(A/N: Fair warning, another long one ahead with lots of talking and this chapter features some of the other people included in this universe. You'll see what I mean when we get there. Enjoy!)

Back at Stellmoor International, while the police examine the destruction left behind in Simon's office, the CEO himself hid in a corner close by while talking on his phone.

"No, it was almost over, but he just barely managed to slip away," he reluctantly informed, but grew a sadistic smirk when glancing back at the window where he escaped. "I'm not upset though, or worried. It would've been too easy for him anyway. I have much bigger plans for him."

X

After getting all patched up by Blake, Benjamin was now sitting at a smaller table by the window, enjoying the late night view outside. The only garment covering his upper body now was the bandages Blake used with a few ice packs to help. Duncan is also fixing warm tea with some natural herbs to help with Ben's wounds. He sits across from him with a cup for each of them, receiving a thank you in return.

"So, lemme make sure I got all this correct," he begins as calmly as he possibly can for this crazy turn of events this night has taken. "You find out that the island you're on is a base of operations for drug traffickers, the same people apparently responsible for your dad's death, and when they show back up, you sneak on the ship, free the people they detained, and help them to take it over and get the answers you need. Am I caught up so far?"

"Yea, doing great, actually," Ben jokingly smirked, although he really was impressed by how well he was handling this whole ordeal.

"So, what happened to you the rest of the three years you were supposed to have spent on that island?"

Benjamin takes a large sip of the beverage made for him, humming at the warmth and taste.

"That's excellent. You really know your stuff," he quickly complimented, Blake almost laughing while shaking his head. "As he promised, Bronze Tiger hooked me up with some of the same people he learned from. I spent about the next year traveling across Asia, perfecting my skills as a fighter and in using my bow for combat while obtaining some resources that would become useful in the long run. After that, I did some work for my new agency pal, Eddie Fyers, learned some other new stuff, gained a few more resources; and then, when I finally felt I was ready, I came back to start my real mission."

Blake quirked an eyebrow with a slight look of shock.

"Sounds like a long three years..."

"That's just the summarized version of it, minus the details," he dryly laughed.

"And why are you trusting me with all this?" He wondered out loud.

Benjamin smirked as he sipped at his drink again.

"You took a bullet for my mom, Blake. I'd say you're about as trustworthy and honorable as they get. If I can't trust someone like you, then who can I?"

Blake smirks with flattery.

"Plus, tell you the truth, and I know this is a lot to dump on you now, but I could use your help with all this."

Now, his expression returned to shock, like a jolt of electricity had struck him all of a sudden. The air in the room grew thick with silence and tension as he processed his request.

"You want me... to help you in this?"

"I can't do this alone forever, Blake. Hell, I wouldn't have survived tonight if not for your help. I know what I'm asking of you is a lot, especially given the number of risks, but there's not too many people I can trust with this that have your skillset."

Blake sighs through the nose before responding.

"You think just because I'm ex-military that makes me up for this sort of thing?"

Benjamin averted his eyes as if preparing himself before revealing something.

"I had one of my friends pull your records for me." Blake leaned back in his seat, now seeing where this was going. "You weren't kidding when you said you were well qualified..... but the way you were discharged was total bullshit."

Blake lowers his eyes while his mind draws back to that dreaded point in his life, something that has left a bad taste in his mouth for far too long.

"Three men died... and I had disobeyed an order to stand by. It was an ugly situation-"

"And they needed the easiest scapegoat they could get, which was you; but if you had followed your orders, those men still would've died, only it would've been on their knees and no way of defending themselves, and you would've spent the rest of your life asking yourself 'what if?'"

Blake already knew this to be true. He gave those men a fighting chance. They shouldn't have asked for more than that. Deep within his eyes, there restlessly slept an underlying anger of what followed an already tragic ordeal.

"It's not just your skills, Blake. Your capacity for good, to protect others, and your willingness to risk it all is why I want your help on this. This is a chance for you to do what you always wanted to without having to explain why it was the right thing."

Blake took in and contemplated his words. It sounded appealing, but the bigger picture was much more complicated than just that.

"I appreciate you trusting me and what you're offering me, but you do also understand the weight of what you ask. It's one thing to go up against the worst of the worst. Doing it while acting outside of the law is a whole different playing field."

Benjamin nodded with understanding.

