Journey of the Last Saiyan

Void Sentinel - Hangar

"Finally back," Rachel exhaled as she descended the shuttle's ramp, her new suit's helmet retracting beneath her hood. Behind her followed Diana, Adellca, and their rescued passengers - Hal Jordan, Laira Omoto, and John Stewart.

While Orach engaged the Guardians, Rachel and Diana executed their rescue mission. Cloaked in their advanced suits's stealth mode, they slipped through a spatial ripple Orach had created upon his landing, entering the Sciencells undetected. Rachel interfaced with her terminal, allowing Mother Empress to bypass the facility's security protocols and gain full control of the systems.

Mother Empress quickly located their targets and mapped efficient rescue routes. Rachel headed for Adellca's cell while Diana moved to free John and Laira, planning to retrieve Hal Jordan - held in maximum security - together afterward.

Reaching Adellca's cell, Rachel found her in deep meditation, floating mid-air. Sensing a familiar presence, Adellca gracefully descended, her eyes widening at the imposing figure before her - sleek black armor, reflective helmet with glowing blue eyes, draped in a dark cloak. Only her knowledge of Saiyan technology kept her from assuming a defensive stance.

"Stand back," Rachel commanded softly, raising her palm. The cell's forcefield dissipated instantly, its power dampeners shutting down.

"Young princess..." Adellca whispered, recognizing Rachel's voice. She bowed deeply, moved that the family she served would personally come to her rescue despite being at war with her captors.

"We need to move quickly," Rachel stated. "Mother is retrieving the others."

Soon they rendezvoused with Diana's group - now including Laira and John - and proceeded to the maximum security sector where Hal Jordan was imprisoned. After freeing him, Rachel concentrated briefly before opening a spatial ripple to the shuttle.

"Everyone through," she ordered, maintaining the portal. "The shuttle's waiting."

One by one they passed through the portal, with Rachel stepping through last before sealing the spatial ripple behind them. In the shuttle, Mother Empress transmitted a live broadcast of Orach's ongoing tense dialogue with the increasingly uneasy Guardians, allowing everyone to witness the discussion as they awaited his next move.

"You can say that again," Hal added as he got off the shuttle and surveyed the sophisticated hangar with unease, his eyes drawn to the massive weapons arrays and fourteen imposing pods. Having witnessed the Scarlet Zeta's devastating power during the Thanagarian Invasion, he could imagine their purpose. But, the thought of multiple such units made his blood run cold.

"Diana," Laira spoke softly, her voice tinged with concern. "I'm grateful for the rescue, and I understand the tension between your fiancé and the Guardians. But please - some of them did try to approach this diplomatically. Perhaps you could ask him to show mercy?"

Adellca's expression hardened. "How dare you make such a request? My young master honored the Guardians by engaging in discourse despite their transgressions. Yet you still plead for leniency?"

Laira fell silent, internal conflict evident on her face as her loyalty to the Corps warred with the undeniable truth of Adellca's words. Hal placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she turned to him, seeking solace in his steady gaze before burying her face in his chest.

"Adellca," John began carefully, "from what I've witnessed of his echo during the Thanagarian invasion and his words to the Guardians, I believe his intention wasn't—"

"John, stop," Hal cut him off sharply, nodding toward Diana and Rachel. John followed his gaze and immediately understood. The coldness in their eyes reminded him that these weren't just his former comrades - they were the future mistress of House Gula and Orach's daughter. Some words were better left unsaid.

An ominous alarm suddenly blared throughout the Void Sentinel.

"ALERT: Condition Red Alert status has been issued. All hands to battle stations. Repeat: all hands to battle stations. This Saiyan Empire vessel Void Sentinel is now entering battle mode. All non-essential personnel report to quarters immediately."

The alarm sent visible shockwaves through the group. While Hal, John, Laira, and even Adellca appeared startled, Diana and Rachel's expressions grew grave. Diana turned to Adellca, her voice commanding: "Take them to quarters, then report to the main deck." With a quick nod to Rachel, both women activated their terminals and vanished.

Before Adellca could move the others to safety, another alert echoed through the hangar: "ALERT: Suit pod 005 now switching from standby to active."

