Chapter 9

Oliver and Felicity kept rowing fast as they could. As they got closer to the island they saw a freighter sitting in the water. "Oliver."

"I see it." Oliver stood there trying to think what to do. "It will be the long way around, but we need to get back out of sight and try to make our way around to the other side of the island."

"I think it is too late for that." Felicity said. She pointed her finger out toward the freighter. Oliver looked and saw two small boats speeding toward them. "There is no way we can get away."

"Maybe they are not with those two men." Oliver said, trying to be positive.

"Maybe, but what if they were part of that crew?" Felicity asked.

"Then we will have to play it by ear."

"I know one thing, I rather be dead before I let them do anything to me." Felicity said.

Oliver looked over at Felicity and the thought of something happening to Felicity or her being dead made him fill sick to his stomach. "That is not going to happen. I will die protecting you."

Felicity felt a warmth coming over her; she knew she could protect Oliver better than Oliver could protect her. But just hearing him saying that gave her a good feeling. "Then we both die fighting." Felicity said.

The two boats pulled up on each side of their small boat. "Hello there, I am the captain of the Amazo. It looks like you two have been out to sea a long time."

"Hello there, yeah, just for a bit. My name is Tommy and this is Laurel." Oliver said. Felicity looked over at Oliver, wondering why he used his ex-girlfriend's name.

"We'll be glad to help you. We have hot food and you can also get a hot shower aboard. We also have a doctor aboard. In fact, we rescued a young woman from a plane crash a few weeks ago."

"Tommy!" Felicity reached over and grabbed his shoulder.

"Did you say, a few weeks ago? Exactly how long ago was this?" Oliver asked.

The captain took his hat off and scratched his head, "I think about 6 and half weeks ago."

Oliver could feel himself having trouble breathing. He put his hand on his chest and then looked at Felicity. "Oh God Fe...Laurel, we been on this boat for about 45 days or so. Have we really been on this boat that long?"

The captain looked at Oliver and Felicity and put his hat back on his head, "You're saying you saw the plane crash and you have been on this boat the whole time? How did you get out here?"

"We were on our way to Shanghai and the yacht we were working on was caught in a storm and was struck by lighting." said Felicity.

"Well damn girl, how on earth did you two survive all this time?" the captain asked.

"We were lucky that we were able to salvage some of our containers that were floating in the water. But our supplies ran out today." said Oliver.

"Well folks, I would not go to the island there. It is not safe. We are on a mission here and have no contact to the outside world till we are finished, but you two are more than welcome to join us."

Felicity and Oliver looked at each other and they both felt that they had no choice. "Thank you." said Oliver.

"Andrew, pull your boat around here so Mack can get on. This way these two can ride together. I am sure you would feel more comfortable." said the captain.

Felicity leaned over toward Oliver, "You used your ex-girlfriend's name?"

Oliver looked over at the boat as it swung around to the side of the other boat. "It was the only name I could think of at that moment, besides Bambi."

"Bambi...!" Felicity said.

"Will you keep it down; they are going to hear you." Oliver said.

"Who is Bambi? Sound's like some stripper's name." Felicity said to Oliver whispering.

"Oh look Laurel, they are ready for us." Oliver quickly moved toward the boat.

"This conversation is not over yet." Felicity said pointing at Oliver.

As soon as Mack had switched boats, Felicity and Oliver climbed aboard the boat with the captain. As they headed toward the Amazo, Felicity kept looking around to notice everything that was going on and to see what was where just in case. "How long have you been out here?" Felicity asked.

"We have been out here just about three and half months. We were on our way here till we noticed the plane going down. We changed course a little to inspect the crash to see if there were any survivors. We were only able to find one lady before the plane had gone under. If anyone else was alive, at least they were knocked out and did not have to suffer from drowning while awake." Captain replied.

"Can you tell us what your mission is?" Oliver asked.

"Sure can, we are here trying to find a rare plant that might be used to help fight cancer." said the captain.

"Really, how come we have not heard of this before?" Felicity asked.

"Well, think about it, if people knew about this and some power hungry idiot got a hold of this, they could charge an arm and a leg. However, Doctor Ivo is not like that. He wants to collect the plant to study and share with the medical world. This is one reason we have cut off communication from the world. The doc can give you more details when you see him."

"I for one cannot wait to get out of this water. It will be nice to be able to walk around and move my legs." Oliver said.

The Captain laughed a little, "I bet, especially being stuck out in sea for as long as you two have been."

"What are the guns for?" Felicity asked. Felicity already knew the answer, or hoped she knew the answer.

"Out here, they have pirates who like to kill and steal. We have to be careful, but you two look like you are not pirates." The Captain said.

