Blood Red Liberation

Sector 2262, Planet Mogo
Atrocitus scowled as he surveyed the efforts of his fellow Red Lanterns. A snow-covered plain was – slowly – being filled with containment units, power generators, transport platforms and more… but the Lanterns of Rage were warriors, not artisans. Even when using pre-fabricated items designed for rapid implementation, they were far behind schedule.
 
“She will not be pleased,” said Atrocitus as he peered down at an equally irate cat clad in a crimson uniform. “That is unacceptable. They require… motivation.  I delegate this task to you, Dex-Starr. Do not fail me.”

Internal artwork from Red Lanterns #30 (Apr. 2014). © and TM DC. Written by Charles Soule. Art by Jim Calafiore.

The cat replied with a low growl and a hiss, their Power Ring crackling with bright red energy. A moment later, the enraged feline was streaking through the sky toward the laboring Red Lanterns. Atrocitus allowed himself the slightest of smiles as the sounds of battle, pain, and angry feline yowling filled the air. When the din of Dex-Starr’s “motivational efforts” subsided, he projected a hologram of himself over the construction site. It glared downward at the workers before speaking - 

“Lanterns. Get back on schedule… or the next time, you will not face the wrath of Dex-Starr… you will face mine. Get to work.”
Atrocitus smirked.  “Sometimes the tactics of Sinestro can be effective after all,” he thought as his loyal cat returned to his side. His ring chimed for his attention. 

“Speak,” Atrocitus said. 
 “Incoming transmission, highest priority,” the ring replied. It was a stern, commanding voice, unlike the passive, almost mechanical tones that emitted from the rings of Lanterns in other Corps.
 
“Put it through,” said Atrocitus. “Audio only.”  He wasn’t in the mood for face-to-face conversations, especially considering the situation on Mogo. Anyone contacting him now was surely a harbinger of grim tidings.
 
“Greetings, Atrocitus. My latest reports indicate that three out of eighteen tasks assigned to your Lanterns are on schedule. Just three. This simply will not do.” The speaker’s voice was feminine, crisp, calm… and commanding. “I trust you will ensure your workers complete their tasks in a timely fashion. Failure to do so will be… unfortunate - for you, as well as them.”

Internal artwork from Red Lanterns #3 (Nov. 2011). © and TM DC. Written by Peter Milligan. Art by Ed Benes.

Atrocitus gritted his teeth, the rage within him rising in response to such a brazen threat. He was not accustomed to being threatened or following the orders of anyone save himself. He snorted blood-red plasma in frustration, and after regaining his composure, raised his ring to respond.
 
“I have attended to this matter,” Atrocitus growled. “The camps and transport facilities will be completed on time. Our allies are standing by, ready to receive the refugees we shall evacuate from this wretched planet. All is proceeding according to your plan... we will not fail.”
 
“And what of the specialized facility,” the woman’s voice said in response. “Is it ready to receive the Children of Mogo? You understand that its completion is your highest priority, yes? I cannot stress that enough, Atrocitus. We must collect and safeguard the little ones… even at the expense of their elders.” 

“It shall be done,” replied Atrocitus. “I have assigned Bleez to supervise its construction and activation. She is a very effective taskmistress… they will complete that facility on time, or suffer her harsh and unforgiving rage.”

“Very good, Atrocitus… very good,” the woman said. “I want every refugee liberated from Mogo before the wretched planet succumbs to its undying sorrow. Work quickly… we cannot afford any more delays. Our allies have done well in distracting most of the more noble members of other Lantern Corps… but not all. Every moment that passes provides more opportunities for them to meddle in our affairs. Should that occur, you know what to do.”
 
“Indeed,” Atrocitus said. “Eliminate them… with extreme prejudice. Fear not – no Lantern or so-called hero will stop us. I will not allow it.”
 
“This pleases me,” the woman replied. “Prepare for my arrival. The final stages of our plan will begin when I do… and soon, we shall stand victorious. No one will stand against us on that day.  Be seeing you.”  

The ring fell silent as the transmission concluded. Atrocitus shared a look of shared rage with his loyal cat.  “Soon, Dex-Starr, we will free ourselves of this… alliance, and that misbegotten woman.” As the cat purred, vengeful and content, Atrocitus turned to survey the construction site once more.  

Internal artwork from Red Lanterns #3 (Nov. 2011). © and TM DC. Written by Peter Milligan. Art by Ed Benes.

“She has earned my wrath,” he thought.  “No one escapes the rage of the Red Lanterns… no one… not even her.”