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

Darko · Apr 29, 2021

ForeverShogo said:
The idea that you need some special mindset to be effectively immortal as an Orange Lantern still seems really dumb to me. Most people don't really want to get old, or decrepit, or deal with illness or injury or whatever.

The idea that always being in your prime isn't just part of the package is just absolutely bonkers to me.

BlueMangoAdea said:
Right. The ring allows you to completely reshape your body, anyways. Wouldn't the vast majority of old people want to stop being old if they have the ring on?

It's perfectly possible that they don't see getting old or dying as being anything that's wrong or bad.

Their culture, society or religion may even consider these things to be good, or they themselves may view them as being good, so have no great desire to avoid them all that much.

There are real life cultures that venerate old age.

They might view immortality and agelessnes as even being abhorrent.

They probably may not like illness or injury, so use the ring to get rid of those, but have nothing against old age.

They may try to remove some of the less positive aspects of getting old, like losing some of your mental or physical strength, but are otherwise fine with getting old and dying.

And that's assuming their species has any negative side effects from getting old.

Some of the members in the Corps may belong to species where old age actually brings physical and mental benefits, as in they get stronger and more mentally focused the more they age.

Senevri · Apr 29, 2021

Darko said:
This does not match up with what we've seen him do when he's told something by someone.

Well, if you start always following the advice of every authority, that only lasts until you're told to question things. Or, if you believe an authority is always correct, that should end the first time you find them to be wrong.

topin89 · Apr 29, 2021

Darko said:
It's perfectly possible that they don't see getting old or dying as being anything that's wrong or bad.

In general, yes, galaxy is huge, there should be more than one person who thinks being old, ill, decaying and inevitably dead is awesome.

But Drusa's definitely not that person. She asked how to become immortal, she does not want to die. So why this wish was not granted by her ring, I don't understand. Maybe she's already immortal, and never noticed? I mean, ring heals any injures, surely it will heal age-related, like wrinkles or heart scar tissues. She just don't want to be younger, so no new body for her.

Then again, immortal is relative term. She's definitely ageless, but she will die if she's killed (that is, if nothing changes during this chapter). Paul got better from qwa-matter in the face. Not sure how anyone could repeat that.

Ngamer11 · Apr 29, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
Cold Iron (part 6)

This link is linked to the page after the page that has the actual chapter on it.

Mr Zoat · Apr 29, 2021

Ngamer11 said:
This link is linked to the page after the page that has the actual chapter on it.

That's happened a couple of times and I have no idea why. Corrected.

LiamOfOrmonde · Apr 29, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"You don't know of anything you really really want? So maybe you just need to try completely new things. How do you feel about model wargaming?"

You're trying to get someone addicted to something that's expensive and they won't be able to quit without help. Don't take this the wrong way, but you're a pusher.

Agumentic · Apr 29, 2021

LiamOfOrmonde said:
You're trying to get someone addicted to something that's expensive and they won't be able to quit without help. Don't take this the wrong way, but you're a pusher.

Power rings rather solve that problem.

LiamOfOrmonde · Apr 29, 2021

Agumentic said:
Power rings rather solve that problem.

Time is the most valuable thing of all and she'll spend all of hers trying to assemble a collection of perfect models. Then they'll update the codex and she'll have to get new ones. It's an insidious Tzeenchian mind-trap if there ever was one

King of Frost · Apr 29, 2021

She can't auto stop herself from aging, but couldn't she every once in a while focus on a desire to be younger?

Like it wouldn't need to be very often either.

FuzzyZergling · Apr 29, 2021

ForeverShogo said:
The idea that you need some special mindset to be effectively immortal as an Orange Lantern still seems really dumb to me. Most people don't really want to get old, or decrepit, or deal with illness or injury or whatever.

The idea that always being in your prime isn't just part of the package is just absolutely bonkers to me.

I follow a few counter-apologetics youtubers, and every now and then I get surprised by how many people make the argument that they would find eternal life boring. I don't believe in heaven, but if I did you can bet I'd want to get in.

webxro · Apr 29, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"Well enough. It's a job. I'm… Not a god..?"

To be read as "I am not a god like you."

Rafin · Apr 29, 2021

Could anyone link me to the chapter(s) that Drusa previously appeared in? I have a hard time remembering who she is, how she looks, why she was recruited or what sent her down the path of reading religious books.

