NOTE: THIS STORY MAY CHANGE RATING FROM 'T' TO 'M' IF THE STORY ENDS UP MORE EXPLICIT. WELL, THE MOVIE IS R-RATED, SO THE RATING WILL EVENTUALLY CHANGE.
AN: Mmmm! Didn't expect this to appear, didn't you?
For those who haven't seen the movie, then don't worry because this story is a full novelization of the movie. However, if you want to have the real experience, then you can go watch the movie first.
The Suicide Squad - Released on 6th August 2021. A black comedy, superhero, science fiction movie with so many people dying in it. To be honest, I never seen the 2016 film (it flopped due to a lot of forced changes), but my brother told me that the writing and story is bad. I didn't know much of it. When I saw Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, I was suddenly drawn to the criminal side of the DC Extended Universe. It becomes exciting for me getting to see those whimsical, crazy criminals causing mayhem, and James Gunn's (Gunn, you beautiful legend!) take on the Suicide Squad carries on that tradition.
The movie last year was a big hit! It is really good and I enjoyed it a lot. I got a few criticisms here and there, but I enjoyed the movie.
So, I at first planned to write this story after the movie came out, but due to school work and personal things, I wasn't able to. But releasing it now, it would also contribute to the streaming 'Peacemaker' show in a way. A year late, but I came up with the idea of writing an expanded, noverlization-like story of the whole movie. There will be some things that will stick the same, so SPOILERS ALERT! Most of you reading this might already saw the movie while some of my followers may not. However, there will be a lot of changes, a lot more dialogues with some scenes to fill in the gap and a look into each of the characters' thoughts.
And you might have already guessed it. In the film, we first believed that Team 1 (that also includes Harley, Rick Flagg and Captain Boomerang) are our main characters before the majority of them were killed off in the opening sequence. Even though their characters are fleshed out before they all died, I wish that they could even be a part of the action. Granted, there are already a lot of fanfics out there already on that topic, making it one of the biggest fanfic fuel of the movie. However, I thought on what if the two teams survive and only end up dying in the final two battles? Since this IS a suicide story, we still can't have everyone surviving, so the characters who die are still doomed but I want to explore more of them before their new fates in this story.
This is probably the first time I ever written a story associated with superheroes. Let's see; Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Extended Universe are some of the largest growing cinematic series in the world. DCEU have been going on so many mistakes and despite how they seem to rush things or try to keep up with the MCU, I was like 'alright then, I'll see how it goes'. I have a more neutral look towards the DCU and I learnt about the good things and bad things they did. Fortunately, it seems that they are learning with The Suicide Squad being one of their most successful.
Because I don't really grow up reading DC Comics as a kid, bear with me. I'll try to make some references to the comics especially with each of the characters, but it may be inconsistent. The characters will also have some OOC moments at certain times. Despite being a story R-rated (or MA 15+ in my country or something), most of the swear words would be in asterisks like a majority of the letters are replaced with '*'. I know what you are all saying; just swear all you want! But, for some reason, I feel naughty when writing down vulgar words. However, you will be swearing these vulgar words and immediately pick up what they are without needing to see all the letters.
Besides, I think I will get the characters swearing more than in the film, lol.
Also, I will be using some songs from the 2016 movie; the original songs that weren't used in the movie. I should be using the songs that were used in the 2021 movie, but I want to try something out. I looked through the songs I picked carefully for each scene that creates a meaningful moment.
Because I just finished the first chapter, updates might take a long time. Random updates to be precise. I just hope that I don't lose motivation in continuing to write and finish it.
I don't own 'The Suicide Squad', its original story or any of the characters.
Without furthur ado, let's go and watch some people die! Wait...that is too early.
Picking up from my other stories and the tradition made by The Sensational SpiderDom321, you would see these symbols such as [1] and [2]. When you see them, this is for you to start playing the recommended songs below. When you see something like [1s], that means you pause or stop the recommended songs.
Recommended Songs
[1] When Everything Went Wrong - Fantastic Negrito
[2] Standing in the Rain - Action Bronson & Dan Auerbach feat. Mark Ronson
[3] Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap - AC/DC
[4] Smile - Maisie Peters
Chapter 1 - You Know The Deal
Belle Reve
It had been a while since Flag had been on a mission with Task Force X. [1]
Ever since the battle in Midway City, he took the time off to spend with June Moone who is free from Enchantress. The two couldn't have been happier to be with each other once again. It even gave Flag a bit of time to think about what he had been doing when he was helping out with ARGUS and time to go through Belle Reve without Waller needing to know.
