A.N. Welcome to the next chapter of The Shadow. In the last chapter the Bertinelli Syndicate has been taken down, five more people on the list have been dealt with, there is week left for the failsafe's put to be put in the Markov Devices, Thea has been at rehab for two weeks, Laurel has joined the team out in the field, and Harvey Dent's twin sister has been appointed D.A. of Starling by the Governor, the group has gotten vehicles that turn into briefcases, and to top it all off Sean has told Oliver and Laurel that Malcolm Merlyn was behind the sinking of the Gambit. To answer a question if there is a Bat Family on Earth 5, yes there is. It's comprised of Bruce Wayne/Batman, Dick Grayson/Nightwing, Tim Drake/Robin, and Barbra Wilson/Batgirl, she's Alfred's niece. The vehicles they use are the Batmobile from Batman 1989 and the motorcycles from Batman and Robin 1997. It will start where the bombshell left off and then cut to almost 2 weeks later at the foundation fundraiser.
The Dark Archer Pt. 1
Laurel and Oliver just stared at Sean in shock. Sean has just accused their best friend's father, Oliver and Sean godfather of ordering bombs placed on the Gambit. Which would make him responsible for everything bad that happened to the brothers and Sara's death his fault. Sean looked at his brother and Laurel "Look, I know you two find this hard to believe, but dad wouldn't have told me it was Malcolm unless he was sure. Dad also told me the reason why Malcom would try to have him killed. The more think about it, it makes sense. Malcolm's wife was murdered in Glades around the corner from the free clinic that was founded and named after her. He disappeared for two years and came back cold and bitter. I believe something happen when he was gone." Laurel and Oliver took in what Sean said and were deep in thought. They didn't like the idea of Malcolm being a murderer and being responsible for funneling crime into the Glades in order to commit an act of Domestic Terrorism. Oliver stood up and glared at Sean "Why the hell didn't you tell me this sooner? I swear to God Sean you've had five years to tell me!" Sean looked at Oliver like he was nuts "You know what happened the next day and everything that has happened since then. Dad shooting himself! Survival on the raft! Survival on the island and everything else! Plus, I was in denial about it. To think our godfather, our father's best friend is responsible for all this, was unthinkable." Oliver calmed down knowing that Sean was right. Laurel stood and pulled Oliver into a hug, whispering in his ear word of comfort. After Oliver calmed down he and Laurel sat down. Laurel turned her gaze to Sean "What's the plan Sean?"
Sean began to explain how all their actions have been disrupting Malcolm's plans. By exposing those on the list and getting them arrested. Plus helping the people in the Glades, the way Dinah and he have been doing so, is also disrupting Malcolm's plans, by giving people courage and hope to stand up to the gangs. "Now when I have been off on my own in the Glades, after I am done dealing with gangs I interrogate the leader of each gang" the others looked at him with concern "No I don't use coercion. I use this" he held up a small device that looked a small sphere. Sean activated the device and spikes extended from the sphere. The others looked at Sean questionably, he explained "This is the mind probe created by Anubis on Stargate SG-1, but it been modified to my own design. The device is implanted into the base of skull where the brainstem is located. Once its in place nanofibers go underneath the skin and connected to the brainstem from there the device accesses the Temporal and Frontal lobes of a person's brain. The areas of the brain that are associated with memory, personality, etc. Then a link is created between the mind of the person and the suit's A.I., then all of the person's knowledge will be copied and downloaded into a compressed file and sent to Oracle to analyze to find any relevant information, power structure of the gangs, their activities, etc. While the device is active it put the person into a deep dream like trance, so they don't even know what is happening to them. When the device is extracted, the mystical properties of the device will heal any damage done as it was never there." To say the others looked impressed was an understatement. John spoke "Sean that is brilliant. Not only have you made a fictional device real, but you have modified it to make it work better. I saw that episode when Anubis first used it and the way you have redesigned makes it safer to use. If you made this widespread it would revolutionize the interrogation system." Sean smiled "Yes it would. But the problem is that the whole world isn't ready for this yet and it would expose the keys to world as well, and that is something I will not do." The others agreed with him on all points. Sean begins to explain what he has found "Through these interrogations I have found that the leaders deal with a mysterious archer whom I have named The Dark Archer given his outfit" holding up a small holo projector and upon activation, a hologram of man in a dark brown leather-like tunic with a black hood covering their face and head apart from their eyes. They had black bow with a quiver of arrows on their back, and a sheathed scimitar attached to a belt. Even with a small image the archer looked intimidating. The others looked at Sean as he continued "This Dark Archer maybe Malcolm's enforcer. What I have seen and heard from these leaders minds is that this archer has made frequent references to his employer. Though this maybe actually be Malcolm posing as his own enforcer. You know if you want the job done right you do it yourself kind of thing" Dinah agreed "Your right Sean. Given the fact that we have dual identities, it would make sense that Malcolm does to." Laurel spoke up "So what are we going to do?" The four turned to Sean as he is their leader "Well we are going to continue what we are doing. Surely Malcolm is keeping track of