2836/Another Lantern

Another Lantern
Date of Scene:	13 October 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Martian Manhunter, Star Sapphire

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Martian Manhunter has posed:
J'onn had been performing his turn at the Monitoring Room on the Watchtower. These days have been quiet compared to the attack of the Apokalypians. He has been working non-stop on the Boom Tube, and trying to identify a way to neutralize or at least counter their ability to teleport wherever they wanted on the Planet. He had spent most of his watch going over this data when weird energy readings showed up on the Watchtower's monitors.

He spent the next hour reviewing the data, and confirming that it was a true anomoly. Sometimes random radiation can cause the sensitive monitors to signal an issue, but it easy to tell that it was a point in time event. This one, however, is many such readings over the course of the last hour. Deciding that it was worth investigating, J'onn pushes all the Watchtower alert systems to automated, and leaves through the Hanger Bay.

His flight is quick, and he moves invisibly towards the coordinates of the odd energy readings. His mind scans the vastness of space in order to best understand what may be up here, and perhaps determine what their motives are for being on the Dark Side of the Moon.

Star Sapphire has posed:
In the dark solitude of space behind the moon, there is finally silence. Silence from the deafening roar of love and pain and melancholy of Earth's populace. And silence from the aching within her for those who suffer. Here in this place, beyond the veil of air and water, and far from the fires of vanity, ironically, Carol can finally breathe. "The opposite of war isn't peace, it's creation--" Carol whispers to herself, a reminder of a song that renders her whole. Here in this place, she can create with abandon. And create she has--stretching the limits of her ring. Stretching the limits of her heart and mind. She has created a (very) small scale construct of the universe as she has seen it, in all its splendor. In violet light, stars shine and galaxies spin, and all the universe is one.

But there is also something else in that silence. A presence of which she grows increasingly aware. No longer is it merely silence. Though there is nothing within her primary senses to betray another's presence, Carol is almost certainly not alone.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
Closing the distance there were many things that J'onn was prepared for, but what he see's upon his arrival was nowhere on his list. He hovers several miles off, but easy enough for him to spot the incredibly complex violet construct as wellas it's creator. His scans have picked up nothing or no one else, and there appears to be no aggressive nature from the being ahead of him. His decision made, J'onn becomes visible, and as he closes the distance he calls out "Greetings, Sentient."

As he flies closer he begins to understand the readings from the Watchtower as he has seen other beings with the ability to make constructs of light. He has never, however, seen the violet light that is before him nor something of such beauty. He will stop close to a hundred yards off, his hands clasped behind his back in a show of non-aggression, and continue "I am called J'onn J'onzz, a member of the Justice League. I noticed a unique energy signature, and I came to hopefully Identify the source." His voice and features are passive, but the intent is calm and friendly.

Star Sapphire has posed:
Carol pauses, trying not to take her focus too far from her creation, lest the delicate web should be wrecked, and she may have to start again. (And the echo repeats: Start again.) Blinking slowly, Carol turns her gaze onto the approaching figure who clearly means her no harm.

"Then welcome to my corner of the void. Or that which I occupy at this very moment, at least." Carol smiles warmly. "Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast, or a god. Or so I've heard."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
J'onn floats closer, a small grin playing on his lips at the quote, "Sir Frances Bacon paraphrasing Aristotle." He nods his head in appreciation of the quote, "Humans are not solitary creatures, requiring the experiences of others to truly learn what it is to be Human."

He takes in the construct again, his red eyes deep in thought, "I do not mean to disturb you in your solitude." considering the woman, probably Human at this point, before him "I must admit that I have worked with the Green Lanterns, and against the Yellow Lanterns. However, I have never seen or heard of one with the Violet Light before."

Star Sapphire has posed:
Star Sapphire considers the being floating in the darkness with her, for a moment before responding. "You are one of great intelligence and strength. I honour you for your service to the universe, J'onn J'onzz. I am, in this form, known as Star Sapphire. I lead the legion of Violet Lanterns. We are those not unlike the Green Lanterns in many ways. However, whereas their power is a creation based upon their will, our power is fueled by love, and its many powers." Her eyes soften as she takes in the aura both within and without J'onn. She does not speak of that which she sees, but she senses great loss. "But you are welcome here. Is there something that you wish of me, to prove my intent as an inhabitant of this corner of solitude?"

