Post by Green Lantern on Jul 15, 2015 19:53:03 GMT -5
Kyle Rayner This was the first time that he had really -spent- time on Oa. The brief meeting he had had with the Guardians when the Power Ring first came to him allowed him barely enough time to visit the planet. His eyes gazed in awe of the planet, its tall, cylindrical structures, the clear blue sky touched by just enough clouds to add a pleasant, warming effect. Most, if not all of the buildings he could see, were green and seemed to be like the constructs that came from his ring made solid and whole. At the epicenter of all the construct, which from above had clear circular design, was the Main Power Battery. It looked just like the one he had, but it was gigantic. Kyle wasn't surprised that the color dominated the planet. It would be strange if they were the Green Lanterns but their home base was all purple or blue or something. A loud growl came from his stomach and, placing a hand against it to quiet the noise, he laughed at himself. *I guess I should've eaten something before I left.* "Hey um.. Ring. Is there a place to get something to eat around here?" Immediately, the Ring implanted the location of the cafeteria for all Lanterns and off he went, falling in behind a large line of other Lanterns as they flew ahead of him. Stepping inside, he took a moment to get his bearings, waving to a few of those that gave him a look. What did not escape his notice was that they all wore a look that read they smelled something bad around them. Kyle sniffed the air as he grabbed a tray. Nothing came across too foul to him although there were more than a few interesting smells coming from the line where the food lay. As he stepped at the back of the line, his green eyes looked at what was being served and... his stomach started to twist a bit. Nothing here looked like anything he should be eating and... Kyle had to swallow back a bit of vomit. Some of this looked like it was still alive! Then, he remembered the Guardians saying that he was the first human Green Lantern so maybe it was a bit much to expect steak or fried chicken. Still... Oh god that looks like a growth of fungus or something. Just as one of the workers was about to spoon some of said growth onto his plate, he suddenly felt himself pushed over with such force that he hit the floor. Grunting as his shoulder, which had taken the brunt of the fall, stung, Kyle whirled around to face up to the one that had pushed him. It was a large beast. Even beneath the uniform, the Lantern clearly ripped with muscle. His face was heavily scarred, or... at least it looked scarred. Maybe it wasn't? "What the-" Kyle began, surprised by the situation more than anything, but the alien cut him off, "Filthy human! Don't deserve to wear that Ring!" It growled, recieving Kyle's spoon of food as it moved down the line. Rayner had to roll to the side to avoid being stepped on by the creature, the entire scene drawing spatterings of laughter as Kyle hovered up into the air to stare eye to... scars, "Hey buddy! You have a problem?"
Katma Tui She observed the newest recruit from afar; the human's interaction was not one of pleasure. His body language spoke volumes - he appeared uneasy and it only worsened as he was cast aside like the fragile human he was assumed to be. Katma understood what would follow - the anger that rose within him as he sprung to his feet and addressed the Lantern who had cast him aside. Knowing full well what would follow, she steps forward and allows herself to close in on the pair. The words were beyond her range but their intent was understood. The others did not believe the Earthling worthy of the power ring - the duty. "This is what I would like to know," she said, referring to the problem comment. Katma elevated herself, to be on par with Kyle; she gestures towards the elevated man, a construct - appearing as an extension of her own hand - bridges the gap between them to place itself on his shoulder. What laughter had met Kyle dulls as quickly as it had risen; the Lanterns, save for he who had started with the human, turn to avoid an unwanted glare from the master ring bearer. "He has the ability to overcome great fear - he has the right just as you do." Katma maintains her focus on the instigating Lantern as she speaks, all the while, her construct makes a gentle attempt to bring Kyle to his feet.
Kyle Rayner Kyle's eyes narrowed, the white coverings of the eyes of his mask adjusting as he looked at the powerfully built Lantern. Inside, he wasn't very confident about this as he really did not want to get into a fight on the first real day here on Oa. The large alien narrowed his eyes, his lips curling back to reveal rows of what, to the human, looked like shark teeth. Whatever was about to happen was interrupted by the coming of another. A female a... woman. Kyle's first reaction was to stop for a moment and admire her. The way that she carried herself... it was like Wonder Woman. Brought back to the present by the snarl from the other, the ring continued to translate for him, as it did for all Lanterns, the conversation of those of different languages. "He's a human, Tui!" the alien said, deep voice guttural with saliva dripping from the top rows of teeth, "He doesn't deserve! Least of all Abin Sur's! The Guardians may allow it, but they made a mistake!" The eyes locked onto Katma's and the tension was almost palpable. Enough time had passed for Kyle's emotions to have calmed enough where he put himself between the two, "Hey let's all just calm down. After all, it's lunch time, right?" He gave a cautious smirk to the two. The Lantern, finally frustrated at the whole situation, barreled past Kyle and Katma, muttering under his breath. Kyle's eyes followed for a few moments before turning to look over at the woman, holding out a hand to her, "Hey uh... thanks for that. I'm Kyle, by the way. Kyle Rayner."
