My Arrow Reboot

Chapter 12

Moira Queen's trial was nearing a conclusion, as the closing statements for both the prosecution and defense would be  would be made by the end of the day.  After a brief lunch break, Moira took the stand in defense of herself, subjecting herself to an intense and rather humiliating cross-examination by  Kate Spencer. Adam Donner had suffered a serious vertigo overdose and had not recovered, unfortunately losing his life at Starling General. Despite Oliver and Roy's efforts, The Count really was MIA. However, Felicity was able to anonymously blast the entire city an alert telling them to avoid the flu shot vans at all costs. That was probably the best that they could do and Oliver would have to struggle to be okay with that. He couldn't save everyone. 

'Ms. Queen, you claim to have been afraid of Malcolm Merlyn. You say you threatened your family?"

"He did" Moira said. 

"It is my understanding that at some point during your marriage to your late husband, Robert Queen, you had extramarital affair with Malcolm Merlyn, is that true?" 

"Objection? Leading Question" Cecile shouted.

"Objection over-ruled" Judge Mandelbaum barked.

"Y-yes. I did. It was a long time ago" 

"You claim that Malcolm arranged the kidnapping of your now ex-husband, Walter Steele, that took place December of last year?"

"That's correct" Moira answered. 

"But Mr. Steele wasn't harmed while being held in captivity?" 

"No, not seriously injured" Moira confirmed.

"Good to know, Mrs. Queen. Were you aware of Malcolm's intent to abduct Mr. Steele? If so, when were you made aware?" 

"I am going to have to plead the fifth" Moira said after exchanging a look with Cecile. 

"No further questions your honor" Spencer said, smugly. 

"I now ask both the prosecution and defense to a present closing statement, please let me know if a brief recess is needed, if not, we will hear the prosecution's statement first" Judge Mandelbaum said.

After a silence, Kate Spencer began her statement, "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I urge to take a hard look at the woman who is Moira Queen, and The Queen Family. Is the matriarch really a loving mother? Was her family being threatened. It is encouraged to believe that this is not the case. If it was, Walter Steele likely would not be alive. Moira Queen's children, Oliver and Thea, would not be sitting amongst us. You all no what Malcolm Merlyn is capable of, so if her family was really being threatened, the outcome we've seen is highly, highly unlikely. Moira Queen had no reason to fear her former lover, given he that there is no proof that he desired to harm her family. So why? 

Moira Queen was a willing participant in a conspiracy that led to terrorism, costing the lives of 503 innocent people, all because of her infatuation with a mad man. Malcolm Merlyn had Moira Queen in the palm of his hand. His deadly wish, her command. If Moira truly wanted to save the people of The Glades, she could've put a stop to Malcolm's plans, but she didn't. Because let's face it, she admired the madman and still longed for him"

Cecile then went up and made her final statement in defense of Moira. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today a woman's life is on the line. At the bottom of her heart, a good woman. A mama bear, deeply instilled with family values. I know that each and everyone of you sitting here in this courtroom today would do anything to protect your family, especially after going through what the Queen family had already gone through. How could anybody doubt Moira Queen fear, whether or not they felt there was a reason for it. Moira Queen lost her husband, and her son- what should lead anybody in this room believe that Moira had no reason to be afraid of Malcolm Merlyn. He destroyed her family once and he could do it again. Moira acted in defense of her children, in the only way she could think. Being complicit. Most importantly. Yes, regrettably 503 innocent citizens in our city died because of The Undertaking, but of Moira Queen, hundreds more had the chance to survive. Because of Moira Queen, the citizens of The Glades were not blindsided".  

Now was the time for the jury to deliberate, and since no one was sure how long that would take, spectators were free to leave. Oliver wanted to spend that time with Laurel. Even with everything that Oliver had going on, Laurel was a constant that remained on his mind. No matter what.  

"Hey Caitlin" he said. "How is she?" 

"She's actually great" Caitlin answered. "She handling the next phase of study gracefully" 

"Next phase" Oliver questioned, with a raise of his eyebrows. 

"Given that we know that her metahuman ability is a sonic cry, we get to move on to giving Laurel complete control of the power. I told her that the decision is hers how to move forward with it, but my boss, Dr. Wells, is encouraging Laurel to use it for good. After all Laurel has confirmed that the meta-gene theory isn't just a theory, and just like Superman did with aliens, Laurel has a chance to not only prove that meta-humans are real, but also that there  is no need to fear them" Caitlin explained. 

"And Laurel, what does she think about that" Oliver asked. 

"I don't know. But she does want to become a master of her ability" Caitlin said. 

Oliver smiled. "Laurel wants to master everything she that she does".

Oliver walked into to see Laurel. "Hey" he said. "You look amazing". 

"C'mon, flattery will get you everywhere" Laurel teased flirtatiously. 

"Everywhere, huh?" Oliver asked, snaking his arms around Laurel as they shared a deep kiss. 

"How's it going, baby?" she asked. 

"The trial? The jury is deliberating and I can't say that I know what is going to happen, but, if this doesn't go our way, I am going to fight" Oliver said. 

"We will, together" Laurel said. 

"Speaking of-" 

Laurel interjected, knowing Oliver well enough to know exactly where he was segwaying. "Caitlin told you, didn't she?" 

"Yes, but I'm not going to what you think I am going to say. I'm proud of you' Oliver said. 

"Well, that really isn't what I thought you were going to say" Laurel said.

"Babe, if you were just a lawyer, it would be different, but I happen to know you better. I know you are a certified graduate of multiple self-defense courses and a top belt in six forms of martial arts. And now, you've a biological weapon in your arsenal. The Arrow would be insane to not want you on his team" Oliver said. 

"You really feel that way" Laurel said. 

"We've put the days of dishonesty far behind us, haven't we" Oliver said. 

"Yes" Laurel said, tugging Oliver's collar and bringing him in for a kiss. "I love you" 

"I love you too. That being said. Don't do anything stupid" Oliver said, placing his hand on Laurel's stomach, reminding her of what was most important. 

Laurel pulled him again, for another taste of his lips. "Likewise"

"Crap!" Oliver said, checking his phone. "Robbery at Queen Consolidated, Applied Sciences Division. I gotta go. I love you so much" They kissed one final time. 

When Oliver got there, he joined Diggle and Felicity. "They have sent in a lot of the SCPD already" Felicity informed him.

A young, energetic, man, approach Oliver and held out his hand. "Excuse me, hi. Oliver Queen? I am Barry Allen".