The Chamber of Deliberation was a perfect circle, its walls lined with twelve elevated platforms arranged like hours on a clock. On each platform stood a small, blue-skinned humanoid—male and female in appearance, though Hal suspected such distinctions might be meaningless to them. They wore red robes with the same lantern symbol, and their oversized heads and ancient eyes gave them an appearance of both wisdom and alienation from mortal concerns.
In the center of the chamber was a single platform bathed in green light, clearly where Hal was meant to stand. As he stepped onto it, he felt his ring respond, the green aura around him intensifying slightly, as if the very architecture of Oa was attuned to the power the Guardians had created.
"Harold Jordan of Earth," one of the Guardians spoke, the voice neither male nor female but carrying an authority that seemed to resonate on a subatomic level. "You stand before the Guardians of the Universe, creators of the Green Lantern Corps and custodians of order since the dawn of time."
Hal straightened, falling back on the formal posture of military review. "I'm here because of this," he said, holding up his hand with the ring. "Though I'm still not entirely clear on why it chose me."
A murmur rippled through the assembled Guardians, several exchanging glances that suggested Hal's directness was unusual in these chambers.
"I am Appa Ali Apsa," the Guardian who had first spoken identified himself. "Unlike many who stand before us, you address the Council with unusual candor."
The Guardian with white streaks in her hair nodded. "I am Sayd. The ring selects based on qualities that are not always apparent to conventional analysis. However, the selection of a human is... unprecedented. Your species has only recently achieved rudimentary spaceflight. Your civilizations still war among themselves over resources and ideologies. You have not yet unified your planet, let alone demonstrated the capacity for universal perspective."
"With respect," Hal replied, trying to keep his tone neutral, "I don't think the ring cares about my species' achievements. Abin Sur said it looks for individuals who can overcome great fear. That's a personal quality, not a civilization's."
"The human makes a valid point," a third Guardian observed, this one appearing slightly younger than the others. "Nothing in the universe could trick a power ring's selection protocols. If it chose this being, there must be qualities within him that satisfy the fundamental requirements."
"I am Ganthet," he introduced himself with what seemed almost like a smile—a rare expression on a Guardian's face. "And I have long maintained that individual potential often transcends species limitations."
"Ganthet, your perpetual fascination with lesser species clouds your judgment," another Guardian countered. "I am Ranakar. The ring responds to willpower, yes, but also to worthiness. Can a being from a species that has yet to evolve beyond territorial conflict truly understand the responsibilities of wielding a power ring?"
"I'm standing right here," Hal interjected, his patience wearing thin. "And while I don't claim to understand everything about this Corps or these rings, I do know something about responsibility. I've spent my career testing aircraft that push the boundaries of what's possible, knowing that any mistake could cost not just my life but the lives of everyone who would eventually fly those machines."
He held up the ring. "Abin Sur was dying when he gave me this. His last act was to pass on his duty to someone who could continue it. I don't know if I'm worthy by your standards, but I'm not going to dishonor his choice by letting you pretend I'm not here."
The chamber fell silent, the Guardians regarding Hal with expressions ranging from surprise to evaluation to what might have been amusement.
"The human speaks with conviction, if not with proper deference," Appa Ali Apsa finally said. "Before proceeding further, perhaps we should provide some context for our concerns. Harold Jordan, do you understand the place of the Green Lantern Corps in the greater universal order?"
Hal shook his head. "Honestly, until about six hours ago, I didn't know you existed. Abin Sur mentioned a Nova Corps that works alongside the Green Lanterns, but that's all I know."
The Guardians exchanged glances, and a new figure stepped forward. "I am Scar," said a female Guardian whose face bore a distinctive dark mark. "Our history is the history of order in the universe itself. We emerged among the first sentient beings after the universe's creation, on a world called Maltus."
"Approximately ten billion of your Earth years ago," Ranakar continued, "we discovered how to harness the emotional spectrum—the fundamental energies that underpin reality itself. Will, fear, rage, hope, compassion, love, avarice—each emotion connects to cosmic power that can be harnessed by those with sufficient knowledge."
