The vastness of space compressed around Hal as he pushed his ring's capabilities to their limits. The protective bubble surrounding him and the injured Sinestro streaked through the void between stars, leaving a trail of emerald energy that dissipated moments after their passage. Within this cocoon of will-made-manifest, Sinestro had fallen into a disturbing semi-conscious state, occasionally murmuring in a language Hal's ring couldn't translate.
"Hold on," Hal said through gritted teeth, more to himself than his fading mentor. "Just a little longer."
The wound in Sinestro's side pulsed with an unsettling crimson light that seemed to actively resist the ring's healing energies. Whatever the Red Lanterns had done to him, it went beyond physical damage. The corruption spread through Sinestro's veins like a malevolent network, thin tendrils of red extending outward from the primary injury with each passing moment.
Hal's mind raced as he maintained their course. His first real mission as a Lantern had gone catastrophically wrong. Korugar's capital in flames, countless civilian casualties, Sinestro gravely wounded, and the mysterious "archives" stolen by enemies whose existence the Guardians had apparently known about but hadn't deemed important enough to mention during his hasty training.
The image of Razer's cold, calculating eyes stayed with him – not the mindless berserker he might have expected from a being fueled by rage, but something more dangerous: hatred refined into purpose. And worse, the Red Lantern had spoken of Abin Sur with a disturbing familiarity, as if the two had some shared history.
"Sector 666," Sinestro mumbled, stirring briefly before lapsing back into his fevered state. "The prophecy unfolds..."
A surge of concern pushed Hal to redirect more energy into their speed. The ring responded, but he could feel it draining faster than expected – the strain of maintaining both their life support and accelerated travel while trying to stem Sinestro's worsening condition taxed even the most powerful weapon in the universe.
"Approaching Oa spatial perimeter," the ring announced in its neutral tone. "Identity confirmed: Lantern 2814.1 and Lantern 1417.1. Priority medical alert transmitted."
The gleaming emerald world materialized in the distance, its distinctive silhouette unmistakable even from afar. Brilliant pulses of green energy shot upward from the surface into space – the Central Power Battery actively reaching out to receive them. As they entered Oa's outer atmosphere, Hal's ring began to recharge automatically, drinking in ambient energy from the planet's overwhelmingly powerful source.
An honor guard of six Lanterns intercepted their approach, their faces grim as they assessed Sinestro's condition. Kilowog led the formation, his massive form immediately recognizable.
"What happened, poozer?" the drill sergeant demanded, his gruff voice carrying genuine concern as he created a more stable medical transport construct around Sinestro.
"Red Lanterns," Hal replied, the words still strange on his tongue. "They attacked Korugar, stole something called the 'Abysmal Archives,' and left half the capital in flames. Their energy... it does something to our constructs. Corrupts them. The wound isn't responding to standard healing."
Kilowog's expression darkened further. "Medical chamber. Now. The Guardians are already assembling."
They descended toward Oa's surface with practiced precision, a formation of green streaks cutting through the atmosphere toward the gleaming spires of the citadel. Hal noticed the unusual activity below – Lanterns moving with purposeful urgency, training exercises suspended, security protocols visibly enhanced around key facilities. News of the Red Lantern attacks had clearly spread throughout the Corps.
The medical facility occupied an entire section of the central complex – a massive crystalline structure with multiple specialized chambers designed to treat the vast diversity of species that made up the Corps. Sinestro was immediately transferred to an isolation unit, where a team of Lanterns with medical expertise began working to contain the corruption spreading through his system.
"You need treatment too," Tomar-Re observed, appearing silently beside Hal as he watched the medical team work through a transparent barrier.
Hal glanced down at himself, suddenly aware of his own injuries. His uniform was torn in multiple places, dried blood from various cuts creating a patchwork of green and crimson across his body. His ribs ached with each breath, suggesting at least bruising if not fractures, and his left shoulder throbbed where Bleez's wing-blade had sliced through his construct shield.
"I'm fine," he said automatically, the test pilot's instinct to downplay injuries asserting itself. "Sinestro took the worst of it."
