Earth 1, Star City/The Caribbean
Lyla Michaels had called Ava Sharpe back from the base on Greenworld, deciding that it was time that her competent assistant was given a new assignment on Earth 1.
''Savage is behind three coups that we know of'' Lyla was filling Ava in on some of the background. ''He's expanding his influence in less democratic parts of the world. According to the 'Lucy' files, he been placing some of his other Earth recruits in various US cities. Their brief is to identify and promote various forms of civil unrest. That's where you come in. I want you to recruit teams of agents to identify and apprehend anyone stirring up trouble. They can be detained during investigation as to which Earth they come from. ''
She had not failed to notice Ava's reaction to the word 'Lucy'.
''Your cousin's gone back to the Arrow team. That was her choice.'' She knew that Ava - who'd taken charge of the young Evelyn after the girl's parents died - wouldn't like that.
''She makes her own choices now'' was the wry comment. ''Can I ask about Savage's Time Master tech acquisitions? And your eventual plans for dealing with him?''
''Jason Rutherford can take over the Greenworld base - we're basically in a race with Savage in regard to technology. As to the future, the world that the other Joe West and his friends are leaving has been considered as a suitable prison. He and his followers would only be given essential technology - so most of their efforts will be concentrated on survival. But we have to deal with his followers first.''
''What about this 'Legends' group and their friends?'' Ava plainly didn't like the idea of having a motley bunch of amateurs, including crooks, survivalists and vigilantes getting in the way.
''Leave them to their own devices - for now. They may prove useful at some point.''
Ava's expression showed that she doubted it.
X
Nate was having a far less easy time while spelling out the facts to Ralph Dibley.
''Absolutely not!'' the private eye snarled. 'First that great oaf knocks me out - then I get locked up in here for days on end, tended by some weird woman who can make beds float. When I get out of here I'm going straight to the police - and the press.''
Nate sighed. He had been hoping to avoid mentioning the view that the current police officers had of Ralph. If he walked into the precinct and announced that he had been kidnapped by Dr Ray Palmer and his fiancée - well, Nate could just imagine the response he'd get. Especially if he mentioned Nora Darhk's abilities as well.
''He thought you were a burglar'' Nate thought that was technically true - Ralph had broken in, even if it was for a good reason.
''He knew the truth soon enough'' Dibley argued.
''Look'' Nate cut in ''I've just spent a fair amount of time in A.R.G.U.S. custody - believe me when I say I'd rather have been in Palmer's basement.'' He looked at his associate for a long moment. ''Dr Palmer's offering you a good deal in terms of compensation for any loss of income. And I want you to work with me - it's going to be a lot more interesting than looking for evidence of adultery and so on.''
He could see that had hit a chord with Ralph. An endless stream of cheating spouses must get boring in the end. And he knew Ralph didn't make megabucks.
''What would we be doing?'' Ralph asked in he probably thought was a noncommittal tone.
''Airport surveillance to begin with. Looking for people coming from two or three specific destinations, finding out why they're here - weeding out the trouble makers from the bona fide visitors.''
Ralph pretended to be thinking it over. His own reaction, Nate thought, had been very different. He could smell a great story - and this was one. He would be able - one day - to write about being one of the Legends.
''OK'' Ralph said at last, making it sound as if he was doing Nate a favour ''For now.''
X
At about the same time, four people passed through the airport on route to the island where Savage had his estate. Their documentation showed them to be friends and neighbours, the Rodgers and the Andersens, off for a fortnight in the sun.
There had been considerable debate about the mission - not least because Naomi and Floyd knew what they looked like -probably so did most of Savage's team by now. Facial modifiers all round. Mr Rodgers (Ray) came because it was his tech being used to track Naomi. Mrs Rodgers (Nora) was there to protect her fiancé since he couldn't bring his tech suit through customs. Mrs Andersen (Sara) was there as the person possibly best able to reason with the fugitive couple. Mr Andersen (Leonard) was along for back up.
X
On Savage's estate, a brief meeting was being held, resulting in a quick decision.
''Her name's Evelyn Sharpe'' Cassandra told her father. ''No current address but her last known location was Star City.''
''Send Chronos'' Savage ordered. ''Complete with facial modifier and at least two identities. Tell him to target her and any likely accomplices.''