Oliver and Felicity laughed. "Trust me, we are no pirates. She is a computer tech and I'm a spoiled college kid. "Oliver said.

As the two boats got closer the AMAZO, Felicity wondered who this Ivo person was and if they were CIA? She could tell from her training that the search for a plant was a cover story. A few moments later, a rope ladder was thrown over to the side. The Captain had secured the boat and climbed up the ladder. He looked down at Oliver and Felicity, "One at a time when you climb up here."

"You got it!" Oliver yelled backed. "I will go first Felicity."

"No, let me. This way if we have too, you will have a better chance of escaping and getting away." Felicity said.

"That there make no sense at all." Oliver said.

"Trust me Oliver, it is very logical. Just think, if you get captured and I escape. What chance would I have out there? I mean, you are the man here and I am just a girl. Out there I would not be able to come back and rescued you. As a man you would last a lot longer and having a better chance to finding help. I mean, if I escape, I will be dead in a few days. You know about birds. You face of sharks. You face off bad guys." Felicity responded.

Oliver stood there scratching his head, "Well, I guess that make sense. I think." Before Oliver could say another word he saw Felicity was already climbing the ladder. "What...?" Oliver looked up and saw Felicity climbed over and was out of sight. Then he saw Felicity leaning over looking down at him.

"Will you hurry up? I am hungry and I need a shower." Felicity yelled. Oliver climbed up the ladder and when he reached the top he saw the captain and a few men working.

"Come this way, I get the doc to check you out." said the captain. Oliver and Felicity followed the captain. The captain opened the door and started to walk down the corridor. "He has his area right down at the end." The captain knocked on the door. "Doctor, Doctor Ivo. I have some new patients for you."

Ivo stood up from his desk. "Please, have them come in."

Oliver and Felicity walked in the room. Oliver stopped and could not believe his eyes. He saw Sarah standing there. Sarah looked over and before she could say anything, Oliver ran over to Sarah. "Sarah!" Oliver yelled out. He reached over and hugged Sarah, "It's me, Tommy."

Sarah hugged Oliver back. "Tommy?"

"Yeah, it's me, Tommy. I dated your sister for a few years." Oliver leaned up and looked at Sarah.

Sarah looked at Oliver and saw in his eyes that he wanted her go along. "Oh my... Tommy. What are you doing here?"

"You two know each other?" Ivo and Felicity said together. Felicity and Ivo looked at each other and then at Oliver and Sarah.

"Um, yeah... Tommy here had dated my sister." Sarah said.

"Wow, amazing how small this world is. Let me get you two checked out and I will give you a chance to talk." Ivo said.

"Thank you, not sure what would have happen, if you had not found us." said Felicity.

"You're welcome, Laurel?"

"Laurel?" Sarah looked at Oliver, ready to choke him. She leaned over to Oliver's ear, "You gave her my sister's name?"

Ivo looked at Felicity for a minute. "Sorry, that is your name, right? Or should I say Felicity Smoak and Oliver Queen." Felicity and Oliver stood there looking at Ivo. "Oh, don't worry. I do not blame you at all. Actually that was smart giving a false name. I understand why. You have no idea who we were. But you two are safe here. I still have contact with the world with the news. Your two faces and your father are all over the news. I take it that your father did not make it?"

"No sir, he died on the yacht when it went down." Oliver said.

"Well, you two can rest here and when we are finished here, we will get you three back home to Starling City." Ivo said.

"Oh wow, thank you sir." Oliver said.

"Ivo, please call me Ivo. Look, you are free to roam the ship, but please stay out of the cargo area. You can very easily get hurt down there."

Hours later, Felicity and Oliver sat beside Sarah. "Oh Oliver, I am so sorry about your father."

"Thankyou Sarah." Oliver said.

"Oliver, I'll be right back." Felicity stood up and walked toward the door.

"Where are you going?" Oliver asked.

"Oliver, I need to go to the ladies room or whatever they have." Felicity opened the door and walked out. Felicity shut the door and looked down the passage. She remembers seeing some steps leading down. She had a feeling something was not right and they were in danger. She walked down the corridor and could hear voices coming from one of the rooms.

"Relax captain, everything will work out." Ivo said.

"Work out, your detour 6 weeks ago put us off schedule." the Captain said.

"It really does not make any difference which island we started with. That submarine is located at one of these islands. Besides, we would have reached this island about a year anyway." Ivo said. Ivo looked over a map laying on a table, "Have we heard from your three men yet from the island?"

"Not yet, but we just arrived at this island here this morning. You know it takes a few weeks to search each of these islands, especially, the larger ones. And we still have not heard from our other two men." the Captain said.

"It is more likely those two have met with some trouble or ended blowing themselves up. Just to be on the safe side, tell your men to keep a look out just in case." Ivo said.