Katma Tui She raises her chin in defiance of the comments made in regards to his humanity. For the time being, she chooses to ignore Kyle and focus on the disrespect towards the newest ring bearer. "There is no mistake; the ring chose this human." Her tone is firm; she believes in her words and it is evident to those who hear them. Turning just enough, her gaze catches with the Earth-man; it serves to spike his courage, as he steps between herself and their aggressor. A smirk tugs at her lips but fails to flesh out an expression on her stern face. As she is pushed, Katma still holds her ground, following through by rolling into a back-step and pivot with her far foot to clear her mostly from his impact force. Continuing the motion, she turns her head to watch the other Lantern stomp off; her attention only drawn back by Kyle's voice. As she turns to face him, she witnesses the human foreign expression of an extended hand. Her eyes lower to the limb, a brow quirking, before she raises her eyes to meet his once again. "Ah, the Rayner kid." Nodding, she folds her arms across her chest. "I am Katma Tui." Withdrawing a step, she pivots to cast a warning gaze to any prying eyes. "As you said, it is time to eat." Her ring bearing limb unfolds to extend towards the queue waiting with empty trays.
Kyle Rayner Kyle felt his cheeks warm up a bit as she stared at his offered hand and then, after she crossed her arms, lowered it back to his side. "Yeah," he agreed, a feeling of awkwardness settling on his shoulders as he turned to grab his tray and accept the spoonful of "food" onto his plate. It jiggled a bit as it settled. Kyle would then follow after Katma, lowering himself down into a chair across from her as his Ring glowed a bit and a construct of a fork formed in his hand. "So um... can I ask you something?" he started to say, poking the fork into the food and tearing a chunk away, "Who was Abin Sur and why was that guy upset that I got his ring and that I'm human?" A quick glance around let him catch more than a few foul looks being shot his way and it served to unnerve him. Still trying to figure every thing out and learn more about being a Green Lantern, he had come across Abin Sur's name mentioned more than a few times, but he did not really understand why it made him so hated.
Katma Tui She grinned at the look he offered the sustenance; it was childish and pure, even if he were not aware of the subtle tweak to his facial muscles. Having lead the way, she settles - elbows settle on the table, both hands cupping beneath her chin. "You may, yes." Her fingers twitch at the mention of the previous owner of the very ring fueling the utensil construct before her. "A Lantern of great will; he trained my predecessor." Her hands lower to the tabletop but remain interlocked. "You are his replacement but you do not live in his shadow." Katma projected onto Kyle rather than explain outright; she understood, at the very least relating, that what the previous bearer of a ring had done bared greatly on the next Green Lantern. "You were chosen; you have a duty and the courage to have accepted."
Kyle Rayner Forgetting, perhaps even intentionally, about the food on his fork, Kyle continued to talk. "Yeah but... it's just the way his name comes across and how like... that big goon talked about and even your look when I bring him up. It's like the guy was Jesus or someone like." It took a few seconds, but Kyle finally caught the look in Katma's eye and his face dropped as a weight fell in the pit of his stomach. "I'm sorry... " he whispered, head drooping forward as he stared down at his plate, "I didn't mean to upset you." Now he had done it. The one Lantern that had taken the chance to stand up for him and he had gone and hurt her. Way to go Rayner. Way to go... "It's just... it wasn't that long ago that my biggest worry was getting enough money every month to feed myself on ramen and keep a roof over my head. Then, out of no where, this Ring comes onto my finger and I'm suddenly responsible for the lives of billions. I don't... I don't want to fail and see people die because I'm not good enough."
Katma Tui "Who or what is a Jesus?" Any thought to Sur, which had left the stain of emotion on her face, faded for the moment. Katma raises a brow, head slowly canting, as he continues to make Earthly references. Ramen was lost on her. "The ring does not make mistakes, Kyle Rayner. You will not fail your sector." Separating her hands, she leans across the table to lightly rest the tips of her fingers on his idle hand. "You will not fail." This mention implied fear; he would eventually learn to accept fear, and Tui would see to just that. "Finish," she offers with a chin-lift towards what remained on his tray. "You have much to learn and will need your strength." Her hand withdraws, palms flattening against the tabletop. "I wish to learn of this Ramen you spoke of."
Kyle Rayner "Well, short version I guess is, he was this man that tried to bring peace and understanding between the people of my planet many years ago. People weren't ready for it though and... well his story ends in tragedy but with hope." It was a very very very summarized version of what happened, but Kyle did not really -believe- per say and he wanted to be as respectful as possible without boring Katma with the details over everything. When he felt her hand touching against his own, his eyes glanced over and looked at it for a moment and then back to her when she finished speaking. "I.. heh. Thanks." Just let it be, Kyle. You're already probably running your mouth enough. Taking a bite of the growth like thing, he completely expected it to be foul and his face took on the look of someone that was forcing something disgusting down... until he started to taste it. It's like... cookies and cream oatmeal. Wow... feels really weird, like jello, but the taste... Laughing a bit as his own apprehension, Kyle raised an eyebrow at her question. "Ramen? Well.. it's... it's mostly just noodles in a flavored broth but, depending on what you buy it's got other things, like vegetables in it."
Katma Tui "I accept your comparison of Sur to this Jesus." Watching his face, she smiles as he expresses non-verbal surprise; a simple thing, like trying something new, brought such joys to life. Katma was a strong soldier, but she too still viewed new experiences with a childish innocence. "__Noodles and broth__, it is an Earth dish you must experience with me." She knows full well her position in the Corps, even if he does not; she will be training Kyle, which would mean a stint in his sector - on his planet. "Do you have other questions, Rayner? Have you explored Oa?" She rises from her seat, even if he is not ready, and turns on her heel to cast another gaze across the cafeteria.
