Chapter 3 - Gonna Be A Fun Night
3 Days Later, Plane Boarding Deck
With the two teams ready, Task Force X is ready to travel to Corto Maltese. Waller - still cagey on having both teams aware of each other's existence - have them arrive at the boarding area of Belle Reve at different times and at different locations of the area. Boomerang's team, labeled as Team 1, have just arrived.
Savant and Flag exit one of the bearcat trucks as they observe the other bearcat trucks dropping off the rest of the members. Flag immediately recognizes it as the place where he and Moone found the USA flag. It is a bright sunny day again which lifts his mood a little. It is funny, it represents how much more colorful his team is than before.
He chuckled a little under his breath. Despite being in a black-ops team, Task Force X doesn't take the image of a serious-looking army with all the flashy colors this time. Flag did try to tell Waller that they should fit them in the black-ops uniform, but the chosen criminals are not really used to wearing new gear, so they have to give them back their old, signature uniforms.
It isn't really a nice fit since it can make them easy to verify by enemies, but at least it is better than wearing all grim.
Flag's choice of suit is nothing much except for a camouflage bodysuit with several straps of bullets and guns, and a black bulletproof vest with several pockets.
"I had some time to look through your records and your capabilities," he said, trying to be friendly. "Are you sure you will be alright taking on this mission?"
"I'm just doing everything I can to get out of this hellhole," repeated Savant as they observed the area around. "It's simple. Finish the mission, then we can go home."
"I know that this is one hell of a task you are doing to reduce your priso/n sentence. However, I have to make sure that everyone plays their part in the team. I could find out how you could be of use to this mission."
Savant huffed. "Well, you'll see what I can do. All I know is that we might be going into a war…with those inexperienced fighters right there."
The two observe the members arriving or meeting up at the area. T.D.K is already in front of the flag, drinking a soda can. A security guard stands right next to him to check if he won't run away. The dark-teal-clad supervillain holds his can out to the security guard as though he would want to try it too. The security guard shakes his head, making T.D.K shrug in a bit of disappointment.
Captain Boomerang got himself in an unfortunate situation. He got s**t stuck on his boot. Just great. Just when he is able to go out with his new suit, he got his boot covered in s**t. Who even goes toilet in the open area here?! With a look of disgust, he takes out one of his boomerangs and uses it to scrape the crap off his boot.
The guard nearby him chuckled a little. "Do you need to clean that?"
"I'll be fine, mate," hissed Boomerang. "It's going to be covered in blood and dirt anyway."
Flag turns back to Savant. The vigilante doesn't seem too excited to spend his time with the others. He doesn't even look willing to work along with the rest of his new team for this mission. This reminds Flag of his first reaction to the squad. He wasn't willing at first to help along with the first iteration of Task Force X, but now, he looks forward to helping out this group in any way.
"Each member has their own unique abilities and they play an important role in this team," said Flag. "Give them at least some respect."
Savant scoffs, rolling his eyes.
He takes another look at the other members.
Javelin is leaning against one of the bearcat vans, spinning his golden javelin around. This is the first time Savant gets to see it properly and Javelin gets his blue utility belt of small javelin projectiles back. When Javelin stops spinning it around when a guard barks at him that it can strike somebody in the eye, Savant uses his goggles to take a clearer look at the golden javelin. It is embroidered with a lot of flower patterns and even words on it. Both tips of the javelin are coated in a rich silver.
Mongal comes out of the van Javelin is leaning against after having a short briefing with a guard inside. With her weapons in hand, she carefully climbs down the stairs and looks around at the outside world.
"Princess of Warworld!" called Javelin, giving her a cheeky look. "Nice to see your amazing orange skin in the sunlight."
"Shut up," muttered Mongal, giving him a straight look.
"It's just a compliment. Just making sure you at least warmed up to everyone on this team."
"I serve for no one except Warworld."
"Well, technically," giggled Javelin as he picked up his weapon and rested it on his shoulder. "You ARE serving for this team, so we have no choice."
"Not if I get out of jail, it won't."
"But in the meantime," said Javelin as he came close. "Why not just relax and get to know your team members well, alright, girlfriend? It's gonna be peaceful. You know, let's have a Mai Tai. Let's have a message. Where's my towel?"
Mongal gives him a look that screams 'are you serious right now'.
Javelin chuckles as he lifts his hand. He doesn't really have that much romantic 'interest' in Mongal, but since she is the only female on the team, it wouldn't hurt to try to interact with her. But he is warned that she is really tough and strong.
"You have really nice eyes I have to say, my princess," said Javelin, stroking her cheek. "Wenn du ein Huhn wärst, wärst du es…einwandfrei."
(That means 'if you were a chicken, you'd be…impeccable' in German!)
Wrong word.
Mongal slapped Javelin's hand away before slapping him across the cheek.
"Nenn mich nicht ein Huhn," she growled.
(That means 'don't call me a chicken' in German)
Javelin raised an eyebrow. "You speak German as well?"
"I traveled across the world and knew every kind of language used for communication on this planet. Now shut up."
Javelin chuckled before teasing her, "You slap hard as much as you talk."
The alien warrior rolled her eyes.
The two spotted Blackguard f***ing around with one of the guards. He keeps humming an annoying tune as he rolls around his shoulders, trying to get a reaction from the guard. With a cheeky smile, he pretends to grab one of his guns. The guard lifts his finger up like a teacher warning their student to not do something naughty. Blackguard tries again to get the guard scared, but he gives back an annoyed look.
"UUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!"
An awful howl echoed throughout the place as Weasel lifted his head out the opened door, seeing the sunlight for the first time in life. Blackguard, Javelin and Mongal stare at it as if they saw a lion climbing up on top of the rock to roar at the sun…though this ain't a mighty lion at all. Weasel is just exclaiming how free he finally is, though he is forcingly pushed out. The three exchange looks that explains that they do not know what to think of Weasel so far.
Savant could only stare at the messy line-up of his new team members. They still look like they are inappropriate for taking the mission, but it is all they got.
