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marytagus · 8 years ago

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Olicity- Clashing Parallels (Part 1)

Note: I joined some wonderful people in CampNanoWriMo in April. The story didn’t follow as well as I would like but I reached my goal and I manage to tell the story as I intended from the start. Hope you all like it.

Summary: Oliver Queen, the recently returned from the dead rich playboy, and Felicity Smoak, newly arrived at Starling City, find themselves unknowingly living parallel lives. What happens when parallels clash together...

The sun was yet to shine over the suburb as the hasty pace of the petite blonde echoed the street. Many would call her beautiful with the long blond hair, soft features punctuated by bright red lips, and deep blue eyes shining behind the glasses. Her face held an interesting mix between softness and determination. Especially now when her long legs didn’t seem quite long enough for the urgency of covering the distance.

With a soft disappointed sigh she walks pass the coffee shop, and almost runs up the rail’s station stairs. Almost out of breath she manages to smile facing the packed platform. She didn’t miss it. The morning train must be late.

Mentally she lists everything she had planned to bring afraid something was forgotten. But before she’s done the train arrives and the rush to get a seat takes over every person around her. Not her though, she’s too nervous to sit.

It’s her first real job. Up until now she only had part time little jobs to pay for her needs at MIT and chip in at home, this time she was working full time. It wasn’t her dream job but it was closer to it. Queen Consolidated IT department was a reference to all MIT graduates. It offered internships, something Felicity wished she could have applied too but money was scarce and keeping up with the payments for MIT and stay in Starling City was impossible.

Through the glass, the timid dawn of a winter’s day, cast a faint lighter tone to the sky and soon the street lights fade and people start moving about. The endless stream of buildings closes the line sight as they grow in high and closeness.

The first city station opens up space on the car as the first wave of commuters gets off. Felicity breaths in the fresh air that starts to fill the car. She welcomes the oxygen saturated intake before the doors close.

Her station is next and she joins the long stream of people. The giant clock over the station main exit informs her she has but 30 minutes to go through the maze of streets that is Starling City Business Center.

It’s of no surprise that a big part of the people leaving the station takes the same path she does. How many will be her co-workers? How many of these people will be acquaintances in a few days, weeks, from now? She wished for none but she knew better.

Everyone seemed to be rushing, just like she was; it was amazing how faster she walked when she did it with others with the same aim.

The Security Guard is expecting her, with a visitor’s card, soon to become employee card. She arrives HR minutes before the given time.

The morning is disappears between paperwork and learning everything about QC. Rules, procedures, protocols. Felicity does her best but not even the over smiling HR manager, Mrs. Grant, seems to understand them all.

It’s after lunch when family enters the different and yet familiar IT Department. The room is part open space and part private spaces, sunlight entering the space gave it a light welcoming feel. Felicity notices some empty desk and wonder which one will be hers while keeping in pace with Mrs. Grant that is now knocking on a door.

“Come in”

The voice is soft but with a ring of command of someone that isn’t accustomed to be disobeyed.

“Mr. Finn, Ms. Smoak.”

“Ah. Yes, Ms. Smoak. Welcome to the Team.”

The man is short and thin, he looks weak until one notices the eyes, sparkling piercing gems behind the glasses. Mrs. Grant excuses herself and Felicity is left in the talking presence of her new boss.

Mr. Finn introduces her to all her co-workers from the IT department. The names are lost, faces are barely retained. By the end, and already sitting at her new desk, next to a window that provides her with a small glimpse of Starling City outside, Felicity’s relieved that she doesn’t recognize anyone. It’s better this way.

For Felicity the job is simple enough and keeps her busy. Not mentally challenging but it provides for her basic needs.

The days go by unnoticed, just like she does. On the big room filled with IT experts she doesn’t stand out. She keeps to herself but even from her corner she notices the groups and groups dynamic in the room. A skill she learns early on in her life as a daughter of a struggling working mother in a city of glamour and pretends.

The dynamics are pretty simple. The married or committed are a group largely overcome by the youngsters out of IT schools with no attachment and whose worry in life is paying the student loans and party all night long. But in their mist there are ones more committed to having a life, and ones to whom the partying was enough. Outside their differences there were common interests, gossip being one of them and match making the other. Fortunately they limited themselves to friends and coworkers and she didn’t think they counted her as neither. That suited her, letting people close was dangerous, Felicity I learn that the hard way.

In between the regular boredom, that morning was going to serve as reminder has to why Felicity Smoak was recruited in the first place. The attack came out of nowhere right from the least expected and she was hard press on stopping it from getting through to any data. That was her job, and the intruder was clever and cunny. A challenge she welcomed, and had her smiling.

It was the first time she was on the opposite end, the protector, and the system potential to defend was higher than she expected, under skill full hands. Like hers. If her mother came in right now she would immediately spot that her girl was in seventh heaven, as it was, no one in the room noticed, as they kept track of their own end of the system and Felicity kept this to her. She was handling it and adding more people could jeopardize her efforts.

But there were two sides to this coin, as Felicity’s work and concertation went unnoticed to all around her so did the way all around her were suddenly very quiet and overly concentrated on their screens went unnoticed for Felicity. It was uncommon to be this silent but the fact didn’t register. For Felicity anything outside the code in her screen and the challenge that suddenly had come her way existed.

Felicity releases the breath she was holding when the attack starts subsiding and only now she notices the gossip is running louder than usual and it seemed the subject was the same.

“He’s even better looking than the pictures?”

It takes her a while to register the co-worker on her left, Pat, is talking to her.

“Who?”

Pat looks at her like she’s an alien. It’s not the first time Felicity gets that kind of look, but it is the first time here and as a functional adult, she’s surprise it hurts as much as it did when she was a First Grader in Vegas.

“Oliver Queen.”

“Oh. Only know him from the news.”

The look turns to shock.

“He was just here.”

Now Felicity gets it.

“I was busy.”

The shock turns to confusion and soon after pity. It’s like she had missed a Presidential visit, no one did that.

Felicity wasn’t surprise that but a few moments after this she was getting evaluation looks. Following that evaluation she would be left alone on account of her weirdness; she didn’t mind. She had a job and that was the only thing she wanted from Queen Consolidated and Starling City.

It was a little after 8 in the evening when Felicity got into the train going home. The train was almost empty, too late for daily commuters, too early for night partiers.

The dark streets of the suburb were punctuated by a few open bars and pubs. She doesn’t stop. She will eat at home while checking her messages.

The sender is the usual one but… she’s puzzled by the message. They’re coordinates. Her first outside task.

It was his first day at Queen Consolidated, and he was only here out of respect for his now dead father, and to not antagonize his mother. Moira was hard pressed in having him take care of the family business. He didn’t have neither the knowledge nor the will to learn but he would do he’s best. For now Walter had and Assistant give him the rundown of the company.

After 5 years things were different; he took Walter’s word for it as he didn’t knew much about the company before. Going from Department to Department where everyone kept gawking at the undead heir was getting tiresome; the ones that pretend not to look were almost as bad, with their sly glimpses shinning with curiosity. He usually welcomed the attention, especial from females, at least he did before…, but it was getting a bit too much.

“IT. Development, System Security. They keep our systems safe from cyber-attacks.”

The Director was waiting for him. At least he’s curiosity was damped by his verbose. He talked a lot for someone that was supposed to keep secrets safe. Mr. Finn listed all his employees, one by one, making him acknowledge every look of sympathy and/or curiosity… except one.

