Kilowog flared his nostrils as he looked over the data that he had just downloaded from Hal Jordan's ring, as the latter waited impatiently in his seated position on the medical bed. The logged systems data indicated that there was a sudden surge in Hal's ring during the battle in Bogos Qin...but the problem was that there was no real explanation.

"You gonna tell me what the hell happened yet?"

"I'll tell ya' when I got something ta' say." Kilowog scalded.

Hal ran a hand through his hair. "Maybe it was...some kind of energy build-up. Rings can overcharge sometimes, right? Maybe it drew too much power from the battery."

"Thing is, Jordan, that ain't possible. This is technology we're talkin' about here. Ya can't overcharge a ring the same way yacan't overfill yer fuel tank. Think of it like this; yer human auto-vehicle has a top speed. It's called a top speed 'cause yaliterally can't go past it. The mechanisms inside the vehicle have a breakin' point. What you did in Bogos Qin was basically double the top speed of the car. The ring should've blown, you should be dead."

Hal blinked in amazement. "...There has to be an explanation...right?"

"I can't find one. And it's making me angry." Kilowog muttered.

"I have one." Ganthet added to the conversation.

The two Lantern officers turned and saw the Guardian hover in from the entrance.

Kilowog stood straighter. "Sir."

"At ease, Sentinel." The blue being calmed as he approached Hal. He continued "There is a vast minority of Green Lantern personnel that we have categorised over the millennia as being...exceptional."

Hal leaned forward, exceedingly curious.

Ganthet explained "In creating the power rings, we utilised methods that transcend traditional science. On sparse occasions, this...unquantifiable aspect bubbles to the surface."

"You're saying...that these rings are like...magic?"

Kilowog laughed. "Jordan, you're a grakkin' idiot."

The Guardian smirked. "What I'm saying is that the rings may have been designed with certain technical specifications, but with the emergence of each new exceptional officer, we discover that they are capable of much more than we initially intended."

"So Jordan here...a human who definitely doesn't have the most training or field experience...is the only one in this generation to unlock the ring's potential?"

Hal cocked his head. "Usually I'd take that as an insult...but I'm in the same boat as Kilowog. Why me?"

Ganthet levitated in order to reach Hal's eye level. "I believe it is because of one thing." The Maltusian pointed at Hal's chest. "Your heart."

The science lab was consumed by silence as Hal stared into Ganthet's eyes. Ganthet was definitely the most spiritual member of the Guardian Council and was more often than not despised by the others for it. When their debates started to concern the centrality of emotion to life in the universe, Ganthet would argue that life requires feeling. Some of his cohorts would claim that emotions are the cause of all strife.

The human's stoic and interested façade cracked as he snorted in amusement. "I'm sorry...my heart?"

"It is your greatest strength, but also your greatest flaw; your desire to succeed." The Guardian said.

Kilowog rolled his eyes. "Uh, so is this an equipment malfunction or not?"

"I suppose it is a malfunction, as it is performing outside of standard protocol." Ganthet said mischievously.

The Lantern from Bolivax Vik facepalmed. "Ganthet, is Jordan in any real danger?" He clarified angrily.

"No, Kilowog. He is not."

At that point, Vell came jogging into the laboratory, her face gleaming when she saw Hal. He noticed that the damage she received from Non had healed at an accelerated rate due to her power ring's life support systems, but it had been rendered into a permanent facial scar. Four marks drawn by Non'sfingertips began on the edge of her right brow and traileddiagonally downward, across and through her hairline above her right ear.

"Hey rook. Turns out I'm just really good with the ring." Hal greeted.

Vell hurried into the room, paid no attention to Ganthet or Kilowog, and propped herself up onto the medical bed so closely to Hal that they rubbed shoulders. "You're a poozer." She replied.

Kilowog laughed a single ground-shaking laugh. "Ha! Yeah, my thoughts exactly."

Ganthet told Vell what he had told the other two. "The Green Lantern weapons are more than pieces of technology, Vell. It takes raw emotion, unfiltered willpower, to unlock their true potential."

"But...I thought they were no different from guns. Just instead of a trigger that you pull, they have a neural interfacethat acts upon your thoughts."