He makes a fake, ironic grin, thinking that death might be the only other option.
Flag smiles as well for another reason.
Getting everyone onto the plane is a little difficult when you have so many people wanting to have certain seats. Captain Boomerang already took a seat of his own, spreading his arms out to show that he doesn't want anyone sitting next to him; he wants the whole space to himself. If he is going on this plane trip, then he should have some space for him to rest his legs or take a nap. He spots Javelin and Mongal on his side, sitting together much to the latter's dismay.
Savant sits on the other side, though he is in front of Boomerang. He sighs, not looking forward to seeing what this Australian prick would spit at him. He makes sure to have at least one seat away from the three sitting on his side. He already got Weasel to strap in safely, watching him limp downwards with his bulging eyes staring at nothing and his ears twitching. The strange creature is calm so far, mostly chittering at Savant.
Savant blinks a little at Weasel. So far, he seems interested in him and keeps making these strange squawking noises. Savant isn't sure if he is planning to eat him or anything, but he hopes that he is just having signs of affection.
But he isn't looking forward to having a pet on this team.
Both Savant and Boomerang pick up the noise of Blackguard struggling to connect the seatbelt properly.
"Stupid f**king thing," muttered Blackguard.
"Hold on a moment," said T.D.K, lifting one strap upwards for Blackguard to see. "Turn it around."
"Wait, you mean this way?" said Blackguard, fiddling with the other strap.
"No, that way."
"You mean turning it clockwise or anti-clockwise."
"No, no, no. Let me show you."
"And…" Blackguard finally got the belt to connect.
T.D.K sighed, shrugging. "Now you're safe."
"Alright," said Blackguard. "Thanks, man."
Flag checks that everyone is strapped in. With a large gun in his hand as he tries to find a spot he can hang it at, he looks over the group and back at the pilots in the front seats. Seeing how they are all together in this narrow plane room, he might be right that they do stand out from being a regular black-ops team. And it comes along with the fact that half of them don't look serious - including Boomerang taking up a lot of space - and half of them are nervous, Moone might be right; he is hanging around with the drunkards.
However, Flag doesn't mind at all.
"So, let me check if everyone is here today," he announces. "So, Savant, Captain Boomerang, Blackguard, Mongal, Javelin, T.D.K…" He trailed off when he saw Weasel sneezing. "...Weasel." He then remembers who is coming along with them at the last second. "And of course…"
Harley Quinn.
A woman with pale white skin in red and black colors came in, happily skipping around. She looks COMPLETELY different compared to last time. Her blonde hair has grown, but the braid pigtails are dyed black and red. She is wearing a punk-like biker look in symmetric black and red colors; a leather jacket, a leather vest underneath with diamond shape decorations on it, fingerless gloves, two black belts with a 'HQ' buckle on the first one, black and red pants with diamond shapes printed on them, and black boots with red laces.
"Hey, guys!" she said cheerfully. "Sorry I'm late. Had to go number 2."
Flag nods, noticing a large duffle bag she is holding. "Hmph. Good to know."
Harley gives him a smile and a cute salute. "Flag."
"How was your short-lived freedom?"
"It was so much fun!" said Harley. "Though, it didn't really last long for me and Puddin' together. But, I'm good on my own! Oh! I even made this new leather jacket with the help of my new friends!" She twirled around to show off her new jacket. "Do you like it?"
Flag caught the white scribbles on the back of Harley's jacket. The whole jacket is custom made and dyed, but the scribbles on the back means a lot. In white writing, it reads 'Live Fast, Die Clown'. This is different to her previous jacket that had 'Property of Joker'. He knew that Joker and Harley had split up, and that Harley had to go on her own. Seeing how she looked so excited to help out with the squad again and how she was free from her toxic boyfriend, it made Flag crack a smile.
Flag could have just said something of small approval, but however, he couldn't help but compliment his old friend.
"It suits you very much," he said.
Harley grinned as she turned to Flag. She is glad that she is given a chance to be back with him and Boomer. Even though it would serve to reduce her prison sentence, she loves to come back to Task Force X. She missed this. Even though it is all new people, this is her kind of family she can turn to. And Floyd is right after all. Flag is growing much better now and he isn't as serious as he looks nowadays.
Speaking of Boomer, she turns to find her fellow Australian friend watching her. He looks surprised that she returned, but nonetheless happy to see another old buddy.
"Hey, Boomer," she said warmly.
"What are you doing back in prison, Harls?" asked Boomerang, relieved that it isn't going to be him and Flag on this mission. Honestly, he doesn't mind Flag coming along, but he likes talking with Harley the most since she is really fun.
Harley shrugged. "I got road rage. In a bank."
She swung her duffle bag around as she tried to move forwards. There was definitely something heavy inside it as it was enough to clunk into Savant's face.
"Oh!" she said cheekily. "So sorry!"
Savant just glared at her with a deep growl.
"Who is she?" asked T.D.K as he and Blackguard give Harley questionable looks.
"This…is Harley Quinn," said Flag, deciding to try on a Brooklyn accent as if placing a spotlight on Harley. "She's got my back. She can knock you down with a kick in the ribs and never let you forget it by breaking your limbs. I would advise you to not try to get upfront with her."
That is when Harley notices Javelin. In her eyes, a muscular man with nicely-trimmed blonde long hair and a brightly colored suit. His eyes landed on her and lit in interest.
"Why hello there, beauty," he said.
"Oh, hi there!" said Harley, sitting right in the middle between Javelin and Mongal. "Nice to meet you. Harley Quinn!"
"I've heard about you before, Quinn," said Javelin with a smile, keeping his tone to be charming. "My friends call me Javelin. Not for my deadly hoops. Javelin." His golden javelin keeps sliding off since there isn't a tight hoop to attach it to his belt. "I just can't keep it up."
"Ooh!" said Harley, marveling at the shiny spear near her. "Pretty!"
"Oh, you like this, don't you?"
"It reminds me of my baseball bat. How well can you use that weapon?"
