Issue #1

"Duty"
by Matthew Turnage

Join us now, as we travel through time and space, to a period almost twenty years ago, and a planet at the very center of our universe.... Abin Sur, Green Lantern of Sector 2814, shakes his head to clear away the slight disorientation he feels. "No matter how many times I make the trip through the warp, I still feel a little dizzy," Abin thinks as he emerges from hyperspace light years from his home planet. His thoughts quickly turn to less trivial matters as he enters the atmosphere of Oa, home of his masters, the Guardians of the Universe.

"For what purpose could the Guardians have summoned me here?" Abin wonders as he flies past the Central Power Battery, to the Guardians' Citadel. He enters the main chambers, where twenty four small blue men in red robes sit behind one giant bench, like a panel of justices ruling over the events of a galaxy.

"You summoned me, masters?" Abin Sur inquires as he enters their presence.

"We did indeed, Green Lantern of Sector 2814," the Guardian named Pazu Pinder Pol says.

"Since the inception of the Green Lantern Corps we have noticed a deficiency among almost all Green Lanterns," Appa Ali Apsa begins. "You all have a tendency to focus most of your activities on your home planet, to the detriment of other planets in your sector."

"We have noticed that there is one planet in your sector you have yet to make contact with," Herupa Hando Hu continues. "The third planet of the Sol system - known to its inhabitants as Earth. You will make your presence known there, and maintain order on that planet as well as the others in your sector."

"Yes masters," Abin Sur replies. As he flies away towards the warp that will return him to his home sector he ponders the Guardians' words. "At least it wasn't as serious as I feared it was - but the Guardians must understand how difficult it can be to keep watch on every inhabited planet in a Sector.

Perhaps they should consider making each Sector smaller, and increasing the number in the Corps. But there have been 3600 Green Lanterns since the beginning, and I suppose there will be 3600 Green Lanterns until the universe ends."

Abin Sur exits the warp, once again in Sector 2814. Using the incredible power of the ring he bears, he speeds through space to the Sol system, and its third planet. "I have patrolled parts of this system before, but only briefly. The fifth planet is quite a sight to behold. Let's see... there's the third planet straight ahead. According to my ring, it has not yet advanced enough to achieve a true world government. Perhaps I should contact the government of the most populous nation first."

Entering Earth's atmosphere, Abin Sur's ring guides him to Beijing, China. As he enters Chinese airspace, Chinese fighter jets approach him. "No doubt my appearance has concerned them," Sur thinks as he sees the fighters approach. "Let me set their minds at ease." Sur flies alongside the lead fighter. "Greetings, human. I am the Green Lantern in charge of protecting your planet. I come in peace, and wish to see your leader."

The pilot stares at Abin Sur, his skin underneath his flight helmet turning deathly pale. "Yes, yes," the pilot answers. "Let me inform my superiors."

After a moment's silence, the fighter replies, "Follow me. I will escort you toward our capital. There you will be greeted by an official delegation."

"Thank you," Abin Sur replies. He flies toward the government seat, and sees outside the building an honor guard hastily assembling. Abin Sur lands in front of a general who stands in front of the honor guard.

"Greetings," Abin Sur says. "I am the protector of order in this sector of space, and have come to inform you my aid is available."

"My name is General Chang," the general answers. "Welcome to the People's Republic of China. I have been chosen to represent my people. Err... if I may ask, where do you come from? How do you possess such wondrous powers?"

"I am from a nearby planet," Abin replies. "As for my powers, I derive them from this ring."

The general glares lustily at the ring. "May I..." the general begins. "I am sorry, no," Abin says, somewhat concerned that he may have made contact with the wrong people. "I must make contact with more of your nations."

"Please, do not leave," General Chang says. "Our great country can help you with your goals. With your aid, we can bring order to this chaotic world, for the benefit of all our people."

"I am afraid it is against my policy to become involved in local political concerns," Abin says, "but rest assured I will do my best to help your planet acheive order. Farewell." Abin flies away.