"Nevertheless," Tomar-Re persisted, gesturing toward an adjacent chamber. "The Guardians will want your full report, and you'll deliver it more effectively without internal bleeding or cracked ribs."
Hal reluctantly allowed himself to be led to a healing chamber, though he insisted on one with a direct view of Sinestro's treatment. The technology was unlike anything on Earth – a combination of ring energy and advanced medical science that diagnosed injuries without invasive procedures and accelerated natural healing processes exponentially.
As the warm green light of the chamber enveloped him, easing his pain and beginning to knit his wounds, Hal's mind returned to the fragments of conversation he'd had with Sinestro during their brief moments of lucidity on the journey to Oa.
"Abin knew," Sinestro had whispered at one point, his eyes momentarily clear and focused. "He found the prophecy... tried to warn them. The archives... proof of what's coming."
"What prophecy?" Hal had asked, but Sinestro had already slipped back into semiconsciousness.
The healing chamber hummed softly as it worked, the sound almost hypnotic. Hal felt his eyelids growing heavy, exhaustion finally catching up with him now that the immediate crisis had passed. Fighting it, he forced himself to remain alert, watching the medical team's increasingly concerned expressions as they worked on Sinestro.
"The red energy is resistant to standard protocols," one of the medical Lanterns reported, her voice audible through the chamber's communication system. "It's almost as if it's sentient, adapting to our attempts to neutralize it."
"Increase isolation field strength," another suggested. "If we can't purge it, perhaps we can contain it long enough for his ring to reassert control."
Hal was about to call out a suggestion based on what he'd observed during the battle when a new presence entered the medical bay – Ganthet, moving with uncharacteristic urgency. The Guardian's perpetually calm demeanor showed subtle cracks, his ancient eyes narrowing as he assessed Sinestro's condition.
"The Council awaits your report, Lantern Jordan," Ganthet announced, turning toward Hal. "But first, I would hear your direct observations of this 'red energy.' The medical team requires direction."
Hal stepped out of the healing chamber, his injuries still present but significantly reduced in severity. "It's not just energy," he explained, moving closer to Sinestro's isolation unit. "It's rage given form. When it touches our constructs, they don't just break – they're corrupted. Like the energy itself is angry and wants to convert anything it touches."
Ganthet nodded gravely. "As I feared. The red light of rage has been weaponized." He turned to the medical team. "Treat this not as an energy pattern but as an emotional infection. Isolate it with calibrated will-shields at the quantum level, then gradually introduce calming resonance frequencies."
The Guardian approached Sinestro's bed, placing a small blue hand on the Korugarian's forehead. A soft azure glow surrounded the contact point, and Sinestro's labored breathing eased slightly.
"A temporary measure only," Ganthet said, his voice carrying an unfamiliar weight. "The Council must be informed immediately." He turned to Hal. "Come, Jordan. Time is of the essence."
Hal glanced back at Sinestro, reluctant to leave his mentor's side.
"He is in capable hands," Ganthet assured him. "And your information may save more than just one Lantern."
Reluctantly, Hal followed the Guardian through the corridors of the citadel, noting the increased security and tense atmosphere. Lanterns from across the universe congregated in small groups, their conversations hushed but urgent. Many nodded respectfully to Ganthet as they passed, but their gazes lingered curiously on Hal – word had clearly spread that the rookie human Lantern had encountered the Red Lanterns and lived to tell about it.
"Five sectors have reported Green Lantern casualties," Ganthet informed him as they walked. "Each bearing the same distinctive pattern of torture and ritual markings. What you encountered on Korugar appears to be part of a coordinated campaign."
"Razer mentioned something called Sector 666," Hal said, watching Ganthet carefully for his reaction. "And the 'Five Inversions.' The same things Abin Sur warned me about before he died."
Ganthet's step faltered almost imperceptibly, but enough for Hal to notice. "These are matters of ancient Corps history," he replied, his tone neutral. "And will be addressed appropriately in due time."
