Chapter Text
Chapter 79: Cruiser Control
Hal looked down at his ring. Not a few minutes ago, one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. With one shot from a high-tech blaster, however, it was rendered completely useless. He looked up at his assailants, members of the galactic criminal organization known as the Black Circle. They had their weapons trained on him and Cyborg, who was trying to pick himself up after the shot. The Lantern’s instincts kicked in, prompting him to kick the legs out from under one before springing up and trying to grab one of the soldiers’ guns. The two grappled with each other for a bit before GL kicked him aside, taking hold of his weapon. He then started opening fire on the soldiers, causing them to all back away as he approached Cyborg.
“Vic!” he called out. “Vic, you gotta snap out of it!”
Cyborg shook his head, looking down at his sonic cannon for a moment. After a second, he put it away and got back to his feet, choosing to run forward and tackle one of the soldiers to the ground, socking him in the face for good measure. He looked up, seeing another soldier aiming his weapon at him. Cyborg immediately sprung up and uppercutted the soldier, knocking him to the ground. The last one came running toward Hal, only for him to strike him with the blunt end of the gun, taking him out. With the last of the soldiers down, he turned toward Cyborg.
“Nice recovery, ‘victory’,” GL commented. “What happened there? You had the shot but didn’t take it?”
“I…” Cyborg replied before shaking his head. “I don’t know… just kind of… froze up.”
“Well, you need to pull it together. I don’t know what these guys are after, but if they’ve got the tech to neutralize a GL ring, they gotta mean serious business. So, I’m gonna need you in the game a hundred percent. Can you give me that?”
“Yeah… yeah. I’m in.”
“Great,” GL replied, tightening his grip on his weapon .”Let’s go.”
…
Back on the brig, Kilowog was placed into Sinestro’s cell, with Sinestro rubbing his wrists as he turned to Amon.
“Amon Sur,” he marveled. “You look so much like your father?”
Amon perked up at that. “You knew my father?”
“We served together. He was like a brother to me,” he placed a hand on his shoulder. “So in a way, that makes us family.”
Amon looked up at Sinestro, seeing the genuine sincerity on his face. Amon’s own face sowed a bit.
“Then you probably knew him better than I did. His dedication was more to the Corps than his own family… and it cost him his life.”
“The Green Lanterns have an unfortunate habit of allowing great talent to be diminished,” Sinestro recounted, causing Kilowog to scowl.
“Abin died for what he believed in!” Kilowog challenged. “He died a hero, and he’d be ashamed of both of you for what you’ve become!”
“Silence you!” Amon challenged, aiming a blaster at Kilowog’s head. “I should kill you right now.”
“I would recommend against it,” Sinestro commented, placing a hand on the blaster and lowering it. “Keeping them alive could benefit us in the long term.”
Amon looked at him in confusion. “In what way?”
“If you truly wish to wage war on the Green Lanterns, then you must strike at the heart of their empire. Having Green Lanterns to get us in could make it a lot easier.”
“No Green Lantern would ever help you,” Kilowog challenged.
Sinestro smirked, turning to him. “Everyone has their limits. And I’m willing to test them.”
…
Meanwhile, GL and Cyborg made their way into the ventilation system and proceeded to crawl through it, trying to stay ahead of their new adversaries.
“So, who the heck are these guys?” Cyborg wondered. “And how the heck can they take down a GL ring?”
“I recognize the uniforms from the GL archives,” Hal explained. “They call themselves the Black Circle. Some kind of radicalist criminal organization. Though they’ve never hit anything as big as a GL cruiser before. As for the fancy weapons… that’s something new.”
“We should call for backup,” Victor suggested. “Call in the rest of the League. A Javelin should be able to get out here.”
“Maybe, but not in time. Especially not with Kilowog and the others on the line. It’s up to us.”
Cyborg paused for a moment, then steeled himself. “So, what’s the play, coach?”
GL smirked in response. “They gotta be holding the others in the prison hold. We sneak there, break them out, then take back the ship.”
“That’s it?” Cyborg asked as Hal kept crawling. “That’s the whole plan?”
“Hey, you know me. I’m more of a big picture kinda guy.”
