Arrow Return 2: Kapiushon
Author's Story Notes:
I started this series when I was looking for a darker Oliver. Part 1 was the start of THIS story. I consider Part 2 to be the final part of the original storyline. Oliver was traumatized. He damaged his mental health. Arrow glossed over both the trauma and then demonized him for his mental health problems. This pissed me off. I have PTSD. IRL, the media stigmatized PTSD. Don't joke about something that is painful and personal. I decided to write a story that showed how Oliver coped. How he returned. How he adjusted his life. Not how he committed himself to stopping the Undertaking. This series was the result.
This is NOT canon. It is not DCU or Arrowverse. Some ideas and characters from DC or Arrow are present. I maintained their personality, not their story.
FYI AU Changes:
Tempest: There is no Tempest. Malcolm is a bad father, not a terrorist. Starling is still corrupt as hell (think Chicago). They just aren't organized… which makes them harder to track… and harder to kill [think cockroaches]. Corrupt politicians are just… corrupt politicians. Greedy, power-hungry politicians. You know, like IRL. The media is a sub villain in this one. I think they are a villain IRL, which makes Starling not much different. Greedy, corrupt, disorganized. It looks more like reality than canon.
PTSD: I was military. I deployed. I know the trauma of being separated to a hostile, dangerous location from everything I know and love under threat. I know how it feels to come home and not connect. My experience was MILD compared to Oliver's experience. I showed that. Not to mention the PTSD. It is not ignored or used as a plot point. Oliver does ignore his symptoms, but surrounding characters don't. Frankly, that is how most of us cope with PTSD. We have a support network.
Russia & Bratva: Oliver came from Russia. He was intensely aggressive upon his return. He was IMMERSED in Russian language, culture, and the Bratva culture. I tried to show that. There is a reason that being immersed in a culture is the best way to learn the language.
Thea: I didn't like how immature Arrow portrayed Thea that first season. Likewise, I hated the nine-year age difference. I get the whole immature teenager thing. It's a trope. Arrow used the age difference to ensure that Thea was still a teen when he returned. It was stupid. I made a 5-year separation between them. Oliver was 20 when he got on the yacht. Thea was 15. Still gone almost 5 years. She is a full sister, not a half-sister. Moira was a bit too hostile about extra marital affairs to have covered one up in her past. Thea has blonde hair.
The US Government: I have no words for how absolutely offended I am with ARGUS. The comics and Arrowverse portrayed absolutely abhorrent behavior in Waller and ARGUS. The US government has controls in place to prevent those abuses. I made Waller doing shady shit a secret from the US Government. She is subverting the US government to ensure her aims. Yes, she is committing treason. Yes, I don't whitewash her subversion. I let the US government get pissed when they find out.
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Original Post: 2025/01/01
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Speech Notes
Italics – Internal thoughts (POV from text), Emphasized word. Foreign word in Latin pronunciation. (opposite if all text is italicized)
"Italics" – Digital audio (TV, Radio, News broadcast). Foreign word spoken in Latin.
Underline – Written word. Underline Italics-written word in foreign language.
Bold – Headers. Used to identify location (country, city, specific location in city) and Date and Time of text. ~Flashback Header~ will start and end a multi-line flashback, memory, dream.
"Normal" – Spoken English.
Normal= – Spoken in a foreign language (noted in text).
[normal] – Quick translation of foreign language word. Not spoken. Mostly to assist with the Cyrillic text. Just for the reader.
~Tilde~ – Flashback written in text. One line. This can either be a written flashback for PTSD or a call back to the past. Speech is written in Italics during the flashback.
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~
Chapter 01: Getting Settled
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USA, DC, WASHINGTON - OVAL OFFICE: 19 APR 2012, 8:55 AM
"We are secure," President Trumbull announced to those gathered. His eyes took in the tense forms of the Coast Guard contingent. Admiral Thad Allen requested this meeting. He brought CGIS Director, Mr. Jeremy Gauthier, and two CGIS Agents, Sang Gung and Dennis Klerk. Trumbull gave a polite nod to his Vice President, Martin Kirby, as he stood beside a chair before the President's desk.
The President and the Vice President were very interested in the request for a secure meeting. To Trumbull's knowledge, the Coast Guard didn't require secure meetings... let alone with the President and Vice President. It was curious.
"Thank you for indulging us, Mr. President," Admiral Allen replied with a gracious smile. He waited for the President to take a seat before he and his people sat as well. "I called for this meeting as soon as this information was brought to my attention. I am certain you are curious about why. I was when Agents Gung and Klerk came into my office and asked me to secure it." He gave a strained smile at his two Agents.
"I requested this meeting... in this manner... because I have become aware of a US Government Agency that has been threatening the peace and security of our nation," Admiral Allen summarized while he watched the President. "Worse... These accusations are mostly without proof. They need to be investigated. The Coast Guard cannot investigate these accusations. It is well outside our jurisdiction."
"If the accusations are without proof, then the source is likely presenting a false narrative," VP Kirby replied. "Distrust of the US Government is not new."
"We understand that, Mr. Vice President," Agent Klerk replied. "This source... While he was not known for his truthfulness before his yacht sank, Agent Gung and I have no reason to disbelieve him."
"A sunk yacht is well within the Coast Guard's jurisdiction. Why did you elevate this to our office?" Trumbull asked.
Agent Sang held out a small microcassette recorder and hit play in response. The tinny voice of a young man came through the speaker.
