With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

BlackCoat13 · Nov 14, 2020

A lot of what Jordan is saying this chapter is green, and while it's established that whenever a lantern uses the ring comms to another ring they get color coded, here

Mr Zoat said:
"Was that Green Lantern sign over-" Jordan flies in, prompting the curator to look around. "-the door meant to start-"

Jordan actually enters the same room as Paul so he's no longer on the radio. Rather than having green text, he should have regular since he's not on comms until he starts calling Lord M.

Chojin Patriarch · Nov 14, 2020

Mr Zoat said:
26th June 2012
16:33 GMT -5

Another tome out of its scan-resistant case, orange light flaring as I turn the alien writings into English and deposit them first into my rings and then into my brain…

Well, someone doesn't want casual perusal of the books, do they? Presumably meant to reinforce the importance of their contents, I suppose.

"Have you given any thought to just scanning these onto a database?"

"Lord Malvolio has stated on several occasions that knowledge is not for the lazy. Anyone can come here and read our record of precedents whenever they want. If they're not prepared to make the effort then they can live in ignorance."

Yup, as I though. Looks like Malvolio has opinions on studiousness. Hope OL isn't offending him by taking the easy way through.

"The.. people of your civilisation can't read your canon of law?"

"No, the canon of law is available on the data networks. These are just the rulings made by Lord Malvolio, that form thebasis of our canon of law."

Ah... So they're treated a bit more like scripture, in terms of reverence. Explains the protection.

"Okay, but how about printing a summary and keeping it here? I can sort of understand expecting people to get off their arses if they want to understand their own civilisation, but this is deliberately keeping it opaque."

She nods proudly. "As it should be."

And no doubt the texts are couched in the equivalent of old English, just for that added aspect of effort.

"That-."

My ring flashes.

"Yes?"

Hal calling to check in? Hopefully the captives are settling in to their temporary digs well enough.

Jordan's head appears. "I've got the refugees settled and I'm heading for the capital now. What does the building look like?"

"You'll know it when you see it."

Ah, to see the look on his face... Oh, wait!

Ring-call.

He frowns. "That's not exactly-. … Oh. Right."

"I'll see you in a moment."

Heh. Yeah, this isn't setting off alarm bells for Hal at all. He's probably remembering Korugar right now...

"How..? Many of you are there?"

"Four of us came in the initial wave. The aim was to bring more, but our portal was disrupted. It might get restored, it might now."

Of course, when two of those operatives are Lanterns, that's one hell of a force multiplier.

Having had time to reflect upon the time line, I've been… Forced to consider that the disruption might have occurred when I attacked the area around the time pool. If the magicians were attaching their spell to it as an arcane constant, what I did might have wrecked the whole array and forced them to start from scratch. Then again, doing that removed the Sheeda's escape options at the earliest opportunity… I'm leaning towards it having been the right decision, but… I can't be certain.

Gee, the benefit of hindsight. I mean, going in guns blazing paid off, given the Sheeda waiting for you, but a micro-second of consideration might have helped...

"Hey! Anyone home?"

"In here!"

"Was that Green Lantern sign over-" Jordan flies in, prompting the curator to look around. "-the door meant to start-"

Yes, Hal, it almost certainly was. Likely as an alert to Malvolio that someone of note is poking around...

"My Lord!"

The curator falls on her face, genuflecting in Jordan's direction.

Oh, boy. Looks like Mallie's made himself quite the following.

"-glowing." He frowns. "What's her deal?"

"The local Green Lantern is kind of important."

Ah, OLO. Your mastery of understatement is as impressive as always.

"Yeah. I remember what it's like when a Green Lantern takes over." He drops to the floor and reaches out to the curator. "You don't have to do that with me."

"I know. I'm choosing to. It is your due."

Hrrm... That is telling. I wonder if other people share that worshipful attitude, or if it's just from being around the books so much...

I take a look at her…

"As far as I can tell, she honestly believes it."

"That's not the point."

Hal not comfortable with being outright worshipped. That's a good sign. Wonder what Malvolio's making of it...

"Given how popular Lanternism is, I'm a little surprised that you're not more used to it."

He drops his hand with a sigh, then stands back up.

Honestly, worshipping Lanterns is understandable. They come down out of the sky, glowing brightly, smiting evil and saving lives, and fly off again. I can see them being called angels by some primitive peoples...

