The Offer
Chapter 1
One Month Later
And Final Decisions
Disclaimer: The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived at last! The sequel to The Day Is Saved (But Not All Is Well)! Now let's get cookin'! Oh, and I own nothing but the general idea you see here.
It'd been one heck of a month since Barry got himself revealed after stopping Mark Mardon's oncoming Tsunami from hitting Central City. He'd still not been allowed to return to work as he'd been pretty much suspended from doing so until further notice and was thankful he hadn't been placed under arrest. Not only for his own bit of vigilantism, but for the fact he'd been placing criminals in cells without due process. Heck the remaining members of STAR Labs and Joe himself were lucky they all hadn't been arrested as well! Speaking of the good Detective, he hadn't returned to work yet either due to the situation with his leg that required him to walk with a cane for the time being. This pretty much made the point of a suspension a moot point for the time being and it was thanks on Cecil's part that that had even gone that way. The revelation concerning Doctor Wells, or to be more precise, Eobard Thawne had hit the Science community rather hard and further ruined whatever reputation STAR Labs had to the point of non existence.
Making for rumors of a potential buy out for the place as well, though Caitlin and Cisco were unsure as to who exactly was interested and what any of them planned to do once they bought out STAR Labs. The body of Harrison Wells had also been found several miles outside of Central City on the way to Starling City thanks in part to a joint effort by Detective Eddie Thawne, Cisco Ramon, and Captain Lance and it wasn't long before the body had been properly buried this time around as well. Many still couldn't quite grasp the fact that Eobard had used Science for his own twisted purpose to steal the real Harrison Wells' face that essentially took his life. His actions led to a burning sense of hatred from the families of Harrison Wells and Tess Morgan, but also, at least for Tess Morgan's family, had gained a sense of closure at long last after finally learning of what really caused the night of the car accident that took her life.
Henry Allen was also thankfully a free man now after all this had come to light and still had old friends and co-workers throwing apologies his way despite his attempts to get them to stop as he didn't truly hold it against them. Something Joe had even commented on about and Henry merely told him his time behind bars had helped him realize that only the views of those who truly care matters in the end. Something that had made the Detective wince over but Henry assured him it was okay between the two since he had been so willing to take in Barry.
Cisco Ramon pretty much became the Black Sheep of his family due to his working with a mad man, even if it had been happening without him knowing it for so long. And nothing he or anyone else said on his behalf could make them see differently thanks to their preferring his older brother and all his accomplisments. His brother Dante's kidnapping by the Snarts and Mick Rory in order to get Cisco to make them their weapons hadn't helped matters any either. His contributions to cells in Central City's precincts had been a boon however since it helped to keep those with powers inside them. His wearable bands that could be applied to any arm was also a big help in bringing in any criminal element with powers. Thankfully Barry had been able to help apprehend a few with the bands when they proved to be rather difficult and dangerous. So for Cisco, he could at least take stock in the fact he'd gotten a win with that part of his life.
The Arrow team in Starling City hadn't exactly been idle during this month either as they continued to deal with not only Captain Lance's vendetta against them, but also with Ra's Al Ghul's campaign to get Oliver to take his place. It wasn't until a comment from Ray Palmer that got quite a few of them facepalming themselves at not having seen the obviousness of it. He'd pointed out that Oliver's past when it came to running anything aside from Verdant until his sister had taken it over and outshined him in her running of the place, and that his lack of proper education in Business pretty much left him unsuitable for the role Ra's wanted him for. Once Oliver had gotten over the embarrassment of not even having thought of that, he ran wild with the idea and even brought it to the long lived man's attention. Even going so far as to have Ray with him during the whole thing as well. Nyssa had been smug as Hell over that since to her it meant her place as the true Heir was safe and the prophecy be damned. Not that she'd ever utter such words around her father of course.
Ra's had to concede to the facts presented to him as the thought of someone like Oliver Queen taking his place now that he knew what he did left him with an unpleasant feeling in his gut. An unpleasant feeling that was quite similar to the one he'd had about Damien Darkh once upon a time after they learned who would become the next Ra's Al Ghul and it was not something he cared a great deal for. The long lived man then had departed Starling City with Sara's body to restore her to life after Thea, much to Oliver's displeasure, had promised to train directly under him if he agreed to bring Sara back through the Pits. The man had wondered how she even knew of it since Oliver hadn't spoken a word of it but her informing him that Malcolm had told her let him know all he needed too. Malcolm, needless to say once he'd learned of what happened wasn't a very happy camper. And even had snuck into Nanda Parbat to take the life of Ra's Al Ghul. Only to lose his instead with his head being removed.
