before. The bad guys knew we weren’t all powerful, knew we could be beaten. Then the other corps showed up.” The Lantern teaching the class sighed. “After the war with them, and the other incedents, the guardians decided it was time to beef up our numbers. Now, each sector has at least two lanterns assigned, though it can range anywhere from three to fifteen lanterns in Sector 932. When you’re out there, you’ll have your partner, but still, fifteen thousand. In the universe. You’ve all got your work cut out for you.”
******
“Some Lanterns’ll tell you that you need to get creative, making hands, baskets, intricate tools, constructs like that. That’s the traditional school of thought. Then there’s the school that says hammer the problem as hard as you can until it goes away. Those are the lantern’s that you see shooting big blasts at a target, vaporizing it. Me, I take a middle of the road approach. In non emergencies, do whatever you want, make a basket or some elaborate device. But in combat...”
Week three of Lantern training had arrived fast. The twenty member class was down to sixteen. But Kelthran was still hanging in there, having passed the first stage of training with few problems. They stood on a gravel field, a line of targets standing opposite them. Their instructor, a Thranian, walked back and forth behind them.
“In combat you do the job as fast as you can, and as efficient as you can. You gotta learn how to fight in a dynamic stress situation, you’re gotta learn to be quick and efficent. When that ring lights up, it’s business time. I’m gonna make you run that ring harder than you ever have because all the lives are counting on you!” Instructor Lantern Costa yelled out at the trainees.
The trainees tensed, their fists, claws or tentacles clenching, the rings glinting green from the power within.
“BUST ‘EM!” Came the call. Kelthran snapped his ring up, thin pulses of green energy leaping out, eaching one spearing his targets, punching through to impact and explode on the hill behind them.
******
Kelthran bobbed and weaved, the life support field protecting him from harsh vacuum of space, the ring moving him forward as he traversed the rock rings of the second planet in the Oan system.
He swerved to the right, dodging a low power flash of light from Trainee Lantern Edie Shakaria. The Korugarian woman pursued him, firing the flashes at him, trying to tag him.
Kelthran grinned, drifting down into a crevice of the rock, watching as Edie darted past, heading further into the rock field. He dashed out of the crevice, heading back the way he came, towards one of the largest rocks in the field, and where a flag was planted. The traditional final match, the last thing the trainees did before becoming probationary lanterns.
He floated down the surface of the rock, the life support field keeping him from floating away as he walked towards the flag. His hand reached out, only inches away when a green wall blocked his hand. He jerked back and grimaced, looking up at three members of the other team, along with Edie keeping the wall up.
“Alright, white circles, good match.” Came the call of the instructor. The trainees all smiled and started shaking hands, Kelthran’s team members showing up from wherever they had been in the field.
******
Classes, exercises, practice runs, range time. Three months of constant training, studying the laws of the universe. Twenty recruits, whittled down to eleven graduating Trainees.
With Trainee Lantern Vakar carrying the Lantern flag, leading the ten other recruits marching onto the parade ground. They marched to the center of the field, halting and turning as one to face the raised platform and the three Guardians, the imposing figure of Instructor Kilowog and the spindly form of Administrator Salakk. With a sharp salute, the trainees stood at attention. A number of random Lanterns stood around the field, watching the ceremony that had been repeated time and time again.
“Good afternoon, Trainees. Today you take a big step into the universe. You have finished Phase One. When your name is called, report to the stage for your badge issue and orders for your phase two assignment.”
The Guardian accepted a scroll of parchment, unfurling it. “Hear ye, hear ye. Let it be known on this date, the Trainee Lanterns of Class 234539 have finished Phase One. Demonstrating the necessary willpower and dedication to the Corps, it is the will of the Guardians that Class 234539 be hereby promoted to Probationary Lanterns and advanced to Phase Two. They are hereby charged with executing all the responsibilities and duties of a Field Lantern while under the supervision of a Field Training Lantern. Their current progress reflects great honor upon themselves, their races, their Instructors, and this Corps. Will Trainee Lantern Shakaria step forward to accept this honor?”
Kelthran Raz waited his turn, and kept the smile from his face as he floated up to the stage. He grunted as Kilowog punched him ‘lightly’ in the white circle, a flash of green and as the fist pulled back, the green of the probationary lantern badge appeared in the white circle, still missing the black of the full lantern badge.
“Good job, poozer.” The instructor said softly, gruff voice filled with pride.
The newly minted Probationary Lantern turned to the Guardians taking the datapad that was held out to him before returning to formation with the others.
As the last graduate returned, the Guardians looked out at them. “Now, join us in reciting the Oath.”
With wide smiles, the Probationary Lanterns raised their rings into the air, their voices strong and clear.
“In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power, Green Lantern's Light!”
******
OverSector House #251
Sector 2513 office
Field Training Lantern Yara Krasna looked up from his desk, looking at Kelthran Raz with an expression that almost made the Lantern doubt his right to wear the badge.
“You the Glint?” He asked, looking him over.
“Yes, sir.” The young Rannian replied, assuming it meant rookie.
“Welcome to Sector 2513. We aren’t as bad 932, but we’re close. Ten full time Lanterns, and over half the OSRT’s call ups come from this sector. Let me tell you, this is real Lantern work out here.” With snort, Krasna pushed his chair back, standing. “Come on.” Krasna said, walking past Raz into the hall and towards the bay.
“Hey Yara!” Came a yelled greeting. Krasna turned, smiling as he spotted Lantern Mikiya Thralans. Kelthran looked over and kept his jaw from hitting the floor. He knew there were good looking Lanterns in the Corps, but he didn’t except to see such a beautiful one right out of training. She was humanoid, with slightly pointed ears, pure white hair that fell about her shoulders, black lines upon her face, some sort of tribal mark he guessed. Kelthran also noticed how the uniform hugged all the right curves, and the dark green cloak hung from her shoulders, giving her an exotic air compared to the other Lanterns assigned here.
“Hey kid.” Krasna said with a grin. “Just finish your shift?”
“Yep. Oh, is this the Glint?” She asked, looking over at Kelthran, grinning. “He’s cute.”
“Yeah that’s him, and calm down, let him get settled before you pounce him.” The older lantern teased. “Probationary Lantern Raz, Lantern Tharlans, she was my last partner before I took up field training. She’s in charge of OverSector investigations and helps out on the OSRT.”
“Hi.” Kelthran greeted, staying quiet as the two veteran lanterns talked.
She rolled her eyes. “Ah come on, you know I like to break ‘em in young.” She said with a laugh. “You’re lucky, Glint, Krasna is the best FTL you’ll find in the Corps. Anyway, Yara, have a fun shift.” She said, walking away with an extra sway in her hips, the cape swishing behind her offering glimpses at the edge of her figure.