Martian Manhunter has posed:
"You flatter and honor me needlessly, Star Sapphire," The Martian responds with the briefest of smiles. As she can detect behind his stoic facade, there is his own version of solitude buried beneath, "I am but a humble Philosopher and Warrior of my Planet Ma'ALeca'Andra, what Humans call Mars."

He moves his focus from her construct back to Star, considering a moment, "Violet Lantern and the Power of Love. Something I have not heard of, but would be most interested in learning more about." He shakes his head in response to her question of proof, "No, Star Sapphire, there is no need to prove your words for my benefit."

Star Sapphire has posed:
"Humble is certainly correct," she agrees. "But if you sensed a power here and came alone to investigate it, then courageous and valiant are also correct, and far from flattery." She smiles as she turns her gaze back to her construct, using her fingers as brushes, though the construct that appears is far beyond her reach, as the universe created so far is easily a hundred feet wide. The simplest movement creates a galaxy, or nebula, adding to the ever-growing painting of light. "I would be only too happy to enlighten you in regard to any curiosity you may have."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
"Or one may say overconfident and arrogant to come alone without knowing the situation I would find myself." J'onn responds back with the banter. His flight takes him so that he is floating next to Star, his focus on the universe from her perspective now, "Very Impressive. I must admit I have not seen a construct of it's like before."

He watches silently as she finishes adding a galaxy here, a nebula there, "Perhaps a story for a story then? You can tell me what you will about becoming a Violet Lantern, and I will regale you with stories of the Martian peoples." a bit of sorrow tinged in his aura, but his voice and features remain cordial.

Star Sapphire has posed:
"Thank you J'onn," Carol replies, catching his gaze in hers as she seeks the answers to unspoken questions. Those answers, while readily yielded, will also remain - unspoken. "Perhaps I should say that most constructs serve a purpose, while this one is merely the fancy of a woman on the dark side of the moon. But surely art also serves a purpose?" She smiles softly at J'onn's trust at having joined her so closely. "I would love to hear of your people, if it would not cause you too much pain. Your sorrow is not to be exploited, but consoled. You wish to know my story, and I will share with you all that I can. There are parts which are...hazy, at best. And some are so wildly far-flung that they sound like stories from a comic book." She breathes a laugh and shakes her head.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
"I believe Picasso is quoted as saying 'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.'." J'onn responds as he continues to see the construct grow before his eyes. "The story of my people would make Shakespear proud in the depths of it's Tragedy." his voice again remaining calm with practiced ease, but it is impossible to hide from her ring the depth of the pain.

"I am interested in all, but will gladly listen to whatever you are comfortable sharing." The Martian says solemnly, his experience in reconstruction of fractured memories fairly extensive. "My people were scientists, astronomers, philosophers, and artists. Our main belief was the Life Equation. Searching for the purpose of the various lifeforms in the Universe, and how each impacted the totality of this Universe."

Star Sapphire has posed:
Carol pauses in her creation and looks back to J'onn. Perhaps what she sought within him was yielding the correct answers, to the wrong questions. "My story is (echoes: far from) simple. I was created as a weapon of sorts, and given a stone within me that controlled me. With my familiarity with the stone, once it was cut from me, I still maintain some semblance of control where it is concerned. The stone within my ring, not so different from that of the Green Lanterns, is a shard of that self-same stone, which I now control with ease. It yields to my command, and advises me, much as theirs do. It combines with my own powers of creation, and compassion. Empathy and intuition. And therein ends my similarity with what I was while under control of the Star Sapphire within me, and creates who I am now, as I control the stone without. I am an empath, and as long as I love and have compassion for those who also love, even if they have lost, then I will be blessed by the Power of Love, and the power to mend those broken by love (and there echoes: broken by love). The echo of her soul's voice create a layer of complexity beneath her words, to lend emphasis, to contradict, and sometimes to speak her true feelings when her words may veil them. It is something that a telepath will easily spot as a subconscious phenomenon, of which Star Sapphire herself does not seem aware, as perhaps she believes the voice is merely within her mind.

