Things to know before the start of this chapter..

The word Duster has two meanings. Normally it is used to referred towards the unskilled person, the one who makes the mess of everything…but in Urban dictionary/Slang dictionary it also mean sex organs

Knuckle busters are also called brass dusters or dusters.

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The cold remains a mystery, more prone to fell men than women, more lethal to the thin and well-muscled than to those with avoirdupois, and least forgiving to the arrogant and the unaware, Famous saying

WASHINGTON, D.C

WASHINGTON GENERAL, HOSPITAL

TUESDAY, 12:30 PM

"Artemis can you hear me?", a concerned voice called her out. Artemis forced opened her eyes but quickly shut them again and tilt her head to avoid the sharp blinding lights, "it's okay…take your time…open them when you are ready", the voice encouraged her again as she felt some one touching her hand and squeezing it gently. With every bit of her effort, she opens them again; around the striking lights dots hovered and turn into uniform faces after a while. Artemis stared them absently. A warm tide seems to be flooding in her midsection. Focusing her eyes down there with difficulty, she sees a tubes running into her, the longest tube into her throat but most of them were in her abdomen, their heat mingling with her abdomen's depthless cold like a churned-up river. Artemis follows the tubes to the bag that hangs suspended beneath the electric light then focused on the braces that were swallowing her hand and leg. With a lurch that would be a sob if Artemis could make a sound, she begin to understand. The memories of the past day's events came back crushing the every fiber of her being reminding her of the infinite darkness. But before she could get lost in it; the tender congestion in her hand again brought her back and the kind voice of Dinah averted her attention to herself, "you are in hospital…Arty ….you are okay…you are safe", for a moment Dinah's face morphed into her birth mother but as quickly it morphed it changed back. Seeing the kind smile on her face Artemis couldn't help but to smile back but the endotracheal tube almost make it impossible, however only the realization of the fact that she is not alone was enough to make all her reservations go away, "Don't talk or try to move…Doctor will come soon to remove the tube…ok".

"Hey…teddy tooth…", jade said from behind appearing in her line of sight with the tray in her hand as Artemis tried to snort at the nickname but nothing happened, "I found juice, broth, hot coca and Jell-O…and since I am feeling courteous you can have anything… when they remove all of this junk", Jade refers to the endotracheal tube and came to stand right beside Dinah who was now sitting on Artemis bed. Artemis would have screamed Jell-O if she could. But all she could feel right now is throbbing discomfort everywhere. Glancing down to where the pain is most biting, she notices her hand and mentally cursed as she knew it's gonna take weeks to get back in shape.

"At least now I know my future wife has catering abilities", Roy said from behind circling an arm around jade and kissing her on the cheek, "I am glad you are awake", he said to Artemis with paramount sincerity surprising her, "and in case you are wondering yes you are at least out for three weeks from the field". That rascal always knew when to hit a nerve, Artemis rolled her eyes at him letting him know that his point have been heard as everybody else smiled on that. Roy gently squeezed her uninjured shoulder, his smile turning into a worry as he poured his heart out, "You had us worried sick, Artemis….All of us… I get it we don't see you that often but trust me that is not the way to get a family reunion".

To say the least, Artemis was embarrassed. The epiphany that these people are the actual source of sunlight and warmth in her life and how cavalierly she was dismissing them as constants brought a load of shame and humiliation but it was easily overwhelmed with the joy that they are still holding onto her and are there when she needs them; Artemis chastised herself for being so clueless and give into the astounded delight. All her worries have already vanished as she found her loved ones crowded in the room. It was almost surreal. Artemis had to admit, the sight of Roy and jade was the most relishing one as her relationship with them was the most strained one. Dinah on the other hand was her savior and always come running when she needs her, even when she didn't voice her trouble; Dinah always knew somehow. Artemis could swear that she was psychic.

Just like always it was Dinah who saved her from this humiliation, "Roy…don't embarrass her…you will have your chance later and I will help you along with it but right now… just let her be", Dinah chastised Roy and stroked her hair in motherly tone, "Ollie couldn't make it…he is in Ohio".

"Or in the TV box….", Roy piped in as he saw Oliver giving media brief on the TV embedded in the wall about some family annihilator in Ohio.

