Chapter 53

Chong-Mai For

The Holidays

The Mission

Part 1

Disclaimer: I own nothing but what you see here. "I've even asked the Canadians to join us." Zeb Coulter on WWE.


December 19th, 2010 Foundry Basement 12:30 PM

Oliver had decided to come down to the Foundry's basement for a little alone time after a talk he wound up having with Andy Diggle. While a part of him appreciated the man's effort to give him a motivational speech to help him out to some extent, he still largely didn't want anyone doing anything as he just wanted to be left alone. But Oliver had to admit the man had a point about how he shouldn't let this drag him down as otherwise he may never be able to find happiness or be whole again. It was just hard for him as he'd already been through so much as it is and now what she did to him has just set him back from the progress he'd been making. Something kept him from reaching out for the help he needed despite Veller and Anna's attempts and he had the thought it was likely a pride thing and would have to get past that if he wanted to get better before someone else with good intentions took things into their own hands.

How well that would turn out would be anyone's guess however. But for now, he'd just hole up in the basement where he'd been storing his equipment and decided to make more arrows for future use while Blues music played in the background. So engrossed in what he was doing that he didn't notice he had a visitor in the room with him until the music went off. Stopping in his work, the archer grumbled a few choice cuss words. "I don't know who you are, but you'd better have a damn good reason for being down here." Growled out the archer as he grabbed one of the newly made arrows and turned around to potentially use it on the intruder.

Only to come to a complete stop when he saw General Shrieve standing with his hands behind his back next to the radio. "General!? What… How…?" He was honestly surprised the man knew about this place!

Shrieve smiled at him at first in response. "Waller likes to keep a close eye on you Queen and as I like to keep a close eye on her, that's how I know about this place."

Oliver had to admit that made a lot of sense despite the fact he hated the very idea of Amanda Waller keeping a close eye on him! Which was no doubt to use anything she saw as potential black mail she could use to make him do something she needed from him. "Aunt Phlegm has no respect for privacy." Muttered the archer sourly and Shrieve couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"One day she'll slip up son, and then she'll be going away for a long time to come." Because Lord knows that that woman had gone a bit beyond to make things happen a certain way that shouldn't have been done or even considered. Nearly starting a war with China just to get Chien Na Wei was one of those things that was rather stupid of her.

If Oliver prayed for that idea to happen a lot sooner? Well, he wasn't going to say anything about it! Then again he might anyway just to share how much he hates that damn woman! But he figured the General had to be here for more than just talking about that She-Beast. "Something tells me you aren't here just to talk about her and any spying habits she has."

Shrieve chuckled again and nodded at the archer to show that he was right. "Indeed son, though I'm always available if you want to share how much you hate her." Hell he knew A LOT of people the kid might want to talk too as he'd have a lot in common with them!

The archer had to admit that sounded appealing and would definitely talk to him about that later. Shrieve cleared his throat and decided to get down to the reason for his being here. "Now I'm not sure how much you know about the country of Chong-Mai, but a situation has come up over there that requires some… Quiet intervention on our part. And I was hoping to bring you onboard for the mission."

To say the Queen Scion was floored would be an accurate statement as this had been the last thing he was expecting! And the surprise must have been evident on his face as the older man quickly informed him that a cover story would be provided to his family and friends for why he would be gone for several days that would likely see him missing Christmas altogether. Oliver snorted at that since no one at home was exactly in a Christmas mood as it was anyway. Though he had a feeling his mom wasn't going to be all that happy either way about his being gone while still dealing with what that bitch had done to him. "I'm uhh... I'm not sure I'm cut out for this one sir. I'm still dealing with something horrible and I'd likely be a liability for you out there."

Shrieve looked a bit uncomfortable after Oliver spoke his piece and the archer knew then and there that it was likely Waller's doing that he somehow knew. "Speaking of…. Since Waller's so damn aware of me, why didn't she do anything to stop what happened to me? Or is she that much of a cold hearted bitch? Hell, why didn't you do anything?" His tone wasn't accusatory towards the older man but he was damn curious.

"I'm honestly not sure why she didn't do anything Mr. Queen, that would be something for you to ask her. As for myself? Unfortunately I was on assignment and didn't find out what happened til after I got back. If I could have I would have done something to get your ass out of that mess."

The former castaway could tell the older man was being honest and appreciated it. "Appreciate the thought sir but sorry for the fact you came here for nothing."

"You wouldn't be alone out there as there would be several others you'd be working with. Plus this could be a good way to let off a little steam before you wind up getting fubarred."

Oliver couldn't help but snort at that notion but he had to admit the man did have a point at least. But there was no way in Hell he was going to try and explain this one to his mother! "Ah Hell, why not. What's the worst that could happen besides an international incident?" The man had a pretty good idea of what all could happen thanks to his pre-Island days and after the Island.

Hell maybe I'll wind up dead or some kind of snack for somethin' unnatural during this whole thing… Thought the Queen Scion with a mental snort.

"Atta boy!"

"You have to make up something to my mother first."

"Aww Hell!" Oliver couldn't help but chuckle for the first time in awhile over that response.

