xxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter Two
xxxxxxxxxx

I'll follow you down 'till the sound of my voice will haunt you
You'll never get away from the sound of the woman who loves you – (Silver Springs – Stevie Nicks)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It'd been a long evening. The trick was finding an Earth metal that could coat and adhere to the Nth metal without affecting the protective properties of the armor. Shayera told Virgil all she knew about Nth metal and watched in amazement as Virgil electrically charged the metal looking for what he said were property flaws.

"I think we're looking for something with an atomic number below fifty, chromium maybe, or silver," he said carefully examining the armor plate. "Can I take this with me? I'll bring it back tomorrow."

She gave him the hip plate to experiment on and watched him leave. He was a kid the last time she saw him and now he was just the tip of the iceberg in the way the world had changed in the last thirty-three years.

She took a deep breath, put the helmet back on and looked at herself in the mirror.

My hair is too long for this. It needs to be cut to complete the look.

As she took her helmet off again, the room was suddenly bathed in bright light in the shape of an Ankh.

Fate? Doctor Fate

Shayera grinned broadly as Inza Cramer-Nelson, not Fate, stepped out of the gateway. The two women looked at each other for half a moment before hugging and laughing.

"Did Kent tell you I was back?" Shayera asked. Wait, how did Fate know?

Inza shook her head. "No," she answered. "Not Kent, but the garden told me. For thirty-three years, your garden was dormant. The large tree was barren as if dead, the garden roses were just stalks. The sky was dark and cloudy. Then three days ago the sun returned to the garden and buds and leaves appeared on the bushes and trees. Your garden came back to life and I knew you were well. Finding you was simply a matter of casting a spell of location."

Shayera offered Inza a chair as she sat on the bed. "I wanted to see you anyway," Shayera said, "but I was going to wait until I was ready to leave the planet."

Inza's expression didn't change with Shayera's news that she was leaving. Instead she said, "And what will you do … when you leave the planet?

Shayera's jaw tightened as she answered, "Try not to screw up someone else's life the way I've screwed up mine and those I care about."

Inza's eyes widened. She extended her hand to Shayera and said, "Will you come with me?"

Shayera hesitated, then grabbed Inza's hand. Within seconds, they were transported to the center of the garden that Shayera had tended while she stayed with Fate after the invasion. She was stunned to see the garden in full spring bloom.

"You said you think you 'screwed up' the lives of those who care about you ... the lives of those you care about?" Inza said. Her tone was almost emotionless, yet there was genuine empathy in the question.

Shayera pursed her lips together tightly. "Not just John ... I mean Hro, even Carter Hall." She paused and sighed. "There's this device called an Absorbascon that Carter found and it showed that eight thousand years ago, I was murdered because I was unfaithful."

Inza listened silently as Shayera continued, "My lover and my husband died because of my actions. Hro is dead. I almost got John killed the other day when we were transported to this time, and it's not the first time he nearly died because of me. Inza, there's a pattern here and I need to leave before I get John hurt more. I don't want his blood on my hands. That's why I have to leave."

Inza covered her mouth with her hand. It took Shayera several seconds to see it was not from shock, but to hide a laugh. This isn't funny

"And you trust this Absorbascon?" Inza asked.

Shayera hesitated, then said softly, "Well, at first I thought it was broken, but what I saw was so real and it all fit. Hro tried to kill me and John for betraying him, and eight thousand years ago, Katar did kill me and the man I loved. Inza, I bring death to everyone I touch and I don't want to bring it to John."

Inza sat silently for a moment. "I sense your doubt. Would you permit me to cast a spell of revelation and see the full truth?" She paused as she looked hard at Shayera. "That is, if you wish to see the truth."

"You know that's what I want, Inza. Do whatever you need to do."