"With all due respect," Hal pressed, "I think that time is now. Abin Sur used his dying breath to warn me about this. Sinestro's home world was attacked specifically to steal archives related to it. And these Red Lanterns seem to believe they're enacting some kind of justice for whatever happened there. I need to understand what I'm fighting."
They had reached the entrance to the Council Chamber, its massive doors emblazoned with the Green Lantern symbol. Ganthet paused, studying Hal with eyes that had witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations.
"You remind me of Abin Sur in your persistence," he said finally. "Which I find both admirable and concerning." The Guardian's expression softened slightly. "What you ask involves matters of grave complexity, Jordan. Events that occurred billions of years ago, decisions made in contexts you cannot fully comprehend."
"Try me," Hal replied evenly. "I'm a quick study."
A hint of what might have been amusement crossed Ganthet's ancient features. "Indeed. Very well. After your report to the full Council, I will ensure certain... historical contexts are provided." He gestured toward the doors, which began to open silently. "But remember, perspective is everything. What seems clear from one vantage point may appear utterly different from another."
The Council Chamber had been reconfigured since Hal's first appearance before the Guardians. Rather than the formal arrangement of evaluation platforms, the space now resembled a war room. Holographic displays showed affected sectors, analytical data on the attacks, and what appeared to be damaged ring recordings from fallen Lanterns. The Guardians themselves had abandoned their usual detached positions for a more direct configuration around a central table.
Their discussion fell silent as Hal and Ganthet entered, all eyes turning toward the human Lantern.
"Lantern Jordan," Appa Ali Apsa acknowledged, his tone grave. "You have witnessed what we now must confront. Tell us everything."
For the next hour, Hal delivered a detailed account of the events on Korugar – the attack on the archives, the confrontation with the Red Lanterns, their distinctive abilities and tactical approaches, and Sinestro's injury. He described Razer's controlled rage, Bleez's sadistic fury, and Zilius's grotesque brutality with the clinical precision of a test pilot filing an incident report. Throughout, the Guardians listened without interruption, occasionally exchanging glances that suggested volumes of unspoken communication.
"You say they specifically targeted archives relating to Sector 666," Sayd noted when he had finished. "And referenced 'the prophecy unfolding as written'?"
Hal nodded. "They seemed to think whatever was in those archives confirmed something Abin Sur had been investigating. Something about a 'Blackest Night.'"
A ripple of discomfort passed through the assembled Guardians.
"And you engaged these Red Lanterns directly," Ranakar observed. "Three against two, yet you managed to escape. Impressive for a Lantern with less than a month's training."
"Sinestro deserves most of the credit," Hal replied honestly. "His experience made our temporary retreat possible. But their power... it's different from ours. The red energy didn't just counter our constructs; it actively corrupted them. And they seemed to grow stronger the longer the battle lasted, while our rings were draining faster than normal."
"The emotional spectrum functions differently across its various wavelengths," Ganthet explained. "Will is steady, consistent, but requires constant focus and discipline. Rage burns hotter but consumes its wielder – providing immense short-term power at great personal cost."
"Which brings us to what I've been asking since Abin Sur died," Hal said, seizing the opening. "What exactly happened in Sector 666? Who are the Five Inversions? And what connection do they have to these Red Lanterns?"
Silence fell over the chamber. The Guardians exchanged looks, a silent debate clearly taking place among them. Finally, Ganthet stepped forward.
"Perhaps it is time," he suggested to his colleagues. "The secrets of the past offer context for the present crisis."
Ranakar's expression hardened. "The human has been a Lantern for mere weeks. Such matters are typically restricted to those with centuries of service and proven loyalty."
"Yet Abin Sur and his ring chose him," Sayd countered. "And these Red Lanterns have emerged during his tenure. Coincidence seems unlikely."
"Knowledge can be as dangerous as ignorance when incomplete," Appa Ali Apsa warned.
Hal's patience, already stretched thin by battle, injury, and concern for Sinestro, finally snapped. "With respect," he interjected, his voice carrying an edge that silenced the Guardians' debate, "while you deliberate about how much I should know, more Lanterns are being hunted and killed. Whatever happened in Sector 666 is clearly driving these attacks. I don't need billions of years of context – I need enough information to understand who we're fighting and why they want us dead."