Kyle Rayner Well damn... if that little summery equated to Abin Sur then that only added more to the weight on his shoulders. I guess that explains why everyone hates me times two. Not only human, but I'm wearing the Ring of the Green Lantern Jesus. Great. The construct disappeared in his hand as he looked down at the Ring on his finger, lifting his other hand up and shifting the ring back and forth with his thumb and forefinger. How could he ever fill the shoes of someone like that? Watching Katma rise, he quickly shoved down a few more bites of his food before rising to his feet. "Well, I haven't had much time to. When I first got brought here with Superman, I had to get back. This guy named Sinestro was on my planet and we had to go stop him. Really haven't seen all there is to see." He gave a smile, trying to lighten the situation a bit. Something about discussing Abin Sur had a way about bring weight to any conversation no matter how light hearted it had been.
Katma Tui "Sinestro..." The name rolled off her tongue like a bad taste. What light hearted attempt he made with his expression was lost on her with that mention. "You have gained my confidence, if you battled with **my predecessor**." In truth, he would have it until he proved otherwise - it was, strategy, not to let him know. He should believe he needs to earn it, as well as her trust. Katma believed in the power of the ring wholeheartedly; if this human of Sector 2814. "Tell me, Rayner, what do you know of the Duty you have taken on?" Straight to the point, Katma pivots about face and moves to exit the eatery and grant herself and the recruit solitude. "It is perhaps easier this way."
Kyle Rayner "Your predecessor?!" he responded, shocked easily readable in both his words and his face. I... wow this is... His mind raced with a multitude of thoughts, none of which got very far before they were replaced by another. She did not give any time for him to get his mind straight before she continued the conversation with another question. "Well, from what I've gathered and have been told, it's my responsibility to look after my sector of space, keep the people safe and protect them. It's up to me how I want to do it though and how hands on or off I want to be?" The last sentence was rhetorical, indicative of how unsure he was of everything still. Kyle walked along, matching Katma's stride as the pair of them made their way across the ground beneath a slew of Lanterns that were flying around above them. Giving a quick look up, he wondered what all of them were going about doing. Some had to be on breaks, others meeting with friends, or carrying on important duties. It was a marvel to him leaving him wondering, and hoping, if / that one day he would be so in tune with his duties as a Green Lantern that he would be able to move and act with such confidence.
Katma Tui "You are not wrong, Kyle Rayner. Each of us is granted the freedom to choose." Her eyes followed his as they raised; she had the very same look on her face years prior when she too arrived on Oa. "You will be trained in the use of your powers. You will learn to become one with the ring, to never forget your weaknesses and to use your best judgement." She raises a hand to offer a light pat to his shoulder, a subconscious attempt to bring his attention back down, before the limb is withdrawn and both are folded behind her back.
Kyle Rayner Although the majority of his mind was elsewhere, Kyle caught enough of Katma's words to get the gist of what she was talking about even if he didn't seem like he was paying complete attention. When his attention came back from the clouds thanks to the touch of her hand, he looked back to her. "So um.... how do we do all that exactly?" he asked, interested. Maybe it's something like outta the old samurai and kung fu movies, you know? Meditate really hard on the weapon. Focus on it and there comes some spiritual awakening that bonds me with it. Heh, that'd be pretty cool but I don't think she means that. Shifting his weight over to his right leg, Kyle crossed his arms over his chest, eyes on the woman as he waited.
Katma Tui "Through sheer willpower, of course." The words rolling off her tongue were very matter of fact; the concept was as simple as it was complex. "How did you battle against Sinestro? Your ring projected your thought in the situation, yes?" Although not present, Katma had a great understanding of the Oan Energy Conduit; whatever Earth-born weapons the recruit could imagine would have been at his disposal. "You are only limited by your imagination." She takes notice of his own stance and relaxes her arms - they fall to dangle at her sides. Leaning forward, she begins to walk once again; Katma assumes he will keep pace with her. "And do tell me about this Superman you spoke earlier. Is he of Earth as well?"
Kyle Rayner "Well yeah," Kyle responded in a matter of fact tone. He understood that the Power Ring responded to his thoughts, but he did not really understand -how-. Maybe that's what she was trying to get him to figure out or going to teach him? Hi own feet started to move as she began to walk, matching Katma's pace. "Well... yes and no. He's a Kryptonian from what the papers said about him but he grew up on Earth. He calls it his home as much as I do." To be honest, it still surprised Kyle that the ring came to him and not Superman or Batman. When he thought about it, they just seemed so much more fitting for it... C'mon. Don't think like that. It's not going to do you any good anyway. You've got the Ring, you're here. Just learn everything you can and see what happens. "So when do we start training?"
Katma Tui "Ah; the last one, perhaps? Krypton was unfortunately destroyed." She knew the story; Tomar had tried to save the doomed planet but fate had other plans. Katma pauses in her forward motion. A grin takes her face as she speaks, "We have done so already." A curt nod returns her attention forward - rather than continue to walk, she raises her right hand and levitates from her feet within a glow of green. "Learning about you is part of the process." Casting him a backwards glance, she gestures upwards with her chin before exploding off with a dulled sonic boom; hitting ten or so percent the speed of light, she gives the new recruit a chance. Their brief encounter has gone well thus far, in her opinion.
