AN: Writing Sol Soria and Savant (and Weasel) is so much fun!

Chapter 7 - The Making of a Rebel

Sol Soria is always known by her friends to be the aggressive and tough one, ready to fight. She is resilient, ruthless and determined. She goes by her own moral code, already dismayed by the many deaths of her friends and family caused by the Corto Maltese government. She finds herself unable to remain always optimistic since this is reality she has to face. The dirty lies, corruption and iron fist that scare her people.

But she is still human. She isn't jaded yet. With so many people on her side and her helping and caring for their needs, she feels like a mother to them. She longs to make new friends since she often misses the good old days where she got to hang out with friends at a bar or at a restaurant. Get their families to meet each other. Two American soldiers - well, one a soldier and one a vigilante - and a weird-looking…ferret…made some new company.

Corto Maltese don't always have visitors around.

Last Night, I...no, no, no. This story would get banned...anyway!

Flag growled to himself as he tried to turn on his communication device. It was already fizzling out due to the connection becoming lost in the midst of the fight. Logically, running through the thick jungle where you could trip easily was an easy reason why you couldn't concentrate on even looking at your own phone.

Savant just followed along with no question, looking back in case any of the soldiers were following them. He had to admit, he was REALLY afraid and he would have run off if all of his team members were pulverized. It was fortunate that the soldiers seemed to be focusing on how many people they lost and the huge explosion that orange idiot freak caused. He would have run faster if it wasn't for his hands full, but Weasel wasn't too heavy, surprisingly.

Flag suddenly tripped over and stumbled down a drop, though he got back onto his feet. Seeing this, Savant just jumped and landed right next to him.

"Anyone," called Flag, repeatedly pressing his comms. "Can you hear me? Harley? Boomerang?"

"It's no use," said Savant, shaking his head. "They're dead weight."

Flag shook his head. "We…we nearly got f**ked by those soldiers. All of us could have been killed. If so, we wouldn't have seen most of them retreating into the other side of the forest."

Savant scoffed. Flag had a point, but what they were sending in were inexperienced soldiers. And with everyone having so many strengths, quirks and weaknesses, it provided a recipe for disaster. This wasn't the black-ops team he thought he would be placed in.

"This is like a war, Flag," reminded Savant. "Nobody really got ready for it and neither did I."

Flag sighed. "Well, it's just…"

There was rustling in the bushes and several people appeared, clicking their guns and rifles at them. They got them surrounded, making sure that they didn't escape. Strangely, they looked like they came from a jungle camp due to their shredded clothing and lack of protective gear. It didn't remove the fact that their scruffy hair and dirty faces appear to be a warning for death.

Savant accidentally dropped Weasel in a moment of shock. As soon as he hit the floor, the latter woke up. He coughed and yawned before noticing how many people armed with guns were aiming at him.

He shrieked and sprung upwards, leaping into Savant's arms.

"You don't have to act like a baby," grunted Savant before seeing one man pulling out a blood stained knife. "Well, to be fair, it's a good time to be afraid, but you're making yourself an easy target…"

Flag could only raise his hands up slowly in surrender. Savant wanted to do the same, but he held onto Weasel as the creature shook.

Coming from the huge wave of enemies, their leader Sol Soria slowly approached the two men, pointing her gun at them. Through the dark, she tried to see if those guys came from the Corto Maltese Army. However, they looked completely different. Both were Cascusian and didn't wear the traditional uniform of the country's military. Neither of them looked like they came from any army at all with one of them wearing a vibrant red uniform. The strange gagging creature in the white-haired man's hands looked like it came all the way from Africa.

"That's one strange meerkat," muttered a woman.

Soria slowly approached the two men, daring not to blink.

"¿Quién es usted?" she asked.

('¿Quién es usted?' means 'who are you?' in Spanish)

"Huh?" said Savant.

Flag was silent for a moment. While he wasn't good at speaking in other languages, he understood Spanish. Should they reveal themselves who they are or run?

Soria asked again. "¿Quién es usted?"

Flag swallowed.