"After Hong Kong, she became my handler... personally. She didn't trust another handler wouldn't go rogue on her. I hate her, but I respect she knows what she is doing… even if it is wrong. She's not stupid. Most of the people in her organization hate her. She would be dead if she wasn't smart. Because of her blackmail material, anyone short of the President of the United States could be stopped by her. I wouldn't put it past her to assassinate a US President either..." the voice passionately declared to the room.
Agent Gung stopped the recording. "This was recorded during our initial survivor interview. Even before our interview, Mr. Queen made a point to avoid recording anything on digital media. Paper was safe. He allowed the microcassette because of the magnetic tape. If it was edited, it would be obvious," she told the President as he was looking at the recorder in shock.
"Mr. Queen?" Trumbull finally asked. "He... He was found in China, correct?" he asked.
"Yes, Mr. President," Mr. Gauthier replied. "I have Agents Gung and Klerk investigating the Queen's Gambit and the freighter, the Amazo. Those are within our jurisdiction."
"What... What information did you become privy to during this investigation?" Trumbull asked uneasily. The vague death threat weighed heavily on his mind. He was used to death threats. He was the first black President of the US. It came with the office. However, to hear that a US Government Agency might have planned his assassination... that was hard to hear.
"Mr. Queen gave us a full, in brief, accounting of his years away," Sang replied as she pulled out her notes. "He stopped a terrorist attack on China with the aid of a former ASIS Agent, a prisoner, and a medical student. He stopped an unstable man from conducting human experiments. This agency coerced him to procure a biowarfare agent. A rogue US General later released that bioagent in the city of Hong Kong. He was coerced to complete assassinations and interrogations in the countries of China, Bialya, Moldova, and Russia... The assassinations were political figures and human traffickers. The one in Russia was a Governor. All at the direct orders of the Director of this US Government agency. His personal handler."
"WHAT?" Trumbull shouted. "The US does not conduct assassinations. We have better means of accomplishing our goals. Interrogations?" he asked.
"Torture," Klerk replied bluntly. "He stated he was forced to learn how to interrogate people using torture. It was one of the many things he was forced to learn."
"Is this the CIA?" Kirby asked. "If he was coerced overseas... Those missions sound like CIA missions."
"No. The agency in question is ARGUS. Advanced Research Group United Support," Sang replied after consulting her paper notes. "Mr. Queen called them a rogue Intelligence Agency. We did not research them. We didn't want to notify them their cover was being looked at… that we were looking into them."
"Are they under Homeland?" Trumbull asked as he tried to think of who exactly this ARGUS was. "All intelligence agencies should report through Homeland. DIA, CIA, FBI, the US Military Intelligence branches..."
"We're not sure, Mr. President," Klerk replied. "However, Mr. Queen did state the Director disliked the CIA. He recommended using the CIA to investigate ARGUS. I would also add the FBI. Mr. Queen relayed that some of his operations were in the US, but he did not use his more questionable skills in the US."
"Which ARGUS operations did Mr. Queen participate?" Kirby asked. "Perhaps this will give us a better idea of who to include in this investigation."
"Good idea, Martin," Trumbull said.
Agent Gung nodded and flipped back to the start of her notes. "Mr. Queen stated he made landfall on the island of Lian Yu in the South China Sea… after his yacht sank. At that time, Mr. Queen was not a participant, but a detractor. ARGUS funded a mercenary group to destroy a civilian airliner while creating the narrative the cause was a Chinese dissident imprisoned on the island." Sang gave a wan smile. "The mercenary leader declared his intent to destroy the Chinese economy. The ARGUS Director declared her intent to kill a single enforcer for the Triad. This was a failed ARGUS mission due to the efforts of Mr. Queen and his allies."
Agent Klerk picked up the narrative. "Mr. Queen was plucked from death by ARGUS after the destruction of the Amazo… that was the human trafficking ship sunk off the coast of Lian Yu… He was coerced into participating in the ARGUS mission in Hong Kong. The Director's stated intent was to retrieve a man-made biowarfare agent and secure it. This mission was a success," Klerk narrated. "The biowarfare agent was retrieved. A rogue US Army General... Major General Matthew Shrieve... seized the biowarfare agent. ARGUS Agents were killed. General Shrieve released the agent in the city of Hong Kong. General Shrieve's stated intent was the destruction of the Chinese economy."
"How did we not hear of this?" Trumbull asked in shock. "Was it before our Administration?" he asked VP Kirby.
"No, Mr. President," Admiral Allen replied with a grimace. "This incident would coincide with the reported chemical spill in Hong Kong during your first year in office."
"I... We were responsible for that?" Trumbull demanded in shock and horror. "How the hell did that happen?" His face grew pensive. "No wonder China didn't want our help with clean-up and reconstruction. What happened to Shrieve?" he asked.
"He... died in Hong Kong, Mr. President," Sang huffed. This was one part of Mr. Queen's story she had a difficulty stomaching. The willful torture of another human. Without purpose, he had said. "Mr. Queen..."
"Mr. Queen stated his handler ended the man's life," Klerk interrupted. He had the same issues with Mr. Queen willingly torturing the general for hours, but the president didn't need to know about it. They didn't need to know how damaged the young man became. It wouldn't serve their investigation. It would only allow this Director to get away with her crimes.
"Well, that's a small benefit in this situation," Trumbull said. "It doesn't allow us to get justice, but at least the man can't continue his crusade against China. Relations with that country are shaky at best." He gave his VP a glance. "It sounds like this is Shrieve's second attempt to start a war with China. That airplane and a bioweapon."