A notice from the League over that to those in Starling hadn't left any of the Arrow team particularly bothered except perhaps for Oliver as he was worried about Thea being unable to handle it. Naturally he got a slap to the head from the girl after she informed him she was better off without a piece of scum like Malcolm Merlyn in her life. Because of Ray Palmer's little moment, Ra's never impersonated Oliver's identity as the Arrow to the point of pretty much destroying it. Though they still had to deal with Captain Lance's vendettea against them. A vendetta that came to an end thankfully around two weeks later after Sara's resurrection and her coming to grips with her death and the effects of the Lazurus Pits enough to drop in on the man, slap him upside the head, and give him one Hell of a tongue lashing over his actions. Going so far as to point out that while Laurel and the others should have handled things differently concerning telling him, his heart condition was a valid reason for why Laurel had been hesitant for so long.
It should be known that it was thanks to Malcolm Merlyn's accidental use of his stun gun on Sara for why it hadn't taken longer for the girl to reach a decent point of recovery for her to be able to safely leave and not have others greatly worried about her in the process. His use of it had come during the time he invaded Nanda Parbat to kill Ra's himself and had been attacked by a savage Sara and in the process had used his stun gun on her without actually meaning too in order to put her down without killing her off. Had he known of what would result, he probably would have just taken her out of the world again.
Oliver as the Arrow had even apologized for not saying a word since he had felt it best for Laurel to handle it. He got a telling off from the older man in response that since his baby girl was part of his little group that things like that were his business to deal with since he basically led the bunch. And no amount of arguing could make him see otherwise on that view point, but thankfully the vendetta ended and Roy Harper never had to fake his death or leave the city to ensure it stayed fake. Lance had to answer to a disciplinary committee over his actions but thankfully hadn't lost his Captain's rank over the whole mess.
With Sara back and even becoming the White Canary to Laurel's Black Canary, she took over her sister's training in addition to the training the Lawyer got from Nyssa and Ted Grant. Those on the team were surprised she was still around the city but she had told them that Ra's had pretty much gave what amounted to time off until the effects of the Lazarus Pits were completely gone as he had no desire to have an unstable warrior doing any missions for him. And where Sara went, so did Nyssa as well. Which made things awkward at the dinner table considering the time she kidnapped Dinah Lance. Of course things between Oliver and Felicity were still crappy, much to everyone else's annoyance over the whole situation. Ray wisely stayed out of that whole mess however but was honestly considering some shock treatment for the green clad vigilante despite his wanting to stay out of it. Diggle was all for it however when Ray had brought it up well out of Oliver's hearing. Felicity herself was about to either go off like never before on the man or simply wash her hands of the whole thing concerning him and be done with it.
As for Barry Allen himself? Aside from finally getting his father out of prison and being suspended from work and pretty much spending more time then usual at STAR Labs when not at Joe's or Linda's, life wasn't feeling too horrible for him. Despite the punch to the jaw Eddie Thawne had given him over the situation with Iris. That and the man had wanted a little payback anyway for Barry's beating of him during that time while under the effects of the Rainbow Raider. The man still had trouble grasping the fact he was related to Eobard and tried not to think too much on it. Same for the rest of the Thawne family since the man was a highly dangerous and manipulative Speedster. However, things between Barry and Iris weren't that great since the girl still had trouble accepting the fact that Barry is the Flash and that he had kept it from her for several months. Not to mention all the meetings between the two as well. After coming across Gideon in Thawne's special room thanks to some action on Cisco's part, the red clad Speedster hadn't been able to look Iris in the eye for a few days after he had learned of a certain news report the AI had shown him.
He noticed that she seemed to be gravitating back towards Eddie, though the Detective was a bit reluctant over it and Barry couldn't blame the guy at all for that. Whether or not she was merely going back towards Eddie's direction was cause of familiarity or due to something else remained to be seen but Barry didn't have a lot of thought put towards it considering Linda being pregnant with his child. Which had considerably been more on his mind over the month in addition to everything else he had to deal with. The two honestly didn't know where the future went for them, but considering their growing feelings for one another and the baby, they were starting to feel even closer then what they had been previously. They also hadn't said a word to anyone about the pregnancy aside from Caitlin who'd promised to keep silent until otherwise was said.