All of it could have been prevented if he chose to take action. He was loyal to Waller and her motives in trying to control each member of the first Task Force X - now infamously known as the Suicide Squad - resulted in a disaster. Even after the incident and Waller was found to be the reason how it started, the American government decided to give her one last chance and the orders instead of her making her own. Flag secretly wishes that he can be the manager and leader of the team, but since Waller is now loyal to the government, it can't be that bad, right?
After the fateful night with the squad and before Harley's grand escape, Flag found himself to be more ready to go loose. This is probably because Floyd told him off for how his own loyalty to Waller blinded him from making any other judgements. Flag was even proven wrong about the team. It is a wonder how he slowly warms up to them. During the in-between breaks and the occasional b**chiness between the original members, he began to be more easygoing with hanging out with them.
Well, when Harley escaped, he was nearly prepared to find her, but decided to leave her be. She trusted Joker - but that didn't last long - and Flag knew that she would eventually return, even if by choice.
Ranging from old buddies to new folks getting attention after surviving their own Task Force X missions, Flag had the chance to see what they really are. He stops seeing them as monsters, even though they are known for their selfish or weird actions and powers. Or if they are known to be the scum of the Earth, but they became his team. His true team. As soon as they slowly trust him, he finds himself trusting them more. Even though not all of them are ready to be honest, it doesn't mean they hide the fact that they can be heroic. Flag is slowly uncovering the more good part of him towards the boxed crooks and looking out for them in a way.
Besides, he can tolerate their wackiness. Through their trigger-happy reflexes, maniac smiles and immature jokes, he got used to them over time. He wishes that some of them would take things seriously, but it is hard not to stay hesitant.
And now, thanks to him proving to be a more flexible and strategic leader, he is now worthy of becoming the field leader for Task Force X's next huge job. It would also give him a chance to shine because he took the previous years in training if he wants to protect the other members.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Moone as they arrived at the landing ground of Belle Reve.
"Don't worry," reassured Flag. "I got a feeling that today's mission will be a good one."
It feels almost too good to be true. It is already summer and it is already bright. There is some kind of orange tint glaring over the prison as several guards walk by and escort new inmates through the doors. Must have been a new painting design. It lightens up his mood a little.
A weird thing both of them found when they turned around a corner is a huge printed flag of the United States of America on the wall. Red bright stripes, a blue rectangle and white stars. Like it is meant to be there to shill their country.
"You think so?" asked Moone as she stared at the flag. "I am imagining you standing right in front of there with other inmates who think our country is a liability."
"Ever since I was born here, I try to help my country whenever it is in great distress," said Flag.
"Making progress there." Moone chuckled a little. "Do you think you will be paired up with your old teammates?"
"Boomerang is already chosen, but the rest aren't," explained Flag.
"That sounds weird, don't you think? Waller just needed you and Digger Harkness on the team might be for other reasons."
Flag nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure of that. I'll keep an eye out." He gives his partner a worried look. "You know you don't have to be in the communication hub with Waller. I know what she did to you."
"I-It's fine, it's fine." Moone thought she would be lying, but even after the trauma she went through, there is something she has to do. "I was given a choice. This was my choice to look over Waller and see if she will do anything deceitful."
"She might even try to trick you as well."
"The government already dealt with her," said Moone firmly. "They already placed charges on them for what she did to me, even though I had been the subject of a dangerous witch, she isn't allowed to harm me anymore. Her pride in being the manager of ARGUS is going to get to her if I try to defy her."
"She would eventually turn you down anyway," said Flag, placing a hand onto his forehead. "I'm sorry. I don't think it would be fair for you to come back to the one team who used you as a slave. I was a part of it."
Moone nodded, sighing a little. "I know that. But you are also going on a mission. I want to make sure that you are also safe and Waller isn't putting you up in something dangerous.."
She isn't wrong. Waller can easily turn on Flag if he goes rogue. However, since he swore to help his team and do what is right, he would eventually win over Waller.
Flag smiles and kisses Moone on the cheek.
"You don't have to," he said humbly. "But thanks."
Moone smiles as well. "I promise you that I will be safe. Promise me that you will as well."
It nearly came as an automatic response, but Flag nodded and smirked. "I will be."
"Have fun at the debriefing," said Moone, playfully nudging him in the elbow. "Hope you can handle the drunkards."
"Have fun with the new crem managers," joked Flag. "I heard that they got a pizza buffet coming up." [1s]
The two giggled before sharing a kiss on the lips. They would have done another one before they walked away, but…
"HEY!" yelled a nearby voice. "YOU TWO SHOULD KISS!"
BONK!