our activities and the impact they're having on his plans. Hopefully, it will provoke him into coming out and try to challenge us individually or as a group." The other four knew what kind a of strategist Sean is. They realize his plan is let Malcolm come to them, instead of them attacking him in his home or office building. This way they can confirm if Malcolm and the Dark Archer are the same person. They all agreed to go with this plan. They decided to part ways from here. Dinah decided to go shopping and invited Laurel to go with her. Laurel accepted and both women left. On the way down they talked and giggled about how they were going to buy some slinky lingerie to entice their men. John had an errand to run, while Oliver and Sean went to visit Thea. Little did they know as they were making plans to draw Malcolm out into the open, he was doing the same.Merlyn Mansion-Malcolm's office Malcolm sat at his desk listening to the news. He was not pleased "That team of vigilantes are becoming thorns in my side. Not only are they targeting the list, but they are giving the people in the Glades hope and the courage to stand up to the gangs. This will not do. Through the actions of the first two and Sean Queen buying Somers's business the Triad's pipeline into the city has been cut off. Then with the actions of Shadow and Siren in the Glades, the gangs are either being arrested or fleeing the city, Arrow, Spartan, and now a fifth one are continuing to go after the list. A few more key figures on the list were taken down last night and the Bertinelli Syndicate has fallen. To top it all off Sean Queen's Train Restoration Project is providing employment and hope as well. I can feel that my Undertaking is being undermined. Priscilla Dent and Doug Miller got themselves caught, fired, blacklisted, and in Priscilla's case arrested. Because of that I no longer have a way of sabotaging the Queen Foundation or have someone as my eyes and ears. I'll have to eliminate Miller because he knows too much, and I'll have my people in the prison kill Priscilla and make it look like she killed herself. Yes, then I will patrol the Glades and draw the vigilantes out." What he doesn't know is that the vigilantes will be waiting for him to do just that.
Starling Convention Center-Night Almost 2 weeks later on the second Friday of October and the Queen Foundation Fundraiser was to start at 6:00pm in 30 minutes. Dinah and Sean had arrived an hour ago and were in the center's conference room after they went in for a private conversation, which ended with Sean bending her over the table and taking her from behind. After they had their fun the couple left and made their way downstairs. Sean was dressed in his best tux while Dinah was wearing a black dress cut almost down to her navel showing a generous amount of cleavage, split mid-thigh, and hugged her curves in all the right places. As for shoes she wore black high heels. When they made it downstairs the main floor of the center had a buffet, an open bar, and tables that were decorated for the occasion. Sean looked around pleased with how the room looked "I just know this is going to be a good night. We managed to recover all the money Priscilla embezzled and tonight I hope to raise $100,000,000. If we succeed, the foundation will be able to provide scholarships for a dozen underprivileged kids and provide more money to the Center for Crime Victims that provides relocation assistance, shelter and security at the center itself, and medical care. I will be setting up these fundraisers every six months, this combined with the profits provided by Queen Consolidated should definitely improve things in the city." In 15 minutes, the guests will be arriving one-percenters like himself, people from government and other businesses, essentially anyone who can afford to give is coming. It won't just be people from Starling but some from all over the state had RSVPed including the governor, state senators, and state congressmen. Dinah looked over at her boyfriend, she noticed his emotions were in a state flux "Sean there isn't a reason to be nervous. You put together this event to get the Queen Foundation back on track and invited all these people of business and government from all over the state for that purpose. I know you hope to raise $100,000,000 but who knows you maybe able to get half a billion, which would be even better. So don't worry things are going to turn out great" she assured him. Sean looked at Dinah with a smile and kissed her deeply, his way of saying thank you. 6:00pm came and the first of the guests came through the door. First was his family. Walter arrived with Moira on his arm while Oliver had Laurel on his. Many other wealthy families from all over came in. Including Malcolm Merlyn with his son Tommy who had his new girlfriend Johanna (Laurel's friend and coworker) on his arm. The mayor and his wife along with the city council members and their spouses. Christina Dent arrived, having won the lottery when she leaved back east. Governor Fergus Mcleod and his wife along with the state senators and congressmen. Everyone went to their assigned tables, once everyone was seated Sean went up to the podium with his speech notes. Sean looked out at the audience as they quieted down and looked at him. Sean began "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, for those of you who don't know I am Sean Queen, the owner and CEO of Queen Consolidated. I would like to thank all of you for coming tonight. The Queen Foundation for almost 20 years has sent many underprivileged kids to colleges of their choice and has assisted the Center of Crime Victims in aiding those who have been victimized. I know people believe that I am maintaining my father's brainchild. The truth is the foundation just like the train was my idea" A gasp came from the crowd those from Starling knew when the foundation and the train had been started when Sean was 10 "I know, I was only ten at the time. I proposed these ideas to my father after for three reasons. The first, I