The last thing he expected was one person totally oblivious to his presence, especially a woman, but there he found it. In a corner of the Systems Security open space a blond hair woman didn’t even flinch, not even when her Director mention her name, her eyes never left the screen. In that small little thing Oliver found relief, somewhere in the world there was someone who couldn’t care less about his existence. He got her name, Felicity, an unusual name for and unusual woman.

It was the only distinct note in another wise one note day.

“So what you think?”

Walter’s Office wasn’t the same he’s father once used. An almost meaningless detail that meant more than Oliver ever expected it would.

Walter was the real surprise when he got back to Starling. He had married Moira which turn him into his stepfather. Oliver didn’t mind, Walter was a good man, loyal to his friends and he treated his mother and sister and even Oliver like his family, a family he loved and cared about. That was enough for him. As far as the Company was concern Walter was far more suitable to manage it than he was.

“You are doing a great job, Walter.”

“It’s your turn, Oliver.”

“I can’t…”

“You will. You just need time.”

He needed much more than time, he needed a miracle.

“Walter…”

“Oliver, I understand your concern. Still it’s your company, Oliver, and Thea’s…”

Oliver was aware it wasn’t an option to refuse. Still, as he sat on his office looking out the window to the Starling City skyline and the sea at the end of it, he couldn’t help but wonder how would he be able to tackle this new life.

He had been a drop out from every college he ever went. His major was more parties and women than Business and Management. He had learned but not then, back then he was someone as useless and unskilled as lost. Then it had happen, the accident. An enjoyable trip with his father in the family yacht, the “Queen Gambit”, turned his life upside down.

His father had died, right there in front of him, later, having managed to arrive the Island he had buried the body, already corrupted, but still so very much Robert Queen.

It had been five years. Five years he had to do everything to survive, five years he had lived in Hell, five years for the World to consider him as dead as his father. It was all over now. He was home. But nothing was the same. He was different, not that anyone would notice.

The day didn’t end soon enough he had a lot of work to do back at the Foundry. He was far from done and time was getting scarce. Moira was getting suspicious that something was going on and he knew her enough to know she would find out his secret plan if he didn’t manage to cover up his night activities. His mother already made the first move in trying to keep track on his movements, she had hire a body guard. From inside the lobby the standing figure was impossible to go by unnoticed.

He had to respect a man that took his job this serious and this effective but it was getting tiresome. John Diggle was always there he but all read Oliver’s mind.

“Mr. Queen. Where to?”

He couldn’t tell him to go straight to the Foundry.

“Home.”

John Diggle face was that of one that just caught a lie but Oliver forced a smile. Before looking outside.

John Diggle was a bulky man that didn’t hide is power and swiftness. He was military trough and trough. A military trying to adjust into a civilian life. A military that went from defending his country to baby sit a rich kid. A rich man that had proven to be harder to protect than he expected. He kept him on his toes, like now. Oliver Queen wasn’t going to stay at home on a Friday night. He was going to try and evade his surveillance. He would cost him his job eventually . A job he was good at, well paid, and that made his military training useful.

The mansion was quiet. John watched carefully but still he didn’t react in time when the Ducati came speeding out the back.

Behind the helmet Oliver smiled as he drove pass Diggle. No matter how fast the bodyguard would drive the car the Ducati could outrun it.

The Glades were a welcoming sight. With the lights off and as silent as possible he drove the Ducati inside the Foundry. The space was dark but only for the time needed for him to get the power on. To his surprise not only the lights but two computer screens light on.

He hadn’t connected the computers yet so… how? The system is working perfectly. Better than he could ever have done. There’s a message

“A welcoming gift, Mr. Queen.”

And he knew. He wasn’t free. He would never be free.

Friday night, Felicity sat on her laptop finally free to do the favor she had been asked to do. It’s a risky incursion, a sequence of two steps forward one step back, an important step back as it ensured her own protection online. Avoid tracing was a must always but especially when accessing NSA.

She had no idea why, Kojo Sledgehammer needed it but that’s how things work in their world. It was the skills that made her famous and a force to be reckon with online. Not that she gain much with that status in real live as she managed to stay incognito. Something she managed by keeping her life as private and closed up as possible.

But even isolating herself she underwent a few risks. There was always someone more curious. She had learned that last part the hard way. The store where she worked part time was right up her street, and that should have been warning enough, soon she had a coworker from her class nocking at her door, a coworker with enough knowledge to understand at least part of her code, unfortunately her roommate had open the door and the guy was inside before she could save and close the laptop. He couldn’t have seen much but he saw something and that was risky enough. She had moved, home and job.

It took her all night and part of the morning but she was in. She didn’t take any information or data, but she knew Kojo was right there behind her and she was taking it. As usual she left a message to the system manager on how she had gotten in. A way for them to close the doors and protect themselves. It was her usual MO, one she found helpful to all but that had earned her online handle presence on a list of hackers to take down if not recruited.

It was almost lunch time Saturday when she fell into bed. Laptop disconnected and offline right after Kojo had thanked her. She was glad she was useful but she still had doubts about Kojo’s motives.

Saturday was a busy day on the home front just like Sunday was a lazy day. She was outdoorsy enough during the week, on the weekend she stayed home and got in touch with friends over the web but most of all did the jobs she was oblige to do.

Against all appearance she wasn’t free. Many years ago she had a miss step, one she would never forget or repeat. She had coded a super virus. No harm done as her only goal was to prove to herself she could write it, she would never use it, ever. But by then she had friends and a boyfriend. Cooper was the love of her life back then and he betrayed her trust, he used the virus and he was caught doing it.

She was beyond angry, but that wasn’t the worse, the worse came after he was arrested and took the fall, protecting her. Or so they thought. She had gotten a message. She wasn’t off the hook someone knew she was the one behind the Virus and that someone was willing to keep that knowledge to herself if Felicity did some work for her. Nothing much, a few jobs from time to time.

Felicity wanted to refuse, but the fact was she was terrified, Cooper had just died in jail, and chances were the same would happen to her if she was arrested, she felt like all the roads out suddenly had closed and she accepted. She had no choice. And now from time to time, when she least expected something was asked of her. Usually something risky, that took time, but it wasn’t often and sometimes she even forgot her situation.

The Sun shining outside called out for her. There was a coffee shop with a few tables outside just down the street. A perfect place to connect herself and check if everything had gone as expected and no one was after her, at least not more than usual.

The world outside was a happy place. People were laughing in the warm Sunday afternoon. Kid’s high pitched happiness made her smile as the laptop booted up and check for connection. Has it did, Felicity happiness vanished.

The message was unexpected and alarming.

“You’re actions were notice.”

It wasn’t the first time she got into the NSA and she always made it clear that she did access the system, like always, that was her trade mark, she didn’t steal data, and she only tested systems. But she knew this time was different, this time Kojo had piggy back on her way in. And that’s what was noticed.

She didn’t answer. Felicity had always done whatever she was asked she hoped that was enough.

He was getting tired of everything. How did he ever found this life alluring? But he did. He did enjoy it, once. Now he was doing his best to behave like everything was exactly has it was before, and he was having a hard time doing it.

“What’s with the doom and gloom?”

Tommy was more than a friend, he was a true brother. It took seeing him again to know that much of the void he felt inside was Tommy’s absence.

“It’s party time, Oliver. All the women in Starling are going to fall at your feet.”

It was funny how that prospect would once send him on women spree all night long. Now it just made him smile at Tommy excitement. He had he’s share of women, he lost some of them, enough to value how precious finding the right one was.

“Let’s go then.”

Diggle was serious, in waiting. Still angry about being outrun. Oliver winked at him before getting in after Tommy.

“That guy is the real deal.”

“Yes he is.”

Oliver cut it short as Diggle took the wheel.