The Guardians stared at him, clearly unaccustomed to being addressed so directly. Hal met their gaze unflinchingly, the determination that had made him an exceptional test pilot evident in his stance.
After a moment, Ganthet nodded slightly. "The human makes a valid point. Tactical information, at minimum, is required."
Appa Ali Apsa sighed, a surprisingly human gesture from the ancient being. "Very well." He waved a hand, and the holographic displays shifted, revealing a star map centered on a specific sector marked with a distinctive symbol – three sixes arranged in a triangle.
"Approximately three billion of your Earth years ago," he began, his voice taking on the cadence of a historian, "the Green Lantern Corps did not exist as you know it today. Our first attempt at creating universal peacekeepers took a different form – mechanized enforcers programmed to eliminate evil."
The display shifted to show humanoid robots with expressionless metal faces, their bodies emitting a cold blue light.
"The Manhunters," Sayd continued. "Sophisticated androids programmed with a simple directive: No evil shall escape their sight. For centuries, they functioned as intended, containing threats across multiple sectors with mechanical precision."
"Until they didn't," Ganthet added, his expression grave. "In what would later be designated Sector 666, something went catastrophically wrong. The Manhunters' programming suffered a fundamental corruption that altered their core directive."
The display shifted again, showing the Manhunters descending upon world after world, their weapons firing indiscriminately at civilian populations. The images were clinical, historical – but Hal could imagine the horror they represented.
"The Manhunters determined that the potential for evil existed within all emotional beings," Appa Ali Apsa explained. "Their solution was, by their logic, perfectly efficient: eliminate all emotional life, thereby eliminating the possibility of evil."
"They massacred an entire sector," Ganthet said quietly. "Trillions of lives across thousands of worlds, extinguished before we could intervene. Entire civilizations, some dating back millions of years, were erased in days."
The scale of the genocide was almost impossible to comprehend, making even the worst genocides in earth's history seem like nothing more than a drop of blood in an ocean of suffering. Hal felt physically ill as the implications sank in.
"When we finally managed to contain and deactivate the Manhunters, we discovered five survivors from across the sector," Sayd continued. "Beings who had witnessed the destruction of their worlds and somehow escaped. Their experiences had... transformed them. Their grief and trauma had manifested as abilities we had never encountered before."
"The Five Inversions," Hal said softly.
Appa Ali Apsa nodded. "They called themselves thus, yes. Beings who had been inverted by tragedy, twisted from their original natures into something new and dangerous. Their leader, a psychologist from the planet Ryut named Atros, had been particularly affected. His rage was so pure, so all-consuming, that it had altered him on a fundamental level."
"He renamed himself Atrocitus," Ganthet added. "And swore vengeance not against the Manhunters, whom he saw as mere tools, but against us – those he held responsible for creating them."
"But that doesn't explain the Red Lanterns," Hal pressed. "Or why Abin Sur was investigating this billions of years later."
The Guardians exchanged glances again, and Hal sensed he was approaching territory they were reluctant to discuss.
"The Five Inversions were eventually captured and imprisoned on Ysmault, a desolate world at the edge of the former Sector 666," Sayd explained. "There they remained for billions of years, their immortality a side effect of their transformation. Occasionally, they would be consulted by Lanterns seeking information about specific threats, as they had developed certain... precognitive abilities."
"Abin Sur was one such Lantern," Ganthet said. "Approximately five of your Earth years ago, he visited Ysmault while investigating an unrelated matter. During this visit, Atrocitus shared with him a prophecy – what he called 'The Blackest Night.' A vision of the future in which death itself would rise against the living, and the emotional spectrum would be fractured into multiple Corps, each wielding a different aspect of its power."
"Abin became... preoccupied with this prophecy," Appa Ali Apsa continued, his tone suggesting disapproval. "He made multiple unauthorized returns to Ysmault, speaking extensively with Atrocitus. He began investigating obscure historical records, seeking confirmation of what he had been told. His duties to his sector occasionally suffered as a result."