"That is what Mr. Queen believes as well," Sang said as the color started to return to her face. "Mr. Queen stated ARGUS reacquired him after Hong Kong, but this time the Director was his handler directly since his former handler went rogue and disappeared." She flipped through the pages of her notes. "The Director sent him to Bialya to interrogate several citizens of that country. He was later directed to assassinate two more citizens. One was a government official. Next, she sent him to Moldova. He was directed to interrogate only one citizen and assassinate many others. Most were governmental figures."
"Is this Director trying to get the US to go to war?" Kirby asked rhetorically. "None of those countries are exactly friendly with the US. It wouldn't take much for them to declare war."
"That's possible, Mr. Vice President," Gauthier replied as he considered the question.
"At this point, Mr. Queen believed the Director was beginning to lose control of his actions. He admitted to resisting her directives. She air dropped him back on the island of Lian Yu to contain him," Klerk continued to narrate. "Months later the Shadowspire organization began farming drugs on the island. She directed him to infiltrate and destroy the drug operation. At this point, Mr. Queen was certain the Director was trying to get him killed based on her actions in that operation."
"Why would she want to kill Mr. Queen?" Trumbull asked. "This Director was coercing him for some time. Why kill him? Why not return him home?" he asked.
"Plausible deniability," Admiral Allen stated. "ARGUS maintained the fiction Mr. Queen was dead. They took no normal... documented... actions to ensure his silence. As long as Mr. Queen was never found, he never existed in ARGUS operations. He was easy to disavow."
"Mr. Queen stated the Director preferred to disavow her agents when a mission failed," Sang said as she read her notes. "This is why many ARGUS Agents hate her."
"Mr. Queen succeeded in the drug operation," Klerk continued. "Shadowspire was dismantled and the slam farmers were freed. The Director sent him on his final ARGUS operation. She sent him alone to infiltrate the Bratva and use them to assassinate Governor Kovar in Russia."
"Again, Mr. Queen was certain the Director intended to have the Bratva kill him," Sang continued the narration. "He stated the Director likely did not intend to kill the governor, but as he gained intel, Mr. Queen discovered Kovar intended to assassinate the Russian parliament to seize control for himself. Kovar was a valid threat to the US and Russia. For that reason, he completed his ARGUS mission successfully."
"Successfully," Kirby stated morosely. "Mr. Queen was ordered to join a criminal organization at the behest of a US Agency. He was ordered to assassinate foreign government political figures... at the behest of a US Agency. This is a mess." He sighed in frustration.
"Yes, Mr. Vice President," Klerk replied. "Mr. Queen leveraged his membership in the Bratva to gain his freedom from the Director. She released him from her service in Moscow."
"Moscow?" Trumbull asked. "He was found in China."
"He was, Mr. President," Sang replied. "Mr. Queen made his way... on foot... to the US Embassy in Shanghai."
"Mr. President," Klerk began abruptly. "Mr. Queen was very forthcoming with his story to ensure the Director is held accountable for her actions. He... He was traumatized by his experiences and what he was forced to do in the Director's service. I'm surprised Mr. Queen was able to maintain his sanity during all of this."
"As am I," Sang echoed Klerk's sentiment. "Mr. Queen is willing to testify against the Director. He... He asked us to bring this to your attention. His family has been under threat from the director for years. She ordered him to make his best friend go away in Hong Kong, then gave him the tools to assassinate his best friend. Mr. Queen refused and found another way. Because of her threat, he doesn't feel safe at home yet. Like the Director could act against him at any time."
"Assuming these accusations are unfounded," Admiral Allen spoke up. "I believe ARGUS and their Director need to be investigated anyway. An investigation will clear up any of these accusations. If they are founded..."
"Then the US is in far greater danger than we knew... all from some damn, power-hungry Director," Trumbull finished the sentence. "I want these accusations investigated. Founded or not, these are serious accusations. I want the CIA and FBI involved… and loop in the Secret Service. If this Director can casually threaten and assassinate political figures around the world, she may try to stop the investigation. I won't allow that."
"I concur," Kirby added. "If this was just a mad dream from a traumatized shipwreck survivor... then we'll find proof of that, but the story... This story has too many strange details to be a complete fabrication. As hard as it is to believe, it must have grains of truth. We need to find those."
"We'll get General Petraeus and Mr. Mueller read in. They will contact you through the Agents they are assigning to this investigation. I'm sure your notes are a good place to start their investigation," Trumbull told them. "I don't have to tell you how these accusations have disturbed me. I can see they disturb you as well, but we will investigate in good faith."
"Once we know the names of the Agents, we will coordinate with Mr. Queen," Sang replied. "They will want to hear his story first hand, but Mr. Queen knows he is being watched by the Director. If agents of the FBI and CIA visit Mr. Queen, then his family is at increased risk."
"I will have the agents coordinate with you then," Trumbull replied. "Good job, Agents." Trumbull said as he stood. The others followed his rise. "Even if these accusations are unfounded, we will know the truth that lies underneath. I want to be kept informed."
"Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Vice President," Admiral Allen said for his group. They waited until the office was released from its secure status before filing out the door.
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USA, WA, STARLING CITY: 19 APR 2012, 9 AM
Oliver returned from his morning run. He ran to clear his head from the nightmares that plagued him through the night. It helped to erase the residual fear, anger, and anxiety. It worked for him. Running wasn't distracting enough to require his complete attention, but it required enough attention to keep him focused on the present… to bring him back to the present. He found he was still looking for landmines as he ran… even after all these years.