Krasna chuckled. “She’s trouble, that one.” He said, then smacked the badge on Kelthran’s chest. “Come on, let’s get moving.”
As they entered the docking bay, Krasna began speaking again. “Alright, you can forget any pacifist shit they taught you on Oa. Some spice junkie comes at you trying to get your ring, you take him down anyway you need to. You go by the book, you will get killed. You fly with me, you back your badge.” He said, the now familiar green glow surrounding him, another quickly following around Kelthran.
******
Sector 2513
Capital City, Argosia
“Alright, Glint, eyes open. Look, don’t glance. We’re the apex predators out here. We’re always hunting.” Krasna said to Kelthran as they flew through the air, towards the Security/Justice Enforcement Headquarters building.
As they landed, the glow around their bodies faded and the two Lanterns started up the stairs.
“Some sectors like to keep things private, or they don’t have a lot of working local law enforcement to work with. We’re lucky, Argosian Security covers more than half the sector. But the rest, well it’s pretty bad.”
They had entered while Krasna was talking, turning a hallway and ending up under a sign marked GL Liason. The older Lantern just walked in, nodding to the clerk at the counter who handed over a folder.
“So, who’s the prey for today?” He muttered, looking over the papers. He held one out ot Kelthran, who looked it over. Cephalopodian named Linto Maltan. The squid was wanted for drug running and a host of other smuggling related charges, believed to have ties to Butara Skaliash, one of the top criminals of the sector.
******
“Hey! Help, down here!”
The words were cried out and the two Lanterns slowed down, heading back towards the voice. They found an older male standing next to a hover car, steam rising from under the hood.
“Yes sir?” Krasna asked, keeping his face neautral.
“Hey, my vehicle broke down.”
“Ok.” Krasna said, his tone making it clear he was unimpressed.
“Well, my vehicle broke down.” The Argosian repeated, as though it explained everything.
“Sir, we’re Lanterns, not a towing service.” Krasna said before flying back up into the sky, Kelthran following.
******
They flew through the air, avoiding any hover craft in the air. “You’re gonna learn real quick that everyone thinks their problems are worthy of the Lanterns. When I first joined the Corps, I ran myself ragged the first year, just running around doing everything for everyone.” Said the gruff voice, the owner leading Kelthran through the city. “If it isn’t life or death, don’t get distracted. The locals can deal with pets stuck up on a ledge, or a petty criminal.”
Kelthran followed the advice of earlier, looking down each alley they passed. It had been a long shift so far, nothing worth stopping for and the time was coming for a meal break. The ring was scanning as they flew, searching for the squid, in addition to providing a link to ASF comms. Kelthran glanced around, hearing the echos of sirens through the city buildings.
“Dispatch, this is Juna 34 Linta, heading west on Main. Suspect is a grey squid, matching description of Linto Maltan.” The two Lanterns looked at each other before lifting up, above the buildings and banking towards the west, shooting off at high speeds.
Kelthran tried to keep his breathing steady, his pulse rising. This was it, what he had been training for. The chase was on. He dodged and weaved, banking hard around a corner, barely able to keep up with the more experienced Lantern. They came to a junction and Krasna paused, holding up his ring, pointing down either direction, waiting for a signal. Suddenly, a boom sounded to their left and Linto Maltan came flying around a corner. He stopped short, eyes wide at the two Lanterns.
“GREEN LANTERN, HALT!” Kelthran had his ring up, glowing, ready to go. The squid fired his blaster straight into the ground beneath him, the dust cloud kicking up. Using the ring, he blew the smoke away, looking at the retreating back of the squid, taking off after him, an ASF hover car keeping pace a few meters behind him, lights and sirens filling the air.
It was just like the entertainment vids back home, or Universe’s Most Wild Chases. Maltan kept firing his blaster at the walls of the buildings, at parked vehicles, back at Kelthran and the hover car, trying to do anything he could to slow his pursuers. Anytime a blast came at him, he raised his forearm, a shield appearing, absorbing the blast, slowing him down a tad. Kelthran lifted higher in the air, dodged the burning wreckage of a hover truck that Maltan had hit. Excitement flowed through him as he banked hard, the hover car behind him not quite making the turn, hitting the wall, crashing to the ground. The scream of sirens in his ear, he formed a cone in front of him, blasting his way through the cargo section of a hover truck. Kelthran focused and energy blasts of his own leapt out, trying to tag the squid. Kelthran spared a moment on a straightaway to look behind him, not spotting Lantern Krasna, just a half dozen ASF vehicles, hot on his tail. With no time to wonder where his partner was, Kelthran kept up the chase.
He looked forward in time to catch sight of the squid ducking down an alleyway. Kelthran slowed down just enough to make the turn, his ring making a cushion against the wall as he bumped into it, engery constructs zipping out infront of him to move debris out of the way for him.
“Keep him going straight a few more seconds.” Came the call over his ring, the gruff voice of Krasna filling his mind.
The probationary lantern saw the squid starting to turn and he fired, hitting the wall near the turn and scaring him back into the alley. He could see the end of the alleyway, with traffic moving back and forth. Suddenly a green net snapped into place at the end, Maltan flying right into it, stretching it out before the net closed, trapping the suspect. With a rough landing, Kelthran was right next to him, yanking the blaster away, panting from the exhausting and exhilarating chase.
Krasna floated down as the ASF cars landed, officers pouring out, putting restraints on the squid. The Field Training Lantern looked at his young partner. “Good job keeping up. Next time though, you can skip the dodging and weaving and just flying above the streets.” He said with a smirk.
******
Kelthran paced back and forth infront of the door, looking up every time he heard a scream. Which was happening far too often. Finally the screams stopped and the door opened. Three ASF officer carrying Maltan and Lantern Krasna exited. The Lantern began walking towards the exit without even acknowledging the younger lantern, the officers carrying Maltan down the hall, towards the sign INFIRMARY.
“What the hell was that?!” Kelthran finally blurted out, completely at a loss. Lanterns were supposed to paragons of justice and virtue, the shining beacon against the darkness and evil of the universe.
“What? Argosian Security likes to get a little physical in their interrogations.” Krasna said.
“But, what about the OJC? Doesn’t it say things about that?” Kelthran asked.
“They do. That’s why I wasn’t asking questions. I was just there to listen.” The older Lantern stepped out into the open air. “And incase you were wondering, we go the information we wanted. Skaliash is boarding a freighter in four hours. Onboard is a large supply of narcotics and weapons. This is the dream bust. We get him, it’ll rock the criminal scum of this sector on their heels for a good three months.” With that, Yara Krasna lifted off the ground and began flying towards space.
