A Package
and a
Last Laugh.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but what you see here. Many thanks to AlexiaBlackbriar13 of A03 for allowing me to use this idea. One that will show up again in other versions at some point. Check out her story 'Building Foundations' over at A03, in particular chapter 15. Her story may be on here too but I'm not entirely sure on it. This is set either a few weeks after Hong Kong or possibly around the 4th year he was thought dead. Either way is do-able.
Summary: A package arrives at the Queen Mansion and what Moira finds inside is definitely unpleasant.
A package arrived one particular afternoon at the Queen Mansion addressed to one Moira Dearden Queen. When Raisa brought it to her attention, the woman was a bit confused as she hadn't been expecting to receive anything. The fact it seemed rather big was odd to her as well and hoped it wasn't a bomb of some kind. Then again she considered the unlikelyness considering the guards would have used whatever methods at their disposal to ensure it wasn't. Sitting on the couch and grabbing a nearby letter opener, the mother carefully opened up the sealing of the yellow package. The task done, she set the letter opener to the side and looked inside, in it, she found what looked to be a rather large folder and what looked to be cd cases. Which only added to her confusion as she wondered who would be willing to send something like this to her and not be bothered to leave a name behind that she might be able to contact.
Pulling out the folder as carefully as she could and setting the package to the side gently so as not to possibly break anything, she took a look at the front of the cover of the folder. The name of ARGUS in big bold letters only adding to her confusion and making her wonder what in the world that organization would be doing sending this to her. She feared that perhaps they somehow found out about Malcolm's plans and were potentially blackmailing her for whatever reason. But the name in the middle made her breath catch in her throat. "O-Oliver!? Why would they have his name on this!?" She wondered to herself and getting a bit furious that they would be so willing to disrespect someone not even amongst the living.
Curiousity getting the better of her despite her better judgement, she opened the file and came across a white form with what looked to be the beginnings of a report.
I am General Shrieve of the U.S. Army, and if you are receiving this package, along with others receiving similar packages… Then I am dead as I had the feeling I would be after my actions came to light in Hong Kong. Whether my death was at the hands of agent Oliver Queen or Amanda Waller or someone else, I have instructed one of my men to ensure this is sent out. As in essence, it ensures I have the last laugh.
A hand went up to cover Moira's mouth as her eyes widened in shock. Her son could have caused this man's death!? But why!? Her son would never do such a horrible thing! But judging by the last line she had read, it seemed this General Shrieve was not a good man. The notion he sent something similar like her package to others was alarming as well. But the notion that her son was alive filled her with joy, which would be short lived once she continued to read.
A two year operation was conducted on an island in the North China Sea known as Lian Yu, or Purgatory if you prefer the english name instead. This operation was meant to see the end of one of the Triad's biggest assets, but alas when Oliver Jonas Queen washed ashore on Lian Yu in 2007, the work that had taken a good long amount of time was ruined by the combined efforts of Oliver Queen, disgraced General Yao Fei, his daughter Shado, and former ASIS member Slade Wilson. It was thanks to these three that billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was able to survive not only the harshness of Lian Yu, but the torture brought on to him by Wilson's former partner William Wintergreen and other forms of torture by others later on. These experiences allowed him to become a competent survivor. Even becoming a skilled archer under Yao Fei's tutelage and later his daughter Shado's. Whom from what intel we gathered, the girl and the castaway fell for one another.
The head of the Lian Yu operation, Edward Fyers, later shot Yao Fei in the head after he made the disgraced General make a video taking blame for what would have been the deaths of a commercial airliner containing the asset of the Triad. Unfortunately, the daughter wound up losing her own life a year later thanks to a slowly growing insane man by the name of Anthony Ivo. Who sought a cure for his wife and would have used it to advance the human race. Had the girl lived, I believe Waller would have ensured her co-operation when we took Queen off the island following an explosive fight he had with Wilson. Both Edward and Anthony died by the hand of Oliver Queen. We've not only footage of events on the island and in Hong Kong, but photographic evidence as well. Along, as per my instructions should I meet my end, further surveillance of Queen.
Moira was feeling sick to her stomach as she read the part of someone else including a mention of Oliver's time in Coast City and later Russia of all places. Shakily putting down the report and looking inside the package again, she pulled out any pictures she could find and the tears started to come down then as she finally saw images of her beautiful boy for the first time in years. So engrossed was she by the sight of him, that she failed to realize that Thea was looking over her shoulder and was starting to have tears well up too as she saw her brother alive and oh very not dead. Though he clearly had seen better days judging by the way he looked. "Oh God..." She breathed as she put her hands to her face, startling Moira enough to realize she wasn't alone.
"Thea!" The mother gasped out as she turned her body enough to face her.
