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Chapter 47 - Chapter 47

An hour later, Hal stood in the safehouse driveway watching as two black SUVs pulled away, carrying his family back to their normal lives. The sight should have been reassuring, but instead he felt a familiar ache of separation, the same hollow feeling that had driven him to risky behavior for so many years.

"Ready, Jordan?" Faraday asked from beside the remaining vehicle.

"Yeah," Hal replied, though his eyes remained fixed on the disappearing taillights. "Let's go see what Fury wants to know."

The secure facility downtown looked the same as it had during his previous visit, all concrete and steel designed to contain whatever secrets the government deemed necessary. Faraday led him through the maze of corridors to the same conference room where he'd first met Director Fury, though this time the atmosphere felt less adversarial.

Fury was already waiting, a tablet open before him and a fresh cup of coffee steaming at his elbow. He looked up as they entered, his single eye taking in Hal's civilian clothes and relaxed posture.

"Jordan," Fury greeted him. "You look rested. Three days of family time treating you well?"

"Better than I expected," Hal admitted, taking the seat across from him. "Thanks for giving us that time."

"Don't thank me yet. We need to talk about what happens next." Fury gestured to the tablet. "I've been reviewing satellite data from this morning. Two objects matching Green Lantern energy signatures entered Earth's atmosphere several hours before you arrived back on planet. They've taken up orbital positions. Care to explain?"

Hal had expected this question. "New rings. Created during my... enhancement on Oa. They left before I did and arrived ahead of me. They're seeking bearers."

"On Earth?"

"The rings choose based on specific criteria. Apparently, there are two people on this planet who meet those requirements."

Fury leaned forward, his expression sharpening. "And you know who they are?"

"Not yet. The rings will guide me to them when I'm ready to begin the search."

"That's convenient." Fury's tone carried a hint of skepticism. "How do we know these rings won't choose people who might use them against Earth's interests?"

"Because that's not how they work," Hal explained patiently. "Green Lantern rings seek individuals with the will to overcome great fear and the moral character to use power responsibly. They're not going to choose anyone who would abuse them."

"Even so, the idea of three Green Lanterns operating on Earth without any oversight..."

"Who said anything about no oversight?" Hal interrupted. "I'm still Earth's sector Lantern. Anyone else who receives a ring will be part of my responsibility."

Fury nodded slowly, apparently satisfied with this answer. "Tell me about what happened on Oa. All of it. The reports I've received from our intelligence assets are... incomplete."

For the next hour, Hal recounted his return to Oa, the discovery of Sinestro's treachery, the battle with the Red Lanterns, and most importantly, his merger with Ion and the transformation of the Central Power Battery. He left out some of the more personal aspects but provided enough detail for Fury to understand the cosmic implications.

"So you became a living power source for the entire Green Lantern Corps," Fury summarized when Hal finished. "Then you gave that power away to create a new kind of Battery."

"The Corps needed to evolve," Hal explained. "The old system was too rigid, too centralized. What I created is more adaptive, more responsive to individual need."

"And this new system is more powerful?"

"Different. Stronger in some ways, more flexible in others. The rings are now capable of things the Guardians never programmed them for."

Fury made notes on his tablet, his expression thoughtful. "What about the other threats? These Red Lanterns, Sinestro's defection?"

"Contained, for now," Hal said carefully. "Atrocitus and his people are imprisoned. Sinestro... that's more complicated."

"How complicated?"

Hal chose his words carefully. "He's been exiled to the Antimatter Universe. It's supposed to be permanent, but Sinestro's resourceful. The Guardians will monitor the situation."

"That doesn't sound particularly reassuring."

"It's not," Hal admitted. "But it's the best outcome we could achieve under the circumstances."

Fury studied him for a long moment. "You're holding something back. What aren't you telling me?"

Hal met his gaze steadily. "Some things are Corps business, Director. I've given you everything that directly affects Earth's security."

