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With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

Discussion in 'Creative Writing' started by Mr Zoat, Jan 27, 2019.

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  1. Stsword

    Stsword Versed in the lewd.

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    Nobody knows details.

    But him showing up is somewhere between George Washington showing up in DC to the second coming of Jesus Christ, what with Arion being a mythic god king of ancient Atlantis.

    So the leverage might be "Aquaman doesn't want a riot." The fact that Arion was a complete asshat in this story is not known, or at least not publicly known, in Atlantis.

    Waller swings between ruthless person to hard men doing hard things while hard. So there's a chance that what she's doing is for a rational and maybe even ethical goal.

    Armstrong is stuck at "What the fuck is wrong with your brain?"
     
  2. Vaermina

    Vaermina Well worn.

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    Your daily reminder that Renagade doesn't know that Boss Smiley has subverted Uncle Sam.
     
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  3. Duke Long

    Duke Long Glomerulus

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    Missing full stop, I think.
    ‘want to’
    ’reasons’
     
  4. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    Thank you, corrected.
     
  5. theaceoffire

    theaceoffire Versed in the lewd.

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    Because seriously most people with superpowers in this world are super unstable!

    You never know if they're about to dress up in a costume that looks like mustard and try to steal some onions or just start stabbing everybody and collecting their lips.... You cannot be this aggressive with them!
     
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  6. jasonh23761

    jasonh23761 Not too sore, are you?

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    I think part of is that in most depictions I can understand what Waller is doing even if I don't agree with it or think it's more extreme then it needs to be. I've always liked the version from the original suicide squad run, who is incredibly ruthless and willful but will listen to outside advice and assessments. She'd change her mind and incorporate views that disagreed with her.

    Armstrong is just a caricature of the intelligence community at their worst most stupid and egotistical.
     
  7. Windona

    Windona Beetle Queen of Crackshipping

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    Depends on depiction. Some versions of Waller are power hungry, stubborn, and ruthless to the point of awfulness. Others are ruthless, not in a cruel way but in a 'here's how to get from point A to point B, nothing else matters' way, kinda more a slightly darker version of Nick Fury.
     
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  8. Karmic Acumen

    Karmic Acumen The long-suffering one

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    Well, he took out the Light at least. It's not like he's had a reason to look beyond that so far, and he does seem to be changing the world insofar as he's invested in that.

    I remain more baffled that he's the brony.
     
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  9. Lord Ernest

    Lord Ernest At the End...

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    I don't. The Illustres transformed himself into an eldritch humanoid entity with weird priorities and morality, while Grayven embraced the ham, the roleplay, the chuuni. Who else would end up dating the Pony if presented the opportunity?
     
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  10. Darko

    Darko Connoisseur.

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    It hasn't been stated here.

    Yep.

    Heck, something like this happened in the show.

    Aquaman may either be under control or is trying to lure Arion into a false sense of security so he can deal with him, and the reason he didn't call in the League is because he's worried a fight could destroy a lot of Atlantis.

    And Arion's actions may be known in Atlantis, but most may not care.

    Renegade-side Atlantis doesn't have as much to do with the surface world as the Paragon version, so they may not care all that much about it and could attempt to explain away Arion's actions in some way.
     
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  11. Breadnaught

    Breadnaught Experienced.

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    Mook: "Under most circumstances, you'd be right. But your kids? Nah, we both know that would end poorly for everyone involved. I'd disobey those orders for the same reason I'd ignore the President if he told me to detonate a nuke in Washington. Duty to the nation doesn't include endangering the nation."
     
  12. Ardy

    Ardy I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    Poor example in Grayven's timeline, considering how many did that
     
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  13. Breadnaught

    Breadnaught Experienced.

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    Yeah, then Grayven killed them, crushed their plans, toppled their regime, and undid all their works.

    Mook: "I used that example for a reason."
     
  14. Ardy

    Ardy I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    I'm pretty sure everyone involved in the firing of the nuke was A-OK. At least onscreen, Grayven pretty much forget about them the second after the second nuke went off.
     
  15. Breadnaught

    Breadnaught Experienced.

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    I don't remember that arc perfectly, but wasn't it a combination of Father Time and his SHADE-subverted government, and Apokilips factions supporting them?

    Because Father Time is dead, the local-dimension version of SHADE underwent severe downsizing, at around neck height. And the New Gods he encountered on that Earth are either dead, or had a Bad Time.