After he finished his run, Oliver checked in with the security station to see if the press stopped blocking the gate. The media did their best to get a story… any story… from the Queens. They failed and eventually decided to pursue other stories. They lasted a week. The last reporter left around noon yesterday. The media didn't expect Oliver to be news until his hearing tomorrow. Apparently, Oliver Queen's miraculous return finally passed the current news cycle. Good. I'm back to being gossip fodder. Joy! At least, until my court case.
Oliver convinced his mother to let him use one of the family credit cards until he was brought back to life tomorrow. He told her he needed new clothes… and ordered a few items online, but his goal was to get the family card. He needed to make some purchases in town. He preferred to have his own phone and his own vehicle. Those would be his goals today.
Oliver was glad to head into town without the media stalking him. Tommy agreed to take him yesterday. Tommy wanted to talk to him about his mother's clinic. He liked the idea of following his mother's legacy. Despite being lost for five years, Oliver was a better sounding board for Tommy's ideas than most people. Tommy appreciated that in his friend. He told him as much. He felt he could trust Oliver's opinions far better than anyone else.
Oliver would have to ditch Tommy at some point. He wanted to meet with the local Bratva chapter and pick up his weapons. He preferred to have his weapons nearby. He could act as the Kapiushon without them but was more comfortable with them. They made his job as Kapiushon easier. Less prone to flashbacks. Besides, he needed to introduce himself to the local Bratva chapter.
Oliver descended the stairs to the entryway. Tommy was already waiting for him. He looked up as Oliver descended the stairs.
"Are you ready, Ollie?" Tommy asked as he stood in the entryway. He was only slightly anxious about taking Oliver into the city. His friend's reactions were hair trigger. He wanted to avoid an incident. His friend wouldn't take it well if he hurt someone. Worse, if the media caused him to hurt someone. He saw his friend's rage firsthand. He knew it wouldn't take much to set him off.
"All set," Oliver said with a grin. They walked out the front door and climbed into Tommy's car. They both got comfortable.
"Where to?" Tommy asked as he started down the drive.
"First, I need a phone. I found a place with top-grade models. Secure models," Oliver replied. "Once we have that, I want to hit the motorcycle dealership. Then maybe a car dealership. Mom sold my car years ago."
"Motorcycles?" Tommy asked. He had a reserved opinion about motorcycles. He wasn't a kid anymore. They stopped being cool and started to be risky. "Aren't those dangerous?" he asked. "Cause, we just got you back."
Oliver smiled. "They can be, but the danger is in the other drivers. Not the bike," he replied. "A bike gives me greater flexibility. If I'm alert, I can escape the danger other drivers present. I'm also harder to track."
"You don't want to be tracked?" Tommy asked. "Damn. Sorry. I almost forgot about the Hell Bitch."
Oliver laughed. "I see Thea's name is sticking," he replied with a grin.
"Well," Tommy replied. "It's easier to say than the Bitch from Hell."
"Yet still highly accurate," Oliver added. "I also want to keep Mom from tracking me."
"Your Mom?" Tommy asked slowly. "You think your mom is going to track you?" he asked in amazement.
"I do. I'm certain of it," Oliver replied with a sad tone. "Mom... Mom always felt the need to control Thea and I. She tried to bully Dr. Lamb into giving my medical information to her at the hospital… Then that whole thing with my first dinner home." He glanced over to Tommy. "You know she has yet to ask me anything."
"About what?" Tommy asked. He drove the car as they moved into a different part of the city. One he wasn't used to traveling in.
"Anything," Oliver sighed tiredly. "Why I need a special diet? Why do I have nightmares? Why I am angry all the time? Why I want to avoid the company and the media?"
"Really? Nothing?" Tommy asked in surprise. "Even my dad cornered me to discover what happened in Hong Kong... Granted, he eventually yelled at me for putting myself at risk like that. I haven't bothered to tell him about the hit the Hell Bitch put out on me back then… I may not." He said pensively. He paused speaking as he drove. "You know," he started. "For all that Dad can be a controlling ass, he does care about me. He would have torn Hong Kong apart if I died there. That is... kind of reassuring."
"Yeah," Oliver replied, looking out the window. "I get that. Mom is the same way. I love her, but she drives me insane. I know... in her own way... she loves me, but... I don't think she ever respected me. I don't doubt her love. I doubt her respect. That's why I don't trust her."
"Respect," Tommy nodded. "That is a good way to put it. Same with my Dad. He doesn't respect me. I didn't realize how angry I was at him because of it. You're right, I don't doubt his love. I doubt his respect."
"Well, enough of this crap," Oliver said. "I don't want to dwell on people who love us, but don't know who the hell we are."
"Amen, Brother," Tommy grinned. They drove in comfortable silence for a few miles before Tommy started speaking on a different topic.
"I talked to Ted Kord," Tommy started. "I told him what I wanted to do... about my mother's legacy. He loves it. He suggested I have my lawyers review my mother's Will and my grandparents' Will... since I was a minor at the time they were read."
"Yeah," Oliver replied. "When my grandpa died, all of the stuff he left me went into trust. I didn't even think about it until I talked to Jean a few days ago. It's a good idea. You can safeguard the Swann Estate without your dad getting involved."
