Return of a Speedster

The Briefing (Part Two)

Bunker Alpha Facility
July 6, 2019
2230 HRS ZULU

The screen starts to display deep space satellite images of a distant planet. One with immense jets of fire spewing from it.

"This world, pictured behind me, is the reason you are all here tonight."

"Is that..." Superboy starts.

"Yes, it is," Mr. Graves states solemnly. "The world pictured behind me is the home planet of the God of Antilife. This world is--"

"Apokalyps," Wally states--not a single inch of emotion or pain in his voice.

He shifts in his seat slightly. In response, Artemis places a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. There is a moment of tense silence.

It is ended when Mr. Graves clears his throat and continues speaking.

"You are all gathered here tonight, because you will be leading and supporting an advanced tactical unit that will personally escort the God of Anti-Life to gates of Hell..."

"Isn't he already in Hell?" Red Hood rudely interrupts.

Mr. Graves just glares at the smirking anti-hero, and then continues to speak.

"To put it simply, your job is to make sure that the 'Big Bad', this guy..." A picture of Darkseid is displayed on the screen. "...is not able attack the or influencing the millions of legions of troopers that I am leading to their doom."

"Well that's nice," Boomerang says plainly.

The Grand Marshall sighs, "Well, let's get down to Team assignments, shall we? Let's see here..."

He pretends to scroll through a list of names on a tablet.

"Nightwing!" he exclaims. "You and Kid Flash will be leading your fellow heroes against Darkseid directly. You and him will guide the Team through a complex series of tunnels and corridors underneath Darkseid's Palace, following the intel provided by PFC West, and into the Throne Room, where He will no doubt be overseeing our siege of His world. Your task is then to distract him long enough until Corp. Graves and his mobile artillery unit are able to pound the Hell out of Him with their tanks and Howitzers. Once He is down, you are to launch a flare and high tale your asses out of there.

"Corporal Graves," He turns to face his nephew. "Your men will be firing newly developed radion-titanium shells. This is because radion is the only substance that is able to severely injury or kill a New God. Your unit will work its way up this ridge located directly across from the Palace. Once in position, you are to commence firing on the lower levels of the Palace's superstructure and clear a path for the invading forces.

"Lieutenant Domingo," He turns to face his son. "You are to personally lead a charge across the field and up the Palace steps. Your legions will be made of both humans and several hundred other alien races from across the galaxy. Your men will assist both the Team and the Task Force in accomplishing their goals..."

"And what will our goal be?" Sportsmaster interjects, disgruntledly.

"I am not at liberty to give that information," The Grand Marshall states charmingly. He gestures to the woman standing next to him. "Amanda, if you may?"

"With pleasure, Mr. Graves," Ms. Waller states calmly. "Clo. Flagg. Your squad's job is to infiltrate this Fiery Pit. In here, you will find Darkseid's top generals, lieutenants, tortures, warriors, and scientists. You are to eliminate them through any means necessary. And under no circumstances are you to allow them to escape."

"I'm sorry Waller," Capt. Boomerang states anxiously, "but I think you have the wrong Rogue here."

"What do you mean?" Mr. Graves says calmly.

"I don't do well with high temperatures. I think you want Heat Wave instead."

"You know what, I think you're right. Just let me double check the list here."

He scrolls through the list of names for Task Force X. He comes across where Captain's name should be. But, instead Heat Wave is listed. But he doesn't tell him that.

"Nope. It says hear that Heat Wave will be helping Flash defend Central City, annnnnnnd that you will help Harley take down Desaad."

"That can't be right," Captain debates.

"Nope. It's right here in black and white. Ain't that right, Amanda?"

She glances at the list and smirks, "Why yes it is."

"Now if there are no more questions....then this meeting is convened. You will be escorted to your on base accommodations.

"I wish you all a good night and good luck."

With that being said, the Team and the Squad are escorted out of the room. One toward the bunks. The other to the holding cells.

Each group knowing that they will not be able to sleep that night.