"We chose will," Ganthet explained, "as the most stable, most controllable aspect of the spectrum. From it, we forged the first power rings and the Central Power Battery that fuels them all."
"The Corps was not our first attempt at universal peacekeeping," Sayd admitted, her expression growing somber. "There were... earlier models that proved unsuccessful."
Hal noticed the subtle tension that passed through the chamber at this reference but decided to hold his questions for now.
"The universe requires balance," Appa Ali Apsa said. "Multiple organizations maintain that balance, each with their own jurisdiction and methods."
A holographic display appeared in the center of the chamber, showing what looked like a massive tree with branches extending in all directions.
"The Nova Corps of Xandar," Scar explained as one branch illuminated, "patrols primarily in what you would call the Andromeda Galaxy, though their jurisdiction overlaps with ours in several sectors, including yours. They derive their power from the Nova Force, a cosmic energy controlled by their central intelligence, the Worldmind."
"Nova Prime Irani Rael currently leads them," Ganthet added. "A capable administrator who has been rebuilding their ranks following significant losses in the ongoing Kree conflict."
Another branch of the holographic tree illuminated. "The Shi'ar Imperial Guard serves the Shi'ar Empire, one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the galaxy. Their Majestrix, Lilandra, maintains a treaty with both the Corps and Nova Corps, allowing limited operations within Shi'ar space."
More branches lit up as they continued.
"The Kree Empire maintains the Accuser Corps, though they are less peacekeepers than military enforcers. The Supreme Intelligence, their living supercomputer leader, directs them primarily against Skrull targets."
"The Skrulls had their own intelligence agency, the Dard'van, though since their civil division, Emperor Dorrek's faction has established a new organization committed to peaceful resolution."
"The surviving Kryptonians established the Phantom Zone Prisoners containment protocols, though since Krypton's destruction, oversight has fallen to us."
"The Time Variance Authority monitors temporal infractions from outside conventional space-time, rarely interfering with our operations."
"The Manhunters once served as our primary enforcement arm before the Corps was established," Sayd explained, though Hal noticed several Guardians shifting uncomfortably at this reference.
"And what's the chain of command?" Hal asked, trying to make sense of this cosmic organizational chart. "With all these different groups, who's in charge when there's overlap?"
"A practical question," Ganthet observed approvingly. "The simplest analogy for your understanding might be your Earth law enforcement models. The Green Lantern Corps functions similarly to what you would call federal agents, with broad jurisdiction and authority. The Nova Corps operates more like planetary or regional authorities with specific territorial responsibilities."
Hal nodded, the comparison helping him frame the complex relationships. "So we're the FBI and they're the state police?"
"A crude but not inaccurate comparison," Ranakar said with thinly veiled disdain for the simplification.
"That makes sense," Hal said, warming to the analogy. "My uncle was a cop in Coast City for over twenty years. Used to let me and my brothers play with the sirens in his squad car when we were kids. On the Fourth of July he'd even—"
"The matter at hand, Harold Jordan," Ganthet interrupted, though his eyes held a hint of amusement. "Is your acceptance into this 'federal' agency, as you put it."
"Right. Sorry." Hal composed himself, though he noted that for all their ancient wisdom and cosmic perspective, the Guardians seemed to lack a sense of humor. "So where do I fit into all this? Sector cop? Detective? Bureaucrat?"
"Each Lantern serves according to their abilities," Sayd explained. "Some excel at investigation, others at combat, still others at diplomacy. Your role will become clear as your training progresses."
"Perhaps a demonstration is in order," Appa Ali Apsa suggested. "Harold Jordan, activate your ring and create a simple construct—a shield, perhaps, or a basic weapon."
Hal looked down at the ring, uncertainly. He'd seen Abin Sur use it to create objects from green energy, but had no idea how to do so himself. "I... haven't exactly had time for the instruction manual," he admitted.
"The ring responds to will and imagination," Ganthet explained. "Visualize what you wish to create, focus your will upon it, and the ring will manifest your thought as energy."
