Arrow

After successfully rescuing members of the City Council with the help of Detective Conahan and other officers that Quentin had vouched for, along with Laurel, it restored Oliver's faith in the SCPD, leading to him now standing in front of the press, preparing to make his decision public.

"Good morning. I had intended to state my position on the anti-crime initiative during the city's tribute to those who lost their lives against Hive, but that speech was cut short. In the intervening days, I have refined my position. Now, I have been reluctant to embrace the A.C.I. Because of widespread corruption within our police department, but these 4 officers have shown me and the entire city that there are still good men and women in the SCPD. Today I am announcing the formation of the anti-crime unit. These 4 officers will report directly to me, and by working together, we will begin the process of saving our city." Oliver said to much applause and he began thinking that the ACU wasn't the only thing that he'd been wrong about.

"What are you doing down here?" Laurel asked Oliver as she entered the bunker.

"What do you mean?" Oliver asked.

"Well, considering that you probably just pulled one of the biggest and quickest turnarounds in your mayoral approval ratings in what is probably the history of this city, I thought you'd be out celebrating." Laurel said.

"Church is still out there and something tells me that he's not through with Star City by a long shot." Oliver told her.

"Still, with the ACU on your side, plus the new team, I think it's safe to say that Mr. Church will taking a new residence in Iron Heights sooner, rather than later." Laurel said.

"I see what you did there, but you act as though this new team is a done deal." Oliver said.

"Oh, that. Well, I just thought since you decided to "keep swimming" as mayor, you might do the same as Green Arrow." Laurel said.

"You might be right." Oliver said.

"My dad told me about the Russian proverb, by the way. Very poetic. Wait Did you just say I might be right? Are you ok?" Laurel asked and Oliver just smiled at her.

"I've been looking into these dossiers you compiled for me. Particularly the guy in the hockey mask I keep seeing on my missions." Oliver said.

"Oh, you mean Wilddog?" Laurel asked, causing Oliver to look at her.

"Curtis came up with the name and he's another candidate. After all, not only would he make an excellent choice for Felicity's replacement, but he wants to help out in the field. Maybe we should let him." Laurel said.

"It says here that Wilddog's real name is Rene Ramirez." Oliver said.

"So, if you're looking at resumes does that mean that?" Laurel asked.

"I'm thinking of recruiting him, yes, but before I commit, there's one more person I want to get an opinion from." Oliver said and Laurel nodded, since she knew who that was and honestly thought that it was a good idea.

Oliver was now sitting in front of a computer, video chatting with John.

"Hey, buddy. How you doing?" Oliver asked.

"Besides feeling like I've got the worst case of deja vu ever, I'm not bad. How about you? You still the mayor?" John asked with a smile.

"Yeah. They haven't voted me out yet, so." Oliver laughed.

"Yeah, well, give it a little bit of time, man. They'll come to their senses." John said and they both laughed together.

"I got your message. You all right?" John asked.

"I'm all right. I wanted to bounce something off of you and get your perspective." Oliver said.

"Ok. On?" John asked

"Laurel thinks that it's time we put together a new team." Oliver said.

"And you want to know if I think that's a good idea?" John said.

"I do." Oliver nodded.

"I think it is." John said and he could tell that Oliver was a little disappointed with his answer.

"It wasn't exactly the response you were looking for, right?" John asked with a smile.

"No," Oliver laughed, "But I'm not surprised. I need to make peace with the fact that things aren't going to go back to the way they were."

John nodded before saying "Looks like you're finally ready to start moving again Oliver. And don't worry, I won't be gone forever. When I get home after this tour and I will come home, I'll pick up where I left off."

"I'm looking forward to it John, this place just isn't the same without you." Oliver said.

"Well, I am impossible to replace. How many times have you ditched your security detail so far?" John asked.

"At least twice as many times as I ditched you and I have to say, compared to that, this is cakewalk." Oliver said and John laughed.

"I figured as much. I gotta go, but I'll talk to you soon Oliver." John said.

"See you soon John." Oliver said as he hung up and then decided to call someone else, just to be sure.

"Hey Ollie." Thea said.

"Hey Speedy, how are things going in Central City?" Oliver asked.

"As good as be expected. I've really learned a lot from Barry." Thea said.

"Great, you think you'll be ready to come home soon?" Oliver asked.

"Yeah, probably. I mean, Central City is nice, but there's no place like home. Is that what you wanted to talk about?" Thea asked.

"No actually, I wanted to get your opinion on something." Oliver said.

"Okay then?" Thea asked.

"How would you feel if I were to put together a new team?" Oliver asked.

"I think it's long past time you did that, since Star City needs as many hands on deck as possible. Especially since you and Laurel are the only ones protecting it right now." Thea said.

"I figured as much, but I needed to make sure the whole team approved, since you and John are still both members, you're just on leave." Oliver said.

"See you soon Ollie." Thea said as she hung up.

Flash

"So, what was that about?" Barry asked Thea as she entered the cortex.

"Oliver was just asking for my opinion about something." Thea said.

"Thea, I've taught you everything I can right now. I need you know how to phase, throw lightning, run on water, run up walls, I'm not sure how much left I can teach you." Barry said.

"I know. I just wasn't ready to leave Central City yet. But now, I think it's time." Thea said and Barry nodded.

Okay, so I am already out of ideas for this story for right now, so I am putting it on hiatus and I'm actually thinking about trying a new theme inspired by Crisis on Earth X, Oliver and Kara. Hope to have a new story up soon, hope you all understand.