"Fair enough." Fury closed his tablet. "Now let's talk about the future. This Avengers Initiative we discussed..."

Hal was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "I'm interested," he said finally, though his tone carried more caution than enthusiasm. "After what happened with the Red Lanterns, it's clear that Earth needs coordinated defense against cosmic threats."

"And you're willing to work within a framework that includes oversight and accountability?"

"Within reason," Hal said carefully. "I'm not going to compromise Corps security or reveal classified information that could endanger other worlds. But for Earth-specific threats? Yes, I'm willing to coordinate with other heroes." He paused, studying Fury's face. "Though I have to ask—what happens when the political winds change? When enhanced individuals become inconvenient rather than useful?"

Fury's expression didn't change, but Hal caught a flicker of something—respect, perhaps—in his single eye. "That's a fair question. And an honest one."

"History has a way of repeating itself, Director. Today's heroes have a habit of becoming tomorrow's problems when governments decide they're too independent, too powerful, or too willing to ask uncomfortable questions."

"You're thinking about the Justice Society," Fury said. It wasn't a question.

"Among other things." Hal leaned back in his chair. "The thing about having cosmic-level responsibilities is that it gives you perspective on how quickly allegiances can shift. I'm willing to work with you, Fury, but I won't be anyone's puppet. Not yours, not the government's, not even the Guardians'."

Fury nodded slowly. "That's actually more reassuring than blind cooperation would be. Shows you're thinking beyond the immediate crisis."

"What changed your mind?" Fury asked after making notes on his tablet.

"Fighting alongside Superman, Iron Man, Flash, and Aquaman," Hal replied. "We worked well together. Better than I would have thought possible for a group that had never met before. But more than that—they're all dealing with the same issues. How to use power responsibly, how to maintain independence while working within systems, how to protect people without controlling them."

"Team dynamics," Fury mused. "It's what I've been counting on. Individual heroes are impressive, but teams can accomplish things that no single person could manage alone."

"Exactly. Plus, if Earth is going to have multiple Green Lanterns, we'll need infrastructure to support them. Training facilities, coordination protocols, maybe even a base of operations."

"Interesting. What did you have in mind?"

Hal had been thinking about this during his time with family. "Ferris Aircraft has facilities that could be adapted. Remote location, existing security, airfield for conventional craft. With some modifications, it could serve as a training center for new Lanterns."

"And Carol Ferris would be amenable to this?"

"I think so. She's always been supportive of pushing boundaries. Besides, having Green Lanterns based at her facility would be good for business."

Fury made more notes. "We'd need to formalize the arrangement. Government contracts, security clearances, oversight committees."

"As long as it doesn't interfere with Corps operations or compromise Lantern independence," Hal said, his tone carrying a subtle warning. "And as long as everyone understands that Green Lanterns answer to the Corps first, Earth second, and political convenience never."

"Understood. What about public relations? Three Green Lanterns is going to attract attention."

Hal grimaced. "I've already had some experience with that. The media reaction to my appearance in Coast City was... mixed."

"You handled it poorly," Fury said bluntly. "Lost your temper, used your powers to intimidate reporters, then fled from legitimate questions."

"It wasn't my finest moment," Hal admitted. "But they were pushing buttons I wasn't ready to have pushed."

"Understandable, but not sustainable. If Earth is going to have multiple enhanced individuals operating openly, we need a better approach to public engagement."

"I'm open to suggestions."

Fury reached into his briefcase and pulled out a thin folder, sliding it across the table. "Media training. Crisis communication protocols. How to handle public scrutiny without compromising your effectiveness or your privacy."

Hal opened the folder, scanning the contents. It was comprehensive, covering everything from prepared statements to crowd control techniques. "You've put a lot of thought into this."

"It's been a concern since Superman went public. Enhanced individuals need to understand that public perception affects their ability to do their jobs. Fear and mistrust can be as dangerous as any supervillain."