"What are you saying?" asked Savant, not savvy in Spanish before.

Soria blinked. "Ahem. Who are you two?"

There seemed to be no way out of this.

"I'm C-Colonel Rick Flag," stammered Flag. "Next to me is Savant and Weasel."

Weasel turned his head to him, squawking as if asking if they could already go back to Belle Reve.

"Are they Americans?" asked one man. "They have that accent."

"Don't be that stereotypical," muttered one woman.

"Are they from the army?" said another.

"Are they intruders?" worried another behind the two.

"Who are you working for?" asked Soria.

"Classified," said Flag. "But we are working to take down the Jotunheim science lab since what they are holding there could bring harm to the world."

Soria got interested, lowering her gun. "You're…trying to take down Jotunheim?"

"We were meant to destroy all traits of Project Starfish," said Savant. "We haven't got any specific details of what to destroy, but we are planning to take down the entire tower."

"I know that we can't be trusted," said Flag. "But we've heard about Luna and Suarez taking over the government and if they have Project Starfish in their hands, then it could hurt a lot of people."

Soria nodded slowly. She looked back where she could see fire burning in the distance and smoke. If those two were the ones who got attacked by the Corto Maltese Army, then they must be here for Jotunheim. She tried to remember and search for any hints of suspicion, but there didn't seem to be any. The red-cladded vigilante sounded exhausted as well.

The rebels turned around when they could hear yelling far from them.

"They're here," said Soria, turning back to Flag, Savant and Weasel. "Caballeros. Come with us. We got things to ask about you two."

('Caballeros' means 'gentlemen' in Spanish)

Savant thought of just running on their own, but there didn't seem to be a safe place for them to hide at. With the army after them, it would be a matter of time before they spot them in the jungle. And they didn't really have an advantage against their weapons, especially the battle helicopter before. Without a moment of hesitation, Flag and Savant, while carrying the whimpering Weasel, followed after the rebels.

Arriving at the rebel's camping grounds wasn't eventful. As soon as they arrived, Flag told Savant to lower his guard and not attack any of the rebels. They placed some bandages to cover up any injuries on them with one rebel offering to check on Weasel. Weasel was frightened and timid, but after one rebel slowly greeted himself, he immediately trusted him. He had a nice hair-dry which ended up making him look like a puffy bird. At least he didn't look worse than ever.

As soon as the trio were patched up and placed into comfortable clothes, and after Flag's failed attempt at calling the rest of the squad, they were sent over to the main hut where Soria was waiting for them.

Opening the curtains, Flag took the time to look around. It wasn't really the best resting place, but it was better than nothing and he had his experience with camping in the worst places. This hut looked like something from a small hawker store, narrow but homey. There were dart boards decorating the entire place with pictures and notes referring to what the Corto Maltese government was up to. There were several light bulbs on the ceiling, glowing in warm lighting. It reminded him of the warm sunshine he and Moone were bathed in when they arrived at Belle Reve.

Flag suddenly felt homesick. It had been only a night on the island and he was already missing Moone. With all the time he got to spend with her, he wanted to know if she was doing alright. See if she was handling Waller well, knowing that she was still afraid of her. Flag reminded himself to try to fix his comms again so that he could hear her voice.

"Caballeros," said Soria, sitting at the table. "Take your seat."

Flag and Savant did so with the latter scanning around to make sure that they wouldn't be killed. Weasel tilted his head, chittering in a bit of confusion. He looked down at the empty chair next to him.

"Weasel," said Savant slowly. "Chair. Sit."

He demonstrated by pulling his chair out and slowly sitting on it.

"There. Can you copy me?"

Weasel was singled-minded however.

He dropped down and joyfully gnawed on the wooden leg of his supposed chair.

Savant rolled his eyes, a little annoyed. Flag smirked a little. Soria chuckled, taking interest in this strange creature.

"Who is this walrus?" asked Soria.

"He's a weasel actually," explained Flag. "Used to be human and turned into one."

"Really?"

"No comment," muttered Savant.