Kyle Rayner The quizzical look on his face was easily readable, even with his mask on, before she took off. "H-hey! Wait up!" and he quickly followed after her, his aura surrounding his body and a wide streak of green energy left in his wake. The sonic booms from both of the Lanterns cause the immediate area to rumble, but little damage was done. Letting his arms fall along his sides, around his body the form of a gargoyle faded into view. It was that of Goliath from the show Gargoyles, his "wings" pulled back along his sides as he rotated 360 degrees with a laugh and a wide smile. The construct faded away once he arrived next to her, again letting her dictate their pace. "Well, I can be a bit of an open book when I want to be. What do you want to know?"
Katma Tui Waiting was not an option; she had already slowed her speed entirely for his benefit. Katma cast the odd backwards glance, hoping for and finally catching sight of, a green streak - it tweaked her facial muscles into an expression of joy. "You are certainly one of joy, Kyle Rayner." The lighthearted way he utilized his willpower - it brought out emotion in an otherwise pragmatic woman. "What do you fear?" To the point; no sense in tip toeing. This new Lantern had a sector waiting, and it was her duty to mold him into a skilled bearer. The fact that he was human was seen as a fundamental flaw that both she and Kyle would work on; it did not matter who or what you were - the ring chose the bearer - Katma would not question the decision.
Kyle Rayner Kyle hovered, his aura glowing around him and shielding him from the vacuum of space. The question that had been posed to him was repeatedly ran through his mind, turned over and over again as he wondered about it. "I..." he started to say, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes, hidden behind the mask, looked down at the space at Katma's feet but without truly seeing as his thoughts overtook his mind. What do I fear? he thought. "I've never really thought about it before. I mean... I'm scared of a few things but any one thing that I truly just fear... I don't know." Shifting his gaze back to Katma's, he offered a small smile but, inside, he was worried that he might have said something wrong. Man I hope that wasn't some trick question that gets me on her bad side, or worse kicked out of the Corps. Would probably go down as another record: GLC's first human lantern and GLC's member with the shortest length of service
Katma Tui With arms folded across the symbol adorning her chest, the Korugarian waits with bated breath for his response. Fear weakened a Green Lantern. In her duty to train the newest recruit, Katma would learn all about the Earth born member of the Corps. Knowning one's weakness only laid out the playing field - she would know which obstacles lay in their way, and what strengths they could build on. "It will be known soon enough; do not allow yourself to dwell." She can read his face, follow his gaze, that he was uncomfortable in the situation; his attempt to lighten the mood, casting her a smile, is met with one of her own. "Kyle Rayner - you will not fail." Breaking her position to extend a hand, she pats his shoulder - it is as if she can read his mind, though it is purely experience. Katma has spent years enduring hardships, learning to survive and finally overcoming. One does not simply do this without learning a thing or two about subtle communication.
Kyle Rayner The smile he gave Katma at her words of comfort was devoid of any of the characteristic humor that he had been shooting her with the look. It was pure with genuine happiness that she seemed to understand, either him or the situation enough, and chose not to press any farther with the topic. He let the moment hang in the air before finally breaking the silence with a question, "So um... have we started training yet or is this still a preliminary of sorts?" Although he did not know Katma's reputation, yet, she had said that she would be taking him under her wing and yet, for the most part, it seemed like there was a lot of talking going on. Not that he wasn't heeding her words, by any means, but he was getting a little curious and there was a budding impatience that he was, for now, keeping repressed out of respect.
Katma Tui "We started on Oa... before you engaged with the other." The one-sided fight was again referenced; she had stepped in before the Earthling was afforded a chance to retaliate. "You will learn the subtleties of the ring, Kyle Rayner." Until told otherwise, Katma will address the Lantern by his full name; it is a humourous point that brings a subtle quirk to her lips before fading just as quickly. It is part of her charm as a trainer... she will forever be testing him, even with what seems miniscule. "And do keep up." Katma fails to give him more than that; as the last word lifts from her tongue, she hoists her arm and leaves a trail in her wake. Her destination - her proving ground - would be a decaying husk near a dying star. The aura of Oan energy maintains her body temperature, and allows the Lantern to communicate with the other through the vacuum of space. The speed of travel, without relying upon a wormhole, puts their travel time at just under an hour; Katma does not make an effort to speak. She instead leaves the recruit in the dark about what they are about to find. Upon approach, the gravitational pull of the planet is evident at a great distance. A simple gesture towards the surface is offered and the senior Corps. member makes her final descent. She lands effortlessly; the dusty coating is undisturbed as boots meet earth. The source of the pull, as Kyle will soon find out, is a black hole born within the center of the planet. It is their next training exercise.
