Chapter Text
Principal Amanda Waller had some out-there ideas, sure. But they worked. She had been hired because Gotham High School needed reforming and she had made progress. Waller had proposed this idea early on in her first semester as principal, so she understood why they turned her down then. They had no reason to trust her. But it had been months and she had proven herself capable.
She stood in front of the room of board members with the projected images of six students on the screen behind her. "I'm telling you, if we take some of the worst kids and have them do some good, it will work. They have ins with different crowds and they can lead by example."
"How would you control them? What if they just go off and start vandalizing the property?" Asked one of the members of the school board.
"We give them a choice and a reward." Waller said, glad the school board was finally listening. She switched the slide on the projector to one of the student's files.
"This is Floyd Lawton. He is part of the rifle club and is the best shooter on the team. His grades are average in everything but math; where he excels."
Switch.
"This is Harleen Quinzel, a varsity cheerleader. She takes AP Psychology courses and has told the guidance counselor that she wants to become a psychiatrist."
Switch.
"George Harkness, a transfer from Metropolis High. He has shown a proficiency in math and is very cunning, even if he is not the most motivated."
Switch.
"Chato Santana. You may remember him from the incident about a year ago. Since then he has reformed himself. He no longer ditches class and his grades have improved."
Switch.
"Waylon Jones. He is on our wrestling team and is very intimidating, he shows an interest in creative writing.”
“What do these students have in common?” Waller let the question sit in the air for a moment. “They have potential. These kids are not completely unmotivated. They have talents and work towards goals. They are smart. However,” She switched the slide again. “They have records that will keep them from their goals.”
Waller placed her hands on the table in front of her and looked each of the board members in the eye. “I propose we help clear their records in exchange for their help in reining in bad behavior. Nothing else you all have tried has worked. Give this a chance.”
The room was heavy with thought, the members looking at each other warily. No one wanted to be the first to agree. Until one hand rose and a shaky voice said, “I second Principal Waller’s plan to put together this group.”
Waller smirked as the rest of the board began agreeing.
-
Amanda Waller stood in front of the whiteboard of the dim classroom, her face narrowed. Before her were six junior year students. They were scattered about the room, unwilling to sit near each other.
The blonde girl sitting in the front of the room was chewing bubblegum and had Principal Waller cared enough about a petty no-gum rule, she would have demanded she spit it out. But it was the least of Waller’s worries, what with the school’s history.
Two rows from the girl sat a dark skinned boy in red who looked fairly unhappy to be there. In the back corner a red haired boy in a beanie sat with his feet propped on the desk. He acted as if he owned the place and Waller almost laughed at his ego.
Towards the windows on Waller’s right sat a tan boy with his hood up, hiding his tattooed face. He stared out the window at the gloomy sky. Sitting in the center of the room was a large figure who also wore a hoodie and leaning against the wall in the back was a boy with long, dark hair.
Richard Flag, one of Gotham High’s best students stood at the door to Waller’s left. The rest of the teenagers were eyeing him warily; aware he didn’t belong somehow.
Waller began, “Floyd Lawton, Harleen Quinzel, Chato Santana, Waylon Jones, Christopher Weiss, and George Harkness. Do you have any idea why you are all gathered here today?”
The signature pop of bubblegum resonated throughout the room and Waller’s head snapped towards the source of the sound, “Well Harleen? Have you any clue?” She asked.
Harleen chewed on her gum silently for a moment, then opened her mouth to speak, her gum smacking obnoxiously, “Well it seems to me the only thing we all have in common is our behavior issues.” A distinct accent could be heard through the girl’s words, “But that can be said for half the school, so I don’t know why you singled us out.” Harleen leaned back in her chair and propped her feet up on the desk, crossing her arms.
“It also doesn’t explain why goody two shoes Flag is here either.” An Australian accent piped up from the back of the room. Richard bristled at the comment.
“You are all here because I see something in you. As Harleen stated, you all have behavior issues on your records. In your cases, these are preventing you from graduating on time. I am offering you a way to… clean your slates.” Waller paused for a moment to assess their expressions, “You see, Gotham High School has a very high rate of suspension, expulsion and general misconduct. Even with certain individuals,” She rolled her eyes at this, “attempting to put a stop to these wrongdoings, they can’t do everything. I am offering you all a chance to be part of a group that will end any plans before they have been enacted. In exchange, you graduate on time.”
Harleen spoke up, “Okay lady, I like what you’re selling but what’s the catch?”
“No catch,” Waller said. “The only demand is that you follow instructions and you are not to notify anyone of this group. If you do so, all of you will be expelled.”
The room was silent with contemplation.
Harleen stood up, “A cleaner record would make it a hell of a lot easier to get a scholarship, so I’m in Principal Waller.”
Chato spoke from beneath his hoodie, “I’m in.”
Then Floyd, “Fine, whatever.”
Waylon, muffled from under his mask, “Sure.”
Christopher stood up straight, “Yeah, no. I’m not going to play your little hero game. Bye.” Waller raised an eyebrow and gestured to the door. With that, Christopher promptly left.
Eyes turned towards George. He rolled his eyes, “Aw hell, stop looking at me you bunch of twats. I’m in.”
Principal Waller nodded, “Good. Your schedules for your senior year will be adjusted accordingly and further information will be sent to your student emails. In the meantime, I should address the elephant in the room.” She gestured to the tall student standing by the door. “This is Richard Flag, he is one of our top students. He will be running your team.” Richard gave a nod. “I suggest you all get to know each other over the summer as you will be working together often. Dismissed.”
No one moved except Waller, who gathered her things and left.