"Exactly," Tommy replied. "Ted said Dad was a control freak. He recommended I get those straightened out before talking to Dad. Then, when Dad goes nuts, I don't have to depend on the Merlyn Estate... like I have been."
"Move the funds in your trust account too," Oliver replied. "Those are Merlyn Funds. If they aren't safeguarded, your Dad can take them away… if he is inclined."
"Shit," Tommy replied. "I didn't even think about those accounts."
"You are over 18," Oliver replied. "You are allowed to separate your Trust from the Merlyn Estate. You are entitled to both. You are a Merlyn and a Swann. Don't let your Dad control anything."
"Good point," Tommy replied. "Dad is that controlling and vindictive too. He's such an ass."
"But," Oliver replied with a grin. "If you are educated, you don't have to depend on your father for a dime. Secure your stock in MGG. Safeguard the Swann Estate. Separate your real estate properties from MGG and the Merlyn Estate. Block your Dad from accessing the funds he currently has access to... then tell him what you want to do."
"That sounds like a plan," Tommy replied happily. "I am meeting with Mom's lawyer on Monday. Then I'm immediately going to the financial manager. One totally separate from my father."
"Then you have a handle on it," Oliver smiled. "Are you going to go back to school or take over the business aspects of the Free Clinic?" he asked curiously.
"I'm going to start with the clinic," Tommy replied. "I think dad stopped funding the clinic. I want to fix that. I may go to medical school later... afterward… I don't know yet."
"Turn here," Oliver said as he pointed out the electronics shop he wanted. It looked like a little run-down, hole-in-the-wall store.
"Here?" Tommy asked even as he turned into the parking lot. He looked at the small store with prominent Chinese writing next to the English versions.
"Yeah," Oliver replied. "Looks aren't everything." He hopped out of the car as soon as it came to a stop. Tommy followed him inside. He found Oliver speaking in Chinese to the man behind the desk.
Chinese? When did he learn that? Tommy thought. What kind of electronics do these people have? He looked around curiously and browsed through the items on display. He couldn't read most of the boxes.
The man behind the desk nodded and then ducked into the back room. He came back out with a phone in a box.
=Is this phone is untraceable?= Oliver asked in Chinese.
=Yes= the man replied. =It also cannot be turned on remotely, even if they have the phone number you call from. It has the added benefit of receiving calls from two different numbers. You do not have to give out both lines to suspicious people. One line can be your stalking horse.=
Oliver grinned. =Perfect= he replied. =I'll take it. I may come back for more later. Order at least three for me. I will buy them now, regardless. You need not worry about my failing to pay for the merchandise.=
=Very good. I have one more in stock right now. Do you want it as one of your three?= the man asked.
=I don't= Oliver replied. =I will pay for them now and then pick them up later. I have found it is good to exhibit caution and have extras.= He brandished his card to the man.
=I understand= the man replied with a happy nod. He rang up the sale. =Look after yourself= the man said in goodbye.
=Maintain your weight= Oliver replied using standard Chinese slang for goodbye. He picked up his phone and left the store with Tommy following behind him.
"You want to head to the dealer now?" Tommy asked while eyeballing the phone curiously. The picture on the box didn't exactly make it look special.
"Not yet," Oliver replied. "I want to get this setup first. We'll hit a diner. I should probably eat again anyway."
"Cool," Tommy replied. They climbed into Tommy's car, and he drove them into a diner a few blocks away. They took a seat in a booth, and Oliver immediately started to set up his new phone. The waitress took their order and left them to chat.
Once the phone was connected and set up, Oliver gave Tommy his phone number. He had established two. He decided this number would be his public phone number. He would contact Anatoly later and give him his private phone number.
"So... You want a bike," Tommy stated after he had started eating his meal. He noticed the salad and fruit his friend had ordered. At least he understood why Oliver didn't really eat much anymore, but it looked like more than his previous meals had been. That's progress, right?
"Yup," Oliver replied as he picked at his salad. "A bike is more flexible than a car. You can park anywhere. Likewise, I can escape anywhere."
"Escape?" Tommy replied with wide eyes. "The Hell Bitch?" he asked after some hesitation.
"I don't know," Oliver replied. "I don't know what she wants from me. I just know that... I'm never going back. EVER. If she tries shit... I'll end her."
"That... sounds like a threat," Tommy replied in a quiet voice. "Like planned murder..."
"It's not the first time I have threatened her," Oliver replied as he finished his salad and started in on his fruit. "She threatened you. She threatened Thea and Mom. She kept me on a leash. Damn right she is a threat. She DIRECTLY threatened all of us. She ACTIVELY tried to get me killed... I'm... I'm trying to do this the right way. I really am... but the first rule of the Кодекс воров [Kodeks Vorov] is to defend and love my relatives. That's you. She has threatened my family. According to the code, I am obligated to retaliate. To defend you all. If she pushes, I'll end her and she knows it."
Tommy gave out a huff. "I don't want to be a part of planning her murder," he said softly. "Even... Even with everything you have said she did... I just... I don't think I can be a part of that."
"I don't expect you to," Oliver replied. "I follow the Кодекс воров [Kodeks Vorov, not you."
"What is this kodeks?" Tommy asked. "How did you come to follow it?" he asked curiously.
Oliver sat back and watched as Tommy continued to eat. "Кодекс воров [Kodeks Vorov, or the Thieves' Code, is an old Russian creed. My brothers adopted it. My brothers do not follow all the rules listed in the code. Just most, but... I'm American. I had to do more to prove myself to them."