"He doesn't look too bad," said Soria. "The world is really growing, you know with all the mysterious threats and entities." She chuckled to herself. "I used to believe that these kinds of animals are really powerful creatures sent to look through this world, dominate it or live among humans. I once believed that there were alebrijes in the world, the tale shared by our ally Mexico. I often try to find them and I was tricked one day into thinking there was one when it turned out to be only a dog coated in multicolor paint. Though, it did the strangest thing that made me think I was dreaming."

Flag grinned, finding this interesting and funny. "What did it do? Do a flip?"

"It saw a bird, bent down and went FLYING towards it!" said Soria with a grin, chuckling to herself.

"Well, why wouldn't I believe that?" said Savant.

"You're telling me," said Soria. "I think it was my imagination actually because in the end, there were no news reports or the dog being contained. But then again, you would never know that the strangest creature could have the highest powers and strongest abilities in the world."

Savant snorted. "Ya think so?

"I believed that when the Man of Steel saved thousands," said Soria. "That is when I thought there might be more than meets the eye of…"

"Weasel," helped Flag.

"Yeah, him."

Weasel was already chewing and choking on his own leg.

"Or he's just a normal weasel," commented Soria understandably.

Flag cleared his throat. "I see that…you have questions."

"Well, one, who exactly sent you over here? You're from America, right? Then…state your organization."

Flag shook his head. "Classified. The American Government does not allow it to be known in the public eye. But we are a black-ops team. We got mercenaries and comrades who volunteered to help us take on deadly missions that are highly confidential to the world."

Soria nodded. So this wasn't exactly a squad from the military and this was more like spies. Working under the American Government, but at least there wasn't an invasion attack by the Americans. The older guy named Savant didn't look like he came from a black-ops team however. In fact, she remembered hearing his alias and seeing his outfit somewhere before…

"I recognized you before from the newspapers," said Soria. "You're Savant, aren't you?"

Savant looked away. "What about it?"

"Why are you helping out on this team?"

"I'd rather do something else, but I'm only here to help reduce my…" Savant glanced at Flag as if asking him if he should tell the truth. Flag just shrugged tiredly. "...prison sentence."

Soria thought about it. "A convicted vigilante helping out to clear his alleged crimes. That is fair and reasonable community service."

"It ain't a pick-up-trash janitor job, missy."

Flag chuckled, turning to Soria. "Sorry, I don't think he's in a good mood."

"Well, sure I'm not!" grumbled Savant. "We arrived on the beach, but one of our teammates tried to betray us! That led to the bloody battle which was why the Corto Maltese army moved over to where we were at."

"Who was on your team?" asked Soria. "Where are they?"

"A bunch of convicted criminals were given the same opportunity to help out," said Flag. "Some of them did so to reduce their prison sentence. Some just for fun. Some just wanted to help. Though, we have Weasel, a metahuman with an…" He paused as the memory of T.D.K detaching his arms popped in mind. "…odd power and an alien warrior."

Soria turned back to Weasel who was now taking comfort on a red blanket. It used to be for a dog, but it passed away unfortunately. It was strangely cute seeing Weasel stretching on his back, opening his jagged jaw in a yawn. He then spotted a chewing boy and started biting on it.

"Interesting bunch," she said, smiling.

"We all got separated," said Savant bluntly. "I think some of them died out there."

Soria had a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry to hear this."

"It's fine," said Flag. "I've been through worse. But knowing them…they would survive."

Soria took a sip from her tea. "About Jotunheim, you're going there to destroy it?

"We've heard about the brutal execution of the Herrera family and Luna rising to power. While our country isn't an ally with Corto Maltese, our intelligence told us about the potential danger of your current government using Project Starfish."

Soria sat up, looking hopeful. "Wait a minute…are you helping us with taking down Luna and Suarez?"

"Too bad, lady," said Savant. "We're not going to be helping you. It wasn't really our mission."

Soria's face drooped. "I-I see then."

