General Kregg stepped forward, his posture rigid and military-precise. His gray-blue eyes swept across the assembled council members before settling back on Thragg. The holographic display in the center of the table flickered to life, casting blue light across everyone's faces as star maps and tactical data began to materialize in the air.
"To begin, Grand Regent," Kregg said, his voice carrying the weight of authority that came from Millenniums of military command. "Our forces have been in conflict with the Green Lantern Corps and the Coalition in several different sectors."
The holographic display shifted, showing multiple star systems highlighted in red, conflict zones where Viltrumite forces were engaged. Some systems pulsed with yellow indicators, showing Sinestro Corps activity. Others glowed with crimson markers, denoting Red Lantern presence.
"We have been able to drive them off in most engagements," Kregg continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "Due to the Empire's united forces and our strategic alliances, we maintain superiority in the majority of contested territories."
He gestured toward Sinestro, who sat with his fingers steepled in front of him, his yellow eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Sinestro's forces have done exceptionally well in culling any rebellious actions on our conquered planets," Kregg said. "The fear they instill has proven... remarkably effective at maintaining order. While impowering the Sinestro Corp members."
Sinestro inclined his head slightly, accepting the acknowledgment with the grace of someone who expected nothing less. Behind him, Lyssa Drak remained perfectly still, with a slight smile on her face.
"The populations learn quickly," Sinestro said, his voice smooth and cultured, carrying just a hint of superiority. "When they see what happens to those who resist, when they feel the weight of true fear pressing down upon them, they become remarkably compliant. Fear is the most honest emotion, after all. It strips away pretense and reveals what people truly are."
Thragg said nothing, his dark eyes fixed on Sinestro with an unreadable expression.
Kregg continued, and now his tone shifted slightly, becoming more cautious. "However, Grand Regent, we have encountered a... complication."
The holographic display changed again, this time showing battle footage. Red Lanterns engaged with Green Lanterns in brutal combat, their rage-fueled constructs clashing against willpower-forged weapons. But then the footage showed something else, figures in blue uniforms entering the fray, their rings glowing with a soft, almost gentle light that seemed completely at odds with the violence surrounding them.
"The Red Lanterns under Atrocitus's command are being pushed back," Kregg said carefully. "By the Green Lanterns and their new allies, the Blue Lantern Corps."
Atrocitus's massive form tensed immediately. His crimson skin seemed to darken, and the air around him shimmered with heat. On his lap, Dex-Starr's tiny form bristled, the kitten's eyes glowing brighter red.
"What can these Blue Lanterns do, General?" Thragg asked
Kregg pulled up more data, and the holographic display showed detailed analysis of Blue Lantern capabilities. Combat footage played alongside technical readouts, showing the blue light in action.
"Well, Grand Regent, these Blue Lantern ring users can neutralize a Red Lantern's rage-energized blood and calm their destructive impulses."
He paused, letting that sink in before continuing.
"From what our scouts report, they can safely remove a Red Power Ring without killing the bearer. This is... unprecedented. As you know, removing a Red Ring typically results in the immediate death of the wearer, as their blood has been replaced by the ring's plasma. But the Blue Lanterns somehow reverse this process."
Atrocitus's hands clenched into fists on the armrests of his chair. The metal groaned under the pressure, and small wisps of red energy began to leak from his ring.
"They can also boost a Green Lantern's ring up to double its maximum capacity," Kregg continued, his eyes flicking toward Sinestro. "Making already formidable opponents significantly more dangerous."
Sinestro's expression didn't change, but his yellow eyes narrowed slightly.
"Furthermore," Kregg said, pulling up footage of a Blue Lantern healing a severely wounded alien soldier, "they are capable of healing severe physical wounds and restoring organic bodies. Injuries that would normally be fatal can be reversed with their light."
The holographic display showed a Blue Lantern's ring glowing as it enveloped a dying warrior, the blue light washing over them like water. Within seconds, the warrior's wounds closed, their breathing stabilized, and they stood up as if they'd never been injured at all.
"We can also theorize," Kregg added, his gaze moving back to Sinestro, "that they will be able to drain or neutralize Yellow Lantern fear as well, though we have not yet observed this in combat."