"Thieves... Like stealing stuff?" Tommy asked in shock. Do criminals have a code?
"Yes," Oliver replied with a slight grin. "But it's... They have a culture in Russia." He held out his left hand and showed Tommy the tattooed ring on his left ring finger. "This is my declaration of intent. It says I will follow the code strictly. All the rules. It means I have incorporated the code into my life. I have married the code. Most Russians will respect the tattoo and its meaning... Even if they are in opposition to me. In Russia, the tattoo has special meaning." Oliver said as his hands absently traced the tattoo.
Tommy looked curiously at the tattoo. It didn't look like much. "Opposition? Like enemies?" he asked.
"Opposition doesn't make you an enemy. It just means that you disagree," Oliver replied. "The code was developed to help the Воры [vory] with the rest of Russia. I guess, that makes it a subculture."
"Okay," Tommy replied. He didn't really understand. "What does following the code mean?" he asked.
"Following the code means my actions are above reproach... as long as they fall within the code," Oliver replied. "I... I had to prove I could fit in with my brothers. They already despised me for my nationality."
"What?" Tommy asked surprised. "Because you're American?" he clarified.
"Exactly that reason," Oliver smiled. "I had to gain their respect. The most effective path was to use the Code."
"What are the rules? What does the Code state?" Tommy asked curiously.
"The Кодекс воров [Kodeks Vorov] has eighteen rules [1," Oliver replied. "First, defend and love my relatives. Parents. Siblings. Second, have no family of my own. No wife. No children."
"What?" Tommy exclaimed. "How can they tell you who to love?" he asked.
"A family creates obligations," Oliver replied. "The second rule does not stop me from having a mistress or lover. Just not a wife. ворами в законе [vorami v zakone] are dedicated to their brothers. The Воры [vory]. I can't be a ворами в законе [vorami v zakone]. A Thief-in-Law, but I can follow the Кодекс воров [Kodeks Vorov," He paused before continuing. "Third, never work. No matter the circumstances. No matter the difficulty it brings. Live only on means gleaned from theft."
"Wow," Tommy replied. "I can't... I can't see how that would work."
"This one was easy for me in Russia," Oliver replied. "I was dead to the world. I had no way to provide means for myself. Now... Now, I don't need to work. I can work with Mr. Steele. I just can't work for him."
"But... doesn't he technically work for you?" Tommy asked in confusion. The Queens owned Queen Consolidated, right?
"Yeah," Oliver replied as he considered his ownership of Queen Consolidated. "I guess. The code wasn't written with my circumstances in mind. I think I can own the company, but not work there... which is fine with me. I never had a head for business, like dad." He gave Tommy a small smile. "Four, help other Воры [vory]. Provide them with moral and material support. Help your brothers."
"I get that," Tommy said, nodding. "We have been helping each other forever."
"Five, keep the secrets of your accomplices. Where they are. Where they hide. Safe houses. Stuff like that," Oliver replied. "Basically, don't sell out your brothers."
"I totally get that one," Tommy replied with a grin. "We covered for each other all the time. I can see how that one would come naturally."
"It was surprisingly easy to follow that one," Oliver replied with a frown. "Until we found a cука [Suka]."
"A... Suka?" Tommy asked, curious.
"A traitor. A bitch. A cука [Suka," Oliver spat out. His thoughts went back to Gregor and his betrayal. "A cука [Suka] handed me over to Kovar."
"Wow," Tommy replied. "I take it this Kovar is a bad guy."
"Was," Oliver replied as he took a deep cleansing breath. "He's not a problem for my brothers any longer. Neither is the cука [Suka]." He took another cleansing breath. "Six, take the blame for Воры [vory] if you cannot avoid capture. This keeps your brothers free. This one mostly applies if you are facing prison. Seven, use a Convocation of Inquiry to resolve disputes between Воры [vory]. Eight, participate in a Convocation if asked. Evaluate the parties impartially. Always look for the good of all your brothers. Nine, carry out the decision of the Convocation. The punishment decided. Ten, do not resist carrying out the decision of the Convocation, even if you disagree with it."
"Okay," Tommy interrupted. "This Convocation of Inquiry is how they solve their internal disputes, right?" he asked for clarification.
"Yes," Oliver replied as he thought about a more detailed answer. "The Convocation of Inquiry is like an inquest or probe into the problem. Essentially, it's a hearing by a neutral third party in the dispute. Воры [vory] avoid all government."
"Yeah, that makes sense," Tommy replied. "I can't see the vory going to small claims court over their stuff."
"Exactly," Oliver replied. "Eleven, be fluent in Феня [fenya]. That's the language of the Воры [vory]."
"They have their own language?" Tommy asked, amazed.
"Of course, they had hundreds of years to develop a way to speak around others without cluing them in," Oliver replied. "It's... It's almost like a tribal language. Similar to Russian, but totally different meanings." He paused as he collected his thoughts. "Twelve, always be able to cover your gambling losses. No debt. No gambling outside your means. Thirteen, teach beginners. Fourteen, have informants, if possible, among the Воры [vory]."
"Wait!" Tommy held up his hand. "They want you to spy on your... Brothers?" he asked in confusion.
"Yes," Oliver replied. "Trust, but verify. The Воры [vory] are criminals. They have a code, but not everyone is required to follow it. So... Trust, but verify."
"No one gets bent out of shape because of this?" Tommy asked. "I would have a problem with people spying on me."