******
Sector 2513
West Tarmac, Raadia Epasian Memorial Spaceport
Four hours later, three comm messages later and Probationary Lantern Kelthran Raz sitting back in the shadows on top of the terminal. OSRT Lantern Vaun Hoff was next to him, using his ring form a scanner, looking through it at the freighter they had been tipped off about.
There were five other Lanterns scattered throughout the port, four assigned to the sector, including Kelthran and his partner, and three Lanterns from the OverSector Response Team. In addition to that, there were the Port Police, and Argosian Security’s Response Tactical Team.
“How long have you been a Lantern?” Kelthran asked quietly, looking out at the ship.
“Bout three years. I was Thrannican Security before signing up.” Came the soft reply.
“So, uh, how long do these things usually take?” The rookie lantern asked, nervousness showing in his voice.
“Eager for some action, Glint?” Lantern Hoff teased. “Don’t worry, it’ll happen soon enough.”
The words proved oddly prophetic as less than two minutes later, an air car settled next to the freighter, and three beings got out. Two insectiods and a humanoid, the insectoids moving behind as bodyguards.
“It aint him.” Came the hushed voice of Krasna over the ring. “It’s one of his aides.”
“Roger, holding.” Hoff replied, shifting his view over some of the other ships, pausing on a yatch a few berths over.
“Glint, take a look at that yatch, our thirty degrees.” Kelthran complied, his ring forming a scanner just like Hoff’s, looking through the view piece at the zoomed image.
“Is that…” Kelthran trailed off.
“Yeah, it’s him.” He held up his ring. “Break break break.” He said, interrupting Krasna’s comment about crime lords and their rising intelligence. “We’ve got him, he’s on the yatch, four berths over to the south of the freighter.”
Silence reigned for a few moments as the Lanterns shifted their attention.
“Confirm.” Came the soft voice of Lantern Thralans.
“ARTT, can you take the freighter? Lanterns Zetra and Elria can assist, the rest of Lanterns will take the yatch, Port police, you provide back up and perimeter security.”
“Roger, we can take it, we’re moving into position now.” The ARTT SAC replied, along with an affirmative from the Port Senior Officer Hoff nudged Kelthran and they squatted down, moving across the roof top slowly, keep their rings unlit to avoid being spotted.
“Call when ready, we’ll do it at the same time.” Krasna said.
It took them a minute to traverse the rooftop, not directly aft of the yatch, looking down at the two guards patrolling near the back, energy rifles held loosely on their slings.
“You secure the guards, then follow the rest of us in.” Hoff instructed.
“All forces, this is ARTT SAC, go go go.” Came the order. Their rings lit with a bright glow, Kelthran and Hoff rocketed down at the ship. Twin energy beams leapt from his ring, smack into the guards, knocking them out. He came down to the ground, next to them, his ring tugging their rifles away and melting them. He looked up as a trio of Port officers came running up, weapons ready, then two of them putting restraints on the guards.
Kelthran floated up moving in through the yanked upon door. He braced his arm, sweeping the rooms, moving forward. He reached a junction, spotting the backs of Hoff and Krasna.
“LANTERN CORPS, THROW DOWN YOUR WEAPON!” Thralans voice carried down the hall.
“Ok, ok, I give.” A voice hollered back, and an energy blaster skidded onto the floor and Butara Skaliash came out, hands held high.
“Huh, thought you were taller.” Came the witty words of Hoff as he moved forward, energy ring creating restraints.
******
“Clear.” Kelthran called out.
“Clear.” Came another voice.
“Roger, all clear.” Krasna said, lowering his ring and returning to the airlock of the yatch. “ARTT, what’s your status?” He asked, speaking into his ring.
“Hey, Krasna, this is Zetra, we got the big one. The whole ship’s packed. I’d say over two billions credits worth of drugs and weapons. Not to mention about ten million in hard creds. Dream bust. Can I keep some as a bonus?” The voice was excited. This was a once in a lifetime hit.
“Wow. And yeah, let’s keep the creds and go for a vaction.” Krasna said happily, his normally sullen face grinning widely as the three lanterns turned and exited the ship.
Kelthran walked down the steps of the ship, grinning as he looked at the Port Police Officer pushing Skaliash into the back of the waiting prisoner transport. A crowd of reporters and port workers had appeared, proving once again that onlookers were a universal constant. The transport was a little emptier than the probationary lantern would have liked, but they had got the big fish, the lieutenants could be caught later. He looked to the side, hearing the roar of engines as a passenger liner lifted off the tarmac and into the inky blackness, heading towards a jumpgate.
He looked over his shoulder at Krasna talking to Thralans, most likely about the paperwork that would follow and how it was worth it to put the scumbag behind bars, or energy fields, depending on what planet the prison was on, not to mention the joy of getting such a big catch..
A series of rapid bangs drew his attention back to the transport, the officer was down, green blood staining the tarmac. Everything seemed to slow down, sounds becoming muted. Skaliash’s hands were free, a blaster in them, pointed at the downed officer. Another humanoid stood nearby, a blaster in his hand, yelling at Skaliash. Probably telling him to run, Kelthran wasn’t sure. The goon swung the blaster over, the barrel seemingly inching towards another officer. And then three rapid flashes, green energy beams piercing the thug, two in the chest, one in the head. The goon crumbled. Suddenly, Kelthran was aware his ring was up, pointed and glowing. Sound came rushing back. The crowd was screaming, a pair of officers tackled Skaliash to the ground before he could run, a green energy construct snatching the weapon and crushing it. Kelthran’s eyes were wide. He hadn’t even realized he was firing. It was all instinct, the words of his range instructor filling his mind. Lives had counted on him. And he had acted.
He could feel the bile rising in his stomach and throat as he looked at the scene, still seemingly running in slow motion. The officer was writhing in pain, another officer kneeling next to him, holding his hands on the wounds. Thralans was running to the officer, ring glowing as bands of energy lept out, tending to the wounded officer. A hand touched Kelthran’s forearm, and he jerked, almost swing the ring around to blast whoever it was before he realized Krasna was pushing his forearm down, a stern, serious look on his face. The probationary lantern’s eyes went back to the downed thug, the red blood pooling, mixing with the green.
******
Witness crowded around, mostly Spaceport workers and a few reporters who had been preparing to travel. A green band encircled a large area, keeping the onlookers from getting too close, a body laid in the center, a sheet covering it. Beings, male and female, in green and black milled around, keeping the crowd back or taking notes. A young Rannian was nearby, eyes locked on the body.
The world seemed out of focus, from his seat on the stairs. Sounds were out of wack. Sounds that should have filled the air seemed muted while others were a roar. He was still in a daze. His whole career had been about saving people, and he thought his service in the Lantern Corps would be the same. It was one thing to talk about using your ring against another living being, but to actually do it was something else.