The party was loud and booming. All eyes were on him, for a while. Then the alcohol and the DJ took precedence and he was finally free.

“Glad you’re back.”

She was still beautiful, but no more compelling than any other on the room, if Oliver ignored the hurt look. One she was entitle to show.

“Laurel.”

When he left she was pressuring him to move forward. Now he could see how wrong he was not sticking up for what he wanted. And what he wanted wasn’t Laurel. He did, for a while, but then he moved on. It wasn’t right not telling her.

“Great party.”

“People are having fun.”

“Are you?” it almost sounded like an accusation. She was upset, she had the right to be.

“It’s nice. Tommy is enjoying himself.”

He hadn’t answered her. He didn’t need to.

“Were you planning on coming to talk to me?”

He did but he wasn’t sure she wanted to.

“Did you want me to?”

“We were going to live together. She was my sister, Oliver.”

Oliver took a deep breath.

“You had decided we were going to live together. I had no say in the matter as I recall. And, yes she was. I’m sorry.”

“For what, Oliver?”

“For not loving you enough.”

That hurt he knew it did but it was better than living a lie. Wasn’t it?

“You are changed.”

“I quitted the pretend, Laurel.”

“I’m with Tommy now.”

He thought about it for a while.

“Are you happy?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’m happy.”

He could tell that wasn’t the answer she wanted or the Oliver she wanted but what she wanted didn’t exist, it never did.

Tommy was dancing with a blond goddess. Later he would talk to him about Laurel. For now it was time to get out.

“Mr. Queen, the car is trough here.”

Diggle had taken him off guard but a look at his angry face almost made Oliver laugh.

“Still angry?”

Oliver follows him to the car.

“Not angry. Never angry, Sir. Your safety is my responsibility and I failed in my task. Mrs. Steele made that very clear.”

It was still strange to hear someone calling his mother by her new name but more than that he felt a bit of guilt for what Diggle had gone through.

“I do not need a bodyguard.”

“Your mother thinks you do.”

He was fully aware of that. And he had tried to change her mind, to no avail.

It was late when he got home. He changed and came down for the Ducati. If Diggle was there watching it was his problem he wouldn’t stop his plans for helping the city just as much as Diggle wouldn’t stop trying to protect him.

He wasn’t ready though for what he was going to encounter that night.

The moment he walked in he knew something was wrong.

“I have a task for you.”

Amanda Waller was standing there in the middle of the Basement.

“I don’t work for you.”

She sets an envelope on the table.

“Find her.”

“I’m not a dog.”

“She’s a criminal.”

“Still…”

“She’s a threat to your City.”

Amanda walks up to him acknowledging his presence for the first time.

“Consider it a favor.”

As she left Oliver took a few moments before taking the envelope. Surprisingly there was no photo. Only a name Kojo Sledgehammer. Strange name… and then he reads further. It’s a handle a hacker handle. The documents identify the person as a known hacker that attacked core services and demanded ransom. By ARGUS report she was now in Starling City, and it was just a matter of time before she did the same.

But a handle was too little information and the dark web was not a place he could navigate with ease. He needed help.

And there it was she was officially the weird woman of the IT Team. Everyone glimpse at her as she sat but pretended not to. A sad but usual product of the way she immerse herself in her own world. A world made of code, where strings, variables and most importantly algorithms made more sense than people.

“Ms. Smoak.”

“Mr. Finn.”

“Can you come to my office please.”

Taking her tablet she followed the Director. The looks were not just glimpses anymore. She knew what they were thinking, she was going to be laid off. She was sure she wasn’t, not after she had singlehandedly stopped the attack last week when everyone was too busy looking that Mr. Queen.

“Sit down.”

He followed his own order.

“I was impressed.”

“Thank you.”

“So was Walter.”

That surprises her.

“Whoever it was was targeting a specific set of data. One Walter is especially protective about. And that’s why I asked you here. He wants to see you.”

“See me?”

“He’s expecting you upstairs.”

She rarely got nervous enough for people around her to notice, unless she had to talk, and this time she had to. With a deep breath Felicity walks to the woman near the door that clearly bore “Walter Steele CEO”.

“I’m…”

The woman cuts her words short with a smile.

“Ms. Smoak he’s expecting you. Go right in.”

The man behind the desk exudes power but his smile is welcoming.

“Ms. Smoak. Please sit down.”

Felicity feels like she just walked into an evaluation, one she’s clueless of the kind of questions they are presenting her.

“Mr. Finn tells me you were the one responsible for the protection of our system last week.”

“Yes, Sir.”

She wasn’t one to downplay her self-worth.

“I have a special task for you. We have been target as of late. Always the same core data to be target, always different methods and tactics. I need you to create a way to ensure the protection of the data. Can you do it?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Mr. Finn will get you a more private setting for this activity. I do not need to stress the urgency of the matter.”

“No Sir.”

In a daze she leaves the office and crosses to the elevator. This time she notices the man waiting for the elevator. The pictures she saw on the news didn’t do him justice. And the sight is increasingly more impressive as she gets close. She was sure she felt the heat from his body as they stood there waiting for the doors to open.

“Oliver…”

The sound of Walter’s voice made her gasp in surprise.

“Are you already leaving?”

“Have an IT situation I need to solve.”

“Well Ms. Smoak here may be of help.”

She looks at Walter hiding her shock.

“It’s sort of a personal issue. Rather not use company resources.”

Somehow that didn’t seem to fit into the image she had of Mr. Queen. But then the only thing she knew about him was from the news, old news no less. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that Walter was has shock as she was.

She was relived the elevator was there expecting her and hastes to walk in. Followed by Oliver Queen. Avoiding to look or even glimpse she’s still acutely aware of his presence. As the door open on her floor she step out with a short

“Good day, Mr. Queen.”

“Good day, Ms. Smoak. “

The woman didn’t look at him. Ever. To his surprise he was disappointed. It wasn’t a reaction he got. Ever. But there he was, on a closed elevator, next to a beautiful woman, and she wasn’t even a little bit curious. He was watching, with the exception of Walter mentioning her directly she never looked at him. And she had such beautiful eyes not that he had much of an opportunity to see them. And he wanted to. But the doors close behind her, too fast, almost cutting his Good day short.

But odds were he wasn’t catching any break that day as the next time the doors open the bulky figure of John Diggle is standing right there.

“The car is up front, Mr. Queen.”

“I’ll be walking.”

It wasn’t much of a distance to Big Belly’s. The walk would give him some time alone, to think, to prepare. Except Diggle didn’t leave his side.

“Are you planning on walking me around?”

“Those are my orders.”

Walking into Belly’s with a shadow would probably make the woman expecting him leave. He couldn’t allow that. Oliver walks back and gets into the car waiting for Diggle to take the wheel.

“Big Belly’s.”

It’s been years but the place looked exactly the same. She sit’s controlling the entrance, no one escapes her noticing. Her eyes don’t leave Oliver as he sits.

“You look good.”

Oliver could tell it was more than that. Last time their path crossed Amanda was shipping him into a plane, like he prisoner. At least that’s how he felt.

“So do you.”

“Why am I here?”

Not losing any time.

“Need your help.”

“Amanda helped you already.”

“It wasn’t enough. A handle is not enough.”

“I don’t have a name, Oliver. But I know why Amanda wants her gone.”

The waitress serves them coffee cutting the conversation.

“What did she do?”

“Amanda has an asset. On the down low. But it has been invaluable every time. Your target…”

Oliver mumbles a disagreement.

“… your target, Oliver, has compromised that asset.”

“And Amanda wants blood.”

“Amanda wants her asset safe.”

“Order her asset to stop sounds easier.”