"You are not a criminal," Oliver pointed out. "The actions of others have not hurt you. With their lies. Your trust is pure. I learned the hard way to verify that trust. You know about the Hell Bitch."
Tommy let out a sigh. "I do," he replied. "I'm just sheltered… I guess."
"I appreciate your sheltered view," Oliver replied. "I feel... I usually feel so much distrust... anxiety... anger... about others. It's nice talking to someone who isn't burned by life."
"Burned by life," Tommy repeated softly. "That is a nice way to sum up your time away."
Oliver gave him a tired smile. "It does… Fifteen, do not lose your ability to reason using drugs or alcohol… You may have noticed that Russians drink. This rule is to caution them to drink within reason. Sixteen, have nothing to do with authorities. No government. Do not participate in public activities. Do not join any organizations."
"That one makes the most sense," Tommy agreed. "If they are criminals, they would want to avoid publicity."
"They do, but understand when it cannot be avoided, like my return," Oliver replied. "As long as I don't try to make a spectacle of myself, I am following the code. I initially had a problem with the next one. Seventeen, take no weapons from the hands of the authorities. Join no military. My friend helped me reconcile this one. He's former KGB, but that was before he joined the brotherhood."
"The KGB are like the government spies in Russia, right?" Tommy asked.
"Yes," Oliver replied. "A Russian Intelligence Agency. Since it was in his past, it didn't count. Mine was not in the past, but the present. I asked my brothers to help free me from the authorities. Anatoly said I was not with the government by choice. Thus, I did not violate this rule. My brothers freed me."
"The Hell Bitch," Tommy said conclusively in an angry tone. "She's government?" he asked.
"Without telling you anything, yes," Oliver replied by pulling up the sleeve on his right hand. This exposed the tattoos on his right wrist. "This... is to declare to my brothers how I despise the government... All government." He tapped on the small image of a devil scowling with bared teeth.
Tommy noted the two tattoos on his right wrist. The small devil and the Cyrillic writing. Мир. "What does the other one mean?" Tommy asked, as he examined the two.
"Мир [Mir," Oliver replied with affection. He gently traced over the letters. "I will not be rehabilitated." He looked seriously at Tommy. "I can't be saved. I don't want to be saved. That's what this means. I love you and Thea, but... this means I have already made my choice."
"I love you too, man," Tommy replied. "...and I am the last person that will try to change you. I want to hang with you. Be your friend."
"My brother," Oliver replied with a serious look in his eye. "You are family."
"Family," Tommy agreed.
"There is only one rule left, the eighteenth. Make good on all your promises to Воры [vory," Oliver replied. "It is about honoring your promises to your brothers. You can lie to anyone else but your brothers... Respect and honor them."
"You know," Tommy said as he left cash for the waitress and prepared to leave. "I'm pretty sure you followed most of those rules before you dedicated yourself to this code."
Oliver smiled and joined him after he had collected the phone box. They headed for the door after giving a pleasant wave to the staff of the diner. Oliver did a quick scan of the parking lot and the surrounding areas. His threat assessment immediately pinged on the white panel van idling down the road. He could see two people in the front of the van. He turned his head so they wouldn't notice him examining them.
"Now to the dealership," Tommy said with a happy tone. "Which one do you want?" he asked.
Oliver continued to observe the van. "The Ducati dealership," he replied in a flat tone. He was already shifting gears into his Kapiushon persona.
"Ducati it is," Tommy replied as he climbed into his car.
Oliver copied his actions, but kept a close eye on the van down the road. Tommy started the car and headed towards the dealership. Oliver noted the van followed them. Damn it. I was hoping I was just paranoid. Ten minutes later, they were walking into the dealership. Oliver found a sales representative and immediately detailed what he wanted, which accessories he wanted included and installed, and that it had to be black. The sales rep was overjoyed and spent the next two hours finalizing the sale details while the new accessories were installed.
While they completed the sale, Oliver downloaded several apps on his new phone. He activated one immediately. It was a tracking app. He used it in ARGUS during several of their operations. It was familiar and quick.
"Tommy," Oliver said casually in one of the lulls of the sale. "I need you to download this app and sign in immediately." He kept glancing out the sales window. The van had parked across the street. Oliver could still see the two men in the front.
"Why?" Tommy asked in confusion.
"Because we are being followed," Oliver replied. "I think they want me. If I take the bike, they will ignore you and follow me. With this app... I can share my location with you. If you see them come at me, go to the police immediately. Tell them what you know and show them my location. Those guys... They will take my phone from me, but I doubt they will destroy it. Nor will it be far from my person."
Tommy immediately took out his phone and found the app store. He downloaded it and synced it up to Oliver's new phone. "I thought this phone couldn't be tracked. You know... Your Mom and all."
"It can't… unless I allow it. This is me allowing it," Oliver replied as he glanced back out at the van. He noticed a third head pop into the cab of the van. Sloppy. Too many for an elimination team. What are you doing, Waller?
"This app allows that?" Tommy asked.
"It was designed for it," Oliver replied with a shrug. "I can turn my location on and off… I may have used it before."
"Is it the Hell Bitch?" Tommy asked with some anxiety.
"I don't know," Oliver replied. "These guys... They are sloppy. Amateurs. She would kill them for this level of incompetence... if they were hers."
"I really don't like how this woman operates," Tommy replied in surprise.
"You are not alone in that assessment," Oliver replied softly as the sales rep returned to finish the sale.