The chamber illuminated with emerald light as the Scarlet Zeta's eyes flared to life. Maintenance cables retracted with precise efficiency, and the containment pod's massive doors parted with a pressurized hiss. The towering mecha stepped forward with surprising grace, its movements fluid and purposeful. It paused only to collect its signature weapon - a rifle crackling with barely contained energy - before striding toward the launch bay.

The sight of the infamous war machine up close caused Hal, Laira, and John to instinctively retreat, falling into defensive stances. Without their power rings - confiscated by the Alpha Corps and Guardians - they felt painfully vulnerable.

"There's no need for that," Adellca assured them, her tone softening. "If the Zeta meant you harm, you wouldn't be standing here to worry about it. Now come - we must go." She channeled her Ki and guided the powerless trio to a nearby terminal panel. As she initiated the transport sequence, a soft blue light enveloped them. Their last glimpse was of Orach materializing in the hangar - their unspoken pleas for mercy in the coming conflict with the Green Lantern Corps dying on their lips as they vanished.

Main Command Deck - Minutes Earlier

Orach sat in the captain's chair, analyzing the latest sensor readings from his trip to Oa when Diana and Rachel materialized on the command deck through internal transport. "Welcome back," he said warmly. "Mother Empress informed me of your successful operation. Excellent work, both of you."

"Thanks, Dad," Rachel replied, taking her seat alongside Diana. "Though with our new suits and tech, success was practically guaranteed."

Orach smiled, pleased with his daughter's confidence. As he continued monitoring the incoming data, his expression shifted to one of intrigue.

"What is it?" Diana asked, noting his change in demeanor.

Expanding the holographic display, Orach gestured to the tactical readout. "The Lanterns have proven resourceful. They've gathered and camouflaged a significant number of asteroids and celestial debris. Our initial scans of the sector showed what appeared to be natural formations in Oa's system, but deeper scans revealed artificial signatures. I can pretty much guess their strategy, they intend to use these as projectile weapons." He shook his head with a knowing smile. "Against a conventional enemy, it might have worked. But they've never faced anything like us."

During Rachel's interface with the Sciencell's system, Mother Empress had infiltrated their networks and planted a virus. Now that talks between Orach and the Guardians had broken down, this virus had crippled the communication grid. The Green Lanterns in space remained unaware of what had transpired during the negotiations. With their coordination disrupted both in space and on Oa's surface, the moment to strike had arrived.

As Orach rose to depart, despite knowing full well about his true strength, Diana's voice carried both concern and determination.

"Be careful out there. Rachel and I will provide support from the ship. And if needed, we'll join the battle. Our battle suits enable us to fight in space, and with my new transformation, I'll be a force to reckon with. I can even coordinate with Rachel to support her and protect her as needed. We've trained hard for this, so don't hesitate to call on us. We can hold the enemy off long enough to support you."

With a simple loving smile toward his wife and daughter, Orach stepped through a spatial ripple to the hangar. The Scarlet Zeta already stood ready at the launch bay. He quickly boarded through the waiting hatch, settling into the cockpit as holographic displays illuminated around him. The mecha hummed to life, surrounded by a shimmering aura of green ethereal particles. Z9's familiar presence manifested, confirming all systems were operational and ready for launch.

The massive bay doors parted, revealing the star-studded void beyond. Orach gripped the controls, took a steadying breath, and opened his eyes that now carried chilling killing intent. "Scarlet Zeta... Orach. Launching!"

The mecha burst forward in a flash of emerald energy, leaving a trail of ethereal particles in its wake. As it cleared the ship's gravitational field, the Zeta smoothly transformed into its wave-rider configuration. The Green Lantern Corps, having finally restored communications, spotted the approaching threat. They quickly formed up into defensive positions, but it was already too late.

A sphere of crimson energy coalesced at the muzzle of the Zeta's rifle, growing exponentially in both size and intensity. When it finally erupted, the blast carved through the void of space, devouring everything in its path. Upon impact with the left flank of the formation, reality itself seemed to buckle and twist. An eerily silent void consumed everything in its path, shattering the Lanterns' defensive formation and marking the beginning of a conflict unlike any this universe had witnessed before.