“Right in center mass. Perfect shooting.” Krasna’s voice complimented, the words causing a fresh wave of nausea.
A green glow approached in the sky and a pair of Lanterns landed, starting to talk to Thralans.
“Alphas showed up. Alright, listen up. They’re gonna ask you questions, just answer truthfully. Turst me, you don’t lie to these guys. A lie is worse than an out of policy kill. Tell it like it happened, and it’ll be no big deal.”
“But I killed someone!” Kelthran said, voice shaky.
“What did you think the ring and all those classes about when lethal force is justified were for? Just to waste time? You’ll be fine, they’ll send you to Mogo to do that ‘I love and revere all sentient beings’ shit and then next time you’re up, you’ll drag your weary ass out of your bed, put on your ring and your badge and do this all over again. Because this is the greatest job in the universe. Can you do bad? Go dark? Oh yes you can, it’s happened to the greatest of us. Can you abuse it? You can and you will, because no matter what you do, the scum of this universe are relentless and it seems like you change nothing. A day like today though? With a fun chase, an interesting case, and a good bust, that’s good. But occasionally, occasionally, you get to take a bad guy out of the universe for good, and that my friend, is God, the Gods, the creators, the makers, whoevers. That is their work. So, you don’t feel good about this, it isn’t for you, fine, quit, I don’t want a partner who doesn’t want to be here.” Krasna straightened up, his expression stern. “You’re a Lantern because you don’t know how to be a sheep. You feel that way, you’re a Lantern, if you don’t, you’re a sheep. You decide.” With that, Krasna turned away, walking out of the way of the Alphas.
“Probationary Lantern Kelthran Raz?” Came a mechanical sounding voice from one of the Alpha Lanterns. “We’d like to talk to you about what happened.”
******
OverSector House #251
Sector 2513 office
The OverSector House was quiet as Kelthran entered through the docking bay, a few workers nodding to him. The disposition with the Alphas had taken longer than he thought it would and the other Lanterns had returned to the House or back to whatever they were doing before hand.
He walked down the hall, entering his quarters, willing his uniform away, leaving him in his civilian clothes. With a heavy sigh, he sat down at his terminal, opening up his messages. One was his time for his appointment to visit Mogo. The other was a copy of the report Krasna had filed about his first day. His eyes skimmed over it before reaching the end, a smile tugging his lips.
‘It is this Lantern’s opinion that despite having to take a life, Probationary Lantern Raz conducted himself to the highest standards of the Corps. He is and will remain an outstanding Lantern, we are very lucky to have him in the Green Lantern Corps.’
Rann, Sector 2682
Dodging and weaving through the hover traffic, Fire Suppresion Technician Kelthran Raz piloted his hover truck, the large pillar of smoke from the fire consuming the apartment block marking his destination. With skill borne of urgency, he dodged around a slower fire vehicle and landed on the large open street. He and his partner, a MedTech, quickly exited their seats, opening lockers on the side of the ambulance, preparing supplies for any injuries.
A large explosion followed by screams drew his attention away from the truck. A yell for help followed almost drowned out by the wailing sirens and the roar of the fire. Kelthran watched a trio of FSTs that were working on the fire, spraying a chemical which would snuff the fire but wouldn’t harm anyone that might be sprayed. They moved closer to a window when another explosion occurred, a piece of flaming debris flying out and hitting the trio. Kelthran ran forward, an arm up, shielding his head. Reaching the first downed FST, he grabbed him by the back of the jacket, holding onto the drag handle and pulling, dragging him away from the fire, towards the waiting MedTechs. Other people grabbed the other two, dragging them back. Another scream for help came, and he looked towards the apartment block spotting a hand waiving in a high window. Grabbing his helmet from one of the side lockers, he began running towards the building, scooping up a halligan bar, making sure his helmet was on and sealed and his suit likewise.
He ran up flights of stairs, ignoring the flames, counting off the floors, moving around the stream of FSTs carrying injured and occupants trying to escape with whatever they could carry, another FST right on his heels. The rule of two, no FST ever went anywhere by himself. Second floor, third, fourth, fifth. The months and months of conditioning was paying off, giving him the endurance to keep climbing the stairs. Finally, they reached the second to last floor, the one he was sure he saw the hand waving out the window from. The other FST took the lead, running down the hall, finally stopping at a door and shoving on it. It refused to move. Kelthran pushed him out of the way, jamming one end of the bar in the door and pushed, grunting as he slowly forced it open. His new partner helped, the door opening enough for them to enter.
“FST! WHERE ARE YOU?!” He shouted out from behind the helmet, eyes searching through the smoke, heading towards where the bedrooms where. These apartments were of the same type as his, making it easy for him to navigate. He kept his head low, trying to see beneath the smoke.
Kelthran finally heard voice screaming for help. With a kick, he knocked the door away from its frame. Inside were two teenagers. He grabbed one, his partner the other. As they made their way back out of the room, a sudden blast of fire and debris blocked their path as the ceiling above gave out. He backed the survivors up, mind racing as he tried to think of something when a bright green light filled the room.
A voice sounded, deep and powerful. “Kelthran Raz of Rann. You have the ability to overcome great fear. Welcome to the Green Lantern Corps.” A ring settled onto his right middle finger, seemingly phasing through his heavy firesuit glove. A tingling feeling washed over him as his protective gear seemed to fade away, leaving him in a green and black uniform that he had never seen in person, just in news and entertainment vids. Kelthran looked over his shoulder at his partner, who was staring him in dumbfounded shock from behind his helmet.
Recalling everything he could about the Lanterns and their abilities, he formed a tunnel through the flames, enough for his partner and the survivors to get through and out to the stairwell. As soon as they were safe outside the voice sounded again.
“Kelthan Raz, you have been summoned to Oa for training and registration.” The green glow was back and he shot upwards, through the roof, into the open air then higher and higher, the brightness of the daytime sky giving way to the black of space. He looked up and saw a warp forming. With no control he was steered right into it, leaving behind his home and life.
******
Oa, center of the universe. At one time it had been just the home of the isolationist Guardians, and the base of their enforcers, a lonely planet with a standoffish reputation. The past few years, the destruction of the corps, the reconstruction, the wars, had changed things. Now, nearly every major power in the universe maintained an embassy on Oa. And each embassy represented a nation that was willing to submit to the Corps as the ultimate in justice. Above that world, the diplomatic vessels of various powers travelled the darkness, the different types and colors as numerous as the ships.
A warp tunnel opened and a green glow shot out, heading straight down to the Oan Citadel. A common sight above the planet. Kelthran looked at the various ships in amazement as he descended through a cloudbank. He had never been to space, let alone across the universe. Finally the green glow faded as he set down on a large clearing.