“It’s a special kind of asset.”

“Who’s the asset?”

“Amanda keeps its identity under a lock and key.”

“I need something. Something I can track.”

“I see what I can do.”

But the promise sounds void as she’s already looking at something behind him.

“John Diggle.”

Oliver looks back to the door where his bodyguard seems to have lost his usual composure.

“You know my bodyguard?”

“Bodyguard? John, you? A body guard?”

A stunned John Diggle is now standing table side.

“Everyone needs to work, Lyla.”

“See Oliver, you are in luck. Here is a man that can help you on your quest.”

Lyla stands, close enough to Diggle to make Oliver feel the odd man out.

“Nice to see you, John. Stay safe, Oliver.”

John can’t take his eyes off of Lyla making Oliver smile.

“You are in love, Mr. Diggle.”

“How do you know Lyla?”

“That’s my business.”

“No it’s not. I know who she works for. How do you know her?”

Now he saw it. Lyla was right, he would be of help.

“I once worked for the same… company.”

It was like someone has just punched the air out of the man’s lungs. He sit’s taking Lyla seat.

“You… Who are you?”

“Oliver Queen.”

“Don’t play with me. Who are you?”

“I am Oliver Queen. I am also something else but this is not the place, John.”

Diggle looks at the approaching waitress.

“I’m leaving.”

Diggle just stands walking away.

Oliver drops the payment almost running after Diggle. He gets outside in time to watch him get into the car.

Taking his place on the back seat Olive asks.

“How do you know, Lyla?”

“She was my wife.”

That’s a shock.

“So you never worked for…” Oliver doesn’t finish the question…

“Briefly. Before I knew what they were about.”

“And then?”

“Then I ran the hell away.” After a beat he adds “At least I thought I did.”

“I was never an agent.”

“But you work for them.”

“Amanda likes to use me when she sees fit.”

“And now?”

“Now she sees fit.”

“What does she want?”

“She wants me to take down a threat to Starling City.”

The silence lingers as Diggle considers.

“What’s the catch?”

“Amanda just wants to protect an asset.”

“What asset?”

“Lyla doesn’t know.”

“Amada is a dangerous woman, Mr. Queen.”

“Under the circumstances I think you can call me Oliver.”

“And now can you tell me who the hell are you?”

“You know the Vigilante that is going about taking on criminals?”

“I do. You do know that makes you a criminal yourself?”

“I protect the City. I’m not a criminal.”

“And you don’t need protection?”

“Never did. Not that I’m telling that to my mother.”

Diggle laughs.

“Lyla is right you know. You could help.” Oliver cuts the laugh sort.

“Being a Vigilante? No, man.”

“Protect the city.”

“I’ve done enough protecting, Oliver. I will protect you, that’s it.”

The plan was simple but the execution was a challenge. QC like any other organization at present relied on complex computer systems to support its activity. The protection of the system as an all was the task of the Department she had been employed into. But Walter request was different. It needed especially design and built security to a small amount of data. And he wanted the task done under wraps.

It was no secret to anyone that hackers relied many times on internal information. Being trusted upon like this when she was so new in the company could be considered and honor but it was also both a test and a possible tell sign that there had been internal leaks before. Knowing this Felicity worked completely alone.

Her colleagues had welcomed her with a veiled surprise shock the day she came back down from talking to Mr. Steele and Mr. Finn moved her to her own private space. As she took the few things she had on her previous desk the struggle of the gossipers that wanted to know more almost made her laugh. But time had gone by and soon they forgot she ever existed.

Months had gone and now another woman occupied her previous desk. She was talkive and had fitted right in from the looks of it, in a way Felicity could never had.

The protection system was in place but Mr. Steele was right to request for additional measures. Someone was trying to access it and so far she had been able to stop it. Still whoever they were they had resources and they were good. Good enough for Felicity to share her concerns in a Report to Mr. Steele that earned her the order to stay on it and that’s what she did.

Mr. Finn didn’t like it has he too was out of the loop, a situation that was uncomfortable but that, fortunately, he didn’t blame Felicity for.

“Hi.”

The new girl was there in front of her.

“Hello.”

“Felicity right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Alena.”

“Pleasure to meet you.”

“You are the only person here that I never talked to so I came in to say hi.”

“I don’t go outside much.”

“All work no play? I’m like that too.”

Felicity wanted to laugh. That wasn’t what she heard and saw.

“In this job we have to be.”

Without asking for it or any indication from Felicity, the woman sits.

“What is your job?”

The curiosity is clear in her eyes.

“Same as you, Systems Security.”

“QC systems?”

Felicity nods. “Just like you.”

“Not just like me. You have a private I’m out there with the all lot.”

“Work hard. You will get where I am.”

Felicity wished she took the hint.

“We are going out for a drink later. Why don’t you join us?”

“Not my thing.”

“It’s a special occasion. Our boss is opening up a Club.”

She had received the invitation like everyone else at QC. Oliver Queen was opening up is own Club in partnership with Thomas Merlyn. If half of what she read on the web was true the place would be transformed in their private hunting ground by that very evening.

“I heard. Still not my thing. Enjoy yourself.”

Alena was puzzled about her answer and Felicity smiled.

“Not the Oliver Queen trooper am I?”

“He’s stunning. I mean… WOW.”

“Yes, he is. In a very out of reach sort of way.”

“You are more hands on?”

She didn’t like the attempt of getting into her private life.

“I’m more for realistic as oppose to impossible.”

“Still the invitation stands. If you want.”

“Thank you.”

Felicity doesn’t wait for her to leave to focus back on work. Even if her main objective is to protect Mr. Steele data Felicity knows that keeping the Security of the all system on a high level will make her job easier, so even if she’s not outside, with them, she still keeps tabs and works on the task given to her when she arrived. The attacks are daily, some just so basic it’s clear it’s just a newbie challenging himself but other are more cunning and more skilled. Everyone one of them is a reason to care and react, and even with all the people sometimes things get in between the cracks. She knows that, she takes advantage of that in her own intrusions.

@vaelisamaza || @hope-for-olicity|| @tdgal1|| @bindy417|| @supersillyanddorky06|| @emmaamelia95|| @coal000|| @miriam1779|| @felicityollies|| @taurusclh|| @jules85|| @scu11y22 || @quant-um-fizzx|| @memcjo|| @dmichellewrites|| @bringbackianto|| @mogirl97|| @laurabelle2930 || @oli-feli|| @oliverfel4|| @mel-loves-all|| @spaztronautwriter|| @cruzrogue|| @bekaoperetta|| @cndyprfumegirl || @charlinert || @almondblossomme|| @oliverdant|| @felicitys|| @fadinglands|| @nalla-madness|| @geniewithwifi|| @hisbabygirl18love|| @kathrynelizabeth89|| @smoakandarrow|| @smkkbert|| @yet-i-remain-quiet|| @just-arrow|| @kajunblueyes|| @clokiko|| @pharmalen|| @readerkas|| @maaaaaaarts|| @mariel-olandag|| @marianamurias|| @marniforolicity|| @aichaaa12|| @arrowolicity88|| @jaspertown|| @malafle|| @cinfos|| @sadfangirl05|| @wherethereissmoak

#olicity #olicity fanfiction #my fanfics #camp nano april 2017

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marytagus · 8 years ago

Text

Olicity- Clashing Parallels (Part 2)

They had done it. Verdant was Club of their own, every detail thought taking advantage of the knowledge both Oliver and Tommy had earned through years of clubbing and nightlife. Everything from the DJ to the bedroom upstairs was a joint decision but there was a detail Tommy was totally unaware of. Verdant was nothing more than a cover-up and an excuse. A cover up to his base of operations as city protector in the basement and an excuse to all the nights he had been missing from home.

