Ellie Bishop: Yep.

Guest: Glad to hear it.

Arrow lair

Night

Things in the lair were silent, saving the sound of Samantha pacing back and forth. Sin was absently examining a knife she had found among the overturned weapons cabinet as Moira eyed Samantha worriedly. If she thought Samantha would listen, she would have attempted to comfort the young mother. But she knew Samantha had great reason to distrust her, her actions with Samantha, while they had been from a place of love for her son, did not paint her in the best light.

A few feet away, Thea sat on a chair in front of the bound Jade. It was silent between them before Jade spoke.

"So, you and Roy back together? I saw you kiss him," Jade pointed out.

"Are-are you trying to have a girl talk?" Thea asked as she stared at Jade in disbelief.

"Never done well with uncomfortable silences," Jade said with a shrug.

"Not that it's any of your business, but no, we're not back together," Thea said after a moment, seeing no point in lying or denying the question.

"Well that's surprising. The whole time we were together, I knew I was just his rebound. I thought with me out of the way, you two would get back together," Jade admitted.

"Well, if you wanted to make that impossible, pretty sure you just found the perfect way," Thea said resentfully.

"You're talking about the baby, right? Well, you don't need to worry about that. I won't be involved," Jade said and Thea looked confused. "The moment I can prove to Roy that I'm telling the truth, I'm going to have him contact a lawyer. I'm going to have them draw up papers that state that, once I give birth, all parental rights I possess will be terminated and Roy will be given sole custody."

"Wait, you're abandoning your kid?" Thea asked in shock.

"What you call abandonment, I call ensuring they have the best possible future. I'm a known criminal who's added and abetted various acts of terrorism and murder. The fact I helped you stop Slade might grant me a little leniency, but chances are I'll be in a maximum security prison for a long time, if I'm not executed once I give birth. The best thing I can do for this baby is make sure it has a father once I'm gone. I'm not going to be in the picture Thea. So if you two want to be together, don't use me as an excuse. Just don't hate my son or daughter because you hate me," Jade said passionately, looking Thea right in the eye.

Thea simply stared at her, stunned. Before she could think of a response, a phone started ringing. Everyone looked over as Moira pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and answered it.

"Oliver?" she asked worriedly.

"It's over Mom. Tell Samantha that William is safe," Oliver said and Moira released the breath she had been holding all night. "I'm taking William back to the mansion; Roy is heading over to you in order to keep watch over Jade. Take his car home and bring Samantha. William will want to see her once the shock wears off."

Starling City Police Department

Not long after

Sara and Laurel sat in the squad room, Laurel wrapped in a blanket.

"You did good tonight," Sara said as she looked over at her sister. "We couldn't have stopped Slade without you. I know we asked a lot of you tonight, so thank you."

"Don't mention it. But I think I'll leave the vigilante stuff to you and Ollie from now on," Laurel said with a slight laugh.

"Laurel!"

The sisters looked up as Quentin rushed in, worriedly rushing over to his daughters.

"Dad," Laurel said in relief as she hugged her father when he embraced her.

Normally, his protective tendencies tended to get on her nerves. But after being kidnapped with Slade holding his sword against her neck, she welcomed it.

"What happened?" Quentin asked as he let go although his hands were still by her side. "I heard you were kidnapped by Wilson."

"It's a long story Dad," Sara said, thinking of all the things he would never understand. "But the short version is we stopped him. Everything's okay Dad. We're all okay."

Queen Mansion

Later

"They didn't hurt you at all, did they? Give you anything that tasted funny?" Oliver asked as he and William sat across from each other in the sitting room.

"No," William said as he stared at Oliver like he was an alien from another planet. "That man…he said you were my father."

"Yeah," Oliver said, seeing no point in lying to William. "This is not how your mother and I wanted you to find out."

"Mom, they took her to," William said and Oliver held up a hand.

"She's fine, I found her earlier. She is on her way here now," Oliver assured him and William relaxed.

