[OOC] Ultimate Comics: DC - Shadows Among Us

[Gowi]

Those who are already accepted-- feel free to get started. =)

Will take a long look at your CS when I can, DSW.

[DeathstrokeSW]

I assume since you've posted today that you've taken a look? If you haven't, it's fine, I know life can be a pain, I was just wondering

[Gowi]

DeathstrokeSW said
I assume since you've posted today that you've taken a look? If you haven't, it's fine, I know life can be a pain, I was just wondering

Was convinced to write up a CS and I've posted a bit today true so I should look at it. My co-GM isn't online right now though.

[Prince Potter]

Expect Scarecrow's starter tonight.

[Gowi]

DeathstrokeSW said Slade Wilson - Deathstroke

I’m really looking long and hard at this one, but I think we can make it work. The profile as it stands though is a bit of a mixed bag—it stretches believability and tangibility to an extent. I’d like to understand what exactly the negative side effects of Mirakuru were outside of causing an imbalance in his mentality (Did it affect his morality directly? Cause aggressive outbursts? These are some things that’d be useful to know to help make the profile more tangible). That said I love your drive for self-improvement, enthusiasm, and cooperative behavior. However, much like Andy a lot here is to be worked on and I still think you should hone your skills in casual but even with that standing I think I will accept this on a probationary status.

Kingfisher said The Joker

We've talked and everything checks out. Approved.

[Kingfisher]

Gowi said We've talked and everything checks out. Approved.

Gracias, Signor =)

First Duela IC post is up, if anyone fancies a read. Feedback, as always, is very much appreciated.

[Taka]

THE LAST SON OF KRYPTON HAS ARRIVED! SHOWER ME WITH YOUR PRAISE!

[MST3K 4ever]

Kal-El said
THE LAST SON OF KRYPTON HAS ARRIVED! SHOWER ME WITH YOUR PRAISE!

ummm...hi...yippie...hey.

[Sloth]

Kal-El said
THE LAST SON OF KRYPTON HAS ARRIVED! SHOWER ME WITH YOUR PRAISE!

Hey.

MST3K 4ever said
ummm...hi...yippie...hey.

So much apathy towards our lord and savior Kal-El of Krypton.

[MST3K 4ever]

Sloth said
Hey.So much apathy towards our lord and savior Kal-El of Krypton.

Not so much apathy as it is...I have no idea what else to say...besides I've seen 3 other people try to make Superman work in this RPG...when he has called for the league to gather and leading us into battle then I'll be more vocal.

[Taka]

MST3K 4ever said
Not so much apathy as it is...I have no idea what else to say...besides I've seen 3 other people try to make Superman work in this RPG...when he has called for the league to gather and leading us into battle then I'll be more vocal.

I love you 2

[MST3K 4ever]

Kal-El said
I love you 2

You're gonna be just fine. Hail the last son of Krypton!

[Gowi]

Folks who do banners; could you ideally center them for tidyness? =)

[HenryJonesJr]

Diana and Arrow will be up this weekend.

[HenryJonesJr]

First Diana post up.

Arrow will be up tomorrow hopefully.

[Gowi]

Looks quite good Henry, love the characterization.

[HenryJonesJr]

Thanks! I really like my angle and where I'm taking her. I've also never written the training of a sidekick, so I'm looking forward to that part of my story.

[Gowi]

Kal-El said
| Identity |
Clark Kent / Kal-El / Superman

| Origin & Backstory |

Unlike many heroes upon Earth, Kal-El was born upon another planet known as Krypton, a world that existed 27 million light years from the planet Earth. An advanced planet that had been subjected to many upon many years of war and desolation. Wars that had led to an unstable core due to Uranium build-up, and a mysterious disease that ravaged many kryptonians only known as the Green Plague. Fortunately there lived a brilliant scientist by the name of Jor-El of the House of El. Through his many studies and research, he had been the man that learned that his planet was going to die soon. None would believe him. The courts damned him and called him mad. Only his wife could understand and together they made the conscious choice to save their child. The newborn baby known as Kal-El was placed within a vessel on the day of his planet's explosion, surviving it with coordinates to Earth. Jor-El felt that Earth could be the place that could ensure Kal-El a life that he could never receive on Krypton.