"The only Lanternists in Two Eight One Four are the 'sacred duty' types. They don't go in for this kind of thing." He moves away for the curator, looking around the room. "Learn anything useful?"

"Lord Malvolio appears to be the 'don't make me come over there' type of jurist. His retribution for attacks against his people or slights upon his honour or… What he regards as 'treason' is draconian. However, he isn't arbitrary and generally treats emissaries and leaders from outside what he regards as his area of responsibility with a degree of… Not exactly 'deference', but he at least recognises that there's a difference between his own subjects and people who aren't."

So, not going to insist on diplomatic visitors following his laws absolutely, with ignorance being no excuse for misbehaving. Reasonable. That's a good sign?

"So why's he talking to the Sheeda?"

"Have you seen the stars since we got here?"

When he's on a mission, I don't think Hal pays attention to much outside of his objective... A good Green Lantern, in that respect...

"No. You know why?"

"These books make it clear that Lord Malvolio used to control a much greater area than this. If he made a deal with the Guardians and feels that they reneged on it, he might decide that anything that lets him leave is a 'reasonable' deal."

And pity the Sheeda if they welch on any deal. I doubt Malvolio will treat them kindly in that case.

"So if we agree to help him get out of wherever this is, that reason's gone."

"I'm just guessing here. Even if I could see him, given how 'green' he is, it's perfectly possible that I won't learn anything." I shrug. "There's nothing obvious for them to offer him, but that doesn't mean that they can't have found something that hasn't occurred to me." He nods. "If the Guardians did trap him here, are you allowed to let him out?"

Hmm... That's a good question. After all, what part did the locals play in his misdeeds? Why should they be punished for Malvolio's actions? On the other hand, the Guardians might respond poorly to Hal's actions if he does open the lockdown.

"Can I? Sure. Will I? Depends what sort of man he is. As of right now, we've won. If the four of us getting killed by an insane super-Lantern the Guardians were right to lock away, if that's what it takes to make it stick, then so be it. On the other hand, if we can talk it out, so much the better."

I close to book and respectfully return it to its protective case.

Good to see such rational planning from a Green Lantern, masters of stubborn bullheadedness.

"Are Flash and Wonder Woman coming with us?"

"Yeah. Diana's got a bit more experience with diplomacy than I have, and Flash can react faster than us if the Sheeda try anything."

And I doubt Malvolio's encountered someone with superspeed before, so it's unlikely he could take action either. He'll also be more responsive to royalty coming to meet him than just a couple of Lanterns...

"Then we may as well go and pick them up."

"First thing's first." He holds out his right hand. Honor Guard Green Lantern Harold Jordan to Lord Malvolio of the Green Flame. Please respond."

Taking a long shot, depending on the functionality of Malvolio's ring. For all they know, it's like Alan's ring, with a scrubbed OS and lack of communication functions...

I take a step back, while the curator double-grovels.

For a moment, nothing happens. Then a plume of green… Flame? Not exactly, but it's soft of a fatter version of the green flame-like environmental shield that Alan used to have. The pseudo-flame leaps from Jordan's ring and erupts in the shape of a man.

I'll say this, he has style.

"You arrive as brilliant light, rending darkness's opaque veil. As a whisper, silence shattering. Among stars and far flung heavens have cosmic winds aloft borne me as I, answering adventure's siren call, sought her face in the galaxy's far corners. Among peoples and cultures infinitely diverse have these well worn heels tread narrow paths leading to warm, righteous hearths. Against evil kingdoms and dreadful empires a vengeful hand have I raised. Against me could no man stand nor any man deny my will. Through time and seasons and ages undreamed of, my will, my token and troth remain. The vindicator, avenger, defender, law and judge am I. Saviour and destroyer, life and death… I am Lord Malvolio of the Green Flame."

Well, what can you say to that? Besides "Spit out that scenery, it's made of cardboard!"

"Uh… Hi. Mind if we come talk face to face?"

A poet, Hal is not...

Well, contact has been properly made. The offer to talk is in the air, and no doubt Queen Glory-bra is already trying to poison Malvolio against them... Time for Diana to do some fast talking...

I close to book and respectfully return it to its protective case.

I close the book and respectfully return it to its protective case.