Flag looked embarrassed before pointing out, "Well, but even though it's not directly, it's possible by weakening Project Starfish, it would be one way of stopping Luna and his coup from doing any more damage and withholding power. If there is anything, we can-"

"No need," said Soria politely. "Sorry, I…if there is something you need to do, as long as you don't involve any of the innocent civilians of my country, then I won't stop you. I don't want to be a burden."

Flag thought for a while. "Did Luna do something to you?"

Soria looked down. She didn't really enjoy sharing this since it felt like it happened yesterday. She couldn't really forget. The pleading cries of her husband and him being taken away. Getting him to be f**king slit by his throat and dropping down onto the floor in a pool of blood. She didn't see what else happened to her family, but she could only hear the noises. The GURGLING of choking blood that continued in her mind. A shocking sensation from an older memory.

Unforgivable.

"Luna and Suarez murdered my entire family," said Soria, trying to keep her voice level. "I would make a deal with the Devil to stop them. Not just that, but to end the tyrannic power the government held onto for years. I even…got myself mixed with Project Starfish."

Flag was surprised. "You do?"

"You heard about the Thinker, right? I used to be an experiment subject to him. I…don't exactly remember the procedure, but…it changed my life forever. And it changed my family's."

Was she actually…tested on?

"How?" asked Savant.

"Let's just say…my father tried to hold justice against Grieves and…he became a guinea pig." Soria paused for a while to regain her composure. "I never got the chance to save him because all we know was that he rotted there. We would have continued pleading with the Herrera family, but when Luna took over, it…all turned ugly."

Savant could only nod. "Not going to lie. That sounds hard when people keep taking you down."

"It is frustrating. Leaders are more worried about power. Their approval by the public. They…are willing to make a lot of sacrifices instead of the people they lead. They never really understand the burden of leadership."

"With you being the leader, do you plan on taking over the government, Miss Future Prom Queen?"

Flag chuckled a little and so did Soria. Soria didn't really imagine herself as a princess. That was too fancy for her taste.

"I'm not really president material," she said. "I don't have experience. But, I have friends who have lawyer, military and political degrees. We plan to topple the government and start electing our representatives. It's risky for whoever takes the power grab, but…people are starting to trust the Resistance to take care of the job. They want to make our country a better place."

"I hope that there is some way we can help," said Flag.

Soria smiled gratefully. "You don't have to. It's alright. We can take this."

"I mean, let me think about it for a while. I'll tell you if I have a plan when we leave tomorrow."

Soria took another look at Savant. The resistance leader could see the scars riddles across his face. His hair grew longer than one would keep. He looked burnt out, fatigued and dour. Despite the rumors of this man, he didn't appear as frightening as she thought he would be.

"I…never really get to ask this in a lifetime," said Soria, sounding nervous. "But Savant, I like to ask you something."

The vigilante huffed. "There is nothing you need to know about me, lady. It's none of your business."

"Savant, I think we should be respectful towards Soria and her rebels. She helped us." Flag could see Savant's point, but it should be best not to press on their rescuers.

"Who cares?" snarled Savant. "Remember what blondie said? It's every man for himself. You either try to live your life as unstoppable or as a pushover."

"Savant…"

"Wait…" said Soria, feeling guilty. "I know we just met, but…even though criminals and vigilantes in the States are known to be menaces and monsters…" She paused, wondering if she was making Savant uncomfortable. "…I sometimes look at the world and question, why would they do that? If it is due to us being…weak, then…why?"

Savant raised an eyebrow. "Are you interrogating me?"

"I don't know," said Soria.

"I've been wondering as well," said Flag in concern. "Past members of Task Force X have their own dark pasts. Harley is one. She never had a good love life. That is how she turned to crime. I think with the rest of the team, they have their own reasons."

"I tried to be a vigilante," answered Savant coldly.

The hut fell silent. Even Weasel stopped wiggling around to listen. Savant's stoic face remained but it didn't look like he was annoyed or angry. He looked resigned, tired and sad. Seeing him shifting his eyes to his boots revealed to one that he actually didn't like how he brought himself up. He felt that if he was given a chance to remember back, then he might as well before his death wish.