The night that the Last Son of Krypton had landed, couple was on their way back from a night of fun. From the sky, the ship covered in flames crashed into the field, shaking the very road that they were currently driving. Curiosity struck the couple, Jonathan and Martha, to the extent that they ventured out into the crop field to find a beautiful blue eyed baby crying his eyes out. Fortunately these people were kind and took the boy in without a second thought. It was love that they had never experienced before and the love that Clark, the name given to him by his foster parents, would forever be thankful for.

Time seemed to pass rapidly as Clark lived a somewhat normal life on Earth. During his middle school years, Clark began to come into his powers as a Kryptonian, the sunlight strengthening his body. Johnathan began to help his son hone his abilities by giving him duties around the farm that would normally take heavy machinery to handle. Honing of abilities had been the strategy that kept Clark from getting into trouble during his time in high-school but it also helped him save a mother and her child from their burning SUV. School life was easy as Clark proved to have a innate talent for learning and a joy for making his parents proud. Unfortunately tragedy struck during Clark's final year of high-school. The woman that had raised Clark was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cancer. This would be the first life that Clark would be unable to save and would haunt him for years.

| Year 1 |

Several years had passed since Clark's struggle over accepting his mother's passing and learning about his heritage from the computer that was implanted within the ship that carried him to Earth. College had been a breeze, earning an associate's degree in Communications and granting himself a job at The Daily Planet located in Metropolis. Over the next two months during Clark's stay in Metropolis, he had noticed how the crime was vast. It was nothing compared to the city in the Northern Hemisphere known as Gotham. Something in him clicked the moment he heard the scream of a woman in an alley way. Using his honed speed, Clark rushed into faster then the eye could see and tossed the robber away from the woman. The woman never saw his face and no one ever knew who had stopped the robber. That day Clark rushed back home to his father, explaining what he had done. They talked for hours before coming to the conclusion that this was Clark's destiny to help those in need.

Developing his suit was rather easy his father had placed a ceremonial House of El suit within his ship for his child to wear one day. Taking the suit, Clark added only one thing that caught his eye...a red cape. Proud of what he had come upon, Clark took his time to fly around. It felt amazing and Clark felt better then he had in a while. All this flight of fancy would soon be interrupted as his hearing caught the sound of trouble. A residential flight had veered out of control. Before thinking of how terrible things could get from such a thing, Clark flew as fast as he could. Using his superhuman strength Clark placed himself underneath the airplane. To his surprise he was able to lift it and safely lower it to the ground. Several minutes later, police cars, ambulances, and reporters were rushing in. Lois Lane was the first on the scene to speak with the hero of the day. When she asked for Clark's name, he didn't have one for her so, Lois came up with one for him. Superman.

Things seemed to be going well for Clark and Superman. He had his first date with Lois and he was able to stop a bank heist with no casualties. Metropolis seemed so much safer with Superman patrolling the skies. That was until the powerful alien entity known as Star'ro attacked. Clark was the first to attempt to stop Star'ro and he failed miserably. The being was too powerful for him to face alone. Superman knew that he'd need help to stop this being so, he reached out to those that he had heard about. Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, The Martian Manhunter, and Hawkgirl all came together to stop an entity that planned on conquering Earth. Their combined might was greater then Star'ro could imagine and the year ended with a new force of good being created known as the Justice League.

| Year 2 |

The second year of Clark's life was evidently one of the worst years he'd ever experience. Whilst Lois had proven to care for him, Clark himself never felt like he was the one for her. He had to leave so many times to protect that city and it made him feel as though he wasn't living up to being her boyfriend. What truly brought a smile to his face was his father's visit to Metropolis. Johnathan, Clark, and Lois took in the sights of Metropolis, showing Johnathan how beautiful the city was and the technology at work. During the tour an explosion ruptured the scenery, flames coming from a window of S.T.A.R Labs. Clark quickly settled Lois and Johnathan away before getting away to help the Lab. What happened next was a series of events that led to Clark falling ill to a glowing green rock known as kryptonite that scientists had been working on, the meeting of several Intergang members that were attempting to steal equipment, and the death of Johnathan Kent attempting to help his son. The gang retreated with tech in hand leaving Clark to mourn his father within his arms.