Flag turned his head to find a new group of inmates being told to get in, much to their grumbling reluctance. One of them is currently suffering from being hit by the butt of one of the guards' guns…for making a scene on them. Looking at these guys and the state of Belle Reve, Flag knew that this is going to be different.
This should be fun.
Robert DuBois knew that he should be doing something else by now. His hands are getting slightly sore and he is starting to feel tired after scrubbing through the male toilets. [2]
A part of him thought of just handing the janitor cart to the next person he can find, but in Belle Rave, there is nothing else to do. There is nothing worth doing in this prison other than to use the exercising facilities, eating and interacting with the other prisoners.
DuBois isn't in the mood to talk with anyone.
In Belle Reve, despite being bright and being remodelled after rumors of the Joker breaking in, it was pretty much locked away from the public. Home to the outcasts, the criminals, villains and metahumans. It acted like a regular prison system, but the knowledge of not being able to get out would reduce your sanity in seeing the proper light of day again. Half of the prisoners were assholes, so there was no point in trying to get along.
He would be anywhere but this place.
But if he wanted to get out of staying in a place of boredom and dread, he would need to earn it. Staying in his room wouldn't be eventful, so he had to at least do something. Helping out as being the janitor volunteer was one way of reducing his sentence. The thing that was pretty s***ty was that whoever behind the prison screwed over it and made it how many hours you clean would be the number of hours reduced from your sentence. But if DuBois wanted to be out of here, then that meant doing the job.
"F***," he thought to himself as he tried to scrub the toilet bowl.
God, how much dirt needed to be cleaned.
Somebody got bad food poisoning and that put this toilet unavailable. However, at least the s*** wasn't stained or it would be a nightmare. Despite already being used to knowing all kinds of smells, DuBois still felt a little uncomfortable. Not because it smelled really bad, but it just reminded him of what kind of position he is in.
Down the drain they would say.
The metal bowl became shinier and cleaner after he applied the soap on. As he wiped it off with a sponge, he notes how used he has become of the prison's environments. A normal civilian would live in more luxurious houses and bathrooms, but they wouldn't want to go for this one. However, over time, DuBois doesn't mind the metal toilets that much in years.
The next task is cleaning the shower areas. It wouldn't be too bad, but some of the prisoners would often want to shave public hair there. There are some stains all over the place due to leaving soap splats on the walls for too long or dirt being left everywhere. And worse of all…
DuBois raised an eyebrow as he managed to pull out a long strand of white hair out of the drain.
Belle Reve is also known to have the nuttiest criminals around in town.
After the dirty work in the bathroom facilities, DuBois moved on to one of the larger rooms that connected to several inmates' bedrooms. Nobody is around during that time, so that gives him an easy time to clean the floor first since there wouldn't be anyone mucking around. There are a lot of leftover food slops, gum and what appeared to be cigarette ash glued on to the hard ground. On any kind of stains that are hard to peel off, he would need to spray it with soap before using a small tool that resembled a shaver. A mop could clean larger areas, but something smaller is needed for something like this.
Sometimes, small things can turn out to be the ones saving the day, they say.
DuBois rolled his eyes at that quote when one of the unstable inmates shared it with him.
There is a toilet flush nearby and somebody grunting as a guy stepped out of one of the small toilet rooms. Robert barely paid attention as the person started walking but stopped when he spotted a piece of toilet paper stuck on his orange croc.
The guy took it off and went close to him.
"Here you go, champ," he said.
The toilet paper dropped right next to DuBois' hand.
DuBois gave the guy a look, a little disgusted. He isn't able to make the time to see the person, but the guy has blonde bleached hair with black roots.
The blonde man realized his mistake, chuckling. "Whoops. Sorry, man."
He said what must be a joke, but DuBois barely paid attention when the guy threw the toilet paper into the cart's bin properly.
He is focusing on a group of four right near a door.
The blonde guy asks them to excuse him and he makes his way out, but one of them has her eyes on DuBois. [2s]
Amanda Waller.
Also known as 'The Wall' by many known government figures and military workers.
Dark brown skin, small black afro and wearing a white jacket and white dress above a black shirt and white pearl necklace. She had the same stoic look similar to the one he saw from her when she talked to him before.
It seemed that she brought her whole team with her; one is a blonde woman wearing completely black and looking well-rounded, a pudge, nervous-looking man with combed dark hair and a goatee, and a dark-skinned woman in a blue dress with glasses and curly hair.
DuBois glanced away, but he did take a glance at their ID cards attached to their pockets. One is John Economos, Emilia Harcourt and Flo Crawley.
As he continues to clean, he hears them slowly walking towards him.
"Who the f*** is Bloodsport?" asked Economos, the pudgy man.