"When I moved over to Gotham, I tried to be one," he explained. "I grew up in a wealthy family, rich, spoiled and very fortunate. Though, it doesn't really pay to get friends. So, I thought 'hey, why not just be a vigilante and maybe people can admire me for once'." He laughed weakly. "However, the Batman told me that I 'never care about protecting the people' and people grew sour around me, so…I became what they think. I turned my business into a blackmarket operation, robbed every criminal gang in Gotham and then the Birds of Prey caught me, so…now I'm here."

Both Flag and Soria didn't know what to think about this. This guy must have REALLY tried to be a hero, but it seemed that his implied brutality and crimes of vigilantism weren't nice to him. He was stuck; he chose to be what people think of him. While people might have a point that he didn't seem worried about hurting innocents, Savant was just a misguided man in understanding what was the right thing to achieve.

"Poor you," whispered Soria. "I'm sorry."

"Forget it," said Savant, putting the sob story behind. "It's not like you have to go to prison."

Flag put the jigsaw pieces together and saw what he meant. "Savant, I can see what you mean by there."

"No, you people don't really understand," growled Savant, standing up. "Assholes all around believing that they have the upper hand. No matter if time passes by, they continue to haunt us. They hate us. They are against us." He pointed a finger at the colonel. "Admit it, Flag. You're trapped as well."

Flag frowned, nodding. "I'm not above those assholes." He looked over at Weasel and with a gentle smile, that got the creature to be chittering happily at his warming appearance. "But I'm trying to learn how to be a good person. We've all fallen into the same trap with the wrong crowd. The wrong choices." He turned back to Savant. "And you in prison, it didn't serve you well with understanding what is right or wrong."

"It's every man for themselves," repeated Savant.

"Why do you think Task Force X became much better? Why do you think Boomerang and Harley are just having fun being on this team? And look at them, they even got concerned about each other when our arrival went sideways. Most of our teammates try to look out for each other's backs eventually. I would have doubted it if you didn't save Weasel."

Savant rolled his eyes. "That's nothing. I was just making sure that none of our heads would be blown to bits. And I thought it would be fun to continue to scare the living daylights out of Blackguard."

Flag chuckled a little. He imagined Blackguard freaking out every time Weasel did something feral. It would be amusing seeing him whine about bringing the creature along.

"For the ones who have a working heart," said Soria. "It's the human instinct to help each other."

"Bah. That doesn't always happen." Savant thought about it before thinking this might be true. "But…sometimes, I wonder why we keep being…alright to each other. We can't kill each other, but nobody really looks like they want to do so."

Flag nodded. He remembered back again to how he treated Task Force X. No longer monsters, but his team. His team. They proved to be amicable people he could turn to. A lot of trust needed, but being in the squad, it felt like home. It felt like somewhere he could belong. And the criminals hired weren't always as bad as he thought them to be.

Savant became an example; he wasn't outright mean and he was just cold. But there was something worth noting about him saving Weasel's life.

"I'm not really the best guy," said Flag. "I…never really been supportive to the first team years ago. However, I want to help those in Belle Reve. It's not a really good place, but I'm hoping in some way, Task Force X can help redeem those who join. What you did was wrong; Batman must be right about being careful with who you have to care about. Aggressiveness and violence and greediness are not the ways to go. However, if you can help me with protecting the people and understanding what the red lights are, then people might like you more."

Savant blinked. "It's not really easy to change."

"Maybe so, but more understanding. Whatever you need, I'm with you."

Savant could only stare at his companions in wonder. Flag, here, being so understanding and patient. Soria was curious like a child; despite looking rather ruffled, that didn't remove the heart he would never have. And even Weasel, he looked sorry for Savant, whimpering in sympathy. The vigilante sighed, standing up.

"I need some time," he said.

Nobody protested as he went out.

Savant was grateful that it was already late at night since everybody might be asleep at the moment. This night wasn't what he thought it would be. Even after a high-adrenaline attack on the beach, they barely survived and all their stress levels reduced upon being sheltered by the rebels. And on a team of kooky criminals, Savant shouldn't have expected anything at all.