“Ollie, you won’t believe the queue outside.”

Tommy was the happiest Oliver had ever seen him. For the first time in both their lives they were building something together. No matter how much Verdant was needed as a cover up to his other activities Oliver was happy to see Tommy so excited.

“It’s a great Club. With great owners.”

“You said it.”

Tommy checks the watch and his smile doubles.

“It’s time.”

They watch as the doors open and people begin pouring in. The music pumping giving rhythm to the lights. It doesn’t take more than half an hour for the space to be crowded. It’s then they move up to the small stage and address the crowd.

“Welcome.”

It’s Oliver that welcomes everyone struggling to get over the sound of people cheering.

“Welcome to Verdant. A first night the all city will remember.” He makes a pause that could be considered dramatic if one didn’t know Oliver enough; he was taking in the crowd amazed by how little excited he felt of being back into this life. But a glimpse to Tommy and his own feelings were sponged and he couldn’t help but smile “ Let’s party.”

The last word was pure happiness to which everyone reacted as the DJ starts the music up again.

Tommy and Oliver split up to receive the compliments from the various friends and acquaintances. Most of the faces are familiar but older than he recalled, a fact he was getting used to.

“Big crowd.”

Diggle had come rescuing him from a particular clinging woman.

“It’s a success.”

“At least half of QC is here.”

Oliver finds himself searching the room. It takes him a moment to understand what he’s searching for, and the conclusion surprises him.

All IT department seems to be there enjoying themselves and the free drink that came with the invitation he and Tommy had distributed through QC and Merlyn Global, but not her. He was surprised by his own curiosity about a woman who clearly had no idea he even existed. And then maybe that was exactly what set her apart. But she wasn’t there.

“Something the matter?”

“Any news from Lyla?”

“I should ask you that.”

Diggle was still a bit uncomfortable by the fact Oliver and Lyla were in touch when he didn’t even knew if his ex-wife was alive or dead.

“And my search is going nowhere.”

“You have all the IT department here. You could ask one of the women, they look eager to meet you.”

Oliver looks back to the group. There are some provocative looks, none he would follow up on.

“Not mutual…”

Diggle smiled. In the time that they underwent the building of Verdant he had come to understand a bit more of this man, a man that wasn’t anything people thought he was.

“Lyla will get something. She never fails.” Diggle couldn’t help being protective and true to Lyla.

“These kind of… “people” are the more challenging to me. I can’t tackle them, I can’t even see them as they keep themselves on the shadow, working far away from any trouble.”

“You will get him.”

He would, that he was sure of but would it be too late?

Wrapped in a blanket Felicity was chatting away with an old acquaintance on the Web. It had been months since they talked on line they had tackle one or two systems together and she was no hacker but she knew how systems worked and Real life things and connections that were mysteries to Felicity. She had offered her invitation to Verdant opening thinking she would make good use of it, and now here she was, online.

“Didn’t you go to V?”

“Can’t. A close friend is in a bit of a hard spot and I’m helping him.”

“If anyone can it’s you.”

“Not this time. He needs to find someone. Someone on the web.”

“Someone you don’t know?”

“Never crossed paths with that handle.”

“Maybe I have.”

“Maybe. Kojo Sledgehammer.”

It was just an illusion, Felicity knew it was, but somehow it looked like the letters on the name were brighter than the rest.

Her fingers stopped short of the keypad.

“Why?”

“You know it?”

“What did she do?”

“Not at liberty to give that information.”

“Okay.”

She was use to secrets, everyone had them, even her.

“But if you know her you can help us.”

“I won’t betray her confidence in me.”

“She’s dangerous.”

Felicity figured as much.

“I’m staying away.”

“To more than yourself.”

Felicity felt a cold seeping in. She feared as much but she wasn’t sure. Come to think of it a line of text from an unknown handle on the screen wasn’t much of a proof. A new message comes through.

“I understand you need proof. Would you meet me In Real Life?”

Felicity knew someday this question would come and she had already considered how to phrase her refusal. But the words didn’t come out and a minute passed. A new message shines on the screen.

“Some place public.”

Things got better but Felicity was still a bit weary of meeting people she didn’t really know. No matter where or how many people were around.

“I don’t feel comfortable doing that.”

“Please, he’s really in trouble and a great friend of mine. You pick the time and place.”

She still wasn’t comfortable and she desperately wanted to say no but as she recalled what the woman on the other side had done for her these last months she knew she couldn’t.

“Meet me at V. Midnight.”

There all her colleagues from work would be close enough even if they hardly know her they would be there close enough for her to at least feel safe.

“We’ll be there.”

Felicity closes the laptop already weary of what she agreed on. The fact she had picked the busiest Club in town gave her some reassurance still she felt uneasy as she dress one of the dresses her mother had made her bought. Felicity smile at herself in the mirror, she usually didn’t wear dresses but she knew how good she looked on them. This one was especially fitting and as bright red as her favorite lipstick.

With a long black coat she took the train to The Glades. All she had heard about the area was not comforting. It was the unsafe part of Starling and everyone had warn her not to go there, but things were different, the street outside had people dress in party clothes and moving on to an invisible point. Engulfed by the stream of people it didn’t take long for her to see the bright green of Verdant sign. The queue was long and she waited her turn always looking out for her friend.

“Good evening, Ms.”

The small print on her hand was invisible to her eyes but not to the blue light.

“Thank you.”

Inside the world was reduced to sound. The music dominated every conversation. She admires how people could talk in here. She was use to the Las Vegas Casinos low energetic sounds of the machines and coins, this was over powering to the extreme.

Felicity checks her phone. No messages. She sent one herself, giving a general run down of her appearance.

“May I take your coat?”

“Thank you.”

Still attentive to her phone Felicity took her coat and got a chip back. The silence of the phone made her weary, it was past Midnight already, where could she be?

Diggle look was enough to Oliver to get close.

“Lyla sent a message. Blond, glasses, red dress, expecting company by midnight.”

How could something so detailed be so unhelpful. Verdant was filled with women; it was almost an impossible task to find a specific one. And she must be inside already.

“It’s after midnight.”

“Then we should probably add anxious and… checking her phone repeatedly.”

Oliver follows Diggle’s look to check the person he’s watching. Still up stairs the world didn’t exist around her, only her phone existed.

“I’m guessing that’s her.”

Diggle is probably guessing right as her eagerness looking over the all Club grows in anxiousness.

“Go, Oliver and be your wonderful self.”

“Not a magician, John.”

“Tell that to that girl in pink. She looks quite smitten.”

Oliver check’s the woman Diggle mentioned, lingering on the high table to his left, and smiles, it would be an interesting way to pass a few hours. But his eyes go back to the issue at hand as the woman green eyes focus on him before moving away. Like struck by a lighting Oliver feels the sting of her inquiring eyes

“Sh*t…”

Oliver wants to evert his eyes away as much as he wants to see her eyes again, he wants to feel it again.

“What?”

“I know her.”

“Exgirlfriend?”

“She works at QC. IT Department.”

“That will make things easier.”

“She doesn’t even notices I exist.”

“Really?”

Diggle looks back to the woman.

“Want me to go?”

“No.”

Diggle had to smile at the sudden rush that made Oliver move towards the woman.

He got close to her. For the first time Oliver had no clue how to approach a woman. There was nothing in this woman that he could use to start a conversation. She was nothing like any women he had ever come across. Around the room there was pretty much just one kind, one hi and they would immediately be interested in talking to him and probably even more. She clearly wasn’t like that but for lack of a better line he kept it simple

“Hi.”