"There is some emergency there...but you know he loves you and he would have been here if his presence wasn't an absolute necessity there", Dinah continued on and Artemis tried to nod in understanding. She was feeling drowsy again and would have yawned if not for the whole equipment sticking out of her. "Someone's sleepy", Dinah said with a smile as she noticed her closing her eyes again; she planted a kiss on her forehead while saying, "Take rest….we will be right here ..…hang in there…Ok", Artemis presented her another smile as a wave of exhaustion sweeps in. Slowly she drifts off while dreaming of warmth and love she felt when her real mother secured her in her arms.

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"That psychopath he is not gonna get away…is he?", Dinah asked while glaring at the damage done to her daughter. The doctors have removed the tubes and were quite hopeful that she will made full recovery but Dinah couldn't help but to worry.

"No way …We had enough to prosecute him. Home security even military is looking forward to get their hands on Russo and Jimmy", Jade answered while reassuring her with the squeeze on the hand, "But we do need Artemis as a witness in Copycat killer case if jimmy didn't confessed".

Dinah waned to object but she also knew that Artemis will never back down so, instead of baulking, she settled on the snort. Roy came back in the room while shutting off his cell, "The hearing is on Thursday. We need to get Kaldur's team on one page too and Wally also has to be there since he was the prime officer involved in the encounter other than you", he informed jade in a calculated voice and come to sit beside her. The news about the case of family annihilator caught everyone attention as they silently listened to the case details. "Ok…Spill it what's keeping Oliver in Ohio…the field office of B.A.U could have easily handled a case like that", Roy asked skeptically after some time while taking another bite from his hamburger.

"You guys remember Artemis best friend Megan from the last New year's party?", Dinah asked while releasing a sigh knowing way too well that nothing get past these profilers.

"Oh yeah…the small version of Mr. John teetering around in heels reeking of Champaign?...Oh also found making out with The hot dude aka Artemis's crush in Artemis's bedroom", jade said with a smile as Roy eyebrows shot up to the roof while Jade laughed out loud at his antics.

"Sounds about right. Her boyfriend Corner, one of the members of bomb disposal squad in home security, came with some kind of tip from some hacker …The White Martian… about some bombing emergency in South Dakoda. Local authorities and directors of secret services are not convinced that that lead is reliable but since Corner is convinced…Ollie is trying to get them to listen. The meeting is going to be held in Ohio", Dinah explained the whole situation as Roy got another call.

"I am gonna go to the FBI headquarters to talk to Kaldur…Come on D, I will drop you home on the way…", Roy announced and picked up Dinah's hand bag, "And Don't worry jade will be here all the time".

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WASHINGTON, D.C

WASHINGTON GENERAL, HOSPITAL

TUESDAY, 10:00 PM

"Is that your dad…", the nurse asked with awe as Artemis nodded while glancing towards the TV, "he is smoking hot", she exclaimed with joy as Artemis just stared her like she has been bitten by a mad dog.

"OK…that is an awkward thing to say to a stranger", Artemis said with a raised eyebrow but instantly smiled as she saw everyone from the team entering in the room with flowers and other get well soon gifts in their hands, "Cocky grins, loads of swaggers, teddy bears and flowers…. someone's definitely feeling good about themselves", Artemis greeted them as Zatanna bypassed everyone in the room and hugged her with all her might. Wally on the other hand greeted her with a smile but take the farthest corner of the room lagging behind everyone while that awkward nurse also took her leave too.

"Zee ...Ribs ….broken ribs", Zatanna instantly moved away as Artemis tried to hide her wince with a smile.

"Sorry", she apologized quickly, "I am just so happy that you are okay….I thought….I thought we weren't there on time", Zatanna explained while sharing a glance towards Kaldur who looked away avoiding an eye contact with her.

Artemis smiled and squeezed her arm in reassurance with her uninjured hand, "Well…you guys did made it on time…Otherwise my body parts would have been dispersed within the quarter mile radius and scavengers would have been having a one hell of a party right now"

"Don't joke about it…you really could have died", Wally said angrily, surprising everyone with his outburst as Kaldur and Richard shared the worried glances.

The cold tension spread in the room which Richard broke by announcing his teddy bear, "I bought Mr. Teddy for you…Rapunzel…He will be your ninja boyfriend till you feel the aster…or get a real one", he carefully tucked the bear in her injured hand and hugged her with one hand as Artemis smiled widely at him while sharing a glance towards Wally.

"And I bought the seductive movies…trust me at the end of it you will be carving for a boyfriend", Zatanna also piped in with the DVDs in hand as Richard presented her with a cheeky smile.