The following week showed just how far Clark's depression had taken him. From his planet to his parents, he was losing everything cared about. He had never let his emotion out like he wanted causing a deep rage to form. An anger for something he could have prevented, being as useless now as he was when Martha died or when his planet was destroyed. Clark's mourning was halted abruptly by the meltdown of the nuclear power planet on the outskirts of Metropolis. The sound of the meltdown clearly reaching his ears the moment it began. Meeting with the other members of the League, they proceeded to the plant and were met with the villainous gang known as the Injustice Gang. A shoddy name in Superman's own words, the very words he would eat when Libra showcased his ability to absorb half of the league's power. Such an ability allowed Libra to beat upon Superman. Well that was until the anger that Superman had hidden for a week pressed through the pores of his body. With Batman able to stop Libra's absorption powers, Superman flew into Libra, beating the supervillain down with all his force. Libra was on his last leg, blood covering his face, body nearly broken in pieces with an enraged Superman ready to smear the villain across his fist. What stopped him was quite the surprise that day. Batman stepped forward and convinced Superman to stop what he always fought to end.

Once they had finished with the Injustice Gang, Clark and Bruce had a small talk. Maybe this would be the start of a blossoming friendship. It was up in the air but Clark still felt uneasy as he flew off to think about things. The rest of the year would go much smoother for the Man of Steel.

| Year 3 |

The Last Son of Krypton. Those were the words that Clark had always lived by. It was the very words that had always diminished hope that anyone had survived Krypton's destruction. Such words would soon become false as a starship crashed toward the Earth. Kal's advanced sight could see it when it approached Earth, analyzing it and determining there was more to that meets the eye. Fortunately he was correct as this ship held the proud legacy of the House of El, another kryptonian just like him. Kal had many conversations with her, some devastating and others enlightening. Everything he knew of the world was taught to the young girl. She understood far better then he assumed she would. Though it made no sense of a random girl showing up from the blue so, Kal made the smart move as adopting her under the name of Kent. Many were sorta confused, especially Lois, but Clark did his best to explain.

Kal would nearly meet death again in his lifetime when a villain known as Metallo would attack him whilst he was patrolling. Metallo's strength was nothing that Superman wasn't used to dealing with. No. He could take someone with suck strength but it was the green rock that fueled the villain. Every bone in his body was weakening. Pain shoot through him. His only saving grace was the arrival of Kara, going by the name of Supergirl. Her arrival had saved Superman from an untimely death. Together the kryptonians were able to overcome Metallo's kryptonite rays. Metallo wasn't the only problem during the year. The android known as Amazo showed to be such a threat to the Justice League that it took everyone to defeat him. Things were starting to grow worse for the heroes and Kal could only assume what was next on the plate.

| Character Notes |

Notable NPCs:

Lois Lane - Lois is the top reporter at the Daily Planet and a fierce woman loyal to her friends. Ever since Clark met her three years ago, they have had an intimate attraction that blossomed into a beautiful relationship.

Perry White - Editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet. Perry is noted for his trademark cigars and gruff, but caring demeanor with his staff.

Jimmy Olsen - Jimmy is a teenage reporter for the Daily Planet looking to make a name for himself. He’s quite a good friend to Clark, even looking to him as a reporter.

Johnathan and Martha Kent - John and Marth Kent cared for Clark all their life and taught him the values that he retains to this day. They were what inspired him to become the Man of Steel. Since their passing, Clark has visited their grave frequently.

Sam Lane - Lois Lane’s father and Army General. He has a total disdain for Superman.

| Powers & Abilities |

Solar Battery
As a Kryptonian, Kal-El possesses the ability to absorb the solar energy from yellow stars. His Kryptonian body is constantly absorbing and storing energy from Earth's yellow sun (allowing him to retain energy under roofed structures and even at night) which in turn grants him incredible powers, including superhuman strength, enhanced senses, impenetrable skin, and the ability to defy gravity.

His body is also able to absorb the energy of a blue sun, which also grants him increased strength and various other powers (although not to the same degree as under a yellow sun).

Super-Strength
Superman has the ability to physically lift impossibly massive amounts of weight. Superman's strength easily surpasses the Class 100 strength level (this is the ability to lift over 100 tons under normal conditions) which is the ability to lift in excess of 100 tons with absolutely no effort at all, and has no known limit. Clark's biggest feat so far has been lifting the world's largest cruise ship aka Allure of the Sea (100,000 Tons). Superman's strength is aided in lifting/supporting the most massive objects--especially when flying--by the bio-electric force field his body produces.

Super-Speed
Superman has the ability to move and fly incredibly fast. He shows the ability to achieve speeds up to Mach 13. His exact limit is unknown, but it is shown that he is not as fast as the Flash.