"Good. The past will appear in front of us. You will see images and hear sounds, but you are to say nothing. I will talk for you. I will interpret for you," Inza said, placing her hands on Shayera's head. Within seconds an image formed in front of Shayera. Everything was so close; she felt almost as if she could touch it. She recognized the hilltop view of the ancient Egyptian city.

Shayera watched and listened in awe as Inza began to describe what they both saw.

"Yes, I see now," Inza said as she described the images in front of her. "There were two Thanagarian law officers who were stranded on Earth for thirty-five years. The people of ancient Egypt worshipped these beings as gods and they ruled together. But they were not happy together."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(Egypt - 8,000 years ago)

Chayara knew where to find him. Katar was always in the library, plotting and planning military strategy. This time was no exception. He was leaning over a table examining maps. Chayara's servant, Rizona, stood next to Katar holding a tray with a pitcher and a goblet on it.

Rizona, who'd been Chayara's servant for the last three years, lowered her head when she saw Chayara approach. She was one of the few who knew what the gods looked liked when they removed their masks. Chayara glared at Rizona and said, "Leave us."

Rizona turned to leave, but was grabbed by Katar, who said, "Tell General Bashari to see me in two hours."

Rizona bowed, acknowledging the command, and hurried away.

Chayara waited until the chamber door closed. How dare he employ my servant without asking Before she could voice her displeasure, Katar said, "Yes, what is it now, Chayara? I'm busy planning the defense of our western border."

Chayara frowned. "You know what it is. Ever since we crashed here more than thirty-five seasons ago, you've had nothing on your mind other than ruling these people and expanding your empire."

"Stop right now," Katar snapped. He grabbed Chayara by her arms and held her tightly. "This argument is old. You know it was rule them or be hunted and feared by them. I don't understand what has happened to you, lately. When we first arrived here and these people worshipped us as gods, you didn't complain."

Chayara shook herself out of his grasp. "I didn't know the people then, the way I know them now," she said, rubbing her arms. "They need our protection, not our rule. Do you know the things that are done to these people in our names, by those that act as our agents?" She glanced away and then continued, "Katar, children are separated from their parents for work crews. Whole families work as slaves building statues and temples to worship us. Us Katar."

Katar was livid. "Where are you hearing these lies from? Who is filling your head with these wild tales?"

Chayara shook her head and frowned. "They're not lies. I've left the palace at night. I've watched our people live. I've seen for myself the pain our people feel. You should see these things, then you would know."

Katar folded his arms across his chest and said softly, "Hath-Set reports to me every day regarding the conditions of these people."

Chayara threw her arms up in the air in frustration. "And Hath-Set is part of the problem," she exclaimed. "That sycophant will tell you what you want to hear. And do you listen to yourself? You say 'these people' when you should be saying 'our people.' If we're their king and queen, they are our people."

Katar's eyes narrowed. "They are not Thanagarian. They are not our people. You accuse me of being a tyrant and then when I tell you I get reports that paint a different story than you have, you tell me my delegate is a liar. Have you considered that your source might be lying to you? Tell me, Chayara, who do you think I should listen to?"

Chayara was silent for a moment and then said, "General Bashari. That's who you should listen to. He is honest and would not lie … to either of us."

Katar slowly nodded. "Okay, I'll have Bashari look into the situation with the people. Our people. Now let's talk about us. We have an obligation to establish a Thanagarian way of life here and you know we need an heir to do that. Yet, you find ways to avoid me. If we were on Thanagar, I would be thinking that you've taken a lover the way you find any excuse to avoid contact with me."

Chayara averted her eyes, then set her jaw and looked Katar in the eyes. "If we lived on Thanagar, I wouldn't even associate with you. You know that we only worked together before the crash and didn't even date. Now that we're stranded here, you think I'm automatically supposed to swoon all over you because you're the only Thanagarian here. We're not married under Thanagarian law, even if we pretend to be while we're stranded here."

She frowned and said in a low voice, "I will never wear your marriage earrings. But I know my duty to Thanagar. If you'll listen to Bashari and improve the lot of our people, I'll bear your children."