    Then he arranged the systematic dismantling off all that Anti-Life broadcast bullshit and everything connected to it.
     
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  16. Ardy

    Ardy I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    Shade wasn't in charge of nukes, to my knowledge. "Do you have any idea how many people you have to convince to let you fire a nuke at washington, even when you're the president?". No one involved in the order save the bot' was punished for firing a nuke at washington. Grayven's kids are viable targets.
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2022
  17. Prince Charon

    Prince Charon Just zis guy, you know?

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    Waller is usually depicted as a pretty terrible person, but an intelligent one. Director Armstrong is mostly shown as a crazy idiot who it's hard to justify her still having power without throwing SoD out the window or being Alan Moore levels of cynical about the government.
     
  18. Threadmarks: Pete Tong (part 1)
    Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    Pete Tong

    29th December 2012
    12:08 GMT

    Guy looks at me like he's not sure what to make of that statement.

    "You serious?"

    I mirror his expression, and wait for him to-

    He looks away, shaking his head.

    "Why'd I even ask?"

    "Because it would normally be a odd thing to claim, and you still haven't fully internalised the fact that we're fairly odd people."

    "Okay, but jus' sayin' that yer entire Lantern Corps picked God as an enemy-."

    "The Silver City as an enemy, and they picked us."

    Because while Hades made peace with them, technically the Orange Lantern Corps hasn't. Which is why Jade couldn't get the time off; worshipping your enemies is generally looked upon as a bad idea. Particularly when your biggest enemy is as good at mind control as the Reach.

    Huh. Reminds me of the panel in The Boys where Jessica Bradley tries to work out what would happen if The Boys and The Seven fought. Butcher proved that he could kill Vought superheroes when he killed Payback. Heck, he killed an unnamed team with just a gun before he got super strength. But there's a level of power people like Homelander and Black Noir have that Vought didn't think people could plot around.

    Dox aside, the Reach are cleverer than us. They're certainly more unified and more experienced. And it's increasingly looking like that isn't going to matter.

    Lanterns have engaged Scarabs a lot in this war. A lot of ex-Darkstars literally can't resist the urge to hunt them down and show them why they're no longer hiding. And while Scarabs have killed Lanterns -stupid Lanterns who got high on their own fumes and decided that they didn't need backup- the results have been very much in our favour. Roughly seven out of ten fights have resulted in Lantern Corps victories. And yes, we're already recruiting the best motivated people and the Reach can stick Scarabs on just about everyone so those deaths technically hurt us a little more, but the Reach don't have anything above Scarabs. Those are their best super warriors.

    I don't know what the feelings of the Reach citizens further in their empire is, but for most people, something like that would be a major psychological blow.

    "Ya could always talk to Zauriel 'bowd it."

    "I'm afraid that the political objectives of N.E.M.O. are irreconcilable with those of a being which declares itself to be 'King of the Universe'. Until such time as the title is formally renounced there really isn't anything to talk about."

    "Kgrgahhaha!"

    Guy bows his head, and I suspect that only enlightenment is preventing him from getting to experience the joys of vacuum exposure. He manages to open his eyes mid-cackle to see if I'm showing any sign that I meant if as a joke, and finds nothing.

    "Oh, man. Ugh. Y'know, it's all in th' delivery."

    Warning: will detected.

    Guy and I both look up as Lantern K'ryssma arrives early, arriving just outside the outer limits of what was once Reach-controlled space. I wanted to meet up where we first met up seventeen months ago but apparently the location didn't work for her. She makes eye contact with me first, but then looks at Guy in surprise.

    "Illustres. I didn't know that you had already begun negotiations."

    Guy frowns in confusion, his eyes going from me to her. I'm a little puzzled myself. Guy didn't mention getting a promotion, and I'm fairly confident that he would.

    At length.

    He reorientates from his 'lying in space' pose to face her.

    "I ain't the Illustres."

    "The original use for the title was to refer to any Lantern who achieved enlightenment, as you have. The use for the rank in the Corps that does not require that development is a more recent affair."

    "Okay, it was." He shrugs. "What's that got t'do with us?"

    "My species has been aware of the Green Lantern Corps for somewhat longer than yours. We remember the older traditions. Am I to understand that you are not negotiating?"

    "No, we're together for a human religious celebration. What negotiations?"