Vision/Optic Powers
Kal-El is able to see over great distances and perceive even the smallest of objects. This vision also allows him to see through the atomic structure of an object, though he is unable to see through lead.

Superman’s physiology can convert stored solar energy into beams of highly concentrated thermal energy which can reach temperatures comparable to those produced by stars. The two beams of energy which are released from his eyes are bright red in color, but at lower temperatures can be made invisible, allowing him to work undetected. Unfortunately he is still new to this power so it tends to drain him rapidly.

Super Hearing
Kal-El has the super human ability to hear all sounds at any volume or pitch and across any distance, presumably as long as there is atmosphere to carry the sonic vibrations.

Super Stamina
Superman’s Kryptonian physiology allows him exert himself to physical peak for an undetermined amount of time. When Kal-El is under a star with a yellow spectrum he is constantly replenishing his solar reserves. When Kal-El is under a G type dwarf star with a yellow spectrum his solar energies are constantly being replenished.

Invulnerability
Superman's is not entirely invulnerable yet. Continuous electric shocks hurt him but rest will heal him. A bullet train going 200 mph colliding with him was shown to pop his eardrums and gave him a nosebleed. Kal-El is under some circumstances resistant or immune to different forms and levels of lacerations, blunt force trauma, energy-based assaults, falls from great heights, explosions, the cold void of space, toxins and all known diseases on Earth.

His "suit" acts as an armor that increases his protection against damage. Superman has been seen to withstand conflicts from various alien life forms that have caused massive damage. The limits of his invulnerability are still unknown.

Flight
While Superman's body is charged with solar energy he is able to emit a gravitational field that enables him to defy gravity. Kal-El has extreme mobility while he is in flight allowing him to fight, change course, and also carry great weights. While in Earth's atmosphere Kal-El is able to move at supersonic speed; while in space, he can move at superluminal speeds. Kal-El tends to avoid moving at FTL speeds while in a planet’s atmosphere so that he does not harm the area around him. Kal-El has been seen flying from the Earth to the moon in mere seconds.

Super Computer Brain
He has shown incredible intelligence and computational abilities; his mind works sharply and with extreme speed relative to earth-humans. Kal-El's analytical powers enable him to read information directly from machines

| How is this character different? |

Instead of the wise Superman, I aim to play a younger, cockier Clark Kent. One that is not afraid to fight to his fullest and actually hurt his opponents. More an Action Comics vibe instead of the Clark Kent that contains wisdom beyond his years. My intent is for him to become the Superman that we all know and love while caring for the young girl from his own planet.

| What is your goal with this character? |

Just look at the above statement. I’ve never gotten to really play Kal-El and I always wanted to be my favorite hero. To show his ascension to greatness and one of the most influential heroes in comic history.

| Sample Post |

The UV Rays from the sun gave a slight glow to Clark's skin as he stepped out of the convenience store. The cherry slush tasted like heaven on Clark's lips, not something he actually knew about. Such a day had gone by smoothly since he had left his high school. From Lana Lang accepting Clark's proposal for a date to the football team being impressed by his abilities during Gym class. For now the Kent child's life was looking up, like nothing could ruin this moment. His smile was brighter then usual and the small Kansas town could only smile with him. Suddenly the moment was ruined by an event that would be the push Clark needed to see the good he could preform in the world.

"Oh my god!" A woman's scream echoed from the sidewalk.

"This.....this is bad." The kryptonian teen expressed in a horrified tone.

A van took a wrong turn, tires screeching along the pavement before the car flipped along its side. The metal scrapped against the ground with sparks flying everywhere. Fuel leaking from the car like an open faucet. Clark's eyes widened at the horror of the situation. Flames slowly burst around the car as the sparks that had been created touched the oil. A young woman and her child were trapped within the vehicle, the child being the only person awake screaming for her mother to awake. There wasn't a thought in his mind for what he needed to do. It was almost an instinct for Clark to pull his hood over his head to cover his face and begin running full speed to the van. He didn't care if he was hurt in the process. He didn't care if the flames destroyed his skin. His only worry was for those in need.