Katar turned his back on her, "Get out."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hath-Set waited behind the curtains in the library as his King had ordered him to. Normally, when Bashari discussed military plans with the King, Bashari's soldiers were in the room, but the King had ordered Bashari not to bring his guards, noting that the priest would provide security.

The King pointed to the map on the table and said, "General, what's your plan for the defense of the western border?"

From his vantage point, Hath-Set could see Bashari pointing to various spots on the maps as he explained his plan. But Hath-Set could tell that the King wasn't listening to Bashari, but instead staring at the General, coldly.

The King put his hand up to signal Bashari to stop talking. Once the General was silent, the King said, "Bashari, my old friend. The Queen tells me she goes out at night to inspect the condition of the people. Do you know who accompanies her?"

Bashari momentarily appeared flustered and said, "My King, you should ask the Queen that."

The King snapped, "I'm asking you, General! Do you know who accompanies the Queen when she leaves the palace? Is it you?"

Bashari lowered his head and then looked the King in the eyes. He matched the King's stare. "Yes, my King," the General said firmly. "I accompany the Queen when she leaves the palace and anywhere else she desires."

The King pounded the table. "And tell me, my friend , what else do you do for the Queen

Bashari's eyes widened. "My king? My liege, what are you asking?"

The King poked Bashari in the chest. "You know very well what I'm asking! Maybe you can figure it out in prison." The King turned toward the guards of the priest. "Get him out of my sight."

The guards led the General away. The King was quiet for a moment before he called out, "Hath-Set!"

Hath-Set stepped out into the open and joined the King at the map table. The King had his back to the priest. "Yes, my King," the priest said bowing his head. "Was it not as I told you?"

The King spun around and scowled at Hath-Set. The stare was chilling. "Have the royal guard meet me in front of Chayara's quarters," the King said and he flew out of the library. He called the queen by her name. He's never done that before.

Hath-Set led the guards to the queen's residence. The guards lined up along the hallway in front of the quarters. Hath-Set could hear the muffled sounds of argument coming from inside the room. Suddenly, the arguing stopped. Then he heard a woman scream the King's name. The Queen? Then there was a loud metallic banging sound and another scream.

The King stormed out of the Queen's quarters carrying her mask. It had been smashed. He threw it down the corridor in disgust and looked at Hath-Set. "Ensure upon pain of your death that she does not leave her quarters." The King flew down the hall and Hath-Set was sure he was heading to the prison to deal with the General.

Hath-Set took a sword from one of the guards and entered the Queen's chambers.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Queen lay on her bed, her face buried in the bed covering. Rizona sat at the foot of the Queen's bed. The two women were crying, but Rizona was sure it was for different reasons. Rizona knew that the King and Queen would never appear in public without their masks, so when the King took the Queen's mask off her head and smashed it, he had, in fact, exiled her to this room.

Rizona was crying because she understood the life she enjoyed was contingent upon her remaining in the good graces of the King and Queen. She'd been in the room when the couple argued and had seen the King tell the Queen she wasn't fit to rule. The King is going to kill the Queen and he'll kill me with her.

Rizona noticed Hath-Set enter the room with a sword and gasped. He's going to kill us now. She scrambled to her feet and ran to the other side of the bed so that the Queen was between her and the priest. She trembled as she squatted down behind the bed, her wide eyes fixed on the sword. "Save me, my Queen. Save me," she pleaded shaking the Queen.

The Queen sat up, got off the bed and glared at the priest.

"What's the meaning of this?" the Queen demanded. "I am your Queen, your god. How dare you enter my quarters without permission! And brandishing a weapon no less!"

Hath-Set pointed the sword at the Queen. "You are not my Queen. You are only my King's whore and an unfaithful one at that." The Queen's eyes widened and then quickly narrowed. "Yes, I know all about your tryst with General Bashari," the priest continued. "And I know how long it's been going on."

