A friendly chat

[lanternslight]

Hal has helped evacuate the Watchtower; he's visited with Ralph during the party at Warriors; he's almost ready for his interview with Lane.

But he's got a few things on his mind. And there's one person whose presence can help him sort out his thoughts. His best friend.

He knocks on the door of the Queen household.

Comments

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

Hal! Come on in.

Y'know, feel free to use the roof if you're in uniform. You're next best thing to family around here.

What's up?

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

I've had my hands full... sorry I haven't been by more often. Things going on... have you heard the news about Sinestro?

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

Only that he interfered with the satellite thing.

Okay, I know that look. Who's the damsel in distress now?

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

Ollie... you're not going to believe me, but he had Arisia with him. And she was using a Qwardian ring. He's brainwashed her.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

...

I believe you. Trust me. I mean we've got no business pointing fingers in the 'but you're supposed to be dead' department. But...

Crap.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

We're getting her back. Diana's offered to help cut through whatever brainwashing lies he's fed her with her rope... but first we need to capture her. The entire corps is helping out with this... such as we are.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

Do you need...

...crap. Crap crap. I wish you guys luck, but that's all I can give. I have problems in my own backyard that are making me go grey.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

I think we've got it handled. Jade's joined the Corps, and Alan's pitching in for this, too. Sinestro will think me alone, and I'm luring him out. But the others will be on hand.

That's not all, though.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

You've got an ace up your sleeve?

I'm waiting to hear this, Jordan.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure what to make of it, honestly. And it's one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you.

My pocket was picked in the alley by Warriors the other night, when we were there for Ralph.

*pauses*

And I had just created something for Arisia for when her mind was straightened out.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

Not...?

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

*nods*

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

*Shakes his head.*

Man. You're lucky there's no damage deposit on those things.

I'll keep an ear out. Most pickpockets'll end up selling the thing even if they do recognize it.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

Oh, no, I don't need to find it. I tracked it down, Ollie.

The kid was using it.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

...

Is this a good thing, or a bad thing, buddy?

I mean, I helped deal with that 'Power Ring' guy, and...

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

I don't know, Ollie. That's just it... the first thing he did with the ring was to start cleaning up his neighborhood. Going after spouse-beaters, violent gangs, drug dealers... that sort of thing. That's when we caught up to him.

*looks embarrassed again*

Guy was with me.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

So when does the kid get out of the hospital?

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

*rubs bridge of nose* ...Guy wants to recruit him.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

...Well, there goes the Corps.

You let Gardner have a say in recruiting?! What are you---

--Y'know, never mind. The Guardians make Republicans look like Communists. Why am I not surprised they think Gardner is a good judge of character.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

I don't think anyone thinks Gardner is a good judge of character. The Oans might have their own agenda, but they're not stupid.

I haven't made up my mind about this kid. But... Ollie... he's able to use the ring. The ring was meant for Arisia, and it found him instead. Let's face it... a ring can't be stolen like that unless it's okay with being stolen. *shakes head* A blind homeless street kid picks my pocket, and the next thing we know, he's using it to bring justice to his neighborhood.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

You've got a point. And he's startin' in the right place, unlike most of you.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but then on the other hand... before he started cleaning up his neighborhood, he stole my wallet and a ring. I mean, his heart's probably in the right place... but so was Sinestro's at first.

*pause* So was mine.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

So you keep an eye on...

...So was...?

Dammit, Hal. That kind of crap was what opened you up to Parallax in the first place, if I understood Kyle right.

[lanternslight.livejournal.com]

...

You're right, Ollie. That's why we have teammates in the first place...

*shakes head*

I'm giving the kid a chance. He's helping out in the fight with Sinestro. Nowhere near the front of the lines... he's going to be keeping bystanders safe. But if he can handle it... I've told Guy I'll back him up when Guy goes to talk to Ganthet.

[straight-arrow.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a plan.

Good luck, man. May the Force be with you, or whatever.