Kyle Rayner Kyle lifted an eyebrow, "We did?" He asked, a bit confused at the way she was talking. It was like she had already started evaluating him from the moment she laid eyes on him and that...made him uncomfortable. Especially since that must have begun with him on his backside staring up at another Lanter whose face was like Cousin It from the Adams family and body was like someone puffed Sylvester Stallone up on steriods and helium. Then, in the next moment, she was gone. "H-hey!" Kyle called after her, "Wait up!" He chased after her, leaving a wide beam of energy in his wake that slowly faded seconds after he passed. "Where are we going?" he asked, the Rings allowing him to communicate with Katma as if he was right beside her, even though she had a mile on him still, though he was quickly closing that gap. He suddenly felt something grab hold of him. It was like someon invisible being had wraped its hand around his body and started to tug him. It was enough to notice, but there still seemed to be enough that he could continue to fly forward. Lowering down the planet, the first thing that the new Lantern noticed was that it seemed to be dead. The area, devoid of anything around, was less welcoming than a graveyard. The planet just felt...empty. The colors were bland and even an old black and white movie was more vibrant that this. Further still, the pull was very noticable now and Kyle felt his legs starting to shake with the effort of standing up straight. "Hn..." he groaned, clenching his teeth and hands, forcing the muslces in his legs to keep holding up his weight even as it grew more and more difficult. "How... gn...are you doing that?" Katma, on the other hand, was making this look easy. She was standing without any difficulty and he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach and the first thought that came to his mind was that he had missed something. His mind started to race, working to come up with any idea on how to stand up and finally, as his ring began to glow, a construct faded into existence around his body, creating a Veritech fighter, in battleoid mode, from Robotech (or Macross, whichever one preferred) save for the fact the head was left out for his own to stick out through. Relief quickly washed over him, his heart slowing down, and the shaking in his legs leaving. "Eesh..." he muttered, glacing over to the black hole that he finally took full notice of. "Is that what I think it is?"
Katma Tui She observed the newest recruit from afar; the human's interaction was not one of pleasure. His body language spoke volumes - he appeared uneasy and it only worsened as he was cast aside like the fragile human he was assumed to be. Katma understood what would follow - the anger that rose within him as he sprung to his feet and addressed the Lantern who had cast him aside. Knowing full well what would follow, she steps forward and allows herself to close in on the pair. The words were beyond her range but their intent was understood. The others did not believe the Earthling worthy of the power ring - the duty. "This is what I would like to know," she said, referring to the problem comment. Katma elevated herself, to be on par with Kyle; she gestures towards the elevated man, a construct - appearing as an extension of her own hand - bridges the gap between them to place itself on his shoulder. What laughter had met Kyle dulls as quickly as it had risen; the Lanterns, save for he who had started with the human, turn to avoid an unwanted glare from the master ring bearer. "He has the ability to overcome great fear - he has the right just as you do." Katma maintains her focus on the instigating Lantern as she speaks, all the while, her construct makes a gentle attempt to bring Kyle to his feet.
Kyle Rayner Kyle's eyes narrowed, the white coverings of the eyes of his mask adjusting as he looked at the powerfully built Lantern. Inside, he wasn't very confident about this as he really did not want to get into a fight on the first real day here on Oa. The large alien narrowed his eyes, his lips curling back to reveal rows of what, to the human, looked like shark teeth. Whatever was about to happen was interrupted by the coming of another. A female a... woman. Kyle's first reaction was to stop for a moment and admire her. The way that she carried herself... it was like Wonder Woman. Brought back to the present by the snarl from the other, the ring continued to translate for him, as it did for all Lanterns, the conversation of those of different languages. "He's a human, Tui!" the alien said, deep voice guttural with saliva dripping from the top rows of teeth, "He doesn't deserve! Least of all Abin Sur's! The Guardians may allow it, but they made a mistake!" The eyes locked onto Katma's and the tension was almost palpable. Enough time had passed for Kyle's emotions to have calmed enough where he put himself between the two, "Hey let's all just calm down. After all, it's lunch time, right?" He gave a cautious smirk to the two. The Lantern, finally frustrated at the whole situation, barreled past Kyle and Katma, muttering under his breath. Kyle's eyes followed for a few moments before turning to look over at the woman, holding out a hand to her, "Hey uh... thanks for that. I'm Kyle, by the way. Kyle Rayner."
Katma Tui She raises her chin in defiance of the comments made in regards to his humanity. For the time being, she chooses to ignore Kyle and focus on the disrespect towards the newest ring bearer. "There is no mistake; the ring chose this human." Her tone is firm; she believes in her words and it is evident to those who hear them. Turning just enough, her gaze catches with the Earth-man; it serves to spike his courage, as he steps between herself and their aggressor. A smirk tugs at her lips but fails to flesh out an expression on her stern face. As she is pushed, Katma still holds her ground, following through by rolling into a back-step and pivot with her far foot to clear her mostly from his impact force. Continuing the motion, she turns her head to watch the other Lantern stomp off; her attention only drawn back by Kyle's voice. As she turns to face him, she witnesses the human foreign expression of an extended hand. Her eyes lower to the limb, a brow quirking, before she raises her eyes to meet his once again. "Ah, the Rayner kid." Nodding, she folds her arms across her chest. "I am Katma Tui." Withdrawing a step, she pivots to cast a warning gaze to any prying eyes. "As you said, it is time to eat." Her ring bearing limb unfolds to extend towards the queue waiting with empty trays.
Kyle Rayner Kyle felt his cheeks warm up a bit as she stared at his offered hand and then, after she crossed her arms, lowered it back to his side. "Yeah," he agreed, a feeling of awkwardness settling on his shoulders as he turned to grab his tray and accept the spoonful of "food" onto his plate. It jiggled a bit as it settled. Kyle would then follow after Katma, lowering himself down into a chair across from her as his Ring glowed a bit and a construct of a fork formed in his hand. "So um... can I ask you something?" he started to say, poking the fork into the food and tearing a chunk away, "Who was Abin Sur and why was that guy upset that I got his ring and that I'm human?" A quick glance around let him catch more than a few foul looks being shot his way and it served to unnerve him. Still trying to figure every thing out and learn more about being a Green Lantern, he had come across Abin Sur's name mentioned more than a few times, but he did not really understand why it made him so hated.