"Something about that man seemed untrustworthy," Abin thinks. "I felt he wanted to use my power for his own ends. I hope all humans are not so opportunistic and selfish. Perhaps I should try the world's leading industrial/technological power."

Abin's ring leads him across the Pacific Ocean, over the North American continent towards Washington, D.C. Night covers the city as he streaks toward the White House. Upon landing on the front lawn, Abin is almost instantly surrounded by Secret Service agents.

"Freeze!" one shouts. "Good lord, he looks like some kind of space man!" the agent whispers into his microphone.

"I come in peace," Abin Sur announces. "I am the Green Lantern of this space sector, and I have come to tell your world leaders that I am here to help stem the tide of chaos on this planet."

"I don't know who you are, but you're not Green Lantern," an agent says. "Those mystery men all disappeared almost thirty years ago. I don't know what you're trying to pull, but we're not letting you near the President."

"You are familiar with another Green Lantern?" Abin Sur asks, puzzled. "I'm sorry to do this, but I need to know as much as possible." Abin quickly uses his ring to probe the agent's mind. "He does not know much," Abin thinks as he scans the information from the agent's thoughts, "but he does know where this Green Lantern operated. That gives me a place to start."

"I must investigate this other Green Lantern," Abin Sur announces. "Farewell." He streaks away into the sky, leaving the confused Secret Service agents to wonder what their next course of action should be.

Within minutes, Abin Sur has arrived in Gotham City. Using his ring, Abin scans the city for signs of the familiar emerald energy. Upon locating it, he streaks to the home of Alan Scott.

Phasing through the wall, Abin enters Alan's bedroom. "I can detect the energy," he thinks. "Yes, he's wearing the ring now."

Suddenly Alan bolts up out of his bed, his pajamas turning into the familiar green, red and purple outfit he wore during his years of service with the Justice Society of America and the All-Star Squadron. "I don't know who you are but you're lucky my wife's out of town - wait a minute, where did you get that power ring?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Abin replied. "I received this ring from the Guardians of the Universe, the masters of the Green Lantern Corps. My name is Abin Sur, the Green Lantern of this space sector."

"The Green Lantern Corps?" Alan asks, puzzled. "You mean there are other Green Lanterns? And who are the Guardians of the Universe?"

"The Guardians are the ones who created the rings and gave us our power. How can you be a Green Lantern and not know these things? But wait - I detect the ring you bear is different. Your weakness is wood, not the color yellow."

"Yes it is," Alan answers. "But my ring also detects the remarkable similarities between our rings. Could they be related, somehow?"

"Perhaps," Abin Sur answers. "That is something we will have to ask the Guardians. In the meantime, since the Guardians, who know all, have sent me to make sure this planet is protected, I must assume you have been remiss in your duties. Why?"

Anger and embarassment flash across Alan's face. "Several years ago - almost thirty in fact, our country turned against mystery men."

"Mystery men?" Abin asks.

"Costumed adventurers such as ourselves," Alan explained. "The government demanded that we reveal our true identities. Rather than endanger our friends and families, we decided to withdraw from public spotlight. We still help people however we can, in small ways... but large scale, public activities are out of the question."

"Then I will have to make your governments understand..." Abin begins.

"No, I don't think that will work," Alan interrupts. "Maybe people will be more trustfull of mystery men in the future, but I'm not sure people are willing to accept one from another world. Not yet, anyway. My advice to you is, if you want to help this planet, do it in secret. Power like ours only invites trouble."

"Perhaps you are right," Abin ponders. "In my two brief stops I have already experienced the greed and fear your people are capable of. I must protect this planet, but I will not interfere with your culture. This world will be safe from interstellar danger, but what happens on your surface will be up to your own people."

"Thank you," Alan says. "I don't like it, but... I'm afraid it may be for the best."

"Very well," Abin affirms. "As a fellow ringbearer, I trust your judgment. Farewell, Green Lantern." With that, Abin leaves the Earth.

"I hated to do that," Alan thinks. "But there's no other way. The people of Earth aren't ready for super-powered beings. Not yet."

End.

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