LiamOfOrmonde said:
Time is the most valuable thing of all and she'll spend all of hers trying to assemble a collection of perfect models. Then they'll update the codex and she'll have to get new ones. It's an insidious Tzeenchian mind-trap if there ever was one

She can literally create the models out of raw materials if she wants them enough.

NightmareWarden · Apr 29, 2021

Handlewithcare said:
"LET THE EMPEROR...LITTLE PLASTIC FIGURINES FILL THAT GAPING MAW IN YOUR SOUL!"

Hm. Slaneesh would actually be a good cautionary tale for OLs. Excessive want without satisfaction.

Yes! Slaanesh and the Dark Eldar.

Ngamer11 · Apr 29, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
I float in space on the edge of the Liot'r system, watching the movements in near-Tamaran orbit. Hawk's Nest has been altered nearly beyond recognition since… Last July? The Thanagarian capital ships are floating in the void close to it, while what I assume is the new Tamaranian fleet is split between a defensive formation around the ex-Citadelian docking cradles and some.. sort of training exercise. I had been assuming that the Tamaranians would either use their own pre-conquest designs or just use the Citadel's designs for ease of logistics, but these are something different. It could be the Thanagarian influence, but without Nth Metal their designs wouldn't really work…

Tamaran itself has changed as well. I can see new roads connecting the major settlements, and a slight change in colour around farming areas indicating that they're cultivating a much larger area. Roads have an interesting place in Tamaranian society. As the people can fly- and generally do so faster than they can run- they don't have the same utility for people-transportation that roads on Earth do. Historically, Tamaranians didn't really bother with them, and they existed for only a relatively brief period before they moved to repulsor-based flying transport vehicles which didn't have the same need for prepared surfaces. But now it looks like they've decided that simpler wheeled transport vehicles are the way to go rather than use what technological know-how they have left on civilian transportation, and wheeled vehicles are fulfilling the expanded need to move goods and materials around.

Mr Zoat said:
He shakes his head. **I doubt there's any harm in it. The Tamaranians still don't understand the concept of 'secret identities'.**

Mr Zoat said:
He gestures to the surrounding stars with his right hand. "The psions created nearly everything around here. A few of the older species predate the time when the Guardians transported them to the Wombworld, but the Tamaranians have records of their entire people being transported to Tamaran. That's one of the reasons why I stopped here when I first came to Vega."

Mr Zoat said:
"No, no. The psions weren't interested in using the Tamaranians for social or psychological experiments. They just wanted to make certain that there would always be a population for them to experiment on. You're free to look through the archive while you're here." He glances back at the Cometeer. "Is Princess Koriand'r with you?"

Mr Zoat said:
He makes a small shrug. "I assume that she's still on Tillettit, helping those poor women. Komand'r flew back once the Maltusians organised their relief mission." He smiles. "She can fly under her own power, now. She helped a lot of other Tamaranians by getting that cure rediscovered."

Mr Zoat said:
"I can't say I gained much useful experience while the Citadel had me hooked up as a generator. Besides, Tamaranians don't go grey. And with all of the differences between me and regular humans, I've never been sure exactly how long I've got to live."

Mr Zoat said:
I straighten, smiling. Since I'm a few steps down from them, my head is slightly below theirs. I'm not exactly sure how that looks to Tamaranians, but humanoids tend to think about body language in fairly similar ways.

"Thank you, your majesty. As I approached the planet I was able to admire the work which the Tamaranian people have done since I left. I'm pleased that you've been able to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to you."

Mr Zoat said:
"Alright, what sort of things do Tamaranian aristocrats who are on good terms with one another do together?"

Mr Zoat said:
We walk past a corridor. Glancing down it I see a group of athletic Tamaranians in the traditional clothing of underwear and tassels.

Mr Zoat said:
"Last year I talked one of Earth's more isolationist communities into sending a theatre troupe outside their country on a tour. Aside from an unfortunate event during their first performance, it went rather well. I'd quite like to do an exhibition on Tamaranian culture and history, give the people of Earth a look at what's going on off their world. I'm afraid that it probably won't lead to any new trading opportunities; the distance is just too great."

