CHAPTER 2
2 weeks before the Queen's Gambit
Lance Family Home
Laurel ran downstairs as fast as she could, "SARAH!"
Sarah leaned up from the couch and looked behind her. "Right here."
"Sarah, are you sure I cannot convince you to change your mind?"
"Laurel, you're in college, going to school to be a lawyer. I need to do something important in my life. I do not just want to be known as the party cheerleader girl."
"You know dad is going to kill you when he finds out." Laurel started to smile and hugged her sister.
"I know. Anyway, have you talked with your ex-boyfriend lately?"
"Oliver? No, why?"
Sarah picked the newspaper up and showed her the front cover of the Entertainment section. "It seems Oliver has a new love interest."
"What's so different about this one from the rest?"
Sarah turned the paper around and stared at the photo. "Well, first they have been dating for more than 5 months now and second, check her out."
Laurel grabbed the paper and looked at the photo. She could not believe he'd been dating this girl for this long and with how this girl looked. Ever since Oliver and her had broken up, the longest relationship he had with a girl had only been about 2 weeks. But this time it seemed different and the woman in the paper did not seem like Oliver's type of girl that he usually dates.
"So, sis, how long were you two together?"
"At least two years till I saw a photo of him at a party fooling around with another girl."
Sarah started to laugh. "So funny, I was supposed to go to that party. It would have been messed up if I was that girl."
Laurel turned her eyes toward Sarah. "That is not funny."
Sarah started to laugh some more, "Come on sis, dad always complained we never shared enough."
Laurel threw the paper at Sarah and started to laugh "That is not funny!" Laurel reached over and gave Sarah another hug. "Please promise me that you will be careful. I love you."
"Love you too sis. Love you too."
Laurel wiped a tear from her eye and gave Sarah a kiss on the forehead. "When do you leave and when are you going to let dad know?"
"Two weeks. Laurel, it is going to be great. Also, this will be good for me. I am going to learn more about this world than staying home and not doing anything with my life."
"I know, I just do not like the fact of you flying so far away."
"Listen to me big sis. You have your awesome career, make a lot of money, chase ambulances, and get rich." Laurel could not help to laugh at Sarah.
"I am not going to be an Ambulance Chaser. I am going to help people who cannot afford to have a great lawyer that needs help."
"And that is why I am so proud of you. Anyway, you better get going or you are going to miss your study group." Sarah gave Laurel a hug and ran back upstairs.
Laurel stood there watching her sister run up the stairs. For some reason, she had a bad feeling about her leaving.
Laurel pulled up at the library. As she was about to walk inside, she felt a person coming out of the library rub against her shoulder as they passed each other through the door. She turned and noticed it was Oliver. Oliver stood there staring at Laurel.
"Laurel?"
"Oliver. How are you doing here?" Laurel felt her heart beating faster. She knew she still had feelings for him. "I see your dating and I am surprised. She does not look like your typical kind of girl you date."
Oliver could feel his body aching. Oliver wanted to hurry up and leave, but he knew that would not be a good idea. "Yeah... Felicity is different for sure."
"Mr. Queen, let me give you some free legal advice. Do not blow it and do not hurt that girl. If you cannot truly commit and still want to be the party boy, then do not tag her along. Cause all you are going to do is hurt her."
"Laurel, I am so sorry. I wish I could go back and change things."
"No, Queen, you are not sorry at all. You would have not gone to that party in the first place and fooled around with that girl. And knowing you it will not be long before you do it again. This is just a game to you, I was just a piece on a game board and this girl is just another piece along with all of the other girls."
"Laurel, it is not like..."
"NO!" Oliver stopped quickly and stepped back. He could tell she was still hurt. "You do not have the right. I went against my father's wishes. I did not listen to my friends when they tried to warn me about you. I thought you were different. You have a good thing now Ollie. Unless you grow up, you are going to mess this one up too. Along with that, I can tell the way she looks at you in the papers, she is in love with you. Unless you change real fast. You are just going to end up hurting her." Laurel turned around and walked back to her car and left. There was no way she could join her friends in the study group. She felt her hands shaking. At the same time, she felt some relief telling Oliver how she felt for a long time. Laurel had to face the truth herself. She was still in love with Oliver Queen.
