The Golden Star

[Illidan Stormrage]

A peacekeeping force? Orion bristled at the idea. He was a warrior, and a saiyan at that; his efforts were rarely directed in any sense other than his own desires or instincts. He would kill for self preservation, or glory, or money, but defending random innocents? Where was the payoff in that? The gibbered pleasantries of saved weaklings was worth as much as the air that gave life to them. Orion never bathed in praise and never enjoyed it on the scarce occasions that it happened.

Sinestro, on the other hand, seemed driven by the concept. His yellow eyes shone as he spoke, every word imbued with a sacred importance. From what Orion had seen of Sinestro, however, he doubted he was purely altruistic. In his experience, those types of people were few and far between, and the off chance that the Omniverse had thrown him in seemed slim. Did Sinestro wish to conquer the sandy verse? Or were his reasons for protecting the town deeper than they first appeared?

Too much thinking. Orion poured himself another shot and downed it in a swift movement. As the liquor cascaded down his throat, he felt his face prickle and warm. That was probably enough.

As Orion was pondering Sinestro's proposition, Dean spoke his mind, and quite bluntly. With no particular allegiance to the ideals of teamwork, he relayed that he would be around if he was needed, but his lone wolf persona wouldn't stand for vigilantly protecting the town. After berating a white haired man at the bar, hitherto unnoticed by Orion, he left the bar. Moments later, Orion heard the revving of an engine, dying away with every second as it ostensibly sped away.

Orion understood that feeling. But as he already decided, there was nowhere out there for him to go. At least developing an ally or two could introduce him to something worthy of his time.

But joining an organisation, dedicated to keeping the peace? The idea, unmitigated, left a sour taste in the saiyan's mouth. However, when Dean had questioned it, Thaal had explained in greater detail, revealing the objective of reducing the level of chaos. Orion looked at his hand, clenching and releasing a fist. He'd seen enough chaos to last two lifetimes. He had no qualm with destroying it for the sake of it. He was still a saiyan, true, but there were things worth protecting in the world. Maybe even in the Omniverse.

At the very least, combating chaos meant battle. And Orion loved battle.

"Not exactly the most reliable person, is he?" Orion said as Dean's vehicle dimmed out of hearing.

"Strong willed, perhaps. Solitary. But not unreliable," Sinestro replied.

"Hmm," Orion considered. "True." Guess I have more in common with the thug than I thought. "So, you intend to start a peacekeeping force?"

"Just so."

"I must admit, the idea of wearing one of your rings is appealing." Orion cast a glance over the glistening band on Sinestro's red finger. "Ki is diverse, but I'm certainly not averse to gaining more power."

Sinestro looked the saiyan over. "It's not hard to see that you and Dean share similarities in demeanour. As I said previously, our association does not have a chain of command. We are all equals. A partnership among like minded individuals is a better explanation. Also, do not feel like you must join. If you were dissuaded because of this misconception - "

Orion raised a hand. "I understand. I've worked in a team more often than you might think." Indeed, I was the commander of my squadron. He cleared his throat. "I find myself with little to pursue in this realm, Sinestro. At least for now, maybe until something else comes along, I will stay here. The bandits will keep me entertained, if nothing else."

Sinestro stroked his pencil moustache, his face flat. "I am glad to hear it."

No doubt the Lantern was glad to hear it. If he truly intended for their alliance to be equal, without leaders and subordinates, then Orion could get on board. Yet, could such a proposition last? Orion was used to having squad mates obeying his commands, and judging by Sinestro's air and manner, was also accustomed to giving orders. Perhaps their aggrandised pride would collide one day. It had to be considered. Though the Lantern likely had realised such an eventuality as well.

Orion nodded. "So, my ring."

Thaal's eyes cast down at his imbued jewelry. "I'm not certain I can do it yet. At least not permanently. I will need to experiment."

"I understand," Orion said. "Then there is something I must ask of you." Orion rolled his shoulders and found the pain in his ribs to have fled completely. Strange. "We may commence this later, but if I am to enter an alliance with you, I need to know something important about you."

Sinestro cocked an eyebrow. "And that is?"

Orion balled his fist, each finger following the last in succession, and his knuckles cracked. "I need to know how powerful my ally is." His eye narrowed. "We have to fight."

Sinestro retained his curious expression. "Indeed?"

"Yeah," Orion said. "Saiyans need to respect those they fight with, shoulder to shoulder. If you can't provide a decent challenge to me, then it will be difficult for me to rely on you, and thus trust you in these law enforcement tasks. So, what say you?"