Mr Zoat said:
"That's not usual for Vega, is it? The Citadel didn't do that to the Tamaranians."

Mr Zoat said:
Five tamaranians, eleven dredfahlans and a changraylynian. A tiny fraction of the number they would have been holding.

Found some errors. Those should be 'Tamaranean/s'.

Darko · Apr 29, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
and though I had risen far I still wished to know if

Maybe 'far, I still'

Darko · Apr 29, 2021

Rafin said:
Could anyone link me to the chapter(s) that Drusa previously appeared in? I have a hard time remembering who she is, how she looks, why she was recruited or what sent her down the path of reading religious books.

Here.

Mr Zoat said:
cronies waiting

Mr Zoat said:
And now the fun one. "Lantern Drusa. Who as far as I can see picked up a ring because it was on offer and you're not an idiot."

Mr Zoat said:
"I haven't show him

'shown'

Flightless Man · Apr 29, 2021

Ngamer11 said:
Found some errors. Those should be 'Tamaranean/s'.

At this point, it almost might be how it's spelt in this universe.

PDV · Apr 29, 2021

FuzzyZergling said:
I follow a few counter-apologetics youtubers, and every now and then I get surprised by how many people make the argument that they would find eternal life boring. I don't believe in heaven, but if I did you can bet I'd want to get in.

Heaven as depicted - every version from Earth monotheists, at least, and most others, including the Elysian Fields- would be boring as shit. It's a story optimized for sounding like wonderful news to first hear about, not for being a fulfilling place to live. Still beats oblivion but that's not a high bar.

Some other religions manage a good end that doesn't sound like hell. Valhalla is for specialist tastes, Buddhist enlightenment involver turning into something very alien but also something that enjoys its new environment, probably some others are similarly "decent, with caveats". But Heaven is not.

Stsword · Apr 30, 2021

PDV said:
Heaven as depicted - every version from Earth monotheists, at least, and most others, including the Elysian Fields- would be boring as shit. It's a story optimized for sounding like wonderful news to first hear about, not for being a fulfilling place to live. Still beats oblivion but that's not a high bar.

The writers of Vertigo agree with you.

Swamp Thing had Abby Arcane encounter the soul of Alec Holland who was residing in heaven.

He mentioned the missus, Linda, had her fill of Heaven so they've requested their reincarnation.

Which was shown later in Swamp Thing, Constantine and a guy who seems to be Odin were part of his four wise men as he was born under a brand new star shining in the heavens.

The traveler gave him the Ruby of Life, the element of Earth. The second was a book of short stories written by a water elemental, representing water. The third was Nightmaster's sword of truth-intellect and reason forged in cold hard steel, representing air. And Constantine used his forth gift, a matchbook containing the power of fire itself, that could be used to grant any wish the heart desires...to light a cigarette.

Alec you see, had been reincarnated as the first of humanity's next spiritual evolution.

Which is of course incompatible with the New Earth storyline in which Alec Holland is resurrected to become the New Swamp Thing and White Light Entity in Brightest Day. But I've never pretended that Vertigo and New Earth shared a continuity.

Cuchulin · Apr 30, 2021

PDV said:
Heaven as depicted - every version from Earth monotheists, at least, and most others, including the Elysian Fields- would be boring as shit. It's a story optimized for sounding like wonderful news to first hear about, not for being a fulfilling place to live. Still beats oblivion but that's not a high bar.
Some other religions manage a good end that doesn't sound like hell. Valhalla is for specialist tastes, Buddhist enlightenment involver turning into something very alien but also something that enjoys its new environment, probably some others are similarly "decent, with caveats". But Heaven is not.

I don't know about the Elysian Fields but you right about the others from what I have read, though the proponents would say that even if it sounds boring it isn't because being in the presence of god is supposed this wonderful happy blissful thing (Kinda like taking drugs if you think about it). But then that was likely part of the point and appeal if you think about how much non-stop back breaking work most people used to have to do.

Mr Zoat · Apr 30, 2021

4th August 2012
17:47 GMT

"…escort will arrive tomorrow, my lord."

The first officer of the largest cargo ship I've seen with my own eyes hasn't stopped genuflecting since she introduced herself. I'm not sure if her culture encourages this sort of behaviour between crew and foreign dignitaries, or if this is just for my benefit. Obviously I could find out with empathic vision, but that would be rude and... Wasn't there a Greek philosopher who got annoyed when one of his slaves told him that the reason his figs tasted sweet was because he was coating them in honey, because he wanted to try and work it out for himself?