"They were designed to be such, but they have become greater than what we had intended."

Vell wrinkled her brow, not understanding a single thing. Kilowog leant over to her ear and whispered "Yeah, loopy, right?"

"I...don't really get it either. But Ganthet says it's kinda normal, so...okay." Hal said.

The blue alien then began to float away towards the entrance but paused for a moment. "Oh, congratulations are in order. Although some disciplinary actions are to be enforced after we have finalised General Zod's sentence, you Vell have been exhumed from penalty. The strenuous circumstances you faced have been argued to be a worthy substitute for a final assessment. Vell, you have attained the rank of Lantern Sentry and are hereby qualified for independent operation inGuardian space. Hal Jordan, your probationary period of mentoring is thus completed. You have made a fine officer out of her. I suggest that all three of you attend the public hearingfor the Kryptonians at the Citadel momentarily."

Ganthet exited promptly after his big statement, leaving Vell and Hal rather shocked about the abruptness of it all.

Hal pushed off the bed, onto his feet, and seized Vell by the shoulders. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah, of course I did."

"No, I know you heard it, it's a figure of speech. I'm trying to see if you comprehended what just happened. You're a Green Lantern now, a full officer. You're gonna have your own solo missions to fly, and your own planets to guard."

Vell smiled. "You're proud of me."

Kilowog huffed loudly. "So am I, kid. Yer a bit of a psycho, but eh. You'll make a good Lantern."

"Thanks, Kilowog. That's really nice of you to say." Vell said sincerely.

Hal and Vell promptly exited the Science Lab and made their way to the Mess Hall, where they planned to meet Tomar-Tu and have a real conversation with him. As they flew over, Hal asked "You sure you want to be at the trial?"

"Of course I do. I wanna make sure these stupid blue aliens lock him away for good."

"Now that everything's calmed down...are you getting a chance to process that Tomar-Re is gone?"

"Yeah. I feel sad, but it's nothing serious. How about you? Be honest." She asked.

Hal's lip straightened as his brow tensed. "I feel terrible. I feel like I should've been there. He was my friend. I feel...like I was responsible for his wellbeing. If he needed me, I was obligated to be there. And I wasn't. I...should've been there."

Vell exhaled. "You shouldn't think like that, kee'lavah."

"I...can't help it."

"I'm sorry. The person who killed him is Dru-Zod, he's the only one we should blame."

"I just...can't believe he's gone." Hal sighed.

Vell quietly said to him "You need to, because it's the truth."

Hal's face tensed in the sorrow of helplessness, and he said nothing to his partner. With a confused series of blinks, Vell pressed "Hal? What's wrong? It is the truth. He's dead and he's not coming back. You need to come to terms with that. The best thing you can do is move on."

"I know, alright? I know. Just give me some time." Hal replied lowly.

Vell frowned and fell silent. Hal knew that there were going to be times like this...where she didn't understand him and he wouldn't be in the position to explain things to her. They both knew that it wouldn't be easy to be together, but that didn't make things any less confusing.

The pair entered the Mess Hall, which was packed to the rim with other members of their contingent. They spotted Tomar-Tu leaning against the doorway at the entrance. His disposition brightened when he saw familiar faces. "Hal Jordan, Vell. It's good to see you again."

Hal reached out and seized Tomar's hand in a firm shake. "You too, buddy. How're you settling in?"

As they released their handshake, Tomar politely nodded at Vell before he answered Hal's question. "Even with everything my father told me, it's still a lot to take in. All of this...it's going to take some getting used to."

"Oh yeah, and it gets worse." Vell added. "Just wait until you hit Initiate and need to start studying. It sucks."

Tomar chuckled.

Hal rolled his eyes and said "It's not that bad. So, what're you doing right now?"

"Waiting for the trial." Tomar said sombrely.

Jordan glanced at the floor for several seconds. He hated this. He hated seeing the consequences of something like this. It made him feel like he'd do anything to prevent anything like this ever happening again...and he was sure those were the same feelings Sinestro had when he seized control of his home planet and installed a totalitarian government. Vell was right. These thoughts were dangerous...but he didn't get to decide how he felt. "I'm...sorry. I'm sorry about your father." Hal muttered.