"You're…him. The Starling City Vigilante," William noted and Oliver nodded.

"Yeah," he said and it was silent between them.

"You kill people," William pointed out and Oliver laughed humorlessly.

"My first piece of fatherly advice, don't take anything the media says at face value. They always make things sound worse than they are. Yes, I've killed people, but I never set out to do that. Killing is almost always a last resort, most of the time I leave my enemies alive," Oliver explained.

"But why kill at all? Why put on that hood?" William asked and Oliver sighed.

"When I imagined having this talk with you, I always pictured you being a lot older. It certainly made things easier," Oliver noted. "William, you're eight years old, there's a lot of things you won't understand until you're older. But the people in this city have been in pain for a long time. For so long, our legal system has been corrupted and abused by the people who are supposed to help people but instead only helped themselves. The police are corrupt and those that aren't can't help. I put on the hood to make a difference, to help people. Maybe I made a mistake in doing so, but I have only ever done what I thought was right. Can you try to understand that?"

"Yeah, yeah I can," William said after a moment before they heard a sound. "What was that?"

"I believe that's your mother," Oliver said with a smile.

Sure enough, barely five seconds later, Samantha burst into the room.

"William!"

"Mom!"

William jumped to his feet and mother and son rushed towards each other, meeting halfway in a loving, desperate embrace. Oliver smiled at the scene before rising to his feet and stealthily leaving the room. There would be time to talk with Samantha about their next move later. Right now, Samantha and William clearly needed to be with each other.

Out in the hall, he met his mother and sister.

"William okay?" Thea asked immediately.

"He's in a bit of shock, he's been through a lot and found out his father is the Starling City Vigilante. But I think he'll be okay," Oliver assured her and they all relaxed.

"Slade and Emiko?" Moira asked.

"Dead," Oliver said blankly and it was silent for a moment.

"I'm sorry about Slade," Thea said quietly. "I know he was your friend once."

"The Slade I knew disappeared the moment I injected him with the Mirakuru," Oliver said after a moment. "What was left was a monster wearing his face. In order to honor the real Slade, I had to kill the monster he'd become. I don't regret what I did; just that it had to be done."

"So what happens now?" Thea asked and Oliver was silent for a long moment.

ARGUS base, next day

Morning

In the director's office, Lyla was cleaning up some of the mess left behind during the uprising when there was knock on the door.

"Lyla," she looked up as Rick entered, looking serious. "We've got company."

Not long after, Lyla entered the briefing room, finding two men in suits flanking another man: the President of the United States.

"Mr. President, it's an honor," Lyla said as she walked over, holding a hand out to him.

"The honor is mine Ms. Michaels. I have a lot to thank you for," The President said as she shook her hand and Lyla frowned in confusion.

"I'm sorry?"

"Agent Flag just gave his report. By all accounts, it was your plan and quick thinking that allowed us to regain control of the drones. And the Ninth Circle is in shambles; their leaders are either dead or in our custody. I call that a win," The President said and Lyla carefully gathered her thoughts before speaking.

"Mr. President, with all due respect, ARGUS has all but been burned to the ground, hundreds of good men and women are dead. Not to mention the chaos that went down in Starling City. I'd hardly call this a victory," Lyla pointed out.

"Victory cannot come without sacrifice. You had no idea how deep the Ninth Circle had infiltrated ARGUS, but you were prepared for the day when you'd find out. It's all any leader can do," the President told her. "After the 9/11 attacks, George W. Bush founded ARGUS on one ideal. Do you know what that ideal was?"

"Protection," Lyla said immediately and he nodded. "It's the first thing every ARGUS agent learns when they're recruited."

"Because in order to build something that lasts, you need a strong foundation. But where Bush failed was in appointing Amanda Waller. She had a certain…moral flexibility," the President said.

Lyla tried to keep a straight face as Rick let out a cough that likely disguised a scoff or a laugh. That was political speak for 'Waller was a cold blooded bitch with no regard for the value of human life'.