"And what of our two guests?" The Captain asked.

"I was planning on throwing them down in the cargo with the others, but Sarah knows one of them." Ivo said.

"It's the girl, she has warped your mind. You should kill them all or throw them down in the holding cell with the rest." Captain said.

Felicity covered her mouth to keep from making a noise. She slowly backed away from the door and started back to head back Oliver and Sarah. As she started down the corridor, she heard some of the crew members coming closer toward her. She quickly looked and saw some steps leading down. She went down a few steps and leaned against the wall, hoping that they were not planning on going down the steps.

As she heard the voices getting closer, she tightened her hand and made a fist. She had to get back to Oliver and Sarah and warn them. She looked up and saw the two men with guns walked past her. She stood there waiting for a few minutes to make sure they were completely gone. She grabbed the railing and started back up the steps and then stopped. She turned her head and looked down. "Others...?", she thought to herself. She had to find out what was going on aboard this ship. She walked down the steps till she came to a door and looked through the window. She could see cages with people in them. Felicity quickly turned around and ran back up the steps and back to room.

Oliver and Sarah quickly turned toward the door when Felicity ran in. "We got to get out of here now." Felicity said.

"What are you talking about Felicity?" Sarah asked.

"I will explain later, but we are in danger." Felicity grabbed Oliver's wrist and pulled him out the door. Sarah quickly got out the chair and followed them out. As Felicity led Oliver and Sarah toward the door, which lead outside, they heard Ivo and the captain coming around the corner. Felicity quickly reached over and to see if a door was open. "It's open, in here fast."

"Feli..." Felicity reaches up and cover Sarah's mouth. She looked at Sarah and raised her finger to her lips letting Sarah know to be quiet. Oliver leaned over and placed his ear against the door.

"They are not in there." one of the men yelled.

"Sound the alarm. Find them and kill them." said the captain.

"No, do not kill them. You work for me. Alert your men, when they find them, throw the man in the cage below with the rest. And bring Sarah to me and no one is to harm her."

"What of the other woman?" The Captain asked.

"Whatever you want to do Captain." Ivo said.

Oliver stood there listening for a few minutes, "They're gone." Oliver turned around and looked at Felicity and Sarah. Felicity removed her hand from Sarah's mouth.

Sarah was starting to have trouble breathing. She could feel her heart racing. This did not sound like the Anthony Ivo she had grown to known the past six weeks. "What is going on Felicity?"

"What is Ivo working on here?" Felicity asked.

"He...he is trying to find a Japanese sub. He said it has drug on there that can help mankind. But his is crazy. What the hell is this about?" Sarah asked.

"Ivo had people in cages down below in the cargo." Felicity said.

"Sarah, did you know about this?" Oliver asked.

"No, no I didn't. We got to help those people." Sarah said.

"Not right now, we have to get off this ship, now." Felicity said.

"Where do we go? There is no place for us to run. Even if we take one of the boats, they still can reach us." Sarah said.

"The island... if we can make it to the island, we can find someplace to hide and wait them out." Oliver said.

"Let's go then." Felicity said. Felicity opened the door and saw one of Ivo men was standing there. The man raised his gun up but Felicity swung her foot up and to the side kicking the gun away from pointing at her. As her foot landed on the ground, Felicity quickly turned to her side and gave a sidekick to the man in the stomach. She saw the man falling backwards on the ground. He rose to his feet and pulled a knife out from behind him.

"I am going to have fun killing you." he said. He raised the knife in the air and leap forward toward Felicity.

Felicity quickly raised her arm up to block the man's attack. She then with her free hand, she punched the man in his throat using her fingertips. The man had dropped the knife and grabbed his throat trying to catch his breath. Felicity reached down and picked his knife up and threw at him. "Here, you dropped this." said Felicity. Oliver and Sarah stood there, could not believe what they just saw. The man looked down and saw his knife was in chest then fell over dead. Felicity reached down and picked up the gun and check to see if it was still working. She placed the gun strap across her shoulder and pulled the knife out of the man chest. Then she grabbed Oliver's and Sarah's wrist and led them to the top. "Listen, when we open this door, I do not know what to expect. I will go first."

"Felicity, how did you...where?" Oliver was trying to get his words out, but was not for sure what to say or ask.

"Later, I will explain to you later. We need to get off this ship first." Felicity responded. Felicity opened the door slowly and looked around. "It looks clear. Let's go." Felicity raised the gun up and aim before her. Oliver could not believe what he was seeing. As he followed her, he watched her slowly working her way around the crates like he had seen in many war movies. That had to be it, Oliver thought, she is in the reserve.

"Go Navy!" Oliver said in a low voice.

Felicity turned around and looked at Oliver, "What?"