Tomar nodded sternly. "Thank you. He spoke about you often."

"I'm pretty sure we met a long time ago. You probably don't remember, you were pretty young."

"I still am pretty young, sir."

"Hal. Call me Hal."

Vell huffed in amusement.

Before long, the Lanterns received notifications via their rings that the trial of the Kryptonian criminals was going to commence soon. So with that, they ejected themselves from the Mess Hall with great speed, and mapped a flight path to the Citadel.

Usually, any criminal persons apprehended by the Lanterns would be handed over to their civilisation of origin, or governments responsible for the states that they committed crimes against. Since Krypton was long dead and none of its governing parties survived, the Guardians themselves were the next on the list as Zod ran amok in their sectors of space and murdered a handful of their peacekeepers. Hal heard that the Guardians extended an invitation to Superman to be present at the event, since he is the closest thing to a Kryptonian leader and should have his opinion heard. A trial on Oa was extremely rare, so it wasn't surprising to see that there were hundreds of other GLs on their way to witness the occasion as well.

Hal, Vell and Tomar-Tu waded through thousands of their brethren as they made their way to a spot that John had saved for them. It was a windowed section above the Guardians' chambers where they would be able to see the trial in its entirety. When the three arrived, John was accompanied by Arisia, Katma Tui, and Laira.

"Fellas." Hal greeted.

John instantly shook Tomar-Tu's hand and said "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. My condolences."

"I appreciate it, sir."

Laira crossed her arms and glanced into the Guardians' chamber. "Let us hope that they give those murderous pigs the death penalty."

Hal narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, by the twin moons. They're way too dangerous to be allowed to live." Vell added. "If the Phantom Zone couldn't hold them, what can? There's too much of a risk."

John sighed. "Whether we like it or not, those guys down there are the last survivors of their species. I don't think it's our place to execute members of an endangered race. And besides, we're not executioners. Killing in battle is one thing, but to make the active decision and plan the death of prisoners of war is unjust."

"Death in battle is honourable. To be put to death by a committee is shameful; a fitting end for the murderous pigs we see here." Laira retorted.

Arisia and Hal glanced at each other and sighed.

"This is crazy. Superman should be able to choose what happens to them." Arisia said.

Laira turned to Arisia and answered "He has every time beforehand, and each of those times Zod has escaped."

"Hal, you gonna give me a hand here?" John asked.

Vell crossed her arms, arched an eyebrow in anticipation and smirked. Provoked by Vell's enticing expression, Hal found the will to try and rise above his sadness. "I don't know. It's not like they haven't been given second chances already. Imprisonment is meant to rehabilitate. If it isn't working, should we keep trying?"

John scoffed in disbelief. "Really?"

"Yeah, I mean come on. You honestly think Zod is gonna get over all of this?"

Arisia entered the conversation by saying "You think the Guardians should put them to death?"

"No. I don't. But I don't think they have a choice."

The constant chattering in the background of the Citadel finally began to quieten down as the Guardians entered the chambers below. They were followed by Dru-Zod, Quex-Ul, and Faora Hu-Ul; the only surviving members of Zod's attack force. Dev-Em, Mala, Non, and Jax-Ur were all killed in the Battle of Bogos Qin. They, however, managed to slay Eddore, Z'gmora, Brin, Bloobert, and Zborra. Those casualties were to be added to the innocents slaughtered on Oxidien IX, who were killed in order to lure Tomar-Re into a trap. Four responding Lanterns as well as Tomar were then murdered. They committed incredible crimes, and quite frankly, Hal couldn't see how they'd get out of this one alive.

As the Guardians took their positions around the chamber and the three Kryptonians, who were bound by specialised, Kryptonite-powered cuffs which relieved them of the abilities, were forced into the centre of the room by attending GL guards. Promptly, Superman entered the chamber. Hal could sense the ill-will radiating from Zod towards the Man of Steel.