"Robert DuBois," explained Waller. "A world-class marksman. In his hands, anything is a deadly weapon. His father was a mercenary who trained his son to kill from the moment he was born. He used to be a soldier veteran in the Vietnam War before moving on to be a contract killer."
DuBois shook his head in his own mind. They never really leave him alone, will they?
"He's in prison for putting Superman in the ICU with a kryptonite bullet."
Crawley adjusted her glasses, seemingly interested.
DuBois continued to clean the stain on the floor. He knew that everyone would catch attention to his Bloodsport persona. Knowing that the training he received when he was younger was the only thing he was good at up to today, he turned to a life of crime and executing his clients' targets. It became easy money, but DuBois is aware of how trouble will find him during that path. Shooting down one of the toughest superheroes in the world is enough to pay him a trip to hell. Because even though that time he is successful, he is unprepared for getting out of it and look at where he is now.
"DuBois?" said Waller.
"Same answer as the last time," DuBois growled gruffly. "Piss off."
He finally got the stain out and threw it into the cart's bin. It is a bit out of annoyance. He doesn't really want anything to do with Waller, wanting to just move on with his own life.
"I'm not joining your damn Suicide Squad."
This is not the first time Task Force X became active again. Years after the known event at Midway City that cost so many innocent lives, the American government relied back on Waller to reform the team under secret missions. The legacy of the 'Suicide Squad' became so famous that it spread fear and excitement for those who heard or were picked to join. For DuBois, that would mean doing work he shouldn't be involved with.
He doesn't want to serve a political official like Waller. Especially someone from ARGUS.
Unbeknownst to him, Waller made a small smirk. She had turned to DuBois three times already. The first two ones weren't really necessary for him since she had been searching for an increase in team members. However, this time, she definitely needs him. And she has a way.
"We'll see," she said. "You have a visitor."
The intercom cackled to life nearby.
"Robert DuBois. Tyla DuBois likes to visit you. Please report to the Visiting Room immediately."
Tyla.
DuBois' head picked up.
That is his daughter. The last time he saw her was during his court trial. She didn't try to say anything to help him as much as DuBois refused to plead himself as guilty. He recalled telling her to not come near him in Belle Reve, but it seemed that she made the choice of her own.
It turned out that it was due to another case.
When he arrived, he found his daughter as the only visitor waiting on the other side of the glass. She sits there patiently, watching his father slowly come towards her with a grim look. She really grew up ever since he left her. She started to live in an orphanage, so that might have been how she was able to get the new braid ponytail and ring earrings.
DuBois feels a little detached from talking to his daughter. He knew it should be best if the two aren't talking together. But if she is made to come here to tell him of her recent shenanigan, then it would be something worth listening to.
"They said you got in trouble," he said, picking up the small telephone that connected to the similar one on the other side.
"I stole," said Tyla, smiling a little. She knows that her father has been a mercenary for a long time, so would that be a chance for him to be a little proud of her?
"You stole what?" asked DuBois.
Tyla paused, a little embarrassed. "A style watch."
"A star latch?"
"A style watch," corrected Tyla. "You could watch TV on it and do other things you can do like using a TV screen."
DuBois is stupefied. That's it? "Why would you want to watch TV on your watch?"
"I don't know." In truth, Tyla knew that a lot of kids are using these kinds of watches nowadays. She had to keep up in a way.
This is getting a little pointless. But if Tyla is expecting anything from him, DuBois then might give her some advice of his own.
"Next time you want to nick something," he said. "You take a partner and they can be your lookout. You have to look out for your surroundings. Wear a disguise to hide your appearance because one wrong move and you're dead."
And he told her just now when she could have learnt it?
"THAT'S your advice?" said Tyla.
"Yeah," said DuBois as if the answer is obvious.
"You're a terrible father."
DuBois suddenly got uptight. "Hey, I didn't ask to be a father in the first place."
"I know, I know," interrupted Tyla, sounding equally frustrated. "You make that perfectly clear."
"Your mother sprung that one on me."
"Well, she's not around anymore," snarled Tyla. "So you can lay her off of her, OK?"
"Oh, I tried to lay off her," grumbled DuBois. "But then she dragged out the paternity test."
"F*** YOU!" screamed Tyla, standing up.
"NO, F*** YOU!" shouted DuBois.
"F*** YOU!"
"F*** YOU!"
It goes without saying, but the DuBois family never went well. The man tried to have a life, but it didn't go well due to his deadly reputation and way of handling life. He didn't have any interest in trying to raise a daughter and Tyla hates it that much. Ever since his wife passed away, DuBois distanced himself from Tyla, but it didn't work out due to how much she might have needed from him as a child. Anyone watching them screaming ''F*** YOU' at each other would perfectly understand their 'close' relationship.