The girl rushed around to the front of the couch and got on the other side of her mother so that they could look at the pictures of a person whom they thought lost as tears came down their faces. The two went through many of the pictures and when that was over with, though Moira was rather reluctant to allow Thea to see the report, she knew her daughter had a right to know about her brother. The torture, the wins, and heartbreaking losses shook them to their core as they learned more and more about what Oliver went through. Even going so far as to ignore the telephone going off as well. The medical report was rather alarming as well when they learned of the scars and electrical burns he now had on him. The fact Oliver's former mentor and friend/brother Slade Wilson had contributed and even going so far as to force a dragon tattoo that the girl Shado had as a way to make him remember his part in her death made them both wish they could hurt the man badly for it.
Sara being alive, though thought dead yet again by Oliver was saddening as well but there had been no further information as it had been sent only to the Lances. And Moira had a feeling a confrontation with Quentin was soon to be had. That during her boy's time in Hong Kong, his plan concerning Tommy was something to behold as well and was grateful he'd been able to do it as his loss would have been felt just as greatly as Oliver's had and continued to be. A certain drug dealer ensured Thea would later get a stern talking too as well. The horrible events of Hong Kong that led to many, including a young boy by the name of Akio Yamashiro dying was truly heartbreaking as the report mentioned that Oliver had grown rather close to the boy during his enforced stay with the boy and his parents. A mention was made that Shrieve had ensured footage was obtained from the building that showed in detail of what Oliver in his rage had done to the man, followed by what Maseo Yamashiro would do in the end. Moira didn't think she would even have the ability to sit through that and neither did she feel that Thea would either.
Both felt though that Shrieve definitely got what he deserved, though both wished Oliver hadn't gone to such a dark place after it. Waller was someone Moira wouldn't mind at all in asking Malcolm to have his Enforcer pay a visit too. She had a feeling he'd be especially willing to do it once he learned of what the horrible woman had nearly forced her boy into doing against his own best friend. The Bratva thing though was highly worrying, especially since it seemed to be pulling the lost son deeper into the darkness. Even though he did try here and there to ensure that some girls escaped certain terrible fates. Thea had to admit learning that her brother is considered to the Red Eyed Ghost Archer of Russia was scary as Hell. Moira even considered for a moment that he might be able to free of her Malcolm and his Enforcer's clutches before chasing the thought off as her son didn't need to be involved in that mess that would surely damn his soul even more.
By the end of it all, learning of his possible PTSD and any other numerous symptoms he had. Moira and Thea were wanting even more to cause Hell on Waller, not to mention hoping that Fyers, Ivo, Wilson and Shrieve were all burning in the hottest pits of Hell imaginable. While hoping that those who hadn't been cruel towards the lost son were resting well in Heaven. The mother wanted to have a stern talk with Anatoly however for getting her son involved in his way of life! Thea especially wanted to hurt the guy who ensured that Shrieve's last laugh got sent out, as what kind of human being willingly did that!?
And as such, Queen continues to stay away from home, learning new skills and improving on old ones. Whether or not he ever decides to return home remains to be seen. Though there has been talk from Waller of potential recruitment again with him. In my view however, such a thing would be foolhardy, but alas I am but a mere cog in the machine and my personal opinion matters not. Shrieve was a good man who should still be amongst the living and hailed as a hero for his efforts in ensuring America's dominancy. Perhaps I shall have the chance one day to take Queen's life. However, I am pleased that the good General has gotten the last laugh in the end.
The lack of a name of the person only served to infuriate the saddened women as they truly wished they could heap all kinds of Hell on the lap dog for being willing enough to do as Shrieve wanted. Though Moira had to admit that this did help out a lot in knowing where her son was and resolved to do something about him being gone very soon. Something she knew would be an uphill battle but she was a Queen and would NOT be deterred! Raisa clearing her throat grabbed the attention of both ladies as they noticed she had the phone in her hand. "Please tell whoever it is that now is not a good time." Moira told the woman with irritation easily heard, and Thea definitely had to agree with the statement.
"I know Mrs. Queen, but it is Mr. Lance and he is insisting on speaking with you." The maid told her and looked to be rather frazzled too. Thea had the inkling that the man hadn't made things easy at all for Raisa.
Moira sighed in agitation and signaled for Raisa to hand her the phone. Putting it to her ear, she spoke into it. "Hello Quentin..." She started off with, and what followed would be a pretty damn unpleasant conversation that included what his long thought to be dead daughter was doing. Thea however prayed she'd be getting her brother back soon, no matter how damaged he is now. The thought of being able to have him in her life again excited her. Especially the chance to share her joy of archery with him. Even though his path to it hadn't been as pleasant as her's had. She'd do whatever it took to help him re-adjust to normal life again as well.
Author's Notes: And bingo was his name o! Many thanks once again to Alexia for having allowed me to use this idea. Hope you all enjoyed and R and R!