"History has a strange way of repeating itself, doesn't it, Kal?" Zod chuckled, referring to the trial during which Superman's father, Jor-El, had sentenced Zod to banishment in the Phantom Zone before Krypton's destruction. His being in this alternate dimension allowed him and his compatriots to survive.

"The prisoner will refrain from speaking unless spoken to." The Guardian named Appa ordered.

Hal could tell that Clark was enraged with Zod's actions, but as always, he kept his emotions in check.

"General Dru-Zod, Commander Faora Hu-Ul, and Commander Quex-Ul. You stand trial for one thousand and twenty-five counts of murder, eleven counts of murder of Green Lantern officers, the attempted murder of two Green Lantern Contingents, and crimes against the civilised universe. How do you plead?"

Zod chuckled. "Spare me this mockery of justice. My words will not change a thing. You will condemn us to death as you did Krypton. So, do it. We regret nothing, and we did it all of our own free will."

Hal noticed Tomar-Tu's hand clenching into a fist.

Superman inhaled, stood a little straighter, then spoke clearly and loudly "My respected council members...I understand the gravity of the situation. I know what it is you wish to do...but I cannot condone the execution of the last members of my species. There are now five of us left. If you kill these people, my cousin and I will be the sole survivors of Krypton. Two left from what was once a population of billions. Two."

There was murmuring amongst the Lanterns who were in the audience around Hal. The Man of Steel promptly continued "I'm not asking that they be released without punishment. What they did was inexcusable and did not help them understand the fact that Krypton destroyed itself. It was our people's hubris that resulted in the calamity of thirty something cycles past." As he spoke, he sent dark glances towards Zod, who was seething with hatred. "I am asking you to entrust them to my care again."

One of the other Guardians laughed in Clark's face. "We can no longer be guaranteed that they will not escape. How many times have they done so now?"

"...I've already prepared a new facility with the assistance of Earth's top scientists. It will be projected into the Phantom Zone and ensure that any Kryptonian criminals inside do not have access to their energy absorption capabilities through red solar projectors. I do not wish to permanently strip them of their abilities, because I believe that everyone has the potential to do good and must be given the chance to do so...even if they stumble along the way."

Silence befell the chamber. The Guardians glanced amongst themselves. As they did, Zod sneered at Superman. "How many lives will it take for you to stop practicing your family's overly-compassionate garbage?"

Clark frowned at the General and said nothing.

Appa, after convening with his comrades, passed the conclusion. "We are sympathetic with your position, Kal-El of Krypton."

"Earth. Kal-El of Earth." Superman corrected. Zod's eyes blackened with pure disdain.

"Yes, my apologies. Kal-El of Earth, we shall grant you another opportunity. However...if these criminals escape once again, they will be subject to our laws and our sentences. Do you agree?"

Sombrely, Superman nodded. And just like that, the trial was over. Hal looked at Tomar-Tu, and noted that he seemed incredibly troubled.

"Is everything okay?" Hal asked as he laid a hand onto his new friend's shoulder.

"I wanted them to die. I wanted to watch them die. But my father wouldn't have approved of that...so I agree with the decision on his behalf."

"Maybe killing isn't the answer."

"Most of the time it isn't. In this case? I'm not so sure." Tomar said quietly.

Before Hal could speak his mind, John waltzed over to the pair. "Well, they're gonna want to see me next. They're holding me responsible for the rogue action."

"What? No, they can't!" Hal snapped.

"They can, seeing as I rounded everyone up and was instigated the whole thing. We did a good thing out there, Hal. It was worth it in my book. Go see Clark."

Hal's tongue froze in his mouth, seeing perfect sense in what John said.

Hal, Vell and Tomar went down to the lower level of the Citadel to catch Superman before he left. John and Arisia wanted to give them space to reconcile the recent events, so they left as to not overcrowd. Upon seeing each other, Hal and Clark latched onto each other with a hug. "God, I'm so sorry." Clark muttered. Hal retreated from the embrace and answered "Don't do that, Clark. You have nothing to be sorry for."

Clark then gazed at Tomar-Tu. "...You look just like him. He was a great man...I hope you understand that."

"...He was just a father to me. But the more I hear, the more I understand."