Her weary eyes were beautiful and once focused they shined with glee and Oliver lost his train of thought.

“Oh! Hello.”

Nothing had prepared him for her smile. Sunshine that not even his darkness could shade him from.

“I’m Oliver Queen.”

“I know.”

Her eyes got back to checking the phone and searching the room, before coming back to him.

“She’s not coming.”

Her mood immediately changed to weary. Oliver felt the full power of her bright eyes on his this time more pressing and demanding than before.

“I needed to talk to you.”

The realization hit but a moment after he uttered the words.

“You brought me here?”

The shock was slowly turning to anger.

“A friend of yours is dangerous.”

“And you deceive me into coming here.”

She was angry he could tell but she kept her composure.

“Not really. A mutual friend did that.”

“Mutual friend… Okay. So you are the one needing help in finding… someone on the web.”

It was his turn to be surprised. How much did she know.

“Yes.”

“I crossed paths with her once. It was a onetime thing. It will never happen again.”

“So you do know the name.”

“The name yes. The person no.”

“I need to locate that person.”

“Why?”

“It’s dangerous.”

“I got that. But that doesn’t answer my question, Mr. Queen?”

Oliver had no plan on telling her the truth.

“Whoever it is took a file from my computer. I want it back.”

For a moment she just looked at him like she was pondering believing him or not but when Oliver thought she was about to call him on his cover up her expression changed, she didn’t care he was lying he figured.

“I don’t know who that person is.”

“Can you find out?”

She just nods.

“Need anything else, Mr. Queen?”

“No.”

“I’ll leave now then.”

“Leave?”

He wanted her to stay.

“I have no business here, not anymore.”

“You can have a drink and enjoy yourself.”

Her smile soften

“Not that kind of woman, Mr. Queen.”

“What do you mean?”

“You have fun, Mr. Queen. Congratulations on your success.”

Oliver stands there looking as Felicity takes her coat and leaves Verdant.

“So?”

Diggle approached him without notice.

“She knows the handle.”

“Will she help?”

“I think so.”

“Let’s hope she does. And fast. I’ll update Lyla.”

Felicity welcomed the cold breeze; it counteracted the burning feeling in her face. She was lured into some scheme, lured for months.

It wasn’t surprising that when she got home and tried to reach their “mutual friend”, that “friend” had vanished from the Web and, if it weren’t for her own registries, it would be hard to prove the person ever existed.

Kojo Sledgehammer had exchanged with her one favor, once. Felicity knew she was shady, at best, but she fail to see the reason of all this commotion about it. And Mr. Queen opening gambit was a lie. She get it, he didn’t trust her, as far as he knew she was Kojo’s friend and in on it with her but no breaches from Kojo had been reported at QC, which included Mr. Queen laptop.

Nevertheless Kojo was doing something, something she had used Felicity’s help on. As far as Felicity understanding went she had the responsibility to at least find out what Kojo had gotten out from NSA that night. And that was a real problem. Her previous way in was now closed and she had no way to track Kojo access to NSA data without getting in.

Saturday and Sunday went by. A sleep deprived Felicity dragged herself out of bed by Monday morning with a heavy heart. Kojo had access files on Starling City security procedures, high level security procedures. As bad as things could be it couldn’t be worse.

“You look tired.”

Alena was back in her private booth.

“Had a bad night, that’s all.”

“I thought I saw you at Verdant Friday.”

Through the haze Felicity struggled to focus her attention on Alena. The girl was tenacious and attentive. She would go a long way if she stopped focusing on Felicity’s business and started to focus on her own.

“I was there briefly. It’s not the kind of place I enjoy.”

“Yeah, I could see that.”

The knowing smile threw Felicity on a loop. What was the woman supposing it happen? As Felicity thought of some come back to ease up things she found there was no possible answer that would prevent Alena from making further assumptions. Felicity remain silent.

“I saw you talking to Oliver Queen.”

“You did.”

No point in denying it.

“You two looked quite engaged.”

“Not in the slightest.”

Alena can hardly cover her disappointment. She wanted gossip, she was getting none.

“That’s a shame.”

She still had hopes for more. That was clear in her sparkling eyes. It was getting tiresome and Felicity had work to do.

“I need to get back to work.”

“Sure, sure.”

Felicity starts typing while pretending to focus on the screen when in fact she follows Alena as she leaves whit a smile dancing on her lips. That smile makes Felicity uneasy and QC system firewalls are a blessing has she immerses herself in checking for any intrusion.

Things are quiet though and Felicity takes the opportunity to check the logs on previous attacks and make sure Kojo was not involved in any of them. Surprisingly, she finds exactly the opposite, traces of Kojo’s code in the first attack Felicity rebutted.

It’s a faint trace, at first Felicity thinks it’s someone else but then she beings to see a pattern. It’s clever the way Kojo masqueraded herself by changing her code in a way that it takes an extra attentive human eye to spot the similarities. But there’s no doubt in Felicity’s mind. Mr. Queen may have lie about Kojo taking a file from his laptop but the woman is trying to get in. The target is not Oliver Queen, though, he’s just a way in, she’s trying to get into whatever data Walter wants protected. An action that makes Mr. Queen motivations take a backseat.

It’s in the comfort of her own home that Felicity send’s Kojo Sledgehammer a message. In the hacker world it’s not normal to cross paths like this. Not like this. She had just helped Kojo in an incursion and just a few hours later Kojo was attacking the system she was protecting. It was too strange of a coincidence. One Felicity didn’t believe in.

“Why are you after QC?”

The message lingered for the longest time, but it wasn’t rejected. Felicity moved on to other ways she could track Kojo hitting dead end after dead end.

“It’s not a good company.”

The message light up the screen.

“What do you mean?”

“People need to be protected.”

Not every area QC acted on was philanthropic, of course it wasn’t, but as far as Felicity could see, and she saw a lot, QC was not evil. Not in the slightest.

“From QC?”

“I know you work for them.”

Felicity felt a cold chill. She knew who she was. Has she reined the shot of fear, anger stepped in to fill the void.

“Then you understand I will have to stop you.”

The silence lingered for a beat and then the disconnected message was the only thing showing. And in that moment Felicity wonders if Mr. Queen isn’t right. Kojo has plans, plans that involved QC, plans she must stop.

It was with a surprise look that the guard let her pass that morning. She couldn’t sleep, not while Kojo could be attacking QC systems while her eyes were closed. Everything was silence and peaceful inside de Department, nothing stood out, no alarm was lighting the screen and she breathed easier. Still it took her checking all QC defenses to rest easy.

Kojo was a skilled hacker, and yet she needed help before, to get inside NSA, chances were she wouldn’t tackle QC alone, not anymore, not after Kojo knew she was going to stop her. There were many hackers capable enough to try and slip in unnoticed to her, they existed are they were eager to have a win over her, a fact Felicity was fully aware of. The only advantage Felicity had was that she knew the target. Kojo wanted Mr. Steele files. She worked on the system security measures, losing track of time.

It’s Alena sitting in front of her that snaps her out of the coding.

“Oh, hello.”

“I figured…”

“What?”

“You didn’t listen to a word I said.”

No point on denying it.

“Sorry. I was busy.”

“I’ve noticed.”

Alena smiles warningly.

“Boyfriend?”

Felicity understood now the motive for the smile. And smiled back.

“Work.”

“No intruder has been reported today.”

Felicity looked at the woman in front of her. For a moment she doubted she was in the business of protecting systems.

“That’s is why we can work.”

In Alena’s eyes there wasn’t confusion or surprise at the answer.