“Ah, our newest traditional.” Kelthran turned to face the whoever it was, looking up. A tall insectoid, four arms, eyes looking at him. “We were wondering when we’d see a new one. Follow me, the Guardians wish to talk to you before you join the others for training.” He said, turning and starting to walk off, obviously expecting Kelthran to follow.
They moved towards the large building next to the clearing, passing two large humanoid, green and black uniforms, one with some sort of life support suit on, their eyes on him. He walked past them, entering a hall, the Lantern Symbol adorning the floor, portraits of the heroes of the Corps lining the wall. As he passed the faces of Lanterns of the past, he gulped softly, finally realizing just what he was getting into.
“Guardians, Administrator Salakk presenting the new recruit from Sector 2682.” The insectoid called out, bowing his head to the elevated platform. Kelthran stepped forward, bowing as well.
“Then it as we predicted, Lantern Sunata has passed.” Said one of the blue skinned, white haired creatures. It’s voice seemed to echo throughout the chamber. The Guardians of the Universe bowed their heads, silent for a few moments. Finally, they looked back at Kelthran.
“Greetings, Kelthran Raz. I am Ganthet. I am sure you are aware of where you are and who we are. You have been chosen by the ring to become part of the Green Lantern Corps.” Said one of the Guardians, looking down at him. “Will you agree to join?”
******
“STRAIGHTEN UP, YOU POOZERS!” Came a bellowing voice and the sound of twenty different beings snapping to attention. A giant creature, standing head and shoulders above any of the trainees strode onto the training ground. “No, strike that, Poozers are worth something. You all are white circles until I say otherwise.” The creature stated, voice rumbling.
“You all think you’re hot stuff.” He said, then formed a datapad from his ring, looking it over. “What do I have to work with?” He asked, more to himself than the trainees, but his voice carried well. “I’ve got four Thrannican Security, a member of Special Tactics and Reconnaissance, ah, two Katarian Special Tasks officers. You guys are always worth a laugh. What else, a smattering of military, an Issira Battle Lord.” The giant chuckled. “And of course, our two traditionals.” He said, looking over at Raz and another Trainee.
“Alright, White Circles, listen up. I am Instructor Lantern Kilowog. Most of you volunteered to be here, handpicked from the best military and law enforcement in the universe. Two of you were chosen like I was, the ring sought you out and decided you seemed to have what it takes. But until I say you’ve passed, you’re all nothing but Trainees. I will instruct you in how to use that fancy ring. Despite how you got here, I will make you into ring slingers worthy of joining the other fifteen thousand lanterns out there.” He said, pacing back and forth infront of the assembled trainees.
“YOU!” He called out, pointing to a being three over from Kelthran. “Name, sector and job.”
“SIR! TRAINEE LANTERN MITARI VAKAR, SECTOR 1496, LARIAN INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION!” Came the hollered reply.
“What made you want to join my beloved Corps?” Kilowog asked, staring down at the trainee.
“Sir, to be the best of the best.”
The instructor snorted then turned, moving down the line and stopping in front of Raz.
“Name, sector and job.”
“SIR, TRAINEE LANTERN KELTHRAN RAZ, SECTOR 2682, RANNIAN FIRE SUPPRESSION DEPARTMENT!” Kelthran yelled, his mind flashing back to his time at the FSD academy the instructors always yelling, always in his face, trying to teach him to be calm when it seemed like the last thing he wanted to do.
“Traditional recruit, just like me. Why you’d you decide to stick with the corps? Lotta white circles like you decide to give up the ring.” Kilowog asked, looking him over.
“Sir, to save lives.”
Kilowog laughed, a deep booming sound. “Good answer. I think we’ll make a poozer out of you.” He strode back out infront of the assembly. “Alright, first lesson. Life support field and floating.”
******
“One Sector, One Crisis, One Lantern. Used to be how things got done. And it worked pretty well. Then came Parallax. The scum of the universe loved it. We weren’t there to keep them in line. Raynar brought back the Corps. But it wasn’t the same as before. The bad guys knew we weren’t all powerful, knew we could be beaten. Then the other corps showed up.” The Lantern teaching the class sighed. “After the war with them, and the other incedents, the guardians decided it was time to beef up our numbers. Now, each sector has at least two lanterns assigned, though it can range anywhere from three to fifteen lanterns in Sector 932. When you’re out there, you’ll have your partner, but still, fifteen thousand. In the universe. You’ve all got your work cut out for you.”
******
“Some Lanterns’ll tell you that you need to get creative, making hands, baskets, intricate tools, constructs like that. That’s the traditional school of thought. Then there’s the school that says hammer the problem as hard as you can until it goes away. Those are the lantern’s that you see shooting big blasts at a target, vaporizing it. Me, I take a middle of the road approach. In non emergencies, do whatever you want, make a basket or some elaborate device. But in combat...”
Week three of Lantern training had arrived fast. The twenty member class was down to sixteen. But Kelthran was still hanging in there, having passed the first stage of training with few problems. They stood on a gravel field, a line of targets standing opposite them. Their instructor, a Thranian, walked back and forth behind them.
“In combat you do the job as fast as you can, and as efficient as you can. You gotta learn how to fight in a dynamic stress situation, you’re gotta learn to be quick and efficent. When that ring lights up, it’s business time. I’m gonna make you run that ring harder than you ever have because all the lives are counting on you!” Instructor Lantern Costa yelled out at the trainees.
The trainees tensed, their fists, claws or tentacles clenching, the rings glinting green from the power within.
“BUST ‘EM!” Came the call. Kelthran snapped his ring up, thin pulses of green energy leaping out, eaching one spearing his targets, punching through to impact and explode on the hill behind them.
******
Kelthran bobbed and weaved, the life support field protecting him from harsh vacuum of space, the ring moving him forward as he traversed the rock rings of the second planet in the Oan system.
He swerved to the right, dodging a low power flash of light from Trainee Lantern Edie Shakaria. The Korugarian woman pursued him, firing the flashes at him, trying to tag him.
Kelthran grinned, drifting down into a crevice of the rock, watching as Edie darted past, heading further into the rock field. He dashed out of the crevice, heading back the way he came, towards one of the largest rocks in the field, and where a flag was planted. The traditional final match, the last thing the trainees did before becoming probationary lanterns.
He floated down the surface of the rock, the life support field keeping him from floating away as he walked towards the flag. His hand reached out, only inches away when a green wall blocked his hand. He jerked back and grimaced, looking up at three members of the other team, along with Edie keeping the wall up.
“Alright, white circles, good match.” Came the call of the instructor. The trainees all smiled and started shaking hands, Kelthran’s team members showing up from wherever they had been in the field.