"That's a fair point, and I would not hold it against you in the least bit if you refused. All I'm asking is that you think this over, 'cause this is even bigger than the law. This is about right, fairness, and justice. This could be your chance to serve your country once again and in the most important way possible."

Ben gave him a moment to ponder his words and meditate on them. He could see that he was definitely considering his offer, but it was still a lot to put on someone's plate. He didn't expect to get an answer tonight, but at least he was able to get this far with him, which was perfect for now.

"I will think about it," Blake nodded, which Benjamin expected. "In the meantime, we need to get you to the hospital; and for now, I'll help make your motorcycle accident story more believable."

Benjamin smiled with gratitude.

"Thank you."

X

The next day, Benjamin was put on bed rest mode, having been discharged from the hospital this morning. Blake kept his word and helped staged the bike accident on an abandoned road using one of the other bikes Ben had in the mansion garage. Of course, he got an earful from his mother about the whole joyride story, which he had expected. He was fixed up, prescribed some medication, and returned home.

Currently, Benjamin is lying in bed, looking at some old photos of some of his closest friends. He smiled to himself while reminiscing before he hears a knock on his door and glances up to see a welcoming surprise.

"Margot, hi!" He grins.

"Hi, Ben! How are you feeling?" She grins back while entering the room.

"I'm feeling exceptionally better now," he happily nods and she adorably giggles.

"I heard about the accident and wanted to see how bad you were."

They both chuckle.

"Don't worry, it all looks worse than it feels," he assured.

"What were you doing anyway?" She asked as she entered the room.

"Oh, just... another day in the life of a rich boy being stupid."

Margot laughs again.

"At least you were wearing your helmet, so you're not that dumb."

Now Benjamin is laughing.

"Yea, that's a good point. Please, have a seat. I won't bite."

Margot smiles before sitting at the bottom of his bed.

"Although, last I checked, you're not supposed to stare at screens too much when you have a concussion," she noted with a dry smirk, which Ben nervously chuckled from.

"You're right. I just felt like reminiscing a bit."

This caught the Australian star's attention.

"Reminiscing?"

"Yea, I've been looking at photos of some old friends of mine, the best group of friends I ever had no less."

"Hmm, they sound like a special bunch."

Benjamin smiles.

"I'll put it to you this way: when you're the son of one of the wealthiest families in America, you get a lot of people claiming to be your friend, but very few of them actually mean it. These guys, however, were some of those few. They'd do anything for me, and I wouldn't give any less for them."

"I can understand how you feel," she smiles, feeling happy for him and the friends he has. "May I take a look? Get more familiar with your circle of friends."

"Well, I consider you to be a part of that same special circle, so of course."

Margot slightly blushed from that sweet statement as he began bringing up the photos.

"You'll probably recognize this first one." He hands the phone to her, revealing the first of his friends.

"Wait, I do recognize him. That's Alex Ambrose of Hope Industries in Gotham, right?"

"Yep, one of the other top six companies, although I think his is even higher in the ratings." They both chuckle from that. "But anyway, our families frequently collaborated with their businesses. So, naturally, we became friends as kids and have stayed such since."

"What's he like?" She curiously asked.

"He's... a bit of a complicated guy, but he's a good guy no less; and being descendants of rich families is also how we met this guy..."

He swipes the screen to reveal the next photo.

"Oh, he's a handsome fellow," Margot complimented and Ben laughed.

"Yea, he arguably had the most rizz of our whole group. That is Michael McMahon, and if you're familiar enough with World Wrestling Entertainment, then you know who his family is."

"Oh wow," Margot admired. "Does he actually wrestle?"

"He used to at least, on the independent scene and was very good too. Now, he owns his own business and does YouTube stuff."

"Sounds like a fun guy."

"He is. Then, we have our big sisterly figure, Miss Anne Winters."

"Oooo, she's pretty," Margot again compliments.

"Yea, and she has the brains and the right tough-as-nails attitude to go with it." They giggle again before he continues. "She works as a university professor and psychiatrist in Metropolis. She's a lot of fun. Then last, but not least, we have our British pal..."

"Jack Ryan, and I believe he now works as a private detective in Central City, but don't let that give you the wrong impression. He's perhaps the most chill of our group."

"I'm sorry, did you say his name is Jack Ryan like the Tom Clancy character?"

Benjamin laughingly smiled while nodding.

"Yea, that's what first drew me to him too, being a Jack Ryan fan myself; and honestly, he's just as cool as Clancy's Ryan, if not even cooler."

