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The Present…

On the planet known as Oa, the center of the universe and home to the intergalactic peacekeeping force, the Green Lantern Corps, their leaders, the Guardians of the Universe, assembled for an important meeting. Their main chamber sat in the center of the alien metropolis upon the planet itself, signified by its design as a Lantern Battery. Guards, both strong in body as well as willpower, stood at the door while awaiting the arrival of the remaining Guardians to join the others.

Sure enough one of the members, Ranakar as he was called, floated towards the entrance. Like the other Guardians he was a short, blue skinned creature that near resembled a human. He wore the red and white robes with the symbol of the core as a further reminder of his status along with the other Guardians. This was only further indicated by how the guards came to attention at his arrival.

“What is the meaning of this call?” he asked, looking at the two. “I was in the middle of overseeing Kilowag’s training of the new members.”

One of the guards, a bulky insect-like alien, answered “We weren’t told, sir. Only to make sure once all Guardians were present that they not be disturbed.”

Hearing that Ranakar huffed a reply “Likely Ali Apsa wanting to discuss further means of increasing the crop’s strength. Another droll argument for stronger ring bearers I’m sure.”

“I wouldn’t be so quick to judge Pazu Pinder.” A voice from behind said, Ranakar turning to see the other Guardian Ali Apsa himself floating towards him. “In fact I’d ruled in favor of not having such meetings anymore, since it appears to be such a bore to you.”

Apsa’s annoyed tone made Ranakar give an embarrassed shrink before asking “Then if you didn’t call for the meeting then who?”

“Ganthet apparently.” He answered as the two began to float into the chamber. “In all honesty I was surprised to hear this. And here I thought he disliked this pointless meetings almost as much as you.”

Another irritated remark caught Ranakar a little off-guards before he pointed out “Well it must be important then if he called it. Any thoughts as to what it may be?”

“I honestly haven’t the slightest idea. Usually Ganthet consults with me before we call any of these gatherings yet this is the first I’ve heard of anything. Whatever it is had better be worth interrupting my overseeing of Interceptor.” After stating that commented “The A.I. is still proving to be onerous.”

Eventually the two reached the central chamber of the Guardian’s chamber. The expansive, circular room had very little inside. A small pathway leading to a smaller, circular platform where above was another, thin, platform where all the other Guardians stood. It helped for the Guardians whenever they would look down upon another brought into the chamber itself; be it a Green Lantern, a convicted criminal of the like. Above was a circular opening where most of the light source came from for the room.

As Ranakar and Ali Apsa finally entered the other Guardians, including Ganthet himself, looked towards them with he saying “Ah. Good. You’ve both finally arrived. Now we can begin.”

“Indeed.” The Guardian Scar spoke up. “You made the nature of this meeting seem dire, Ganthet, yet I nor any of the others have yet to hear any news that confirms this.”

As the final two Guardians took their places Ganthet explained “I will admit that I may have over exaggerated, Scar. However I felt it necessary to ensure all of you would arrive. The matter in question is a serious one however. Or at least it may become one if we chose to ignore it.”

The Guardian Broome Bon Baris then asked “And that would be?”

In response Ganthet looked to the ceiling where the opening was and waved his hand. It seemed to activate its covering as it soon closed. The room was darker now, the light from below giving some illumination, before a projector beam came from above to provide more light; as well as imagery.

“In all the millennium we’ve established the Crop there’s been one planet we’ve overlooked until recently.” Ganthet explained while the projector beam soon showed an image that reflected what he spoke of. “Planet 3 in sector 2814. Earth.”

Hearing this Ali Apsa rolled his eyes and responded “Oh no. Not this again.”

Despite his annoyed tone Ganthet replied with a more upbeat tone “Don’t be so quick to throw away the issue as before, Ali Apsa. We’ve ignored Earth’s recent presence in the universe for far too long.”

Another Guardian, Herupa Hando Hu, spoke up and said “While I’m not one for overlooking matters of great importance, I’m afraid I have to agree with Ali Apsa on this one. For all we know this is just another display of your questionable affection for the Earthlings, Ganthet.”

“I do not see it as compassion, Hando Hu. More of an interest. And one we should all consider.” As he spoke he and the others looked towards the beam as he continued with “Within the last three years Earth has become host to not one but three Green Lanterns. One of whom discovered the true intentions of our own Thaal Sinestro and his plans to harness the yellow power of Parallax itself.”

The images reflected this as it showed holograms of figures like Sinestro, Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and events such as the Green and Yellow Lanterns fighting. There was even an image of Parallax, the entity of fear itself, and how it was housed inside a giant yellow power battery for Sinestro’s use.

Ali Apsa sighed out of regret before commenting “Must we hear this again. Sinestro was one of our finest. Yet even he turned out to have his own agendas taking far greater priority over ours. We can only hope his daughter doesn’t fall down the same path.”

