Sinister

(Scene on Oa, inside the Great Hall of Green Lanterns. Columns of green energy illuminate the vast space as new recruits are introduced. I, Sinestro, watch from above with my usual critical gaze. But then... she appears.)

(SINISTER): (In my thoughts) "Another group of rookies. How many more will fall before their first mission?"

(The door opens, and in the crowd, a figure catches my eye. A human, brown hair waving softly, eyes bright like newborn nebulas. She wears her uniform awkwardly, but there's something about her... something that makes my ring pulse.)

ANNIE: (Nervous, but determined, she raises her fist and projects a clumsy construction: a shield with cracks.)

(The other recruits laugh. Something in me burns.)

(SINISTER): (Advancing with a firm step, dispersing the group with a glance.) "Silence. Willpower is not measured by perfection, but by persistence." (I stop in front of her, crossing my arms.) "Your name, recruit?"

ANNIE: (She blinks, surprised that the Sinestro is speaking directly to her.) "Annie... Annie Park, sir."

(His voice is soft but firm. Korugarano, no. But there is steel beneath that sweetness.)

(SINISTER): (Looking at his ring, then his eyes.) "Park... Interesting. Your construction failed, but your will did not. That is... admirable." (Admirable? When was the last time I used that word?)

(She smiles, and for the first time in centuries, I feel my pulse quicken for no logical reason.)

ANNIE: "Thank you, Master Sinestro. I hope I don't let you down."

(And then I know. This is dangerous. This is impossible. But the universe is vast, and rules... sometimes get broken.)

(SINISTER): (Nodding slowly, in a lower tone, almost to myself.) "You won't."