Martian Manhunter has posed:
J'onn follows along with both her words and the additional underlying emotion within them. He slowly nods his head, her words and thoughts portraying more than perhaps Star realizes, "A powerful concept..." J'onn finally says, "...one that has limitless potential, but also one that opens you up to the Best and Worst of Humanity." Again, he floats in silence for a few minutes, before adding, "If only more of Humanity accepted and nurtured these aspects of your Power, I believe the Earth would be a much better place."

"My own people would have spent decades speaking and learning from you. We shared what was called The Great Voice, our minds connected telepathically since Birth, and so we never knew what it was like to be truly alone. We were strong on privacy, but truly lived as a community." His sense of loss is strong, powerful and deep, "Sadly, that type of connection no longer exists in this Universe."

Star Sapphire has posed:
Looking at J'onn intently, she begins to see the source of his sorrow. "And yet you are alone now. But the Great Voice still exists within you. Not only do you feel the loss of your own community, but the loss (loss) suffered by the Great Voice as well." She reaches out to J'onn, her forcefield forming to her hand like a second skin. "You...may call me Carol, as that is how I am known on Earth. We could learn a great deal both from you, and from what you have lost."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
"I am afraid something even worse than that, Star Sapphire..." J'onn says, a little confused at the depth of the insight Star has shown, and performing a quick check on his mental shields. "...In order to survive the calamity that destroyed my entire species I had to cut /myself/ of from the Great Voice. I removed myself from the community in order to survive." and yet again, with her unique powers, she can tell that this act has left scars that have never healed.

"It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Carol." His large hand reaching out to take her own, and even through the field she can feel the warmth of that grip. "My intent for Earth is to make sure that Humanity never learns the lessons I have in the manner that I have learned them..." His hand releasing hers, his feelings tightly caged on this topic, "...I wish to educate and teach any that can help me on my personal quest."

Star Sapphire has posed:
A realization settles into Carol's deep blue eyes as J'onn explains his actions. "Ahh that makes more sense. Then the loss is the Great Voice itself, and not the sorrow of it as an entity." She gives J'onn's hand a warm and gentle squeeze as he withdraws it. "I would be honoured to learn from you, and impart what I have learned to those who can use the knowledge. I want to sit with you and feel your sorrow. To take it within myself that I may in some part, even if only for a moment, ease it for you. And see to it that never find that the experience was in vain."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
"Your insight is impressive..." J'onn says as Star has commented on his sorrow, "...and very close to home, Carol." He has not encountered an individual that has so easily seen past his stoic nature. The walls he has put up have been effective against all telepaths, aliens, god-like beings, but yet this Lantern has seen to the core of him. To say he is shaken would be an understatement.

"I think bearing this weight is something you would not want, Carol. Watching the death of an entire Species is no easy burden." His eyes shifting back to the construct, "and as your Power is based on positive emotions, I think the strength behind these are entirely negative."

Star Sapphire has posed:
Carol shakes her head thoughtfully. "It is my power, for good or ill, J'onn. To see love in others, both whole and broken. And what is sorrow but a heart that has been broken? Please don't let it unsettle you that I can see what is hidden--what others cannot. My power is wielded because my heart can bear it. Love overcomes sorrow, in time. If you have the strength to endure and allow it to happen."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
J'onn continues to watch the construct for a time, and begins using telekinesis to make some modifications. He doesn't change the construct, it is far too complex for him to do anything, he adds highlights to it. The stars begin to glitter with light, the nebulas gases twinkle, the planets begin to reflect colors other than the purple. He does this by pulling the requisite particles of light together, adding the reflections in place, without actually disturbing the construct.