The doctor had been a no brainer for Barry since he'd pretty much become a celebrity within Central and neither him or Linda wanted to deal with the can of worms that would happen if the press got wind of them visiting certain specialists. The good doctor Snow was thrilled at the chance to be part of such an event as it opened up all sorts of possibilities considering Barry's being a Meta Human. The fact she didn't charge them out the butt was also another huge plus in their view. All interviews so far had also been ignored, much to the annoyance of Linda and Iris' boss at the news station. Mason however had had a field day with everything after he'd manage to get an interview with Eobard Thawne. Which had been pretty revealing for all things considered. Thankfully not too revealing however in details of future events.
Barry had nearly gone after Thawne after he read the interview but was thankfully talked out of it by cooler heads. But none of that prepared him for today as he, along with Joe were called up to the 12th precinct where the two had worked at for years for a hearing. To say he was nervous was an understatement but Joe's calm look helped him out at least a little bit. Joe himself however was nervous but had years worth of experience to keep from showing it. He did get some great amusement however as Barry started to shake his leg at super speed due to how nervous he was. The Speedster started to sulk when his step father pretty much laughed at him. "Joe!" He whined, much to the older man's amusement.
"Just relax Barry, it's gonna be just fine." He responded reassuringly.
But Barry had his doubts on that. "But how can you be so sure? For all we know they've finally decided to lock us both away. Or worse! And that's something nobody would be happy about!" He exclaimed to his surrogate father. Linda would murder him for sure if he was thrown in prison and he didn't even want to think about what Oliver would do to him! Hell as it is, he's also been worried a good deal of the month about the potential visit from Ra's Al Ghul and Amanda Waller that Oliver had been nice enough to warn him about.
Little did he know that that particular worry was about to rear their ugly heads very soon. Joe put a hand on Barry's shoulder as a calming gesture. "You worry too much! And I'm sure because I'm Joe West." He joked, earning a smile from the Speedster.
Barry was interrupted before he could say anything as Cecil's assistant showed up to let the two know that it was time for the two men to come into the room. Taking deep breaths before looking at one another, the two then got up and walked into the room where Cecil, the Police Commander, the Deputy Police Chief, and the Chief of Police were waiting for them. And if anything, Barry's nervousness increased even more at the sight of those that people like David Singh answered too, and pretty much every other cop in a way. He and Joe came to the table and stood there watiing for permission to sit down. A nod from the Chief himself and the two sit down and Barry just wanted to throw up from how nervous he was. Cecil and the three men gave them their full attention before Larry Byleson, the current Chief of Police cleared his throat and began to speak.
"We're here today to discuss the careers of Detective Joe West and Assistant CSI Barry Allen of the Central City PD. Its also noted that Mr. Allen is also the vigilante known as the Flash and has been acting as such since his awakening from a nine month coma. A coma that was the result of the STAR Labs Particle Accelerator that also is response for the ability to run at super speeds. Not to mention is also responsible for the creation of others with abilities. Mr. Allen, along with Detective West and those of STAR Labs also essentially took the law into their hands to place those with powers who committed crimes into specialized cells without due process. This, along with the vigilantism is why you Mr. Allen, along with yourself Detective West are here." The man finished and Barry gulped and had even more scenarios if it was possible about how the outcome of this was going to end badly for him.
Cecil took up where he left off. "It is so noted that at the time, no one knew of the existence of Meta Humans. Something that Eobard Thawne, then believed to be Doctor Harrison Wells used to his advantage. An advantage that has led to one death at least so far since the beginning of Barry Allen's time as the Flash." Said Speedster had to wince at the mention of Tony's death as he had never wanted anyone to die on his account. Bette was another who's death should have been prevented and it was another thing Eobard had to answer for.
"However, despite the situation of the time, had Mr. Allen and even Detective West come to the proper officials instead of allowing Eobard Thawne to take control of the situation. We would only be here today over the vigilantism and Joe West's knowledge of it." She continued with a mild glare at the two and while Joe didn't regret one bit of keeping Barry's abilities a secret, he had wished he had gone against Thawne and gone to the proper authorities over the whole thing like he should have.
The Police Commander then spoke up next. "In light of David Singh's hospitalization at the hands of Mark Mardon's Meta abilities that has quite unfortunately left Mr. Singh unable to return to the force. A new permanent Captain is being looked for to take over in the man's place. And despite your own actions Mr. West, this panel under the recommendation of Cecil herself, feels it best to name you the new Captain due to your time with the Central City PD and the fact you are quite familiar with Meta Humans. Something that we feel will be a big help in the days to come as the public and the CCPD become more and more familiar with Meta Humans." The eyes of both Joe and Barry had widened in shock at that bit of information as it was not something neither of them had ever expected at all. Though both felt a great pang in their chests over David Singh's inability to return to the force thanks to Mark Mardon's attack on him.