One Hour Later at the ARGUS Base outside of Starling City

Surprisingly enough, Shrieve had managed to convince Oliver's mother that he needed the younger man to come with him for a few days of check ups to ensure that the experiment used on him to heal his shoulder was going well. Moira was understandably upset about it but the last thing she wanted for her son was to deal with another potential problem. Plus the fact none of the family was in much of a mood for some holiday cheer kept her from fighting it more then what she likely would have otherwise. Thea was also fairly upset too but she told him he'd better be back in time for New Year's or she'd hunt him down! The good General made sure to inform the girl that her brother should definitely be back before that. Oliver had made sure to give Lupus a little love before leaving though since he had been somewhat neglectful of the little guy lately.

And an hour later saw the Queen Scion in a building he really didn't want to even so much as look at considering its an ARGUS building. And for him, anything ARGUS went all the way back to Waller. The archer quickly met the people Shrieve had been talking about, among those being the guy who had visited with the General back when the Yamashiros were still running from Waller. Oliver finally learned that the guy's name was Warren Griffith and along with him was perhaps one of the weirdest looking people the former playboy had likely ever met. As the man seemed a bit on the slow side and a little childish in how he acted and known simply as Franky. Warren had told him that Franky is the son of two old friends of his who were pretty much retired these days.

Two others with them on the team Oliver was going to be temporarily part of involved a green haired woman by the name of Beatriz da Costa and she wasn't exactly the friendliest either with a quickly made and rather low opinion of the former castaway. Not that he necessarily gave a damn since he wasn't looking to impress anyone. The last member of their team was known as Patrick O'Brian, or Eel as he liked to also be known as. The guy was something of a jokester and liked to wear shades and wore some sort of red suit with a yellow belt. They were all waiting for Shrieve to give them their briefing as the last of the equipment was loaded on to the plane and Oliver hadn't exactly been happy about leaving his own behind but had been promised he'd receive some good equipment for the mission.

Beatriz could be heard muttering about pretty boys and weirdos who didn't belong on this sort of thing and while Oliver could care less about what was being said about him, he could tell that the barbed comment towards Franky was making Warren frown in annoyance but before anything could be said, the good General finally showed up. "Atten-hut!"

Only Beatriz, O'Brian, and Warren had responded to the greeting and it took Oliver a few seconds to think that maybe he should do the same as well and quickly saluted. Franky however was completely obllivious to the whole thing as he was continuing to enjoy playing with his yo yo. Shrieve seemed amused by the sight so the archer figured that he must already be familiar with the guy's antics. After ending the salute and managing to get Franky's attention, the General got started on his briefing for them.

"Our objective in Chong-Mai is located in a base containing a new form of defense that the government there is currently building to effectively keep out all foreigners. However, some believe that they won't just stop there with the defense plan of theirs and could launch attacks on other countries due to their growing distrust of foreigners. Making it imperative that none of you are seen by locals or government officials and if you are seen, they are to be taken out immediately. Understood?"

The group nodded and while Oliver wasn't exactly happy about taking the lives of innocent victims, he would do it if it came down to that but would hope it wouldn't. Satisfied with their responses, the General continued. "Once you've located the target, you are to destroy it and any information about it if you so happen to see any. I will largely be entrusting new comer Green Arrow here to do the job as intelligence sucks that good aim will be highly needed."

Everyone turned to Oliver who was groaning at the name. "Really? You couldn't have thought of something better?"

Shrieve just shrugged at him. "Your arrows are green so it fits."

The archer groaned again while da Costa smirked at him. "Uhh boss? Why exactly does this guy have to be the one to do it?"

"Because Agent O'Brian, carbon rods will need to be used to effectively shut the machine down as our intelligence has informed us that they are the only thing capable of doing so. Plus once that has been achieved, a bomb that will be attached to the carbon rod will explode inside it. We've had three carbon rods specially made for Mr. Queen's use on this mission in addition to the arrows he'll no doubt be using against any opposition."

The shades wearing man gave a thumb's up to show he understood and the General had to roll his eyes at the good natured antics of the man. How Waller had yet to rob him of that the older man did not know. "Hmmph, pretty boy here doesn't even look like he could use a bow."

"I'd be happy to show you just how well I can use it." Retorted Oliver to the green haired woman but she was stopped from saying anything when Shrieve cleared his throat.

"Mission first, squabble later." Informed the man sternly with a look that told the two of them not to challenge him on it.

He then showed them a picture of what it was that Oliver was going to be getting lucky enough to blow up and he had to wonder if he had somehow wound up in a Saturday morning cartoon considering the object was in the form of a partially built robot of all things! Well… Minotuars, those things I fought, and magic exists so why not this?

"We expect there to be opposition to deal with and if any you are caught, our government will be forced to deny any knowledge of your being there. Its crap to hear but that's a part of this life."

"They can't be worse than Waller." Grumbled da Costa with her arms crossed.

"Let's hope you don't have to find out agent Fire. Now… Warren here will be the team leader on this mission so you are all to obey him understood?"

He got nods of understanding from the group. "Good, NOW MOVE OUT!" And with a command like that, they were in the plane and soon flying away.

Here's to hoping I don't regret doing this. Thought Oliver as they began their journey.


Author's Notes: And here we are! Bonus points to those who recognize the chapter's name along with the names of the characters I've introduced here. How well do you think this is gonna go? R and R!