Queen's Home
Moira walked to Robert's office. She could hear Robert's voice yelling at someone. She wanted to walk in, but she stood there listening.
"Do you know who I am Mr. Queen?"
"Yes, I do. You are Adam Hunt, a piece of trash and power hunger idiot." Robert said.
"Why you..." Adam started to reach for Robert.
"STOP right there!" Moira could hear Malcolm Merlyn voice. "I would step back before you lose something very important. Mr. Hunt, you are a burden to this city. We exactly know who you are. We are giving you until the end of the week."
"Or what? Your threats mean nothing to me. The two of you think you're the savior of this city? You think you can force me to do your bidding? Let's just say, bad things happen to people when they make threats towards me." Hunt said.
"Then let me tell you this. IF anything happens, I promise you, you will not have to worry about jail." Moira could not believe that Robert just made a threat. Moira heard the footsteps walking toward the door. She quickly stepped back as the door open.
She saw Malcolm walking behind Hunt as they headed toward the front door. She walked in Robert's office. "Robert, I need to talk to you."
"Yes, dear."
"Walter is coming over to have some paperwork signed." She could see Robert was deep in thought. "Is everything okay?"
"Y-Yes, everything is great. Just let me know when Walter arrives."
Malcolm walked in the office and sat down. "Moira."
"Malcolm. So, I will let you gentlemen get back to business. " Moira walked out of Robert's office shutting the door behind her. She walked into the living room and saw her daughter Thea laying on the couch watching TV. "Honey, you know, to much TV is not that good for you."
"Well then, what should we do this wonderful day?" Thea sat up and grabbed the remote to turn the TV off.
"Well, it seems that you father is going to be busy all day. So, how about you and I have a girls day out."
Thea smiled, "You know, since you have the credit cards, I think that is a wonderful idea."
Moira stood up and reached her hand down for Thea and pulled her up. "Come on sweetheart, let us go and spend some of your father money." The two hugged each other and started to laugh.
Robert looked at Malcolm. "Malcolm, it seems that we might have a problem. We might want to call a meeting for the TEMPEST. Contact Frank and the rest."
Malcolm stood up. "Good, because I have something to discuss with everyone. Also, I am going to have Frank to give Mr. Hunt a visit."
Later that day, Malcolm Merlyn, Robert Queen, Frank Chen, David Cameron and Sheryl Simmons sat in Robert office.
"Adam Hunt was reluctant at first, but was more cooperative once being informed we knew about his embezzlements" Frank said.
"The police communications system could use an upgraded." Robert said.
"I think Mr. Hunt can be persuaded to make an anonymous donation." Frank said.
"Well, that will certainly cure what ails this city.", Malcolm said.
Robert looked at Malcolm, "What's that Malcolm?"
Malcolm raised out of his seat. "We are emptying the Atlantic with a tablespoon. For years, we've been forcing the city's worst to do what is best, leverage them to help us save the city. But it's not working." Malcolm threw a book on the table. Malcolm took a deep breath, "Crime in the Glades is rising. The Cancer is spreading."
"We just need to take some more time," Robert said.
Malcolm tightened his fist, "Did Rebecca get more time? Did the man who raped Frank's daughter giver her any quarter? Everyone in this room has lost something or someone to the Glades and we have committed ourselves to fixing it. But what have we truly accomplished? Nothing! Maybe it's because the Glades can't be fixed. "
Frank looked around the room at the others than at Malcolm and said, "You're saying we should abandon the project?"
Malcolm bit his lower lip, "YES! In favor of a New Undertaking. Like Ben Tre in Vietnam, the village must be destroyed before it can be saved."
"Are you suggesting we somehow level the Glades?" asked Robert.
"Down to the bedrock. Only then can we truly rebuild Starling City and make it safer for everyone." said Malcolm.
"That's 24 square blocked." Robert said.
"And if we did, and I'm not saying we should - if we did, wouldn't suspicion fall on us?" Frank asked.
"Not if the destruction appears to be caused by a natural disaster." said Malcolm.
"You've always had something of a God Complex, Malcolm. It's part of your Charm, but even you can't create a natural disaster."
"Have you heard of Unidac Industries? It's a small company. They have an idea that will serve our purpose. My sources tell me they're close and will have it finished in 5 years and any Undertaking of value is worthy of patience."