""F*** YOU!" screamed Tyla after hurling back the same insults back and forth. "I can't believe you don't care that I stole, only that I got caught!"
"I don't only care that you got caught!" snarled DuBois, evening banging on his table. "I care that you got caught for stealing something as STUPID as a F***ING TV WATCH!"
"It does other things too!" objected Tyla.
"But nothing that you phone can't f***ing do! It's embarrassing!"
"No, what's f***ing embarrassing is having YOU as my FATHER!"
That placed a brake on the railways.
DuBois went silent. Tyla is nearly up close to the window, looking really livid. After all that shouting, those words got to him. He averted his eyes somewhere else as he reminded himself that even as a father, there wasn't much he could do for her and that was the blunt truth she would need to live by. However, here she is. He isn't better than she is.
He smacked his lips and nodded.
"Yeah, well…" He adjusted his shirt and got into a proper sitting position as his daughter sat down. "I told you, Tyla. When I came here that any goodness I ever had in me had been wrung out bare by my old man. I also told you to go out there and do your own thing and stay far away from me or anyone like me, didn't I?" It was meant to be intimidating, but it is starting to feel more like a downhearted fact. "So, why are you here when you and I both know I have nothing good to offer you?"
DuBois swallowed. His voice is wavering, unhappy on the belief that he has no goodness to bring to even his daughter's situation.
Tyla stared at her father. Her weary, pathetic, old and hardened father. He is still far away from her and that might be the case anyway. He doesn't really look out for her, but isn't afraid to admit it and he can only show it if there is something really serious going on. However, she needs him to help her.
Her tough facade cracks, bringing her voice to a whisper. "Because my court date is coming up…and Miss Waller said maybe you could help me out."
Waller is desperate for new members, but it seems that she is already close to deciding the best ones to have. New fighters are needed to succeed the task the government has given her on her trust that there will be no setbacks. However, some of the best and old ones have expired. The first batch should be left alone for now. [3]
Katana is busy on another mission, continuing her own vigilante business in Japan. Killer Croc isn't needed for this one due to certain circumstances of the mission's environment. Deadshot is not a good choice to include because he isn't willing to do more missions to reduce his prison sentence - already content with what he has - and not promising to agree with Waller's decisions.
She and her team found many new criminals willing to serve the mission in her new iterations of Task Force X.
Right now, she is welcoming back an old, seasoned criminal.
She watches on with a bored look as Digger Harkness comes right into the communication hub. More of being forced since he got two prison guards having him by his wrists and dragging him. There is even a bag over his face to prevent him from running out.
"You know that I can see through this bag, bludgers," growled Harkness.
They released him and took off the bag, revealing his short scruffy dark hair, dirty face and a golden tooth. He is fairly hunky for a guy in 30s despite being known to be lazy. One look at him and you know that he is a burglar. You would be damn right.
Supposed to serve 3 life sentences for 98 cases of burglary. Known to have robbed every bank in Australia. Even though he doesn't have anything on him, Waller still remembers his antics. He earned the name Captain Boomerang, known for his signature weapons which are boomerangs, of course. Ever since the first mission, Harkness REALLY wants to get out.
You should ask the guard who used to watch over his prison cell years ago.
However, over time, he proved to be a more aggressive, direct fighter since he stayed on the squad for some time. Despite not being a metahuman himself, he is one of the highly skilled combatants with being able to survive battling metahumans in the past. He is perfect for this mission.
"Welcome back, Captain Boomerang," said Waller flatly. "Good to have you back."
"Oh, hey Missy," said Harkness, grinning cockily. "So, how have been the rest of the squad members lately? Did anyone chipped a tooth or did you pull that out of their gums?"
By Lord, he can be a pain in the ass sometimes. Waller would have killed him long ago, but outside of his disobedient incidents, he is mainly easy to manipulate. If he would want to get a mission done, you encourage him there is a prize and he will take it. And besides, Waller notes how more adventurous he is becoming, but she can't tempt him too much.
"No," deadpanned Waller. "They were unprepared for the last few missions. Each day, every new threat seems to be ready for anything and they only increase in their endurance, strength and power."
"You got me an easy one?" said Harkness, pulling up a chair…only for one of the guards to kick him out of it. "Oi! Cut it out!" He turned back to Waller. "Wait, what am I saying? Well, I'm just wondering if the next one will be easygoing. I feel some fresh meat is really needed."
"You're in luck. You are assigned on a new mission."
Harkness clapped his hands together. "Boom. Now, this won't be a hard one."