was in a coffee house with my father, and I overheard this family. These parents while proud that their daughter's grades were good enough for Harvard her parents couldn't afford it. That girl was very upset. She wanted to go to that school because being a Harvard graduate looked great on a resume. The second, at my school I had a friend, who I will not be naming, who was victim of incestuous rape by her father plus he would rape and beat her mother. Essentially her father sullied the good name of scum" causing a number of people to snicker "Those two things really touched me. The third, was that not a lot of people who live in the city itself have cars plus the bus and cab services were run down. So had the idea for the El Train system. The security for the stations and the trains themselves. To build something where people could commute and be safe. After doing the research I went to my father and made these suggestions and gave him my reason. He clearly found them to good investments and for almost 20 years both have done well except for the last 5 years. The foundation was being robbed and the train had gone to rot. That is reason behind the train restoration project and this event tonight, its to get both back on track. I have invited all of you here to assist in restoring the foundation to its former glory. To that end beseech all of you to donate and to give generously. Starling has fallen into decay; I seek to turn that around and restore the city itself back to its former glory and to were public safety is not a laughing matter. I cannot do alone; I need your help. We can get this done, but we need to do this together. Thank you." The audience stood up with applause. Sean scanned the crowd and saw inspiration on almost everyone's faces. Sean called for the band to start playing and stated that dinner is served at the buffet.
Sean came down to the table where his family and friends were. Dinah came up to him and kissed him deeply. They parted and she looked into his eyes "That was a great speech. How you led with the foundation's purpose and you're reasoning behind it and the train. All fine points. You did well." Sean looked over at the table and saw his family nod their heads in agreement. His mother had proud tears running down and Walter, Oliver, John, and Laurel looking at him with pride. Seeing a long line for food the three couples at the table decided to dance. Sean and Dinah swayed romantically their bodies pressed tightly against each other. They felt heat run through their bodies and saw desire in each other's eyes, they both wanted to repeat what happened in the conference room and it took all their will power to wait until they get back to the apartment. Oliver and Laurel danced the same way and had to fight the urge to find a secluded spot to give in to their desire. After about thirty minutes the line shortened, and the couples moved to get some food. The rest of the night went by swiftly and before everyone knew it the fundraiser was over, and people started to file out. The fundraiser was a great success. They had made 5 times of Sean had hoped for. The Queen family said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Laurel's apartment-35 minutes later Oliver and Laurel entered her apartment kissing the whole time. Their hands rubbed around the others body. Laurel pulled back and unzipped her dress revealing she wasn't wearing anything underneath. She pulled Oliver to her bathroom, and she turned on the shower and beckoned to come inside. Oliver quickly stripped and joined her. The lovers gave into their passion and desire many times that night.
Queen Tower-the apartment- concurrently Dinah and Sean walked into the apartment kissing passionately. Sean took of his coat while Dinah unzipped her dress showing that like Laurel she wasn't wearing anything underneath. Sean already knew half of that from the round they had in the conference room. He looked at her in awe, he saw an angel. One who he has fallen deeply in love with. Dinah came toward Sean to remove the rest of Sean's clothes, he stopped her, looked her in the eye "Dinah I love you." Dinah's breath hitched, Sean loves her, she felt heartbeat faster in her chest as she now knew he returned her feelings. Tears of joy came down her cheeks "Oh, Sean I love you to." Sean smiled and pulled her into a kiss, putting all his feelings into it and she returned the kiss with equally. Sean picked her up and she wrap her legs around and he took her to his room or is it their room, neither wanted to decide at that moment. The arrived in the room and Sean through her down on the bed. Sean removed his clothes and the two made love for the first time. Sure, they had sex before, but this time it was different, they confessed their love for each other and were now truly consummating that love instead of just indulging in lust. After several rounds the couple was spooning and went to sleep with smiles on their faces. Knowing they had found love and could truly be happy again.
The Glades-the next night It was now Saturday night. Shadow and Siren were on their usual patrol through the Glades. They had stopped a few robberies and a few attempted rapes and decided to rendezvous at this meth lab owned by the Bratva. The pair walked through the walls while invisible and quickly dispatched the guards one by one. Oracle sent a tip to the police, and they were on their way. After the guards were bound, the duo moved on to the works, while their suit's A.I. in conjunction with Oracle proceed to hack all of the computers in the building so when the police arrive the evidence will be at the ready. Soon everyone is the building was bound and waiting for the police. The duo heard the siren's in the distance and made a break for it. They went to the building across the street and watched from the roof. Police and swat cars surrounded the building along with C.S.U.'s and paramedics. The officers rushed in and began hauling people out, while the experts went into examine everything. Satisfied with work the duo left.