Artemis noted the interaction but didn't voice it, "Oh thank you so much…for reminding me that I am single…but…. I feel safe already…", Artemis replied while hugging the white teddy bear and said sincerely, "Thank you… thank you All of you…", Artemis said with absolute candor while making an eye contact with everyone the longest one with Wally who also gave in after a while and smiled a shady smile.

"No problem, Artemis. You are a part of this team now and that is our job to look out for each other…How you are feeling", Kaldur spoke for everyone in the room and answered sophisticatedly.

"Ah…finally A gentleman …", Artemis acknowledged her sophistication with an appreciating nod and answered politely, "I am feeling…great…."

"That's atypical for the people recovering from After drop….Don't you think you are overselling it a bit", Richard complained as he changed the flowers in the flower pot and put a bunch of black roses in it knowing those were her favorite flowers.

"Fine let me rephrase that… I feel great considering I just got beaten in to a bloody pulp by some psychopath"

"Great…huh", Wally snorted at her explanation and said casually, "Says the girl who got her whole face renovated"

"Well…I've been wanting to… get a nose job for….a while….I guess I couldn't pass up the opportunity", Artemis answered with a smirk.

"Did you really needed a psychopath for that…you could have just asked me. I am pretty good with my hands you know", Wally answered in the same tone. Zatanna start eating the popcorn she brought for the Artemis like she is watching the movie occasionally giving it to Richard and Kaldur as they enjoyed the exchange.

"Hmm…. But he was offering it free", Artemis faked wined as everyone else smiled at their exchange, "and he also gave me brass dusters as an extra bonus"

"Babe….I just shaved too….. Want to check out shiny dusters of mine…if you needed it so badly", Wally said with an equal wit.

"Eww Wally Watch out….there are kids in the room", Artemis chastised him while going through the movies Zatanna brought.

"So…we do exit… and hey …who are you calling kids", Richard asked wide eyed.

"Yeah I brought Rated M movies…", Zatanna wined too.

"Along with a Barbie sequel….Do I look like a Barbie fan to you", Artemis questioned with a raised eyebrow as Zatanna just cheekily laughed and answered.

"They are my favorites…besides they show best Louboutins as in ever", Zatanna pouted.

"You pick your movie favorite because of shoes?", Artemis asked skeptically while Zatanna only shrugged.

"Guys...I don't know about you two but that eye candy looking through the glass is totally a die-hard fan of Barbie and a hot one at that too", Wally said while eyeing Megan from inside the room. Megan was wafting around in the soft and sensual creamy colored silk plaid wrap top along with charcoal colored trousers and statement shoes. Her matching shoes, handbag and light make up giving her a stylish yet ladylike look.

"SHIT….Guys…whatever she ask…you are going to say that I am healthy as a horse…Please", Artemis nearly begged them as she saw Megan entering into the room with a surprised look on her face.

"Oh My GOD…What happened to your face…is that a cast", Megan said flabbergasted, her surprised amber eyes now taking a glassy shade as she observes her from head to toe. In an instant she was at her side leaning over her with concerned demeanor, "Artemis …What the hell….you told me you had a flue"

"I do had a flue…you could test any of those tissue for my nasal secretions…I won't mind", Artemis answered while pointing towards the dustbin.

"What…you are so…What happened…are you ok ...What is this all stuff.."

"Meg…I am fine…"

"Yeah….she just had a surgery but she is as healthy as a horse", Wally piped in from behind earning a glare from the Artemis.

"You had a SURGERY", Megan nearly shrieked.

"Megan it's nothing…I am fine", Artemis said with the gritted teeth, "You are not helping Wally"

"Was I supposed to…besides I did what you said to do", Wally said while shrugging as Kaldur phone start beeping and he left the room to attend it while shaking his head in the nonsense going in the room.

"Surgery for what…Artemis…you are scaring me…What happened…", Megan asked with so much overhaul that it put everyone one the edge.

"Megan…", Artemis replied while taking her hand in her own, "I am fine…See…I can count to hundred for you if you want me to…but please don't worry yourself or have psychotic break….because…. I could really use my best friend right now", Artemis even surprised herself by her whole confession as Megan hugged her with all her potency while having a newly formed smile on her face.

Richard, Zatanna and Wally took it as their cue to leave, "I guess it's our time to leave….Get well soon Rapunzel", Richard said while voicing the thought of everyone.