After the image of Lantern Soranik Natus appeared Sayd replied to him “I trust she will not. Even she was surprised by her father’s actions. And Hal Jordan himself has taking the duty of being a personal training and teacher for the girl. I think we can all be assured she’s in good hands.”

“While Lantern Hal Jordan’s prowess in not in question, is attitude and disregard for orders is another matter entirely.” Ali Apsa commented. “As is that of Lantern Guy Gardner. Another Earthling I might add.”

“It’s not as if they’re the first.” The Guardian Sayd countered. “Even Abin Sur did not always agree with our decisions.”

“Abin Sur didn’t try to overthrow us and destroy almost half of the Crop in the process.” Apsa pointed out with his continuous annoyed tone.

“And you worry one of the Earthlings might?” Sayd asked.

Apsa responded with “Need I remind you and the rest of the Guardians and Guy Gardner is the one who inherited Sinestro’s ring once he was inducted into the Crops. The evidence is practically determined right there.”

“Nonsense.” Scar spoke up. “When I helped to create the rings they were designed to the bearer’s abilities, not personality. While Guy Gardner’s actions have been a little more arrogant than Sinestro’s I doubt we would fall into the same misguided path.”

“Indeed.” Ganthet added. “I agree with Guardian Scar. Actions do speak louder than words after all.”

“I believe in Lantern Gardner’s case both are true.” Ranakar quipped, some of the guardians actually chuckling at this.

Ali Apsa scoffed at this however while saying “Believe what you will. I still don’t see why the emergence of three lanterns from one planet is such a substantial subject. Even if in such a short amount of time. It’s circumstantial at best.”

Ganthet seemed he was about to say something but instead another Guardian pointed out “But what of their exploits in the recent years.”

They looked back to the image projecting beam, even while it continued to show pictures and stills during their conversation, and now displayed newer ones. This time of more images of those like Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner while fighting with other aliens, some that looked like altered versions of Lantern Corps members.

The Guardian continued with “Along with stopping Sinestro there was the discovery of Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps. The Star Sapphires. As well as Larfleeze, the last of the Orange Lanterns. All of which had discovered ore of the Emotional Entities of the cosmos just as we’d discovered Ion and harnessed its power of will and courage.”

“Which, along with Parallax, accounts for all but two of those entities that remain hidden.” Ganthet pointed out. “Even Abin Sur never found the Proselyte creature when we sent him to investigate.”

“During that time things were far direr.” Hando Hu then retorted. “The Corps was still crippled after Sinestro’s betrayal and the Red Lanterns were on the offensive against us. Which I will remind cost us more of our Corp to perish in battle.”

One other Guardian brought up to him “Those these Earthlings proved their skills during both occasions.”

“I do not question their skills.” Hondo Hu replied. “After all one has been reached candidacy for the honor guard. And while Lantern Joh Stewart is still in training I’ve no doubt he may prove himself as well. I only worry that we give far too much credit to a trio of, well, beginners.”

“Still the Earthling’s determination cannot be questioned.” Ranakar commented.

“Though their loyalties might be.” Apsa yet again retorted. “The reports did mention how Guy Gardner nearly became influenced by one of the Red Lantern Rings. And even Hal Jordon fell to the influence of the orange entity before his colleagues managed to free him. Surely actions like this cannot be ignored.”

“They may have been at the time but it’s clear they still remain part of our corp.” Scar pointed out. “I’m starting to agree with Ganthet, Ali Apsa. You’re far too quick to judge.”

He looked to her and countered with “I would take light of this evidence a little more to heart, Scar. Unless you wish for another incident like the Manhunters.”

Upon hearing that the Guardians seemed distressed at its mention. It wasn’t helped when the image beam displayed stills of the incident in question, where long ago the Guardians first creations, the robotic Manhunters, went rouge and destroyed an entire space sector.

Scar was quick to respond aloud with “The Mahunters were tampered with by the exile, Krona! Do not dare to blame me or any of the rest of us for the misguided actions of a crazed miscreant.”

A small argument began to erupt from this before Ganthet quickly called out “Please! We’re getting too far away from the subject at hand.” This soon settled everyone before he continued with “This goes far beyond just the Lanterns to have arrived from Earth. The planet itself has also become a host to a number of unusual activity.” The images from the beam continued to reflect as he explained “The reports from Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner have shown Earth to be recently visited by galactic beings like the Czarnian, Lobo. The last Coluan, calling itself Brainiac. Even the recent revelation we’ve recovered that indicates a Kryptonian is living among the Earthlings.”

The last statement got some of the Guardians muttering among themselves before Ranakar said “A Kryptonian? Amazing one managed to survive the planet’s destruction. Who’s to say if more haven’t as well?”

“Not to mention the radiation from that system’s sun would have an amazing effect on his biology.” Scar pointed out.

“Indeed it has.” Gathet replied before pointing and stating “See for yourselves.”