Feeling uncomfortably like a student being tested on material he hadn't studied, Hal closed his eyes and focused. What would be a simple yet effective demonstration? He thought immediately of flight—his first love, his profession, his escape. In his mind, he pictured his father's old fighter jet, the F-86 Sabre he'd watched perform at airshows as a child before that fateful day when everything changed.
He could see every detail—the swept wings, the bubble canopy, the sleek fuselage designed for transonic speeds. He focused his will, imagining that aircraft materializing before him.
The ring grew warm on his finger, and he heard soft gasps from around the chamber. Opening his eyes, he found himself staring at a perfect, translucent green replica of the F-86, hovering in the air before him. Every detail was exact, down to the USAF markings and his father's name stenciled beneath the cockpit: CAPT. MARTIN JORDAN.
"Interesting choice," Ganthet observed. "Most new recruits begin with simple geometric shapes or weapons. You chose to recreate a complex machine with personal significance."
The construct wavered slightly as Hal's concentration broke, then stabilized. "It's what I know," he said simply.
"And it reveals much about you," Sayd said, her tone difficult to read. "The construct is impressive in its detail, suggesting strong visualization capabilities, but it also demonstrates an attachment to your world and past that could interfere with your duties as a Lantern."
"Or provide him with unique perspective," Ganthet countered. "The Corps has always benefited from diversity of experience and approach."
"History has shown that emotional attachments can be exploited," Ranakar argued. "The human's obvious connection to his father could—"
Before he could finish, the massive doors to the chamber opened again, admitting a new figure that immediately commanded attention. The alien was humanoid, tall and lean with magenta skin and a precisely trimmed mustache that gave him a distinctly aristocratic appearance. His Green Lantern uniform seemed more elaborate than those Hal had seen so far, with additional ornamentation that suggested rank or special status. But most striking was his bearing—confident to the point of arrogance, with an evaluating gaze that seemed to categorize and judge everything it fell upon.
"Sinestro," Appa Ali Apsa acknowledged. "Your presence was not requested for this evaluation."
"My apologies for the interruption," Sinestro replied, his voice cultured and precise with an accent Hal couldn't place. "But given the unusual circumstances of Abin Sur's death and the selection of his replacement, I felt my input might be valuable." His eyes fixed on Hal, studying him with unsettling intensity. "So, this is the human who now wields my friend's ring."
He approached Hal's platform, circling the floating F-86 construct with evaluating eyes. "Interesting. Complex mechanical visualization, suggesting technical intelligence. Fine detail work indicating attention to precision. And the emotional attachment..." He glanced at the name on the aircraft. "A relative?"
"My father," Hal answered, unsure whether to feel impressed or unnerved by the analysis.
"Hmm. Dead, I presume, given the memorial quality of the construct." Sinestro didn't wait for confirmation before turning back to the Guardians. "The construct shows potential, certainly. More promising than I expected from a species at Earth's development level."
"Thaal Sinestro, your assessment is noted," Sayd said. "However, the evaluation of new recruits follows established protocols. Your personal connection to Abin Sur does not grant you special authority in this matter."
"With respect, Sayd, those protocols were established for situations far less unusual than this one." Sinestro's expression remained composed, but Hal sensed an underlying tension in his posture. "Abin Sur was not merely a fellow Lantern; he was the Corps' most experienced and decorated member, responsible for over two dozen first-contact protocols and the peaceful resolution of the Xydar Conflict. His replacement should be evaluated with extraordinary care."
"The ring has made its choice," Ganthet said firmly. "And as you have often reminded us, Sinestro, the ring does not make mistakes."
A subtle smile curved Sinestro's lips. "Indeed it doesn't. Which is precisely why I am offering to take personal responsibility for the human's training." He turned to face Hal directly. "Abin Sur was my closest friend and mentor. If his ring has chosen you as worthy to continue his legacy, then I will ensure you are prepared for that responsibility."
Murmurs circulated among the Guardians, this offer clearly unexpected. Hal looked between them and Sinestro, sensing undercurrents he didn't understand but recognizing the significance of the moment.