"Oh, I used to play in the Olympics. Now, it is really good at using it as a spear. I got a whole range of different spears, but the javelin is my main one to defend me in any kind of battle."
"What do you use it for?"
"Well, for stabbing people of course," continued Javelin casually. "Also, for doing BBQ, combing my hair, picking up hot, burning items and pole dancing."
"Whoa…" said Harley, easily awed. "Wait, how can you do pole dancing with it? Wouldn't it be pointy with how sharp it is?"
"All you need to do is find a room with a low ceiling, then stab the top to the ceiling and the bottom to the floor to get it to hold still like a support pole."
Harley nodded. "Oh. Right…wait, how do you get it out?"
Javelin shrugged. "Just with enough force, it will get out."
Harley then turns to the side to see the stoic Mongal refusing to make eye contact.
"Hi, Harley Quinn," said Harley as she tried to offer a handshake. "I love your perfume. What is it, the stench of death?"
The first time she used those words on Katana? That didn't work. This time? At least Mongal didn't get salty with her.
"No," said Mongal as she slaps Harley's hand away.
"Ow," muttered Harley before noticing Mongal's wicked mohawk ponytail. "Oooh! I love your hairstyle! My friends Black Canary and Huntress tried to do the same as well. How did you do that?"
Before she could touch the hair, Mongal slaps her arm away again.
"No," she growled.
She hit hard enough to make Harley say 'ow', shaking her hand to numb the pain.
Meanwhile, Bloodsport's team, labeled as Team 1, is already on their way to the plane after Team 2 left. When he leaves the bearcat van, Bloodsport looks upwards to see a plane similar to the one he is going to be flying off into the sky. He thought that there was another team, but he concluded that it was just another plane taking soldiers to another place.
He half wishes that he could go on that plane to escape Belle Reve, but he knows he has to take the harder way.
Bloodsport still has his collapsible helmet kept in the backpack he is keeping. Pissmaker makes a joke that he should just wear it to let people know who he is; a dark and brooding man from the pirates. Bloodsport nearly thinks as well, but he doesn't really need it unless it's to protect him from any kind of threat or when fighting in combat. And he is itching to wear it because it has been so long ever since he used it.
Being the man with the helmet, Bloodsport wouldn't care what the mission would be. He would just get it straight down and deal with it. He is only worried about the results of it. Especially about his other teammates.
He still just met them and he is hoping that they will have some sort of discipline rather than fooling around. Especially when three of them don't seem to be trained soldiers that much. Since he is given the role of being the leader, that means he has to make sure that they keep to the team so that their heads won't explode.
He spots King Shark poking his head out from the van. He looks pretty excited judging by his heavy breathing. Getting to see the sunlight again and being back outside of the prison. There is someone yellow from behind him as they try to push them out. However, King Shark is more than happy to go outside as he carefully jumps the stairs like a little kid.
Though, because of his weight, every step he takes on the stairs tips the truck's front upwards. A few guards nearby shout in surprise, but once King Shark hops down and starts to look around in wonder, they calmed down.
Then, King Shark's blank look turns into pure joy as he starts to laugh.
"Outside!" he said as he ran. "Outside!"
The shark starts running around in circles as he feels the warm sunlight shining down on him. He isn't really allowed to be outside for some reason, so it feels nice for him to enjoy the sun. He hasn't seen that much of the sky before. He suddenly feels free after being in a narrow room for too long, surrounded by guards. Speaking of which, there are nearby guards, but they can only stare in confusion at his overjoyment of being outside.
Bloodsport blinks a little as he watches King Shark roll around on the ground. Maybe bringing this shark is a mistake. He has the mentality of a child. Something not fitted for this mission. Even though he is strong, Bloodsport isn't sure if he is going to wander off without remembering what he is supposed to do. He still remembers that King Shark can still be a threat, but looking at this, he isn't sure anymore.
The armored vigilante nearly falls down when he feels someone bumping into him. He curses a little, but becomes a little quiet when he turns around. It was Polka-Dot Man who was anxiously looking around at all the guards watching them.
"S-Sorry," muttered Polka-Dot Man. "I was just…nervous about all of this."
Bloodsport would have left him alone since he looks really haunted, but he decides to just ask.
"You're sure about coming on this?" he asked. "Did you have a choice?"
"I had," said Polka-Dot Man grimly. "I chose it anyway. It would be worth dying out there rather than being stuck in a prison, you know what I mean? I'm sure they aren't going to reduce our prison sentence."
"Well, that is part of the deal. Waller got me under my thumb. What else can you do than…throwing polka dots? Can you fight as well?"
The white-cladded supervillain sighs. "I am a little good at parkour. A bit of superspeed in me. I know how to do…technology and building. But everything else? Nothing else. I should…sit out a little."
"I just have to make sure that you won't accidentally sprain your ass," muttered Bloodsport. "I'll find a role for you to help out. And you're a metahuman, right?"
Polka-Dot Man shook his head. "Let's just keep quiet on that part, alright?"
Bloodsport is no psychiatrist, but he feels that he should give Polka-Dot Man some space for now. The two of them approach the giggling King Shark who is still enjoying the sunlight. Bloodsport whistles and that captures the shark's attention.
"Nanaue," he said. "C'mon, mate. We got 10 minutes before lift-off."
King Shark looks up at Bloodsport. While the details of the mission he is supposed to go on are still unclear to him due to not much detail on how he is supposed to get in - especially since he doesn't even have a backpack of his own - Waller reminds him that the dark-skinned, armored vigilante is his leader of the team. He puffs up his chest and stands up, nodding.
"Alright, sport," he said slowly.
"Bloodsport," corrected the vigilante.
"Blood…sport?"
Bloodsport sighs a little. "Yes. Bloodsport."
"Blood-Sport!" repeated King Shark, clapping his hands.
Polka-Dot Man slowly nods. "Do you think he will take the mission seriously?"
"Hard to tell," said Bloodsport.
"Yo!" called another voice. "Xenomorph! Rainbow Man!"
