Diplomacy: Future of Rann

[scourge_of_mars]

"Good evening leaders of Earth. My name is Ma'alefa'ak, diplomatic representative of the Neo-Rann governent. I will be meeting with you so that we may bring a quick, decisive end to the current misunderstanding between out two worlds. Therefore I propose a meeting on neutral ground, here..." An image of the planet Mars would appear to the

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[beware_my_power]

As much as Hal hated the idea of negotiating with these creeps, he was the best choice for a Green Lantern escort on this mission, since he knew the sort of tricks Henshaw might pull better than anyone other than Superman.

His ring provides convenient transport for the delegation as well. After a thorough scan of the terraformed area to make sure there are no hidden microscopic surprises, he'll bring the delegation inside and let them disembark from his ring-bubble.

[10xspeedoflight]

"I don't like this one bit." Barry is unusually static, with his arms folded and a frown on his face.

"After I heard about this Cyborg Superman I read every League file we have on him." He looks at Hal. "I can't possibly believe that a psychopath like Henshaw would ever consider peace with Earth, although he may well believe that he was in the right for obliterating life on Rann. The idea of our conceding to any of his demands turns my stomach."

[beware_my_power]

"I believe it, if only because the mind of the insane contains all possibilities, including periods of false lucidity or serenity. This offer of peace is a whim, offered by a being who has nothing tying him to the real world. ANY world."

[grodd_is_king]

"The question gentlemen is not his sincerity." Jacob baker, high-ranking official in the Department of Metahuman Affairs, had been directed by the President to be present at the meeting to represent U.S. interests. In truth he was there in more of a watchdog compacity. The President had made it clear: 'Don't let them start a war.' The words had been the President's, his desire to say them on the other hand had been another story. "As you've both mentioned, Henshaw is a psychotic. The question isn't if he'll turn on us, but when."

Baker briefly pulled out a cigarette pack, considered the impact fire had on Martians, and put it away.

"The goals here are simple. We need peace, or at least a detente. The lives that'd be lost in an interstellar war would be significant, no matter what kind of force at our disposal." Baker takes a moment to glance at the Neo-Rann representative. "We also need to get these people a viable home. Australian authorities are bitterly divided over their continued presence."

[10xspeedoflight]

"I would like to see this charter that supposedly authorises the invasion of Rann.. I also wonder whether it mentions anything about destroying the world's ecosystem and driving all natural life away from it on penalty of death."

Looking at Baker, the Flash shrugs. "There's a difference between being given sanctions to search for WMDs and killing everyone and everything that may be protecting them, I'm guessing."

[grodd_is_king]

"Yes, I'd like to see it as well." A slight frown forms on Baker's face. "And you've brought your sense of humor with you, Flash? Fantastic." The last was a sarcastic mutter.

[beware_my_power]

"The background I have says they had someone masquerade as Superman, trading on his reputation, to secure some of their authorization. The other powers that signed on were the same warmongers that tried to invade Earth several years ago. Let's not pretend for a second that their actions were legitimate."

[10xspeedoflight]

"I can't say I've encountered all of these galactic races that supposedly signed up to this thing, but I'll trust your judgement given you're the space cop here." Barry nods at Hal.

"So where's the guy who's supposed to meet with us? Not that I wish to appear impatient, but there's fashionably late and irritatingly late."

[scourge_of_mars]

"I beg your pardon. I merely wished to get an unobstructed glimpse of the Earth delegation." Malefic simply materializes before the group, as he had been invisible a short distance from them. "I admit I'm somewhat dissappointed. I had hoped my brother would come to see if the rumors of my return were true. Oh well, this is not about me. Welcome to Mars." Malefic's grin was nearly obscene.

[jla_galaxy]

Another figure materializes in the designated coordinates - Rann's representatives to these talks. Sardath, Chief Scientist of Rann, looking positively livid.

"A Martian, too? That's two dangerous telepaths in Henshaw's band. Half the signatories to this so-called declaration were likely psionically coerced."

He brandishes a copy of the authorization for the attack on Rann.

"There can be no other explanation as to why some of these civilizations would break their treaty obligations to Rann without diplomatic inquiry."

[scourge_of_mars]

Malefic's face is cold, a mask to the potential rage brewing within him.

"My telepathic gifts were torn away from me by my brother. As for Despero, that brute can't even spell diplomacy. It should also interest you to know that he is no longer among us. He disagreed with our plans for peace."

[jl_aliens]

"Oh don't play the innocent, Rannian." Joining the growing group was Grallex, leader of the Cyborg's Psions. The man held a datapad in his hand. "Why don't you explain to your allies this?"

He presses a button, which instantly brings up a holographic display of schematics for several Rannian designed weapons.

"As Rann's top scientists, you HAD to both know and contribute to the design of these weapons. Weapons forbidden by the treaty with your neighbors!"

[jla_galaxy]

Sardath sneers at the Psion.

"Fabrications and distortions. I see my schematics for a radiation abatement device is amongst your so-called list of 'weapons'. Rann has undertaken no research that violates its treaty obligations, despite whatever evidence your commander may have planted with his machine empathy. If you Psions are in favor of greater scrutiny, why don't we look at the research your species has progressing in its thousand secret research labs?"

[jl_aliens]

Grallex returnsw the look.

"Sure you would say that. However you neglect to mention that you're using it to drain excess radiation from your weapons." Grallex held back a snarl. "My people never signed a treaty forbidding weapons development."

[beware_my_power]

"That's about enough."

Green Lantern steps forward - his posture letting him tower over the Psion a little.

"After your people participated in the failed invasion of Earth, there were certain treaty obligations attached - they didn't necessarily relate to weapons development for the most part, but I'm beginning to wonder how closely those obligations have been adhered to. Still, Rann is not an aggressive military power, has never been an aggressive military power, and even if they developed the greatest weapons in the known universe, don't have the population to sustain any kind of conquest. In other words, the accusations don't pass the 'smell test'."

[scourge_of_mars]

"Enough, the validity of what has happened is not the true goal of this meeting." Malefic said, directing the message at Grallex and Sardath. He casts a look at Green Lantern. "The point is to come to an agreement that doesn't end in war. We have our own considerable resources as well a list of allies willing to come to our defense. You have allies of your own including the Green Lantern Corps. A war would be bloody on both sides."

A malignjant smile forms on Mlefic's face.

"Speaking of thje Corps, as a token of good faith, as well as a testament to our leader's change in character, I've been authorized to share a piece of information with you." His gaze is firmly on Hal. "It was your superiors, the Guardians, who released Henshaw from his prison on Oa."