The screen flickered with images of smoke-filled skies, a line of soldiers marching in unison, and the sharp, dispassionate voice of the news anchor narrating the chaos.

Reporter: "The battalion, calling themselves the Sons of Themyscira, violently crossed the border into Pokolistan. The Sons are said to be working at the behest of the rogue Amazonian and reputed sorceress, Circe. Circe claims to be the rightful heir to the throne of the perhaps mythical, perhaps real, all-female island nation of Themyscira. Inside sources claim Circe has promised the Sons that once the downfall of Pokolistan is achieved, she will lead them to conquer Themyscira."

The feed cut to footage of two soldiers clad in mismatched uniforms, their faces obscured by helmets, leaning against an armored vehicle.

Goon 1: "I mean, seriously, Themyscira is the sickest place ever. And then you tell me, 'Oh, dude, only women can live there'? (chuckling) What? They're so sexist, bro."

Goon 2: "Word is they have the most incredible waterfalls. I have this question for all the woke feminists out there: why do only girls get such cool waterfalls? All over the world, our rights as men are being denigrated."

Amanda Waller hit the power button on the remote, cutting off the TV with a sharp click.

Rick Flag Sr: "What a bunch of clowns."

Amanda Waller: "Dangerous clowns. Pokolistan is a friend of the U.S."

Rick Flag Sr: "Countries don't have friends."

Amanda Waller: "After your decades in the military, General Flag, I think you'd understand that true friendship is built on petroleum deposits. Especially unmined ones in a backward-ass country that's never taken advantage of their natural resources. Princess Ilana Rostovic, the heir apparent to Pokolistan, is already negotiating with the U.S. for that oil. And if she's overthrown by some nutjob in a witch's hat, all bets are off. We need to help Rostovic."

Rick Flag Sr: "I thought Congress put a stop to all Task Force X activities since your daughter outed you."

Amanda Waller: "Technically, Congress said A.R.G.U.S. can't use incarcerated human beings as mission operatives any longer. But what about beings that aren't human?"

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the facility, a loud bang echoed, followed by a guttural growl. Flag turned sharply, his hand instinctively moving toward his weapon, as they passed a reinforced glass cell.

Inside, Max Williams was a frenzy of movement. The straightjacket was shredded, the chains that once bound him lay broken on the floor. He slammed his head against the glass with wild force, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the two figures outside.

Rick Flag Sr: "Jesus!"

Waller barely flinched, her expression a mix of annoyance and indifference.

Amanda Waller: "Oh, for God's sake. He's gotten out of his restraints again."

Rick Flag Sr: "Again?"

Amanda Waller: "Where's his handler? Haruki?"

The answer presented itself in gruesome clarity a moment later as they looked the corner of the cell. Blood smeared the walls, and the tattered remnants of what was once Haruki Shiga littered the floor. Waller sighed.

Amanda Waller: "Well, that answers that question. Haruki always was a little overconfident."

Rick Flag Sr: "A little overconfident? The guy's missing half his body!"