That is from Peacemaker. He appears from the door of the plane, waving a hand at them. Bloodsport curls his lips when he sees the metal helmet. It still looks like a toilet seat to him and is very distracting.
"You're coming up now?" asked Peacemaker as he leaned against the doorframe. "The plane isn't going to fly itself."
"None of us are flying that thing," said Bloodsport. "You're still going to be wearing THAT costume."
"It's a uniform," corrected Peacemaker before pointing to Polka-Dot Man. "Pimple guy is wearing something as bright as I am as well."
Polka-Dot Man mutters something inaudible under his breath.
"Bright red shirt," said King Shark.
"See?" said Peacemaker. "Shark Tale likes my uniform."
"Why would you even want to wear a bright red shirt, white pants and a large chrome helmet?" asked Bloodsport, shaking his head. "Even though you've been trained in contract killing before, this isn't the kind of uniform where you can hide in the shadows. You could be easily seen."
"Who says that I intend for people to not see me?" said Peacemaker, waving a hand over his face. "People who see this uniform and this strikes fear in their hearts."
"What people?" asked Bloodsport. "You mean bulls who go s**tless when they see red?"
Polka-Dot Man chuckles a little. "Or maybe the people at the fashion show who hate dodgy clothings."
Peacemaker rolls his eyes. "Let's get onto this, bros. You two are going to be sweaty standing in the sun for too long."
"I don't sweat," said Bloodsport.
"Oh really? I smelled your odor the second I met you."
"What? I don't smell like s**t!"
"Well, head over to the second floor shower. Stall 3. 60 hundred and thirty hours. That will wash off your salty ass with the sweet soap."
Bloodsport is disgusted. "I'm not going to THAT shower."
As he and the other two climb onto the plane, they notice that Ratcatcher II is already there. Sleeping on the seat of course. She isn't taking up all the places, but she doesn't have a seatbelt on. She is resting peacefully, using a nearby soft bag as a pillow. Sebastian rests on top of her chest before seeing Bloodsport, waving his hand.
Bloodsport freezes. "Why is he shaking his hand?"
"He must be trying to be friendly," said Polka-Dot Man.
"...still not shaking the rat's hand."
Sebastian squeaks sadly, looking down.
"The second she got there," explained Peacemaker. "She immediately fell asleep on the seats. Saying that it was too noisy for her to sleep back in her room. I tried getting her to wake up, but she is like a deaf baby!"
"Let me try something," said Bloodsport. "Erm…one of you move the rat away?"
"On it," said Polka-Dot Man.
Peacemaker gives Bloodsport a curious look. "Why do you-?"
"None of your f**king business," said Bloodsport.
He walks towards Ratcatcher II and slowly approaches the staring Sebastian, hoping that he doesn't bite. However, the rat doesn't show any signs of hostility as he immediately jumps onto his hands. Polka-Dot Man gasps a little, nearly stumbling backwards. As he crashes down onto his seat, Sebastian decides to crawl onto his shoulder before nuzzling his head underneath the human's chin.
Polka-Dot Man stares at the rat cuddling him. He is worried that this rat might be dangerous, but Sebastian seems to just want to be friends with everyone. And at least Ratcatcher II has him groomed nicely.
He chuckles a little. "I think he likes me!"
Bloodsport snorts a little as he comes towards the sleeping Ratcatcher II. He stops a little, making sure that Sebastian doesn't try to come close. Then he turns back to the sleeping girl who is muttering happily to herself.
"C'mon, mate," said Bloodsport as he bends down. "Time to wake up."
Ratcatcher II doesn't respond.
He groans, shaking his head. There is one way to do so and nobody can deny that it is really loud. His nanotech rifle. It took a lot of parts, coming from his pistols, to the bullet projectiles from his gauntlets, a special barrel attached to his chest and different blocks to expand the weapon. A good chunk of 30 seconds slapping each of them on as they grew longer as he connects them together.
"Wait, are you going to zap her?!" said Peacemaker.
"No, mate," said Bloodsport, lifting his rifle upwards. "Just a quick explosion. And I have a switch on when the projectiles explode."
Outside, the pilots just arrived to get ready to fly the plane. The guards and officials nearby warn them that these are dangerous people, but one of the pilots just laughs it off. With a cigarette in hand, he blows out a long stream of smoke.
"Don't get too paranoid," he said. "It's not like they have a bomb with them or anything."
KABOOM!
The plane suddenly rumbles and the inside of the plane is completely filled with gray smoke. The smoking pilot lets out a girlish squeal before hiding behind his partner. Everybody stayed still with the guards immediately taking out their guns.
Then, one of the windows pops open to let the smoke out. They could hear coughing right inside.
"F***, man!" screamed Peacemaker's voice. "Really?!"
"I think it's in my eyes!" exclaimed Polka-Dot Man.
"Pretty fireworks!" said King Shark nonchalantly.
"No, those aren't fireworks," said Bloodsport before noticing the dumbfounded guards outside. "Sorry! Trying to wake someone up."
He fires another shot, but makes sure that the projectile is through the window. It explodes and the guards quickly duck in case they might be hurt. However, to their surprise, it just flies straight upwards and explodes, red sparks flying everywhere.
"Hey!" called one of the pilots. "I thought that we already celebrated the 4th of July!"
There is a grunt inside and Bloodsport shoots another projectile out of the window. It explodes, this time, having a louder noise that can break anyone's eardrums.
But yet, inside the plane, Ratcatcher II is still sleeping. She isn't even bothered by the smoke or ash around her.
"Damn it," said Bloodsport. "I can't believe Waller sent out a child on this mission."
"She can control rats," points out Peacemaker. "And it is useful for keeping you on the job in case you split."
"I'm not splitting. No rat is not going to make me."
And his dignity in making sure that happened flew out of the window when Bloodsport turns around and sees a close Sebastian already on Polka-Dot Man's knee.
"GAAAHH!"
Ratcatcher II groans as she covers her ears. "What was that sound?"