Sinestro's fingers tightened slightly where they were steepled, but his expression remained calm. "Interesting."
"And what part of the emotional spectrum does this Lantern Corps derive from?" Thragg asked.
"Hope, sir, their mantra is 'All will be well.' They draw their power from the blue light of hope, the belief that no matter how dark things become, there is always a chance for a better tomorrow."
He pulled up more data, showing what little intelligence they'd gathered on the Blue Lantern Corps itself.
"So far, we have been able to find that the requirements to be one of their Corps members is to be at peace and hopeful, which is why their numbers are so small. From our reports, they only have around ten members. Perhaps fewer. The rings are extremely selective in their recruitment, choosing only those who embody hope in its purest form."
Thragg's face was impassive, but his eyes were calculating, processing this information . "I see," Thragg said finally, his voice carrying across the chamber like a judge delivering a verdict.
Then he turned his gaze to Sinestro and Atrocitus, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
"Sinestro. Atrocitus," Thragg said, his tone still perfectly controlled. "How are you going to handle this new Corps that can neutralize your power, and strengthen your greatest enemy?"
Sinestro smiled. He leaned back in his chair, his yellow eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Well, Grand Regent," Sinestro said smoothly, "I was hoping to unleash our mad dog. I know you wanted to save him for the Coalition's home world, but he is itching to be let off his chain. And I believe this situation warrants his... particular talents."
Atrocitus's head snapped toward Sinestro, his yellow eyes blazing with fury. The red energy around him intensified, and the air shimmered with barely contained rage.
"That thing should be killed," Atrocitus growled, his voice like grinding stone. "We cannot hope to fully control an ancient and powerful entity such as that. You speak of it as if it were a weapon, but it is a force of nature. A monster that will turn on us the moment it is convenient."
Sinestro's smile widened, showing teeth. "That's the thing, Atrocitus. We just have to aim him like a weapon and fire. Point him at the Blue Lanterns, let him do what he does best, and then deal with the aftermath. Simple."
"Simple," Atrocitus repeated, his voice dripping with contempt. "You speak of simplicity when dealing with something that has destroyed entire civilizations. You are a fool, Sinestro."
Behind Atrocitus, Bleez shifted slightly, her skeletal bat wings rustling. Her stark black eyes watched the exchange with interest, and there was a hint of a smile on her lips, as if she enjoyed watching her master's rage build.
Sinestro remained unruffled, his posture relaxed and confident. "I speak of practicality, Atrocitus. We have a problem, and a solution for said problem. The fact that the solution is dangerous simply means we must be careful in its application."
Atrocitus's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, it looked like he might lunge across the table at Sinestro. But then he turned his gaze to General Kregg, and his voice became cold and measured.
"General," Atrocitus said, each word carefully controlled. "I don't care about how we do it, but remember our deal. I want the Guardians."
Kregg looked back at him with those cold gray-blue eyes, his expression completely neutral. There was no fear there, no concern, just the calm assessment.
"Yes, Atrocitus," Kregg said flatly. "You will have your Guardians of the Universe. As agreed."
The promise hung in the air like a death sentence. The Guardians of the Universe, the ancient beings who had created the Green Lantern Corps, who had shaped the emotional spectrum itself, who had guided the universe for billions of years. And who have committed more atrocities then most will ever know.
Kregg's expression didn't change as he continued. "Tell me, how is your new recruit?"
"She is well," he said, his voice still rough but less hostile. "When we told her the truth about the Guardians, and what they really have been up to, she was more than willing to help us."
He paused, and a cruel smile crossed his brutal features.
"But she will want your head for killing her father."
General Kregg didn't look bothered in the slightest. If anything, there was a hint of amusement in his cold eyes. "She can try. Hopefully, she will be more entertaining now that she isn't held back by the Green Lantern Corps and their precious rules."
Thragg watched this exchange with those dark, calculating eyes, saying nothing. But his silence was more oppressive than any words could have been.
Kregg turned his attention back to the Grand Regent, pulling up new data on the holographic display. "Speaking of which, Grand Regent, we have conquered several different planets in recent campaigns."
The display shifted, showing a beautiful world with golden continents and blue oceans. The planet rotated slowly in the holographic projection, and data scrolled alongside it.