Green Lantern Corps Side

The defensive formation lay in ruins after the devastating attack. Three complete squadrons, each made up of at least a hundred Green Lanterns, out of seven squadrons deployed on the left flank, including their Blue Lantern support, had simply vanished. The blast's aftereffects had torn through a portion of the right flank as well, leaving nothing but void in its wake.

The devastating attack had shattered the defensive formation. Three complete squadrons on the left flank—each comprising over a hundred Green Lanterns and their Blue Lantern support—had vanished without a trace.

The blast's aftereffects had torn through a portion of the right flank as well, destroying half a squadron and leaving nothing but an empty void where proud warriors had stood moments before.

"By the Guardians... what was that?" Galius Zed steadied himself, horror etched across his features as he surveyed the carnage. The comm channels erupted with frantic reports. Where his fellow Lanterns had stood moments before, there was nothing - not even their rings remained. Those partially caught in the blast's periphery lay lifeless, their bodies eerily bisected. The survivors on the left flank scrambled to regroup, their resolve tested by the loss of so many comrades.

Before they could fully recover, a storm of energy beams descended from both the Void Sentinel and Zeta's crystal wings. The barrage tore through both flanks, this time concentrating heavily on the right flank's defenses and decimating another full squadron. The surviving Lanterns quickly raised multilayered shields, their defenses strengthened by their Blue Lantern allies.

A disoriented Blue Lantern found himself in the path of destruction, but another Lantern rushed forward, channeling every ounce of willpower into a multilayered shield. It proved futile - the beam shattered each layer like glass, piercing through both Lanterns. Their bodies dissolved into nothingness.

"LARVOX!" Galius's anguished roar echoed across the void. "DAMN YOU, SAIYAN!" Rage and determination burned in his eyes as he prepared to charge.

"Lantern Galius, wait!" Arisia Rrab called out. "Let me fight alongside you."

"We're with you too," declared Droxelle, flanked by Kaylark and Eddore.

Drawing on their training, the Lanterns executed a coordinated assault. They weaved unpredictably through the debris field while Eddore and Droxelle combined their power to dislodge one of their strategically placed asteroids, hurling it toward their enemy.

The Scarlet Zeta responded with fluid grace, transforming from wave-rider mode as it ascended. Its crystal wings spread wide and rifle ready, its pilot chose to face the attack head-on rather than evade. The mecha's rifle found its mark on the incoming asteroid, and shot out a beam of energy obliterating it in a brilliant explosion.

But the Lanterns weren't finished. A concentrated beam of emerald energy pierced through the debris cloud, targeting the Zeta directly. The mecha's eyes flashed as it returned fire, the two beams colliding in a spectacular display that sent shockwaves rippling through space. While the Lanterns were pushed back and felt strained against the force, the Zeta remained unmoved.

"Impossible!" Galius's voice crackled over the comms. "Our training was meant to prepare us for that ship. How is this machine alone overwhelming us so easily?"

"Could it be even more powerful than the ship of death?" Arisia grunted, pouring more of her willpower into their combined assault.

"We need Blue Lantern support, now!" Kaylark's call echoed across their network.

Meanwhile, the remaining Corps members engaged in a desperate battle against the Void Sentinel's relentless barrage. Diana commanded the vessel in Orach's absence, with Crescent's tactical guidance and Rachel's observation support, all while monitoring both the Zeta and their hidden ace among the Green Lanterns.

Just as the combined beam attack from Galius, Kaylark, Droxelle, Arisia, and Eddore began to falter, a surge of blue light washed over them. Their beam suddenly intensified, pushing back against the Zeta's onslaught.

"Thought you could use some hope," a familiar voice resonated through their comms as healing energy coursed through the Green Lanterns.

"Warth! Perfect timing," Droxelle exclaimed, feeling her strength multiply.

"We stand as one, my brothers and sisters," Warth declared. "Together, we will overcome this evil."

United in purpose, the Lanterns recited their oath with renewed vigor: "In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"

Their combined beam surged forward with incredible force, seemingly gaining ground against the Zeta's attack.

Inside the mecha's cockpit, Orach observed the Blue Lantern's intervention with interest. His eyes gleamed as he addressed his partner. "Z9, let's show them what we're truly capable of. Increase output from 5%."