******
Classes, exercises, practice runs, range time. Three months of constant training, studying the laws of the universe. Twenty recruits, whittled down to eleven graduating Trainees.
With Trainee Lantern Vakar carrying the Lantern flag, leading the ten other recruits marching onto the parade ground. They marched to the center of the field, halting and turning as one to face the raised platform and the three Guardians, the imposing figure of Instructor Kilowog and the spindly form of Administrator Salakk. With a sharp salute, the trainees stood at attention. A number of random Lanterns stood around the field, watching the ceremony that had been repeated time and time again.
“Good afternoon, Trainees. Today you take a big step into the universe. You have finished Phase One. When your name is called, report to the stage for your badge issue and orders for your phase two assignment.”
The Guardian accepted a scroll of parchment, unfurling it. “Hear ye, hear ye. Let it be known on this date, the Trainee Lanterns of Class 234539 have finished Phase One. Demonstrating the necessary willpower and dedication to the Corps, it is the will of the Guardians that Class 234539 be hereby promoted to Probationary Lanterns and advanced to Phase Two. They are hereby charged with executing all the responsibilities and duties of a Field Lantern while under the supervision of a Field Training Lantern. Their current progress reflects great honor upon themselves, their races, their Instructors, and this Corps. Will Trainee Lantern Shakaria step forward to accept this honor?”
Kelthran Raz waited his turn, and kept the smile from his face as he floated up to the stage. He grunted as Kilowog punched him ‘lightly’ in the white circle, a flash of green and as the fist pulled back, the green of the probationary lantern badge appeared in the white circle, still missing the black of the full lantern badge.
“Good job, poozer.” The instructor said softly, gruff voice filled with pride.
The newly minted Probationary Lantern turned to the Guardians taking the datapad that was held out to him before returning to formation with the others.
As the last graduate returned, the Guardians looked out at them. “Now, join us in reciting the Oath.”
With wide smiles, the Probationary Lanterns raised their rings into the air, their voices strong and clear.
“In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power, Green Lantern's Light!”
******
OverSector House #251
Sector 2513 office
Field Training Lantern Yara Krasna looked up from his desk, looking at Kelthran Raz with an expression that almost made the Lantern doubt his right to wear the badge.
“You the Glint?” He asked, looking him over.
“Yes, sir.” The young Rannian replied, assuming it meant rookie.
“Welcome to Sector 2513. We aren’t as bad 932, but we’re close. Ten full time Lanterns, and over half the OSRT’s call ups come from this sector. Let me tell you, this is real Lantern work out here.” With snort, Krasna pushed his chair back, standing. “Come on.” Krasna said, walking past Raz into the hall and towards the bay.
“Hey Yara!” Came a yelled greeting. Krasna turned, smiling as he spotted Lantern Mikiya Thralans. Kelthran looked over and kept his jaw from hitting the floor. He knew there were good looking Lanterns in the Corps, but he didn’t except to see such a beautiful one right out of training. She was humanoid, with slightly pointed ears, pure white hair that fell about her shoulders, black lines upon her face, some sort of tribal mark he guessed. Kelthran also noticed how the uniform hugged all the right curves, and the dark green cloak hung from her shoulders, giving her an exotic air compared to the other Lanterns assigned here.
“Hey kid.” Krasna said with a grin. “Just finish your shift?”
“Yep. Oh, is this the Glint?” She asked, looking over at Kelthran, grinning. “He’s cute.”
“Yeah that’s him, and calm down, let him get settled before you pounce him.” The older lantern teased. “Probationary Lantern Raz, Lantern Tharlans, she was my last partner before I took up field training. She’s in charge of OverSector investigations and helps out on the OSRT.”
“Hi.” Kelthran greeted, staying quiet as the two veteran lanterns talked.
She rolled her eyes. “Ah come on, you know I like to break ‘em in young.” She said with a laugh. “You’re lucky, Glint, Krasna is the best FTL you’ll find in the Corps. Anyway, Yara, have a fun shift.” She said, walking away with an extra sway in her hips, the cape swishing behind her offering glimpses at the edge of her figure.
Krasna chuckled. “She’s trouble, that one.” He said, then smacked the badge on Kelthran’s chest. “Come on, let’s get moving.”
As they entered the docking bay, Krasna began speaking again. “Alright, you can forget any pacifist shit they taught you on Oa. Some spice junkie comes at you trying to get your ring, you take him down anyway you need to. You go by the book, you will get killed. You fly with me, you back your badge.” He said, the now familiar green glow surrounding him, another quickly following around Kelthran.
******
Sector 2513
Capital City, Argosia
“Alright, Glint, eyes open. Look, don’t glance. We’re the apex predators out here. We’re always hunting.” Krasna said to Kelthran as they flew through the air, towards the Security/Justice Enforcement Headquarters building.
As they landed, the glow around their bodies faded and the two Lanterns started up the stairs.
“Some sectors like to keep things private, or they don’t have a lot of working local law enforcement to work with. We’re lucky, Argosian Security covers more than half the sector. But the rest, well it’s pretty bad.”
They had entered while Krasna was talking, turning a hallway and ending up under a sign marked GL Liason. The older Lantern just walked in, nodding to the clerk at the counter who handed over a folder.
“So, who’s the prey for today?” He muttered, looking over the papers. He held one out ot Kelthran, who looked it over. Cephalopodian named Linto Maltan. The squid was wanted for drug running and a host of other smuggling related charges, believed to have ties to Butara Skaliash, one of the top criminals of the sector.
******
“Hey! Help, down here!”
The words were cried out and the two Lanterns slowed down, heading back towards the voice. They found an older male standing next to a hover car, steam rising from under the hood.
“Yes sir?” Krasna asked, keeping his face neautral.
“Hey, my vehicle broke down.”
“Ok.” Krasna said, his tone making it clear he was unimpressed.
“Well, my vehicle broke down.” The Argosian repeated, as though it explained everything.
“Sir, we’re Lanterns, not a towing service.” Krasna said before flying back up into the sky, Kelthran following.
******
They flew through the air, avoiding any hover craft in the air. “You’re gonna learn real quick that everyone thinks their problems are worthy of the Lanterns. When I first joined the Corps, I ran myself ragged the first year, just running around doing everything for everyone.” Said the gruff voice, the owner leading Kelthran through the city. “If it isn’t life or death, don’t get distracted. The locals can deal with pets stuck up on a ledge, or a petty criminal.”
Kelthran followed the advice of earlier, looking down each alley they passed. It had been a long shift so far, nothing worth stopping for and the time was coming for a meal break. The ring was scanning as they flew, searching for the squid, in addition to providing a link to ASF comms. Kelthran glanced around, hearing the echos of sirens through the city buildings.