"Point taken." Hal closed the folder. "What about the other potential Avengers? How are they handling the public relations aspect?"

"Varies. Stark loves the attention but sometimes says too much. Superman's naturally good with people but stays formal. Batman avoids the public entirely, which has its own problems. Flash seems to handle it well in Central City, but he's maintained his secret identity."

"And you want me to be the public face of the Green Lantern Corps on Earth?"

"I want you to be yourself," Fury corrected. "Honest, competent, relatable. You're a test pilot, Jordan. You already know how to explain complex technical concepts to laypeople. Apply those same skills to explaining your role as a Lantern."

Hal considered this. "It would help if people understood that I'm not some alien enforcer. That I chose this responsibility."

"Exactly. Your background, your connections to Earth, your commitment to protecting this planet... those are assets, not weaknesses."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Agent Faraday entered, his expression urgent.

"Director, we've got incoming," he reported. "Two Green Lantern energy signatures descending toward Earth. ETA five minutes."

Hal was instantly alert. "Ring, confirm status of the new rings."

"Confirmation: Two rings have located suitable candidates and are initiating contact protocols."

"So it begins," Fury said, standing. "Jordan, you need to get out there and manage this situation before it becomes a public spectacle."

"Agreed." Hal was already moving toward the door. "Ring, can you track their locations?"

"Affirmative. Ring One has located candidate in Detroit, Michigan. Ring Two has located candidate in Chicago, Illinois."

"Great. Two different cities, probably hundreds of miles apart." Hal paused at the threshold. "Director, this conversation isn't over. But right now I need to prevent two confused civilians from accidentally leveling city blocks."

"Go," Fury said. "But Jordan? Keep me informed. Regular check-ins, full situation reports."

"Will do."

Hal rushed to the building's roof, his civilian clothes already dissolving as the Green Lantern uniform materialized around him. The familiar weight of the mask, the sleek lines of his standard flight suit, the pulse of power from his ring... it all felt more natural now, less like wearing a costume and more like coming home.

"Ring, give me flight path to the closest signature," he commanded, rising into the air.

"Detroit location optimal. Ring bearer in immediate proximity to populated area. Recommend priority intervention."

"Detroit it is." Hal accelerated skyward, leaving the city behind as he streaked toward Michigan. Below him, the landscape blurred into a tapestry of highways and urban sprawl, the familiar geography of the American Midwest rolling past at supersonic speeds.

As he flew, Hal found his mind racing with questions and concerns. Who had the rings chosen? How would they react to sudden cosmic responsibility? Could he guide them through the adjustment process better than Kilowog had guided him?

Most importantly, how would Earth change once it had three Green Lanterns instead of one?

"Ring, tell me about the Detroit candidate," he requested as the Motor City's skyline came into view.

"Guy Gardner, age thirty-four. Former Baltimore police officer, currently employed as a physical education teacher and coach at James Madison High School. Recently terminated from additional employment as a bar owner due to establishment closure following building fire."

"A cop turned teacher," Hal mused. "Interesting choice. What about his psychological profile?"

"Individual demonstrates high levels of courage and determination. History of standing up to authority when principles are at stake. Notable incidents include: testifying against corrupt fellow officers, intervening in domestic violence situations off-duty, refusing to back down from confrontations with dangerous criminals."

"Sounds like Green Lantern material. What about the Chicago ring?"

"John Stewart, age twenty-eight. Former Marine Corps sergeant, combat engineer specialty. Currently employed as an architect focusing on urban renewal projects in disadvantaged communities. Discharged from military following incident involving disobedience of direct orders during humanitarian mission."

"A Marine architect," Hal said. "Also interesting. The rings definitely have a type."

As Detroit grew larger in his vision, Hal could see the green glow emanating from somewhere in the city's northwest section. The energy signature was steady but growing stronger, suggesting the ring had found its target and was beginning the bonding process.

"Time to make some introductions," Hal muttered, adjusting his trajectory toward the source of the light.