The images showed as the Kryptonian in question displayed his amazing new abilities. Strength. Flight. Beams of heat from his eyes. And all of them were being used to either fight off an enemy or save the lives of innocents; sometimes both at once.

“A rather amazing display.” Sayd commented. “Perhaps we should consider inducting this one into our Corps next.”

Ali Apsa and Scar both seemed to scoff at this, the former replying “I’m sure even one of our best Lanterns in the honor guard could best that one.”

Ganthet ignored this and continued “If one like this could live among the humans who knows if they are any other cosmic refugees hiding among them. Even the planet Mars and its inhabitants are within the same solar system, and we’re all aware of their unique abilities.”

Ali Apsa yet again waved Ganthet’s statement off with “Oh please. That race of underdeveloped telepaths are so reclusive half the time the rest of the galaxy forgets they even exist.”

“But what of the other human lantern.” Sayd brought up. “The one Lantern Jordan refer to as ‘Alan Scott’.” As the image showed stills of the blide-haired, colorfully dressed hero from back during the 40’s, she continued with “Here was an individual who found the remains of Ion itself and fashioned it into a ring and battery not unlike our own. Even before Abin Sur had discovered Hal Jordan Earth was already host to a Green Lantern in some capacity.”

“True.” Scar replied. “However that lost piece of Ion’s energy has long since depleted, and the one called Alan Scott had lost his ability to use the ring anymore. From what I’ve researched it is possible that a telepathic signal reached from the original Ion here on Oa all the way to Earth. Through that means it has become all the more clear how this earthling knew some details about our Crops. Still how the piece of Ion itself managed to find its way to the planet is a mystery.”

“And for that it is exactly my point.” Ganthet declared.

“What I fail to see, Ganthet, is what point you’re trying to make.” Ali Apsa countered, sounding more annoyed now.

“The point, Ali Apsa, is that Earth has become a place of great interest to others. Perhaps we should consider giving it more attention as well.” Everyone was silent to hear the rest of his argument as Ganthet went on “The evidence presented shows that Earth has become something of an anomaly in recent years. Uniquely powered individuals have appeared and protect their home, much like those in the Corps. They face threats both Earthly, otherworldly and perhaps even other dimensional. No other planet known to us has ever had such activity in all these long millennium. I suggest we put more focus into finding out how and why this has happened.”

After hearing his proposition the Guardians looked among each other, trying gauge their own reactions, before Ranakar replied “Ganthet, while I appreciate you concern with the planet’s rather rich history, I cannot help but agree with Ali Apsa and say that it is likely all just coincidence.”

“Is it?” Gathet asked, poising the question to practically all the other Guardians. “In all this time have we simply ascribed to believing that everything is just a coincidence?”

“Ganthet, your arguments are debatable and, in the end, void.” Ali Apsa retorted. “While you may be right in Earth’s interest, the truth of the matter is we’ve an entire universe to protect. We cannot pool all out efforts into a system whose people have barley mastered spaceflight. If you’re so concerned about this matter then continue your researches on your own time. And if you fear so much for it remember there are three lanterns present to operate in that sector. But unless you have anything more valid than this I suggest we end this pointless meeting here and now.”

With that Ganthet seemed defeated. His tone and body movement suggested as much. The other Guardians seemed to take this as a sign that the meeting was at an end. Ali Apsa seemed to think so as well when he already began hovering from his seat towards the entrance.

As the others followed Ranakar commented “Well at least this wasn’t a boring discussion.”

With most of the others gone Sayd however came up to Ganthet and said “I agree with you, Ganthet. Earth has become something of an interest to me as well.”

“Agreed.” Scar added as she flew over towards the two. “I do believe there is something unique about the planet and its populace. Even the non-terrestrial kind. Did you have something in mind, Ganthet?”

“Without the others I cannot say for sure.” He answered. “For the time being we’ll have to rely on the reports that come from the Earthling lanterns. Hopefully more evidence will arise in time that will convince even Ali Apsa to take more light on the situation. I just hope it won’t be too late by then.”

“Too late?" Sayd asked.

Ganthet waved it off and replied “Nothing. Perhaps just another of my wild theories.” He began to float off while saying “Come. I have something else I’d like to discuss with you personally, Sayd. Something you might find more ‘hopeful’.”

The two bowed as a goodbye to Scar, leaving the Guardian alone in the chamber. With the others gone she looked at the images still streaming through the image beam that Ganthet had presented. Unlike the other Guardians she had begun to see the points Ganthet was making in light of Earth’s recent activity.

The more she looked the more a devious, if conniving, smirk began to form on the Guardian’s face. As one more devoted to scientific advancement and understanding even Scar believed that there was a deeper power on Earth. Perhaps one she would be able to harness to ensure the Guardian’s, or even her own, dominance over the universe. For now she would simply wait and see.

After finally having what she needed Scar flew out of the room. With the Guardians gone the chamber began to reset itself, everything soon going dark.