Su Zhan's arrival in the Green Lantern universe dropped him straight into the pulsing heart of a nightclub, the music thumping through the floor and the air alive with energy. He took a moment to orient himself, blending into the crowd as if he belonged there. The system's voice echoed in his mind, confirming that this time there were no "camp" choices or special alignments—just a straightforward mission. He had three days, and his objective was clear: find the Green Lantern ring, and if possible, claim its power for himself.
He reminded himself of the story's core: Abin Sur, the dying Green Lantern, would crash on Earth, and his ring would seek a worthy successor. In most versions, that successor was Hal Jordan, a test pilot at Ferris Aircraft. Su Zhan needed to find out if Hal had already become Green Lantern or if the ring was still searching for its next bearer.
For now, he was in a nightclub, and the night was young. As he scanned the room, his eyes landed on a woman who stood out from the crowd. She sat at a corner table, her posture confident, her long brown hair framing striking features. Even in a room filled with beautiful people, she seemed to command the space around her.
Curiosity piqued, Su Zhan made his way through the crowd and approached her table with an easy smile. "Is this seat taken?"
She looked up, her gaze assessing him before she smiled back. "Help yourself."
He sat down and extended his hand. "Su Zhan."
She shook it, her grip firm and assured. "Carol Ferris."
"Nice to meet you, Carol," Su Zhan replied, settling into the conversation. He signaled to the bar for drinks. "I hope you don't mind if I order us something?"
"Not at all," she replied, her tone warm. She took the offered glass and raised it in a toast. "To unexpected meetings."
They clinked glasses, and for a moment, the noise of the club faded into the background. Their conversation flowed easily, covering everything from favorite music to travel stories and the quirks of city nightlife. Carol was sharp, witty, and refreshingly direct. Su Zhan found himself genuinely enjoying her company.
At one point, Carol leaned in, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You don't seem like the typical club-goer. What brings you here tonight?"
Su Zhan grinned. "Let's just say I'm new in town and looking for a little adventure. Sometimes the best nights are the ones you don't plan."
Carol laughed, her voice bright and genuine. "I can agree with that. Sometimes, you just have to see where the night takes you."
Time slipped by unnoticed. The music changed, the crowd shifted, but Su Zhan and Carol remained engrossed in their conversation. Eventually, Carol glanced at her phone, surprised at the hour. "I can't believe it's almost morning. I should probably call it a night."
Su Zhan smiled, a hint of regret in his eyes. "That's a shame. I was enjoying our conversation."
Carol reached into her purse and pulled out a business card. "Here's my number. If you ever need a guide around the city, give me a call."
Su Zhan saved the number and, on impulse, dialed it immediately. Carol's phone buzzed, and she laughed. "Making sure it's real?"
He grinned. "Just covering my bases. Would you like to share a ride?"
She nodded, and together they stepped out into the cool night air. The city lights reflected off the wet pavement, painting the streets in gold and crimson. As they reached her car, Carol glanced at him with a playful smile. "Where are you staying? I can drop you off."
Su Zhan hesitated, then admitted, "I haven't settled on a place yet. I just arrived."
Carol raised an eyebrow, a teasing note in her voice. "No hotel? That's a bold move."
He shrugged with a sheepish smile. "I like to keep my options open."
She shook her head, still smiling, and unlocked her car. "Hop in. I know a good hotel."
The drive was relaxed, filled with more easy conversation. Carol pointed out landmarks and shared stories about the city. When they arrived at the hotel, she pulled up to the entrance and put the car in park.
"This place has a great view," she said. "You'll like it."
"Thank you for the recommendation. Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?" Su Zhan asked, hopeful but not pressing.
Carol laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Inviting me for coffee before you've even checked in? That's a little fast, don't you think? I like you, but I don't move that quickly."
Su Zhan chuckled, not at all embarrassed. "Fair enough. Then, until next time?"
"Until next time," Carol agreed, and with a wave, she drove off into the night.
Su Zhan entered the hotel, checked in, and made his way to his room. Once inside, he sat down at the desk and powered up the computer. With a few quick searches, he found news articles about Hal Jordan. According to the latest reports, Hal had just been suspended from his job as a test pilot at Ferris Aircraft. That meant the timeline was right on the edge of Abin Sur's arrival.
Su Zhan leaned back, satisfied. If the story followed its familiar path, Abin Sur's ship would crash soon, and the Green Lantern ring would be searching for a new bearer. All he had to do was be in the right place at the right time.
He closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the city drift in through the window. The night had been unexpected, but not unpleasant. He had made a new acquaintance, learned what he needed, and set the stage for his next move.
Tomorrow, he would begin his search in earnest. But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the quiet, the anticipation of what was to come, and the memory of a beautiful woman in a nightclub who had made the night just a little brighter.