The Next Morning at Queen Consolidated
Marcus Queen sat at his sleek, modern desk in his office atop Queen Consolidated. The skyline of Starling City stretched out beyond the large floor-to-ceiling windows, but Marcus's focus was elsewhere. His fingers drummed lightly on the desk as he waited for his scheduled meeting with Talia al Ghul, the enigmatic daughter of Ra's al Ghul, the leader of the League of Shadows.
It wasn't every day that the League sent an emissary, and Marcus knew the importance of this encounter. The League had been operating in the shadows for centuries, and their interest in him meant one thing—they were aware of more than they were letting on. Marcus had built Queen Consolidated into a juggernaut, operating in both the public sphere and in secret, but he knew Talia wasn't here for small talk.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. His assistant opened the door, announcing, "Mr. Queen, your guest has arrived."
Talia al Ghul entered, her presence immediately commanding the room. She was dressed in a tailored black suit, her posture straight and confident. Her long, raven-black hair flowed down her back, and her eyes—sharp, piercing—fixed on Marcus with a calculating gaze. Behind her beauty and poise, Marcus could sense the dangerous edge, a warning that this was not just a simple businesswoman.
"Ms. al Ghul," Marcus said smoothly, standing up to greet her. "It's not every day I have someone from your... prestigious family visiting Queen Consolidated."
Talia smiled faintly, her lips barely curving, and she took a seat across from him. "Marcus Queen," she replied, her voice smooth and measured. "I come on behalf of my father. We have been observing your... endeavors. Both in the light and the dark. It seems we share common interests."
Marcus leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as he studied her. "Common interests, you say? And what exactly would those be?"
Talia's eyes gleamed with the subtlety of someone who held all the cards. "Power, influence, and control over the future of this city. My father respects those who can manipulate the threads of destiny as skillfully as you have. Your control of Queen Consolidated and your… extracurricular activities have not gone unnoticed by the League."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "I didn't realize the League of Shadows had taken such an interest in business ventures. What exactly is your father proposing?"
Talia crossed her legs and clasped her hands in her lap. "A partnership. The League is seeking allies in its ongoing mission to bring balance to this world. We see the potential in your influence—both in the corporate world and in more discreet circles. My father believes that with your resources and intellect, we can accomplish great things together."
Her tone was calm, almost casual, but Marcus knew better. There was a veiled edge to her words, and he sensed the real reason for her visit lurking just beneath the surface. The League didn't approach anyone unless they wanted something in return. And with his brother, Oliver, now acting as the Hood, it was clear this wasn't just about him.
Marcus narrowed his eyes slightly. "I see. And what would the League expect in return for this partnership?"
Talia's smile widened slightly, but her eyes remained cold. "The League does not make alliances lightly, Marcus. My father is aware of your brother—Oliver. The man currently playing at being a hero in the shadows, disrupting certain... operations in Starling City."
Marcus felt the temperature in the room drop. This was the threat—veiled, but clear. The League knew about Oliver's activities as the Hood, and this was their way of putting pressure on him.
Talia continued, her tone smooth as silk. "My father is patient, but there are limits. Should your brother's actions continue to interfere with our goals, well... accidents happen. We wouldn't want to see anything unfortunate occur, especially to someone as important to you as Oliver."
Marcus's expression remained calm, but beneath the surface, his mind raced. The League was testing him, pushing to see how far they could manipulate him. They were threatening Oliver, dangling the possibility of harm over his head if Marcus didn't comply.
But Marcus wasn't easily rattled.
He leaned forward, locking eyes with Talia. "Tell your father this—my brother is not someone you can easily control. And neither am I. If the League is looking for a puppet, they've come to the wrong place. However," Marcus added, his voice growing colder, "I am interested in mutual benefit. If the League seeks my resources, then I expect them to stay out of my family's way. Oliver included."
Talia's smile didn't waver, but Marcus could see the flicker of calculation in her eyes. She knew this was a negotiation, and she wasn't dealing with someone who could be easily intimidated. After a brief moment of silence, she inclined her head slightly.
"My father will appreciate your... directness," she said. "But understand this, Marcus. The League does not tolerate obstacles. If Oliver becomes a problem, the League will handle it. Whether you're involved or not."
Marcus gave her a cold smile in return. "We'll see about that."
The tension in the room was palpable, but Talia stood gracefully, her eyes never leaving Marcus. "I'll relay your message to my father. I look forward to seeing where this... partnership leads."
With that, she turned and made her way toward the door, leaving Marcus alone in his office once more. He watched her go, his mind already spinning with plans and contingencies. The League of Shadows was making a move, and they were targeting Oliver. But Marcus had no intention of letting anyone—even Ra's al Ghul—threaten his family.
As the door clicked shut behind Talia, Marcus turned to his AI system, Victory.
"Victory, monitor all League activity in Starling City. And increase surveillance on Oliver. If the League so much as breathes in his direction, I want to know about it."
Victory: "Understood, sir. Monitoring initiated."
Marcus sat back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he stared out at the city below. The League had made its move. Now it was his turn.
"Let's see how this plays out," he murmured to himself, a dark smile crossing his lips. "But no one... touches my brother."