Chapter 18

Marcus's Last Order in This Salvo

In the quiet, high-tech depths of his hidden lab beneath Queen Consolidated, Marcus Queen stood before a holographic projection of the decommissioned subway system running beneath the Glades. The subway map flickered with detailed information, overlaid with data Victory had compiled. This wasn't just any map—it marked key fault points, places where Malcolm Merlyn planned to plant his seismic weapons for the Undertaking.

Marcus, always several steps ahead, was determined to strip Merlyn of his ability to wreak destruction on Starling City.

"Victory," Marcus said, his voice calm but filled with icy determination, "use the long-range Asgard sensors to probe the fault points. I want the precise locations where the seismic weapons are intended to be placed. Strip any and all tech already deployed in those spots."

Victory: "Sensors deployed. Scanning fault points now."

As the sensors swept through the underground tunnels, Marcus watched the hologram, waiting for the first readings. If Malcolm had already moved ahead with his plan, there could be tech in place—possibly the beginning stages of the Undertaking's seismic devices. But Marcus wasn't just looking for weapons. He was looking to plunder everything Malcolm had hidden away, dismantling his plans before they even began.

Victory: "Technological assets detected in multiple locations. Several devices appear to be in early-stage deployment. No seismic weapons detected yet, but groundwork is in place."

Marcus nodded, satisfied but still focused. "Good. Strip everything and continue monitoring those spots. I want to make sure Malcolm can't put his plans back together. And make sure all tech is moved to property that will soon be formally owned by Malcolm."

Victory: "Transferring stripped tech to secured locations under Merlyn's name. All tracking devices have been disabled, and equipment is being repurposed."

Marcus smirked at the irony of it. He was using Malcolm's own future properties to hide the very equipment meant for his plans, ensuring that any investigation into the tech would lead back to Malcolm himself. By the time Malcolm realized what had happened, he wouldn't just be out of resources—he'd be left scrambling to reclaim what had been quietly taken right from under his nose.

The Fault Points and Seismic Weaponry

As Victory carried out the last phase of Marcus's orders, the Asgard sensors continued to probe the fault lines beneath the Glades. The strategic fault points Malcolm had identified were critical to the Undertaking, designed to collapse entire sections of the city in one devastating move. But Marcus had now turned those fault points into a trap—every movement, every attempt to deploy new technology would be tracked and neutralized.

Victory: "Sensors indicate no immediate activity at remaining fault points, but monitoring continues. All technological assets recovered from current locations."

"Good," Marcus said, his mind already racing ahead to the next steps. "If Malcolm makes another move, we'll be ready. He'll find himself fighting shadows."

Marcus stood before the map for a few more moments, studying it with quiet intensity. His control over the situation was nearly complete. Malcolm's empire was crumbling, the League of Shadows had been crippled, and now the Undertaking was on the verge of collapse before it could even begin. Marcus had carefully dismantled every piece of the plan, and soon, Starling City would be free of Malcolm Merlyn's dark vision.

But he knew this was only the beginning. Malcolm wasn't someone who gave up easily, and the game they were playing wasn't over.

The Ongoing Plundering

As Victory continued its work, the tech and resources being stripped from the fault points were quietly funneled into safe locations. These were all properties that, on paper, belonged to Malcolm Merlyn—another layer of Marcus's strategy to frame Malcolm for his own undoing. If the authorities ever traced the equipment, they'd be led directly to Malcolm's holdings, further tightening the noose around his neck.

Victory: "All tech from fault points has been successfully secured. No trace remains. Monitoring for any further activity."

Marcus nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "Good. Continue plundering any remaining assets. Strip every last bit of tech Malcolm has hidden away, and make sure to disable any tracking devices placed in the tech."

Victory: "Plundering operations ongoing. All tracking devices disabled. Merlyn's assets will be continuously monitored."

Marcus allowed himself a brief smile. He had the upper hand now, and Malcolm was running out of moves. The Undertaking had been one of Malcolm's greatest gambits, but Marcus had just taken it apart without Malcolm even realizing. Now, the city—and his family—would be safe from the destruction that Malcolm had planned.

Preparing for the Next Move

As the final stages of his current operation unfolded, Marcus couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. The city was at a tipping point. Malcolm was weakened, but he wasn't finished yet. There were still cards left to play, and Marcus knew Malcolm would fight to the bitter end.

"Victory," Marcus said quietly, "keep all sensors on high alert. Malcolm will try something desperate, and I want to be ready for it."

Victory: "Understood, sir. Sensors and surveillance are set to maximum sensitivity."

Marcus stared at the subway map one last time before deactivating the projection. The battle for Starling City wasn't over, but Malcolm Merlyn's days were numbered. Marcus had crippled the Undertaking, dismantled the League of Shadows, and neutralized nearly every threat. Now, he just had to wait—and strike when the time was right.

"Let's see what you do next, Malcolm," Marcus whispered to himself, turning away from the holographic display. "I'll be watching."