Darko · Nov 14, 2020

BlackCoat13 said:
A lot of what Jordan is saying this chapter is green, and while it's established that whenever a lantern uses the ring comms to another ring they get color coded, here

Jordan actually enters the same room as Paul so he's no longer on the radio. Rather than having green text, he should have regular since he's not on comms until he starts calling Lord M.

His speech can still be green when he's using his ring or in a state of great will, even if he's not communicating with the ring.

CTrees · Nov 14, 2020

jaelin910 said:
Does say all that every time he meets someone or is this a special occasion?

Nah, Malvolio declined the ring-call. That's just his voicemail message. The next line after Hal's "Uh, hi..." was "please record your message after the tone."

Darko · Nov 14, 2020

Chojin Patriarch said:
Ah... So they're treated a bit more like scripture, in terms of reverence. Explains the protection.

Well maybe the curator is just like that, or yeah they could be seen almost as divine like how the Constitution is seen almost as some sacred text in America.

Chojin Patriarch said:
And no doubt the texts are couched in the equivalent of old English, just for that added aspect of effort.

The people may actually speak that language if Malvolio taught it tot them, so they may not find it difficult.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Heh. Yeah, this isn't setting off alarm bells for Hal at all. He's probably remembering Korugar right now...

There was another Green Lantern that ruled a planet.

Though in her case she didn't take the planet over, but most likely inherited the throne.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Hal not comfortable with being outright worshipped. That's a good sign. Wonder what Malvolio's making of it...

He either loves the worship, or finds it tedious, but useful to keep people in line.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Honestly, worshipping Lanterns is understandable. They come down out of the sky, glowing brightly, smiting evil and saving lives, and fly off again. I can see them being called angels by some primitive peoples...

Even advanced civilizations worship them, and they're basically heroes chosen by godlike beings to keep order and peace in the universe, so it makes sense.

Chojin Patriarch said:
So, not going to insist on diplomatic visitors following his laws absolutely, with ignorance being no excuse for misbehaving. Reasonable. That's a good sign?

Not so fast.

Hitler was anti-smoking, but I doubt a lot of people would call everything else about him reasonable.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Taking a long shot, depending on the functionality of Malvolio's ring. For all they know, it's like Alan's ring, with a scrubbed OS and lack of communication functions...

We know Alan lost the database and translation functions, but maybe even he had the communication abilities left, but didn't use them since he never thought the ring could do that?

Chojin Patriarch said:
A poet, Hal is not...

To be fair, not a lot of people could actually respond to that.

Mr Zoat · Nov 14, 2020

BlackCoat13 said:
A lot of what Jordan is saying this chapter is green, and while it's established that whenever a lantern uses the ring comms to another ring they get color coded, here

Jordan actually enters the same room as Paul so he's no longer on the radio. Rather than having green text, he should have regular since he's not on comms until he starts calling Lord M.

That's not how it works. Jordan's been talking in green for most of this mission because he's maintaining focus. If he was talking by ring com his text would be orange.

Chojin Patriarch said:
I close the book and respectfully return it to its protective case.

Thank you, corrected.

Agent Orange · Nov 14, 2020

Mr Zoat said:
As of right now, we've won.

Oh? So you already wrecked the bridge and the engines, ripped out the time pool section and captured all of the Sheeda on the smoking husk of what used to be the Castle Ship? Is Glory-Bra unconscious and tied up in the Lasso of Truth and construct chains?

Mr Zoat said:
and Flash can react faster than us if the Sheeda try anything.

... so you... didn't capture/restrain the Sheeda? How exactly did you win again? If there's still free enemies (at least one of which is a high level magic user) actively resisting you?

Mr Zoat said:
I am Lord Malvolio of the Green Flame

...

Well, he sure know how to make an entrance. This deserves an applause if nothing else.

Darko · Nov 14, 2020

Agent Orange said:
Oh? So you already wrecked the bridge and the engines, ripped out the time pool section and captured all of the Sheeda on the smoking husk of what used to be the Castle Ship? Is Glory-Bra unconscious and tied up in the Lasso of Truth and construct chains?

Agent Orange said:
... so you... didn't capture/restrain the Sheeda? How exactly did you win again? If there's still free enemies (at least one of which is a high level magic user) actively resisting you?

They have basically destroyed her army and stole/damaged her ship, so it's not exactly all that difficult for them to believe that they've won.

