The Suicide Squad 2- All Consuming Fire Part TWO- Temple of Low Men
Daniel Murphy couldn't believe his own eyes as he watched the live video feed from the security center at Belle Reve.
"Should we sound the alarm and go on lock down?" A nervous John Economos asked standing next to him. "Should we call the Wall?"
"No! If that's who I think it is, we'll have bigger problems if we do that. Get a hold of Ben Turner and Deadshot from missions and then get a group assembled on the rooftops and in the towers and keep it quiet. There is only one way out from where they are at and that's in the courtyard. That's where we take them down."
"It's the freaking Batman!" Economos responded. "The Wall is going to flip out!"
"John, you're the warden here but I am head of security. We take down the Bat and Waller can flip out all she wants later, ok?"
Batman and Nocturna had swiftly moved through the prison and emerged outside. He knew they were already aware of his presence here but it mattered very little to him. He had planned for this. They would expect him to come out this way and head across the courtyard toward the fence line. But they weren't going out the same way he had come in. No, now that they were outside, all they needed was a few more moments for the device to calibrate and they would be gone in the blink of an eye. He was lost in that thought when the courtyard instantly lit up from the spotlights above.
"This could be interesting." Batman hissed before leaning over to kiss Nocturna on the cheek.
San Diego, California
Rick Flagg drove all night and most of the day that followed. Dolphin sat in near silence for most of the trip to California. They were now nearing the home of Buddy Baker, also known as Animal Man. Buddy, along with Rick Flagg, Dolphin, Cave Carson, Dane Dorrance, and Congo Bill, made up the membership of the group known as the Forgotten Heroes. Rick spent a little over two months with the group and secretly reported their activities to the federal government the entire time.
One year ago…
Rick sat on a private airplane heading across the country to California. The man seated across from him was his government handler for his current assignment, which was to infiltrate a group of people who had all come in contact with pyramids similar to the one Flagg had come across recently on a mission to Cambodia. He sat and listened as the man briefed him on the individuals involved with the assignment.
"Calvin Carson, nicknamed Cave because of his extensive cave explorations here and abroad. Dane Dorrance, a member of a group called the Sea Devils. They are mostly involved with research and environmental work. Congo Bill, his real name is unknown. He spent many years as a big game hunter before returning to the Unite States. We are still looking into his background. Buddy Baker, the self-named 'Animal Man'. He has demonstrated the ability to mimic animal like powers. His abilities and the origin of his powers are unknown at this time. Finally there is a young woman whom we are presently unable to identify. It has been documented that she can spend prolonged periods of time underwater and can possibly communicate with some forms of marine life."
"It seems like your people haven't really done their homework on this have they?" Rick said surprising himself with how brash he was acting.
"Your job is to fill in the blanks for us, Colonel. Every one of these people has stumbled across locations similar to the one you found in Cambodia. Locations that each contained temples like the one you described. Temples that no one has been able to locate since."
"No one has been able to locate any of them? Not even the one I found in Cambodia?"
Rick replied.
"No. It's as if the six of you imagined these golden pyramids. You are going to find out why." The man said to Flagg.
" Why are these temples so important to the U.S. government?" Rick asked.
"This entire situation is bothering the top brass. They need to be able to have answers when asked of them."
" And who does the 'top brass' answer to?" Flagg inquired.
"The people who never rest until they know everything that's going on in the world."
He stood there poised. They were closing in around him but he would not fall back. His weight was slightly shifted forward. He was ready for them. He was ready for anything.
"Let her go Bat-man. Neither of you are leaving here tonight." Ben Turner yelled from across the secured courtyard.
He looked over at the Bronze Tiger. Did he know? How could he? He was Batman.
" I will say this for the last time. Stand down." Bronze Tiger ordered as he moved closer toward the two dark figures. "There are over five trained snipers on the rooftops above us waiting for the word to shoot you both dead. The Batman I know wouldn't allow for the situation to come down to that."
He allowed himself to smile for the second time this evening, as he was certain he sensed fear in Bronze Tigers voice. Fear is Batman's greatest weapon. Bronze Tiger was moving closer to where they stood. Natalia continued to clinch tightly onto his arm obviously uncomfortable with the bright lights that targeted them from above. The filter in his mask allowed him to see clearly. He was aware of every position the gunmen above held. He also spotted Deadshot off in the shadows. He was ready for them all. This was his element. He was a stalker of the night.
"Hold on to this and step aside." He said handing a small handheld device to Nocturna. "This will all be over with momentarily and then we will be gone."
The Bronze Tiger was a few feet away when Batman lunged toward him. His kick caught the Tigers chin and snapped his head back. Ben was on the ground and Batman was on top of him in an instant. Ben put both of his feet against Batman's chest as he attempted to force himself back up. Batman struck a blow to his ribcage that forced Ben to gasp for air. He forced himself to roll over to avoid being pinned down. His left leg shot out with a blow that caught Batman's temple. Batman was on all fours when Ben attempted another shot. This time, Batman caught his ankle and twisted it forcing Ben on his back again.
"You are not who you appear to be." Bronze Tiger uttered as Batman prepared to pounce on him.