"Roger, initiating power increase," Z9's synthetic voice responded. "Output at 10% and rising."

The effect was immediate. The Zeta's beam suddenly intensified, its brilliant energy pushing back against the Lanterns' combined assault with devastating force. The blue-enhanced emerald beam began to waver.

"Impossible!" Warth exclaimed, his blue aura flickering as he channeled more power. "The enemy's energy signature just doubled!"

"Hold the line!" Galius commanded through gritted teeth. "Pour everything you have into it!"

Inside the Zeta, Orach's expression remained unchanged. "Z9, take it to 13%."

The mecha's beam surged once more, its intensity causing the very fabric of space to distort around the point of impact. The Lanterns' combined attack began to crack, spiderweb fractures appearing in their energy construct.

"We can't... hold on..." Arisia's voice strained through the comms, even as Warth's blue energy struggled to reinforce their failing defenses.

"This is impossible!" Kaylark shouted through gritted teeth. "This thing is a beast! Arisia is right—it's only a matter of time before the opposing beam decimates us. We need to break off before our beam shatters completely. Everyone, prepare to scatter on my mark!"

But just as their combined beam began to fracture, a powerful surge of emerald energy streaked through space, targeting the Zeta's seemingly exposed flank. The unexpected attack came from a partial elite warrior squadron led by Kilowog, accompanied and empowered by Guardian Sayd and four Blue Lanterns.

With their primary communication channels crippled, the Guardians had been forced to rely on their rings to coordinate their forces. The explosions lighting up Oa's sky had prompted immediate action. While most Guardians joined the battle against the Void Sentinel, Guardians Killalla and Dennap rushed to Mogo to execute one of their contingency plan, the key to strategy Omega. Meanwhile, Guardians Sayd and Scar accompanied Kilowog's reinforcements - three squadrons of a hundred Green Lanterns each, supported by several Blue Lanterns available to support them.

The Zeta's response was immediate and precise. Six crystal wings detached smoothly, forming two perfect triangular barriers. The first formation intercepted Kilowog's partial squadron's attack, its crystalline surface humming as it absorbed the full force of the blast.

"Impressive reaction time," Sayd remarked, while Kilowog growled through their secure channel. "Let's see how it handles multiple angles of attack!" His entire squadron swiftly rallied around him, preparing for a coordinated assault.

But before Guardian Scar and Tomar-Re's additional squadrons could join the strike, the second triangular formation pivoted sharply. In a devastating display of power, it redirected Kilowog's absorbed energy back at the approaching forces.

"Evasive maneuvers, now!" Scar's commanding voice rang out as the deadly beam carved through space. The Lanterns scattered, narrowly avoiding the pillar of light that threatened to obliterate anything in its path.

"Maintain irregular flight patterns!" Tomar-Re ordered. "Don't give it a clear target!"

In the face of the pillar of light, Guardian Scar's eyes narrowed as he analyzed their dire situation. "All squadrons, prepare for the synchronized assault as planned! Kilowog, maintain offensive pressure while we probe for vulnerabilities. I will distract it." His ring pulsed with power as he telekinetically seized a massive asteroid, hurling it toward the Zeta with devastating force. "This should give us the opening we need. All units, prepare to converge!"

The scattered Lantern forces began regrouping with practiced precision. Kilowog's elite squadron, their rings shone with emerald light, took up strategic positions while Sayd's Blue Lanterns channeled waves of hope-empowered energy into their allies.

On the far flank, Tomar-Re's squadron positioned themselves to channel their power into a multilayered isolation construct, reinforced by the Blue Lanterns' energy.

Within the Zeta's cockpit, Orach observed their maneuvers with detached interest. "Z9, increase output to 15%." His voice ordered calmly.

The response was devastating. The Zeta's previous attack—a searing pillar of light from its triangular wing formation—had already scattered Scar and Tomar-Re's squadrons. Now its rifle's beam, surging with increased power, tore through the combined attack of Galius, Kaylark, Droxelle, Arisia, Eddore, and Warth. The veteran Lanterns hurtled through fields of debris as their beam shattered, their rings dimming to a feeble glow, barely enough to keep their lives.