"It will be a more dangerous mission than the last few ones. But your skillset and capabilities make you one of the best candidates for the job."
The Australian smirked. "A big shot like me would be able to finish this job in no time."
"We will see about it," said Waller. "Your new mission is to infiltrate Corto Maltese to take down a secret weapon hidden under the regime. You know the drill; successfully complete the mission, you get ten years off your sentence."
Harkness blinked as he let that absorbed in. He isn't a traveller, but he heard of Corto Maltese before. A small island off the coast of Argentina. Filled with a lot of Latino girls. Mostly tropical there with humid temperatures. And a lot of oldies there.
"I heard about the country before," said Harkness. "There were some squiggling things going on there. What is it all about?"
Waller opened her mouth.
"Let me guess," Harkness teased. "You want to try to steal another power source from a god."
"Wait, what?" mumbled Waller.
"Wait…really?" Harkness decided to have a bit of fun mucking around. "Maybe we should call in more superpowered fighters on the team. Maybe a few of the Amazonian bombshells? Or perhaps we can call in Superman and see what he thinks about it. Maybe you should send in the Flash; the poster and mascot boy of the Justice League." Harkness snickered to himself. "It would be fun to watch him try to do a mission meant for the experts."
Waller gave him the look. "No. We do not desire to find a supernatural or deity-level energy source."
Harkness snorted. "Well, the last time you did, you caused a lot of destruction in the city. You sound desperate now like that time."
Waller mused over that. That time was a very humiliating experience for her. There were no slaps on her wrists, but how it lovely wrecked her career and power for a brief time bite back at her and a full city in her country. She and her team learned from last time and decided to use more on mercenaries and outlaws then trying to control gods or those at superhero-worthy levels. And due to how little funding turned out for her team, she resorted to using simple machinery that won't be put out of control. At least using non-alien technology isn't all bad. [3s]
Waller is about to protest when the one person she is desperate for comes storming in. And he has the reaction she is hoping for.
"To get me on your shite f***ing mission…"
DuBois is understandably PISSED. What Tyla told him about her situation got him shocked. Her on the possibility of going to an actual prison?! Did Waller set him up all for her and him?!
He is so mad at Waller that he didn't bother to listen to the guards telling him to stop. He accidentally shoved Harkness to the side.
"You're gonna send my 14-year-old daughter to prison?!" snarled DuBois.
"No," said Waller. She paused in surprise that he doesn't know how old Tyla is. "Your daughter is 16, DuBois." There is another awkward silence. "You're a real father of the year."
Harkness got a little ruffled, tapping DuBois on the shoulder. "What's the matter, big boy? Why need to be so crook?"
DuBois just gave him a look that he isn't in the mood to talk with anybody else.
"This is Digger Harkness, known as Captain Boomerang," said Waller flatly. "Harkness, this is Robert DuBois, known as Bloodsport."
Harkness raised an eyebrow. "What got you cracking the s***s at her?"
DuBois groaned. "My daughter f***ed up a robbery and got caught. You know what, I will make the choice." He turned to Waller. "Tyla needs to grow up anyway 'cause she's a little ditzy like her f***ing mother. So, a year in juvie, no f***ing problem."
"Nah, mate," said Harkness. "Just let her roam free. Juvie is also another way of keeping people away from others."
"I think she should learn how to grow up than being a brat. She is not ready for something like this."
"We are not planning to put her in juvie, DuBois," said Waller.
Whenever something is made or ordered by Waller, everybody immediately knows that this is not good. Those words are like a bomb as it hits DuBois what she might be doing.
"Being 16 in the state of Louisiana means that under the right circumstances…she could be tried as an adult." It is too good to be true and Waller has an opening. "And, if convicted, could be sent right here to old Belle Reve."
DuBois froze when he heard that possibility. Tyla staying at Belle Reve? Convicted by who? To live amongst the outcasts who aren't supposed to be in society?
"And in here, well…" Waller fakes a sigh of pity. "You never know what might happen to a frail young thing like that."
Harkness takes the time to look at everybody in the room. Most of the prisoner guards watching over them are either stony-faced or smirking a little in pleasure for what this criminal is going to get. What pricks. Just because they are bad guys doesn't mean they should return the hurt towards them. Harkness isn't devoid of empathy. He realizes how f***ed up that really sounds, especially when you include a child.
Judging by a few other prisoner guards raising their eyebrows, they seem to be having the same thoughts as he is. He looked over at Waller's staff. Crawley and Harcourt stare at the conversation, not saying anything. It nearly looks like one of them wants to speak, but they choose not to. Economos in particular look disturbed by this, staring at Waller nervously.
