The Man:
"So that's it? After all of that, after everything we did for him and his kingdom, we're just going to leave like this?"
Kara asks this as I steer the Junker away from Atlantis
"We didn't get Aquaman's support."
"No, we did not. Yes, it sucks, but oh well. We'll live."
"We'll live, but what about Aquaman and the other Atlanteans? Will they be okay? I mean, you gave Aquaman that flare gun, but is it enough?"
I think about it for a second before shrugging.
"Hmm," I moan.
"You know. I'm surprised you're being very calm about this."
"So am I. I figured I would've thrown a fist or kicked my shoe at old Lord of the Fishes, but surprisingly, when he said he wouldn't support us, I just got...hungry."
"Hungry?"
"Yeah. Hungry. I'm hungry. Are you hungry? I just realized. I haven't cooked dinner in a while. Aw man. I haven't used the Junker sub in years."
I think it's over for a bit.
"No, no, yeah. The kitchen is definitely empty. No fresh ingredients. Thankfully, I should still have plenty of emergency food supplies. They're not fresh, but they're still healthy, safe to eat, and delicious."
"I can't believe you're talking about dinner."
"What's wrong with dinner? I mean, I know it's not breakfast, the most important meal of the day, but still, you, me, and everyone else need to eat. We can't fight or save the day on empty stomachs."
Thinking it over a bit more, I push a series of buttons on the Junker's main control panels. A computerized voice speaks to Kara and me.
"Autopilot engaged."
Letting the Junker's autopilot take over, I then grab the radio.
"Attention, everyone. I'm hungry, so I'm preparing dinner. If you want some, meet me at the Junker's canteen. For anyone wondering, when I said canteen, it means the mess hall."
I lower the radio, but stop. A second later, I raise it back up.
"For anyone still wondering, when I said the mess hall, it means the dining room. Please learn some military terms during the voyage."
Lowering the radio, putting it down, I nudge my head and head into the hallway. Kara sighs and follows after me.
"So now what?" She asks. "Aquaman and Atlantis won't help us. Who's next?"
"That's easy. The Amazons."
"The Ama--Amazon," Kara stutters.
Hearing her stutter, I turn and see Kara frozen.
"We're going to Themyscira."
"Yes. Don't you remember the note? The Amazons are in trouble. Superman and his One Earth forces took over the island."
"Yeah, I remember, but did you forget that I was the one who broke Wonder Woman out? Black Adam and I fought dozens of Amazons before reaching a ship. I then pulled the ship away. I doubt the Amazons would be happy to see me after what I did."
I step forward and place a hand on Kara's shoulder.
"Kara," I start. "You made a mistake. A big one, even I'll admit."
Kara looks at me, but I put up my hand.
"But, but, but," I go on, "Now the Amazons need our help. Believe me, based solely on past experiences with Oa and Atlantis, Themyscira won't exactly be happy to see us, but that doesn't mean they can't use our help."
Kara smiles as she looks at me.
"You know, you're getting really better at being a person."
"I am? Really? Hmm. Thanks."
I smile and nod.
About to turn and head to the kitchen, the lights in the hallway turn red and begin flashing. The speakers ring before coming to life.
"Emergency energy surge," the speakers shout. "Emergency energy surge! Energy similar to Lantern energy."
"Lantern energy?" Kara repeats.
Looking at me, I nod and speed-walk back into the Junker's command room. Disengaging the autopilot and taking control, I check a nearby computer linked to the submarine's sensors. A map of the surrounding area appears. A small submarine icon with a single line appears in the center of the map. The line runs a full lap around the map before a small section turns pink.
"Yeah," I say, "That's definitely lantern energy. Close up. Only a few nautical miles from us. In fact, if we keep going in this direction, we'll be passing right next to it."
"Green energy or yellow energy?" Kara asks.
"Neither," I answer.
"Then it's blue or red? Saint Walker or Atrocitus?"
"Not them either. Unless they changed rings."
"Then what is it?"
"It's pink lantern energy."
"Pink Lantern energy?"
Turning around, Kara and I see the other Insurgency members walking into the control room.
"Did you say pink lantern energy?" Barry asks.
"Yeah. It's the Star Sapphire."
"The who?" Kara asks. "Wait, what's pink lantern energy?"
"Like how willpower fuels green, rage fuels red, and hope fuels blue, pink fuels the power of love."
"Love," Jason Todd repeats. "You have to be kidding me."
"You ever fought a pink lantern before, doofus?"
"No."
"Well, I have. Trust me, those Zamarons' powers are on par with the Green Lanterns."
"Are they...friendly?" Kara asks.
"Uhhh... sometimes."
"Sometimes?"
"Sometimes the Zamarons are friends. Sometimes, they're foes. As I said, I fought against them, and with them."
"Ssooo," Harleen moans, raising her hand from somewhere in the back. "Should we be concerned? Are they friendly right now or do they want to attack us? What's the plan?"
"No clue," I answer. I check the map again. The pink lantern energy the Junker discovered was there. A small part of the map did turn pink, but now it's gone. Nothing left but a tiny dot, barely a blip. Giving it a few more seconds of thought, I grab a handle and pull down a large metal tube. Lowering the handles on both sides, I lift the cover and look through the periscope.
Stepping right and left, I scan the ocean before finally seeing something nearby.
"Starboard side," I shout. "Apparently two klicks."
I turn around and look at everyone.
"Uhhh," Oliver starts, "What?"
"I have no idea what you just said," Flash says.
I sigh and shake my head. I raise the periscope's handles, push the scope back into the ceiling, and push through the crowd.
"I miss the Jackdaw."
Grabbing the ladder and climbing out of the Junker, I stand on top and scan the water. Kara follows me, flying out of the hatch before slowly landing beside me.
"What did you see?" Kara asks.
"A person," I answer.
Still scanning the water, I spot the person floating nearby. Jumping and diving into the water, I swim toward the person.
Reaching her in a few minutes, I brush her long black hair aside. The moment I do, I see her bruised face and recognize her instantly.
"Carol Ferris?"
"Who?"
Looking up, I see Kara hovering above me.
"Hal Jordan's girlfriend," I answer. "Or his wife. At the moment, I'm not entirely sure. Here. Take her back to the Junker."
I carefully hand Kara Carol. Slowly descending, Kara picks Carol up. Once she does, I start swimming back to the Junker. I take three strokes before Kara grabs my jacket and carries me too.
"Come on," she says, "This is faster."
"Hey, hey, hey," I say, looking at my jacket with its many pockets. "Easy, please. I like this jacket. It was not easy to find."
"With everything you have, I'm surprised you don't have a second one."
"The store only had one when I brought it."
Gently dropping Carol and me back onto the top of the Junker, I grab hold of her before climbing down the ladder.
"Make way! Move it! Get out of the way!"
About to kick the next person who blocked me, I stop when I realize it's the Doc.
"Just the person I was looking for. Doc. Iris. Get the infirmary ready. We have a survivor."
"Carol," Iris says, freezing when she sees Carol. "What happened to her?"
"I have no idea."
I look down at the unconscious Carol Ferris in my arms. Her face is covered in bruises, and there are cuts and burn marks all over her arms and body. As I keep examining her, I notice something on her right hand.
"Doc. Raise her right hand."
The Doc steps forward. He grabs Carol's hand and carefully raises it. There, resting on her fourth finger, is a pink lantern ring.