Margot giggled while admiring the way he spoke about them.

"They must be really special to you."

"More than words can describe. We were all in college together, and those were some of the best years of my life. Plus, when I competed in the Olympics, they literally flew over with me and sat with my family in person to watch. That's how special they are."

"Special indeed. I'd love to meet them someday," she wholeheartedly stated.

"I hope so too. I've been wanting to orchestrate some sort of reunion since coming back, but it hasn't been easy. It doesn't help that I'm the furthest away from all of them."

Margot could see how disappointing it was for him to have not achieved this yet. She hoped he would and tried to keep his spirits up.

"Don't worry. I know how hard that can be. I'm all the way here in America while my family is back in Australia, but I manage to find ways to see them again, and so will you."

"Thanks, Margot," he smiles.

"So, you're bedridden for the whole day?" She then asks.

"I'm afraid so," he regretfully answered.

"It's OK, we can reschedule our dinner with Aldis and Nemeth tonight if you wish?"

Benjamin thought for a moment and remembered how important this was for all of them, but came up with a good solution.

"Tell you what, why don't we just have it here tonight? Racheal and our mom make a mean pair in the kitchen, and they'll be happy to serve the Aldermen of Star City. Plus, you know how much a fan of yours my mom is."

Margot laughed, but admired and appreciated the persistent offer.

"But are you sure, though? I don't want you to push it if you're not feeling well."

Benjamin smiles from her kindness.

"I'm fine, Margot, and I'll be happy to do this tonight."

She thought about it for a moment, definitely intrigued by the idea of having dinner with him at his home while not wanting to change their evening plans. So, she revealed her decision.

"I'll speak to them about it and see what they think."

"Sounds good. I look forward to tonight."

"Same here," she smiled before wishing him well, urging him to get plenty of rest and making her exit.

A minute later, Racheal entered the room with a smirk on her face.

"I see you and miss movie star are getting along quite well" Benjamin narrows his eyes at her. "I'm just saying, you seem to be feeling much better now that she's been here."

"Yea, except now I'm starting to feel my headache return," he retorts and she giggles.

"Well, I have something that'll make you feel all the more better," she reveals as she steps into the room with some sort of box, grabbing her brother's curiosity. "I've been meaning to give you this for a while now, just haven't, but really wanted to get your reaction," she adds while sitting on the edge of his bed with the box.

"Hmm, okay then."

He received the box from her and opened his new gift to reveal a small beautiful green crossbow.

Benjamin laughed a little, but was also amazed with flattery.

"Why am I not surprised you got me a crossbow?"

"I got me one too, a red one, to be exact. It was a two-for-one deal," she further explains while reaching behind her to reveal her own little crossbow.

"Nice! Well, thank you. I love it."

Racheal giggled.

"Figured you would, and it's something different for your collection that... you never know," she shrugged, although Ben grew a little suspicious over what she meant on that last part

Nevertheless, he didn't question it for now, just enjoyed the moment.

"Well, I appreciate the thoughtfulness. I'll definitely find an excuse to use it."

Racheal giggles again before pecking him on the cheek. Then, they hear the doorbell sound through their home and Racheal goes to see who it is, taking her crossbow with her. Benjamin returns to admiring the new toy she brought him, laughing to himself with love while messing with it.

As Racheal walks downstairs, one of the house workers is about to answer the door. She assures him that she has it before going to answer, revealing her favorite policeman.

"Oh, hi!" She said with surprise.

"Hey, honeypot. How you doin'?" He grinned.

"I'm doing great now that I get to see you today," she replies while wrapping her arms around his neck.

Only, his hands remained behind him, not moving to hug her back.

"Wait, no hug for me?" She gave him a cute pouty lip.

"Sorry girl, but... my hands are full."

He brings them out to reveal a stuffed Winnie the Pooh in one hand and a bouquet of sunflowers in the other.

"Awww, you didn't have to get me these. You already brought me enough while I was injured," she blushed as she received her gifts.

"I know, but these are your favorite and given Pooh is a bear who loves honey, I figured he was fitting," he proudly smiled.

"Hehe, I love 'em. Thank you, my teddy bear. "

She and Josh share a sweet kiss.

"You're welcome, baby girl. Is it alright if we come in?"

She gave him a questioning look.

"We?"

Josh stood aside to reveal that he wasn't alone. Lt. Rhodes and Detectives Steen and Zayn were here with him.