Maybe pay a bit more attention to what your servants are doing for you next time.

"And then it's a two day journey, followed by between four and six days in-system, depending on whether a pilot is immediately available or not."

"Yes, Clarissi Dox already warned me about that. Is that a common practice?"

"I'd say that it was the technique used by perhaps one in eight worlds? It's more common around major trading hubs, due to the sheer volume of traffic. I can only apologise for the inconvenience, my lord."

"No, that's fine. Do you have a spare room?"

"Both yourself and Lantern Drusa have been assigned a state room. On a Gigantuous-Class like this we're never short of space."

"Oh. Good. I'm sure that will be fine. Please lead the way?"

She rises, head still bowed, and turns to lead us in the direction of the guest quarters.

Drusa pulls up alongside me as we follow her.

"Six to eight days on this ship."

"We don't need to be on the ship until it arrives at its destination, and we can both fly faster than it can. But since you've got my undivided attention, you may as well make use of it."

"You don't want to plan your approach?"

"I can't plan my approach until I've gotten a look at the people I'm going to be talking to. Without an immediate threat, I can't justify an aggressive approach. Any planet like this is going to have thousands of officials they could send to talk to me, so there's no point in looking at the track record of one or two. And Dox picked me over an actual diplomat, or anyone else who might have had the time to study their culture in depth. So he clearly thinks that's not what the situation calls for."

"Does he expect me to, in your opinion?"

I raise my left eyebrow, glancing at her with my empathic vision turned up. She's.. intentionally keeping herself dim, but I can see enough of-.

"You are aware that you don't need to ingratiate with me, aren't you? My whole function is to help other Lanterns improve. It's what I want, and it's how I serve the Corps. I also don't have anything like the ego that approach requires."

"I apologise."

I wave my right hand.

"Apologise when you mean it. I just don't want you wasting your time by treating me like one of the pirate chiefs you used to work for. Just understand that it's pointless."

"It's not easy to break the habits of a lifetime."

"You've got a whole load of instincts you've cultivated to keep you alive, and now you're in a situation where none of them serve you. And you're intelligent enough to know it." I shrug. "I know a few people like that."

"How have they adapted?"

"Selina… Kind of… Hasn't. She used to be a cat burglar, now she's a cat burglar who doesn't have any reason to steal anything."

Lantern Drusa's eyes glow, then her ring projects a Catwoman construct.

"Do females of your species usually dress like that?"

"There's a subculture. It makes more sense in context."

"A leather subculture?"

"She used to work as a dominatrix. But, no. I was talking about the separation between what my people would call normal clothes and what's normal within the… Within theme-crime circles. Now, before-."

Her eyes flash and she stumbles a step.

"Yes."

"Your… Homeworld is insane." The Selina construct collapses. "How… How..?"

"Yes. We know. The point is that while her costume is striking, it's outlandish within a gap of accepted outlandishness. If you see what I mean. But the point is that she instinctively looks around for people to steal from and objects to steal, while intellectually realising that it wouldn't actually benefit her and that she has everything she was trying to get through theft. I mean, how much time have you spent thinking about how to get hold of my ring?"

"There wouldn't be any point."

"At least you didn't bother trying to deny it." I pull it off my finger. "Want it? I can just get another one."

"I don't-."

"Go on. Put it on. See how it makes you feel."

She takes it from me with her right hand, then slides it onto her left index finger. I don't notice any difference in her environmental shield, which honestly is what I'd expect. Unless Hinon's been holding out on everyone else, which seems unlikely.

"Feel any different?"

"No."

…

"Are you planning on giving it back?"

"I was.. waiting for something to happen."

"Hinon customised that ring for me. If anything was going to happen, it would have happened when you got the ring customised for you."

"I think they gave me one out of general stores."

But she pulls my ring off her finger and holds it out anyway, and I float it back to my finger.

"Thank you. Of course, while I couldn't work out how to help Selina make the change in her thinking that you're struggling with, I managed to help Jade Nguyen make a similar transition. She went from murdering people for money as part of a crazy personality cult on Earth to killing people for the greater good with the Darkstars."

