The Right One For The Job

Ivy University, Physics Department 

“I’m so sorry, Professor,” the young man said, agitated. “I tried to tell her that you were busy and to come back during your office hours, but…” 
 
“It’s okay,” Professor Ray Palmer replied. “Ms. Cavalera’s a friend, in from Metropolis.  No harm done!  I’ll take it from here, thanks.” 

As his harried Teacher’s Assistant left his office, Ray smiled at his guest. “Good to see you again, Luzia,” he said. “What’s up? You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind.” 
 
“I do… thanks,” Luzia Cavalera said. “I need your help, sir… and not with particle physics.” 
 
“Ah, gotcha,” Palmer replied. The professor took Luzia’s hand, and a moment later the two of them were miniaturized thanks to his incredible size-control power.  Now in uniform as the Atom, Ray took a seat on top of a now-enormous smartphone.  “Okay, tell me about your situation.” 

Interior artwork from The Atom #26 (Aug. 1966). © and TM DC.  Written by Gardner Fox.  Art by Gil Kane. 

“Remember when we were training the other day,” Luzia said, leaning against a gigantic coffee cup. “In my sister’s back yard?” 
 
“I do,” Atom said. “Your sister took off with John Stewart… some sort of cosmic emergency, if I recall?” 
 
“Yes… and I haven’t heard anything from her, or Mr. Stewart, since then.”  Luzia said. “That’s not like her. I’m worried, and… I don’t have any way to check on her, see if she’s alright.” 
 
“It’s gonna be okay,” Atom replied with a reassuring smile. “Hang on… let me make a call.”  He removed a Justice League comm-unit from his belt and activated it. 
 
“Atom to Watchtower,” he said. In response, a holographic image of a smiling, handsome man appeared above the device.  
 
“Hey there, Tiny,” the image said, smiling widely. “What’s up?” Alien ant invasion? Sentient bacteria attack?  Lilliputians?” 

“You really should leave the funny stuff to Ted, Booster,” Atom replied. “My friend here needs to get in touch with the Green Lantern Corps.” 

“Hmm,” the holo-image of Booster Gold replied. “According to the duty roster, Hal’s off world… ditto John… Kyle’s in another galaxy… wow.” 
 
“Are any of them on Earth now,” Atom said.  “It’s important, Booster.” 
 
“Ah… well… yeah,” Booster said.  “Just one… you-know-who.” 
 
“Oh, boy,” Atom said.  “Him.” 

First Bank of Liberty, Baltimore, Maryland 
 
“Think I heard about you, chica,” Guy Gardner shouted over the din of combat. “You’re the new Indigo hippie, right? 
 
“More or less,” Luzia replied as she willed her power ring to create a shield of energy around herself. “Why are those robbers dressed like playing cards?” 
 
Guy generated a gigantic, glowing green fly swatter with his ring and swatted a flurry of razor-edged cards fired at his head from below.   

Variant cover from Green Lantern #10 (Jun. 2024). © and TM DC.  Art by Evan “Doc” Shaner. 

“Call themselves the Royal Flush Gang,” he replied, grinning. “The card thing’s their gimmick.  King, Queen, Jack… you get the idea.” 
 
“I see,” said Luzia. “It looks like they really went… all in on that!” 

“Nice,” Guy replied. “See you got your battle-banter down… what brings you to Baltimore, anyway? Besides yours truly, of course.” 
 
“I’m trying to get in touch with my sister,” Luzia replied as she created a giant hand made of indigo light. “She’s a Blue Lantern. She went to some place called ‘Mogo’ with Mr. Stewart the other day and –” 
 
“Mogo, huh,” Guy said, frowning. “Damn. Lotta stuff goin’ down on Mogo these days, and it’s not all unicorns and kittens.  I’d be there myself, but I got stuck holdin’ the fort on Earth while John and the rest went to help out.” 
 
Frowning, Luzia used the giant indigo hand she created to lift a family trapped in their SUV to safety.  “It sounds like they’re in trouble,” she said.  “I need to go to this Mogo… can you help me?” 

“Sorry, sweetheart,” Guy said as he ensnared Royal Flush Gang members within a glowing emerald cage. “I can’t leave Earth, or else I’d take you to Mogo myself.” 
 
“I understand,” Luzia said, dejected. “Thanks anyway, Mr. Gardner.” 
 
“Hold on,” Guy replied. “I might not be able to give you a ride… but I can give you directions. Your ring can teleport you, am I right?” 
 
“Yes, but I’ve never used it to go to another planet,” Luzia said. “That sounds impossible.” 
 
“Kid, we live in a world where a goofball dressed like a bat is somehow cooler than me,” Guy said. “Nothin’s impossible!” 
 
“Okay,” Luzia said, determined.  “I’ll take those directions, then.” 
 
“Comin’ right up,” Guy said with a wink.  “You got this… get out there and help your sister, okay?” 
 
“I will,” Luzia replied as her ring received the coordinates for Mogo from Guy.  “Thank you, Mr. Gardner… nok.” 
 
Guy watched as Luzia headed skyward wreathed in indigo light.  “Nok to you too, kid,” he said. “You might be heading into a world of hurt out there… good luck.” 
 
 

-To Be Continued-