Economos thinks about what would happen to DuBois' daughter if she ended up in Belle Reve. Who is going to protect her? How is she going to adjust to her new 'home'? Will the other female inmates be nice to her? Is the place even hygiene and safe for her?
"It really shames me to say," said Waller with a dead look in her eyes. "We have the highest mortality rate in the entire U.S. prison system. But I'm sure she inherited the same toughness and use as you do, does she?"
Out of everyone, DuBois is the most concerned about what Waller would do. All he wanted is for Tyla to not come around him, not serving the same punishment he received for his own long criminal life. And Tyla just stole something, so it shouldn't be fair for her to be sent to a highly-secured facility prison for stealing a stupid watch. Knowing that she isn't like him and has the better safety in her life, throwing her into Belle Reve would mean instant death.
He knows that he isn't the best father, but he realizes what should be right for his daughter's life.
He quickly took out a pen from the nearest table and charged towards Waller, pointing it at her neck. Everybody stood up in response as instinct in case blood would be spilled all over. Several of the prison guards drew out their guns, trying to tell DuBois to not make one move.
However, DuBois had something to let Waller know.
"YOU'RE THREATENING MY F***ING DAUGHTER!" he roared.
Waller is unflinching. "Everyone stand down."
"Miss Waller!" said Harcourt, sounding shaky. "I don't think-"
"STAND DOWN!"
Hearing this, the prison guards lowered their weapons. Everybody didn't take a step forward to try to stop DuBois. Even Harkness is shocked. One, they don't call Waller 'The Wall' for nothing. Two, DuBois is pretty much one of the first to nearly kill Waller since he got a pen near her throat. What makes this chilling is that Waller gives him a narrowed stare as he steps forward, the pen near touching her skin.
DuBois is f***ing mad. His breathing becomes slightly louder, ridden with anger.
"I wouldn't take such extreme measures," said Waller.
"Oh, extreme?" snarled DuBois. "Oh, yeah, a little extreme. I can't see how extreme you are doing!"
"If only this mission weren't more important than you could possibly imagine."
DuBois gritted his teeth. "F*** your mission."
"I am protecting this country," insisted Waller. "You have no idea how deadly this can be for our country and the world. Would you want your daughter to be also one of the casualties?"
"Oh really? I bet she is because you made her to be one."
Harkness sighed. When you come across Waller, she will stop at NOTHING to get what she wants. And even if she is killed, her team can carry out the threats to the people who try to refuse. There is nothing any of them can do to prevent her ideas.
"Mate…" he said quietly.
Hearing this, DuBois stepped backwards and tried to regain his composure.
"You have the military experience necessary," said Waller. "You know how to survive and win in a battle like this. Stealth also lies as one of your greatest strengths. The psychological profile I was given tells me you have what it takes to be a leader."
DuBois doesn't enjoy this. "I'm no f***ing leader!"
"Then I'll make you one." Waller gives him an empty glare, even when he is up to her face again. "Are you in…or out?"
DuBois backed away with a fatherly look of concern. Because he is apprehended and now considered a use to the government, he is powerless in stopping them sending his daughter to Belle Reve. Demanding them is already pointless. Going into the mission would not only be suicide. DuBois feels that he doesn't really have what it takes to complete it since he isn't a good guy like any of the superheroes known in the world. Using him, a deadly marksman, is not really going to change his mind. But not doing anything would have its consequences.
After a while of thinking, he nods quietly.
"Good," said Waller, still bearing the same stoic look. "Let's meet your team."
DuBois stood in his spot, still dismayed by how he was blackmailed. The guards behind him pushed him a little further, much to his increasing annoyance. As he swore a few more swears, he spotted a look from Harkness.
"You couldn't save her, mate," he said.
With DuBois out of the room, Harkness swallows, but his throat is suddenly dry. Those are the same words he told Deadshot before. But this isn't Deadshot he visited anymore.
There are new people on the team. New guys. Some sad souls randomly thrown into this s**tty black-ops mission. However, this DuBois guy is forced to do this mission or they will threaten his daughter. Harkness knew that Waller tried to use a similar situation of manipulating one to get to see their loved ones again, but he never knew she would stoop to this level already.
Economos is equally worried as he turns to his own comrades. "She is going to kill his kid?"
Harcourt could give an unsure look while Crawly just shrugged. Economos glanced at Harkness. All the Australian could do is exchange a worried look.
"She is a mean lady, I tell you," he warned.
"She got to be kidding," said Economos. "Can't you tell?"
"You don't know Waller like I do," said Harkness.
That is when he realized something. He turned to the guards, perplexed.
"I thought I was going to meet my team," he said. "Why didn't Waller ask me to come or me not forced out yet?"