…
Meanwhile, Amon and Sinestro went to the bridge of the ship, with several Black Circle soldiers having already taken the controls.
“The weapons are powered by the yellow element, the same material that was used to make your ring,” Amon explained. “We were able to obtain a fairly large supply on Nidera.”
“Impressive,” Sinestro commended. “Creating such weapons from the element would be a difficult task for everyone. Especially without the weaponers of Qward to aid you.”
“The Black Circle has resources of its own. And the dedication to see this operation through.”
“Intend and fortitude. Traits your father had in spades,” Sinestro gazed out into space. “I truly wish he were here with us.”
Amon narrowed his eyes in response. “I longed to know him like you do… but his ‘duty’ kept him away from home for so long. There were times when I wondered if he even knew of our existence… or cared.”
Sinestro turned toward Amon, seeing the frustration and resentment in his eyes.
“You… mustn’t blame your father too harshly. He was a victim of a system that had no choice but to fail him. But I mean to change that. Tear down the corrupt Green Lantern Corps and replace it with a system that will deal swift and sufficient justice,” he then placed a hand on Amon’s shoulder. “And I hope you will consider joining me.”
Amon perked up at this, turning to face Sinestro and seeing the sincerity in his face.
…
Back down in the holding area, Katma and Arkkis were placed in containment cells alongside Kilowog. Vartox and Kormand’r were stationed with a few select Black Circle soldiers to keep guard. Surprisingly, the red creature had elected to remain in his cell, to the confusion of the others. Vartox just looked at the creature with narrowed eyes.
“We have been given freedom, and he chooses to sit in captivity,” He commented in disdain. “Why? What does he hope to gain by submitting to these Green Lantern dogs?”
“Ignore him,” Kormand’r replied dismissively. “Once we help these Black Circle boys with whatever they need, we’re free to do whatever we wish. And I, for one, have some unfinished business at home.”
She sauntered away, leaving Vartox to grip his ax in frustration as he got back to guarding. Up in the vents, Hal and Vic looked down at their current situation.
“So, this looks like a problem,” Vic noted.
“We’ll stand a better chance if we split ‘em up,” Hal decided. “I’ll handle the ax murderer while you take Princess Pain.”
“You sure you’re gonna be able to take that guy? I mean, he doesn’t exactly look like a pushover.”
“He will be if I can recharge my ring. I just need to lead him away toward the ship's onboard Lantern battery, power up, and make the big guy see more stars than there are outside.”
“Hope you’re right,” Victor replied.
“Yeah…” Hal whispered to himself as they got moving. “Me too.”
…
A few moments later, Kormand’r and Vartox continued guarding the Lanterns, Katma glaring at them from her containment.
“You don’t honestly believe you’ll get away with this, do you?”
Kormand’r chuckled in response. “Seriously? You’re using that old cliche? Alright, I’ll play along. As a matter of fact, I do. We are going to infiltrate Oa. we will destroy you,” She came over, lifting her chin so they could meet at eye level. “And we’re gonna have fun doing it.”
Katma just glared at Kormand’r in response. Seemingly out of nowhere, she spat in Kormand’r’s face, causing her to recoil in disgust. Katma smirked as Kormand knocked her back. She picked herself up, turned back to her, and produced a purple energy bolt in her hand, seemingly ready to fire it at her.
“I think the Black Circle can do without one Lantern.”
Before she could lob it at her, a blast suddenly hit Kormand’r back. She spun around in the air, straightening herself out as she looked up to see Cyborg aiming his sonic cannon at her.
“Now that’s not a nice way to treat your hosts,” Cyborg remarked.
Kormand’r glared at Cyborg, her eyes glowing purple as she flew right at him, plowing him into a wall. Vartox was about to join her in battle, only to get shot in the back by an energy blast. He knelt in pain, turning back to see Hal holding his stolen weapon.
“Hey Paul Bunyan,” he spoke. “How’s about you and I go a round or two?”
