Arrow: Fracture Part 3

Retaliation

A sense of shock had yet to fully abandon Felicity as the group moved into the meeting room. The sudden announcement that the Telasaur ambassador was arriving today was more than enough to shake things up, especially with the threat of HIVE controlling the companies interest in QT. However discovering that her old friend from college was in fact the ambassador and potential enemy spy was falling heavy on Felicity and her response, mostly filling her head with more questions and possibilities instead of contingencies. The large meeting table was furnished with beverages and other enticing items as the seats quickly filled. The remaining board members had arrived to greet Telasaur's ambassador and for many begin there decision on whether or not to approve the potential collaboration. Felicity nervously sat beside her friend, unknowingly avoiding him as her brain did it's best to not drown in speculation. Oliver quickly took note of Felicity's apprehension and gently guided his hand onto hers underneath the table. The much needed support caused Felicity to share a look of dread with Oliver, letting him know she wasn't prepared for what had just happened.

"Mr. Stone, on behalf of Queen Technologies I would just like to thank you for making the trip and taking on such an important position for our companies futures." Richards began, glancing around the table to insure the other board members were all incorporated in the statement. Victor smiled as he nodded in appreciation.

"Thank you all for the warm welcome. And on behalf of Telasaur I'd just like to express how enthusiastic we are for our two companies future endeavors." Victor happily announced.

"Well that's if we agree on a collaboration." Felicity unknowingly spoke up, drawing an uncomfortable silence from the room. Several of the board members shuttered in embarrassment while others gauged their guest's reaction. Victor was admittedly caught off guard by the comment but remembered that business was a sensitive subject, especially if there was possibility for failure.

"Of course. I wasn't trying to insinuate anything, just a bit too eager perhaps." Victor respectfully replied with a laugh. The board was quick to join him in a hope to change to mood.

"This proposed collaboration is a very large and important endeavor for both of our companies, and I believe I speak for everyone here and not here when I say that we only want to ensure that this is the right move for all parties involved. Not just from a financial standpoint but from an ethical one as well." Walter spoke up, hoping to take some of the unwanted spotlight away from Felicity's rash comment. The board conceded in agreement, many still finding themselves in the undecided range of whether to back this collaboration or not.

"I couldn't agree more Mr. Steel, and I can assure you all that Telasaur wouldn't intend to invest so heavily into a collaboration such as this unless we weren't completely confident on the positive outcome that it would provide for all involved." Victor added, directing his response to the board members who were clearly undecided. Oliver felt as a sudden tremor passed through Felicity's hand, turning his gaze to ensure she was alright. A look of pain and confusion took hold of Felicity as she watched her friend do his best to sell a positive vibe to the board members, when HIVE's true sinister nature hung below. The sincerity in Victor's tone was genuine, which only further clouded Felicity's mind with questions as to whether her friend was apart of HIVE's plan or simply a disposable puppet.

Felicity's quick steps bounced around the empty hallway as she and Oliver returned to her office, eager to discuss the new developments that had surprised them that morning. Felicity's unusual silence was worrying Oliver as they neared the door. Diggle watched as the two moved past him into the office, their gloom ridden faces preparing him for bad news.

"I can't believe this is happening." Felicity began as they entered the office. "I can't believe our luck is this bad and I can't believe that Richards would pull a move like this behind my back...and I can't believe that my friend would work for Telasaur." She rambled, interrupting Oliver multiple times as he attempted to reassure her. Diggle glanced between the two and waited for an explanation, knowing his input right now would only disrupt any potential fix to the situation.