"Waller has another team for you," said one of the guards. "She requires you to wait until she comes back."
Harkness sighed. So that meant waiting another bloody hour to hear from her. He looked at one chair, sitting down on it.
"Does that mean I get to relax, mate?" he said with a cheeky grin.
The guard kicked him off again, his face planting against the carpet.
"Aw…" he grumbled.
?, A few days later
"You're back at it again, Harley?" [4]
"Well, it was really fun being on the squad. I actually miss it."
"You know that you're gonna get your ass killed. I heard a lot of things."
"Oh, don't worry, Floyd! It will be as sweet as pie!"
"So what did you get yourself into to come back here? Killing Black Mask?"
"Wait, you heard about it?"
"Of course. I've always kept up with the recent news in Gotham."
"Ah! So you heard about me! Well, not really. How did I get arrested? I got into a road rage. In a bank."
"Could have known better."
"So, how are the other guys here?"
"Croc has been cool, Boomerang is still a dick and Katanna has moved on from the team."
"And you?"
"I haven't been going out on missions lately. I don't think I want to get into Waller's pile of s**tload again."
"Aww, well, you got a point. But you will be still here for a longer time than trying to reduce your sentence."
"...I will figure things out, Harls. It shouldn't be too hard and…this is something I have to control."
"Well, you got a lot of things to control. You controlled a little on Waller and pressured Flag."
"I haven't been pressuring Rick for that long. He mellowed down lately."
"Really? Is he a soft bunny now? I like to pet him!"
"Nah. He often tries to appear tough and reasonable. However, he doesn't shout that much anymore. Our time with him in Midway City changed him and he has been looking out for the squad's wellbeing. Even towards some of the new members, he makes sure that they are comfortable and OK…well, some of them backfired."
"I think I can tell why. He tries to be dark, tall and serious.
"But, he is cool now. It even helps that he is reunited with June Moone."
"Ooh! You mean Enchantress!"
"No. Enchantress is dead. Remember?"
"Oh, right."
"Anyway, since you enjoyed a lot of being on the squad, I heard that Waller is arranging for you to be on another mission. It is quite late, so you missed out on the debrief.."
"Ooh! Really? Are you coming along?"
"Unfortunately, it would be only Boomerang and you. Flag is going to lead you two on a new team."
"Aww…why not you?"
"...Waller didn't call me up today. I feel that something fishy is going on."
"Well, most of the food here smells like fish from the canteen. I don't know if they even have that!"
"Keep an eye out and don't get yourself caught in some kind of f***-up with Boomerang. Be careful, dollface. Whatever you see that is wrong, shoot it down."
"Aye, aye, captain! Don't worry. With me, Flag and Boomer back on the team, we got this!"
"Harley Quinn. Get moving now."
"Alright, geez! Don't need to be so rude!"
"Hmph. Assholes."
"I promise you, Floyd! I'll be safe! I pinky promise."
"Keep that promise, but let's not make a pinky promise."
"Next time!"
…
"I feel that they are going to leave a town completely blazed." [4s]
AN: And he is right. That is Deadshot and Harley right there. I actually planned at first for Deadshot to be in this story as a main character, but because I realized how some characters are similar to him and I don't know how it would make some things different when he is included, Deadshot will be sitting this one out. And even though Will Smith wasn't at the time to film for the 2021 movie, it would make sense that Deadshot wouldn't be called on for this mission for reasons explained in this chapter.
Him and Harley talking together brings back their interesting dynamic in the 2016 movie. The song choice for this, from Birds of Prey, has a lot of meaning to this one. Especially the creepy melody.
I thought of having June Moone actually returning but as one of Waller's 'aides' in the communication hub. Even though she might have broken up or stayed at home, I thought of what would she do if she knows about all of this and I want to at least put in an interaction between her and Flag before he goes on the suicide mission.
And there is something a little different about Blackguard who briefly appeared. What do you all think?
Also, Captain Boomerang is back! with his introduction song. He is a really popular character, so I thought of having him be one of the main characters of this story and it will be fine writing through the perspective of the Australian bogan. He is too glorious to kill yet! How this will go will surprise you all. However, I am deciding on whether he should die or not. Hmm, that's a tricky question.
I have an idea! On my profile page, there is a poll. So you get to decide on whether he will survive the entire story or not. Well, if there are draws or no votes, then the choice lands on me then.
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). And also, you can check out my other stories which you can find on my profile page, including my two top popular stories 'Real Harmony Takes Lots of Voices' and 'Security Breach, Shades Up'.
Next chapter, we will introduce to the new team members. This will be fun. :3
Until next time, keep on rocking!