Vartox smirked, turning toward Hal and cracking his neck in response. Hal became a little nervous in response but maintained his cool regardless. Vartox came charging at him, taking a swing with his ax and prompting Hal to leap out of the way of the strike before it could hit. He rolled on the ground before looking up at the towering villain looming over him. He tried shooting at him, but the blasts only caused him to stagger back as his anger built up. Vartox swung his ax down again, prompting Hal to roll out of the way before the weapon could make contact. He planted a foot on the ax and pushed off it, sending him sliding across the floor away from him. He then got back up and saw Vartox pulling his ax free and turning toward him.
“That’s it, big guy,” Hal whispered. “Keep on me.”
Hal took off down a corridor, prompting Vartox to follow after in hopes of taking him out.
Back with Cyborg, Kormand’r continued pushing him against the wall, getting ready to punch him. Cyborg quickly moved his head before kicking her in the stomach, knocking her away and allowing him to land on the ground safely.
“Alright… no more messing around,” Cyborg declared, slamming his fist. “You wanna go, lady? Let’s go!”
Kormand’r picked herself up, smirking as she cracked her neck.
“If you insist,” she remarked, closing her hand into a fist that was coursing with energy. She then charged forward, prompting Cyborg to leap out of the way as she flew past. Reacting quickly, Cyborg grabbed her by the ankle and threw her down to the ground. She grunted in irritation before tearing off a piece of the floor and chucking it at Cyborg. The impact sent him staggering back as she rushed forward, socking him across the face and sending him flying. He impacted the ground hard, slowly picking himself up as Komand'r came walking over.
“That was just a love tap, cyborg,” She remarked, meaning it as a cruel observation rather than his name. “Next one is gonna have a lot less love in it.”
“That’s fine,” Cyborg reassured, picking himself up. “You’re not my type.”
Cyborg then charged at her, Kormand’r smirking before doing the same.
…
Meanwhile, Hal kept moving through the ship, with Vartox in close pursuit. Every once in a while, Hal turned back and fired a few shots at Vartox to ensure he kept him angry and following him. As Vartox rounded a corner, he lobbed his ax toward Hal, who quickly slid on the ground to avoid the oncoming attack. The ax embedded itself into the wall nearby, with Hal looking up at it nervously. He then turned back to Vartox, who was cracking his knuckles menacingly as he approached. Hal tried to aim the gun at him, but Vartox grabbed it and knocked Hal aside. Hal looked up as he saw Vartox take the gun and crush it in his hands. Taking a breath, Hal got to his feet and ran toward Vartox. He tried punching Vartox across the face, which not only did nothing to him but caused Hal to wince in pain.
“Ow…” he let out, holding his hand. “Ok, bad idea.”
He looked up, seeing Vartox about to punch him. Thinking fast, Hal dropped to the ground and kicked him right between the legs. However, this did very little as Vartox looked down at him with intimidation.
“Wow… I pity your prom date.”
Vartox just grabbed Hal by the leg and threw him across the hall. He hit the wall hard, denting one of the pipes on the wall and causing it to fall off as Hal dropped to the ground.
“Ok… that was dumb.”
Hal then looked to the side, seeing the broken pipe on the ground. Seeing an opportunity, he grabbed the pipe and felt the weight of it.
“Not much, but it’ll have to do.”
Vartox meanwhile reclaimed his ax, giving it a quick spin before turning toward Hal, gripping the ax with both hands before rushing forward.
“Bring it ugly!” Hal declared, rushing at him and swinging his pipe. “Let’s hope Kilowog’s training is still fresh.”
He swung the pipe at Vartox’s ax, causing the two to clash. Hal took the opportunity to grab the villain's arm and hurl him over his shoulder. Vartox hit the ground hard, grunting in pain as he looked up and saw Hal taking off down the hall toward the ship's power battery. Enraged, Vartox got back on his feet, intent on chasing Green Lantern down and ending his life once and for all.
…
Meanwhile, Cyborg continued duking it out with Kormand’r, who was not making it easy for him. Cyborg had just managed to uppercut her, sending her flying into the air. She was quick to stabilize herself, however, allowing her to fire energy bolts at him. He quickly ran across the room, doing his best to avoid the blasts as he ran across the room. He then leaped out of the way of one of the bolts, rolling on the ground and activating his sonic cannon. He aimed at her but seemed to hesitate to fire it. Kormand’r took the chance and blasted him dead on, knocking him off his feet as he hit the ground hard.