Yeah she may still be around, but her threat level has gone way, way down, so finishing her off shouldn't be too difficult.

Agent Orange · Nov 14, 2020

Darko said:
Yeah she may still be around, but her threat level has gone way, way down, so finishing her off shouldn't be too difficult.

If this was anything resembling the real world yes, since it's a story based on a superhero cartoon based on a superhero comic and ruled by the Plot I fully expect them assuming they won to bite them in the ass [because nothing bites you in the ass like assumptions].

If it doesn't turn out that Glory-Bra joined forces with ~~Lord Voldemo~~- Lord Malvolio I will be pleasantly surprised. But lets see if I can predict this: this face-to-face meeting will turn into an ambush [I can already see Ackbar yelling his singature line], followed by a big fight, followed by Malvolio seemingly puling a double cross, followed by him letting the heroes go back home triumphant with a token of his gratitude. Stinger scene: the alien planet dissolves like a dream it is and camera zooms in on the ominously glowing token the heroes brought back with them.

Darko · Nov 14, 2020

Agent Orange said:
If this was anything resembling the real world yes, since it's a story based on a superhero cartoon based on a superhero comic and ruled by the Plot I fully expect them assuming they won to bite the in the ass [because nothing bites you in the ass like assumptions].

If it doesn't turn out that Glory-Bra joined forces with ~~Lord Voldemo~~- Lord Malvolio I will be pleasantly surprised. But lets see if I can predict this: this face-to-face meeting will turn into an ambush [I can already see Ackbar yelling his singature line], followed by a big fight, followed by Malvolio seemingly puling a double cross, letting the heroes go back home triumphant with a token of his gratitude. Stinger scene: the alien planet dissolves like a dream it is and camera zooms in on the ominously glowing token the heroes brought back with them.

Who knows, Zoat may surprise us and not do this.

He does enjoy breaking tropes.

Though it may happen.

Senevri · Nov 14, 2020

Ngamer11 said:
At least we know Malvolio likes to ham it up the first chance he gets. Also, is the last part of that whole paragraph his oath?

Eh. This is the second new large ham in relatively short time. I'm starting to think MrZoat has a type.

Flightless Man · Nov 14, 2020

Agent Orange said:
Oh? So you already wrecked the bridge and the engines, ripped out the time pool section and captured all of the Sheeda on the smoking husk of what used to be the Castle Ship? Is Glory-Bra unconscious and tied up in the Lasso of Truth and construct chains?

... so you... didn't capture/restrain the Sheeda? How exactly did you win again? If there's still free enemies (at least one of which is a high level magic user) actively resisting you?

War is won even if battle is still ongoing. This is really only to see if these 4 come home from final mission.

PrinceJonathan · Nov 14, 2020

Ngamer11 said:
At least we know Malvolio likes to ham it up the first chance he gets.

More like Green Eggs and Ham.

Old Knife · Nov 14, 2020

Manga Khan has a new rival ham.
We need them together buddy cop style.

Dude. That would be glorious!

transhumansage · Nov 14, 2020

Mr Zoat said:
"You arrive as brilliant light, rending darkness's opaque veil. As a whisper, silence shattering. Among stars and far flung heavens have cosmic winds aloft borne me as I, answering adventure's siren call, sought her face in the galaxy's far corners. Among peoples and cultures infinitely diverse have these well worn heels tread narrow paths leading to warm, righteous hearths. Against evil kingdoms and dreadful empires a vengeful hand have I raised. Against me could no man stand nor any man deny my will. Through time and seasons and ages undreamed of, my will, my token and troth remain. The vindicator, avenger, defender, law and judge am I. Saviour and destroyer, life and death… I am Lord Malvolio of the Green Flame."

nice. sounds like something out of conan

Mr Zoat · Nov 14, 2020

Hah. After listening to Dominic Noble review the Twilight saga, I think I know where the Violet Lantern version of the SI ended up.

Darko · Nov 14, 2020

Mr Zoat said:
Hah. After listening to Dominic Noble review the Twilight saga, I think I know where the Violet Lantern version of the SI ended up.

So there's a version of Paul that ended up in Twilight?

I am both repulsed and fascinated by this.

Please make it so that the next episodes alternate view is of this one.

Assuming you choose to do another alternate view.