"Miss Racheal, always a pleasure," Cody politely stated while extending his arm.

"Hello, Lieutenant. It's great to see you again," she replies while tucking the bouquet in her arm and accepting his hand. "Please, come in."

The police unit enter the large home and admire their surroundings.

"Wow, beautiful home," Sami complimented.

"Thank you. So, what brings all of you here?"

"We heard that your brother was home," Cody spoke up.

"Yea, he's upstairs in his room. Why? Is this about the accident?"

"Not exactly, we would just like to talk to him," he assured.

However, Racheal was starting to feel slightly suspicious; but before she could say anything, they heard Benjamin's voice from above.

"Talk about what?"

Everyone's attention peered upward. Benjamin's arm is still in its sling and some of the bruises are still evident.

"How are you feeling? You look like you got pretty banged up," Cody mentioned.

"I've had worse," he shrugs. "Is something wrong? I don't mean to be alarmed, but simple chit-chats don't usually require the whole squadron to be present."

"You're not in trouble or anything. We just wanted to get a moment alone with you," he continues to ensure as calmly as possible.

"What for, though?" Racheal anxiously asked.

"It's alright, Racheal," Ben calmed. "If they were here to arrest me, they would've done it by now."

"Baby, why don't we go in a different room?" Josh suggested.

Racheal reluctantly agreed while her brother carefully walked downstairs. He led the police to the living room, where he and Cody sat across from each other. Sami took one of the chairs while Kevin remained standing.

"So, how may I be of service to Star City's finest?" Benjamin began.

"We saw the crash report from last night, said that this happened on Pipeline Road?" Cody questioned.

Benjamin chuckled with slight embarrassment.

"I've been craving a good fast bike ride since coming back home. At the right time of night, you can zoom along Pipeline and not have to worry about anything. Of course, I'll admit I got a little carried away last night." Cody and his detectives chuckle a bit. "I know it was stupid, typical rich boy crap, and I apologize, but they don't send in Special Crimes to investigate mere road incidents..." He grew a little more serious with slight suspicion.

At this time, Kevin spoke up.

"Are you aware that last, there was also a break-in at Stellmoor International?"

"I've been a little preoccupied since last night," he dryly but half- jokingly smirked.

"It was another Green Arrow attack. Only this one didn't pan out so well for our hooded friend." Kevin kept looking at Benjamin with suspicion, but he did his best to play the oblivious game.

"What do you mean? He's not dead, is he?"

"No, but whatever happened in that office, things did not turn out well for him," Sami answered.

"I assume there weren't any cameras to show what happened?" Ben asked, but he already knew there weren't, and that they were trying to goat him into stating that so they could nab him.

He wouldn't fall for it, though.

"Nope, and strangely, there aren't any traffic cameras on Pipeline Road either," Kevin noted, which confirmed what Ben had suspected their arrival for.

He sighs and leans his head back before responding.

"Oh my God, y'all think I'm the Green Arrow, don't you?" He groans.

The three investigators became a little surprised that he had just come out and said it.

"You catch on quick," Sami mentioned. "You don't seem all that taken aback by it either."

"Well, I would be lying if I said I didn't see this coming. I mean, we're both highly skilled archers, we both love the color green, and he did pop up not long after I returned home. I mean, all things considered, if you didn't suspect me, you wouldn't be too good at your jobs."

"And there's also the fact that Stellmoor International is one of the companies looking to buy out your family's," Kevin revealed, which was actually news to Benjamin.

He grew as if Detective Steen had rammed a fist into his gut. He could not believe that he hadn't known about this until now, especially since he had to hear it from them. The thought of Simon possibly taking his father's business was like a cold dagger straight to his heart, accompanied by one to the throat just for good measure.

"I... actually wasn't aware of that until now," he admitted before clearing his throat. "But... anyway, if you don't believe the report, you can ask my family's head of security. I called him to come get me and he took me to the hospital himself."

"Yes, we will be looking further into that," Cody nodded. "In the meantime, we have something to show you."

Benjamin grows suspicious as Detective Steen walks over with his phone out.

"You remember late last week when you intended that party at Hamilton Co around the time the Arrow hit it for dumping chemicals?" Kevin asked.

"Yes?"

"A camera in the stairway caught this..."

