3728/Lanterns are Evil!

Lanterns are Evil!
Date of Scene:	24 January 2018
Location:	Hall of Justice
Synopsis:	Batman meets with Superman and Wonder Woman to discuss his concerns about the Lantern Corps and their possible intentions. Differing points of view are argued.
Cast of Characters:	Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman

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Batman has posed:
    The holographic display in the Hall of Justice's library had been put through its paces many times before. Often the august assemblage of heroes would be settled in the calm surroundings of the gathering area, surrounded by the shelves of books and the myriad electronic devices that provided insight into the great collection of data housed in the building. At times plans were reviewed, or information was conveyed, but today the display provided a blazing cerulean beam of light that shone in a representation of various figures one after the other.
    It was a steady cavalcade of individuals, known beings who seemed so very disparate for the most part, save for one aspect. They all were sentients who possessed a power ring for the many colors of the spectrum. The data continued on, one after the other, their bios listed beside their holographic representations along with a planet of origin and when that was unknown Oa was referenced. It was a long list of individuals, and while it was displayed, the man in black known as the Batman spoke in that steady level tone of his.
    "Of the politically active galactic institutions, the Lantern Corps are some of the most industrious. Their influence reaches farther that any of the other recognized intergalactic authorities and of late their interest in Earth has escalated since our advance onto the inter-planetary stage." He shifts his weight to the other boot, raising a hand that holds a controller and using it to gesture to the display of the known active Lanterns on Earth.
    "Their standard method of operation, offering protection and aid to newly advanced civilizations is pitched as an altruistic effort. However, from the research I've been able to complete, these civilizations often go on to in turn support Oa as a power structure. There have also been incidents where a political regime change has been affected that led to Lanterns seeking to counter it under an explanation of liberation from oppression."

Superman has posed:
Superman stands there, arms folded. It's somewhat interesting that being from space he doesn't always have as much knowledge of it as others may assume. 'Hey look, there's the guy from outer space, ask him if he knows Ego!' Well...he doesn't. But regardless, Superman is paying attention to what Bruce puts together. "I have to say you've come a long way from stick figures and puppet shows, Bruce," he says with a friendly smile as he watches the holographic images and listens to the history. "So they're like a United Nations who rather than just sanction and offer peace keeping, actually at times prefer to get a bit more hands on. Are there any statistics that...they were right to argue the regime change? That the person coming into power liked to smuggle babies into slavery or was going to invite people to weekly family barbecues and they would be the meal?"

To be fair, things that run the gamut of the color spectrum and run off of powered gems have the ability to make Clark uncomfortable, but that at least doesn't seem to be his focus yet.

Wonder Woman has posed:
    "The Green Lanterns particularly have been some of our greatest allies," Diana points out, standing nearby as she watches the display curiously. She's not met any of the entities being shown other than a few of the ones assigned to the Sol system. There have been meetings and alliances with those from time to time. Hal was part of the team after all. Her arms are held at her sides, not really closed off to the discussion but not seeing it from the same point of view as Batman.
    "Not everyone is out to rule the galaxy," she says simply. "Their altruistic efforts seem to be just that from the little we've been exposed to them. Certainly you don't assume that the Green Lanterns we've worked with are part of some grand scheme to take over the world by seemingly doing good. You could argue the same for any of us who do charitable work, that we are doing it for reasons other than altruism. It doesn't make it true though."

Batman has posed:
    A small shake of his head is given towards Clark as the Batman answers, "Our view into their history is limited. I've primarily been able to only draw small bits and pieces from the individuals or information that's come before us." He crosses his arms over his chest, expression grim as he looks between the two of them. "I'm uncomfortable not having more insight into the people who could ultimately play a hand on the future of the planet."
    The irisless white eyelets slip to the side as he looks towards Diana. "The Lanterns that have helped us might not know in depth about the full organization. It's feasible there could be a higher tier of individuals that have a bigger picture view of things." He steps to the side and touches a fingertip to the control console.
    The lights come on and the holo display fades, leaving them there in that equal distance from each other, Batman's back to the corner as he refolds his arms. "I know Hal. I believe he believes them to be altruistic. But I'm willing to entertain the possibility he might not know everything there is to know about them." He tilts his head slightly, "Bottom line, whatever their motivations, we need more information."

Superman has posed:
"Well...it's not like Earth isn't getting a little crowded already. What's wrong with a little more traffic? Invite them here," suggest Superman. "We have the time. We have presumably the ability to keep something horrible from happening, and we have the expectation that for all intents and purposes their role is one meant for good. But I suppose first we need our own bit of education...or re-education. I mean we know of the Lantern Corps, and that they're effectively space marshalls. And they train on....Oa...which is the headquarters of the Lantern Corps." These last couple he says as statements but there's also that slightly open ended tone that he's ready to be corrected if he doesn't have the right of it yet. "Is that -all- Oa is? Is it a headquarters, or is it a civilization as well? Is it the people and rulers of Oa that protest these regimes or is it the Corps, and does the Corps operate independently of political influence? I think I understand the track of questioning...but we probably need to ask Hal to invite someone here or...we go visit. Which would be intersting as I haven't been on a field trip since I was in high school..."

