Chapter 76: 76

| Thanagar Thanagar began as a harsh and unforgiving world, where its inhabitants developed a culture rooted in strength and survival. Despite their warlike nature, the Thanagarians possessed extensive knowledge of agriculture, mathematics, and philosophy, making great strides in technological advancement. Among their most significant discoveries was Nth metal—a mysterious substance with the ability to negate gravity, allowing its users to achieve flight. This discovery shaped Thanagarian civilization, paving the way for their dominance in the stars. In ancient times, the Thanagarians worshiped a pantheon of extradimensional entities known as the Great Old Ones. However, as their society advanced, they abandoned these deities, and by the 21st century, Thanagar had become a civilization that bowed to no higher power. Fueled by their warlike nature and the capabilities granted by Nth metal, the Thanagarians embarked on an era of conquest, expanding their dominion across neighboring planets and star systems. Over time, they established an intergalactic empire—one that stood as a powerful hegemon in the cosmos. With their military expansion, the Thanagarians inevitably came into contact with the Gordanians, a race of ruthless intergalactic slavers. Clashes between the two civilizations over territory became a frequent and bloody affair, neither side willing to yield. A longstanding agreement dictated that as long as the Keeper of the Orange Light kept it buried deep beneath the surface of Okaara in the Vega system, and as long as Vega did not attack those under Green Lantern jurisdiction, the Green Lantern Corps would not intervene in Vega's affairs. However, this balance was shattered when the Citadel—one of the ruling factions of Vega—began abducting Earth's citizens, individuals under Green Lantern protection. This blatant violation of the pact led to a dispute between the Green Lantern Corps and the Citadel. Seizing the opportunity, the Thanagarians declared all-out war on the Gordanians. At first, the Thanagarian Empire, with its superior technology and vast resources accumulated from centuries of conquest, enjoyed victory after victory. However, what initially seemed like a swift war dragged into a prolonged, brutal conflict. The fighting exacted a heavy toll on both sides, and the Thanagarians, in their desperation to outmatch the Gordanians, funneled the majority of their wealth into military spending. In mere months, their coffers were drained, their resources depleted, and their empire left on the brink of collapse. The war's decisive moment would come in a final assault—one that could determine the fate of both civilizations. Both Thanagar and the Gordanians sought to strike at the heart of their enemy, believing that a direct attack on the opposing homeworld would secure absolute victory. Yet, while Thanagar itself remained vulnerable, the Gordanian homeworld was fortified by an impenetrable defensive line, making any conventional attack futile. To bypass this obstacle, the Thanagarians devised a solution: the Hyperspace Bypass Generators—massive wormhole generators capable of circumventing enemy defenses. But as the war dragged on, Thanagar found itself unable to construct the generators close enough to the enemy stronghold. Their planet had been stripped of the necessary resources. A new source was needed. That source was Earth. Earth was rich in raw materials—everything the Thanagarians needed to complete their Hyperspace Bypass Generator. However, launching an outright invasion would be reckless given the capabilities of Earth's protectors. Instead, they took a more strategic approach. Under orders from Thanagarian high command, Lieutenant Shayera Thal and Captain Katar Hol were dispatched to Earth. Officially, their mission was to study the planet's law enforcement techniques, but their true purpose was far more sinister: to establish an "alliance" with Earth under false pretenses. The Thanagarians would offer their protection, promising to construct a planetary force field to defend Earth against future attacks from the Citadel. In reality, they would build the Hyperspace Bypass Generator—using Earth's resources and strategic position to launch a direct strike against the Gordanian homeworld. But there was a catch. Activating the generator would annihilate Earth. For General Hro Talak, head of the Thanagarian invasion force, it was an acceptable sacrifice. Thanagar's survival was all that mattered. Shayera and Katar had completed their mission, and before they could find out the true purpose of their visit to Earth and sentimentality could cloud their judgment, they were recalled. There was no room for doubt in the Thanagarian war effort. ** | Chicago - July 24 Dizzy moved like a ghost, her footsteps silent as she weaved through the shadows. For months, she had been working alongside Nova in secret, purging the city of its filth—investigating, exposing, and eliminating the corrupt. Tonight was no different. Her target was Bryce Rock, the head of a criminal empire. She had spent years honing her instincts, surviving a lifestyle where a single misstep meant death. And right now, every fiber of her being screamed at her—she was being followed. Dizzy tightened her grip on her weapon, subtly adjusting her pace. She ducked through the crowded streets of Chicago, weaving through alleys and side roads, trying to shake her pursuers. But they were good—too good. She had just enough time to recognize the tactical gear before they closed in. A sharp movement. A gun barrel pressing into her back. She tensed, ready to fight— Too late. She was tackled to the ground, her face pressing against the cold pavement of a deserted alleyway. Guns were aimed at her head, her arms pinned behind her back. Then a man knelt beside her, holding a phone to her face. The screen flickered to life. A woman appeared—African-American, slightly overweight, wearing a sharp suit. Her black hair was slicked back into a tight ponytail. Her expression was calm, composed, but there was an unmistakable air of authority about her. "Isabelle 'Dizzy' Cordova." Dizzy remained silent, her mind racing. "We've been watching you," the woman continued. "We know what you've been up to. By all accounts, you should be rotting in a cell for life. But..." A pause. "We have a proposal." Dizzy's eyes narrowed. Did they know of Nova's involvement with her? She couldn't afford to let them know and expose that information. Chicago had never been safer. It needed Nova. "The man you're tracking—Bryce Rock—isn't just another criminal. We suspect that he has shape-shifting abilities." Dizzy stiffened. The woman's gaze remained locked on hers through the screen. "How about we help each other?" Dizzy swallowed. "And who exactly is 'we'?" The woman smiled slightly. "A.R.G.U.S."