“That was so easy, it was sad,” she commented, floating down to the ground. “Maybe after I take you apart, I can go after your friend and see if he can give me a bigger challenge.”
Cyborg tried to pick himself up, only for Kormand’r to slam her foot onto his chest, pinning him down.
“Now don’t bother getting up on my part. I’ll try and make it quick,” she smirked as he struggled to get out from under her. “Aww, don’t be like that. Tell ya what,” she leaned in close to him. “After I’m done with you, before I go home to finish what I started, I can make a pitstop on your planet and pay a visit to anyone you might know,” she whispers into his ear. “Wouldn’t you like that?”
The implications Kormand’r was throwing at him made Victor’s blood boil. The thought of her going to Earth hurt anyone he cared about, it just set him off. Thinking fast, he grabbed her hair and charged it with electricity, causing her to cry out in pain. Cyborg took this chance to throw her off of him and collided with a nearby wall. Cyborg picked himself up, forming twin sonic cannons as he stared her down. He threw them up, the two fusing to form one massive cannon that charged up with energy. Before either one could register what was happening, the cannon fired, hitting Kormand’r point blank. The blast hit her so hard, it sent her crashing through the wall of the ship and out into the vacuum of space.
The air started getting sucked out of the ship, causing Cyborg to skid across the ground a bit as he was pulled toward the opening. However, the ship's emergency bulkheads quickly sealed up the hole, allowing Cyborg to drop to his knees in shock at what he had done.
“No… I… I didn’t mean…”
…
Vartox towered through the halls of the ship, hoping to find Hal. He looked down a hall, seeing Hal entering a room emanating a green light. Vartox went over and tore open the doors, seeing Hal standing in front of a giant Lantern battery about to put his ring in.
“In brightest day, in blackest ni-”
Before he could continue, Vartox grabbed him by the back of the head and threw him against a nearby wall. He hit the wall hard before dropping to the ground. Hal tried to get back up, but Vartox placed a foot on his chest, pinning him to the ground. Hal grunted in pain as he looked up at the ax-wielding criminal.
“So… what are you waiting for?”
“Nothing would make me happier than killing you right now,” Vartox mused. “But those that freed me desire the Lanterns alive… for now.”
…
Back in the holding area, Cyborg quickly got the others free, a sullen look on his face as he did so.
“Nice work, kid,” Kilowog commended.
“Yeah…” Cyborg replied, his tone sounding monotone as he did.
“We have to work fast to retake the ship,” Katma declared.
“I’m open to suggestions,” Kilowog commented.
“With the bridge under Black Circle control, we won’t be able to call for assistance,” Arkkis lamented, before thinking of something. “Unless…”
“Unless what?” Katma asked.
“If critical systems of the ship were damaged, the ship's internal beacon would send out an SOS and bring in support.”
“I like it. But what’s to stop these guys from taking out their rings like they did with ours?”
“We’ll just have to deal with that as it comes,” Kilowog decided. “Besides, at least we’ll have back up. Now come on!”
The other Lanterns nodded as they started to leave. Before they could though, Katma glanced back and saw that Cyborg just standing there, staring blankly as he was lost in thought.
“Hey,” she called out. “You coming?”
Cyborg said nothing. He just looked at the spot where he blasted Kormand’r into space, the moment playing in his mind on a loop.
“Kid,” Katma let out, trying to get his attention. “Hey, kid.”
Victor suddenly perked up, turning toward Katma as she stood next to him.
“Snap out of it, kid,” she told him. “We gotta move.”
“I… I can’t.”
That took the others by surprise.
“Can’t?” Katma repeated. “What do you mean, you can’t? We’ve got a job to do.”
“Didn’t you see what happened?” Victor let out, turning to face her. “I just blasted that woman into space! I freakin killed her!”
“I wouldn’t be too concerned,” Arkkis reassured. “Tamaranians can survive numerous harsh conditions. Including the vacuum of space. She should be alright.”