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Wally has excused himself from the team by saying that he will catch up with them in the HQ and since he was the fastest driver in the whole team Wally was pretty sure he could keep his word but right now he wasn't worried about that. On this moment all his worries could be sum up in the single line, I hope I am not crossing my limits while doing that. "Did you get it?", Wally literally jumped at the sound of jade and his one hand was on his gun in a split second. Wally could have sworn that she just appeared from the thin air. "Retract claws…will you?", Jade announced while lifting her hands up in surrender.

"Jesus Lady….Do you have a death wish or something…don't scare tomboys like that…You know we are not known for our patience…", Wally said while calming himself down.

"Yeah they are also not known for their Intelligence too Mr. Fancy pants….Did you get it done or not", Jade started his sentence with the humor but ended it on a serious note.

"Done...", Wally sighed and said in a thoughtful note while taking out Artemis's necklace from his pocket along with a small paper envelope, "The activation code is on the paper and it is currently sealed...", he said while handing the arrow shaped necklace to jade.

"Thanks…", Jade said while opening the paper envelope, giving it a single glance she slided the paper down back into the envelope.

"Are you sure you are doing the right thing", Wally asked with the bit of worry.

"I am doing this to keep her safe…that is the right thing for me", Jade declared while pocketing the necklace in her coat.

"Well as much as I enjoy secret love chats with you, Sweet thing…I am needed in HQ….see you soon Manslayer", Wally said while pocketing his hands in his jeans and turned to leave when Jade called him out.

"Wally...", Jade carefully observed him for some time and then sighed while taking a step towards him and returning him the envelope, "Keep it….", she said with a tone of finality.

"jade…I…", Wally hesitated but jade forcefully place the envelope in his hand and closed his hand into fist.

"Keep it….please... this may look like a breach of trust to you but I need to know that she is safe ….and it would be a huge favor of you if you look out for her too….So please take it…", Jade asked nearly beseeching him to say yes. Wally also thought about it for a while then surrendered by giving himself the justification that he is doing it all for good.

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WASHINGTON, D.C

WASHINGTON GENERAL, HOSPITAL

WEDNESDAY, 3:30 AM

"I know a 26 year old doxy nurse who thinks you are hot", Jade said while enjoying herself by making fake antenna's with her hands on Artemis's head without giving any hint to Artemis of doing that earning a hysterical laugh from Ollie time to time. Artemis pushed jade hand's away earning a small laugh from her and placed the black rose on the side table with which she was playing earlier. Jade and Artemis were video chatting with Oliver while stuffed in the same bed more like jade invading half of Artemis hospital bed with the use of absolute cruelty called tickling.

"This doxy…did you get her phone number an address", Oliver asked enthusiastically to jade as jade nodded with a smirk.

"Hey…Now, don't make me go home and tell D about it", Artemis intervened not liking where this conversation was heading while opening the box of chocolates and placing in the middle partially to make Ollie jealous too.

"Your mom and I; and in jade's case, her monster in law and I have a concrete understanding for matter like these kiddos", Oliver said with absolute serious face.

Both Jade and Artemis shouted perplexed, "You do?", while sharing a surprised glance with each other.

"Yeah and It's this….. I will behave myself and she wouldn't kill me in my sleep or hurt my curb while having make up sex…and you guys have no idea how horny she gets when she is angry ", Both jade and Artemis make disgusted faces at that nearly choking on the chocolate while Oliver continued on, "She rolled that cute tongue of hers and get on top of me…that's torture, man…So please…don't tell her anything other than that I worship her and only her from head to toe…or do I need to give the pictorial description when D gets ballistic", Ollie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Ok….Ok…We surrender…Ollie …you are the boss", Artemis answered while holding up her hand in surrender.

"jeez…Old man…go easy on the prude ears of my tiny sis…will you", Jade jabbed earning a small shove from Artemis as Oliver laughed out loud.

"I am not prude…", Artemis declared as jade and Oliver keeps on laughing as she made a joke, "I am serious….Ahh….Whatever", She give up on the two hopeless laughing maniacs and pouted in annoyance.

"I got to go…Ladies…so if you will excuse me….", Oliver said sometime later after recovering from his laughter fit.

"Ollie when you get back…I need to talk to you about things….some serious things…", Artemis said on a serious note surprising both jade and Oliver.