The flames were burning intensely but not enough to detour Clark. Eyes of helplessness stared eagerly at the hero that made himself known. Peerless strength flowed throughout his arms as he gripped the door of the van, pulling it from its hinges with ridiculous ease. First was the mother. She was the easiest to grab and Clark could grab one at a time. His super speed was enough to get the woman to the side of the street and back into time. Unfortunately the flames were growing hotter by the second. In a hurry the child was pulled from the wreckage but, the hero couldn't get away in time. The child was wrapped in his arms as safe as possible before Clark turned his back to the van, It violently exploded with the flames coating the back of Clark's body. The few people staring were scared for the child and the unknown hero. From the smoke, Clark emerged with the child in his arms, much of his clothes burned though face still hidden under the functional hood. Clark had did it for the first time. He had saved two lives and it made him feel better then anything else that transpired that day.

Looks good, you're in.

[Taka]

Gowi said
Looks good, you're in.

I love being too tired to recognize the few errors in that sample.

[Bounce]

Gowi and I discussed this last night. For right now, I'm not dropping Bart. I hope to come back to him later, but in the meantime:

| Identity |
Kai-ro (Green Lantern)

| Origin & Backstory |
Kai-ro is a descendent of the ancient and extinct civilization of Nanda Parbat, born on Earth as the off-spring of refugees who escaped the destruction of their homeworld and were successful in integrating into human society centuries ago. Born into an impoverished family living in the Canton region of China, Kai-ro became one of many boys orphaned into the various Buddhist temples throughout the mainland. As a result, Kai-ro is fluent in both Cantonese Chinese and Mandarin Chinese, being formally educated in the latter while more often speaking the former in normal conversation while 'growing up monk' in the Southern Shaolin Temple outside of Hong Kong. Functioning like a boarding school and orphanage, the monastery saw to all of Kai-ro's basic needs while providing for his education in both the traditional schools of thought in addition to physical disciplines provided for by the practice of Chinese wu shu, or kung fu.

It was during Year 3 of our story's continuity that Kai-ro's story became something beyond that of a simple monk, living and learning in a temple in China. For it was in that year that the Green Lantern Abin Sur took off his ring and retired from the Corps. That ring was sent to search the universe for one whose will was strong, one who would stand up in brightest day and darkest night. And that ring found a young Shaolin monk named Kai-ro and the ring spoke to him and said, Kai-ro of Earth, you have the ability to overcome great fear.

Transported by the ring to the Corps Headquarters on the planet Oa, Kai-ro found himself indoctrinated into a new order and discipline; that of the Green Lantern Corps. Graduating from Killowog's training, the rookie Green Lantern found himself assigned to the diminutive and grizzled soldier, Ch'p as a probationary member of the Corps who will finish his training as a patrolman under Ch'p's watchful eye.

| Character Notes |
A few of Kai-ro's more commonly used NPCs:

Clarissi Salaak - The title roughly translates as 'Commander', denoting that this Slyggian from Sector 1418 and veteran Green Lantern is one of the chief administrators of the Lantern Corps, and is responsible for directing the Enforcement branch of the Corps.

Kilowog - Kai-ro's instructor and trainer, a Bolovaxian from Sector 0674 and a Green Lantern.

Ch'p - Kai-ro's supervisor in the field, a squirrel or chipmunk-like alien from the planet H'Iven in Sector 1014 and a Blue Lantern.

Aya - An artificial intelligence which exists as a humanoid robot and the computer of the Guardian patrol ship, Sentinel.

Miri Riam - A Pink Lantern from the planet Lartnec in Sector 1111.

Kreavan - Miri's partner, an Indigo Lantern who looks like a giant eagle.

| Powers & Abilities |
Kai-Ro is the youngest Green Lantern ever inducted into the Corps (youngest both in absolute age and relative to his species' normal biological development). He radiates serenity and a calm willpower beyond his years, and yet can still enjoy life with the wide-eyed wonder appropriate to his age.

- Green Lantern Ring, which allows Kai-ro to create green constructs from the sheer force of will and imagination. The ring also provides a protective aura around his body, enabling him to fly in atmosphere or the vacuum of space, and allows for faster-than-light travel in space.

- Martial Arts Master in Chinese Wu Shu, specifically Tai Chi Chuan and Shaolin Crane Style martial arts.