“I… well, even so, it’s too dangerous for me to get involved. With what my armor… what I can do… I’m a living weapon! I don’t even know all of what I can do, and it’s a risk to everyone on this ship! I’m a risk to everyone anywhe-”
Before he could finish, Kilowog came up and slapped him across the face,
“Can it, poozer!” he shouted, getting up close. “Now is not the time for a pity party! While you’re sitting here whining, one of the Green Lantern Corps’ greatest enemies is plotting how to frag every single one of us, and it’s our job to stop him! So you either sit here feeling sorry for yourself or suck it up and be the hero everyone here knows you can be!”
Cyborg is taken aback by the bluntness, but could easily see there was no point in arguing. He nodded and the four of them made their way for the engines.
…
On the bridge, Vartox arrived with Hal, whose wrists were confined with a bent piece of metal.
“Have another one for you,” Vartox announced, shoving Hal forward to Sinestro and Amon.
Sinestro himself smiled as he approached. He began circling Hal as he held himself upright.
“Jordan,” Sinestro mused. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised Vartox managed to get a hold of you.”
“Maybe I just wanted to pay you a friendly visit,” Hal remarked.
Sinestro just scoffed in response. “Amon, this is Hal Jordan of Earth. He’s the one who inherited your father’s ring.”
Amon cocked an eyebrow, approaching Hal and looking him over.
“You?” Amon scoffed.
“That big of a surprise, huh?” Hal jeered.
“It appears the Green Lanterns will take anyone from the galaxy,” Amon then turns away. “Still, it won’t matter before long. Once we arrive at Oa, we will lay siege to the Lanterns and wipe them off the face of the galaxy.”
“Your little phasers are impressive, but you can’t possibly take out the entire Lantern Corps,” Hal countered.
“Oh, we don’t need to,” Sinestro reassured. “We just need to strike at one target.”
“The central power battery,” Amon added. “Once that is destroyed, every Green Lantern in the galaxy will be left powerless, and at our mercy.”
“And with the green light snuffed out, a new force will rise in its place. A force of fear.”
Hal was floored by the magnitude of the plan, hoping that wherever Vic and the others were, they were enacting a plan that would put an end to this madness.
…
Meanwhile, Victor and the other Lanterns made their way through the ship, Katma, Arkkis, and Kilowog armed with the Black Circle’s blasters so they could put up a fight. So far, they encountered no resistance but weren’t about to let their guard down as a result.
“How much farther to the engine room?” Cyborg asked.
“Not far,” Kilowog informed. “Brace yourself. No doubt it’ll be guarded.”
Victor nodded as they kept moving. After a bit, Kilowog peaked around a corner, seeing a pair of Black Circle soldiers standing guard at the entrance to the engine room. Getting a good lock, Kilowog ducked back to report to the others.
“Got two of them guarding the door. Could be more inside.”
“Two guards should be easy to take care of,” Katma reasoned. “Then you and Cyborg take the front going inside while Arkkis and I guard the rear.”
Kilowog and Cyborg nodded, the latter activating his sonic cannon, ready for the fight ahead. In an instant, the two rounded the corner and began opening fire on the guards, taking them out before they even had a chance to react. With the guards down, Kilowog went for the door while Cyborg picked up one of their weapons, scanning it.
“Wonder how these punks got a hold of…” as Cyborg continued scanning it, it revealed something that came as an absolute surprise. “No way…”
“What is it?” Kilowog asked.
“These guns… they’re-”
Before he could finish, the Black Circle soldiers inside the engine room opened fire on the two of them, causing them to move out of the way.
“Table this discussion for later?” Kilowog suggested.
“Sure,” Cyborg replied, firing a few blasts from his cannon.
A few blasts hit some of the soldiers, allowing him and Kilowog to slowly move inside as they laid down suppressing fire on the Black Circle forces.
…
On the bridge, Sinestro watched on the monitors as Cyborg and the others fought against the forces of the Black Circle.
“Persistent, aren’t they?” Sinestro mused before turning around. “Vartox, go and deal with them… as gently as you can.”
Xerox nodded, slinging his ax over his shoulder before heading off. Hal watched him leave as the door closed behind him, prompting him to look back at Sinestro and Amon.
“So… just us then, huh?” Hal remarked
“So it would seem,” Amon remarked.
“... good.”