"Finally!" said Peacemaker. "You're awake."
"I just woke up hearing the sound of a Serpentina mountain goat."
Bloodsport is confused. "Excuse me. What?!"
"Stop tinkering around with your toys, people!" called the smoking pilot as he and his partner hopped on. "Get into your seats and buckle up! We're getting out of here."
Before Bloodsport could argue back or Peacemaker asks more questions, they find themselves ordered to strap in their seats and buckle their seatbelts. Polka-Dot Man remains in his spot as he picks Sebastian up and gives him back to Ratcatcher II.
"He actually came towards you?" asked Ratcatcher II.
"Well," muttered Polka-Dot Man, feeling awkward. "I was just…erm…"
Sebastian squeaks happily, sniffing his nose near to him.
"Aww!" cooed Ratcatcer II. "He likes you! I think Sebastian senses good in you."
Polka-Dot Man is silent for a while as he looks back at Sebastian. A smile creeps up on his face.
"Well, I think he does," he said.
Few hours later, nighttime, ARGUS Communication Hub
Waller paid attention to the camera footage of Team 1's flight to Corto Maltese on one of the monitors. The entire picture is completely in red lighting, though it doesn't provide that much illumination to the squad members in the plane since it is already getting dark. She notices that the red lighting is somewhat making them uncomfortable. But no matter, that is how the plane works. They need to get used to it.
So far, the plane trip has been going really smoothly with no set-backs or interruptions to their flight. She has an important role for this team and there shouldn't be anything that should stop them until they reach their destination. Despite the silence between the members, it is only Javelin and Harley the ones who are talking with each other.
"Tell me," said Javelin. "When you do it, do you touch the seat and rub or do you slide and hover?"
Some kind of talk about them having a bowel movement.
"Oh, I make full contact," said Harley, intrigued.
"Oh, yes you do," whispered Javelin, catching her attention. "I thought so."
Harley wiggled her eyebrows. She is having fun talking with this Javelin guy. She thinks that maybe she might be able to get along with him and boy, he is so dashing. Got to look out for red flags, but he is polite so far, especially towards the others. And she might be able to use her psychiatrist side to inspect if his brain is healthy or just really gritty like the sewers.
"I'm excited to watch this later," said Javelin.
"Oh, but you know that I need privacy when using the potty," said Harley.
"Oh yes. But I'm more talking about the aftermath after cleaning yourself up and before flushing it. I like to see how you clean the toilet ring and how your feces look like. You know, I've prepared a bean casserole for everyone."
Harley burst into giggles hearing this. "I don't usually see what everyone's poop looks like. I have never been up close to a toilet before! Well, nearly one time when I checked on Cass the other day when taking the diamond out of her. So…I've never been up to anyone's butt before."
"Oh no. You don't have to. Do not have to watch a butt pooping out poop."
Mongal is visibly disgusted despite trying to keep herself straight. She shakes her head in annoyance at their conversation, wishing that they would stop discussing toilet humor.
"Harley and T.D.K," said one of the staff workers' voices. "Have they worked together before?"
Waller realizes that her employees aren't in position yet as they went off to take the break. She finds them together in a small office, looking through Task 1's criminal records. Moone is even there, talking with the other are they discussing about?
"No, not yet," said Economos as he collects the money betted on which of the criminals on the team will die.
"What does Savant do again?" asked Crawley.
"Brian Durlin," explains Harcourt as she takes a look at Savant's criminal record. "He's an expert in weapons and hand-to-hand combat."
"Well, I'm putting 20 on him that he is going to bite it," said Crawley, taking a 20 dollar slip out.
"Me too," said Harcourt. "And I'm betting on Weasel, Boomer and Mongal."
"Is Mongal an alien or some type of god?" asked one of the staff workers.
"She's an alien from Warworld," said Moone. "She is impervious to many things that can kill most humans."
"I'm putting 15 on her that she is going to get through the battlefield," said Economos, cautiously taking out some of his own money."
"Why Weasel?" asked Moone to Harcourt.
"Weasel's only power is to look like some kind of wet, draggy Cartoon Cat who doesn't have enough hair," said Harcourt. "That thing creeps me out."
"Yeah, me too," said Economos. "That is why I think he will be the first to go out easily."
"What about Blackguard?" asks another staff worker. "I'm going to bet 20 dollars on him since he is quite retarded, don't you think?"
"He is a metahuman with energy force powers and an expert in using handguns," points out another. "He is going to survive through the whole arrival on the beach for sure."
"I beg to differ."
"What about T.D.K because his power is…strange?" asked Crawley. "What about Javelin as well?"
"Well, I'm putting a bigger count on them with 25," said Economos. "The two don't really have any other protective equipment and not that much lethal weapons or abilities that can fare against guns and bombs."
"But doesn't Javelin have a set of spears that can impale, blow up or trap people?" asked Moone.
Waller comes into the room, trying to take a peek at their small bet. "What are you doing?"
Almost everyone nearly panicked at the sight of Waller. Feeling embarrassed by their bet, they start to hide their money while keeping their fingers crossed that their bets will come true. Economos quickly rounds up the money and places it in a small yellow parcel to be used later after Team 1 arrives on the beach. Harcourt and Crawley and the few other staff workers mutter some sort of excuse of giving everyone an explanation.
"Nothing weird going on," lied Economos, his voice louder than the mixed chatter in the group. "Just…a regular afternoon meeting."
Waller rolls her eyes at the small side bet her team is doing. While she is expecting some deaths will happen, she isn't keen on betting who will go out first. She doesn't really care who it will be. As long as she got everything working properly and making sure that Team 1 does their work the way she wants them to, then it's all good for her.
The only worker who isn't trying to fake their bet is Moone who silently walks up to Waller. The two ladies stare at each other with a somewhat of a cold and awkward confrontation between the two of them.
"Whatever you think is going on," said Waller. "I'm not trying to kill Flag."
"Oh, I believe you," said Moone. "You see him as expendable."
"I think you should have just stayed at home, June."