"And restrained." Robert replied
"One man alone can't save this city, Robert, and we both know that."
"I agree with Malcolm. Does not matter how much we do, this cancer as you call it is spreading faster than what we can do." Sheryl said.
David leaned back in his seat. "I concur, besides a disaster always seems to help the people come together and make them stronger."
"And stronger we will grow, but as long the Glades is standing, crime will keep spreading. If we do nothing, either they will be killed soon or become the problem themselves." Malcolm said.
"But there will be 1000s who will be killed. I just do not know about this." Robert said.
"There will be sacrifices to be made. As I said, they will either be dead already or become criminals themselves. We have a chance to clean this city and stop the cancers from spreading past the Glades. If we do not do anything, soon all of Starling will be affected. More rape, killing, theft and everything else." Malcolm walked back around to his seat and sat down. But we must vote now and act now. Each day we wait is one day too late to help this city."
Malcolm looked at Frank. "Frank?"
Frank took a deep breath, "I guess if the majority think this is the best way."
Malcolm looked at David. "I agree to your plan. The majority of those living there are prostitutes, drug addicts and dealers, killers, rapists, and thieves."
Malcolm turned to Sheryl, "I say yes."
"Robert?" Malcolm looked at Robert. "How do you vote or say?" Robert sat there looking at
Malcolm, not saying anything.
1 week before The Queens Gambit
Robert kept pacing back and forth in his office. "Also Ms. Smoak, I would like to join me tomorrow. I will be taking the Queens Gambit to Shanghai."
Felicity just stood there frozen. "M-me sir?"
"Yes, you. I need you to come. I have some servers I need you to look at also I will need your help to go over the data."
"Yes sir, do you know how long we will be gone?"
"About 3 weeks."
"Three weeks sir? Would it be faster to fly out there?"
"Yes Ms. Smoak, but we will need that time to relax and not rush into going over the data. Also, I have been missing the sea. While I am gone, Walter will be in charge and my wife will still be here also if Walter needs anything."
At that moment, Oliver walked in, "Hey there, um. Is there something going on?"
"Son, me and Ms. Smoak will be going to Shanghai tomorrow. We will be taking the Queen's Gambit."
"Oh, well Shanghai sounds like it will be a lot of fun," Oliver said.
"Hmmm, Ms. Smoak, I think my son would like to come along. What do you think?"
"Not sure he's mature enough yet," Felicity said.
"HEY!" Oliver let out.
"I think your right Ms. Smoak, after all, this is a business trip. You might not get much work done."
"True, he is still kind of childish in a way." Smoak said.
Oliver look back and forth at his father and Felicity. "Hey, I am standing right here."
"Think we should invite my son Ms. Smoak?" Robert asked.
"Hmmm, do not know. We get over there he might try to steal one of those three wheel taxi bicycles." Felicity could not help to smile.
"Oh come on, that was a long time ago. Oh wait, what? They have taxi's with only three wheels?"
"Oliver, son. Go home and pack for tomorrow morning before I change my mind." Oliver ran over to his dad and gave him a hug and gave Felicity a kiss on the cheek as he ran out the door. "I think this trip will be good for him and a chance for you two spend some time together once we reach our destination."
"But sir, you said I had some servers to look at when we get there."
"I do, but that will be only for one day. My business there will take about 3 to 4 days complete so you will have the rest of the time to explore. Just keep my son out of trouble." Robert smile. "Now go home and pack and be at the dock at 6 am, we will be leaving early."
"Yes, sir." As Felicity was leaving the office, she knew she had to contact her handler, Mr. Weston. Could this be what she was looking for. Many questions started to form in her mind. Why did Mr. Queen want to sail to China? Could this be the connection to the Triads? Why was this so important to keep off the books where they were going? And how will she find time to follow Robert when Oliver is going to be there right next to her. She was not sure. But she knew this might be her only chance to find the proof that will tie Robert Queen to being a terrorist supporter or even be one himself.
Felicity got off the elevator and sat down back at her desk. She picked the phone up and dialed a number. "Hi there, this is Ms. Smoak. I'd like to place an order to be delivered. Yes, that is my address. One large pizza with no cheese just bacon and onions, please. 45 minutes? Yes, that will be great, I am on my way home now."