"OOKkkk", Oliver answered somewhat confused then averted his attention back to jade, "jade…keep an eye on her will you?"

"You got it…Ollie", Jade replied while saluting him not realizing that she had called him Ollie for the first time as Oliver presented her a gratifying smile for using the nickname only reserved for family members.

Ah finally, she let herself consider to be a part of the family, Oliver thought to himself as he said his goodbye, "TC my doves….see you in six hours", Oliver blew them a kiss and turned off the camera.

"Well that was fun", Jade declared while turning off the laptop and placing it on a right side table on his side and tried to get up from the bed but Artemis clenched her arm a little tighter restraining her from getting out, "Ok…getting a little bit over cozy aren't we… teddy tooth aren't you a bit old for that?"

"Well…I am hurt so I am allowed to take a getaway from all these age privileges…beside it's not like I get to have my big sis around every day?", Artemis complained in hidden words while placing her head on her left shoulder and getting in the easy position to lay down without hurting her left side.

"Is that a slam on me…in the middle of our making up session?", Jade asked in a surprised tone but secretly enjoying the antics of her smaller sibling. Artemis snorted and didn't reply for a while enjoying the tenderness between her and jade, "But I will buy five round trip tickets for D.C right now if it makes you feel any better"

"Yeah…that will make me happy….but will that make you happy?", Artemis said suddenly serious; her voice lacking any humor right now while playing with her arrow shaped locked with her uninjured hand; remembering her flash back in the hut.

"What?", jade asked surprised while observing her from her peripheral vision.

"Sorry….Um…it's just came out I didn't mean it", Artemis said unsure of herself.

"You are lying…and you are doing that thing with your locket… tell me why did you say it?"

"What thing..."

"That playing with your bling thing when you lie or become nervous"

Artemis glared her for a while in hope that she will drop the matter but in vain. "Fine… thank you for re-polishing it BTW…. but please tell me the truth… and only the truth…for what I am about to ask…Ok", Artemis nearly pleaded as jade nodded waiting for her to elaborate. "Do you hate me?"

"Artemis what are you saying?", Jade answered surprised.

"Is that why you always pretend to be super busy when I am around or didn't ever return my calls…heck you went for that super bond mission of yours in Afghanistan for years and for three years jade… you didn't even bother to tell me whether you are alive or not…well apart from not saying goodbye either thing", Artemis just blurted it out, " and not to mention Roy always knew about your ware bouts. You always had a time to tell him but you obviously didn't care enough to tell me"

"So you are jealous of Roy…Is that's what this is all about"

"NO…it's about us…we are birth related you know…we are supposed to be sisters…friends…having sister dates….chatting over coffee…talking about life and other…dirty things…like normal people….but this single time thing…where we pretend to be the best sisters in the world…. when one of us in a life and death situation...it sucks….I just want you to be honest with me….just tell me where I stand…if you hate me for falling our family apart…for getting mom killed…for ruining everything…I will get it but please don't pretend…I mean I would love to have that ' sisters in blood, sisters in crime, sisters…till we die', slogan we used to have when I was in second grade…but if 'it's every girl for herself' slogan now…its ok too…but I can't live with anymore lies…I just can't handle it…So just tell me", Artemis keeps on ranting with glassy eyes but jade was just too stunned to do anything.

"Artemis…I am so sorry…if I make you feel that way…but it was never my intention", jade said while hugging her ashamed of everything and cursing herself; she kissed on her heads while gently stroking her hair afterwards "I don't hate you…you are the only family I had…and there is not a day go by when I don't relish the fact that... you are my little sis"

"Then how come I don't felt like sisters in years…five years to be exact", Artemis said while using tissue for her running nose and complaining at the same time.

"Because… I thought you hated me… "

"What...Why would I?", It was Artemis turn to be surprised now.

"I left you… you dumbass …I left you even though I knew Mom was having those depressive episodes again…I left you knowing that Dad was suffering from PSTD from his time in Army…"

"Jade you had your reasons…"

"But those were not worth it… you were eight and I should have been there for you but I selfishly ran away like a coward …and when I comeback you were in hospital… Arty…just like you are right now…getting better from schizophrenia", Jade said shuddering at the thought of the whole thing, she stopped to compose herself and smiled bitterly, "you know…Oliver gave me what was left of your secret stash box…Arty…seeing the whole stash of photos of us in it… knowing how much I hurt you by leaving…just even imagining that you were scared and alone…with the reaper in a forest… and I wasn't there for you….Artemis after what I put you through and how much of a pathetic disappointment was I for you as a sister…I couldn't face you...So I did what I do best…I ran away…I just wanted you to have your life back and Oliver and Dinah seems to be way more good option than me…I am sorry…Please know I love you", Jade said while hugging her with all her might.