"And one of those unauthorized visits was with Sinestro," Hal concluded, remembering fragments of what his mentor had revealed during their journey.
Ganthet's expression confirmed this. "Yes. Together they questioned Atrocitus more deeply about the Blackest Night prophecy. Sinestro remained skeptical, but Abin became convinced of its validity. He began searching for ways to prevent what he saw as an inevitable catastrophe."
"Which brings us to recent events," Sayd said. "Approximately three of your Earth months ago, our monitoring systems detected a security breach on Ysmault. By the time Lanterns arrived to investigate, the Five Inversions had escaped. Atrocitus was gone, along with technology and artifacts that should have been impossible for them to access."
"And now he's created these Red Lanterns," Hal said. "Somehow harnessing rage the way our rings harness will."
"Yes," Ganthet confirmed. "Atrocitus appears to have discovered or created a method of tapping directly into the red portion of the emotional spectrum – the embodiment of rage. These Red Lanterns are the first manifestation of what Abin Sur feared – the splintering of the spectrum into competing Corps."
"But why target specific Green Lanterns?" Hal asked. "Why steal these archives from Korugar?"
"The archives contained historical documentation of extinction events across multiple sectors," Appa Ali Apsa explained. "Records that Abin Sur believed showed patterns relevant to the Blackest Night prophecy. As for targeting specific Lanterns..." The Guardian's expression darkened. "We believe Atrocitus is sending a message. Each of the Lanterns killed so far had some connection to Sector 666 – either through historical research or because their assigned sectors bordered the former quarantine zone."
"A pattern of vengeance," Ganthet added. "Methodically eliminating those he believes have special knowledge of his origins while simultaneously announcing his return to the galaxy."
Hal absorbed this information, trying to connect it to his own involvement. "But why was Abin Sur in my sector when he died? What does Earth have to do with any of this?"
The Guardians exchanged looks once more, and Hal sensed he had touched on something significant.
"Abin Sur believed," Ganthet said carefully, "that Earth would play a crucial role in the coming crisis. According to his interpretation of Atrocitus's prophecy, a being from your world would either be instrumental in preventing the Blackest Night... or in bringing it about."
"A human?" Hal asked, disbelief evident in his voice. "Earth doesn't even have unified planetary government, let alone technology advanced enough to affect cosmic events."
"Nevertheless," Sayd said, "Abin Sur was convinced. It was why he was in your sector when his ship was damaged, leading to his death and the ring choosing you."
The implications were staggering. Hal struggled to process not just the historical information but its connection to him personally. Was his selection as Green Lantern merely coincidence, or part of some cosmic pattern set in motion billions of years ago?
"We've provided this information not to burden you," Ganthet said, seeming to sense Hal's internal struggle, "but to give context to the enemy we now face. Atrocitus has nursed his hatred for billions of years. He believes, with absolute conviction, that the Guardians are responsible for the greatest genocide in cosmic history and that justice demands our destruction."
"The fact that the Manhunters were our creation, and that their malfunction was a result of our programming, lends his vendetta a certain... moral complexity," Sayd admitted, earning disapproving glances from several other Guardians. "But his methods – torturing and executing Green Lanterns who had no connection to those ancient events – reveal his true nature. Vengeance has consumed him entirely."
"So what's our next move?" Hal asked, refocusing on the immediate threat. "These Red Lanterns won't stop with Korugar."
"No," Appa Ali Apsa agreed. "Intelligence suggests they are systematically working their way inward toward Oa, selecting targets of increasing significance. Your sector, 2814, appears to be of particular interest to them – likely due to Abin Sur's connection to the prophecy."
"Then I should return there immediately," Hal said. "Earth could be at risk."
"Not alone," Ganthet countered. "Your encounter on Korugar demonstrated the danger of engaging Red Lanterns without adequate support. A task force is being assembled – experienced Lanterns who will coordinate defense across vulnerable sectors."
"Your immediate duty," Appa Ali Apsa instructed, "is to complete your report with technical specifications on the Red Lanterns' capabilities. This information will be critical in developing countermeasures. Once Sinestro has recovered sufficiently to contribute his observations, you will be assigned to the task force."