The true gap in power became starkly apparent in the next moment. As Scar's asteroid—a celestial mass rivaling a small moon—hurtled toward the Zeta, the mecha simply raised its left hand. A pulse of raw destructive Ki emanated from its palm, and upon contact, the asteroid didn't merely shatter—it dissolved into cosmic dust, scattering across the void like stardust.

"By the light..." Gazzl's voice wavered, his ring hand visibly shaking. "That kind of power... without even deploying a weapon..."

"Steel yourselves, Lanterns!" Kilowog's authoritative voice thundered through their comms. "Tomar-Re, execute Isolation Formation now!"

"Acknowledged!" Tomar-Re's voice rang clear. "All units, channel your will! Show this monster the true power of the Corps!" His squadron moved in perfect synchronization, their rings blazing as they wove layer upon layer of emerald constructs. The complex geometric patterns pulled in surrounding debris and asteroids, forming an intricate containment field around the Zeta. At its center, a single narrow corridor remained—a perfect channel for their final assault.

The Zeta's apparent passivity as the trap closed around it sent chills through the assembled Lanterns. Kilowog's eyes narrowed, recognizing this might be their only chance. "All squadrons, maximum output! Pour everything you have into this!" The legendary drill instructor's ring erupted with emerald light as his entire squadron channeled their energy into him. Blue Lantern light cascaded around his form, while Guardian Sayd's ancient power merged with their combined assault. The resulting beam dwarfed anything they had yet attempted—a lance of pure willpower that could rival Mogo's planetary attacks, screaming through the debris field toward their seemingly impassive foe.

As the devastating beam approached, the Zeta's emerald eyes flashed once. Then it vanished, swallowed by an explosion of light and energy that consumed the entire containment field of the formation. The assembled asteroids detonated in a chain reaction, and for a moment, hope surged through the Lantern Corps. Had they finally succeeded where all others had failed?

Void Sentinel-Main Command Deck

"Dad!" Rachel gripped her armrests, watching intently as the Zeta disappeared within the blinding light.

"Your father is more than capable of handling this," Diana's voice carried a steely edge as she continued, "Let's focus on our mission and make him proud. They're finally showing their hand."

The tactical display flickered as it processed new data, revealing an immense energy signature emerging from the darkness of space. Indicators flashed across the holographic displays as the readings climbed ever higher.

"Most intriguing—these energy readings surpass our projections," Crescent reported, his eyes calm but carrying a hint of curiosity. "The expected output exceeds our previous encounter with the sentient planet Mogo by sevenfold. They have evidently been planning this strike with great care."

"Still within our capabilities. Proceed as planned, Crescent. Await my signal." Diana's cold eyes narrowed as she watched their enemy's strongest warrior reveal itself. Even as the Void Sentinel maintained its relentless barrage against the scattered Lantern forces, she could sense their adversary attempting to shift the battle's momentum.

Soon, a brilliant pillar of emerald energy erupted from the emerging planet, its radiance as intense as a pulsar. The light blazed so fiercely that nearby sectors would witness it like the birth of a new star—the might of the strongest Green Lantern unleashed in a single, devastating attack.

MOGO - The Living Planet - Minutes Earlier

"Are all preparations complete?" Dennap's voice echoed across the planet's surface.

"Affirmative," responded the elite Blue Lanterns in unison. Bro'Dee Walker, leading his team of Hynn and Sercy, had positioned themselves at three strategic points across Mogo's surface. In deep meditation, they formed a perfect triangular grid, channeling their energy through the Blue Lantern central battery at its heart. Their sacred oath resonated through space,

"In fearful day, in raging night, with strong hearts full, our souls ignite. When all seems lost in the War of Light, look to the stars, for hope burns bright!"

Brilliant azure columns of pure hope-energy erupted from each Lantern, converging at the central battery in a spectacular display of power.

The battery pulsed with newfound strength, its energy spreading throughout Mogo's entire being. The planet itself began to glow, its concealment falling away as the Blue Lantern Corps' symbol materialized in its atmosphere.

"The formation remains stable," Killalla reported, monitoring the battery's output. "Power levels are optimal. We stand ready, Dennap."

"Then let us add our strength to this endeavor," Dennap commanded. Her eyes blazed with ancient power as she pressed her hands against Mogo's surface. Killalla and the other three Guardians followed suit, their combined might merging with the planet's own formidable energy.