Whatever came next, Earth was about to gain two new protectors. And Hal Jordan was about to learn if being a Green Lantern was something you could actually teach, or if it was just something you had to figure out as you went along.

Looking down at the sprawling city below, he hoped it was the former. Because ready or not, the age of heroes was expanding, and Earth was about to discover what it meant to have three Green Lanterns calling it home.

The green glow was coming from James Madison High School, which made sense given the time of day. School was in session, which meant Guy Gardner was probably in the middle of a class when his life changed forever.

"This should be interesting," Hal said to himself as he descended toward the building. "Ring, can you dampen our energy signature? I'd rather not announce myself to the entire city."

"Stealth mode activated. Energy output reduced to minimal levels."

Hal touched down on the school's roof, quickly scanning the area below. Students and faculty would be going about their normal routines, completely unaware that cosmic forces were about to intrude on their Tuesday afternoon.

"Ring, locate the new Lantern."

"Target is in gymnasium. Energy readings indicate successful ring bonding in progress."

"Of course it's the gym," Hal muttered, making his way to the roof access door. "Because nothing says 'cosmic responsibility' like dodgeball and rope climbing."

The hallways of James Madison High were typical of urban public schools everywhere: worn linoleum floors, institutional lighting, and the perpetual smell of industrial cleaning supplies mixed with teenage hormones. Hal moved quickly but carefully, his ring masking his presence from the security cameras.

As he approached the gymnasium, he could hear raised voices from within—not angry or frightened, but confused and excited. Students talking over each other, someone trying to restore order, and underneath it all, a low humming that Hal recognized as the sound of a Green Lantern ring powering up for the first time.

He paused at the gym doors, taking a deep breath. First impressions mattered, especially when you were introducing someone to cosmic responsibility and intergalactic peacekeeping. How exactly did you explain to a high school teacher that he'd just been drafted into an alien police force?

"Here goes nothing," Hal said, pushing open the doors.

The scene inside was controlled chaos. About thirty teenagers stood in a rough circle around something in the center of the basketball court, their voices mixing into an excited buzz. A few teachers had arrived, clearly trying to assess the situation, but they looked as bewildered as the students.

And in the center of it all stood Guy Gardner.

He was exactly what Hal had expected from the ring's description: tall, broad-shouldered, with the kind of presence that came from years of dealing with difficult people in challenging situations. His red hair was cut short and practical, his clothes were standard gym teacher attire, and his expression mixed confusion with determination in equal measure.

The Green Lantern ring gleamed on his finger, pulsing with energy that made the air around him shimmer slightly. He was staring at it with the expression of someone who'd just picked up a tool he didn't recognize but suspected was important.

"Okay, class," Gardner was saying, his voice carrying the authority of someone used to managing groups of teenagers, "I need everyone to step back a little bit. Something unusual is happening here, and I want to make sure nobody gets hurt."

"Mr. Gardner," one of the students called out, "your ring is glowing! Is this some kind of science experiment?"

"I honestly don't know, Denise," Gardner replied, flexing his fingers experimentally. The ring pulsed brighter in response, and several students gasped in amazement.

That was when Hal decided to make his entrance. He dismissed his stealth mode, allowing his Green Lantern uniform to become visible as he stepped into the gymnasium.

"Actually," he said, his voice carrying clearly across the space, "it's a recruitment."

The effect was immediate and dramatic. Thirty-plus heads turned toward him in unison, conversations dying mid-sentence as they took in his appearance: the black and green uniform, the glowing ring, the confident bearing of someone who belonged in extraordinary circumstances.

"Holy crap," one of the male students breathed. "Is that Green Lantern?"

"Language, Marcus," Gardner said automatically, though his eyes never left Hal. "And yes, I believe it is."

Hal walked toward the center of the court, noting how the students instinctively moved aside to create a path. Up close, Gardner looked even more like traditional Green Lantern material: steady, competent, unflappable despite the bizarre circumstances.