Maxx Crowley · Nov 14, 2020

Darko said:
We know Alan lost the database and translation functions, but maybe even he had the communication abilities left, but didn't use them since he never thought the ring could do that?

So I was like, halfway through a mental recap needed to give a bit of a dissertation over Alan's ring when I remembered that Zoat isn't using his OG magic ring.

I really hate how they tried to tied Alan into the GLC. I had high hopes for the Nu-52 Earth 2 Alan (His ring being his wedding ring was a bit...beautiful to me) but DC fucked all that up.

Agent Orange said:
If it doesn't turn out that Glory-Bra joined forces with ~~Lord Voldemo~~- Lord Malvolio I will be pleasantly surprised. But lets see if I can predict this: this face-to-face meeting will turn into an ambush [I can already see Ackbar yelling his singature line], followed by a big fight, followed by Malvolio seemingly puling a double cross, followed by him letting the heroes go back home triumphant with a token of his gratitude. Stinger scene: the alien planet dissolves like a dream it is and camera zooms in on the ominously glowing token the heroes brought back with them.

So we never found out what Canon Malvolio was really after, so it's hard to make guesses. I'm not entirely sure if Hal killing him was what he wanted (It's been soo long since I read it) but I DO remember that he really wanted Hal to take his ring out of there.

Standard lantern wanting to pass on his power mixed with whatever was going on in his crazy pants brain? Who knows?

Last I knew, the writers totally forgot that Hal doesn't/didn't have Abin Sur's ring anymore.

Mors · Nov 14, 2020

Maxx Crowley said:
So we never found out what Canon Malvolio was really after, so it's hard to make guesses. I'm not entirely sure if Hal killing him was what he wanted (It's been soo long since I read it) but I DO remember that he really wanted Hal to take his ring out of there.

Standard lantern wanting to pass on his power mixed with whatever was going on in his crazy pants brain? Who knows?

Last I knew, the writers totally forgot that Hal doesn't/didn't have Abin Sur's ring anymore.

The wiki tells me he survived the fight and the whole thing was an illusion so Hal could take his ring outside. Since you've read the issue, mind enlightening me - where does his illusion powers come from? Innate/biological? Has his immortality been explained?

Maxx Crowley · Nov 14, 2020

Mors said:
he survived the fight and the whole thing was an illusion so Hal could take his ring outside

Oh yeah....I remember my uncle thought he was some kind of ghost.

Mors said:
Since you've read the issue, mind enlightening me

Okay, keep in mind, this was a LONG time ago. My uncle might still have the issue, I'm not sure, but I've just found out he's tested positive for C-19 so....not going to be visiting anytime soon.

Mors said:
where does his illusion powers come from? Innate/biological?

Well, his Dad wasn't human. But I don't know if his Dad's race was ever expounded on. My uncle thought the whole thing was ghost mind-fuckery, and the only REAL thing was actually the ring.

Given that Malvolio never actually joined the GLC, he just killed his Dad and took his ring, I always wondered why the ring even worked for him.

As for the illusion powers....eh, Power rings have been able to do ALL kinds of shit over the years. It could have been that, or it could have been Malvolio subjecting the void he was trapped in to his will and somehow controlling it.

I don't think it was ever stated.

Mors said:
Has his immortality been explained?

As far as I know...no. Theories ranged from is power ring being the source. His non-human father being the source. Or the Void he was trapped in being the source.

Now, technically Hal's ring going into his Parallax crazy pants time was Malvolio's...which means that the pieces of the ring that was used to make Kyle's....were also Malvolio's. Make of that what you will.

From what I know of, DC basically has zero interest in the character. I hear he's been brought up a time or two, but no one in authority gives a shit.

As far as I remember, pretty much everything Hal encountered was created by Malvolio, and it was guessed that Mal pretty much did everything he could to pull Hal's strings. The world was basically everything that would push Hal's buttons as I recall.

It all boils down to, for reasons that were never explained, Malvolio really, really, really, REALLY wanted Hal to take his ring out.

Hence why my Uncle figured Mal for a ghost, that was going to attempt to body jack Hal later on down the line in a Willpower vs Willpower situation.

I on the other hand was going "WTF is this shit?"

Kyle was my Lantern. Though my Uncle and Dad lead me to Alan, whom I have great affection for.