"I love you too sis…and Don't you dare...ever think that I could hate you…you are my only sis and I am not giving it up for some stupid mistakes we made in the past", Artemis declared while hugging her back, "And you are totally buying the tickets… and if I didn't hear from you every day I am so calling Ollie to send you a sex tape of D"

"You got it sis", jade said while smiling.

Roy knocks on the door while entering the room but become surprised at seeing jade and Artemis hugging each other, "you guys are having a hug time without me…so not cool", he sulked as both Artemis and jade smile at that.

"Well what are you waiting for…hot stuff…come…dive in", Jade suggested with a smile.

"Who are you and what have you done to my fiancée", Roy asked with a raised eyebrow but joined in on anyway.

"Yeah…I am her evil Russian twin …who is here to stab you in your sleep", Jade said while slapping him in the chest as they all laughed.

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WASHINGTON, D.C

BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS UNIT, HQ

WEDNESDAY, 7: 30 AM

"We have an unconventional situation in our hands. I was thinking of giving your team some time off, till the whole Copycat killer scenario settle down and it is still an active option if you refuse to take up the task", Bruce explained tactfully while standing stiffly in front of his central chair in the conference room with everyone else sitting on their respective chairs. Kaldur was on the nearest chair on the left along with Zatanna on the other while wally was sitting in the middle of Zatanna and Richard on the right, "Gentle man…let me be blunt…this is not an official case and the Director of FBI strictly advised to not to pursue this matter…So, if any one of you want to leave or have something more important to do…now will be the time to do it", everyone shared glances with each other but none of them leave the room. Wally on the other hand raised his hand with a thoughtful expression on his face, "Yes Wally"

"Is this unofficial crusade is only for Gentleman because I am pretty sure Zee here… have boobs", Wally expressed his concern with utter seriousness receiving a simultaneous slap at the back of head from the Richard and Zatanna, "Ok…Ok…territorial much?", he teased Richard resulting him turning tomato red in a second and Zatanna blushing furiously while Bruce had wide eyes in surprise as Kaldur only shook his head enjoying their interaction.

"What he meant we all have no reservation. You may proceed", Kaldur said sophisticatedly bringing back everyone's attention back to the matter in hand.

"We have a lead from an unreliable source that there is going to be the bomb explosion in one of the High School of South Dakoda. Oliver Queen, the director of NCAVC and I think that this lead is worth investigating...that's where your squad come into picture. Yesterday, the Interpol main frame got crashed by the hacker known as The White Martian who is the most wanted hacker in the Inter….", Bruce was cut short by an enthusiastic Richard.

"Interpol, MI6….known for exposing dirty scams of politicians time to time…also saved Mr. John by exposing the secret conspiracy among the Congressmen of Bialya…in short…Major disk-playa…heavy on the disk… ", Richard explained with a wide smile as Wally turned his chair at an angle of 180' to raise an eyebrow at his passion demanding an explanation, "What bro…it's hacker's code…not telling you… how I know that"

"Dude…what about bro code", Wally whined

"It got deleted…", Richard answered with a smirk.

"Well recycle it back if you don't want everyone to know about the sex*cough* glow*", Wally threatened in a low voice.

"Dude….bro code …remember…" , Richard nearly shouted while punching him on the arm as they both laughed.

"Sorry to interrupt your bromance…but if the information provided by this hacker is correct then we have 50kg of Semtex missing from the military base in Florida and from there it has been trafficked to South Dakoda to target some High School on Thursday, we might have multiple bomb threat there but South Dakoda P.D is not co-operating and the Military forces are less than forth coming about the explosive theft. Right now all we have is one Senior Agent on the spot trying to warn the every High School in the 25,000 square miles radius along with Oliver's jet", this was enough to remove the smile on everybody's faces.

