Return of a Speedster

The Briefing

Bunker Alpha Facility
July 6, 2019
2100 HRS ZULU

While the rest of the Team relaxes back at the Cave, several senior members and a few younger members meet with Mr. Graves to discuss plans for defending the Earth during the upcoming invasion. Nightwing, Kid Flash, Zatanna, Wonder Girl, Rocket, Blue Beetle, and Tigris step off the Seahawks that brought them the 'top-secret', high-tech underground facility. Joe and his cousin, Tom, greet them and then guide them done a wide corridor--while escorting a handcuffed Arsenal. The field artillery officers follow them.

They pass by several dozen briefing rooms. Some of the rooms have the door closed, and the words 'Classified Briefing' are enshrined on the doors' dark, tinted glass windows. But many of the doors are open, and the sounds of more than thirty different commanding officers, generals, and admirals can be heard; each one dealing out a heavily detailed plan for a massive attack on foreign world or the defense of a major city or military base. Several of these commanders are speaking English. Russkiy. Romani. Français. Deutsche. Español. Afrikaans. Eurbaa. Hebrew, and a dozen other languages are heard as well; just to name a few. The group stops in front of a set double doors, and they are led into a large room. The plaque next to the door says Briefing Room 101.

"Take a seat please," Mr. Graves states calmly as he gestures toward the table and chairs in the center of the room.

The Team and the officers do as they are ordered. Arsenal is shoved into his seat by his accompanying MPs.

"We're waiting on a few others," the highest officer in the room states, when his guests start fidgeting in their seats--mostly Wally. "We'll get started once they arrive."

Just then, Mr. Graves's phone rings. He answers, and works his way to the door.

"Hello, and how did you get this...Oh Ms. Waller, how nice to hear from you...."

He covers the phone and tells the others, "Excuse me while I take this important call."

He exits the room, stating, "Yes, I'm still here...What are talking about? Lawrance will be a great addition to the Squad. And no, you can't have any of the kids...."

For a few minutes, there is silence. That is interrupted when Mr. Graves storms back into the room. 

"...And they shall arrive on schedule for the briefing? That's good to hear. I'll see you later," he says, and hangs up.

Before he can explain what that was all about, a different type of interesting character shoves his way into the room.

"I told you to keep your hands off of me!!!" a man in a red hood exclaims, slamming an unfortunate Marine on to the table.

Before the situation can get any more out of hand, Mr. Graves shouts, " Gentlemen! You can't fight in here! This is the War Room!"

Kid Flash and Nightwing snort at the cheezy movie reference.

"What's so funny, Golden Boy," Red Hood states angrily.

"Nothin'," Nightwing replies.

Red Hood just scoffs at his response. But before he can say anything, Mr. Graves stops him.

"Take your seat please, Mr. Todd," Mr. Graves orders viciously, with a tone that would make even the Batman think twice before engaging him.

For one of the few times in his life, Jason Todd does as he is told. He then tries to start a conversation with the rest of the gathered Team members.

"Glad to see you again, Kid," he says sincerely. "Personally, I think that future kid was a poor substitute any way."

Wally just scoffs at the comment. He goes to retaliate, but Artemis stops him by placing a firm grip on his shoulder.