"There you go, Sir," the sales rep said with a huge grin. "Here are your keys. They are electronic. As long as you have the dongle on your person, the bike should start. The bike, a black Multistrata V4 RS, is parked in front of the dealership. All the carriers have been installed, and here is your new helmet. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day," he said pleasantly.
"Thank you, we will," Oliver replied with a false smile. He shook the sales rep's hand and loitered with Tommy at the entrance without exiting.
Tommy was blatantly looking out the window. "Who is it?" he asked as he scanned the street for the people following them.
"Don't look," Oliver said as he looked at his phone. He took a few camera shots of the van and the two men in the front.
"Don't look?" Tommy asked. "Why the hell not?" he asked.
"I don't want to spook them," Oliver replied. "The white panel van across the street. Use your phone as a cover. Take some photos to show the police."
"Oh," Tommy replied, pulling out his phone and doing what Oliver suggested. "Now what?" he asked.
Oliver smiled brightly at him. Tommy clocked it as a fake smile. "Circle the block. They will see you leave and not look for you. Follow me at a distance. Behind the van or further back. Track me using the app. When shit goes down, take photos and then get to the police. The sooner you get to them, the sooner they can respond."
"But..." Tommy started. "You..." He was torn. His anxiety spiked. My best friend is calmly explaining how he is in danger… like right this second… with a fucking smile on his face! What the hell!
"We let them act," Oliver replied sincerely. "The police can't do anything until they act. I've seen at least three. That's too many for an elimination team. That means capture. I'll be fine."
"Elimination? Shit!" Tommy exclaimed as the reality of the danger flooded him. Oliver figured out they weren't sent to kill him. Shit! He KNOWS how many fucking people are in a team sent to kill. Fuck! "You need help. I can help you," Tommy declared. He didn't want to leave Oliver to fend for himself. I can fight. You are my brother. Nobody messes with my brother.
"No, you can't," Oliver replied seriously. He looked at his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have no training. You would not be able to resist them. You would die if you tried. I won't accept that. Your strength is in your name. YOU go to the police. YOU make them act. Throw your name around. I will stay alive. I'm good at that."
Tommy let out a huff. "I can do that," he replied morosely. "Let me take all the crap you don't want them to get from the bike," he said softly. He didn't want to admit Oliver may have a point. My name is my strength. Throw my name around. It will have more impact because I don't usually do that.
Oliver nodded, and they headed to Tommy's car. Oliver loaded his paperwork and stuff into the front seat. He kept his helmet and one set of new keys. With his phone tucked into one of his inner pockets, he zipped up the jacket and put on the helmet. He flipped up the visor to give the appearance of preparing to leave.
"Remember, just follow until they act, then go to the police," Oliver instructed.
Tommy checked the app on his phone one more time and nodded. Then he climbed into his car and backed out of the space to head to the street. He would circle the block. Oliver watched him go and turned to the bike. He mounted the bike and waited as it idled. He was familiarizing himself with the bike's controls. He wanted to give Tommy time to get into place.
The men in the van didn't wait for him to leave. The white panel van sped up and blocked Oliver's bike in. The sliding door swung open. The passenger side door was thrown open at the exact same time. The three men immediately swept around the motorcycle. They were all wearing black hoodies with demon masks. The two men at the back had smaller guns. The weapons looked like some sort of pistol. The one at the front had an AK-47, but it was held as a threat. It wasn't pointed yet.
Oliver moved before they could get into position. He swung his left leg over the bike and dismounted on the offside. He dropped down into a crouch when the first man in the back fired his pistol. A soft thoop sound indicated it was a dart gun. The dart impacted the leather of his jacket and didn't penetrate. Oliver heard a second thoop sound as he turned and launched himself at the man with the AK-47. The men with the darts were less of a threat than the man with the rifle.
Oliver shoved the AK-47 up before it could spray bullets. The sound was shocking up close. The man was stunned for a moment. Oliver attacked. He chopped the man's throat and sent a crushing hook to his face. The man dropped to the ground. Oliver ducked behind the bike as he assessed his remaining opponents. He heard a third and fourth thoop noise. He felt the sting of a needle in his thigh. He ignored it. Just as he was about to leap out at one of the men at the bike's rear, he felt his muscles protest and then give out. He barely caught himself before he fell to the ground unconscious.
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~
Chapter Notes:
[1] Кодекс воров [Kodeks Vorov] – The Thieves' Code is available on Wikipedia. I know. Not the most reliable source. I listed the eighteen rules listed there. They are:
1) Defend and love your family. Parents, Siblings.
2) Have no family of your own. Wife. Children.
3) Never work. No matter the circumstances. No matter the hardship. Live only on means gleaned from theft.
4) Help other воры [vory]. Provide moral and material support.
5) Keep secrets of your accomplices. Don't sell out воры [vory].
6) Take blame for воры [vory] if you cannot avoid capture.
7) Convocation of Inquiry. Use to resolve disputes in воры [vory].
8) Convocation of Inquiry. Participate if asked. Make decision for all воры [vory].
9) Convocation of Inquiry. Carry out decision.
10) Convocation of Inquiry. Do not resist decision.
11) Be fluent in Феня [Fenya].
12) Always cover your gambling losses. No debts.
13) Teach beginners.
14) Have informants.
15) Do not lose reason to alcohol or drugs.
16) Have nothing to do with authorities. No government. No organizations. No public events.
17) Take no weapons from authorities. No military service.
18) Make good on promises to воры [vory].
~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~AU~