"One planet was Graxos IV in Space Sector 2815," Kregg said. "The people there are humanoids, known as the Graxosian race. They are compatible with our people to produce strong Type Ones."
Thragg's interest clearly piqued. "Go on."
"Yes, Grand Regent," Kregg continued, pulling up images of the Graxosian people. "Like many of the humanoid species of the universe, they are close in appearance to Viltrumites and Earthlings. But they have long ears, I believe on Earth they would call these species something like 'Elves.'"
The holographic display showed Graxosian civilians, tall, elegant beings with pointed ears and skin that seemed to shimmer with a faint golden hue. Their hair was universally blonde, ranging from pale platinum to deep gold, and their features were sharp and refined.
"The Graxosian species naturally produces an unprecedented number of Green Lantern Corps recruits," Kregg said, and this clearly caught everyone's attention. "So they are known throughout the galaxy for their willpower. Their entire culture is built around concepts of determination, perseverance, and inner strength."
He pulled up more data, showing biological analysis.
"They have an ability to biologically adapt to environment-driven physical changes within days instead of years, causing them to rapidly age in response to their surroundings. But despite this accelerated aging process, they have the ability to live for centuries. Some of their eldest members have been alive for over five hundred years."
Thragg's expression remained neutral, but there was a gleam in his dark eyes that suggested he was already calculating the strategic value of this conquest.
"I see, General," Thragg said. "And what of our agents in the Coalition and the Corps?"
Kregg's expression became more serious. "Grand Regent, they have informed us that the Coalition has sent a Lantern Corps liaison to Earth. Intelligence suggests they may arrive before Anissa does."
Thragg's fingers drummed once on the armrest of his throne, the only outward sign of his thoughts. "I see. Anissa and the others should have little struggle with them then."
Then his gaze shifted, becoming colder. "Tell me General. Why is Mongul not here?"
The question hung in the air like a blade. Mongul, the brutal ruler of War World, the massive gladiatorial planet where the strongest warriors in the galaxy fought for survival and glory. He had been one of the Empire's most valuable assets, providing both entertainment and a testing ground for their warriors.
Kregg cleared his voice, and for the first time, there was a hint of something in his expression. Not quite discomfort, but perhaps... caution.
"Yes, Grand Regent," Kregg said carefully. "The ruler of War World was killed not too long ago by Battle Beast, who has taken over the world and says he will not offer its services to the Empire until you meet him back in the arena."
The room went cold.
It wasn't a physical cold, but something deeper, more primal. Every person at that table understood what this meant. And everyone there thought they could see what looked like a small smile on the Regent's face.
It was barely there, just the faintest curve at the corner of Thragg's mouth, but it was enough to make the temperature drop even further. Because that smile suggested that Thragg was not displeased by this challenge. He was... amused.
"Well," Thragg said, his voice still that same controlled monotone, but now there was something underneath it. Something that might have been anticipation. "My old friend wants to see me again."
"Inform them I will be there shortly, but do not give them a designated time. That beast will learn some patience."
"As you order, Grand Regent," Kregg said immediately.
Then Thragg's gaze shifted, moving across the table to where Universa sat. The alien warrior queen had been silent throughout most of the meeting, and her bright blue eyes met Thragg's gaze without flinching.
"Universa," Thragg said, his voice carrying across the chamber. "When was the last time you saw the Princess of Almerac, Maxima?"
Universa's posture remained regal and composed, but there was a subtle tension in her shoulders now, a tightness around her eyes that suggested she knew where this was going.
"It has been some time, Grand Regent."
"Oh, is that so?" Thragg said, and there was something almost conversational in his tone now, which somehow made it more threatening. "So you have no idea why she is not here at this meeting?"
"I do not, Grand Regent."
"I see," Thragg said softly. "You would think, with you two knowing each other for years, that you would know when something is wrong or where they might be." He paused, letting the implication hang in the air, that Universa was either lying or incompetent, and neither option reflected well on her.
"No matter," Thragg continued, his tone becoming more businesslike. "I have sent one of my men to Almerac to check on its princess."
Universa's eyes widened slightly, and her grip on the Staff of Leadership tightened. Her posture became stiffer, though she fought to maintain her composure.