When Felicity got back to her apartment, she walked in and lay her keys and purse down like she always does. "I think I have a break in the case."
Mr. Weston stepped out of the back room and sat down on the couch. "Really?"
"Yes, he is taking his ship the Queen's Gambit out tomorrow at 6 am to Shanghai. He asked me to tag along to go over some data and check out his servers over there."
"That does sound suspicious. There must be a reason why he does not want to fly. Your right, this could be the break we are looking for. Ms. Smoak, it looks like you might be coming home in a few weeks. Good work. We will have support for you when you arrive."
StarlingCity Airport
"I am going to miss you so much Sarah." Laurel did not want to let her sister go. "Did you tell dad at all?"
"Yes, then he started to give me this lecture about I should not be running away from my life. That I am still to young to know what I want. I just could not take it. Mom is all for this, I just wish dad could be."
Laurel opened her eyes and leaned back looked past Sarah. Sarah turned around and saw her father and mother walking toward them. The girl's father, Quentin Lance, reached out and hugged Sarah. "Baby, I'm going to miss you. Now you got to promise us that you will call us every day, to let us know if you need anything at all." The girl's mother Dinah leaned in also to hug Sarah.
"I-I do not understand. A few days ago, you were ready to bite my head off." Sarah said.
Quentin reached up and rubbed his head, "Well, you had your mother to thank for this. Let's put it this way, when your mother speaks her mind, there is only one thing to do and that is to listen." Laurel cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. "Honey, I can see now this is going to be a good thing for you to do. I am, we are proud of you. And I want you to know, you can come back anytime. If this is what you need to do. Then who am I to stop you?"
Sarah reached out and wrapped her arms around her father's neck not wanting to let go. "I'll be back home, I promise. This is something I feel I need to do." Sarah let go and reached down to grab her bag. "I love all of you."
Laurel, Quentin, and Dinah watched as Sarah went through the gate. Dinah looked at Laurel, "Sweetheart, you okay?"
"I am fine mom, in fact, things are going to be good for me."
1 hour until the Queen's Gambit Departs
Oliver and Felicity pulled up to the docks where a man was waiting to take their bags aboard the ship. "Have you ever been aboard a ship before?" Oliver asked.
"No, this is my first time. Oh wow, this is really happening is it?"
Oliver loved the look on Felicity's face. "DAD!" Oliver raised his hand and started to wave. He saw his father talking with his mother and the captain of the ship.
"Well Oliver, I can see you made it and not waited until the last moment. I take it that Ms. Smoak had something to do with this?" Moira asked.
Oliver laugh, "No, I got up all by myself and even put my own clothes on today."
"You behave yourself and I will see you three when you get back. Have a safe trip." Moira gave them a hug and had left them.
Robert started to laugh and gave Oliver a hug and then reached out to shake Felicity's hand. "Welcome aboard to the Queen's Gambit Ms. Smoak."
"Oh wow, this is beautiful." Felicity knew she would not have hardly a chance to look around with so many people on a small ship. She had to wait till they reached Shanghai before she could do anything.
"I had Carlos take your bags to your room. Oliver can show you to your room later. But first, why don't you two come with me. Ms. Smoak, I will give you the million dollar tour and not to worry, I will take it out of Oliver's account." Felicity and Robert started to laugh.
"You know, it is dangerous when you two get together. It is like open season on Oliver or something." Oliver said.
"Son, many times you bring it on to yourself. However, since you and Ms. Smoak have been dating, I have seen some changes in you."
After the tour, Robert looked at his watch. "Let head up to the deck, it is just about time to take off." Robert showed Oliver and Felicity to the deck of the ship. "This here is the best place to be when we start to head out." Robert left the two and headed toward the cabin.
"Wow Oliver, this is fantastic. Whoa!" Felicity was thrown off a little as the ship started to move.
Within moments, they heard Robert voice over the speakers. "ATTENTION, WE ARE NOW ON OUR WAY. OUR DESTINATION IS SHANGHAI. WE ARE EXPECTING CLEAR WEATHER. OUR VOYAGE SHOULD TAKE ABOUT 12 DAYS. WELCOME ABOARD THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT. "