But something told Barry he wasn't about to get off as lightly as his surrogate father had. "However our decision regarding you Mr. Allen won't be as great to hear. While we will not be placing you in prison for your actions as a vigilante, we can no longer allow you to work for the CCPD. However we will not stop you from using your abilities but we will ask that you work with us should the need arise." Byleson informed the two, leaving Barry to feel a lump in his throat and he could even feel tears come to his eyes but willed himself to not let them start falling. Joe closed his eyes, pained at the news of Barry's firing from the force. Cecil gave the Speedster a sad smile as even she wasn't entirely happy about this but there wasn't much she or anyone else could do.
As while they couldn't place him in prison cause of the very likelyhood of backlash from the public, something still had to be done and this was it. "May… May I be excused?" Barry asked as he no longer felt like he could stay in the room with all of them. Byleson gave a nod and he quickly left the room, leaving Joe on his own. Not that the man could begrudge him of that.
Cecil and the three men then looked towards Joe and the Chief spoke up again. "Mr. West, are you prepared to accept all that entails with the rank of Captain?" He asked seriously and Joe gave him a nod.
"Yes sir, I am. I just don't like the fact I'm getting this and my boy has been fired. But again, yes I am prepared for it." Joe said seriously and the man nodded as he could understand the other man's dislike of what had happened.
"Very well then, this hearing is officially over. All but Mr. West are free to go as there are things we need to discuss concerning your new role as Captain." The other three quickly got up and left the room, though Cecil gave her long time friend a touch to the shoulder as a gesture of support and he rubbed her hand in return, thankful for it all the same.
Ferris Airfield
A lone dark black plane descended upon the ground of the no longer in use airfield that STAR Labs occasionally used for Barry's training. The plane's design was a unique one as it was a rare one of a kind that only the League of Assassins used. And aboard this plane was the long lived man himself, Ra's Al Ghul. Who could now be seen coming down the steps with one goal in mind for his arrival in Central City. To recruit the being capable of immense speeds that his former intended replacement Al-Sah-Him seemed quite familiar with. "This being will not have an excuse to deny recruitment." He said to himself as he stepped off the final step of the stairs and began to walk towards the limosine waiting for him. Not even considering the possibilty that the one he intended to recruit would have other reasons to say no. Much less the trouble it would bring the man for coming here. Sarab and several others were also soon following along too with two others staying behind to ensure no one messed with their form of air transportation.
The man also felt that this Eobard Thawne man was not suitable and was why he hadn't even given much thought towards the man since he seemed so focused on the being known as Barry Allen.
At the Welcome To Central City sign
A black four door Sedan could be seen coming in the direction of the 'Welcome to Central City' sign with only two occupants inside with two more Sedans following behind. The first Sedan being the driver and the other an African American woman dressed in a grey outfit suitable for business who had no tolerance for nonsense while the other two Sedans carried Soldiers in them. She was also someone Oliver would be pretty likely to break his no kill rule over just to rid the world of her presence. Who is she you asked? Why none other then Amanda Waller of Argus! And the woman was here to recruit one Barry Allen into her service and nothing or anyone was going to stop her! Unfortunately for her, she had no idea that Ra's Al Ghul had come to the city with the same goal in mind. Had she known, it likely could have saved her a lot of trouble in the end. The woman had a feeling that Oliver Queen had already made contact with Allen to warn him of her coming for him, but she wasn't about to let that possibility deter her.
The power to run at super speed was something that could be very beneficial for the right people and Amanda had no desire to see that fall into the wrong kind of hands. And if Allen refused to comply, well… There was always the tried and true method of intimidation to fall back on after all as the Speedster had quite a few who could be used against him.
Author's Notes: Now I realize that the Hearing with the Heads of the Police in Central was unlikely to go that way so I apologize in advance for the highly unlikelyness of it going that way in real life. But remember, this is based on a show from a comic book so things are likely to happen that aren't of the norm. I likely could have used that Patty girl who's coming to the show in season 2 to be the new Captain, but I figured Joe in the role would be a better idea.
Over this coming week, I intend to put my focus on Night Out, Ghosts, this story, and Fun times with the occasional update for Possibilities. After that, I'll get back to bringing the awesome with Making The Call. And with that out of the way, R and R and see ya soon!