"That's one way of putting it sir," Lyla said and he nodded.

"Well, that's likely why the Ninth Circle was able to infiltrate ARGUS so well. Because Waller wasn't concerned with the morality of protecting people. Whether it be one man or a hundred. Because she didn't understand," the President said.

"That they are all worth saving," Lyla said and he nodded.

"Exactly," the President said as he reached inside his jacket pocket. "ARGUS was full of a lot of moving parts. In its early days, people like you were its heart. Now, you'll be the head."

The President pulled something out and handed it to Lyla. As she took it, she examined it. It was a black cube, about the size of a tennis ball, with a white center and Lyla could see a glow. It was mechanical, she realized.

"What is this Sir?" Lyla asked as she looked back up at the President.

"Waller called it The Toolbox. It contains every ARGUS file that has ever existed, even the ones Waller didn't have on her computer," the President said and Lyla looked at him sharply. "Use it to build it up."

"You want me to rebuild ARGUS?" Lyla asked in shock.

"No. I want you build something new, something that will last beyond us. Do it well," the President said before holding out a hand to Lyla. "Director."

Still in shock, Lyla slowly raised her free hand and shook his hand. The President then dropped her hand and, with his escorts, started to leave the room. On his way out, he stopped and turned to Rick.

"You; watch her back," he ordered and Rick nodded.

"Always."

Smiling, the President and his guards then left the room. It was silent for a moment.

"Now what?" Rick asked.

"Now…we get to work," Lyla said as she looked down at The Toolbox.

Slabside Prison

Same time

Oliver sat in the visitor's side of the appearance room, waiting. After a few minutes, the person he came to see sat down on the other side of the booth and they both picked up a phone.

"Hey," Oliver said.

"Hey," Helena greeted, happy to see him. "Didn't think you'd come by here. Especially after everything that's been going on in Starling City."

"I always make time for my friends. How are you doing?" Oliver inquired.

"Well, I did sign up for this," Helena shrugged and Oliver narrowed his eyes, sensing something off with her.

"Regretting that choice?"

"Bad day. One of the inmates, some big guy called Bane, tried to build a rep by taking me out," Helena said.

"You kill him?" Oliver asked after a moment.

"He lives to tell the tale of how he got beat up by a woman. Figured in here, that's enough punishment," Helena said and Oliver nodded.

"Good, that's good," Oliver said.

"Part of me wanted to kill him. I got a good beating from the guards though," Helena said wistfully.

"I'm sorry," Oliver said sadly.

"I think we both know I've earned worse," Helena said and it was silent for a moment. "People like me have it coming."

"Anyone can change Helena. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," Oliver said and she laughed.

"Where'd you hear that crap?" Helena asked amused.

"An old friend. She died," Oliver said and Helena was silent. "The road to redemption is a rocky one. Trust me, I know."

"Think I'll make it?" Helena asked after a moment.

"I think you just might," Oliver said confidently.

Iron Heights

Same time

In the rec room, Jade sat at a table, dressed in a prison uniform. On the other side of the table, Laurel passed her a file folder with a bunch of papers and a pen on top.

"Just so we're clear, when you sign this, you are relinquishing all parental rights to the baby once its born and granting Roy full custody. You will not attempt to see or contact the child once it is born without Roy's consent until his or her eighteenth birthday," Laurel said for the record.

"I'm in full understanding of the terms, I was the one who came up with them," Jade said as she picked up the pen, opened the file and signed the papers in the required spots. "I want what's best for my baby. Best thing I can do for them is to not be in their life."

Once she'd finished signing, Jade passed the papers back to Laurel, who took them silently. It had taken her by surprise when Thea called her but she guessed Jade had some decency, deep down. Laurel took one last look at Jade before standing and walking out of the room.

The Glades

Same time

In the spot that had once been her home, Sin stared silently at the rubble of the clock tower. It had not been a good home, but it had been the only one she'd had in the last year.

