A commencement speech, given by Thanagar's Administrator of Protection, Byth, is juxtaposed against his decadent lifestyle. In Thanagar's "Downside" region, a courier, Hommy, meets with Byth's man, Jarl, to exchange illicit goods. Jarl's request to meet with Hommy's master is met with a violently negative response. Unbeknownst to Hommy, and Jarl, their transaction is being observed by Shayera Thal, a Wingman in Thanagar's police force. Hommy reports to, and delivers his package to, Katar Hol. Thal reveals her presence. Hol reveals that he, too, has had Thal under observation.
Hol leads Thal to a hospital, where he reveals that he is trafficking in neither drugs nor weapons, but medicine. Thal allows Hol to keep the medicine, and turns a blind eye to his operation. Thal is interested in putting an end to gunrunning in the "Downside". Hol warns Thal that her investigation is a particularly dangerous one. Jarl reports to Byth, openly horrified of Byth's drug-fueled shape changing abilities. Byth takes cruel pleasure in Jarl's terror. On another courier run, Hommy is accosted by the Bladebat Gang. Hol intervenes, and drives the Bladebat Gang off.
Gunfire attracts a Wingman patrol ship, piloted by Thal. On board the patrol ship, Thal reveals that she knows who Hol is. Thal also reveals that her investigation has turned up evidence that Byth is the head of the gunrunning operation, and that Byth framed Hol's father, Paran Katar. Hol had been tricked, by Byth, into executing his own father, for treason. Thal also reveals that she is the same little girl that Hol had rescued, on his very first mission as a Wingman. Thal had been adopted by an administrator, Thal Porvis, who had lost his own daughter in a terrorist attack.
Thal was given the exact same name as Porvis' daughter. Thal leaves Hol behind on an island. Thal also leaves Hol her Wingman's helmet, and wings. Hol confronts Byth. An epic battle ensues between Hol and Byth. Ultimately, Hol is victorious. Thal stays Hol's hand from slaying Byth. Thal reveals that she has enough evidence to start an investigation. Byth flees. Hol is reinstated as a Wingman, with Thal as his partner. Thal's investigation leads to hundreds of arrests. Hol learns that Byth has fled to Earth. One day, Hol, too, will journey to Earth, to bring Byth to justice.
Notes:
- Keith Wilson credited as Book Design.
- "To Gardner Fox and Joe Kubert, who told me what was happening."
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