"Guy Gardner?" Hal asked, though he already knew the answer.

"That's me," Gardner replied, extending his hand for a shake. "And you're the Green Lantern who fought those aliens in Coast City. Saw it on the news."

"That's right," Hal replied, accepting the handshake without revealing his identity. Gardner's grip was firm, calloused from physical work, steady despite the cosmic weirdness surrounding them. "And you've just joined a very exclusive club."

"So this ring," Gardner said, raising his hand to examine the device, "it's like yours?"

"Exactly like yours," Hal confirmed. "Which makes you a Green Lantern too, whether you wanted the job or not."

The students were hanging on every word, their excitement palpable. One of the girls raised her hand as if she were in a regular class.

"Yes, Sarah?" Gardner said, falling back on teaching habits.

"Are you going to be a superhero now, Mr. Gardner?" she asked, her voice mixing awe with genuine curiosity.

Gardner looked at Hal, clearly seeking guidance on how to answer. Hal nodded encouragingly.

"I'm still figuring that out, Sarah," Gardner said honestly. "But it looks like I have some new responsibilities to learn about."

"Indeed you do," Hal confirmed. He turned to address the assembled group. "I know this is exciting, but Guy and I need to have a private conversation about what happens next. Could I ask all of you to give us some space?"

The teachers immediately began organizing the students, ushering them toward the exits with practiced efficiency. But Hal could hear the whispered conversations as they filed out:

"Two Green Lanterns!"

"Mr. Gardner is going to fight aliens!"

"This is so cool!"

"My mom is never going to believe this."

Once the gymnasium was empty except for the two Lanterns, Gardner turned to face Hal directly, his expression serious.

"Okay," he said, "level with me. What exactly have I gotten myself into?"

Hal settled onto the bleachers, gesturing for Gardner to join him. The moment reminded him powerfully of his first conversation with Tomar-Re on Oa, when everything had seemed overwhelming and impossible. Now he was the one providing guidance, and the weight of that responsibility wasn't lost on him.

"Guy Gardner," Hal began formally, echoing the tone Tomar-Re had used with him, "you have been chosen to bear one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. To be selected as a Green Lantern is considered the highest of honors and the greatest of responsibilities."

Gardner's eyebrows rose at the ceremonial tone, but he listened intently.

"The ring on your finger contains technology that can transform thought into reality, will into physical force. It chose you from among billions of beings because you possess something rare—the ability to overcome great fear."

"I don't feel particularly fearless right now," Gardner admitted, flexing his fingers as the ring pulsed in response.

"Fearless and fearful are not opposites in the way most people think," Hal explained, remembering Tomar-Re's words. "The ring doesn't seek beings without fear. Such creatures don't exist, and if they did, they would be dangerous fools. The ring seeks those with the will to face fear, to push through it."

He gestured to Gardner's ring. "That device connects you to the Green Lantern Corps—an intergalactic peacekeeping force that has protected the universe for billions of years. We're assigned sectors of space to patrol and protect, working to maintain order and justice across thousands of civilizations."

"Space cops," Gardner said, his tone mixing amazement with something that might have been excitement. "And I just got drafted."

"Recruited," Hal corrected with a slight smile. "The ring doesn't conscript. It chooses those it believes are worthy of the responsibility. The fact that it came to you, specifically you, means something."

Gardner absorbed this information with the same methodical attention he probably gave to lesson plans. "How many Green Lanterns are there?"

"The Corps recently expanded to over 10,000 members. Each sector of space has its designated protector. Earth—our sector—is about to have three."

"Three?" Gardner's interest sharpened. "Who's the third?"

"Someone in Chicago. I'll be heading there next to find him." Hal stood, moving to the center of the gymnasium. "But first, let me show you what you're capable of."