“I know. I was just working myself. But now it’s time to go home. And I came by to check if you needed anything.”

If there was anything else in the woman’s mind she kept it hidden but the behavior was unusual enough to have Felicity doubt her motives.

“No, thank you.”

“See you tomorrow then.”

Felicity looks at her until she’s gone and then focus back on the task at hand. Tracking Kojo Sledgehammer.

There wasn’t any doubt in her mind that she was dangerous, not anymore. The thread was thin but with the power of QC technology Felicity managed to trace the intrusion to a building in The Glades. A coffee shop.

Decidedly Felicity takes her bag and her laptop and walks out of QC, heading to the coffee shop. She has no illusions, chances are the woman isn’t there but then again maybe she is.

The Glades are exactly like everyone told her. Dark uncared apartment blocks, people in the streets look beat down, with exception of some cocky little group of young men gathering outside a pub. As she walks pass she notices the way they measure her with their eyes. Felicity holds her bag closer, it’s heavy enough to do some damage if wheeled correctly. But it’s not necessary. They didn’t found her interesting enough she guessed from the mocking snickers.

For a moment Felicity wishes for the night, at night the streets would be filled with Verdant’s customers and police force in accordance to the high level of Mr. Queen’s friends; at present the more she walks into the small street where the coffee shop is located the more she felt increasingly crept out. Suddenly this didn’t feel like a good idea.

Fighting her instinct to turn back and move away, Felicity takes a deep breath and opens the coffee shop door stepping in.

It’s a surprisingly welcoming sight. The buzz of the laptops mixed with the sounds of the coffee machine and the smell of coffee that saturates the air of the lighted colored shop felt like home. Everywhere she looked was a soul not unlike her own. Fast fingers over keyboards, eyes locked on screens, happy unaware people, just like she knew she was when she was immerse in her own coding.

Walking up to the counter she asks for a coffee. It’s tasty and strong, just like she needed after the long restless nights. Taking a seat Felicity pulls her own tablet and mingles; to anyone she’s now invisible while she locks in to every face.

Carefully she tracks the server requests to find any familiar movements. None comes and she’s starting to understand that this was useless when someone sits across from her.

“Hi.”

As their eyes lock Felicity understands her mistake. She underestimated her opponent.

The small gang of tugs had been smoothly taken care of. The Glades were getting increasingly safer but Oliver didn’t have any illusions, his actions as Vigilante by night were helped by the new people pouring in to enjoy themselves on the new flourishing businesses that came in the wake of Verdant.

The Glades streets, once empty and dark, were now busy and lit. But not all. As Vigilante those were the ones that he was more attentive. The tugs were already delivered to SCPD and everything was quiet enough for Oliver to consider going back to the Lair, with that in mind he almost misses it.

The two women walk close to each other, not unusual, but one of the figures is familiar, yet different. Moving closer, from shadow to shadow, he recognizes her.

“See, Felicity. You are good. And smart.”

Felicity is quiet. Her eyes searching aimlessly are Oliver’s warning sign.

“When I was in college I followed your work. That virus… that virus was genius.”

Felicity’s eyes turn more frantic.

“You have it don’t you?”

Felicity doesn’t answer.

“Sure you do. That was perfection. The kind of perfection we save. But we will get to that, first I need access to those files. You are good, Felicity, unstoppable too.”

Felicity was getting increasingly uneasy.

“Where are we going?”

Felicity managed to keep her voice steady only a small tinge of strain made her distress noticeable.

“You’ll see.”

From the top of the nearby building Oliver knew, he had to move fast.

She wanted to run but Alena was holding her arm so hard it hurt. Alena dodge every inquiry about where she was taking her. No place good was the only thing in Felicity’s mind. Her eyes searched for some help but even the kids that were causing trouble before had vanished.

“Let her go.”

The only thing Felicity saw was the tip of the arrow pointed directly at her. The figure holding the bow took a moment for her to take in. Alena didn’t look frighten after the first moment of shock.

“We are just strolling.”

Alena voice sounds almost giddy. The only thought in Felicity’s mind is to keep the Vigilante there and get rid of Alena.

“Then let go of my arm.”

Felicity feels Alena’s fingers loosen but not enough, not yet.

“Let her go. NOW.”

The figure steps closer and Alena pulls Felicity’s arm back as she tries to retreat, Felicity doesn’t budge and Alena looseness enough for her to pull her arm lose and run. Only to be caught by another hand and feel her feats lose contact with the ground.

A scream almost leaves her lips but she’s back on solid ground before its release. The Vigilante releases his grasp on her. In a state of confusion Felicity can’t stop looking at his eyes, even covered by darkness they hold brightness, a spark that fells out of place.

As fast has he arrived the Vigilante leaves. Felicity follows his retreat until the dark green of his suit blends into the dark sky. It takes her a moment to register where she is. The ally isn’t lit but it’s not as dark as she would expect, a detail answered as soon as she turns around and finds herself looking on the entrance to the Train Station. The relief of knowing herself out of harm’s way almost obliterates the question of how did the Vigilante knew she took the train. But taking the train home was the last thing on her mind, she had another stop to make.

After dropping Felicity safe Oliver had gone back but the woman that was holding her had already vanished. It was time to call it a night and she welcomed the sight of Diggle.

“What happen?”

Oliver set the bow down.

“Someone was holding Ms. Smoak.”

��Is she okay?”

“I dropped her off near the train station.”

“Was it…”

Oliver nods while pulling the quiver next to the bow.

“I’m almost sure. I went back but the woman was gone.”

“She’s in danger, Oliver.”

His eyes focused on the arrows but his mind was following Diggle’s train of thought. She was, and he had brought her into it. His responsibility.

“We’ll protect her.”

“You need to talk to her, Oliver.”

And tell her what? Clearly just telling her how dangerous Kojo was hadn’t stopped her, still… with a sigh Oliver confirms it.

“I know.”

He walks pass Diggle going to take off the Arrow suit just as his phone rings.

“Tommy.”

“There’s a woman here searching for you.”

The heavy sigh is impossible to miss on the other end of the line

“Can’t you handle it?”

“Not this one.”

Felicity was too nervous to experience the awkwardness she was supposed to feel. Her work clothes weren’t the least bit fitting to the posh elegant party clients that surrounded her. She was sure the guy at the door only had allow her in because of her bewilder look.

“Ms. Smoak?”

“Mr. Queen, sorry to bother you.”

“Oliver. Call me Oliver.”

“Felicity.”

“It’s no bother, Felicity. I needed to talk to you to.”

“It’s too crowed here. Is there access to the basement from here?”

“How did you…”

A woman came in cutting their talk while walking to the bar. Felicity knew the move, unseen by her Oliver was getting hit on.

Oliver’s eyes keep on the woman as he answers her.

“Out the back. There’s a door. I’ll be right down.”

The door is easy enough to find. The code is simple enough to break and the stairs are noisy at best but the space at the bottom is welcoming.

“Hello.”

The man would be scary if it weren’t for the smile that extended from his lips to his eyes.

“Hi. I’m Felicity.”

“John.”

The chair in front of the computer’s screen is empty and Felicity takes it while Diggle smile increases.

“I need to find someone.”

“Oh… who? Kojo?”

The fast typing pauses for a moment.

“You know about that?”

“She’s dangerous to more than just you.”

The typing proceeds.

“Oliver’s detail level was null.”

Diggle can see she didn’t like being handed just half the truth.

“Where is Oliver?”

“He found someone interesting up there.”

If Oliver had heard Felicity he would strongly disagree.

“What are you doing here?”

“You are not moving fast enough, Mr. Queen.”