"That would be a departure from standard procedure," Ranakar observed. "New recruits typically train under Kilowog and the instructional division before being assigned to senior Lanterns for field experience."
"These are not typical circumstances," Sinestro countered smoothly. "Sector 2814 is particularly active at present, with both the Nova-Kree conflict spilling into its borders and recent reports of Red Energy signatures. The sector cannot wait months for its new Lantern to complete standard training protocols."
He gestured toward Hal's construct, which was still hovering perfectly formed despite the distraction of the conversation. "The human clearly has natural aptitude. Intensive field training under my guidance will prepare him more efficiently than traditional methods."
The Guardians conferred silently in a manner that suggested some form of telepathic communication. After several moments, Appa Ali Apsa spoke again.
"We will permit this arrangement on a provisional basis. Lantern Sinestro will oversee the primary training of Harold Jordan, with supplementary instruction from Kilowog and Tomar-Re as required. The human will be evaluated again after one full cycle to determine his progress and final assignment."
Sinestro bowed slightly, satisfaction evident in his posture. "A wise decision. I will ensure he honors Abin Sur's legacy."
"Before this evaluation concludes," Hal interjected, earning surprised looks from several Guardians, "I'd like to ask about something Abin Sur mentioned before he died." He hesitated, noting how Sinestro's posture had subtly tensed. "He warned me about 'the Five Inversions' and something called 'the massacre of Sector 666.' He seemed to think it was important I know about this."
The temperature in the chamber seemed to drop several degrees. The Guardians exchanged glances that even Hal could interpret as concerned, while Sinestro's expression became carefully neutral.
"Abin Sur was gravely injured and dying when he encountered you," Appa Ali Apsa said after a moment. "His mental state would have been compromised by trauma and blood loss. The references you mention are to ancient events of no relevance to your duties as a Green Lantern."
"With respect," Hal persisted, "he used his final breaths to tell me about this. It seemed pretty relevant to him."
"Abin Sur had... developed certain preoccupations in his final years," Sinestro said carefully. "He became interested in prophecies and obscure historical events, sometimes at the expense of his primary duties. It was a subject of some concern among those closest to him."
"So these things he mentioned—they're real historical events? Not delusions?" Hal pressed.
"The history of the Corps spans billions of years and countless conflicts," Ganthet responded diplomatically. "What Abin Sur referenced were indeed historical events, but their significance has been greatly overstated in certain quarters. As you settle into your role as a Lantern, you will have access to the Corps archives where all such matters are documented appropriately."
Hal recognized the deflection but decided not to push further for now. Whatever Abin Sur had been warning him about, it clearly made the Guardians uncomfortable—which only increased his curiosity about it.
"This evaluation is concluded," Appa Ali Apsa announced. "Harold Jordan of Earth is provisionally accepted into the Green Lantern Corps as Lantern of Sector 2814, under the direct supervision of Thaal Sinestro of Korugar. Formal induction will follow the memorial service for Abin Sur." The Guardian fixed Hal with an intense gaze. "You have been granted an extraordinary opportunity and responsibility, human. How you honor it will determine not just your future, but potentially that of your species."
With that ominous statement, the green light beneath Hal faded, and the Guardians' platforms began to retract into the chamber walls—a clear dismissal. Hal allowed his F-86 construct to dissolve as Sinestro approached him.
"Your first encounter with the Guardians," Sinestro observed, studying Hal's reaction. "And already asking questions they prefer not to answer. You and I will have much to discuss, Harold Jordan."
"Just Hal," he corrected automatically.
A thin smile curved Sinestro's lips. "Very well, Just Hal. The memorial service for Abin Sur will begin shortly. Follow me—there is much you need to understand before you are formally presented to the Corps."
As they exited the chamber, Hal cast one final glance back at where the Guardians had been, unable to shake the feeling that they had deliberately avoided his questions about Abin Sur's warning. Whatever the "Five Inversions" were, whatever had happened in "Sector 666," it clearly touched on something the Guardians preferred to keep buried.
And that only made him more determined to uncover the truth.