Lantern Drusa's eyes flash orange again.

"Your lover?"

"That's the one. I find the way she was able to make the shift that you're struggling with and that Selina's pretty much given up on to be an extremely attractive trait. Oh! That reminds me of a book I read. If… Back before you joined the Corps, if you found a power ring on an abandoned space station, and you had to hide it from your employer for weeks while you worked out how to use it, how happy would you have been when you finally got it working?"

"Extremely happy."

"And when you just got given it?"

She thinks for a moment, then nods.

"There's a book from Earth called 'Starship Troopers'. A school teacher offers someone who came fourth in a race the prize for first place, and asks if getting it would make him happy. He says no, and the teacher says that.. of course it doesn't. He hasn't earned it. Getting the fourth place prize might make him a little happy because that's what his effort got him, but first?"

I shrug.

"So perhaps we need to work out what tickles your 'I earned this' button."

hance1986 · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"So perhaps we need to work out what tickles you 'I earned this' button."

' your '

Darko · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
. I also don't have anything like the ego that approach requires

But you do have an ego.

Mr Zoat said:
Lantern Drusa's eyes glow, then her ring projects a Catwoman construct.

"Do females of your species usually dress like that?"

Some crime fighters or criminals do.

The ones not in those categories do it for sex.

Mr Zoat said:
Your… Homeworld is insane."

Yes, yes it is.

Mr Zoat said:
She went to murdering

'from murdering'

Mr Zoat said:
. I find the way she was able to shift that you're struggling with and Selina's pretty much given up on to be an extremely attractive trait

Sentence feels weird.

Maybe 'to make the shift that you're'

Grimnar · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
On a Gigantuous-Class like

Bruh.

inglorius · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
She went to murdering people for money as part of a crazy personality cult on Earth to killing people for the greater good with the Darkstars.

"from"
Is Dox just keeping OL busy and away from important stuff? Feels like it.

Agent Orange · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
On a Gigantuous-Class like this we're never short of space.

So they boarded a Space Titanic? Hopefully there's enough lifeboats for when it inevitably hits that space iceberg.

Handlewithcare · Apr 30, 2021

Yeah, I guess someone who values personal accomplishment wouldn't actually do so well with an Orange Ring.

It's power is based on wanting things. Not doing things yourself, but merely wanting them to happen.

It makes wanting things itself the only win condition, which clashes with accomplishment.

A good OL needs to care about the outcome only.

Chojin Patriarch · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
4th August 2012
17:47 GMT

"…escort will arrive tomorrow, my lord."

Ah, already getting the delaying tactic runaround, eh? Though not the intentional kind this early in the mission. If Yuna has as large an off-world import/export and trading scene as Dox's briefing suggested, ships are expected to take some time to get through the system.

The first officer of the largest cargo ship I've seen with my own eyes hasn't stopped genuflecting since he introduced himself. I'm not sure if her culture encourages this sort of behaviour between crew and foreign dignitaries, or if this is just for my benefit. Obviously I could find out with empathic vision, but that would be rude and... Wasn't there a Greek philosopher who got annoyed when one of his slaves told him that the reason his figs tasted sweet was because he was coating them in honey, because he wanted to try and work it out for himself?

Maybe pay a bit more attention to what your servants are doing for you next time.

But then you couldn't be a decadent philosopher dilettante... And if you have the money to be one, why wouldn't you want to be one?

"And then it's a two day journey, followed by between four and six days in-system, depending on whether a pilot is immediately available or not."

"Yes, Clarissi Dox already warned me about that. Is that a common practice?"

The wheels of bureaucracy move slowly, especially on a stellar scale. Still, that gives plenty of time to think and work with Drusa.

"I'd say that it was the technique used by perhaps one in eight worlds? It's more common around major trading hubs, due to the sheer volume of traffic. I can only apologise for the inconvenience, my lord."

"No, that's fine. Do you have a spare room?"

If the ship's as big as you suggested (And I'm picturing something several kilometres long and over five hundred metres across,) there's bound to be plenty of crew space.

"Both yourself and Lantern Drusa have been assigned a state room. On a Gigantuous-Class like this we're never short of space."

"Oh. Good. I'm sure that will be fine. Please lead the way?"