Stsword · Nov 15, 2020

Mors said:
The wiki tells me he survived the fight and the whole thing was an illusion so Hal could take his ring outside. Since you've read the issue, mind enlightening me - where does his illusion powers come from? Innate/biological? Has his immortality been explained?

Lanterns not being able to make constructs in other colors is Zoat's rule, not DC's.

Making constructs in other colors is just advanced. Might just be a coordinated use of light manipulation too. Lanterns can make themselves or objects invisible by bending light. For example, Hal would just wear his ring as Hal Jordan, but made invisible. Lanterns can also just make illusions by the by in the comics.

Hal once tricked a foe by shifting the light to make it look like another color was his weakness.

Oblivion, basically a construct lantern that embodied Kyle's fears, darker impulses, and doubts, joked that "With all due respect to Kermit the Frog, it's not easy not being green."

Constructs requiring a connection to the ring is again, Zoat's rule and not DC's.

So the illusions were just constructs with realistic colors.

As for how he kept the powers after losing the ring to Hal, after planning on losing his ring to Hal options include- 1) Over the centuries he internalized the Glow like Alan internalized the Starheart in the comics. 2) He still had his lantern 3) He knows how to harness his own willpower like the former GL Priest tried to teach Hal to do when he tricked him into recharging his ring on a fake battery 4) He's half alien, what if he's half Maltusian like what resulted in Sala?

Agent Orange · Nov 15, 2020

Maxx Crowley said:
So we never found out what Canon Malvolio was really after, so it's hard to make guesses. I'm not entirely sure if Hal killing him was what he wanted (It's been soo long since I read it) but I DO remember that he really wanted Hal to take his ring out of there.

"Strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine." All HP/SW jokes aside, assuming Malvolio has indeed been trapped there for who knows how long and that he had no way out in flesh, him turning his ring into a horcrux and letting Hal kill him almost makes sense if you squint hard and tilt your head to the side as much as anatomically possible.

AidanMorgan · Nov 15, 2020

Mr Zoat said:
Hah. After listening to Dominic Noble review the Twilight saga, I think I know where the Violet Lantern version of the SI ended up.

Why would you do that to a version of yourself?

Mr Zoat · Nov 15, 2020

26th June 2012
16:51 GMT -5

As we get closer, my ring starts identifying the technologies used in the construction of the space station. A.. slightly worrying amount is a partial match for Tartarath's technology, and I… Suppose that they would have been the most advanced species in our region of space when he left. Other bits and pieces could have come from more or less anywhere, though the general structure… There's a slightly narrower range of species who build spherical space stations, but… The separation of the sphere section implies that the people who build it didn't have artificial gravity and were using centripetal force to substitute for it. So… Built without artificial gravity and upgraded later? Emotional attachment?

There's an open hangar, with a thin green film over it. I can't see Lord Malvolio himself… If he's been here long enough he probably could run a construct from his throne room to the exit, but there doesn't appear to be a manual door and I'd be surprised if he went entirely without sleep. Sector Houses use a system like this-.

No. No, this isn't a converted Sector House. The technologies and layout are wrong. But that does look like a Sector House atmosphere shield.

"You spotted it too?"

"He's either very good or very good."

We pass through, and… I'm reminded of Emperor Palpatine's arrival on the Death Star. Ranks of soldiers and… Priests? Are lined up on either side, with a clear gangway between them. Some are the white skinned aliens I've seen so far, while others have pale orange skin. The pale orange ones are smaller, though… Without scanning them I can't say for certain that they're not the same species.

Off to the far sides I see in-system ships which appear to be of local manufacture. I don't see anything obviously Sheeda, though. Have I misjudged? Would he have simply annihilated them the moment they arrived uninvited? If they were rude, that… Sounds possible. How desperate was the Queen?

We touch down, and I release Diana as Jordan releases Mr Allen. Another humanoid is hurrying towards us along the open alley, this one… More human looking. That is to say, his skin is within the Caucasian colour range and he has both hair and a nose. He's wearing a blue jumpsuit, plain but for a white star with a small Green Lantern sigil in the centre and a white utility belt.

"Welcome, travellers! I am Wallace, squire to Lord Malvolio."

He smiles, slowing as he reaches us.

"It has been so long since either my Lord or myself have crossed paths with anyone from Earth, and now two sets in the same day!"

Diana nods, a polite smile on her face.