Hal then charged forward, ramming into Amon, knocking him to the ground. Sinestro quickly approached, but Hal saw this and kicked him in the stomach, sending him staggering back. Taking advantage of his foes temporary disorientation, Hal leaped up and moved his hands over his feet so that they were in front of him as he landed. He turned and saw that Sinestro was starting to get back up, prompting him to rush over and smack him across the face with his bound hands. Sinestro hit the ground hard as Amon wrapped his arms around him, trying to hold him down. Hal whipped his head back, bailing Amon in the face and causing him to release Hal and stagger back. Hal spun around and hit him in the head with his bound hands, knocking him to the ground.
Sinestro shook his head as he began to pick himself up. He then noticed a discarded blaster on the ground and proceeded to pick it up. He aimed it at Hal, who quickly saw it and leaped out of the way before the shots hit. He rolled on the ground before landing on his feet, seeing Sinestro about to fire again. Hal quickly leaped backward as the blast was fired, allowing it to hit his bindings and free him. He then got back to his feet and rushed forward, dodging and weaving between the blasts before reaching Sinestro and grabbing hold of the gun. The two struggled to keep hold of the weapon as Amon picked himself up, eying Hal and running at him. Hal noticed him coming and maneuvered himself so he would run into Sinestro instead, causing them to tumble to the ground.
…
At the engine room, Kilowog and Cyborg managed to make their way inside the engine room, ducking behind some pipes as they traded fire against the Black Circle forces.
“These guys don’t know when to quit,” Cyborg commented.
“Then let’s show em how!” Kilowog called back.
He quickly moved out of hiding and charged forward, blasting away at the Black Circle soldiers as he did.
“Eat lasers, Poozers!”
As he moved in close, he smacked one soldier away with his gun before grabbing another and tossing him aside. Cyborg let out a whistle of astonishment. Back at the doorway, Arkkis and Katma took their positions on lookout, prepared for anything that was coming their way. As they scouted around, the doors to the lift were thrown open, allowing Vartox to step out. Katma and Arkkis were quick to see him approach, prompting them to open fire. Vartox used his ax to deflect the blasts as he made his way over to them. Once he got close, he swung his ax at them, forcing them to leap out of the way. Katma rolled on the ground before turning toward Vartox and opened fire on him. Varartox took the brunt of the blasts before turning toward Katma and leaping toward her, trying to bring his ax down on her. She rolled out of the way as he landed, trying to shoot at him again. This time, Vartox swung his ax around, slicing at the blaster as Katma leaped backward. She dropped the remains of her weapon as she landed on the ground and rolled backward so she landed on her feet.
Vartox turned toward her, pulling out his ax while tearing up pieces of metal in the process. Katma leaped out of the way and rolled on the ground before rushing toward Vartox. She leaped up and kicked him in the face, only causing him to grunt in response. Reacting fast, Vartox managed to grab Katma by the leg and toss her into the engine room, much to the surprise of Cyborg and Kilowog.
“Katma!” Kilowog cried out. “You alright?”
“Little sore, but fine otherwise,” Katma reassured, picking herself up. “Big guy’s proving a challenge.”
Cyborg looked around, spotting one of the energy valves for the engines, giving him an idea.
“See if you can lure him in here!” Cyborg called out. “I got an idea!”
Katma nodded before turning toward Arkkis as he kept firing on Vartox.
“Arkkis!” Katma called out. “Lead him in here!”
Arkkis nodded, running toward Arkkis and dropping to the ground, sliding between his legs before turning around and blasting him in the face. Vartox staggered back in response, allowing Arkkis to make a break into the engine room. Once he composed himself, Vartox chased after them.
…
Back with Hal, he noted the blaster on the ground, prompting him to make a move for it. Amon saw Hal moving and quickly got to his feet and dove at Hal, tackling him to the ground. The two tussled for a bit as Sinestro got up himself. He slowly walked over to the blaster just as Hal forced Amon off. Just as he was about to make a move, Sinestro picked up the gun and aimed it at Hal’s head. Hal froze up, slowly looking up at Sinestro’s confident smirk as he held his weapon.
“I suggest not doing anything stupid Jordan,” Sinestro warned. “If you wish to keep your head.”