    Lantern K'ryssma turns to me. "Illustres, you have my gratitude for following through on your pledge to push back the Reach."

    "You're welcome."

    "Indeed. I am here because you have pushed them entirely out of what was once a Sector which the Green Lantern Corps patrolled."

    "Ah. And that means that you're allowed to go there now."

    "Yes. Moreover, it seems likely that you will push them out of further Sectors soon."

    "We're certainly going to try."

    "We wish to resume our patrols. I would like to negotiate with the Orange Lantern Corps with a view to making that happen."

    "Is this coming from the Guardians? Because-."

    "No. it is coming from the Green Lanterns who had to leave their homes in response to the Guardians' treaty with the Reach and who would dearly like to return. The Guardians will not intervene if the parties involved discuss things between themselves."

    "Not thinking of jumping ship?"

    "No. After many decades of service, I do not think that I could adapt effectively to a new ring colour."

    "Okay. And what do we get out of it?"

    "Y'get ta have a Green Lantern watchin' yer back."

    "But these are Lanterns who already left. And who can't fight the Reach. There's basically no organised crime around here that the Reach aren't connected to at least a little."

    "For the most part they would not be Lanterns who-. Who did not fight the Reach. Their rings would be returning while they remain in the crypt."

    "You understand that across most of this region, any Green Lanterns who get recruited are going to look to N.E.M.O. for direction. Which is good for me, but I can't see the Guardians liking it."

    "Do you think that the Guardians 'like' the treaty with the Reach?"

    "I can only assume that they do, given what the Controllers have been able to do with far less time and resources."

    Guy puts his right hand on my chest and pushes me away from Lantern K'ryssma a little way.

    "Okay, Paul. Dial it back."

    "Alright, this needs to go to the N.E.M.O. governing board, but I can guess what they'll want. This is N.E.M.O. space. Any Reach-affiliated or Reach Empire personnel are external invaders. If you want to recruit Green Lanterns here then they better be willing to fight this time."

    "That is perfectly acceptable."
     
  19. Ngamer11

    Ngamer11 Experienced.

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    Interesting. Will we be seeing the two Lantern Corps working together more closely from now on? At least in formerly Reach space? Also, I looked up what the new episode's title meant, and all I got was the name of a disc jockey, so I'm uncertain as to what to expect for this one. Anyone have any ideas?
     
  20. Darko

    Darko Connoisseur.

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    Yeah,, he'd like to show you that you're not the only one going up in the Lantern Corp hierarchy.

    And if there is then it's probably very, very minor, so the local law officers should be able to deal with it.

    I'm guessing the Guardians thought the cost of a full-out war would be too great even for them.

    And the thought Paul had about the war at the beginning makes me think that we'll see them potentially suffer a massive defeat.

    RagnarokAscendant actually gave an explanation in one of his fics on why the Guardians did the things that they did.

    The don't care about it.

    Basically, they're primarily focused on protecting existence from eldritch forces and they pay little attention to things like different races and species and what they do.

    The GLC primarily exists to stop mortal races from potentially damaging the universe, with a side-gig of being police officers, so they're fulfilling their role, even if it appears that it's half-assed.

    They even thought the Reach were not a problem since they're conquering ways would not lead to a long-lasting civilization and they'd collapse in a short amount of time.

    Sadly this is short by Guardians standards, so a short time could be a million years.
     
  21. Ngamer11

    Ngamer11 Experienced.

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    If the Corps as a whole does suffer a defeat, I hope Paul personally pays the Reach back with a big move.
     
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  22. Breadnaught

    Breadnaught Experienced.

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    Cockney slang. "It's all gone Pete Tong" means it's all gone wrong.

    Which doesn't say good things about upcoming events.
     
  23. Ngamer11

    Ngamer11 Experienced.

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    Hopefully it won't be too big of a setback for the OLC. Or maybe it's not referring to the OLC, but the GLC, since this part starts out with Green Lanterns asking to patrol the space that was occupied by the Reach.
     
  24. Vaermina

    Vaermina Well worn.

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    No, they aren't.

    Their best warriors are the Super Scarabs.


    Yes... Because they are smarter then you...

    So far you've been an annoyance to The Reach... The moment you move past that to actual threat. Is the moment they go scorched Earth and trillions die.
     
