"Have you contacted Green Lantern Hal Jordan of that sector?"
The white-haired Guardian directed the question toward the Elder who had been closely observing Earth.
The blue-skinned Elder kept his gaze fixed on the projection of Earth for a moment before lifting his head. Concern was evident in his expression.
"I'm worried Jordan may already be deeply entangled in this transition of power," he said. "At the same time, many among us believe that observing from such a distance may affect our judgment."
He paused briefly, then addressed the council.
"So, I believe it is necessary for us to take a more active interest in this matter. What do you propose?"
The question shifted back to the white-haired Guardian.
"Another Green Lantern from Earth has recently returned to Oa after completing a mission near the European sectors. We could assign the task of observation to him."
The Elder who had been focused on Earth narrowed his eyes slightly. "You mean…"
"Yes," the Guardian confirmed. "Guy Gardner."
Guy Gardner, the Green Lantern of Sector 2814, was a human from Earth.
Originally chosen as a successor by Abin Sur, he lost the position to Hal Jordan due to proximity. From then on, he served as a backup.
During one mission, his Green Lantern Ring detonated. Combined with the effects of Sinestro's prior manipulation, the incident left lasting damage. His personality became volatile, arrogant, impulsive, and often immature.
Despite that, he had served with both the Justice League and Justice League International.
In one future conflict, he even challenged Hal Jordan for the position of Green Lantern. He lost decisively and relinquished his ring.
---
On Oa.
Guy Gardner had barely returned before being summoned by two Guardians.
After hearing the assignment, he frowned.
"You're serious?"
"Why the reaction, Gardner?" one Guardian asked.
Guy shrugged. "Just seems strange. Do you really think Homelander wants to rule the world?"
The Guardian watching Earth responded evenly, "We have observed his recent actions. He has shown disregard for the authority of multiple nations."
Guy let out a short breath. "Are we talking about the same guy? Black cape, perfect smile, plays the public hero? I've heard of him. Doesn't match what you're describing."
He shook his head.
"Sounds like your all-seeing vision has a glitch. Him and Superman, they're the golden standard. Not the type to secretly go around doing something insane."
The Guardians did not respond to the sarcasm.
Instead, one of them spoke plainly. "Kylereyna is missing."
Guy's expression shifted slightly. "Define missing."
"His ring's signal disappeared while returning to Earth. We believe it was destroyed."
Another Guardian added, "Very few possess the power to destroy a Green Lantern Ring. We suspect this is connected to events unfolding on Earth."
Guy stood up, stretching slightly. "So you want me to check it out."
"Yes. And you will not go alone."
Guy blinked. "You're coming too?"
"This decision has already been made."
He exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Alright. Let's see what's really going on."
---
Meanwhile, on Earth.
At the Ferris Aircraft test site, a fighter jet spiraled toward the ground.
Smoke poured from its engines, flames trailing behind it.
Inside the cockpit, Hal Jordan gripped the controls tightly.
"Come on, respond!"
Alarms blared around him, sharp and relentless.
The control panel confirmed the worst. Both engines were gone.
"You're losing altitude, Hal!" Carol Ferris's voice came through the comms. "Eject now!"
"I've got it!" Hal shot back, refusing to give up. "I can land this!"
The ground rushed closer.
Carol stared at the monitor, already expecting the worst.
"Hal…"
Then, suddenly, everything stabilized.
Moments later, the jet landed.
Perfectly.
Carol rushed to the runway, only to see Hal casually climbing out of the cockpit, removing his helmet like nothing had happened.
She stared at the intact jet, then at him.
"What happened?"
"I landed it," Hal said simply.
"That's not possible," she replied. "The systems were completely dead."
Hal hesitated for a second, then raised his hand.
The Green Lantern Ring glowed faintly on his finger.
"Would you rather the jet and I were scattered across the runway?"
"You said you wouldn't use it while flying."
"I know what I said," Hal replied, more serious now. "But things have changed."
Carol studied him carefully. "Something happened."
Hal looked away for a moment. "The government tried to take down Superman and Homelander. After that, everything feels different."
She softened slightly. "If you're worried…"
"I'm not worried," Hal said quietly. "I'm just finally being honest with myself."
He paused, then continued.
"The first time I felt real fear wasn't in a cockpit. It was when I was thrown off a bridge."
Carol blinked. "Thrown?"
"Yeah," Hal said with a dry smile. "And the one who saved me was the same one who pushed me."
"Who?"
"Homelander."
Silence followed.
"So the one you fear," Carol said slowly, "is him."
Hal nodded. "Not just him. What he's becoming."
Before she could respond, the ring activated.
Hal raised it to his ear, listening.
"I have to go."
"Now?"
"Yeah."
Carol sighed, placing her hands on her hips. "Fine. I'll handle the paperwork. Though I'm not writing 'saved by magic' in the report."
Hal smiled faintly. "Sorry."
As they walked across the runway, bathed in the fading sunlight, Hal glanced at her.
"Thanks, Carol. Really."
She stopped him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"You don't have to pretend with me."
He looked at her, then nodded.
Moments later, she kissed his cheek and walked away.
Hal activated his ring and shot into the sky.
---
Metropolis, Justice Society Headquarters.
Adrian stood at the head of the table as Hal arrived.
"The council intends to shut down the U.S. government."
Hal froze. "You're serious?"
"You are the Green Lantern of Sector 2814," Adrian continued. "Your duty is to protect Earth. This falls within that authority."
Hal frowned. "How do you even know that?"
"I know more than you think," Adrian replied.
After a pause, Hal nodded slowly. "Then I'll handle it."
"Flash will go with you," Adrian added. "Make them understand. By any means necessary."
Hal exhaled. "I'll try to keep it clean."
As he turned to leave, he stopped.
"Oh, right. Bart mentioned tomorrow's your birthday."
Adrian paused slightly.
"Happy birthday."
He then handed over a small box.
"Didn't know if I'd see you tomorrow."
Adrian accepted it.
Inside was a pair of green gloves with a glowing Lantern symbol.
A note was tucked inside.
Clench your fist.
Adrian did.
The gloves lit up, projecting a rotating Green Lantern Ring and a miniature Earth.
He studied it briefly, then set it aside.
The moment passed quickly.
Then his phone rang.
It was Martha.
She wanted him back at the farm in Smallville.