"You okay?" Sara asked as she walked up besides Sin.

"Just taking a last look. I'm back on the streets after all," Sin said bitterly.

"You don't have to be," Sara said and Sin looked at her wearily. "How'd you feel about coming to live with me?"

"With you and your sister?" Sin asked wearily.

"No, with me. I've been looking for a place since I got back but with Slade, I just never felt okay leaving Laurel unprotected. I found a two bedroom apartment with decent rent. I can make the first few month payments until you can find a job, if that's okay with you," Sara offered.

"Are you kidding, that is awesome!" Sin said gleefully and Sara smiled tightly.

"Before you say yes…there's something you need to know, something I should have told you a long time ago," Sara took a deep breath, reaching into her jacket pocket before pulling out the picture of Sin and her father. "It's about your dad."

Sin was confused as Sara handed her the picture. As Sin took it, she stared at it in shock as Sara continued.

"Ollie's second year on the island, I was with him. Your father was flying over Lian Yu when he was shot down by a man called Ivo. We tried to save him but…we were too late. His last words were for me to look after you," Sara said gently as Sin looked up at her, a mix of emotions flashing across her face. "I'm sorry I never told you this before. I told myself I would be opening an old wound but I never had any right to keep this from you. I'm sorry that I did."

"Thank you…for telling me. And being with him in the end," Sin said after a moment, looking down at the picture as a tear fell from her eyes onto her father's face. "I always wondered…what happened to him. Now I finally know."

Arrow Lair

Afternoon

"Thank you both for your help," Oliver said gratefully as he faced Anatoly and Talia.

"It is nothing Oliver. You are my brother, what happens to you happens to me," Anatoly said.

"Thank you Anatoly. Hopefully next time we meet, it'll be without any Mirakuru Soldiers," Oliver said with a smile.

"Or Gulag," Anatoly said and the two laughed.

"Take care Anatoly," Oliver said as they hugged.

"You as well Oliver," Anatoly said as he stepped back.

"It was good to fight alongside you again Oliver," Talia said as he walked up to him. "But now, I must return to my students. You have found your path Oliver; I must continue to follow mine."

"Thank you for all your help Talia. If you hadn't shown up when you did, I doubt we'd be standing here," Oliver said gratefully and Talia was silent for a moment.

"Be cautious in the days ahead Oliver," Talia said and Oliver looked at her oddly. "I have heard rumors. My father is very…interested in you. And now that you have defeated the Ninth Circle, he will be even more interested. Take great care in how you deal with him. My father is an enemy unlike any you have ever faced."

"Thank you for the warning. I will take it under consideration," Oliver said after a moment and she nodded.

"Take care Oliver," Talia said before she and Anatoly both walked up the stairs.

"So what are you gonna do?" Felicity asked from where she had been sitting by the computers.

"Right now, Ra's isn't a threat, we just have rumors. I won't live my life in fear of an enemy that may or may not come after me. But it can't hurt to be prepared," Oliver said and she nodded.

"I realize this probably isn't a good time, and I hate to feel like I'm piling on," Felicity said and Oliver raised an eyebrow. "Just…here."

Felicity picked up a form and walked over to Oliver, handing it to him. Oliver took it silently, no emotion on his face as he read it.

"Your resignation," Oliver noted.

"Yeah. I just…I can't stay anymore, not after Dig…I'm sorry," Felicity apologized. "Are you mad?"

"No. I'm just glad you finally told me," Oliver said and she blinked. "I knew once this was over, you'd be leaving. This was always more than a mission to you. More than a job. It was a family to you. John broke that when he betrayed us. I'm sorry for that, but I'm glad you're getting out. I've known for a while now that you don't have it in you to look into the darker side of this without being changed. You're still good Felicity. I don't want you to lose that and I know you will if you stay. Get out while you can."

Queen Mansion

Later in the afternoon

"So, you're gonna be a dad," Thea noted as she and Roy sat on the couch in the sitting room.