Katma Tui She grinned at the look he offered the sustenance; it was childish and pure, even if he were not aware of the subtle tweak to his facial muscles. Having lead the way, she settles - elbows settle on the table, both hands cupping beneath her chin. "You may, yes." Her fingers twitch at the mention of the previous owner of the very ring fueling the utensil construct before her. "A Lantern of great will; he trained my predecessor." Her hands lower to the tabletop but remain interlocked. "You are his replacement but you do not live in his shadow." Katma projected onto Kyle rather than explain outright; she understood, at the very least relating, that what the previous bearer of a ring had done bared greatly on the next Green Lantern. "You were chosen; you have a duty and the courage to have accepted."
Kyle Rayner Forgetting, perhaps even intentionally, about the food on his fork, Kyle continued to talk. "Yeah but... it's just the way his name comes across and how like... that big goon talked about and even your look when I bring him up. It's like the guy was Jesus or someone like." It took a few seconds, but Kyle finally caught the look in Katma's eye and his face dropped as a weight fell in the pit of his stomach. "I'm sorry... " he whispered, head drooping forward as he stared down at his plate, "I didn't mean to upset you." Now he had done it. The one Lantern that had taken the chance to stand up for him and he had gone and hurt her. Way to go Rayner. Way to go... "It's just... it wasn't that long ago that my biggest worry was getting enough money every month to feed myself on ramen and keep a roof over my head. Then, out of no where, this Ring comes onto my finger and I'm suddenly responsible for the lives of billions. I don't... I don't want to fail and see people die because I'm not good enough."
Katma Tui "Who or what is a Jesus?" Any thought to Sur, which had left the stain of emotion on her face, faded for the moment. Katma raises a brow, head slowly canting, as he continues to make Earthly references. Ramen was lost on her. "The ring does not make mistakes, Kyle Rayner. You will not fail your sector." Separating her hands, she leans across the table to lightly rest the tips of her fingers on his idle hand. "You will not fail." This mention implied fear; he would eventually learn to accept fear, and Tui would see to just that. "Finish," she offers with a chin-lift towards what remained on his tray. "You have much to learn and will need your strength." Her hand withdraws, palms flattening against the tabletop. "I wish to learn of this Ramen you spoke of."
Kyle Rayner "Well, short version I guess is, he was this man that tried to bring peace and understanding between the people of my planet many years ago. People weren't ready for it though and... well his story ends in tragedy but with hope." It was a very very very summarized version of what happened, but Kyle did not really -believe- per say and he wanted to be as respectful as possible without boring Katma with the details over everything. When he felt her hand touching against his own, his eyes glanced over and looked at it for a moment and then back to her when she finished speaking. "I.. heh. Thanks." Just let it be, Kyle. You're already probably running your mouth enough. Taking a bite of the growth like thing, he completely expected it to be foul and his face took on the look of someone that was forcing something disgusting down... until he started to taste it. It's like... cookies and cream oatmeal. Wow... feels really weird, like jello, but the taste... Laughing a bit as his own apprehension, Kyle raised an eyebrow at her question. "Ramen? Well.. it's... it's mostly just noodles in a flavored broth but, depending on what you buy it's got other things, like vegetables in it."
Katma Tui "I accept your comparison of Sur to this Jesus." Watching his face, she smiles as he expresses non-verbal surprise; a simple thing, like trying something new, brought such joys to life. Katma was a strong soldier, but she too still viewed new experiences with a childish innocence. "__Noodles and broth__, it is an Earth dish you must experience with me." She knows full well her position in the Corps, even if he does not; she will be training Kyle, which would mean a stint in his sector - on his planet. "Do you have other questions, Rayner? Have you explored Oa?" She rises from her seat, even if he is not ready, and turns on her heel to cast another gaze across the cafeteria.
Kyle Rayner Well damn... if that little summery equated to Abin Sur then that only added more to the weight on his shoulders. I guess that explains why everyone hates me times two. Not only human, but I'm wearing the Ring of the Green Lantern Jesus. Great. The construct disappeared in his hand as he looked down at the Ring on his finger, lifting his other hand up and shifting the ring back and forth with his thumb and forefinger. How could he ever fill the shoes of someone like that? Watching Katma rise, he quickly shoved down a few more bites of his food before rising to his feet. "Well, I haven't had much time to. When I first got brought here with Superman, I had to get back. This guy named Sinestro was on my planet and we had to go stop him. Really haven't seen all there is to see." He gave a smile, trying to lighten the situation a bit. Something about discussing Abin Sur had a way about bring weight to any conversation no matter how light hearted it had been.
Katma Tui "Sinestro..." The name rolled off her tongue like a bad taste. What light hearted attempt he made with his expression was lost on her with that mention. "You have gained my confidence, if you battled with **my predecessor**." In truth, he would have it until he proved otherwise - it was, strategy, not to let him know. He should believe he needs to earn it, as well as her trust. Katma believed in the power of the ring wholeheartedly; if this human of Sector 2814. "Tell me, Rayner, what do you know of the Duty you have taken on?" Straight to the point, Katma pivots about face and moves to exit the eatery and grant herself and the recruit solitude. "It is perhaps easier this way."
