Nathaniel Heroic Evolution (with Young Justice)

Chapter 9: A Day Off and New Directives

Team Young Justice's POV - The Briefing

"Can we take a break?" Robin asked Nate, the rest of the team looking hopeful. It had been a long month of relentless training, and we were desperate for some downtime.

Nate considered it for a moment before nodding. "Alright, you guys can leave Mount Justice. But remember, no saving people unless it's a code 3."

As we started to celebrate, Nate's voice cut through our excitement. "Wait, have you read the books Black Canary gave you?"

Our silence was answered enough.

"Huh," Nate said, shaking his head. "When you guys get back, Black Canary will give you another lesson. Those books are crucial for understanding how to handle danger. We've invested a fortune in your training and resources, but we haven't exposed you to the harsh realities of what criminals do. You're not ready for that yet."

We groaned collectively. "So, you can go, but leave your costumes behind. I know you all know each other's identities, and Kid Flash is going with you. Remember the codes:

Code 1: A few criminals causing chaos.Code 2: Some of our lower-level villains are gathering.Code 3: Enemies from space or Justice League-level threats.Code 4: Green light, all beginner heroes can participate in saving. This applies to Code 1.Code 5: Yellow light, danger level medium. Proceed with caution. This is for Code 2.Code 6: Red light, danger level high. Do not participate alone. Stay out of it. No exceptions unless it's world-ending for Code 3."

With the rules laid out, we felt a mix of relief and anticipation. It was a lot to keep in mind, but at least we had a chance to unwind for a bit.

President's POV

I looked over the file Amanda Waller handed me, eyebrows raising as I scanned through the details of Project Suicide Squad. The concept was audacious: a team composed of highly skilled but dangerous criminals, like Deadshot.

"Waller, how do you plan to control these people?" I asked, skeptical.

She smiled confidently. "We'll implant a tracking device and a bomb inside their heads. If they step out of line, we can ensure they won't cause any more trouble."

I considered this for a moment. "Fine," I said, picking up a pen and signing the authorization. "You can take them, but if they get out of control, they go straight back to jail."

"Yes, sir," Waller replied, her smile widening. "Thank you, Mr. President."

I handed the signed document back to her. "Make sure you keep a tight leash on them, Waller. We can't afford any mistakes."

"Understood, sir," she said, turning to leave. As she walked out of the room, I couldn't help but feel a chill. Waller was ambitious, and this project could either be a groundbreaking success or a catastrophic failure.

Team Young Justice's POV - A Taste of Freedom

We left Mount Justice, a sense of liberation in the air. It felt good to be outside without the weight of training hanging over us, even if we had to leave our costumes behind.

"Finally, some fresh air," Kid Flash said, stretching his arms above his head.

"Remember, we still have to be careful," Aqualad reminded him. "We can't just act recklessly."

Robin grinned. "Let's just enjoy this. No costumes, no missions... just a normal day."

Megan, still a bit shaken from her encounter with Nate's mind, nodded. "Let's make the most of it. Who knows when we'll get another chance like this."

As we wandered through the city, we kept an eye out for any potential threats, but thankfully, everything seemed calm. It was a much-needed break, even if it was brief. Little did we know, bigger challenges were waiting just around the corner.