Southern area of the Glades-30 m minutes later Siren and Shadow drove to this in search of anything foul. Siren looked out the passenger window of Shadow's car and saw movement down an alleyway, which looks like a hooded individual. "Shadow pull over. I saw a hooded individual." Shadow pulled over and the duo got out and went down the alleyway. Both are on edge because they know this maybe Malcolm's enforcer or Malcolm himself. He might be setting a trap for them, or he will fall into theirs. Before they can go any further an arrow shot into the ground in front of them. They look up and see the man that was shown on the holodisk 2 weeks ago. The Dark Archer dropped down and sized the two up, he spoke with a voice modulator "So, the great Shadow and Siren. We meet at last. You two and the three others have caused a lot of problems for my employer." He wasn't fooling them, their suits A.I. removed the effects of the voice modulator and determined what Shadow had already suspected to be true, that Malcolm and his enforcer are the same person. Before their opponent could speak again, Shadow spoke "Drop the act Malcolm Merlyn. We know it's you." Dark Archer gasped in shock, how did these two know who he was, "How do you two know who I am?" Shadow scoffed "How we know is irrelevant. What is, is that your Undertaking will fail, and our team will be the ones to stop you." Knowing the jig was up Malcom fired an arrow at Shadow and it bounced off his suit. Malcolm looked at his arrow, it was all bent and twisted up like it had hit a wall of metal. He fired at Siren's head and the arrow went through as though her head was thin air. Now Malcolm was getting scared, Siren looked at Shadow who nodded. Siren let out her siren-scream at full power, blasting Malcolm backwards. Shadow unsheathed his sword and advanced on Malcolm who quickly stood up and unsheathed his scimitar, although he was a little daze, and engaged in a fierce duel with Shadow. Their blades clashed back and forth; Malcolm was a superior swordman but so was Shadow. Siren watched in awe at her boyfriend's skill, she knew he was weapons master as he was training her in Sais, but she had never really seen him in a sword fight. Malcom was amazed as well; he now knew he was up against a well-trained/experienced warrior. The fight continued with neither really getting the upper hand. Finally, Shadow was able to land a blow and slash Malcolm's arm, who yelled in pain. Before Shadow could land another blow Malcolm threw down a smoke pellet that filled the area with smoke. Malcolm retreated knowing he was injured, he shouted "This isn't over!" He ran to a stashed motorcycle and took off. Shadow and Siren decided to let him go. Shadow would allow Malcolm's wound to heal, but it would scar terribly. Shadow's plan has worked exactly like he wanted it to. Not only have they confirmed that Malcolm and Dark Archer are the same person, but they have shown Malcolm that he is up against a well-trained team. This will put pressure on Malcolm and hopefully cause him to commit foolish errors. Shadow and Siren get back in his car and drive off. They continue their petrol for another two hours and then head back to the lair.
Liar-quarter of 10 The team has assembled at their table. Oliver, John, and Laurel listen to Dinah and Sean's account of what happened with the Dark Archer, who all of them now know is Malcolm. The group also understood that Malcolm was a well-trained and experienced warrior. Sean reveals that he was able to wound Malcolm and he will need time to heal. When he makes an appearance again they will be waiting for him. For now, they will continue with training, patrolling the Glades and dealing with the people on the list. The others agree with Sean, and everyone leaves to go to their homes.
Merlyn Manor-11:30pm Malcolm was in his bedroom fuming at his failure to deal with Shadow and Siren. He had heard rumors of their abilities but never imagined that they were true. Shadow seemed to be the real problem. He was a warrior of equal if not greater caliber. Seeing how his weapons just bounced off Shadow's suit and went through Siren's head as though it was thin air. Siren's scream was intense, his ears were still ringing. Malcolm hissed as he cleaned and bandaged his injury, he knew this wound will take a while to heal. He needed to recover before he could go out again, until then he will need to plan a way to defeat these 5 vigilantes. The fundraiser last night was a dent in his plans as well. Pricilla Dent and Doug Miller had met their maker for their failure. Malcolm will not let anyone stop the Undertaking. The Glades will be leveled if it's the last thing he ever does.
A.N. Here is chapter 12. I hope I explained the bat family correctly on Earth 5. Two people who were spies and saboteurs within Queen Consolidated have been removed by Sean and Malcolm killed them for their failure. Sean and Dinah had the teams first encounter with Dark Archer/Malcolm. They know who they are dealing with, as does Malcom, who realizes that he needs a change of strategy if he hopes to succeed against this team of vigilantes. Please review and let me know what you think.
