Leader

"No! Why is this happening!" Plant Master couldn't believe it, snatching up the gooey green mess and flinging it against the wall in a fit of rage. "Experiment result, failure," Professor Goldblum scribbled on his notes. "Subject deceased."

"Why is this happening?" Plant Master turned his fury on the professor. Even with his wooden face, his anger was palpable. "He's a liar! He didn't even try!" Professor Goldblum flashed a pair of green eyes and faced Plant Master's accusations blankly. Plant Master quickly redirected his rage towards Poison Ivy. "Your hypnotic kisses aren't working!" 

Ivy sighed. "Calm down. He's still under our control." She addressed the professor, "Harold, tell us what went wrong." Professor Goldblum's eyes flickered green again. "It's a complex azeotropic mixture. The viral conversion formula works in theory, but there are millions of variables that could cause the process to fail." 

"Then start guessing, meatbag!" 

"Guessing isn't scientific," Professor Goldblum retorted, adjusting his glasses. "But I suspect it has something to do with a material we've been using. The old swamp water for our experiments came from Slaughter Swamp. It won't work. We need regular biological nutrients and chemicals. The water must be sourced from a place conducive to creating swamp monsters—" 

"Wainwright Swamp in Louisiana." 

"Oh, God, I feel a pain in my butt," Poison Ivy groaned. 

"No, Pamela, don't you see? This is perfect." 

Plant Master's eyes gleamed with fanaticism. "This river flows directly into the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Stream will carry the virus into the Atlantic, and then to the entire world." He turned back to Poison Ivy, his voice filled with fervor. "Those corrupt, death-ridden monsters will never be able to destroy the Green. The incompetent and filthy Red will completely surrender to us." 

"Even without the swamp monsters, we can drive those foul things back to the shadows where they belong. This planet will be protected by the great Green!" He circled a spot on the map. "The salvation of Mother Earth will begin here." 

..... 

As for who would be the leader, Deadshot didn't care. Ever since his daughter's college acceptance letter had been secured, he'd become somewhat apathetic. Whatever the client said, he'd just agree. After all, they had the money, and their word was law. 

So he said, "Alright then—" 

"Employer, I don't believe we need a so-called team leader—" Count Vertigo began, but was cut off by the client's voice from the recorder. 

"You can decide after you've met this leader, and this leader will be in this room shortly." The voice from the recorder grew even more distorted, now tinged with a metallic harshness, as if being interfered with by an electromagnetic field, a low, hoarse growl. "And I think when you do meet this leader, you'll never object to their position, because I believe they're someone you're very familiar with, a true old friend." 

Deadshot felt a prickle of unease, a sense of being watched by something not quite human. Ms. October looked at the Cat, her mouth opening to ask a question, but the calm, smiling mask made her think better of it. The Cat seemed uninterested in the conversation, her eyes fixed on the dog in Dogwelder's grasp. Dogwelder made a "wanna touch it?" gesture, and she happily went over to pet the dead animal.

Knock knock knock! 

The door rattled, and Deadshot rose to his feet, the unease in his gut growing stronger. Something was out there. "Come in!" Count Vertigo called out. 

A jolt of danger coursed through him, making the hairs on his arms stand on end. Ms. October also stood up. 

"I'm coming in." 

Click. 

First, a shoe. A distinctive, one-piece shoe designed for tights. Then came gray tights, a flowing black cape, a pair of pointed ears, and a mask.

"Batman!"

Deadshot leaped back from the table, but Batman's swift movements prevented him from drawing his weapon. Batman held a walkie-talkie, speaking into it, "As I said, I've arranged a leader with both the influence and strength to command your respect. You'll like this leader." 

Deadshot watched as Batman tilted his pointed ears towards him. From the recorder on the table, Batman's voice echoed, layered, like a nightmare in a dark well. He heard Batman say, "Because that leader is me." 

.......

Adam had debated whether to reveal his role as the mastermind behind the scenes. He could have remained hidden, a shadowy puppet master—but then what? Soldiers with no morale, only wanting to escape? No cooperation, just chaos? Refusal to follow orders, attacks launched on whims? 

He had to admit, the current Suicide Squad lacked a strong figurehead, a backbone to unite them. In the original comics, the Suicide Squad was led by Rick Flag, who commanded respect through his noble character and guided them through countless missions. But Adam's team lacked a Rick Flag. 

Deadshot undoubtedly had the potential. He'd served as captain more times than anyone except Rick. But now he was a loner, not the seasoned leader he would become after years with the Squad. Nightwing was another possibility. As the first Robin, he wasn't accustomed to working alone like Batman. He had experience leading the Titans. 

But according to Alfred's intel, Dick and his Titans were currently engaged in a battle with Deathstroke. That's why Adam couldn't recall Nightwing or hire Deathstroke. Adam didn't want someone interrupting a fight to say, "Batman's looking for you/a client's looking for you," only for them to drop everything, take the job, and then be shocked to find their enemies as teammates. 

Besides, Adam could transform into a massive dinosaur now, granting him basic combat abilities. He could even turn into a Batmobile, ensuring a speedy escape if needed. That was enough. In any case his safety was guaranteed, at least. If he still hesitated to show up in person, it wouldn't be caution, it would be cowardly. 

Adam stepped into the room, his gaze sweeping over the four figures. Deadshot, Count Vertigo, Catwoman... everyone was here. 

'Wait'. Adam fixed his eyes on Dogwelder. "Who are you? I hired Mad Dog, not you."

...

A/N: I will post an addition chapter if we reach 100 power stone by 24 hours or tomorrow.

You can find up to 20 advance chapters on my patreon.

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