"That is not nec—" she began, but General Kregg cut her off immediately.
"Silence," Kregg said, his voice sharp and cold. "You dare question the Grand Regent after he so generously offered your people and planet the resources it needed to survive?"
The rebuke was harsh and public, designed to remind Universa of her place in this hierarchy. She was here because the Empire had allowed her to be here, because they had saved her dying world. She owed them everything.
Thragg raised one hand, a casual gesture that somehow commanded absolute attention. "Enough, General."
Kregg immediately fell silent.
Thragg stood from his throne, in a smooth fluid motion, almost graceful despite his massive size. He floated over the table, his feet never touching the ground, his royal red cape billowing behind him as he moved through the air like a predator circling its prey.
He floated over to Universa, passing above the other council members, his shadow falling across each of them in turn. His hands were clasped behind his back, his posture relaxed, his gaze calm but his eyes not on her. He positioned himself with his back to her, looking out at the chamber as if contemplating something far away.
"Do not worry, Universa," Thragg said, his voice soft and almost gentle, which made it infinitely more terrifying. "If the princess is caught up in a problem, then my agent going there will be of great help. And if Almerac is in need of guidance, then they will receive that too."
He paused, and the silence stretched out for a heartbeat.
"After all, Conquest never fails to produce results."
Universa's bright blue eyes widened in horror. Her entire body went rigid, and her knuckles turned white where she gripped the Staff of Leadership. Because she knew that name. Everyone in the Empire knew that name.
Conquest.
One of Thragg's most brutal and effective agents. A Viltrumite who had earned his name through the systematic destruction and subjugation of countless worlds. When Conquest was sent to a planet, there were only two possible outcomes: complete submission or total annihilation. There was no middle ground, negotiation, or mercy.
And Thragg had just sent him to Almerac. To Maxima's world.
Thragg floated away from Universa, his voice carrying across the chamber with absolute authority.
"Universa, you and your battalion will seek out and eliminate the Blue Lanterns."
It was an order, delivered in that same calm monotone, but it was absolute. There was no room for argument, no possibility of refusal.
"Sinestro, Atrocitus," Thragg continued. "You both will accompany me to War World."
Sinestro inclined his head, that thin smile still on his lips. Atrocitus simply nodded, his massive form radiating barely contained violence. Thragg turned his attention back to General Kregg. "General Kregg, tell Colonel Lucan to ensure Conquest doesn't go too far. The planet still has it's use."
The order was almost casual, as if Thragg were discussing the weather rather than the potential genocide of an entire planet. But everyone in the room understood what it meant, Conquest was being given permission to do whatever was necessary to bring Almerac to heel, with only the barest restraint to prevent complete annihilation.
Thragg floated toward the door, his cape billowing behind him. The door hissed open automatically, responding to his presence like the station itself recognized its master.
General Kregg stood at attention, his fist pressed against his chest in the traditional Viltrumite salute. "Yes, Grand Regent. It will be done."
Thragg passed through the doorway without another word, and the door hissed shut behind him. The moment he was gone, the oppressive weight in the room seemed to lift slightly, though the tension remained.
Universa sat frozen in her chair, her mind racing. Maxima. Her friend, her ally, the princess of Almerac. Conquest was going there. He would tear through Almerac's defenses like they were paper. He would break their warriors, subjugate their people, and if Maxima resisted... She could end up like the rest of the woman from the stories of the worlds he conquered.
I have to tell Maxima to head to Earth and find Princess Koriand'r instead of going to the Coalition. Earth is outside the Empire's immediate reach. The Justice League and rumours of Viltrumites that defy the empire should be true. If Maxima can reach them, if she can be safer there, and warn them about what's coming...
It was a desperate plan, and it would mean betraying the Empire if she were caught. But Universa had not survived this long, had not led her people through countless hardships, by being unwilling to take risks when necessary.
She would find a way. She had to.
Universa stood slowly, her grip on the Staff of Leadership steady despite the turmoil in her mind. She had her orders. She would hunt the Blue Lanterns, eliminate this new threat to the Empire's power.
But first, she would find a way to warn her friend. Even if it cost her everything.