"Yeah," Roy said awkwardly and it was silent for a moment.

"How are you doing with that?" Thea asked concerned.

"I don't know. I'm not sure it's completely sunk it yet. I just know that…whatever happens, I have to there for him or her. I've grown up without a father, I don't want that for them," Roy said and it was silent. "I don't know where we stand Thea. I just know that that I love you. But I have to-"

Suddenly, Thea put her hands around his face and pulled Roy into a kiss. Although surprised, Roy eagerly returned the kiss.

"I love you to," Thea said after they broke their kiss. "I should have never tried to make you choose between me and who you are. And I won't try to make you choose between me and your kid. I know it's not gonna be easy, but I am with you every step of the way."

As Thea pulled Roy back into a kiss, in the doorway, Oliver smiled at the scene before silently making his way down the hall, running into Laurel on the way.

"Roy's kind of…busy," Oliver said, seeing the folder and guessing why she was there. "Jade sign the papers?"

"Yeah, I wasn't there for long. I made a copy for Roy as I filled them. He's all set legally," Laurel said before eying him. "Do I need to help you with any of this stuff?"

"No. After William went to sleep last night, Samantha and I had a long talk. William has a few weeks left of school in Central. He's gonna finish up there, then the two of them are going to move here," Oliver said and she could tell how happy this made him.

"That's great. I'm happy for you Ollie," Laurel said honestly.

"Thanks," Oliver said as he sat down. "Probably for the best they don't come here right away. I have a lot to do in the next week. I need to head back to Lian Yu, I need to hire a new head of security for Queen Consolidated, especially since Roy's gonna be stepping back once the baby is born. I'll have to get a place of my own, as one of Samantha's conditions for them moving here was that William not live under the same roof as my mother while he stays with me."

"Wait, why are you going back to Lian Yu?" Laurel asked in surprise.

"Lyla convinced the President to release Slade's body to me. In a few days, I'm gonna bury him next to Shado and Yao-Fei. I think it's what he would have wanted," Oliver said and it was silent between. "What about you? What's next for Laurel Lance?"

"Well, doing this for Roy, it reminded me how much I've missed helping people. No checks, no political games, just getting to help people. So, I've made to a decision," Laurel said and he raised an eyebrow. "I'm gonna restart CNRI."

"That's great. After everything this city has been through the last year, it needs someone like you looking out for it," Oliver said happy for her.

"I could say the same thing about you," Laurel said and he chuckled.

"I am no Laurel Lance," Oliver said.

"You do things I never could. What the past two years have taught me is that being a hero isn't just giving motivational speeches and putting the bad guys in jail. Sometimes, it means making the hard calls no one else is willing to make. I didn't always get that, but I do now. And, one day, so will William," Laurel said and he smiled weakly.

"I hope you're right," Oliver said and it was silent between them. "But, in the meantime, I have to get ready for a business dinner. Then, if I have enough time, hopefully Sara and I can spend some time together before Verdant opens tonight."

"So, which of Starling City's elite do you have the displeasure of dining with tonight?" Laurel asked dramatically and Oliver chuckled.

"Business dinner might have been overstating it. I'm actually interviewing an applicant for the position of head of security for Queen Consolidated. A Rene Ramirez," Oliver said as he headed for the stairs.

Unseen to Oliver as he walked up the stairs, Laurel froze at the name. Even with all the changes made to this timeline, Rene might still end up working with Oliver. Perhaps, Laurel mused, something things were just fated to happen.

First, no, I am not setting up a sequel with the Ra's thing. The main point of a sequel to the original story was to cover the main events, Slade and the Ninth Circle. A further story is unneeded. But In the next chapter, I will address the issues of Ra's, Damien Darhk, ect.

Honestly, Laurel was always better as a lawyer than she ever was as a vigilante. She never really understood or accepted the darker aspects of the vigilante life, proven by 4x10. Laurel would have done a lot better on Team Flash than on Team Arrow.