In the distant past, the Dark Legion wages war on Echidnaopolis. The High Council meets to discuss the matter, but is interrupted by the Guardian Steppenwolf, who encourages the High Councilor to not give in to the Legion. Councilor Garek protests, claiming that Steppenwolf's family is responsible for their problems. Steppenwolf argues that his family is also responsible for their continued safety, which pushes Garek to pull out a laser gun and threaten to hand Steppenwolf over to the Legion for the people's safety. Steppenwolf invites him to shoot if he thinks it will help, but Garek is swayed by his selflessness, overcome with guilt for suggesting such a thing. Steppenwolf tells the council that their only hope is to seek peace and heads out to deal with the Legion himself, impressing th