He even didn't expect that the colonel was friendly and willing to be…intimate. Wait, that might not be the word. But Flag was much warmer towards him than the other dickheads back at prison. While there were a few guards who did treat the inmates at Belle Reve with decent respect, one wouldn't really dare to bond with any of them.

Soria got into the act of asking out of curiosity. Did she need to know his excuse of being a criminal?

But there was something nice about the team looking out for each other despite his unfashionable reputation. Not many people would want to hang around with the worst criminals and vigilantes ever known. However, Flag sympathized with him. He understood by listening carefully. Even if both of them were different. Seeing how he made sure that the team stayed together, he must have wanted the best for everyone.

He had a good point as well when it came to being a vigilante. Maybe he was right, but that didn't mean the end of the road for Savant.

He got out from his lonely thoughts when he heard a familiar chittering.

Weasel.

He was slinking towards him with his hands together, like how an actual meerkat would. Savant looked back at the hut to see Flag watching Weasel carefully. The anthropomorphic weasel chittered, bending nearly at the front to look like he had back pain. He saw Savant, chirping happily as he waddled towards him.

Weasel - in a sign of affection - started nuzzling his head into Savant's. The vigilante took a step back, unsure if he should be cautious or generous. Hopefully it wasn't a sign of making him his prey. Maybe this was in repayment for saving him from drowning. Savant looked up, seeing Flag shrugging.

If this was their last mission, then he might as well make the best of it. Even though he didn't want to smile, Savant could only awkwardly pat on Weasel's head, feeling him pur. He muttered that he was OK and Weasel bobbed his head up and down in response. The vigilante couldn't help but smile to himself.

"Blackguard is f**king right," he muttered. "You ARE a dog."

Savant and Weasel were eventually called back to the hut since Soria already got dinner for them. Just a bowl of fresh and warm bread buns, but at least it was something to help fill them up. Besides, they have coffee and fruits they could eat later.

"Sorry," said Soria as she placed the bowl down. "It's…all we have for tonight. More stocks should be coming in soon."

It was a risky task as her rebels would need to get into the city to buy food for their starving companions. Since the government has their identities, they would need to be careful or they might fail the mission.

Flag and Savant took only two buns each, but a panting Weasel looked like he wanted more than that.

"How many do you want?" asked Soria, tossing one bread roll.

Weasel caught it using his mouth, biting it through with his teeth. He swallowed it, panting.

Flag smiled at this. He heard that Weasel had a strong taste of meat and blood, but it seemed that he could eat anything. Hopefully he wouldn't get food poisoning since they were in a different country and they might not adapt to the ingredients used.

He picked up one. "Go get it, boy!"

Weasel tried to catch it, but it went over his head and bounced around on the wooden floor. It didn't stop him from eating it.

Savant picked up another bread roll. Maybe he should give Weasel a challenge. Remember, they were in a hostile island that could kill them with their bullets, bombs and other kinds of weapons known to humankind. It might kill Weasel since he could turn anything into a deadly weapon. Just ask the canary that was probably rotting away back at Belle Reve or in the garbage bin. It would also be interesting to see if he could use the bread roll as a bouncing ball since its texture didn't feel like a regular bread roll back home.

Without even looking, he threw the bread roll at the wall and watched it bounce around. It hit every single standing markboard without tipping them over, well except the one that wasn't standing properly and crashed to the floor. It then bounced off the light bulb and Weasel jumped hungrily, shrieking in excitement. Though it was more like him using his chest since the bread roll bounced off him and zipped below.

Looking downwards, Savant was surprised to see the bread roll bouncing up and down between the table and the floor. It hit Soria on the foot, then at Flag's chair leg. It went flying to him, right in the…

PSSH!

Groin. Hardly.

But Savant was already used to that. Several inmates often like to bully others through kicking or squeezing each other's dicks. Childplay.

He puckered his lips together, mocking being in pain.

Flag and Soria chuckled. Flag was surprised by Savant's sudden sense of humor.

"Here you go, Weasel," said the vigilante, tossing the bread bun at Weasel to feed on.