"It will be interesting to meet a man so well-travelled. No one on Earth has any idea that there have been humans in space for so long."

"To tell you the truth, I've almost forgotten what other humans look like."

"Do you and Lord Malvolio wanna go home?"

"I wouldn't presume to speak for Lord Malvolio, but for myself… I would be interested to see our former homeworld once more. It's been… Rather a long time."

"Yeah, I skimmed your court records. You left Earth when he did?"

"Verily."

Jordan frowns. "How are you still alive? You've gotta be three hundred years old."

"I suppose that I must be." Wallace nods solemnly. "I'd rather.. lost track. If… You'd like to accompany me, I'll escort you to Lord Malvolio now."

Diana nods, and Wallace turns away to lead us further into the space station. Diana and Jordan take the lead, with Mister Allen-. It's hard to see, but I think he's… Blurring slightly. Looking around while trying to look like he's staying in one place? I wouldn't have spotted it if I wasn't specifically looking for it, and I hope that Lord Malvolio doesn't notice. I on the other hand limit myself to passive scans. The station is shielded and appears to be using a kinetic energy induction system to maintain a near perfectly even internal temperature. Which means that infrared is just showing me the walls.

The people who were lined up to greet us remain staring ahead at least until the interior door closes, glancing neither left nor right as we passed them. That's a little disturb-.

Jordan gasps and I'm… Not far off doing that myself as we walk into an antechamber and see… What looks suspiciously like a Green Central Power Battery standing tall as the centrepiece in the middle of the room. A quick ring-assisted comparison to the one I saw on Oa shows that it's somewhat smaller, though still far larger than any personal lantern. A… Bit larger than the industrial lanterns used in the larger Sector Houses, though I suppose that it could simply be an obsolete model that Malvolio got hold of. Its vibrant glow shows that it's definitely still active. If that's what it is, that might explain how he's kept his ring charged for so long.

Except… Why wouldn't the Guardians pull the plug? The data I got from John's ring and from Hinon made it clear that doing that was very much an option. Was it..? Did they used to use lanterns which didn't have that function? Because if there's a way around the usual lockouts, that's something I need to know. I don't want to ever have to fight a Larfleeze who knows I'm coming.

At least it doesn't seem to be disrupting my rings.

The corridor out is wider, and leads to a grand staircase leading up to gold doors embossed with the green sigil. If the yellow weakness existed in this continuity, this would be a really stupid colour to use to decorate a space station. As it is, it's merely gaudy in the extreme.

Wallace knocks on the door three times, and after a moment of 'remember whose home this is' waiting the doors slowly begin to open.

I see Lord Malvolio himself almost immediately, and the Sheeda courtiers a moment later. The Sheeda are keeping their appearance as humanoid as possible and generally appear to be conducting themselves with decorum. And-. There's Gloriana Tenebrae.

I don't look inside her. Aside from anything else, I don't imagine that I'd see anything that would actually help me achieve my objectives. Just a cavalcade of malicious decisions made for personal satisfaction. Anarawd is rationally self-interested. Melmoth is just vile, and I doubt that the woman who usurped him would be any better.

Wallace remains still until the doors are fully open, then proceeds forward in a slow and stately fashion. As we follow him I contemplate switching to my formal robes… No. This is still a combat mission, and I'm still in a room with some very dangerous people.

Malvolio doesn't appear much moved by our arrival, remaining slumped in his beautifully wrought ~~chair~~ throne. He really does look like a medieval take on Alan, red and green clothes combined with a tiny mask, which he wears… Why? I mean, at least Alan had a reason to conceal his identity. I can't imagine that Malvolio has any human family he actually knows left alive after all this time. And speaking of human… As we get closer and I can better estimate his size… He's either not human any more or at least not wholly human. He's about two metres tall but there are humans who are taller. It's that he's too broad, too muscular, and his proportions are off. His hands are large enough to envelop a normal person's head but honestly it's his head that's most obviously abnormal. It's expanded to match the proportions of his muscles, which makes it grotesquely large by human standards.

I mean, if you saw him on his own from a distance you probably wouldn't notice it, but like this…

"Lord Malvolio." Diana bows, and after a momentary delay on Jordan's part the other League members do the same. I can't really bow properly in this armour, but I lean slightly along with them. "Thank you for inviting us into your home."

