Earth 1, Star City

While she was waiting for Ava to join them, Lyla Michaels studied the two visitors from Washington, representatives of a committee overseeing this part of the work of A.R.G.U.S. She already knew that they had very different views on the subject. In simple terms, one was a friend. One wasn't. Today's events were strengthening her resolve with regard to a plan she'd briefly discussed with John.

Ava came into the room and took the vacant chair.

''Well'' said Brown, the friendly one. ''I thought that went very smoothly. What are the chances he'll decide to co-operate?''

''Statistically, about 60% in favour'' Ava replied. ''It may not seem very obvious from the sight of him, but Savage has a habit of choosing psychologically tough individuals.''

The other man shifted uneasily.

''Come on, Mike'' Brown told his colleague. ''You can't say that you saw any evidence of brutality and so on.''

''That was never my objection'' the other visitor put in. ''This whole idea of involuntary repatriation -''

''Extradition is an accepted part of our judicial system'' Lyla pointed out. ''And more than a few of these people have been found to have committed crimes - sometimes major crimes - on their home Earths. They wouldn't be allowed into the U.S.A. if they were from this Earth.''

The meeting continued, covering topics such as conviction without trial, the fact that American law hadn't caught up with the fact that other Earths existed and so on. As she'd expected, it ended without any definite conclusion. The fact that the oversight committee was so carefully balanced between Democrat and Republican views might be good democratically, but it led to a lot of debate and few decisions.

When the visitors and Ava had gone, she sat in her office for a while and thought. Remembering what she'd told John, the evening before.

''What we need is a 'shadow A.R.G.U.S.' - one that operates in the greyer areas.''

He'd hummed and ha'ed, but was basically in agreement.

It wasn't just the committee. It was the National Guard - or other authority - that produced a suspect like Delgado, A.R.G.U.S. had to find the Earth 1 doppelganger of the individual they had in custody. It was time-consuming, especially if the prisoner chose not to say anything.

X

John had been in agreement with the first stage of her plan at least - and she was glad that he acted as her conscience on occasions when she needed one. As she'd told him more than once, sitting behind Amanda's desk had changed her perspective - and did occasionally make her a bit blind to moral issues.

He'd not objected to speeding up the potential suspect identification process, which was why she was now having this off-site meeting.

A.R.G.U.S, had owned this building for some time, but never got round to making more than occasional use of it. It was secure but it was also empty and slightly dusty.

''Information and other outcomes of your investigations would have to be shared with the regular A.R.G.U.S.'' she told her companion. ''But you'd have carte blanche within this unit. Purchase and set up whatever equipment you feel you need - the personnel will also be your choice, as will the activities.''

''You'll be trusting me a lot'' was the reply.

''I know you'' Lyla was able to feel confident saying that. ''I know there are certain lines you won't cross.''

This was a person who'd acted as another's conscience, in the way John did for her.

Her visitor's gaze slowly travelled around the room, no doubt thinking and planning what could go where. Eventually, she turned and looked at Lyla again.

''I'll do it'' Felicity Smoak said.