Ben quickly rolled out of harms way and staggered to his feet. It was a move that had caught Batman off guard leaving him vulnerable for a brief moment. Ben quickly took advantage of the situation. Another well placed blow to the temple and Batman was nearly down.
"Natalia…my love." He managed to utter before falling face first onto the ground.
Ben looked over toward the shadows against the building where Nocturna had moved to just moments ago. She was gone.
"Find the woman!" he yelled out as he leaned down toward the fallen Batman and turned him over onto his back.
"She's not here!" Someone yelled back from the watchtower above.
"She has to be here! She..." Ben stopped himself. The device she was handed before the fight started; in all the commotion it somehow must have allowed her to escape.
"Send out a team to search the outer perimeter for her. Also get this guy out of this suit and in a holding cell now!" Ben hollered out before looking back down at the fallen dark knight, " I hope she was worth it pal because you are not going anywhere now."
Earlier that evening…
Nemesis sat across from Wade Eiling in the visitation center at Belle Reve. In Tom Tressers eyes, there might as well be an invisible chessboard between the two men instead of three inches of bulletproof glass. The game had just begun and Nemesis had just put his first piece into play.
"Interesting." Eiling mumbled. "You are offering me freedom if I give you a name."
"Not just a name. I want the name of the person called 'The Head'. I want the leader of the Council."
Eiling sat there staring at Nemesis for nearly a minute before he spoke again. "Assuming I know the name of the person you are seeking, what kind of freedom do you think I would have if I gave it to you?"
"You would be placed in protected custody and…"
"Stop. Just stop right there. I know why you're here. I also know if there was any real deal on the table we would not be meeting like this. You are acting on your own in hopes of what? You think a few nights in an eight-by-ten cell is going to make me roll over and play dead? I was in Vietnam for Christs sake."
"You are an old man Eiling. You no longer exist in the outside world. Do you really want to spend your last twenty plus years rotting away in a prison cell?" Nemesis asked.
"So I just give you a name and all of this goes away?" Eiling said raising his hands and extending out his arms. "If you expect me to believe that you are a bigger fool then you have already demonstrated."
"Well, when you are ready to reconsider…" Tom let the statement hang there as he pushed his chair back and stood up.
"So that's you entire play? Eiling said chuckling. "Sit back down boy."
"You know the offer. It's the only one you are going to get from me or anyone else for that matter." Nemesis said as he stood there staring down at Eiling.
"What if I was to offer you something?" Eiling asked as Tom slowly sat back down.
"You have one minute. Do not waste my time."
Eiling smiled at him. "You are a man who claims he is out to balance the scales of justice. But in truth you are a desperate man only looking for revenge against an invisible organization because you lost your big brother."
"I swear to God…" Nemesis growled as he placed his fist on the glass that separated the two men.
"The reality is the Council is already gone back into hiding, just like they did the last time when you and that freak show from Gotham got close, remember? The truth is, not even I could find them if I was to look. So if you truly seek justice you need to look elsewhere. You can start with Qurac and who wanted Sayid Marlo dead."
"You and the Council manipulated that entire situation."
"But killing Marlo was never the plan. Your people managed to screw that up royally. He was much more valuable alive. Besides he was untouchable."
"Untouchable how?" Nemesis asked.
"Ever hear of the Ten?" Eiling asked. "They are the ten most powerful leaders in the world. They have been the guiding force behind every world event for over forty years. They are also untouchable. The significance of which means no one could kill them.
"And Marlo was supposedly one of these Ten?"
"He was the newest elected member and someone was planning to kill him."
"So that was the reason you sent the Squad to Algeria in the first place. You knew Marlo was the target all along? Why tell me this now when Marlo is already dead."
"You are missing the point. There is someone out there who is willing to take on the Ten by breaking their number one rule. That means there is someone who thinks they can start world war three… and win."
"Times up General." Nemesis nodded and two guards entered the area where Eiling was seated.
"You're a fool Tresser if you do not take what I have told you in earnest!" Eiling yelled as he was taken away. "You will be back and then we will discuss my deal!"
Tom Tresser stood up and exited the room. He began to walk down the hallway when a voice called out behind him. He turned around to see Amanda Waller standing there.
"Did you get what you needed?" He asked her.
"Not sure. But he did confirm my suspicions that he knew Marlo was targeted for death." She said walking up to him.
"You think the rest was nonsense?" He asked her.
"What? That Marlo was involved with a group more powerful then the Council? That could be Eilings way of trying to cut a deal and avoid retribution from his Council buddies. Either way we are through for now. Let him cool off some more before we talk to him again. I will call you when I need you."
"About that." Nemesis said, "I quit."
Amanda looked up at Tresser. "So that's it? Off to chase the phantom Council again? Eiling is right about one thing. You aren't out for anything more then petty revenge."
"What kind of demons are you trying to bury here, Amanda? Because whatever they are I think you are going to need a bigger shovel." Nemesis stated before walking away.
When Rick and Dolphins car pulled up and stopped in the driveway, Buddy Baker was standing on the front porch.
"They told me you were coming." He said point up to the birds in the sky as he walked over toward them.