Hal wanted to argue – to insist on returning to Earth immediately – but the logic was sound. Rushing back without proper preparation would likely make him just another victim of Atrocitus's campaign.
"There is one more matter," Ganthet said, his tone shifting slightly. "During your time on Oa, you received a data crystal from Arin Sur – Abin's sister and Sinestro's wife." The Guardian raised a hand to forestall any denial. "We are aware of the transfer, Jordan. The crystal contains Abin Sur's personal logs regarding his investigation of the Blackest Night prophecy."
Hal's expression remained neutral, though internally he was surprised by how quickly the Guardians had learned of the private exchange.
"Those logs may contain insights relevant to our current crisis," Sayd explained. "We would request that you turn them over for analysis."
The phrasing was diplomatic, but Hal recognized it as an order rather than a request. Still, something held him back – Arin's explicit instruction to keep the logs private, even from Sinestro, until "the ring decided it was time."
"With respect," he replied carefully, "Arin Sur entrusted me with those logs for a reason. I haven't had the opportunity to review them myself yet, but once I have, I'd be happy to share any information that might help against the Red Lanterns."
Ranakar's expression darkened. "This is not a negotiation, Lantern Jordan. The security of the Corps takes precedence over personal promises."
"I understand that," Hal acknowledged. "But Abin Sur chose me as his replacement for a reason, and his sister trusted me with his final records for a reason. If there's something in those logs that could help us understand what's happening, I need to see it first – to understand the context as Abin intended."
"The human has a point," Ganthet interceded, surprising Hal. "Abin Sur's judgment was consistently sound throughout his long service. If he arranged for these records to pass specifically to his successor, there may be wisdom in respecting that choice." The Guardian addressed Hal directly. "We ask only that you review them promptly and share any information pertinent to the current crisis."
Hal nodded, grateful for Ganthet's unexpected support. "I will. As soon as I'm finished here."
The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, with the Guardians breaking into smaller groups to address various aspects of the crisis. Hal was dismissed with instructions to report to the Archives Division, where his observations would be recorded in full detail for distribution to the Corps.
As he left the Council Chamber, Ganthet fell into step beside him – an unusual gesture from a Guardian, who typically maintained a certain distance from individual Lanterns.
"You handled that well," the ancient being observed. "Many in your position would have been overwhelmed by the historical weight of what you learned today."
"I get the feeling I only learned the official version," Hal replied. "There's more to this story than what was shared in that room."
Ganthet's expression remained neutral, but something flashed briefly in his ancient eyes – respect, perhaps, or concern. "Perspective, as I mentioned earlier. History is rarely as neat as official accounts suggest."
They walked in silence for a moment before Ganthet spoke again. "Abin Sur was unique among Lanterns – not just in his capabilities, but in his willingness to question authority when his conscience demanded it. It was simultaneously his greatest strength and his greatest vulnerability."
"And you think that's why his ring chose me?" Hal asked. "Because I share that quality?"
"The ring chooses based on qualities that will serve the Corps' fundamental mission," Ganthet replied carefully. "But each bearer brings their own interpretation to that service." He paused at an intersection of corridors. "The Archives Division is that way. I would suggest visiting the Medical Center afterward – Sinestro's condition has stabilized, and he will likely want to speak with you once conscious."
Hal nodded his thanks, but as Ganthet turned to leave, another question occurred to him. "One more thing – why did you support me about Abin's logs? The other Guardians clearly wanted them handed over immediately."
Ganthet considered the question for a moment. "Balance requires perspective from all angles," he said finally. "My colleagues and I have existed for billions of years, directing the course of cosmic events with what we believe is wisdom. But sometimes, a fresh viewpoint – even from a species as young as humanity – provides insight we might otherwise miss." A subtle smile touched his ancient features. "Besides, if Abin Sur believed you worthy of both his ring and his private thoughts, who am I to disagree?"
With that cryptic statement, the Guardian departed, leaving Hal to make his way to the Archives Division alone.