Heeding The Call

Sector 2261, Planet Mogo, Green Lantern Corps Aid Station Alpha 

“Okay, I think I see the problem,” John Stewart said as he pondered an emerald-hued holographic projection emanating from his power ring.  “Replace the filtration controllers in the central purification chamber with those new units from Durla. The old Braalian controllers they were using can’t handle the load for a multi-species dwelling unit like this one.” 
 
“That’s what I’ve been telling the foreman for the last quarter-cycle,” a gruff voice replied.  The holo was replaced by the scowling image of Kilowog, a veteran Green Lantern.  “Poozer’s from Colu… those guys all think they’re Brainiacs, ya know.” 

Interior artwork from Green Lantern Corps.: Recharge #1 (Nov. 2005). © and TM DC.  Written by Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons.  Artwork by Patrick Gleason. 

“As long as he doesn’t propose shrinking all of the refugees and putting them inside bottles, we’re good,” John replied. “That’s the kind of dangerous nonsense I could do without.” 
 
“I hear that,” Kilowog replied. “Speaking of dangerous nonsense, what’s the latest on these unprovoked attacks?  This part of space is usually pretty quiet, thanks to the big M.” 

“Arisia’s still interviewing survivors of the attacks,” John said. “Some of them are saying they were attacked by Khund brigands, others are pointing the finger at raiders working for Khanjar Ro. We even have statements that implicate Lobo.”   

“Pretty sure we can rule that poozer out,” said Kilowog. “Goin’ after reg’lar folk like those we got here aint his style. He only takes high-paying, top-shelf gigs… even when he’s low on party funds.” 

“True, true,” John replied. “That said, it looks like most of the attacks were carried out by muscle-for-hire. There’s a lot of wannabe Lobos raiding and pillaging in three neighboring sectors. What we don’t know is why…” 
 
“Yeah,” Kilowog said. “You’d think by now someone would be runnin’ their mouth about that. Sooner or later, someone gets chatty and monologues about all the evil they’re doin’, and why.  They can’t help themselves.” 

“Hasn’t happened yet,” said John.” Which has me thinking there’s a hidden player on the board – someone who’s making all this happen with no questions asked.” 
 
“Hrmph. That kinda indiscretion gets costly, fast. We might be dealing with one of the big players here,” Kilowog replied. “Someone who can afford a lot of mercs and ensure they keep their yappers shut if anyone asks for the details.” 
 
“Takes more than money to get that kind of silence,” John said. “Silence like that comes from extremes – the strict devotion of zealots, the unwavering loyalty of fanatics…” 
 
“Or stark-raving fear,” Kilowog muttered. “The kinda fear that keeps even the hardest crooks quiet… ‘cause they know what happens to snitches is worse than any punishment we can come up with.” 
 
“Yeah,” John replied, grim.  “And who do we know that specializes in fear?” 

“Wouldn’t put it past him,” said Kilowog. “Better bring in Jordan… looks like it’s time for a chat with Sinestro.” 
 
“Oh, he’s gonna love this,” John said, chuckling. 

Sector 2814, Ferris Residence, the Back Yard 

“I gotta tell ya, John, I’m not lovin’ this,” Hal Jordan said as he tended to cooking food upon a charcoal grill.  “Spending one of my rare days off in a chin-wag with Sinestro instead of a cookout with friends does not sound like a good time.  At all.” 
 
“Duty calls, man,” said the hologram of John Stewart as it glittered in the air in front of Hal. “And, let’s be honest, when it comes to Sinestro, that’s a duty with your name written all over it.” 
 
“But it’s not the only name,” Hal replied.  With a thought, a new holo emitted from his ring – that of Sinestro’s head, adorned with several glowing names.  “See, look – there’s Guy, and Kyle, and Jo, and… hey, that one says ‘John Stewart!’” 
 
“Kyle and Jo are helping Adam Strange on Rann,” Holo-John replied, smiling. “I’m busy on Mogo, and Guy’s on a time-out after that ‘Battle of Big Belly Burger’ situation in downtown Baltimore.” 
 
“Heard about that,” Hal said, smirking.  “Two million in property damage, and Condiment King is still at large.  Real tragedy.”  
 
“You’re deflecting,” John replied. “All kidding aside, I need you on this, Hal. These attacks are serious business, and if Sinestro’s behind them…” 
 
“Alright, alright, I’m in,” said Hal.
  

“Appreciate it,” John said. “And to make it up to you, I won’t tell Kilowog you’re wearing an apron that says “Kiss the Chef” on it.” 
 
“Ha ha,” Hal replied, shaking his head.  “Send me the details, funny guy. Jordan out.” 
 
As the image of John Stewart blinked into nothingness, a tall, dark-haired woman walked up to join Hal next to the grill.   
 
“See these – burgers, brats, hot links - these smell wonderful,” Carol Ferris said. “A lot better than that weaponized chili your friend Ollie is making in my kitchen right now. He’s set off the smoke alarm three times already!” 
 
“Only three? I guess he’s making the mild version,” Hal replied.  “Look, something came up… John needs me to head off-world for a bit. Might have a Sinestro problem.” 
 
“Understood,” Carol said. A ring on her finger glowed with violet energy, creating a chef’s hat upon her head. “I relieve you of grill duty, Green Lantern.” 
 
“I stand relieved, Star Sapphire,” said Hal as his own ring replaced his civilian attire with the uniform of the Green Lantern Corps. “Better flip the burgers.” 
 
“Yeah, yeah,” Carol replied after blowing Hal a kiss. “Go do your space stuff, I’ll let the others know.” 

Variant cover from Green Lantern #1 (Jul. 2023). © and TM DC.  Art by Pete Woods. 

“You’re the best,” Hal said as he flew skyward enveloped in emerald light. “Tell Ollie to save me a bowl of chili, okay?” 
 
“If you say so, flyboy,” Carol replied, grinning. “You really are fearless!” 

“That’s the rumor,” Hal said with a jaunty salute. “Back soon!” 

Carol waved, then flipped the burgers with a spatula made of violet light as Hal flew spaceward at high speed.   

Duty calls, she thought in silence… a silence that was abruptly shattered as the kitchen smoke alarm went off for the fourth time.  Duty calls…

-To Be Continued-