The symbols of both Lantern Corps merged into one unified crest, pulsing with unprecedented power. Mogo, now charged with the combined might of two Corps and multiple Guardians, gathered its strength. The planet's surface rippled as it concentrated all its power into a single point, unleashing a beam of pure emerald energy - a divine judgment aimed at the heart of the Saiyan Empire's dreaded warship, the Void Sentinel.

Kilowog's Squadron

"By the light..." Kilowog whispered, awestruck by the sheer magnitude of power unleashed before them.

They watched as Mogo's emerald beam struck the Saiyan vessel, followed by a tremendous explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through space itself.

"We... we actually did it," Sayd whispered, her face etched with disbelief.

The Green Lanterns erupted in cheers, their rings pulsing with renewed vigor at this apparent victory. Yet amid the celebration, Scar's voice cut through their comms with sharp concern: "No... this was too easy. Something's wrong."

Tomar-Re's urgent transmission interrupted their moment of triumph. "Wait—movement detected!" His attention had shifted away from Mogo's spectacular attack and toward their own battlefield, where they thought they had successfully trapped and neutralized the Saiyan mecha inside their isolation construct.

Through the dissipating clouds of the explosion within the isolation construct, a familiar silhouette emerged. The Zeta stood untouched, its crystal wings casting an ethereal glow as its emerald eyes flared with cold light. Fear crept into the hearts of the assembled Lanterns as the reality sank in—their combined assault had failed to leave even a scratch.

"Impossible..." Adara breathed.

"It withstood everything we had," Chaselon added, his crystalline form trembling.

Scar's voice carried across all channels, determined despite their failure. "We may not have defeated you, but your ship lies in ruins. You have nowhere left to run, Saiyan. Surrender!"

Minutes Earlier - Inside the Zeta

As Kilowog's squadron launched their assault, more of the Zeta's crystal wings detached and merged with the previously deployed wings, forming an impenetrable bipyramidal barrier around the mecha. Within its cockpit, Orach observed the incoming data from the Void Sentinel with mild interest.

"Their power output exceeds our projections," he noted, drumming his fingers on the armrest.

Z9's response dripped with condescension. "They're trying hard, I'll give them that."

"Credit where it's due—they've prepared well for an engagement with a higher realm entity," Orach remarked.

"Still just ants with slightly bigger sticks," Z9 replied, his eyes glinting coldly.

Orach sighed before changing the topic. "Any trace of our target?"

"Nothing," Z9 replied grimly. "We could find her quickly if you unleashed your god forms, but that would destabilize this entire realm and its universes given your recent ascension."

"That's not all," Orach added. "Last time I accessed Ultra Instinct, I felt my primordial form trying to manifest. I can't risk that transformation unless absolutely necessary—I won't abandon Diana and Rachel again."

Z9 nodded solemnly. "So what's our play? Continue this charade?"

Watching Mogo's attack make contact with the Void Sentinel, Orach's expression turned blank as he closed his eyes and tapped into his bloodline. His hair lifted and transformed to brilliant gold as he accessed his full Super Saiyan power, his Ki surging through the cockpit and flowing into the Zeta's newly upgraded core. "No," he said, opening his eyes to reveal calm teal irises, "it's time to end this farce. Signal the Void Sentinel—we're finishing this and going home."

The Zeta's emerald eyes flashed as it stood unscathed from their combined assault. In response to Scar's ultimatum, Orach unleashed all crystal wings in a deadly array targeting the Lantern construct. Before the Lantern squadrons or Guardians could react, concentrated beams of ki energy erupted from the wings, shattering their reinforced isolation construct like brittle glass. The explosion sent the defenders tumbling through space.

Scar managed to stabilize himself, watching in disbelief as their most powerful containment field was obliterated with such ease.

Before he could process this development, the Zeta vanished and materialized directly before him, its massive frame looming over the diminutive Guardian while its crystal blade-like wings gracefully returned and locked into place.

"I wonder," Orach's voice resonated across all frequencies, "where does this confidence, this pride of yours stem from?"