Kyle Rayner "Your predecessor?!" he responded, shocked easily readable in both his words and his face. I... wow this is... His mind raced with a multitude of thoughts, none of which got very far before they were replaced by another. She did not give any time for him to get his mind straight before she continued the conversation with another question. "Well, from what I've gathered and have been told, it's my responsibility to look after my sector of space, keep the people safe and protect them. It's up to me how I want to do it though and how hands on or off I want to be?" The last sentence was rhetorical, indicative of how unsure he was of everything still. Kyle walked along, matching Katma's stride as the pair of them made their way across the ground beneath a slew of Lanterns that were flying around above them. Giving a quick look up, he wondered what all of them were going about doing. Some had to be on breaks, others meeting with friends, or carrying on important duties. It was a marvel to him leaving him wondering, and hoping, if / that one day he would be so in tune with his duties as a Green Lantern that he would be able to move and act with such confidence.
Katma Tui "You are not wrong, Kyle Rayner. Each of us is granted the freedom to choose." Her eyes followed his as they raised; she had the very same look on her face years prior when she too arrived on Oa. "You will be trained in the use of your powers. You will learn to become one with the ring, to never forget your weaknesses and to use your best judgement." She raises a hand to offer a light pat to his shoulder, a subconscious attempt to bring his attention back down, before the limb is withdrawn and both are folded behind her back.
Kyle Rayner Although the majority of his mind was elsewhere, Kyle caught enough of Katma's words to get the gist of what she was talking about even if he didn't seem like he was paying complete attention. When his attention came back from the clouds thanks to the touch of her hand, he looked back to her. "So um.... how do we do all that exactly?" he asked, interested. Maybe it's something like outta the old samurai and kung fu movies, you know? Meditate really hard on the weapon. Focus on it and there comes some spiritual awakening that bonds me with it. Heh, that'd be pretty cool but I don't think she means that. Shifting his weight over to his right leg, Kyle crossed his arms over his chest, eyes on the woman as he waited.
Katma Tui "Through sheer willpower, of course." The words rolling off her tongue were very matter of fact; the concept was as simple as it was complex. "How did you battle against Sinestro? Your ring projected your thought in the situation, yes?" Although not present, Katma had a great understanding of the Oan Energy Conduit; whatever Earth-born weapons the recruit could imagine would have been at his disposal. "You are only limited by your imagination." She takes notice of his own stance and relaxes her arms - they fall to dangle at her sides. Leaning forward, she begins to walk once again; Katma assumes he will keep pace with her. "And do tell me about this Superman you spoke earlier. Is he of Earth as well?"
Kyle Rayner "Well yeah," Kyle responded in a matter of fact tone. He understood that the Power Ring responded to his thoughts, but he did not really understand -how-. Maybe that's what she was trying to get him to figure out or going to teach him? Hi own feet started to move as she began to walk, matching Katma's pace. "Well... yes and no. He's a Kryptonian from what the papers said about him but he grew up on Earth. He calls it his home as much as I do." To be honest, it still surprised Kyle that the ring came to him and not Superman or Batman. When he thought about it, they just seemed so much more fitting for it... C'mon. Don't think like that. It's not going to do you any good anyway. You've got the Ring, you're here. Just learn everything you can and see what happens. "So when do we start training?"
Katma Tui "Ah; the last one, perhaps? Krypton was unfortunately destroyed." She knew the story; Tomar had tried to save the doomed planet but fate had other plans. Katma pauses in her forward motion. A grin takes her face as she speaks, "We have done so already." A curt nod returns her attention forward - rather than continue to walk, she raises her right hand and levitates from her feet within a glow of green. "Learning about you is part of the process." Casting him a backwards glance, she gestures upwards with her chin before exploding off with a dulled sonic boom; hitting ten or so percent the speed of light, she gives the new recruit a chance. Their brief encounter has gone well thus far, in her opinion.
Kyle Rayner The quizzical look on his face was easily readable, even with his mask on, before she took off. "H-hey! Wait up!" and he quickly followed after her, his aura surrounding his body and a wide streak of green energy left in his wake. The sonic booms from both of the Lanterns cause the immediate area to rumble, but little damage was done. Letting his arms fall along his sides, around his body the form of a gargoyle faded into view. It was that of Goliath from the show Gargoyles, his "wings" pulled back along his sides as he rotated 360 degrees with a laugh and a wide smile. The construct faded away once he arrived next to her, again letting her dictate their pace. "Well, I can be a bit of an open book when I want to be. What do you want to know?"
Katma Tui Waiting was not an option; she had already slowed her speed entirely for his benefit. Katma cast the odd backwards glance, hoping for and finally catching sight of, a green streak - it tweaked her facial muscles into an expression of joy. "You are certainly one of joy, Kyle Rayner." The lighthearted way he utilized his willpower - it brought out emotion in an otherwise pragmatic woman. "What do you fear?" To the point; no sense in tip toeing. This new Lantern had a sector waiting, and it was her duty to mold him into a skilled bearer. The fact that he was human was seen as a fundamental flaw that both she and Kyle would work on; it did not matter who or what you were - the ring chose the bearer - Katma would not question the decision.