Thought so. Though that's a peculiar class name. I'm guessing, nay hoping, a lot of their words will be wibbly like that, then...

She rises, head still bowed, and turns to lead us in the direction of the guest quarters.

Drusa pulls up alongside me as we follow her.

"Six to eight days on this ship."

What's wrong with that? Look on it as a chance for some paid time off. I mean, sure, there's probably not much to do aboard, but as a Lantern, boredom should be easy to deal with...

"We don't need to be on the ship until it arrives at its destination, and we can both fly faster than it can. But since you've got my undivided attention, you may as well make use of it."

"You don't want to plan your approach?"

Sensible, but what planning can you do until you get there? Do you have extensive databases of the cultural and behavioural traits of the Yunans? Personnel files on any possible points of contact?

"I can't plan my approach until I've gotten a look at the people I'm going to be talking to. Without an immediate threat, I can't justify an aggressive approach. Any planet like this is going to have thousands of officials they could send to talk to me, so there's no point in looking at the track record of one or two. And Dox picked me over an actual diplomat, or anyone else who might have had the time to study their culture in depth. So he clearly thinks that's not what the situation calls for."

So... There's a measure of gunboat diplomacy involved here. Sending their biggest gun, namely OL, suggests a bit of 'This is who will be kicking your arses if you attack us' involved. But OL is also restrained enough not to resort to guns-blazing at the first sign of trouble.

"Does he expect me to, in your opinion?"

I raise my left eyebrow, glancing at her with my empathic vision turned up. She's.. intentionally keeping herself dim, but I can see enough of-.

...Is she trying to play suck-up? Must be force of habit, learned by dealing with mercenary leaders.

"You are aware that you don't need to ingratiate with me, aren't you? My whole function is to help other Lanterns improve. It's what I want, and it's how I serve the Corps. I also don't have anything like the ego that approach requires."

"I apologise."

Save the apologies for when you actually fuck something up, Lantern. Taker this as a learning opportunity.

I wave my right hand.

"Apologise when you mean it. I just don't want you wasting your time by treating me like one of the pirate chiefs you used to work for. Just understand that it's pointless."

See, OL knows he's the biggest dog in the room. So no need for that yappy bravado a pirate captain (who usually serves at his crew's tolerance) would typically display.

"It's not easy to break the habits of a lifetime."

"You've got a whole load of instincts you've cultivated to keep you alive, and now you're in a situation where none of them serve you. And you're intelligent enough to know it." I shrug. "I know a few people like that."

Including at least one as a personal student.

"How have they adapted?"

"Selina… Kind of… Hasn't. She used to be a cat burglar, now she's a cat burglar who doesn't have any reason to steal anything."

After all, she's lost her chance at the Bat. What's the point of acting up if she can't play with him and leave him blue-balled and wanting more?

Lantern Drusa's eyes glow, then her ring projects a Catwoman construct.

"Do females of your species usually dress like that?"

To be fair, the typical Catwoman costume these days is relatively conservative. Wait until she looks up heroes like Wonder Woman or Phantom Lady...
"Why is this one wearing... Is that lingerie?"

"There's a subculture. It makes more sense in context."

"A leather subculture?"

...Well, it's a bit more Latex these days, but hey, it makes her feel powerful.

"She used to work as a dominatrix. But, no. I was talking about the separation between what my people would call normal clothes and what's normal within the… Within theme-crime circles. Now, before-."

Her eyes flash and she stumbles a step.

Congratulations, you've had your first brush with Earth Bullshit™. Try not to think too hard about it, you'll get a little crazy trying to work out why.

"Yes."

"Your… Homeworld is insane." The Selina construct collapses. "How… How..?"

Another Illustres meme: The Illustres' homeworld is so mad, fighting the Reach is like a rest period.

"Yes. We know. The point is that while her costume is striking, it's outlandish within a gap of accepted outlandishness. If you see what I mean. But the point is that she instinctively looks around for people to steal from and objects to steal, while intellectually realising that if wouldn't actually benefit her and that she has everything she was trying to get through theft. I mean, how much time have you spent thinking about how to get hold of my ring?"

And be honest now. You're clearly thinking it's got to have special capabilities, like shutting down other rings remotely.

"There wouldn't be any point."