Soria, Savant and Flag continued talking for the night about a few random things, including different types of guns they collected and their own experiences with taking on military-level missions. They eventually took some sleep, but by the end of it, it felt as if battling with the Corto Maltese Army earlier was just a month ago. Seeing two misfits, Savant and Weasel, being on a black-ops team with Flag, Soria could see a little with how this team could work.

Flag promised that he would think of something that could aid the rebels, so she held onto that.

But now, Soria finds herself smelling the pleasantly nice afternoon air.

So pleasant.

In a bloody scene.

The heat has already come back and it gets worse since there would be bugs around. The smell of the rotting corpses all around in the camp doesn't really help. It became much harder when all she could hear was the sound of flies buzzing all over the place. A day in the office, but this is probably the WORST she ever went through with losing a fraction of her team.

After her lengthy tirade to Flag that could send him tto sleep, she is now trying to recollect her thoughts and breath. She tries to put herself in a quiet place, but the flies around are just annoying her.

Flag stands right next to him, looking really annoyed and disgusted by Bloodsport's team killing a camp of rebels.

Savant and Weasel watch, sitting at the stairs. The vigilante is shaking his head. Maybe this team is much stupider, but he can't deny that their outfits are thankfully more sensible…in a way excluding the distracting colors of Polka-Dot Man and Peacemaker. And of course, deadly and silent due to how much they wiped out in the span of minutes.

A little clueless about all of this, Weasel wanders off to take a look at the mounting pile of corpses that are being picked up by the rebels who managed to survive.

And boy, they don't look really happy.

Most of them - a HUGE number of them to be exact - are grumbling or moaning due to the rat bites they've been given. Several of them were traumatized with the rats nearly getting through their mouths or butts.

Bloodsport has his helmet on, wanting to see what Soria might do, but doesn't want to show his sudden anxiousness. He is a contract killer, though killing off a bunch of people who didn't try to do anything with Flag makes it pointless.

Peacemaker watches on, feeling awkward as well.

Ratcatcher II and Polka-Dot Man are looking down at the ground instead of exchanging eye contact with the livid Soria. They feel guilty for actually hurting a bunch of innocent rebels.

King Shark, clueless as Weasel but more invested, watches Soria berating Flag.

"Typical Americans," muttered Soria. "Just run in…guns blazing!"

She turned to the resigned Flag with a pissed look.

"I know, this is messed up," said Flag. "These guys, they're…"

Peacemaker tries to reach out to one of Bloodsport's weapons in his armor, but he slaps him away.

"They're f**king idiots," said Flag, shaking his head. "But right now our objectives align with yours."

Soria just sighed and averted her eyes.

"Let me recap all I thought up from this morning," said Flag. "If Jotunheim contains the technology our intelligence says it does, then it could be used on the people of Corto Maltese as well as Americans. That's why we need your help to get into the city so we can stop them."

But Soria wasn't listening.

"Is that rat waving at me?" she said.

Flag looked behind, seeing Sebastian waving. He waved cheerfully while Ratcatcher II looked down, depressed.

"It appears it is," said Flag.

"Why?" said Soria.

"I'm gonna guess because it's friendly."

Now Soria is more confused than ever. This is really getting ridiculous.

"Are you sure that Task Force X is a military-level unit?" she asked.

"I know we don't look like that much, but it is filled with experienced fighters, war veterans and some of the most dangerous criminals in the world." Flag was instantly proven wrong. "Weasel, drop that."

Weasel was already biting on the hand of a dead corpse. He stood up, facing in Flag's direction. He whined in disappointment, dropping the arm from his mouth.

"You know that you could just eat him," said Peacemaker, trying to be helpful. "He is already dead, so it's no harm."

"No," said Savant straightforwardly.

Soria stares at the situation. A good number of her rebels dropped, but there are still others that would help. She has to remind herself to make a funeral for those who died today. However, with the clock ticking down on when Project Starfish is unleashed to the world and Luna's coup planning on how they can take down all of America, it looks like there is no other choice to make this easy. And it seems that this team realized what they did.