Kyle Rayner Kyle hovered, his aura glowing around him and shielding him from the vacuum of space. The question that had been posed to him was repeatedly ran through his mind, turned over and over again as he wondered about it. "I..." he started to say, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes, hidden behind the mask, looked down at the space at Katma's feet but without truly seeing as his thoughts overtook his mind. What do I fear? he thought. "I've never really thought about it before. I mean... I'm scared of a few things but any one thing that I truly just fear... I don't know." Shifting his gaze back to Katma's, he offered a small smile but, inside, he was worried that he might have said something wrong. Man I hope that wasn't some trick question that gets me on her bad side, or worse kicked out of the Corps. Would probably go down as another record: GLC's first human lantern and GLC's member with the shortest length of service
Katma Tui With arms folded across the symbol adorning her chest, the Korugarian waits with bated breath for his response. Fear weakened a Green Lantern. In her duty to train the newest recruit, Katma would learn all about the Earth born member of the Corps. Knowning one's weakness only laid out the playing field - she would know which obstacles lay in their way, and what strengths they could build on. "It will be known soon enough; do not allow yourself to dwell." She can read his face, follow his gaze, that he was uncomfortable in the situation; his attempt to lighten the mood, casting her a smile, is met with one of her own. "Kyle Rayner - you will not fail." Breaking her position to extend a hand, she pats his shoulder - it is as if she can read his mind, though it is purely experience. Katma has spent years enduring hardships, learning to survive and finally overcoming. One does not simply do this without learning a thing or two about subtle communication.
Kyle Rayner The smile he gave Katma at her words of comfort was devoid of any of the characteristic humor that he had been shooting her with the look. It was pure with genuine happiness that she seemed to understand, either him or the situation enough, and chose not to press any farther with the topic. He let the moment hang in the air before finally breaking the silence with a question, "So um... have we started training yet or is this still a preliminary of sorts?" Although he did not know Katma's reputation, yet, she had said that she would be taking him under her wing and yet, for the most part, it seemed like there was a lot of talking going on. Not that he wasn't heeding her words, by any means, but he was getting a little curious and there was a budding impatience that he was, for now, keeping repressed out of respect.
Katma Tui "We started on Oa... before you engaged with the other." The one-sided fight was again referenced; she had stepped in before the Earthling was afforded a chance to retaliate. "You will learn the subtleties of the ring, Kyle Rayner." Until told otherwise, Katma will address the Lantern by his full name; it is a humourous point that brings a subtle quirk to her lips before fading just as quickly. It is part of her charm as a trainer... she will forever be testing him, even with what seems miniscule. "And do keep up." Katma fails to give him more than that; as the last word lifts from her tongue, she hoists her arm and leaves a trail in her wake. Her destination - her proving ground - would be a decaying husk near a dying star. The aura of Oan energy maintains her body temperature, and allows the Lantern to communicate with the other through the vacuum of space. The speed of travel, without relying upon a wormhole, puts their travel time at just under an hour; Katma does not make an effort to speak. She instead leaves the recruit in the dark about what they are about to find. Upon approach, the gravitational pull of the planet is evident at a great distance. A simple gesture towards the surface is offered and the senior Corps. member makes her final descent. She lands effortlessly; the dusty coating is undisturbed as boots meet earth. The source of the pull, as Kyle will soon find out, is a black hole born within the center of the planet. It is their next training exercise.
Kyle Rayner Kyle lifted an eyebrow, "We did?" He asked, a bit confused at the way she was talking. It was like she had already started evaluating him from the moment she laid eyes on him and that...made him uncomfortable. Especially since that must have begun with him on his backside staring up at another Lanter whose face was like Cousin It from the Adams family and body was like someone puffed Sylvester Stallone up on steriods and helium. Then, in the next moment, she was gone. "H-hey!" Kyle called after her, "Wait up!" He chased after her, leaving a wide beam of energy in his wake that slowly faded seconds after he passed. "Where are we going?" he asked, the Rings allowing him to communicate with Katma as if he was right beside her, even though she had a mile on him still, though he was quickly closing that gap. He suddenly felt something grab hold of him. It was like someon invisible being had wraped its hand around his body and started to tug him. It was enough to notice, but there still seemed to be enough that he could continue to fly forward. Lowering down the planet, the first thing that the new Lantern noticed was that it seemed to be dead. The area, devoid of anything around, was less welcoming than a graveyard. The planet just felt...empty. The colors were bland and even an old black and white movie was more vibrant that this. Further still, the pull was very noticable now and Kyle felt his legs starting to shake with the effort of standing up straight. "Hn..." he groaned, clenching his teeth and hands, forcing the muslces in his legs to keep holding up his weight even as it grew more and more difficult. "How... gn...are you doing that?" Katma, on the other hand, was making this look easy. She was standing without any difficulty and he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach and the first thought that came to his mind was that he had missed something. His mind started to race, working to come up with any idea on how to stand up and finally, as his ring began to glow, a construct faded into existence around his body, creating a Veritech fighter, in battleoid mode, from Robotech (or Macross, whichever one preferred) save for the fact the head was left out for his own to stick out through. Relief quickly washed over him, his heart slowing down, and the shaking in his legs leaving. "Eesh..." he muttered, glacing over to the black hole that he finally took full notice of. "Is that what I think it is?"