Amanda sipped her drink while Oliver noticed the agents posted around Verdant. A power play he knew fully well.

“Maybe you should have your men take care of it.”

“I have Mr. Queen. That’s why we are here.”

The double meaning wasn’t unnoticed. The threat was veiled but clear.

“I’m taking care of it.”

“Don’t take too long.”

Following Amanda the agents leave but the warning is still very much present.

As he starts going down the stairs the sound of Felicity’s fast fingers over the keyboard caught him off guard.

“What are you doing?”

“Accessing QC system.”

“From here? You can’t do that.”

“I’m already in.”

“How? This system is not prepared to do that.”

Felicity stops and Oliver welcomes the silence.

“Who told you that?”

“That wasn’t what I planned for it to do.”

“Well glad you didn’t program it then.”

“How did you know I didn’t?”

The mocking smile bothers him somewhat, her following words don’t help

“Besides the obvious. You couldn’t have because I did that.”

The shock overwhelms the two men.

“You work for ARGUS?”

“Is that what it’s called? I had no idea. I get tasks I execute them.”

“Oliver, she has no idea she’s an ARGUS asset.”

“What’s ARGUS?”

The two men exchange looks.

“Tell me.”

“The organization that wants me to take down Kojo Sledgehammer.”

Felicity ponders for a moment. Clearly the subject ARGUS is unsavory for both men. No matter, Felicity considers, she can do the research herself, now that she knows what to search for.

“Then you’re in luck. I know who she is.”

“The woman that attacked you?”

“How did you…”

Only now she takes in her surroundings, the bow lying on the nearby table.

“Oh… I guess thank you is in order.”

“Why were you there, Felicity?”

“I found a clue.”

“You should have called me.”

“It was such a small detail. I figured it would hurt if I followed it.”

“But it almost did.”

“I never expected her to be so close.”

“How close?”

“QC IT Department close.”

“WHAT?”

“It’s Alena. She’s Kojo.”

“Who’s Alena?”

Felicity calls their attention to the screen now showing Alena’s HR file including picture.

“She took my desk. I don’t know how much damage she has already done. With employee clearance she can access a lot of things and no alarm will react. She has clearance.”

“But she wanted something from you, Felicity.”

“She mention some files.”

“What files?”

“ I figured it was Mr. Steele’s files. I don’t know what’s in them but protecting them is my job.”

Oliver’s phone rings cutting the conversation.

“I’m coming.”

Oliver exchanges a look with Diggle.

“Tommy needs me up there. It’s late. You should go home, Felicity.”

“I’ll take you.” Diggle puts his jacket on before Felicity can refuse.

The IT department is buzzing but the silence installs the moment he walks in. Oliver’s eyes go straight to her desk but there’s a brunet there now. He remembers her photo from the night before, Alena. Felicity must be inside a private now, he heard Walter answer Finn when Finn raised some issues over her fast promotion. He still didn’t quite knew why he was here searching for her, Diggle had left her safely at home and stayed until all lights were out and everything was quiet. But Oliver needed to be sure.

Has he walks close to her desk he’s amazed yet again by the power everyone woman has to transform themselves. It’s hard to reconcile the elegant woman from Friday night with the practical woman chewing a red pen and focusing on the computer screen so hard Oliver can’t understand how the thing stays intact when he wouldn’t.

He stands there for a few moments unnoticed, wondering how much time it will take her to notice him there. Finally he does understand it will take far too long.

“Hi.”

Her eyes leave the screen but they don’t focus on him, for a moment he wonders where she is, what she’s seeing. But then she smiles and she’s there with him and he feels absurdly happy about it.

“I know what she’s trying to access.”

Oliver puzzles on what she’s talking about for a moment

“Kojo. What does she want. Her target is the spinal chip.”

Oliver recalls the brief about the progress of that project. Walter saw the financial potential but wanted it at the minimal price in order to be accessible to everyone. A plan Oliver agreed on.

“Has she attacked already?”

“She won’t get through. I’ll make sure of that.”

Felicity glimpsed outside.

“Felicity, does she have accomplices?”

“I don’t know. She may have. I tried to make some contacts but I don’t know everyone out there.”

This is not good.

“Felicity you talked to other people about this?”

Felicity smiled

“My friends are in here” she points to the computer “Not out there.”

Somehow that didn’t ease Oliver concern.

“Kojo is dangerous and she tried to take you. That was not in there it was out here.”

Too close. The women being on the next room was far from comforting.

“Did you check her address.”

Oliver nods. The night before after Verdant closed and while Diggle made sure Felicity was safe he had checked the address in Alena’s HR file. Unsurprisingly it wasn’t an apartment building but a warehouse. A warehouse he fully intended to check that night.

“Need to go back, though.”

“Tonight? I’m going with you.”

“No you’re not. I work alone.”

“You will find me very helpful. I can access cameras and see if it’s safe.”

“From the Lair.”

“Lair?...”

“Basement.”

“Oh.” Her lips open in a smile “From the Lair.”

There she would be safe, with Diggle.

That night, while the DJ starts the music pumping and filling Verdant. Down the basement Felicity checks the cameras from the warehouse.

Alena is there but not only her. The place is packed and looks exactly like the Tech Lab on MIT. Young man and women are working, focusing on their computer screens. And Felicity knew exactly what was going on.

“Who are they?”

“Hackers. We found a group of hackers.”

“Don’t they usually work alone?”

A misconception but not all that far off from reality.

“Not really. We work in groups often but usually we don’t get working together like this.”

“How does that work?”

“We work together over the net. Everyone at his own place.”

“I’m here.”

Oliver is at the Warehouse.

“There’s a back entrance. Looks clear.”

The image of Oliver’s entering the warehouse shows up.

“The warehouse plan has an inner room, isolated. The servers must be in there.”

With care and with Felicity overwatch Oliver manages to reach the room and set the charges inside. The exit is simpler only because he already knows the way but the pressing urgency of the ticking clock makes him rush.

Felicity watches the blast with mixed feelings. The demise of any system specially one the level she knew Alena could pull made her sad but being rid of the woman was too much of a relief.

It’s early in the day when Felicity arrives QC. The IT Department is empty, or so she thought. Alena is sitting on the chair next to Felicity’s desk.

“You know what you’ve done?”

Felicity sits in her chair. She won’t lie but she will not admit it out loud neither.

“You know what you destroyed?”

“What did you think would happen, Alena? That’s not the way.”

“What do you know about doing what I do? You just help them. You just make our work harder.”

“You’re a criminal, Alena.”

“So are you, Felicity.”

“Technically, maybe. But I never take advantage of what I do. I help making the World safer.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I don’t want to.”

Alena gets up.

“And that’s the real shame. Goodbye, Felicity.”

“Goodbye, Alena.”

She was gone. Starling was safe, Oliver was safe, she was safe.

Verdant was dark and empty. Morning was the quietest part of the day. The message on his phone wasn’t unexpected, as it was the fact the women was already at his side when Oliver noticed Amanda.

“It’s done.”

“Kojo Sledgehammer moved on. To start from scratch. Well done, Mr. Queen. Please extend the compliments to your new team member, Ms. Smoak.”

Oliver knows it’s a trick. A trick Amanda uses often to show she knows everything.

Felicity is not a Team member. He works alone.

But walking into the Lair that night and finding Felicity there makes Amanda’s words ring true. He needs her. The team needs her skills.

“Oliver. How did it go?”

“As expected.”

Oliver sits looking at her searching for some unfathomable threat he knows she will find sooner or later and he will chase sooner rather than later.

“Felicity, would you consider staying?”

#olicity #olicity fanfiction #my fanfics #camp nano april 2017

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