The Queen pointed her finger at the priest. "It's you, isn't it?" she said. "You're the one responsible for what's happening to our people and you poisoned Katar against me. Where's Katar now?" she demanded.

The priest grinned wickedly. "Gone to punish the General, if I know my liege. The King will kill Bashari and then he'll kill you for being the deceitful harlot that you are and blame your death on Bashari. Then my King and I will rule this land as it should be ruled."

The Queen shook her head, glaring at the priest. She slowly raised her arms straight out from her side and deliberately and gracefully spread her wings to their full length. "You've forgotten something, Hath-Set," the Queen said in a low voice as she slowly rose in the air and hovered in front of the priest, whose eyes widened as he back away.

"I. Am. Your. God!" the Queen slowly growled.

Rizona dropped completely to her knees, but kept her eyes fixed on the Queen in front of her. She watched in fear as the Queen, who suddenly seemed bigger, screamed something at the priest she didn't understand and flew at the frightened man and attacked him before he could call for help, taking the sword out of his hand and knocking him out with one punch. The Queen landed and dragged the limp body of the priest to the bed. She pulled the mosquito netting down from bed and, using it as a rope, securely tied him to a corner bed post.

The Queen took the pitcher that was on her bedstand, emptied the water from it, turned it upside-down and gave it to Rizona.

"Look at me, Rizona," the Queen commanded. "Who do you see?

Rizona, still on her knees, fell prostrate in front of the Queen. "I see my goddess and my Queen before me," she said.

"Rise, Rizona. This man," the Queen said pointing to the priest, "wants to kill you and your Queen. When he comes to, hit him with the pitcher. Hard. Your Queen orders it. Understand?"

Rizona swallowed hard and cleared her throat as she stood. "Yes, my Queen, I understand."

The Queen picked up the sword on the floor and flew out of the room.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(Now)

"The King was about to kill the General," Inza continued, "The Queen, who refused to accept her disgrace, rushed in to save him. The Queen and the General defeated the King, who later in his own disgrace, committed suicide by taking poison. The Queen had Hath-Set imprisoned.

"The Queen, who now wore the marriage earrings of the General, ruled gently over the land with her husband. She gave him a winged harness that allowed the General to fly with his Queen. They lived together happily until the priest Khalis poisoned them both five years later. The two lovers were buried together in a large sarcophagus where they remained undisturbed until thirty-three years ago. The people, led by Nabu, were so enraged by the murder of their beloved queen that after her funeral, they mummified Khalis alive."

The vision ended and Shayera shuddered as she watched the images dissipate.

"Nabu?" Shayera exclaimed. "Fate? I mean, the spirit of Fate's helmet?"

Inza smiled. "The same."

"And what I just saw is really what happened?" Shayera asked.

"There is always a pattern to life, Shayera. You once asked Fate if your destiny was to be a destroyer, a betrayer of friends. Do you remember?"

"He answered it's not that simple, it never was," Shayera said softly. She paused and repeated, "It never was."

The writing in the tomb! The transcription, 'the end of the journey!'

Her jaw dropped "Oh. My. Stars. That's what he meant. It wasn't a yes or no answer to the question. It was yes and no. He was answering the question I asked eight thousand year ago."

Inza shrugged. "Shayera, I have no words of insight to offer you, nothing that will change sadness to happiness or dark into light, but for eight thousand years your spirit and Bashari's have searched for each other through time and space. Look around you. The flowers are blooming and the garden is alive. This is your destiny, Shayera. You must find a way to say to 'yes' to it."

Shayera quietly looked at the flowers around her and then back at Inza. She smiled. "Inza, I need a favor."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(Two hours later – Outside Warhawk's quarters)

Stewart had called Mari back and was relieved to find out that she was okay. He'd meet her and her husband tomorrow at a small café in Paris that Mari had taken John to years earlier. Years to her. Weeks to me.