“Dispatch, this is Juna 34 Linta, heading west on Main. Suspect is a grey squid, matching description of Linto Maltan.” The two Lanterns looked at each other before lifting up, above the buildings and banking towards the west, shooting off at high speeds.
Kelthran tried to keep his breathing steady, his pulse rising. This was it, what he had been training for. The chase was on. He dodged and weaved, banking hard around a corner, barely able to keep up with the more experienced Lantern. They came to a junction and Krasna paused, holding up his ring, pointing down either direction, waiting for a signal. Suddenly, a boom sounded to their left and Linto Maltan came flying around a corner. He stopped short, eyes wide at the two Lanterns.
“GREEN LANTERN, HALT!” Kelthran had his ring up, glowing, ready to go. The squid fired his blaster straight into the ground beneath him, the dust cloud kicking up. Using the ring, he blew the smoke away, looking at the retreating back of the squid, taking off after him, an ASF hover car keeping pace a few meters behind him, lights and sirens filling the air.
It was just like the entertainment vids back home, or Universe’s Most Wild Chases. Maltan kept firing his blaster at the walls of the buildings, at parked vehicles, back at Kelthran and the hover car, trying to do anything he could to slow his pursuers. Anytime a blast came at him, he raised his forearm, a shield appearing, absorbing the blast, slowing him down a tad. Kelthran lifted higher in the air, dodged the burning wreckage of a hover truck that Maltan had hit. Excitement flowed through him as he banked hard, the hover car behind him not quite making the turn, hitting the wall, crashing to the ground. The scream of sirens in his ear, he formed a cone in front of him, blasting his way through the cargo section of a hover truck. Kelthran focused and energy blasts of his own leapt out, trying to tag the squid. Kelthran spared a moment on a straightaway to look behind him, not spotting Lantern Krasna, just a half dozen ASF vehicles, hot on his tail. With no time to wonder where his partner was, Kelthran kept up the chase.
He looked forward in time to catch sight of the squid ducking down an alleyway. Kelthran slowed down just enough to make the turn, his ring making a cushion against the wall as he bumped into it, engery constructs zipping out infront of him to move debris out of the way for him.
“Keep him going straight a few more seconds.” Came the call over his ring, the gruff voice of Krasna filling his mind.
The probationary lantern saw the squid starting to turn and he fired, hitting the wall near the turn and scaring him back into the alley. He could see the end of the alleyway, with traffic moving back and forth. Suddenly a green net snapped into place at the end, Maltan flying right into it, stretching it out before the net closed, trapping the suspect. With a rough landing, Kelthran was right next to him, yanking the blaster away, panting from the exhausting and exhilarating chase.
Krasna floated down as the ASF cars landed, officers pouring out, putting restraints on the squid. The Field Training Lantern looked at his young partner. “Good job keeping up. Next time though, you can skip the dodging and weaving and just flying above the streets.” He said with a smirk.
******
Kelthran paced back and forth infront of the door, looking up every time he heard a scream. Which was happening far too often. Finally the screams stopped and the door opened. Three ASF officer carrying Maltan and Lantern Krasna exited. The Lantern began walking towards the exit without even acknowledging the younger lantern, the officers carrying Maltan down the hall, towards the sign INFIRMARY.
“What the hell was that?!” Kelthran finally blurted out, completely at a loss. Lanterns were supposed to paragons of justice and virtue, the shining beacon against the darkness and evil of the universe.
“What? Argosian Security likes to get a little physical in their interrogations.” Krasna said.
“But, what about the OJC? Doesn’t it say things about that?” Kelthran asked.
“They do. That’s why I wasn’t asking questions. I was just there to listen.” The older Lantern stepped out into the open air. “And incase you were wondering, we go the information we wanted. Skaliash is boarding a freighter in four hours. Onboard is a large supply of narcotics and weapons. This is the dream bust. We get him, it’ll rock the criminal scum of this sector on their heels for a good three months.” With that, Yara Krasna lifted off the ground and began flying towards space.
******
Sector 2513
West Tarmac, Raadia Epasian Memorial Spaceport
Four hours later, three comm messages later and Probationary Lantern Kelthran Raz sitting back in the shadows on top of the terminal. OSRT Lantern Vaun Hoff was next to him, using his ring form a scanner, looking through it at the freighter they had been tipped off about.
There were five other Lanterns scattered throughout the port, four assigned to the sector, including Kelthran and his partner, and three Lanterns from the OverSector Response Team. In addition to that, there were the Port Police, and Argosian Security’s Response Tactical Team.
“How long have you been a Lantern?” Kelthran asked quietly, looking out at the ship.
“Bout three years. I was Thrannican Security before signing up.” Came the soft reply.
“So, uh, how long do these things usually take?” The rookie lantern asked, nervousness showing in his voice.
“Eager for some action, Glint?” Lantern Hoff teased. “Don’t worry, it’ll happen soon enough.”
The words proved oddly prophetic as less than two minutes later, an air car settled next to the freighter, and three beings got out. Two insectiods and a humanoid, the insectoids moving behind as bodyguards.
“It aint him.” Came the hushed voice of Krasna over the ring. “It’s one of his aides.”
“Roger, holding.” Hoff replied, shifting his view over some of the other ships, pausing on a yatch a few berths over.
“Glint, take a look at that yatch, our thirty degrees.” Kelthran complied, his ring forming a scanner just like Hoff’s, looking through the view piece at the zoomed image.
“Is that…” Kelthran trailed off.
“Yeah, it’s him.” He held up his ring. “Break break break.” He said, interrupting Krasna’s comment about crime lords and their rising intelligence. “We’ve got him, he’s on the yatch, four berths over to the south of the freighter.”
Silence reigned for a few moments as the Lanterns shifted their attention.
“Confirm.” Came the soft voice of Lantern Thralans.
“ARTT, can you take the freighter? Lanterns Zetra and Elria can assist, the rest of Lanterns will take the yatch, Port police, you provide back up and perimeter security.”
“Roger, we can take it, we’re moving into position now.” The ARTT SAC replied, along with an affirmative from the Port Senior Officer Hoff nudged Kelthran and they squatted down, moving across the roof top slowly, keep their rings unlit to avoid being spotted.
“Call when ready, we’ll do it at the same time.” Krasna said.
It took them a minute to traverse the rooftop, not directly aft of the yatch, looking down at the two guards patrolling near the back, energy rifles held loosely on their slings.
“You secure the guards, then follow the rest of us in.” Hoff instructed.