"At least you didn't bother trying to deny it." I pull it off my finger. "Want it? I can just get another one."

Well, after Hinon grouses at you for a bit about all the effort she put into tuning it being wasted...

"I don't-."

"Go on. Put it on. See how it makes you feel."

No, there's no subtext here at all. Nope, none at all.

She takes it from me with her right hand, then slides it onto her left index finger. I don't notice any difference in her environmental shield, which honestly is what I'd expect. Unless Hinon's been holding out on everyone else, which seems unlikely.

"Feel any different?"

Besides the obvious 'Current Charge: 189%' popping up on her ring's feedback.After all, multiple rings, multiple charges.

"No."

…

"Are you planning on giving it back?"

Because, you know, he still does need it. He's not at full Orange Light Mastery yet.

Though to be fair, he's getting pretty up there by now.

"I was.. waiting for something to happen."

"Hinon customised that ring for me. If anything was going to happen, it would have happened when you got the ring customised for you."

And you don't get the good shit until you reach Honour Guard rank. Which I'm pretty sure no Orange Lantern yet qualifies for at this stage.

"I think they gave me one out of general stores."

But she pulls my ring off her finger and holds it out anyway, and I float it back to my finger.

Subtle little power play there she might assume he intended, with the whole 'I can take a ring any time I liked'. Knowing OL, he didn't.

"Thank you. Of course, while I couldn't work out how to help Selina make the change in her thinking that you're struggling with, I managed to help Jade Nguyen make a similar transition. She went to murdering people for money as part of a crazy personality cult on Earth to killing people for the greater good with the Darkstars."

Lantern Drusa's eye flash orange again.

I suspect she's going to be doing a lot of database reading over the next few days, studying just what kind of world could produce a man like Pavlos.

"Your lover?"

"That's the one. I find the way she was able to shift that you're struggling with and Selina's pretty much given up on to be an extremely attractive trait. Oh! That reminds me of a book I read. If… Back before you joined the Corps, you found a power ring on an abandoned space station, and you had to hide it from your employer for weeks while you worked out how to uses it, how happy would you have been when you finally got it working?"

Eh, where's he going with this, I wonder? Still, it's a logical conundrum for her.

"Extremely happy."

"And when you just got given it?"

Ah... I see...

She thinks for a moment, then nods.

"There's a book from Earth called 'Starship Troopers'. A school teacher offers someone who came fourth in a race the prize for first place, and asks if getting it would make him happy. He says no, and the teacher says that.. of course it doesn't. He hasn't earned it Getting the fourth place prize might make him a little happy because that's what his effort got him, but first?"

Something which didn't make it into the Verhoeven movie, I think. And a good idea about finding her natural wants...

I shrug.

"So perhaps we need to work out what tickles you 'I earned this' button."

...Oh, my.[/takei] Seriosuly, OL. phrasing. Especially with your mention of Dominatrices earlier.

Okay, now you have an idea to improve her skills. Let's see how you execute that plan, though. I mean, it's not like you're going to get to Planet Yuna anytime soon. Not in any official capacity, anyway. After all, I suspect the locals would take a dim view to Lanterns flitting about their spacelanes, whatever their colour...

...while you worked out how to uses it...

...while you worked out how to use it...

Stitched_Lips · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
what tickles you 'I earned this' button.

Think that's a *your* not you

Shotiegun11 · Apr 30, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
He hasn't earned it. Getting the fourth place prize might make him a little happy because that's what his effort got him, but first?

Need 'full stop'.

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

Connoisseur.

Not too sore, are you?

Virgin Centrist

Experienced.

Dedicated ragequitter

Know what you're doing yet?

Not too sore, are you?

Know what you're doing yet?

Wishing I was somewhere colder no doubt.

Making the rounds.

Benevolent Bystander

Not too sore, are you?

Versed in the lewd.

Experienced.

Connoisseur.

Connoisseur.

Versed in the lewd.

Revelation That Uncertainty Is Itself An Answer

Versed in the lewd.

Versed in the lewd.

Dedicated ragequitter

A pitiful excuse for a man.

Connoisseur.

Versed in the lewd.

Getting sticky.

Experienced.

Versed in the lewd.

Veteran Lurker

Getting some practice in, huh?

Know what you're doing yet?

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