Even with their numbers bolstered by their deputized recruits, the Lanterns on Earth are no more able to stop Nekron than they were to destroy the Black Lantern's central power battery. Their situation grows even more dire when dissent strikes their ranks. Driven mad by the Orange light, Luthor begins trying to seize every ring he can lay his hands on.

But Nekron has a plan, and a reason he's brought his hordes of the dead to Earth. While John Stewart vainly tries to hold off the dead of the galaxy, their master works below. Even the timely arrival of the united Lantern Corps may not be enough to save him.

On the surface, Nekron sacrifices the life of a Guardian, using the energy contained within it to call forth something that was long hidden on Earth by the Guardians, in the hope that it would never be found.