"Is this still blowback of Leonard Paltrier?", Richard asked in a surprised tone, "Government has been accused of ignoring crimes on the reservation since '75"

"Well paltrier did kill two of FBI Agents who were searching for robbery suspect", Kaldur answered and questioned and the same time, "It's hard to forget that… So what we have is actually speculation from some hacker…no concrete evidence to back it up"

"Well in digital word…The White Martian speculation is like the word of the prophet…beside if you check the record…whoever he is…he is doing an awesome job at saving lives…the method is debatable but otherwise he hasn't been wrong in any way…I will say we look into it", Richard presented his opinion.

"Let's do it…better safe than Sorry…right", Zatanna backed up Richard.

"Yeah…Sand dunes and scary lizards…here we come", Wally fist pumped in the air.

"About that…Mr. West…you are not going?", Bruce said while closing his briefcase.

"What?...but Why…I have sunscreen if that's what you are worried about?", Wally complained.

"Save it for another time, Mr. West. Jimmy Perotta hasn't confessed yet and you are needed in front of jury since you were the prime handler during the encounter with Ronald Perotta. I want you to try to get a signed confession from Jim before the trial and close the case once and for-all. Also get Artemis up to date on the whole case, we will be needing her as a witness if we didn't get a confession", Bruce said while turning towards Kaldur, "I will direct Agent Corner to meet you and Kaldur….I want you to do an assessment on him too…I am thinking of putting him on the team…we could use a bomb disposal specialist in our ranks", Kaldur nodded and Bruce take it as a cue to his leave, "Well…Good luck…Guys…For every one sake I hope that hacker got it wrong this time…Wheels up in two hours", Bruce said while leaving the Conference Room.

"Oh Man…", Wally slumped down on his chair even more, "Why do I get stuck with her every time".

"May be it's a sign", Zatanna said with a devilish smile as she got up from the seat.

"As in red alert or I am about to get killed sign", Wally said while rubbing his hands on his face.

"No…bro…the Getting *sex*cough*glow* signs", Richard said with the smile while pressing his shoulders and getting him to get up too.

SCENE BREAK SCENE BREAK

"Wow…Man…All this because we are leaving you behind…or you really don't like being stuck with her", Richard said while leaning across the door as he watches him kick the crap out of sand bag while punching it again and again. Wally stopped and took off his boxing glove while sending a small smile towards him.

"What? I can't have a work out now…", he complained as he drinks the water from the bottle placed nearby.

"Ok Spill it…I am not moving an inch from here if you don't tell me what's wrong?", Richard said resolutely as he sat on the bench on which Wally was about to sit.

"Nothing's wrong Richard…I was just thinking about the case and how to get a confession from Jimmy that's all"

Richard smiled not buying his act a little bit, "Come on…I know you Wally…don't forget that…beside were you thinking about the case when you nearly shouted at Artemis to not to joke or said that was I supposed to help angrily as in super …super angry mode"

Wally become stiffed and turned away from him for a while cursing himself that he had been caught. "Did anybody else noticed?", he asked stressed after a while.

"Hmmmm….Your love-hate relationship with Artemis covered that pretty well, I would say you got away with it…but I noticed", Richard said with a smile which was afterwards replaced was with concern, "What is it?"

"I just don't get her…She is so unpredictable…She was literally freezing to death when we found her…and Doc said that she actually clinically expired during the surgery once… A person who has been through this much…how could she make a joke about her death like that…She is like brain dead or something", Wally ranted his heart out, "and then there are those scars…She knew we had seen her scars…yet she didn't bring the topic up…She could at least give us the cliff note version of what happened to her…Or Who did that to her…So I could at least have a new punching bag for myself"

"All this fuss over a new punching bag…you are way too underwhelmed right now bro", Richard said with a laugh but released a tired sigh afterwards, "I guess it's truth that she doesn't trust us right now but then again trust has to be earned…and trust me she will tell us when she is ready"

"You defiantly know about her past…didn't you?...that's why you defended her back in the hospital"

"Well…we kind of a did make sand castles together when we were little… You know Dinah Queen, her mother, she is from Gotham originally, they used to come there a lot when Oliver was away on some case…We made a killer prank team back then", Richard said while reminiscing about past, "just give her some time Wally…she will come around"

"Trust is a two way street…Richard"

"Well then show her that she had a green light to run you over", Richard ended the argument with a smile

CHAPTER END

REVIEW, FOLLOW, FAVORITE OR LIKE GUYS….

THIS CHAPTER WAS DEDICATED TO SISTER'S NEXT UP IS…ARTEMIS AND WALLY'S BONDING