Ratcatcher II winces a little as she hears Soria coming towards her. She braces herself for her ears to be damaged since she knows that she is partly responsible for the massacre. She feels foolish in believing that the rebels are their enemy and she wishes that she could just ask first. That isn't like her. She wouldn't want to hurt people unless she can confirm they are her current enemies. Sebastian continues waving, a bit oblivious to his partner's discomfort.

However, upon seeing that Ratcatcher II looks too young to be a soldier, Soria decides to give her some slack.

"Your people will have our help getting to Jotunheim," said Soria. "What you did is unacceptable, but I would make a deal with the devil to stop Luna and Suarez."

Ratcatcher II lifts her head up. "What?"

"You want to take down Project Starfish right? Well, what you are doing, it would also help my people."

"Hey, erm, lady," said Bloodsport honestly. "We are not really helping you."

"But by cutting it down, it would weaken Luna and Suarez. This gives my country one last chance to overthrow them. Besides, I have a score to settle with Gaius Grieves."

Ratcatcher II nods. "You…have history with him?"

"I do," said Soria before reaching out her hand. "So, if we want to take him down, then we should call for a truce. You want to make sure nobody is going to hunt you down, then we'll help you blend in without being found. Call it as a repayment for how many bodies you dropped around." She raised an eyebrow. "Do we have a deal?"

Bloodsport looks indifferent, stepping away. Peacemaker is neutral, not really interested in conversing with outside parties of his team. Polka-Dot Man and Ratcatcher II share glances with each other, deciding if this can help redeem themselves. Flag gives them a nod of approval, encouraging them to do so.

Ratcatcher II turns to Sebastian. "What do you say, Sebastian?"

The rat smiled and gently placed his hand onto Soria's finger. While weirded out and surprised, the resistance leader smiled and sweetly shook his hand gently. Ratcatcher II grinned, finally happy that SOMEONE is able to shake Sebastian's hand for once.

King Shark reached out his hand as well. "Friend?"

Soria stares at him, a little confused with the giant talking shark. However, she just shrugs and shakes his hand.

"Don't eat people next time immediately," she advised firmly. "If you think they really deserve it, then do so. Be aware of what they do before jumping to conclusions."

King Shark nodded, smiling at this. Ratcatcher II grins at this. This is what she meant by teaching him kindness!

"What do you have in association with Project Starfish?" asked Bloodsport.

"I…don't think I would explain everything," said Soria. "I was involved in it, but against my will. My family tried to bring justice against Grieves, but it didn't turn out since his work was trusted by the Herrera family. About time we gave him his compensation."

"Do you think that he will negotiate with Luna and Suarez?"

"Most likely so. The Thinker never gets caught with anything."

Yeah, about that…

AN: I felt that Sol Soria is another wasted character because she has an interested character and I really wished that she took part of the action with the Suicide Squad. And I was hoping that she get a reference more than a name of Juan Soria. However, I will try to make her a bit more aligned to the comics character while expanding her personality in the movie.

Soria admiring Weasel takes inspirations from a scene in Coco.

I wasn't sure if I write Savant in the right way. To make it parallel to the comics, I included his background with his vigilantism. I decided to keep it brief, but put in how he feels about it. There is something sad about him turning to blackmail after his failed attempts as a hero doesn't work out for him. I know this is Out of Character, but Savant shows that he has some morals after saving Weasel. So, I'm exploring this and getting him to open up to Flag and Soria.

Weasel hugging Savant is one of the best scenes. I will give (imaginary) 10 bucks to anyone who draw it.

Savant getting hit in the nuts is actually another reference to the blooper gag of the movie!

I was a little disappointed that Ratcatcher II does not get to talk with the female characters. That is a little cheap since I want to see how she talks with other women instead of being with the boys. I imagine Soria being a serious but reasonable aunt to Ratcatcher II being a kind and nervous niece.

What do you think Soria went through in Grieves' experiments? If you have a guess on the experiments she got, bet in the reviews.

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). Please don't be nervous in revealing your thoughts about this as I would like to hear.

Until next time, keep on rocking!