"I made the choice to be here. I am in charge of making sure you don't do something wrong."
"But whatever is going on, it's not me doing all of this."
Moone shakes her head. "You often let your own pride get over your judgment and values, don't you know that?"
"My judgment and value align with the American government," said Waller with silent determination.
"Then explain how that happened back in Midway City. Remember that? I still remember you stabbing the heart, provoking me and Enchantress."
Waller gives Moone a cold glare. "I told you that I'm not doing that again."
"How am I supposed to know that you won't be sacrificing innocent lives?"
Waller doesn't give an answer. She doesn't even need to. "I advise you to stay out of the way. Am I clear?"
"Crystal," growled Moone sarcastically.
"And for the record, I doubt that Flag will die, even if I want him to or not. He is a tough soldier."
Moone nods. "I know that."
Honestly, Moone is scared of Waller and just her appearance is enough to give her shivers. But she has to do this. For the safety of people. For the good use of this team. For her love Rick Flag. She doesn't want anything bad to happen to him during this mission. If it goes sideways, it's going to hurt Flag a lot, depending on what he finds out.
Waller picks up the radio, hoping that Flag would pick up. There is static before he eventually picks up the call.
"Flag," said Waller.
"Yeah," said Flag. "We're T-minus five from the drop."
"Get the whole team safely to that beach, Colonel. You will receive further orders once there."
"Copy that."
Back in the plane, Boomerang takes the time to look at everyone. Almost all of them are nervous to a degree, but he and Harley are alright with the mission they have to take. They did this before, so they can do it again along with Flag. The others have no idea what kind of craziness they might get into, even though all of them don't know the full idea of Project Starfish.
This even gives him the time to mess around with Savant who is staring back at him. The wrinkly, old Papa with that ridiculous, shiny white long hair and funny-looking goggles. His face is blank, but he looks like he is easy to fall really quickly. Boomerang thinks one snap and Savant's wrinkles will grow more. This old man can't really keep up with him.
Boomerang smirks as he starts blowing kisses mockingly. On the other hand, he has a bit of a strange interest in the vigilante. He laughs when Savant groans and closes his eyes.
He decides to try to see if he will crack. Boomerang puckers his lips and blows kisses again. Oh, wait, no. His lips are touching the tip of one of his boomerangs. Hey, this should be fun. He starts playing his bottom lip around on his boomerang. Got to be careful or he will cut himself. He pretends to keep lifting it up with his bottom lip like a child trying to lift a block with only a small fork.
Savant rolls his eyes. "You know that was the one you picked up s**t with, remember?"
Boomerang pauses. "Oh."
He pouts a little. This old guy is no fun.
"We're in a butcher's freezer, Harls," he said. "Surrounded by dead hogs hanging on hooks. Only they don't know it yet."
Harley giggles. "Leave him alone, Boomer."
Even though she can find fun in teasing on her new teammates, she doesn't want them to be too worried. That would make things too grim and sad. She is still invested in learning more about them.
"Just look at them," said Boomerang. "With all due respect, do you think any of them can fight well?"
There is a collective glare from some of them.
Flag isn't sitting with them, but he is hearing their conversations above from all the noise and turbulence outside the plane. For the last few minutes there has been nearly silence amongst the team, so it feels somewhat nice to at least hear any of them talking. Though, Boomerang could have been less of being a dick to the new guys.
Harley seems to have picked up his voice on that all of them have the same respect as the others.
"I think they have what it takes," said Harley. "Can't stay doubting for long! Unless they are party poopers. I mean, what did all of you do to get into trouble?"
There is silence amongst the team as none of them really want to speak up. However, Harley nudges Javelin to be the first and he decides to go up first.
"I got into prison for stabbing a cow in the ass," he said proudly.
"Ooh!" said Harley, a little disturbed and aroused. "Don't be this cruel."
"Don't worry. The cow is fine."
Harley turns to Mongal. The alien warrior looks away, but she can feel the crazy eyes staring at her. She groans as she gives Harley a glare. However, her predatory glare and menacing yellow eyes doesn't faze Harley. In fact, it just makes her more excited and grinning like a spoiled child. Harley just really likes dangerous women. Seeing Mongal really reminds her of the Birds of Prey.
Mongal sighs. "Threatening an official."
"Which official?" asked Boomerang.
"I threatened a senator during his dinner time while his wife pleaded for mercy and her kids recording this with their devices…and eating this snack called 'Mamee Noodle Snack'."
"T.D.K?" asked Boomerang.
T.D.K laughs. "I guess bodyguarding a nihilist towards people who use online dating isn't the best idea."
"Blackguard?" asked Harley.
"I accidentally set off a bomb I tried to sell at a black market," said Blackguard, embarassed.
"Weasel?" asked Boomerang.
Weasel chitters in response, tilting his head. He sneezes in Savant's direction, prompting the vigilante to lean back.
"Cover your nose, ill boy," grumbled Savant, feeling more tired than annoyed with Weasel.
"Leeeeet's come back to that later," said Harley before turning to Savant. "You?"
He rolls his eyes. "I got into an unfortunate encounter with Black Canary. I tried to fight back against her, but she ultimately won."
"Hey, I know Black Canary!" said Harley. "She is one of my best besties in the world! And has a killer voice in Gotham! She is the very one who encouraged me to choose my own choices rather than letting a man control me. She is even a great fighter and a really sweet bird once you get close to her."
"Well, she ain't gonna be a sweet bird the second I get out," growled Savant. "Once I'm down, I'm going to tear out her voice box."
"Oh, don't you dare." Harley turns to Boomerang with a smile. "See? I told you!"
Boomerang is about to protest, but seeing how they are picked for a reason, it might be worth a shot seeing how much use they are in the team.
There is silence for the next few seconds before Javelin starts speaking.
"What does T.D.K stand for?" he asked.
T.D.K didn't hear the whole question. "What?"
"Your name is T.D.K., correct?"
"...yeah."
"And it stands for what?"