Stewart wanted to see Mari, not so much to give her closure, as to give himself closure to this new situation. He knew he'd come between Hro and Shayera and Katar and Chayara. He wasn't going to come between Mari and her husband.

He knocked on Shayera's door. Diana had told him that she'd found regular quarters for them both. They could move in as early as tomorrow if they wanted. Stewart noted that Diana took particular glee in saying that the quarters were next door to each other. He wouldn't admit it, but that thought pleased him at the moment.

He heard Shayera say from inside the room, "Who is it?"

He started to answer, "John," but thought better of it in case someone was listening. You're getting paranoid, Stewart. "Green Lantern," he answered.

"Just a moment," came the reply. A few seconds later, Shayera opened the door and Stewart smiled. She stood in front of him, dressed in a black body suit, wearing a white helmet. Unless he was mistaken, she'd worn that same helmet when she, Stewart and Rex Mason had visited a small planet in the Omega quadrant named Cauth to get a couple of bottles of Cafvan pepper sauce years earlier.

"May I come in?" he asked.

She had a wisp of a smile on her face as she stepped back into her room so he could enter. She closed the door behind him, then tossed her helmet on the bed and leaned against the door. "You shaved your beard," she said. She seemed way too pleased, he thought.

"You've cut your hair," he said. He cleared his throat. "Umm. Looks nice."

"Thank you," she said, moving her fingers across her forehead as she flipped up her bangs. "It's part of the new me, though it's not quite the look I had in mind." She paused. "I asked Inza to cut it and well … she cut it a little shorter than I wanted. I think she thought she was being cute. I always liked Vixen's haircut, but I never thought I'd end up wearing it."

He cleared his throat again and slowly smiled. "It looks nice on you. The... um... black and white in your costume looks nice together too. Hmmm. I'm not too sure about the gold armor on the mask, but if she's happy with it...

She shook her head. "It's a work in progress. When I finish, most of the helmet will be black too, except for this," she said, pointing to the golden armor on the helmet. She looked up at him. "You remember Static?"

John nodded.

"Well, he's helping me put this outfit together. There are a couple more things we have to do," she said, pausing and then smirking at him. "What's with your mask and the costume change? You have white gloves?"

He took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck with his non-ring hand. "I'm in training again. So, I've adopted the uniform of my trainer."

"You know, John, you shouldn't lie. You're not good at it. You changed your costume because of me, didn't you?"

Stewart's expression flattened. "Yes, that had a little something to do with it. But I do have a trainer now and this is his costume." He was silent and glanced away and then looked back at her. "I guess you know that I've been reassigned. I'll be leaving in a couple of weeks."

He watched her shoulders slump. He knew this news was like hitting her with a brick. They'd gotten dumped in this new time and now he was about to leave her, abandoning her here. He'd been thinking about this, and he knew he didn't want to do that to her.

"Do you know when you'll return?" she asked softly.

"Not really," he said. "A tour is five to ten years and I'm being assigned to the biological dumping ground of the universe. It's so far away it takes almost two days to get there at best speed. And I have no idea where I'll be assigned after I complete that tour. I may never see Earth again."

She ran her fingers through her shortened hair nervously. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too," he said. He knew what he wanted to say, but he couldn't get the words out.

She gazed into his eyes. "Promise me you'll be careful."

"I will," he said. "Will you promise me the same?"

"I will." She hesitated and then placed her hand on his shoulder, and looked him in the eyes. "I still love you, John."

"I know," he said softly, "and that's what makes what I have to say so hard for me."

Her hand came off his shoulder like she'd touched a hot iron and her expression changed. He'd seen that look on her face before. It was the same angry, hurt stare as when he'd told her about their son and then announced he was staying with Mari.

"I thought about this most of the day," he said. "And I'll understand any answer you give me." He paused, glancing away for a moment and then looked her in the eyes. "Shayera, will you come with me?"

She didn't try to hide her smile.

END