- Meditation Training as a Shaolin monk allows Kai-ro to center himself and maintain his emotions in check even in the most dire of circumstances.

| How is this character different? |
Admittedly, Kai-ro isn't much of a character to begin with. He appeared in maybe 3-4 episodes of the cartoons, primarily the two-part episode of Batman Beyond where he first appears and it isn't until the Justice League Unlimited comic books that he gets any kind of backstory. This character stays true to much of that, except that this Kai-ro has Abin Sur's ring whereas the DCAU Kai-ro has John Stewart's ring, but I hope to focus on more of a police procedural drama than the typical Green Lantern member of the Justice League stories - developing the Lantern Corps as actual interstellar law enforcement as opposed to just a dude with a ring chillin' on Earth when he's supposed to be responsible for a multitude of planets. Kai-ro's story will bring him to Earth, certainly, but on a transient basis. The point is to portray Kai-ro and the GLC for what it is: COPS in space.

| What is your goal with this character? |
I covered most of this in the section above, but to reiterate my goal is to tell a police procedural drama that takes place in the conceptual framework of the Green Lantern Corps. It's Interpol in space. Smugglers. Fringers. Drug runners. White collar crime and good old fashioned homicide. Interstellar navigational safety. And the classic disaster response. My goal is to tell a story about a character whose purpose is to serve and protect.

| Sample Post |



In the greater cosmos, the people are protected by two sides in the interstellar justice system; the Lanterns who investigate crimes and the local authorities who prosecute the offenders. The call came in at seventeen forty-seven, Oa Standard Time. A domestic disturbance on an asteroid base out on the edge of space in Sector 2814. That makes it my problem. My name is Kai-ro. I carry a ring.

| A S T E R O I D • B L U E • H E A V E N |

The small spacecraft exited out of the singularity, a blue glow radiating from the ion drives as power was diverted to the sublight engines, the kinetic force combining with the resulting inertial to propel the pristine vessel toward the massive rock which hung like a rogue planet against the backdrop of space. Inside the space craft, a feminine voice echoed and said, "We have entered Sector 2814, quadrant Gamma-9. Adjusting vector for approach to space station Blue Heaven."

"Domestic disturbance," the squirrel-like creature growled, blowing smoke from a distinctly non-regulation cigar as he barked, "What are we now, marriage counselors?"

Bringing a hand up to his face, the young Chinese boy waved the smoke away from his face despite knowing all-too-well the futility of his actions. In such a confined environment, even with Aya's carbon scrubbers working at maximum efficiency to recycle the air quality, the noxious odors continued to burn at his nostrils everywhere in the ship. "Blue Heaven is a private enterprise. WIthout local government law enforcement, it is necessary for the Corps to provide for community police protection in order to prevent this quadrant becoming a..."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm not the Poozer here, kid," Ch'p growled, interrupting the young Green Lantern before blowing smoke in his face. "This is, what, third time we've been out?"

"Fourth," Kai-ro corrected, coughing as the smoke choked the back of his throat.

"Well, maybe if you'd busted some heads the first, second, or third time, we wouldn't be out here again," the H'lven chipmunk snapped.

"There was no criminal complaint alleged and therefore it would be unconscionable to impose..."

"I'll show you 'unconscionable' if you don't shut up and arrest something," the grizzled Blue Lantern barked, waving with his cigar toward the back of the cockpit. "Now hit the beat, kid."

There were creatures in this world - in this universe - who tested the patience of even the most virtuous monk. With a sigh, the young Green Lantern hung his head as he resigned himself to the fact that Clarissi Salaak had, for whatever karmic slight Kai-ro may have caused in a prior life, partnered him with just such a creature. "Kao yao," the youth muttered in Chinese as he started toward the airlock.

"Yeah, moo goo gai pan to you too, kid."

The comment from the H'lven reached Kai-ro's ears just as he started through the exit of the cockpit, drawing his shoulders up in the only tangible display of irritation. Peace. Compassion. Peace... the boy repeated to himself, drawing in a deep breath which he let out slowly as he did the right thing and just walked away. As he stepped into the airlock, the boy brought his right hand up, adjusting the distinctive ring on his middle finger. A green aura enveloped his small form, as the exterior hatch was pulled away like a curtain to reveal the naked cosmos outside. Gently, the boy's foot drifted from off the deck as he floated freely into the vacuum awaiting him.

Space could be frightening the first time. There was no concept of up or down. No compass points with which to orient the mind. Some never overcame the vertigo. But Kai-ro? Kai-ro felt like this was true freedom. Putting his arms by his side, the child ducked and then pushed himself out through the void like a dolphin sliding through the sea. Gliding across the emptiness, the youth arced upward to arrive at an airlock that would give entry to the asteroid base. A pulse from his ring and the door parted for him, and Kai-ro stepped inside.