The mecha's presence cast an imposing shadow over the Guardian. "Is it your longevity? Your command over that sentient planet? Or perhaps your ability to tap into the primordial forces of this universe? Tell me, Oan. I'm genuinely curious about what makes you so... presumptuous."

The remaining Lanterns and Guardian Sayd regained their positions, horror evident in their expressions as they witnessed the confrontation. Scar, despite his fear, drew upon millennia of pride and determination. His eyes blazed with defiance as he faced the mechanical behemoth.

"This pride," Scar declared, his voice unwavering, "comes from being the first race, the custodians of knowledge, and wielders of power that protects all beings from threats like you!" He thrust an accusatory finger toward the Zeta. "You may have survived our attack, but your ship lies in ruins. What can one machine do against our combined might? Even you cannot withstand our strongest Lantern's power! We, the Guardians of universal peace and justice, shall be your end! We exist to fight the blackest night, and we shall not fail! SURRENDER - there is nowhere left to run!"

His words ignited hope in the hearts of the assembled Lantern Corps, their rings glowing brighter with renewed determination. However, their resolve was met with something unexpected - laughter. A bone-chilling, predatory sound that echoed throughout the sector on all frequencies.

"Run?" The cold voice from the Zeta carried traces of amusement. "Run where? From ants like you? WHY?"

The mecha's form began to transform. Its emerald eyes blazed with otherworldly intensity as seams appeared throughout its armor, revealing a pulsating inner frame. The crystal wings extended outward, radiating pure energy. What began as a cascade of green particles erupted from the mecha like a cosmic fountain, gradually shifting to a deep, blood-red hue. The display resembled a crimson flower blooming in the void of space, casting an ominous glow that made the hovering war machine appear even more terrifying.

"You have an inflated sense of your importance, ant," Orach's voice had lost all trace of amusement. "Allow me to show you there are existences you should never provoke."

A sharp snap echoed through space. In the next instant, a brilliant pillar of energy materialized from the darkness of space, piercing through Mogo's defensive barriers like paper. When the blinding light faded and the assembled forces regained their sight, a horrifying scene lay before them. Where once floated a living planet—the mightiest of all Green Lanterns and the Corps' greatest source of pride and confidence—now drifted only a devastating field of debris. This display of overwhelming power left the assembled forces in stunned silence.

"NO!" A heart-wrenching scream echoed across the Lantern communications network. Guardian Sayd fell to her knees on the debris she crashed into previously, overwhelmed by the catastrophic loss before her. The destruction of Mogo represented more than just the fall of their mightiest Green Lantern - it marked the fall of more of her fellow Guardians and the obliteration of hope itself.

In a single, devastating instant, the Guardians on Mogo, the elite Blue Lanterns stationed there, and their Blue Lantern Central Power Battery were erased from existence.

"This... this is impossible," she whispered, her voice trembling with grief and disbelief as she felt the power of Hope dimming throughout space.

She stared in horror at the towering Zeta and whispered, "What...have you done?"

Around her, Green and Blue Lanterns stared in stunned silence, unable to process the magnitude of their loss. As the remaining Blue Lantern Corps weakened, panic and fear rippled through the assembled Oan forces. Then, from the empty void where Mogo had once proudly orbited, the supposedly destroyed colossal Void Sentinel materialized, its presence seeming to mock their earlier confidence.

"Impossible!" Kilowog's voice cracked with disbelief as he stared at the massive vessel through battered eyes. "We witnessed its destruction! How can the ship still exist?" His massive frame trembled, not just from his injuries but from the dawning realization of their predicament.

Scar's gaze shifted from the impossible sight of the intact ship to meet the Zeta's glowing eyes. The mechanical titan that had seemed intimidating before now loomed like an incomprehensible force of nature. A cold understanding crept into the Guardian's ancient mind as pieces of a terrible puzzle fell into place.

"This was your strategy from the beginning," Scar whispered, his usual commanding tone replaced by one of horrified revelation. "The ship's destruction, our response, Mogo's positioning - you orchestrated all of it. We played directly into your hands, didn't we?"

The Zeta's emerald eyes flashed once, almost like a predator's silent acknowledgment of cornered prey. The implications of this realization sent waves of dread through the assembled Lanterns - they hadn't just been outmatched, they had been outmaneuvered from the very start.