Great fear

[crusaderinacape]

He sits wearily at the supercomputer. Bathed in the incandescent glow of a dozen plasma screens. Upon each is a haunting visage, chalk white, green hair. A wicked grin splits the face in two as if it had been ripped at the seams.

Bruce Wayne, his head hung low, remains ignorant of the wound scored by a serrated blade some three hours earlier as his

Comments

[lanternslight]

"Batman," the voice greets politely. "What's up?"

[crusaderinacape]

"I know it's late," he replies shortly, though not aggressively, "I came across a ring. It wasn't green."

[lanternslight]

"Yellow?" he asks.

[crusaderinacape]

"And they say I'm perceptive," he rumbles wearily, "I have the recording here."

He's learned to carry a dictaphone with his utility belt as often as possible. Finding the right place on the tape, he presses play-

//Bruce Wayne of New Earth, you have shown the ability to instil great fear.//

[lanternslight]

"Do you still have it?"

[crusaderinacape]

"Tried to snare it. Damn near burnt a hole through my hand. It left an imprint- an emblem."

[lanternslight]

"Hang on... coming through."

There's a glow as Hal transmits himself through the com-channel, appearing in front of Batman in the cave.

"Let me take a look."

[crusaderinacape]

The muscles in Bruce's jaw tighten as Hal stands proudly in front of him. You'd think he'd look a little rougher at four in the morning-. Too weary to argue, he simply raises his palm to reveal Sinestro's badge scorched into his skin.

[lanternslight]

Hal peers at the symbol. "Yeah, it's what I expected. Sinestro's
building his own Corps... this is their symbol. I battled with one of
their number -- her name's Kryb. She kidnapped Henry, but I got him
back, along with a few other children of Green Lanterns she'd
murdered, but she got away with others."

[crusaderinacape]

Never tell the man who likes to know everything something he doesn't know. Maintaining a sturdy scowl, Bruce growls, "Sinestro thought he could recruit me?"

[lanternslight]

"Possibly, but I think it wasn't personal -- I think your beliefs were in line with Sinestro's. Control and peace through fear is your standard, after all."

He knows Bruce won't like to hear it. Hal doesn't care.

[crusaderinacape]

"I don't control anybody," he retorts defensively, though apparently he'll run with peace, "but this means the ring has passed on to someone else. Someone without my -- principles."

[lanternslight]

"Most likely. Could be anywhere in the sector. Sinestro seems to be
building his Corps as a dark opposite of the Green Lantern Corps." He
narrows his eyes. "How long ago was this?"

[crusaderinacape]

"Fifteen minutes, give or take."

[lanternslight]

"Then we might be able to intercept it. Ring, scan for any residual Sinestro Corps ring energy and begin tracking..."

[crusaderinacape]

"That might not be necessary," he interrupts, his chin resting in his hand.