"The ring responds to will and imagination," Hal explained, extending his hand. Green energy flowed from his ring, forming into a perfect replica of a basketball. "Whatever you can visualize clearly, whatever you can will into existence, the ring can create."

He tossed the construct to Gardner, who caught it with obvious surprise at its solid weight.

"It feels completely real," Gardner said, turning the basketball over in his hands.

"For all practical purposes, it is real. The ring converts willpower into physical matter. The stronger your will, the clearer your visualization, the more durable and complex your constructs can become."

Gardner handed the basketball back, watching with fascination as it dissolved into green energy. "And the ring chose me because...?"

"Because you have the ability to overcome great fear," Hal repeated. "But more than that—your background suggests you have experience making life-or-death decisions under pressure, standing up for what's right even when it's difficult."

"Ten years as a cop will do that," Gardner said. "Then three years teaching high school kids. Trust me, both jobs require nerves of steel."

Hal grinned. "The Corps could use someone with that kind of experience. Now, let's see if you can make your first construct."

Gardner stared at his ring, his brow furrowed in concentration. For a moment, nothing happened. Then green energy began to coalesce above his palm, wavering and uncertain at first.

"Don't force it," Hal advised. "Think of something simple, something you understand completely. Picture it in your mind, then will it into existence."

The energy stabilized, forming into a simple green sphere that hovered steadily above Gardner's palm.

"Well, look at that," Gardner said, genuine pleasure in his voice. "Not bad for a first try."

"Natural talent," Hal confirmed. "Some people struggle for hours to make their first construct. You did it in minutes."

"Years of dealing with pressure situations," Gardner said with dry humor. "Whether it's chasing down suspects or keeping thirty teenagers focused on algebra. You learn to stay calm and think clearly or you don't survive."

They spent the next hour working through basic construct formation, with Gardner proving to be a remarkably quick study. His approach was methodical but enthusiastic, treating each new technique like a coaching challenge to be mastered and perfected.

"The ring is basically responding to confidence and clarity of purpose," Gardner observed after successfully creating and maintaining multiple constructs simultaneously. "The clearer the mental image, the more stable the construct."

"Exactly. Most new recruits take days to figure that out."

"Most new recruits probably haven't spent years breaking down complex concepts for teenagers," Gardner replied. "Clarity of instruction is survival in my line of work."

As they worked, Hal found himself impressed not just by Gardner's quick mastery of the ring's basic functions, but by his practical approach to cosmic responsibility. He wasn't overwhelmed by the magnitude of what he'd been given—instead, he was already thinking about applications, asking tactical questions, considering how his new abilities could be used effectively.

"Okay," Gardner said finally, dismissing his practice constructs with a thought, "I think I've got the basics down. What's next?"

"Flight," Hal said, checking the time. "And we should practice outside where there's more room."

Twenty minutes later, after Gardner had given the school administration a carefully edited explanation involving "emergency federal training" and "national security," the two Green Lanterns stood on the empty football field behind the school.

"Flying is fundamental to a Lantern's duties," Hal explained, unconsciously echoing Tomar-Re's words from his own training. "The ring generates an energy field that negates gravity and inertia, allowing movement in any direction, at any speed your will can maintain."

"I've been in helicopters," Gardner offered. "Done some parachuting in my army days."

"This is completely different," Hal said with a grin. "You won't be operating a machine. You'll BE the flight. Watch."

He rose smoothly from the ground, his body surrounded by the familiar green aura. Twenty feet up, he executed a controlled loop before hovering effortlessly in the air.

"The ring responds to thought and will," he called down. "Visualize your intended movement, focus your will upon it, and the ring makes it reality. Think of yourself as lighter than air."

Gardner stared up at him, his expression mixing skepticism with excitement. "You're serious. I can actually fly."

"You can do a lot more than fly. But we'll start with the basics."

Gardner closed his eyes, his face scrunched in concentration. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the ring began to glow brighter, and Gardner's feet slowly left the ground.