  25. Chojin Patriarch

    Chojin Patriarch Veteran Lurker

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    Huh. I wonder what he was asked? And I was not expecting this to be the start of a new episode, either. Guess the wrap-up of the Medina situation made a good stopping point. Of course, now the big question is, what's going to happen this time?

    Heh. Not often a Green Lantern loses a staring contest.

    'Fairly' odd? ;) OL, you are way past 'fairly'...

    Yeah, but mostly because you poked them first, OL. Don't forget that part.

    In a fight like that, it'd come down to who shot first, for a lot of those involved. Superman-lites notwithstanding, as OL noted...

    Yes, but which side is more motivated to win, hmm? When one side is powered by that motivation, that's a quality all its own.

    Whereas Lanterns can grow a lot further, as evidenced by OL and his students.

    I expect those further in are given a very doctored spin on the conflict. 'Brave Scarab Warriors brought down by the trickery of jealous antagonists.'

    ...He wasn't joking, Guy.

    :rolleyes: Gee, so glad you're being entertained...

    Man, talk about going back a ways...

    Yeah, and you'd let him. The joy of being buddies with a guy like Guy...


    Certainly doesn't have the most obvious leadership qualities, after all.

    Well, that's interesting. Wonder if the Orange Lanterns will do something similar when they begin to find Enlightenment.

    From the same homeworld, after all, Kryssy.

    ...Man, a link back to that meeting would have been good... Memories fade, after all. Ah, well.

    And since it's on the edge of their space, a lot of those races will still have some measure of free will... And thus crime.

    Indeed, you were just musing on that matter.

    Well, there's a turn-up for the books.

    Interesting that they'd allow such an exhibition of independence... But then, those on the borders tend to be the loosest about rules.

    And being users of Avarice, that's a pretty important detail.

    I doubt the big bads would tolerate any such anarchic behaviour in their regions.

    Oooh, that could get awkward. 'Sorry, sir, but the orange guys do have better methods...'

    OL, can it, before this comes to blows. This is a very sensitive subject for the lady, after all.

    And when even Guy is saying 'cool it', you know you've gotten carried away.

    Let's hope said rookie Lanterns don't get too angry, or they might find their careers cut short...

    Well, that's a thing that is happening, then. And I bet OL was looking forwards to a nice bit of time off. On the other hand, he can just pass the buck upstairs and let Dox handle the discussions. ...What's the bet the Reach are planning a big pushback, and it's about to kick off, just as he's sitting down to open his presents with the folks? :rolleyes: Such is the life of a main character, after all...
     
  26. DAT_NOOB

    DAT_NOOB Accused of writing in a far away land

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    I mean there has to be a reason they fought the GLC to a draw, unless Zoat is implying that the OLC + NEMO would beat the GLC in a straight fight?

    Replying to Vaermina:
    Whenever I look for super scarab on the internet it keeps pointing me to Khaji Da could you please inform me of what a super scarab is?

    I'm pretty sure between Paul and Grayven they're an actual threat.
     
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  27. Assblaster5000

    Assblaster5000 I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    Responding to Vaermina.

    And the moment The Reach do that what happens goes one of two ways.

    Either 1:They execute all the species under their control, which largely amounts to a bunch of people they've made to think that's an honour, changing nothing about the war beyond making their side look even worse.

    Or 2:They take military action against groups that aren't involved in N.E.M.O.'s campaign and get The Guardians to help smack them into the fucking dirt for breaking the treaty.
     
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  28. FreeGod

    FreeGod If you see a God on the road fuck it!

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    I mean ya they probably would. GLC corps has lost lots of straight fights in DC comics. It's easier to understand when you remember that the GLC really is a police force not a military. A very powerful police force, but still the doctrine is all different and the GLC millitizing might not actually be the best thing for the universe.

    Edit: The current OLC would likely not be able to beat the GLC, but that is mostly because the OLC as it currently stands lacks motivation for the task.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  29. lancelot

    lancelot Grand High Poobah

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    Well someone with a bug up their ass is feeling petty. After all it isn't like the Controllers were able to do this invasion of Reach without hurting their multigalaxy wide police force... oh wait they don't have one of those do they?
     
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  30. Duke Long

    Duke Long Glomerulus

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    The green speech marks don’t show up very well on my background and I forgot Guy’s name, so I thought Paul was talking to some random guy for about half the chapter, hahaha.
     
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