A century before, the asteroid had been cored out by a mining corporation. Left an empty shell, the remains of the mining station had been hastily converted into a port of call for people out on the fringe of this part of space. Pirates. Smugglers. Drug runners. The Green Lanterns knew that Blue Heaven, as it had come to be called, was nothing more than a waypoint from criminal elements drifting through the sector. But suspicion didn't amount to evidence, and so the Green Lanterns could do little more than keep an eye on the station. Still, it remained a lawless wonderland. A ghetto in space. Trash crunched under foot, along with something squishy that Kai-ro immediately tried not to think about as he made his way inside of the shoddy asteroid port.

B37T4-A, or Big Bertha, had originally been programmed as a lab assistant for a chemical company. Later advances in robotics and artificial intelligence design had led to Bertha being thrown out with the trash, but instead of being resigning herself to being reduced to scrap, the rusted automaton had wound up opening a bar out on Blue Heaven. There, she'd met up with a waste disposal unit that everyone called 'Marty' and the two had mixed like oil and water. Their passions for one another were, perhaps, impressive given the limitations of their designs, but that passion led to destructive behavior - usually by Bertha - which was of increasing concern to the residents of Blue Heaven.

That alone was concerning. It took a great deal for someone who lived on Blue Heaven to want to call the Lanterns.

As the young Green Lantern walked through the doors of the bar, an ion bolt buried itself into the wall about three feet to the left and two heads higher than he stood. The smell of residual gas coolant gave credence to the notion that such hadn't been the first shot fired, which would explain why someone would have been willing, if not eager, to call the Lanterns. In space, with the risk of the hull being compromised, no one won a gun fight.

Bertha was behind the bar, plugged into a voltage converted that had obviously made her onboard components drunk from the power surge. In one of her reedy, articulate limbs was a relic of the Trandoshan Civil War, a gas-powered ion bolt caster that was little more than a high-tech slug thrower. "You whore," the robotic bar tender managed, loudly slurring her words as her servos were unable to precisely calibrate for motion. The rifle waved wildly toward a squat, dirty-looking robot. "I... I kill you and... and that automated hussy!"

"Perhaps we could begin by placing the weapon on the..."

"Bertha, my love! My binary blossom, it was nothing!" Marty's roughly synthesized voice interjected, as the squat box-like robot seemed to dance from side to side. "A thirty second upload in a parallel connection, I swear! She means nothing to me!"

Turning toward the squat machine, Kai-ro looked sternly over at the waste robot and offered, "I do not believe such protests will be effect..."

"Upload!?" Bertha echoed, drawing both Marty and Kai-ro's attention to the chemist-turned-barmaid at the distinctive sound of the caster bolt being drawn back. "UPLOAD!?"

"Upload? No, I didn't upload in her..." Marty uttered weakly.

This was, in the boy's mind, exactly what a train wreck in slow motion must look like. "Go se," the child swore under his breath, as a large green shield appeared between himself, Marty, and the bar as several ion bolts slammed into the willpower construct. This was not what he'd envisioned when he'd been chosen as Green Lantern.

"I had reconstructive surgery for you!" Bertha barked, pausing her barrage as she gestured toward what were obviously a new set of oscillating processor tubes across the front of her torso.

"Yes'm, those are nice," Kai-ro quipped vapidly, not entirely certain that made sense, and less so just what he was saying, but it made sense to say something as he gestured with both hands for her to put the caster down. "We can talk about this rationally and without the need for viol..."

"Bitch, you best recognize that's my man!"

There were very few times that Kai-ro would have offered the opinion that discussion was a useless endeavor. As the automated food processor came wheeling into the bar, however, the Shaolin monk had to resign himself to the fact that this was one of those times.

"Oh, hell no!"

As Bertha roared and snapped up the rifle, the spry, young Green Lantern was already in motion. Quick as a snake, a sweep of the boy's leg had sent the Trandoshan rifle skidding across the bar top, as a series of green handcuffs snapped onto her reedy limbs. "Weapons discharge in an enclosed space environment is a class five misdemeanor," the youth asserted in a matter-of-fact tone. "I believe some time apart on Oa will help in alleviating this conflic..."

"GET YUR HANDS OFF MY WIFE!"

As he turned, Kai-ro saw Marty lunging for him, as the food processor came wheeling after. "That's my man!"

Had he mentioned that he hadn't signed up for this?