T.D.K hesitates to answer. It is an embarrassing nickname. Could have been anything else, but he got stuck with it for the rest of his life.
"It stands for me," he said simply. "It's what a name is."
Javelin is really confused. "Your name is letters?"
"All names are letters, dickhead," grunted Boomerang.
Savant sighed, rolling his eyes. He nearly thinks of just jumping out of the place and swimming all his way to the beach already.
Harley takes the time to think and recall back to Javelin's accent. She doesn't remember which heritage he comes from, but hearing his smooth and dreamy voice is so…dashing. She turns around with a bright grin, opening her mouth. She stops for a moment thinking of what she wants to say to this new man, but she blurts it out.
"I love your accent," she said.
"American women all love accents," said Javelin with a smirk.
"We do!" said Harley, forgetting about her Brooklyn accent. "'Cause we don't got none."
Mongal shakes her head and rolls her eyes, noting the characteristic accent Harley carries around. This girl is just really out there.
Weasel suddenly retches as if he is doing a combination of doing a sneeze and coughing out phlegm. All eyes turn to the strange-looking creature as he coughs some more and his eyes bulge briefly. He keeps making these weird raspy noises before he shakes his head…and coughs some more. Blackguard, who is unfortunate to be near him, turns to everyone.
Blackguard is starting to consider if he is some kind of canine.
"Yo," he said. "Is this a dog?"
Boomerang takes a look at Blackguard. "What?"
Blackguard looks back at Weasel again. "Is-Is this thing a dog?"
There is silence for a while as Boomerang stares back at Blackguard and back at Weasel. Seeing how the hairy creature looks completely different to a normal weasel, he decides to engage in this new conversation.
"A-A dog?" repeated the Australian, smirking a little. "What…what kind of dog do you think it is, mate?"
"I don't know," said Blackguard, looking a little defensive. "I'm not familiar with all the breeds."
"I'm gonna go with Afghan Hound," remarked T.D.K with a dry smile.
Blackguard raised his eyebrow at Boomerang as if proud to make it a point.
Boomerang blinks, wondering how those two are really shallow-minded.
"Since when does an Afghan Hound have bloody thumbs?" he asked.
"Oh, my gosh, is it a werewolf?" chittered Harley, suddenly looking excited. "I've wanted to meet a werewolf foreva!"
However, this isn't the answer Blackguard wants to hear.
"YO, THEY SAT ME NEXT TO A WEREWOLF?!" he shrieks
Panicking, he tries to unbuckle his seatbelt that still refuses to budge. As Weasel turns his nuzzle near him, this freaks Blackguard out more than ever. He wants to get out of the plane RIGHT NOW. He is going to be killed by that werewolf from out of the missions they are supposed to go onto! He knew that this Weasel ferret meant nothing but trouble towards him with all the teeth and claws.
He fails to notice that all the occupants are watching him try to slink out of his seatbelt, getting into T.D.K's personal space as he tries to lean back from being accidentally kicked.
"That's not right," muttered T.D.K.
"YO! LET ME OUT!" shouted Blackguard. "I DO NOT F**K WITH WEREWOLVES!"
Harley squeals with glee and claps her hands together at the sight of seeing a werewolf for the first time. Both Mongal and Boomerang took amusement out of Blackguard's misunderstanding, laughing loudly. Savant could only stare at Blackguard, annoyed with how obnoxiously cowardly this guy is while Javelin just stares at Weasel. How could he even look like a werewolf?
Shaking his hand, Flag makes his presence known and joined in.
"Hey, hey!" he said, trying to calm everyone down. "He's not a werewolf, okay! He's a weasel. He's harmless."
Upon hearing him referring to him, Weasel turns his head to Flag and starts making these cute chittering noises.
"I mean, he's not harmless," corrected Flag himself. "He's killed 27 children, but, you know…we got him to…"
Just one look at Weasel, seeing him dancing around in his own world and making those awkward animalistic noises, Flag doesn't know if it is really true if Weasel actually killed children before. Or even intelligent enough to give consent to be in the mission at all.
"I think he's agreed to do this," he concludes.
This actually works to calm down Blackguard! The bleached mercenary slowly sits back down in his seat, still keeping an eye on Weasel. Everyone could just stare at Weasel once again, wondering if what Flag said is actually true.
Harley's smile disappeared. "Why did he kill children? That is so mean!"
"We're criminals," muttered Savant, looking really grim. "You know it's what we do."
"But it isn't really right though. That's a huge red flag."
"Still…" muttered Savant. Harley has a point, but they are all locked up and chosen for reasons.
"Whatever the case," said Flag, "Just everyone get into position to drop."
"Oh goody!" said Boomerang, a smile painted on his face. "We arrived!"
Everyone starts to unbuckle their seatbelts with T.D.K helping to unbuckle Blackguard's. Weasel starts screeching as he tries to jump upwards. Seeing him shake around makes Blackguard flinch once again, trying to keep his distance from the creature. Savant decides to help Weasel unbuckle his seatbelt despite Blackguard's protests.
Boomerang and Harley are more than happy to get out of the plane. They feel the plane suddenly stop moving forward and stay hovering in a spot. As all of them come close to dropping out of the plane through the back door, it opens to reveal the area they are dropping into.
It is already dark with the moon nearly being covered by the dark clouds. There is the faint outline of the nearby tropical island. Corto Maltese. The humid and warm air already hits them the second the doors open. However, what they didn't expect is that there is a large area of water below them. Dark blue water with small waves all around. They have to swim through it.
"Water?" said Boomerang. "Water?"
Harley hissed a little, shaking a little. Ever since her break-out from Belle Reve years ago, she makes sure to take swimming lessons. However, she is scared of dropping into the sea to swim. It reminds her too much of Joker leaving her to Batman.
T.D.K sees how nervous Harley quickly becomes before turning to Flag.
"Why are we dropping right here?" he asks.
"We can't drop on the island," said Flag. "We can't really make our presence known, so we have to dive in first."
"Hope all of you can swim!" said Javelin merrily. "I can!"