Wonder Woman has posed:
    Diana looks from one of them to the other, eyes surprised at the way the conversation is going. "You cannot assume the worst of everyone," she says. Immediately, she realizes that Batman can. It's part of his genetic make-up, she's certain. "Forget I said that." She frowns slightly as she focuses on Batman. "We have been given no reason to suspect they are anything other than what they have presented themselves as. I'm not sure where this has come from or why but I am not comfortable with automatically being suspcious of them all when there has been nothing to support such suspicions."
    She glances over to Superman. "You agree with him?" She sounds a little surprised at that. "That we should look into them further?"

Batman has posed:
    The Batman frowns, which is not uncommon, but he holds it for a moment then nods towards Superman. "I'd propose several different approaches. Yourself and Diana might be best dealing with them directly, seeing what there is to be seen if it comes to visiting them or entertaining an envoy." He lifts fingertips from his bicep to motion towards the display as if it still depicted Oa before them. "I'll try and gather intel from those who have opposed them in the past, get the alternate point of view and try to learn what they don't want us to learn."
    He then focuses fully on Diana and his eyes narrow slightly. "During the expansionist era in the 1800's, Rangers often would help native American tribes. That didn't last forever."
    That hangs there for a moment, but then he gestures to the side, as if waving away the very words he spoke. "In any case. There's no harm in gathering information. And if the Lanterns object to us gaining that information then that will speak volumes."

Superman has posed:
Superman looks to Diana, and he sort of gives a casual shrug, as he answers her question. "It's not so much a matter of agreeing, Diana, as it is just acknowledging that Bruce may have a point. That sounded odd saying out loud." He looks over again and smiles, unable to help playing peace keeper. "Am I excited for the help? Absolutely. Should we be appreciative of it? Without question. On the flip side, if a big ship flew into outer space tomorrow and said 'we come in peace' I would be excited to meet them and be prepared for if things went sour. It's why are are who we are and formed this - because we want to give humanity and extra-terrestiral...manity...the benefit of the doubt. But when the doubt is clear we have a job to do. I think having a face to face sit-down isn't such a bad idea. Think of us as a protective father and mother meeting our kid's new beau for the first time - what are your intentions with our galaxy? It seems fair, and up front."

Wonder Woman has posed:
    "Or it means they are insulted as opposed to hiding something," Diana says with a shake of her head. "If representatives from Oa came here and wanted to know all about the inside workings of the League, we would be suspicious of them. It doesn't mean we are doing wrong in any way, shape or form. It simply means it isn't their business. It would be no different with us going there and asking questions that imply we think there is more to their motives than the goodness of their hearts." Or whatever organs they might have.
    At the father and mother analogy, she frowns a bit darkly and shakes her head again. "It seems to me that could easily be taken wrong and lead to a falling out with the Lanterns as a whole unless handled properly." Which explains why Batman suggested the two of them instead. "Even if dealt with diplomatically, it could lead to problems. We could lose teammates. Friends. Is it worth that?"
    She focuses back on Batman. "If they were to suddenly try something, we would be here to protect the world. I am certain Hal and the others would join us and not support the hypothetical invasion. We can be prepared without poking them with a stick."

Batman has posed:
    The Dark Knight gets the first hint of a smile at the metaphor of a young beau meeting their parents. But it's quickly gone as he shakes his head, then he turns to look at them both, "We can't function on hopes and well-wishes. We have to prepare for all possibilities, and knowing more about the Lantern Corps no matter the result of the information can't do anything except help us."
    He gestures with a gauntlet towards Diana, "If it comes to it, you can both deny having any knowledge of my efforts, that way I take the brunt of their umbrage. A paranoid wild card that leaps at shadows."
    That having been said he nods, "For now you two can put out feelers, make noise about wanting to meet them." He steps back from the table, arms unfolding. "I'll use my own methods to get what intelligence I can from other sources."
    There's a pause as he looks between the two of them and asks, "That's all I had to bring to attention." He lifts his chin and asks, "Is there anything else we need to discuss?" As if everything was resolved.

Superman has posed:
"You can..." he adds. "You can operate on hopes and well-wishes. How do you think I get through most of my days? Because no matter how many mistakes or how many times you get let down there's always the chance that next time things will be better. If I didn't have hopes and well-wishes for what humanity is and what it could still become, I'm not sure I'd be so passionate in my defense of humanity. You have to operate expecting better, expecting more, or you'll just end up being part of the darkness, Bruce. To Diana's point this is the Hall of Justice, not Hall of Suspicious Inquiry. I agree with you that meeting these protectors and understanding their goals is important. Even knowing their history but they can't be judged by that - not who they were. Only who they are and what they do now."

Clark shrugs then, looking back and forth between the two.

Wonder Woman has posed:
    Diana glances over at Clark and gives a nod at his explanation, the way he summed up her thoughts more precisely than she had so far. Then she looks over to Bruce.
    "I have not agreed to putting out feelers or anything of the sort. I will consider your suggestions," Diana says simply, not giving in to Batman's assumption that things are just going to go his way. She is truly not comfortable with the entire situation but she knows she should think on it before making a hasty decision. He has some valid points, she hates to admit. She does give a negative shake of her head. "I have no additional business for us to discuss at this time. Things have been quiet of late." Quiet makes her nervous.

Batman has posed:
    The Batman looks at Clark and Diana as the other man tells him of the best way to interact with the world, with how it is so important for one to maintain hope and maintain their view of the world lest they be lost to the darkness. It's, to be fair, a lovely sentiment. And yet...
    "I'll be in Gotham," Is the response that's given even as the Dark Knight turns smoothly, his cape flaring for a moment like a bat's wing and then curling around him as if he were some dark spectre that is moving towards the doorway.