"Holy shit," he breathed, his eyes snapping open as he found himself hovering a foot above the grass. "I'm actually flying!"

"Language," Hal said automatically, then grinned. "And yes, you are. Now try going higher."

What happened next was pure Guy Gardner. Instead of the cautious, controlled ascent newest Lanterns attempted, Gardner shot skyward like a green rocket, whooping with pure joy as he climbed.

"YEAH! WOOHOO! This is INCREDIBLE!" His voice echoed across the empty field as he zoomed past Hal, his flight path erratic but enthusiastic.

"Gardner, control!" Hal called out, but he couldn't help smiling. The man's pure, unfiltered joy was infectious.

"Control? Who needs control when you can DO THIS!" Gardner attempted what might have been a barrel roll but looked more like a midair tumble, laughing maniacally the entire time.

"You're going to hurt yourself!" Hal flew after him, trying to provide some guidance. "Focus on where you want to go!"

"I want to go EVERYWHERE!" Gardner shouted back, executing another chaotic maneuver that ended with him spinning like a top fifty feet above the football field. "This is better than my first motorcycle! Better than my first arrest! Better than—"

His celebration was cut short as he lost concentration and began to plummet. Hal swooped in, creating a cushioning construct beneath him just before he would have cratered into the goal posts.

"Okay," Gardner gasped, lying flat on his back on Hal's energy platform, "maybe a little control would be good."

"The enthusiasm is great," Hal said, lowering them both safely to the ground. "But precision matters when you're flying at supersonic speeds or operating in space."

"Space?" Gardner's eyes lit up again. "We get to go to space?"

"All the time. It's kind of a job requirement when you're protecting an entire sector."

Gardner sat up, his expression growing more serious despite the lingering excitement. "This is real, isn't it? This isn't some elaborate practical joke or government experiment."

"It's real," Hal confirmed. "More real than anything you've probably ever experienced. Guy, what I'm about to tell you might be hard to accept, but you need to understand the scope of what you've just become part of."

He gestured toward the sky, where the first stars were becoming visible in the gathering dusk. "There are civilizations out there that have existed for billions of years. Empires that span entire galaxies. Threats that could end all life in our solar system without even noticing we were here."

Gardner's expression grew more focused, his cop instincts clearly engaging. "And we're supposed to stop them?"

"We're supposed to try. That's what the Green Lantern Corps does—we stand between the innocent and the forces that would destroy them. Sometimes we succeed. Sometimes we don't. But we never stop trying."

"Because someone has to," Gardner said quietly, understanding immediately.

"Because someone has to," Hal agreed. "The ring chose you because it recognized that understanding in you. The willingness to stand up when others can't or won't."

Gardner was quiet for a moment, staring at the ring on his finger. When he looked up, his expression had changed. The boyish excitement was still there, but it was tempered now with something deeper—acceptance of responsibility, recognition of duty.

"So what's next?" he asked. "Do I get a manual? A training program? Please tell me it's more comprehensive than 'here's your ring, good luck.'"

Hal laughed, remembering his own desperate questions when Kilowog had first started training him. "There's extensive training available on Oa—that's Corps headquarters. But given Earth's current situation, I'll be handling your initial instruction personally."

"What kind of situation makes Earth special?"

"The kind where leaving the planet without Green Lantern protection isn't an option," Hal said carefully. "There are ongoing cosmic developments that make Earth strategically important. Having three Lanterns here helps ensure it stays protected."

Gardner nodded slowly. "Understood. When do we start?"

"Right now, actually. We need to get to Chicago and find our third teammate. According to my ring, he's having some difficulty with the bonding process."

"Difficulty?"

"Some people handle sudden cosmic responsibility better than others," Hal explained. "You adapted quickly, but not everyone does."

Gardner stood, brushing grass off his clothes. "Then let's go help him. Can't have our teammate struggling alone."

"Try to keep up," Hal said, rising into the air. "Chicago's about an hour's flight at cruising speed

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