“All forces, this is ARTT SAC, go go go.” Came the order. Their rings lit with a bright glow, Kelthran and Hoff rocketed down at the ship. Twin energy beams leapt from his ring, smack into the guards, knocking them out. He came down to the ground, next to them, his ring tugging their rifles away and melting them. He looked up as a trio of Port officers came running up, weapons ready, then two of them putting restraints on the guards.
Kelthran floated up moving in through the yanked upon door. He braced his arm, sweeping the rooms, moving forward. He reached a junction, spotting the backs of Hoff and Krasna.
“LANTERN CORPS, THROW DOWN YOUR WEAPON!” Thralans voice carried down the hall.
“Ok, ok, I give.” A voice hollered back, and an energy blaster skidded onto the floor and Butara Skaliash came out, hands held high.
“Huh, thought you were taller.” Came the witty words of Hoff as he moved forward, energy ring creating restraints.
******
“Clear.” Kelthran called out.
“Clear.” Came another voice.
“Roger, all clear.” Krasna said, lowering his ring and returning to the airlock of the yatch. “ARTT, what’s your status?” He asked, speaking into his ring.
“Hey, Krasna, this is Zetra, we got the big one. The whole ship’s packed. I’d say over two billions credits worth of drugs and weapons. Not to mention about ten million in hard creds. Dream bust. Can I keep some as a bonus?” The voice was excited. This was a once in a lifetime hit.
“Wow. And yeah, let’s keep the creds and go for a vaction.” Krasna said happily, his normally sullen face grinning widely as the three lanterns turned and exited the ship.
Kelthran walked down the steps of the ship, grinning as he looked at the Port Police Officer pushing Skaliash into the back of the waiting prisoner transport. A crowd of reporters and port workers had appeared, proving once again that onlookers were a universal constant. The transport was a little emptier than the probationary lantern would have liked, but they had got the big fish, the lieutenants could be caught later. He looked to the side, hearing the roar of engines as a passenger liner lifted off the tarmac and into the inky blackness, heading towards a jumpgate.
He looked over his shoulder at Krasna talking to Thralans, most likely about the paperwork that would follow and how it was worth it to put the scumbag behind bars, or energy fields, depending on what planet the prison was on, not to mention the joy of getting such a big catch..
A series of rapid bangs drew his attention back to the transport, the officer was down, green blood staining the tarmac. Everything seemed to slow down, sounds becoming muted. Skaliash’s hands were free, a blaster in them, pointed at the downed officer. Another humanoid stood nearby, a blaster in his hand, yelling at Skaliash. Probably telling him to run, Kelthran wasn’t sure. The goon swung the blaster over, the barrel seemingly inching towards another officer. And then three rapid flashes, green energy beams piercing the thug, two in the chest, one in the head. The goon crumbled. Suddenly, Kelthran was aware his ring was up, pointed and glowing. Sound came rushing back. The crowd was screaming, a pair of officers tackled Skaliash to the ground before he could run, a green energy construct snatching the weapon and crushing it. Kelthran’s eyes were wide. He hadn’t even realized he was firing. It was all instinct, the words of his range instructor filling his mind. Lives had counted on him. And he had acted.
He could feel the bile rising in his stomach and throat as he looked at the scene, still seemingly running in slow motion. The officer was writhing in pain, another officer kneeling next to him, holding his hands on the wounds. Thralans was running to the officer, ring glowing as bands of energy lept out, tending to the wounded officer. A hand touched Kelthran’s forearm, and he jerked, almost swing the ring around to blast whoever it was before he realized Krasna was pushing his forearm down, a stern, serious look on his face. The probationary lantern’s eyes went back to the downed thug, the red blood pooling, mixing with the green.
******
Witness crowded around, mostly Spaceport workers and a few reporters who had been preparing to travel. A green band encircled a large area, keeping the onlookers from getting too close, a body laid in the center, a sheet covering it. Beings, male and female, in green and black milled around, keeping the crowd back or taking notes. A young Rannian was nearby, eyes locked on the body.
The world seemed out of focus, from his seat on the stairs. Sounds were out of wack. Sounds that should have filled the air seemed muted while others were a roar. He was still in a daze. His whole career had been about saving people, and he thought his service in the Lantern Corps would be the same. It was one thing to talk about using your ring against another living being, but to actually do it was something else.
“Right in center mass. Perfect shooting.” Krasna’s voice complimented, the words causing a fresh wave of nausea.
A green glow approached in the sky and a pair of Lanterns landed, starting to talk to Thralans.
“Alphas showed up. Alright, listen up. They’re gonna ask you questions, just answer truthfully. Turst me, you don’t lie to these guys. A lie is worse than an out of policy kill. Tell it like it happened, and it’ll be no big deal.”
“But I killed someone!” Kelthran said, voice shaky.
“What did you think the ring and all those classes about when lethal force is justified were for? Just to waste time? You’ll be fine, they’ll send you to Mogo to do that ‘I love and revere all sentient beings’ shit and then next time you’re up, you’ll drag your weary ass out of your bed, put on your ring and your badge and do this all over again. Because this is the greatest job in the universe. Can you do bad? Go dark? Oh yes you can, it’s happened to the greatest of us. Can you abuse it? You can and you will, because no matter what you do, the scum of this universe are relentless and it seems like you change nothing. A day like today though? With a fun chase, an interesting case, and a good bust, that’s good. But occasionally, occasionally, you get to take a bad guy out of the universe for good, and that my friend, is God, the Gods, the creators, the makers, whoevers. That is their work. So, you don’t feel good about this, it isn’t for you, fine, quit, I don’t want a partner who doesn’t want to be here.” Krasna straightened up, his expression stern. “You’re a Lantern because you don’t know how to be a sheep. You feel that way, you’re a Lantern, if you don’t, you’re a sheep. You decide.” With that, Krasna turned away, walking out of the way of the Alphas.
“Probationary Lantern Kelthran Raz?” Came a mechanical sounding voice from one of the Alpha Lanterns. “We’d like to talk to you about what happened.”
******
OverSector House #251
Sector 2513 office
The OverSector House was quiet as Kelthran entered through the docking bay, a few workers nodding to him. The disposition with the Alphas had taken longer than he thought it would and the other Lanterns had returned to the House or back to whatever they were doing before hand.
He walked down the hall, entering his quarters, willing his uniform away, leaving him in his civilian clothes. With a heavy sigh, he sat down at his terminal, opening up his messages. One was his time for his appointment to visit Mogo. The other was a copy of the report Krasna had filed about his first day. His eyes skimmed over it before reaching the end, a smile tugging his lips.
‘It is this Lantern’s opinion that despite having to take a life, Probationary Lantern Raz conducted himself to the highest standards of the Corps. He is and will remain an outstanding Lantern, we are very lucky to have him in the Green Lantern Corps.’