"Long has it been since I have spoken with men and women from the world of my birth. And now two distinct types stand before me. Queen Gloriana claims dominion over the entire globe, and appeals to me to aid in the realisation of her claim. Who are you, and why do you seek me?"

"I am Princess Diana of Themyscira. These are my colleagues…"

Always a bit of a puzzle when dealing with people from other planets. Do you use the real name or their title? Or course, an alien wouldn't know that 'Flash' wasn't his real name, but that doesn't help when dealing with an exotic human like Malvolio.

"Green Lantern Harold Jordan, the Flash, and Orange Lantern Paul."

Oddly, Malvolio doesn't appear to be focusing on Jordan to any great degree. I would have thought that for better or worse that's where his eyes would fall.

"And we would ask your aid in bringing the few remaining Sheeda to justice."

Mr Zoat · Nov 15, 2020

AidanMorgan said:
Why would you do that to a version of yourself?

Name recognition.

moralrelativity · Nov 15, 2020

Mr Zoat said:
meet a men

men -> man

Fellow · Nov 15, 2020

His manner of speech isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. With the quote from before I was expecting to have to analyse his words carefully to get what he was saying. This is much better though.

Darko · Nov 15, 2020

Mr Zoat said:
Off to the far sides I see in-system

maybe 'side'

Mr Zoat said:
has crossed paths

maybe 'have crossed' since he's speaking for both of them.

Mr Zoat said:
meet a men as well-travelled

either 'meet men' or 'a man'

Mr Zoat said:
It's been… Rather a long time."

'a rather long time'

Mr Zoat said:
Malvolio got hold of.

'a hold of'

Mr Zoat said:
Melmoth is just vile,

What has he been doing since Paul got him to Earth?

Mr Zoat said:
for Tartarath's technology,

Devlos's species, right?

hance1986 · Nov 15, 2020

Can someone clarify things, because I'm confused. Paul and the League followed Gloriana to a separate realm or dimension or timeline or what? I'm confused understanding where this Malvolio falls into things. Is he another Sinestro no one is doing anything about or what? And Malvolio will decide if Gloria should be able to conquer Earth? Does she have enough Sheeda to do that? If Malvolio ruled in her favor I imagine Paul might destroy the Castle Revolving to strand Gloriana away from Earth.

Darko · Nov 15, 2020

Stsword said:
Lanterns not being able to make constructs in other colors is Zoat's rule, not DC's.

Stsword said:
Constructs requiring a connection to the ring is again, Zoat's rule and not DC's.

Has Zoat actually stated that the rings can't make constructs in other colors, or that they can't exist without a connection to the ring?

He may have made them be capable of doing these things, but just hasn't shown us them doing it yet.

And the reason Paul hasn't been practicing using these functions could be because he doesn't remember them doing it in the comics, or he has been practicing them, but hasn't found a need to use these new skills of his yet when other methods work just fine.

hance1986 said:
Can someone clarify things, because I'm confused. Paul and the League followed Gloriana to a separate realm or dimension or timeline or what? I'm confused understanding where this Malvolio falls into things. Is he another Sinestro no one is doing anything about or what? And Malvolio will decide if Gloria should be able to conquer Earth? Does she have enough Sheeda to do that? If Malvolio ruled in her favor I imagine Paul might destroy the Castle Revolving to strand Gloriana away from Earth.

They may have gotten here after they tampered with the ship.

Malvolio was basically a guy that stole a ring and then the Guardians apparently imprisoned him somewhere.

I think Gloriana is hoping that with Malvolios power she will be able to conquer Earth, even if she doesn't have enough Sheeda.

With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

I trust you know where the happy button is?

Veteran Lurker

Connoisseur.

Chasing the ring

Connoisseur.

Dedicated ragequitter

Experienced.

Connoisseur.

Experienced.

Connoisseur.

Not too sore, are you?

Versed in the lewd.

Versed in the lewd.

Not too sore, are you?

Versed in the lewd.

Dedicated ragequitter

Connoisseur.

I trust you know where the happy button is?

Making the rounds.

I trust you know where the happy button is?

Versed in the lewd.

Experienced.

Essentially Overworked

Dedicated ragequitter

Dedicated ragequitter

Recovering pendant.

Know what you're doing yet?

Connoisseur.

A pitiful excuse for a man.

Connoisseur.

Users who are viewing this thread