"Navy...?" Oliver asked. Felicity shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Sarah turned her head and looked behind her at Oliver.

"Be all you can be, we are an army of one." Oliver said.

Felicity stopped, lowers her gun and turned around and looked at Oliver again. Oliver stood there shrugging his shoulders. Felicity raised her gun back up and looked around the side. She motioned Oliver and Sarah to follow her.

As Oliver turned the corner, in a low voice again he said. "Aim high!"

Felicity suddenly stopped and Sarah had bumped into her. Felicity looked down at the gun and tighten her grip. I am going to shoot him, but I will not. But I am going to shoot him, Felicity thought. Again Felicity started to move again closer to one of the boats.

Oliver followed Felicity and Sarah and was thinking, not navy, not army, not air-force. Then Oliver stopped, "Oh shit." Oliver said. "Semper Fi!"

Felicity stopped again. "Shut up Oliver before I shoot you."

Sarah looked at Oliver, "You're crazy, you know that. I cannot believe I had a huge crush on you and I wanted to sneak out and go to Tommy's party and meet you."

"What?!" said Oliver

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Felicity asked.

"Oh, don't worry; when he cheated on Laurel with another girl, I lost interest." Sarah said.

Oliver stood there with a smile on his face. "You had a crush on me.

"Oh why me, why me...?" Felicity asked. "Oliver, you know I have a gun." Felicity said.

"Felicity, honey..." Oliver knew he had said the wrong thing. "I am just flatter that Sarah had a crush on me. That is all, nothing more to it." Oliver looked at Felicity, "I love you." Oliver pauses for a moment, "Semper Fi?"

"What the hell are you doing?" Felicity asked.

"The way you move and how you took care of that guy and the knife and it could only mean one thing, you were in the arm forces. This is so cool I have a kick ass Rambo girlfriend."

Sarah looked at Felicity, "You want me to shoot him, just hand me the gun. I will be glad to do it. I owe him one for my sister anyway."

"Hey..." Oliver looked confused, "I thought you said you had a crush on me."

"Used to, the word is used to." Sarah said.

Felicity looked at Sarah, "It is tempting, trust me. If he does not shut up, I will shoot him."

Felicity and Sarah looked at Oliver. Oliver raised his hands in the air. "Sorry, I will shut up."

Felicity looked over and saw the ladder. She looked over to the side and saw there were three boats. "We will need to hot wire one of the boats and damage the other two. You two, quickly and climb down there. I will be back in a moment."

"Felicity, where are you going?" Oliver asked.

"I need to get something to sabotage those two other boats, now get your ass down there with Sarah." Felicity said.

Felicity move through the crates looking inside hoping to find something. As she open one of the crates, she felt someone came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her throat and waist. Felicity was able to get one of her hands up in time in front of the man arm before it went around her throat. She felt the man raised his hand up to her breast and started to squeeze. Felicity lifted both of her feet up and pushed off, forcing the both of them to fall backwards. As soon they had hit the ground, the man had let go. Felicity quickly rose up, grabbing his arm and twisted it. Felicity gave a hard kick to his face knocking him out. She looked down and saw he had strap with 4 grenades attached. "Prefect..." she thought.

"You there..." Felicity looked up and saw two men running toward her. She raised her gun and fired at the men. Within seconds, the men fell over dead. Then bullets started to hit the crates around her. She raised her arms to cover her head and ducked behind some boxes. She pulled one of the rings out of the grenades and tossed it toward them. In seconds, Felicity heard the explosion and the men yelling out. She rose to her feet and ran to side. She turned around and pulled another ring out and tosses the grenade a few feet in front of her close to some crates. Felicity quickly jumped over the side grabbing the ladder and started to climb down. Again, another explosion went off. She looked down and saw Oliver and Sarah had already had the boat going and the other two boats were slowly floating away from the Amazo. Felicity let go of the ladder and dropped into the water.

Sarah reached over and pulled Felicity onto the boat. Felicity stood up and threw both grenades at the other two boats. "Now Oliver...!" Sarah yelled. Oliver pushed the lever all the way up and started toward the island. As the three looked back, they saw the other two boats explode. They watched as they could see the crew of the Amazo was trying to keep the ship from burning on top.

Ivo ran to the top of the deck and looked over to the side. He watched as the boat got smaller as it headed to the island. The captain with two of the crew came running up to Ivo, "Ivo, they have cause great damage to my boat. I told you, we should have killed them. You have done nothing but wasted our time and...", then the sound of the gun went off. The two crewmen watched as their captain fell backwards with a bullet hole in his head.

Ivo walked over to one of the crewmen, "You there, they call you The Butcher. You're in command now. Get the fire under control and put a landing party together. We are going hunting." Ivo handed the Butcher the gun and went back to his room.