"Sorry to drop in unannounced." Rick said casually, as he stepped out of the car.
"No your not." Buddy said, smiling at Dolphin as he walked over and embraced her. " I am wondering what brings you both here though, considering what happened the last time we were all together."
"Well that was sort of the reason we came." Rick said.
" What? Are you looking to put the old band together?"
Rick ignored his comment. He liked Buddy because he was everything Rick wasn't. He was optimistic, full of life, and seemingly unaffected by the dark world around him. Ironically it was those same traits that Rick found most annoying about him as well.
"Are we alone here?" Rick motioned toward the house.
"Umm yeah. Ellen and the kids will be out all day I suppose. Lets go inside so we can catch-up. Who knows what the neighbors might think if they see me with the beauty queen of the deep and old sweetness and life here." Buddy said, his comment bringing a slight smile to Dolphins face. Rick said nothing as he walked over toward the front door. Once inside the three of them sat at the kitchen table.
"You know living here with Ellen and the kids has sure given me a better perspective on life. I remember living in Hollywood trying to make it as an actor and the closest I ever got was doing stunt double work. Then when I got my animal powers all I could think about was being a super hero. I was going to save the world!" Buddy exclaimed while leaning back in his chair. "I just always assumed that I was going to be somebody. I just never stopped to appreciate the fact that I was already somebody. I am a husband and a father of two wonderful children."
"Buddy. I want to ask you some questions about the Forgotten Heroes" Rick said seemingly ignoring Buddy's comments.
"The Forgotten Heroes? I am not too sure about the heroes part but we were certainly forgotten pretty quickly huh?" Buddy said standing up from the table and walking over to the kitchen counter. "But I guess we were never meant to be a super team were we? I mean, the only real reason we were together was so the government could discover the secret about those damn pyramids. Even the missions we went on were to keep us distracted from the truth. But of course you knew that the entire time didn't you Rick? You were just there to report back to Uncle Sam on everything we did."
"I am not sorry for doing what I was ordered to do. I am sorry if I deceived you in any way Buddy." Rick responded. "Maybe things should have been handled differently. Maybe Dane would still be alive…" Rick trailed off. What made him think of Dane? Why didn't he remember that earlier? Maybe Dolphin had suffered some kind of trauma that she mistakenly confused Dane Dorrances' death with his own.
"What?" Buddy yelled as he sat back down next to Rick. "When did this happen. I just did some work with Dane and the Sea Devils last week. Oh my God!"
"Dane died when we found the seventh pyramid ten months ago. He died with a golden statue in his hand…." Rick was unable to continue as it felt like his head was spinning. His thoughts, which were clear just a moment ago, were now clouded.
Buddy looked over at Rick and then over to Dolphin who sat there like she already knew the ending of a movie but no one else had caught on yet. Dolphin suddenly appeared desperate to say something but couldn't form the right words in her mind.
"Buddy." Rick said struggling, "What do you remember happening in that temple?"
Buddy sat there for a moment rubbing his eyes trying to draw a clear picture in his mind. "I remember finding the temple. We went in. Why had we all been brought there? What was in the seventh temple?" Buddy paused. "Wait! I do remember. It was the statue! There was a small statue made of gold that looked like a replica of the pyramid we all had found at one time or another. You were holding it in your hand. No that can't be what happened!"
"What happened? What do you remember?" Rick reacted.
"He shot you Rick! He killed you right there in front of us and I just stood there and watched him do it!" Buddy yelled as memories flooded his mind.
"I remember now." Rick said clutching his chest in agony. Through the pain he was able to recall the final moments of his life. "I remember everything."
The following day at Belle Reve…
"What the hell were you thinking Murph?" Amanda Waller yelled as she stood in front of Daniel Murphy, John Economos, and Ben Turner.
"We got the guy!" Daniel Murphy yelled back at her.
"But you lost a prisoner in the process! Its bad enough that one escaped on a mission a few months back, but you let her walk right out of here!"
"Well, she didn't walk out. She disappeared, sort of." Economos said timidly.
"John, you are the warden here. You of all people should have known better!" Amanda said as she began to pace around the conference room. "How do we know that the guy in holdings isn't the real Batman? Do you realize what could happen if the costume community gets a whiff of what's been going down around here? "
"He isn't. Trust me." Bronze Tiger stated.
"Trust you? Is that supposed to make everything all right? Do you have any idea what kind of pressure I am under right now from Washington? They have grounded all missions and the President is looking for any excuse to shut us down. On top of that, Black Orchid, Flagg, and now Nemesis have all gone A.W.O.L.!" Amanda Waller sat down at the conference table and took a deep breath. "You better trust that we all aren't out on our ass before this is over."
The silence of the room was broken as the phone buzzed. Waller reached over and picked it up. "Good. Bring them in here." Waller hung up the phone and stood up. "At least one thing has gone right. They are bringing up our mysterious Oracle now."
The door opened to the conference room a few minutes later. A redheaded woman pushing someone in a wheelchair entered, followed by three armed government operatives.
"So don't be shy." Amanda said crossing her arms. " Which one of you is Oracle?"
To be concluded…