In an attempt to show off, Javelin takes three steps back before running and doing a somersault. Falling down towards the sea below, he does a few flips before getting into the dive pose and landing in the sea. After a while, he pops his head up and gives everyone the thumbs-up.
Blackguard rolls his eyes before he simply drops into the ocean. He knows that he has at least five sets of gear attached to his body, but he is a strong man. He can swim around in the water and his combat jacket can help him float. The second he drops into the sea and pops his head above the waves, he couldn't help but notice that the ocean is…
"So warm!" he said to Javelin nearby. "I can't believe how hot this water is!"
"It's summer time around here, my friend," said Javelin. "When it gets to this season, expect it to be this hot. Even in the waters."
Savant is the next one in with his black goggles on, wordlessly diving in with putting his hands over his head so that he wouldn't hurt himself accidentally when splashing in. Once in, he notes that his hair is flying all over the place inside the sea. He kicks his legs a little as he peeks his head up.
He looks up to see Boomerang and Harley diving in with the latter managing to get over her fear and letting out an excited cheer. The two oldest members pop their heads up in the water, but it took Boomerang the longest since he tried to collect his beanie from floating away.
"F***ing hell!" growled Boomerang. "Can't we just use the plane to fly over to Jotunheim?"
"That would be much quicker," agreed Harley as she held on tightly to her duffle bag.
"Flag told us," mumbled Savant. "No complaining."
"Well, water is going to make my clothes really heavy to drag along," said Boomerang. "And it ruins Harley's makeup."
T.D.K and Mongal are the next two to go in.
"Ladies first?" asked T.D.K, bowing politely.
Mongal stares at him. "Just go in, oaf."
"Alright then."
The two of them dive right into the water. Both of them don't seem to be the fussiest about dropping into the ocean instead of being on land. As they regroup with the others, Javelin swims all the way to T.D.K.
"You know that you can just tell me your name," said Javelin.
T.D.K shakes his head. "No, man. Not now please."
There is an awful shriek coming from above and Savant is the first to notice Weasel, after being given an encouraging push by Flag, screaming as he falls towards the water. Flailing his arms and legs around before landing into the hot ocean with a belly flop. He doesn't resurface for the next few seconds.
Everyone becomes quiet.
Weasel pops his head up from the water, flailing around to try to keep up. Every time he manages to lift his head upwards, he lets out comically squawks of struggle. He is like a turtle who just fell on its back and is trying to lift itself up. Everyone just watches, wondering if this is all a trick. But after seeing Weasel going under for the fifth time, it is no trick.
Weasel don't know how to swim.
Boomerang turns to Harley with a shake of his head.
"We are not going to make it," he said.
"What? No," laughs Harley. "I think he isn't going to make it."
"I told you we are in a freezer of dead hogs."
Flag could only stare in shock as Weasel struggles to keep himself afloat. Growling to himself, he pressed his com to make sure everyone could hear him.
"Did anyone check on whether Weasel could swim?!" he yelled.
Back at the communication hub, everyone watches in silence as Weasel flails around in the water. They have the satellites to check on the team with the vitals on them to track them down. The team hasn't made it to the beach yet and Weasel is the first to get the drop. There is no word needed to be said as they watched Weasel slowly start to drown and sputter a lot of water from his mouth.
Waller slowly gives a disappointed look to Economos on the computer. She trusted him to pick up the fittest criminals ready to take on this mission. She expects them to die, but she doesn't need a lot of dead weight! After hearing him bet on Weasel to die, she realizes how easily wasted this team can be.
Economos stares back at her with a face that just screams 'what?!'
"I thought you checked on if all the members of Team 1 can swim," said Waller.
"Sorry," lied Economos, trying to sound sheepish. "I asked him, he nodded and made a whine sound and I thought he said yes."
Moone - from her desk - stares at Economos, unable to chew him out. Between looking at the disgusting-looking weasel and the situation of one team member dying really easily, it is hard for her to decide if this is the right thing or not.
Probably for the worst.
Harcourt places a hand over her forehead. This is NOT how she wants Weasel to die. That is just an easy kill, so it comes across as an embarrassing and easy bet.
Crawley presses on her communication set. "Task Force X. Please help the Weasel. We need everyone to get to the beach safely."
Harley has already refused to save Weasel since she isn't happy that it killed several children before. Boomerang just makes some sort of lame excuse that he doesn't want trimmed hair all over his new gear despite being wet.
"Who's gonna get him out?" asked T.D.K as Flag dived in.
"You do it," said Javelin, turning to Mongal.
Mongal rolled her eyes as she turned to Blackguard. "You do it."
"No way!" said Blackguard. "That thing scares the f*** out of me!" He turns to T.D.K. "You do it!"
Savant rolls his eyes at the squabbling before he dives into the water to save the drowning Weasel. He can't just let him die in there. That would be cruel for Weasel.
So much for a good start.
AN: I feel like I keep repeating a lot of things too much in this story.
I love writing the interactions between Javelin and Mongal. They aren't going to be a couple, but I see they have this sibling dynamic; the annoying, dashing brother and the grumpy, strong sister. Also, I used Javelin's ab-lib lines in the blooper gag when he talks with Harley since I think they should be included. Him being played by Flula Borg, said to be the funniest guy on set, should have more credit in the movie.
Peacemaker's comment about his outfit is another reference to his titled TV show. His recommendation to Bloodsport to go shower is another line that didn't make it to the final cut from one of the behind the scenes videos.
Ratcatcher II sleeping will be a running gag throughout the movie.
I think I might have wrote too much on Team 1. I can't help it. They are fun to write about. And as you know, in the next chapter, this is when the action will start...but except, there is a twist. Spoilers alert! It is already said in the summary.
Thanks for reading this chapter! This story is still in-progress, so be ready for more updates. If you enjoy this story, be sure to follow or favorite this story, so you can get updates about this story. Make sure to review this chapter on what you think about this chapter. I'm OK of hearing improvements from you (please no flames).
Until next time, keep on rocking!