He played the footage on his phone and showed it to him. It showed Benjamin running up the stairway before passing a trashcan. He peaks inside of it before pulling out what is undoubtedly a Green Arrow suit. He then immediately continued his charge upward with the suit in hand until he was out of camera view. At which point, the video stops and Kevin locks his phone before returning it to his pocket.

"That certainly makes things interesting, doesn't it?" Kevin remarked.

Benjamin hesitates slightly before managing a response.

"It... certainly goes to show how dumb I really am, but it's still not enough to prove I'm him. Otherwise, I'd already be in cuffs."

"Well, that's up for debate at the moment," Cody noted as Kevin returned to his side; "but given that the time of this footage is right after the fire alarm went off and minutes before the chairman's office was broken into, it certainly raises some questions."

Benjamin rolls his eyes with a sigh as he leans back.

"I spotted the outfit in the trash by chance, and I... happen to like his outfit a lot. So, seeing it in the trash I... thought maybe he was done with it or something and... took it on an impulse. Plus, since he saved Racheal's life, I thought she would love seeing me with one of his suits. I know it sounds kinda stupid, but... it seemed like it would be cool at the time..."

"You're right, that does sound stupid," Kevin remarked. "It also doesn't explain why you were heading upstairs while everyone else headed down to get out of the building."

Benjamin throws his free hand up with another sigh.

"We were at a high level. I thought it would be best to head for the roof and wait 'till it was safe; and I thought I saw others head up there as well." Benjamin then hisses a careful breath with a small painful moan, beginning to feel the effects of his injured ribs again while cupping his side. "Listen, I know you fellas are just doing your jobs, but I'm not well. So, if you're gonna arrest me, go ahead. Otherwise, I think it's time you all leave."

Cody glances between his detectives before nodding to them.

"Ok then, Benjamin. We won't arrest you just yet, but I strongly advise you not to leave town. Like I said, your arrest is still up for debate. Until then, we'll be keeping a close eye on you," he stated while standing up, but Benjamin looked at him with confusion.

"You know, I hafta say, I thought y'all hated pursuing this case?"

The trio of cops became a little stumped as they all looked at each other, feeling even more awkward about this interview

"Like I told you before, it's part of our job," Cody managed to answer. "Take it easy, Ben, and thank you for your time."

With that, the police began making their exit. Josh had been doing his best to talk Racheal down and apologize for having to do this, especially with her being here, but it was over now. He apologized to her again with a kiss and left with his unit, allowing her to check up on her brother.

"Is everything alright?" She asked with concern.

"Yea, just mandatory procedure on their part. Don't hold it against him, alright?" He calmly assures, receiving a small smile as she joins him on the couch, being careful not to hurt him as she cuddles him.

"He said they suspect you to be Green Arrow..." She mentions out of worry.

"Yea, well, can't really blame 'em, right?" Benjamin smirked.

She dryly laughed under her breath but remained anxious for her brother.

"I'm worried about you, Bubba."

He looks down at her with a frown.

"Hey, look at me," he gently speaks while lifting her chin. "Nothing's gonna happen to me, alright? They're just checking the most obvious suspect on their list, and maybe the only suspect they have. Unless they come up with substantial, physical proof, they have nothing on me."

She gave him a small smile in return, still a hint of nervousness within her eyes.

"I just don't want to lose you again..."

"Awe, come here," he pulled her close, ignoring the added pain to his ribs as he held her close. "You're not gonna lose me again, not ever," he soothed while rubbing her back.

However, the moment was cut short when Racheal had to lean back up, exhaling a big, nauseating-like breath while cupping her stomach.

"You OK?" Now Benjamin was the concerned one.

"Yea, just haven't been feeling well myself lately. It's probably work or something, but I'm gonna go get something."

"Yea, no problem. I'm just gonna sit here for a bit," he smiled.

"Alright," she gets up and starts heading for the kitchen.

A minute later, someone else enters the living room.

"Blake? What're you doing here?" Benjamin asked with surprise.

The bodyguard smiled with a light laugh as he stepped in and sat across from him.

"There's something I wanna tell you, something that happened last night after you saw me....."

(A/N: Alex Ambrose is Lokis03277
Michael McMahon is Villalba376
Anne Winters is QueenZain3
Jack Ryan is JackRyan658

Thanks to my good friends who are also part of this amazing universe, y'all will definitely see more of them down the line, and in the meantime, thank y'all for reading, stay tuned to find out what happens, and take care.)