"Ah, Carol, I know of the powers of Friendship, because it is this very power..." His marble like eyes moving back to Star, "...a small subset of Love, of course, but it is powerful in it's own right. Friendship has enabled me to live with the Sorrow of being the Last of the Green Martians." He pauses to consider, nodding once, "I would be surprised if you were not familiar with a few, specifically the Green Lantern Corps, but they have helped me carry this tremendous burden."

Star Sapphire has posed:
"Friendship is perhaps more powerful than love in and of itself," Carol agrees. "It is more accessible to everyone, even those who lack the capacity for true and enduring love. And those are the ones who need it the most. With friendship you can touch the heart of anyone you meet in some way. Don't ever underestimate that power, J'onn."

Carol watches J'onn for a few moments as he adds his subtle but beautiful touches to her construct. The shimmer he adds to the Pleiades shines brightly, and she turns to him, beaming. "You have a rare talent."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
"I can vouch for the strength it has given me over the last few years since I have met the members of the Justice League." J'onn confirms, "Before that I spent many years traveling the Earth, learning as much as I could about the Humans, and trying to find a reason Why I still lived." His heart still shows signs of the torment that he has buried. "I came to realize it is /for/ the Humans that I found a reason to persevere." His smile is genuine, as he recalls this revelation, "Humans have their faults, their avarice, their rage, but they have such an amazing capacity for selflessness and community." He turns his gaze back from the construct, to look at Carol, "That was the first step. Knowing that the Humans needed someone to help guide them in their Virtues, and someone who would stand by them in their darker times."

He views the newly modified construct, "I have seen or studied much of the cosmos. I am not as talented as you in the overall, but I am capable of seeing the finer details that can highlight what others have engineered."

Star Sapphire has posed:
Carol nods, a soft smile playing across her lips. "It's a beautiful skill to have, J'onn. And as important for you to recognize your strengths as it is to have those strengths in the first place." Carol's expression is soft, even affectionate. "The human race is very fortunate to have you."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
J'onn offers a small nod of his head in appreciation of Carol's comments, "It is an honor to help Humanity and protect their Planet." his voice confirming the validity of his words. "And now that there is a Violet Lantern, my own knowledge increased by our conversation, I am sure Humanity will learn to embrace your sacrifice for them." His focus returns to the construct, and he finds the planet that must be Earth. He spends a great deal of effort to make the planet appear as life-like as possible,

"Nelson Mandela has a quote I am fond of - Our human compassion binds us the one to the other. Not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future - While I may not /be/ Human. I appreciate the sentiment."

Star Sapphire has posed:
"Given the nature of the Great Voice, I can see how you would appreciate it all the more greatly than even we as humans do," Carol noted with a nod. "You have a great heart, and a kind and intellectual mind. It's more than I find in most humans. I suppose I'm glad I was making enough ruckus on the dark side of the moon to garner your attention, J'onn." Star Sapphire smiles, and breathes a laugh. "It isn't often that I seek solitude and find than one who invades it is more welcome than the solitude itself."

Martian Manhunter has posed:
"It has been a pleasure, Carol, also known as Star Sapphire." J'onn responds in kind, his hand motioning towards the construct, "I can see you have an Artists Eye and Soul..." then he nods towards the ring, "...and obviously a heroines Heart to wield such a Power. It has been an honor and a pleasure to speak with you this evening." His smile broadens at her compliments, "My apologies for disturbing your private time," His form floating up, looking as if to depart, "If you are in need of help, or simply wish to exchange me words of wisdom from men and women of foresight it is easy to find me." His smile is genuine, some of the sorrow dissipating with the addition of a new acquaintance.

Star Sapphire has posed:
Carol smiles warmly in return. "Thank you, J'onn. You have a kind heart and a gentle spirit." She returns her gaze to the construct and the improvements that were made upon it by her new companion, as if committing them to memory. Returning her gaze to his face again, she adds, "Should you ever desire my company, it will not be so hard to find me. Hold that desire in your heart and I will find you." Her smile brightens, if a bit mischievously. "If I do not find you before then. It has truly been an honour, and my pleasure, J'onn. I'm certain it will not be long before we meet again."