Washington DC, Part 2

July 12

Mia and Warren had no powers, and they were on the run from a number of troopers who managed to follow them as they escaped from the park. After much running and fighting, the two were able to beat their adversaries in the deeper part of the woods. Their teleporters were not working so they decided to stay in the cover of the forest until it was dark enough to sneak back into the city roads.

While they waited, Warren and Mia contacted their friends in L.A. to find out what had happened. They learned that they had been caught in the middle of a neutralizing field across the eastern part of the country. Their information team led by Magenta and Zach was still studying the neutralizing field, so none of them knew completely what was happening. So far, they were told that as a result of the neutralizing field, dozens of superheroes and some supervillains were arrested in the east as they were caught unawares and overpowered by the Task Force. All teleporters ceased working due to the neutralizers so many superheroes were stranded. Worse, it was confirmed that two supervillains had been killed, one of them being the supervillain from the park riot. One superhero was also in life threatening condition in a New York hospital after being struck down by the Task Force for interference.

As for their next step, Mia and Warren were told that a large banquet for business leaders was being held at the White House the next day. It was apparently set up by the administration in order to gain the support of multinational corporations and assure them that no money would be lost from the recent changes in the country. Because of this, Warren and Mia knew instantly that it was a party they had to attend.

To do this mission, they needed the right gear. They left the woods when it was safe and headed to the business and fashion district of the city. When Warren and Mia reached the edge of the woods, the two quickly headed to a familiar street that was fortunately not too far away. They managed to reach the place without running into any police, or worse, the Task Force.

The couple arrived at a storefront that was still open, even though it was 10 at night. They walked up the steps towards the blue glass double doors but were then met by a guard who stepped swiftly in front of them. Before the guard could speak, Warren's phone rang, and he turned away to answer it quietly. Mia looked at the guard inquisitively.

"I'm sorry miss, but I can't let you in the store, we, umm...have a strict dress-code policy," the guard said, looking over Mia's and Warren's forms. They were wearing clothes smudged with ashes and ripped in places, along with dirty shoes on their feet. Dried blood was scattered on their clothes and skin, which thankfully looked like mud, so it didn't arouse too much suspicion.

It was a high end couture clothing store, and they definitely had a dress code. But the couple had no time nor the resources at that moment to change into better clothes.

Mia rolled her eyes at the guard exasperatedly, "And why do you suppose we're here? To window shop?" she asked tiredly, and the guard stammered out,

"I'm sorry, I have to follow my orders," he looked at her and at Warren from head to toe again. Warren was still on his phone speaking to Zach from the Information Centre.

Warren looked at Mia carefully, signaling her not to lose her temper at the guy. Mia sighed, he was right. They needed help from a friend inside and fighting with a guard was no help.

"Look, can you please call the store owner? Tell her we need to speak with her, thanks," she asked delicately.

The guard nodded and left the two waiting at the door. Warren got off the phone and looked wearily at his wife.

"No progress on the front. Worse, they just found out that not only is it a neutralizing field, but its enclosed by an impermeable shield. The eastern region is completely sealed off, right to the nearest centimeter of the political map's border lines," Warren said in hushed tones and Mia's eyes widened.

"Under the dome," she breathed out. "No one comes in or out. No superpowers. Give it a couple of more days and he'll have the whole country covered," Mia finished angrily.

Warren took her hand to comfort her a bit, but he too, was fuming at the news. Both waited impatiently for the guard to come back with Sophia, the store owner and fashion designer. She was also one of the few designers who design superhero costumes, with clientele ranging from heroes of the Justice League and the IAS. She was the one who happened to create both Flare's and Lady Force's costumes as well as their teammates'.

Warren moved forward and looked at his reflection on the glass doors. He scratched at the slight stubble on his face and touched the dried blood covering a cut on his lips.

"We have to get cleaned up quickly," he stated and breathed a sigh of relief along with Mia when they saw Sophia walking briskly towards the door.

"Mia! Warren!" Sophia rushed to them and pulled them inside quickly. "Sorry about this, come in, come in."

The two entered the large store and the guard from before apologized to them. Mia reassured him that it was perfectly understandable and shook his hand cordially.

"Gary, please tell Claire to start closing up the store," Sophia instructed and the guard nodded.

Sophia ushered the two towards a silver staircase that led to a large office on the second floor. She locked the door behind her and gave both of them a hug.

"You two look like hell," she simply stated, looking at their forms.

Mia grinned slightly, "It could have been worse."

"You were on the news for the better part of the afternoon, lots of wanted vigilante ads, the usual," Sophia informed them while she walked around the room, grabbing towels and a first aid kit.

"Have you heard from anyone else?" Warren asked after he gratefully took the first aid kit. He quickly opened it and rummaged around for sanitizing cloths, ointment, and steri-strips.

"Just Sean," she answered, talking about her fiancée, who was an old friend of Mia's. "He was supposed to come back from the JL Watchtower a few hours ago, but that's not going happen now with this damn shield. Oh my god Mia," she quickly added when she saw Mia lift her torn shirt up to reveal a nasty wound on the side of her stomach.

Warren immediately worked on her wound with the first aid supplies he got, "It's just a bullet graze, nothing too deep," Mia reassured her friend.

The three soon talked about what they needed to keep up appearances for the next day. Mia and Warren needed formal attire and Sophia happily went down to search for the things they needed. While Sophia picked out clothes for them, Warren and Mia washed up in the bathroom. They wiped off the blood and dirt on their exposed skin, and when they finished, they saw Sophia coming up the stairs.

"Okay, I got some clothes for you to wear now. You were lucky no one questioned you for your attire getting here, but let's try to avoid that when you go back home," Sophia carried two large paper bags and walked towards the two.

She pulled out a simple black dress, a pea coat, and red pumps for Mia, who soon went to the changing room to pull them on. Sophia handed Warren a crisp white shirt, black pants, and shoes to match. Sophia evidently knew their sizes well since she had been their designer for many years.

When Warren and Mia finished, Sophia took out more boxes of clothes for the state dinner at the White House.

"Here you are Mia," Sophia took out a knee-length red dress with a thin diamond studded belt, which was paired with nude coloured pumps. "I know how you like your formal business attires, and also Warren's favourite colour."

Mia laughed at her comment while she examined the garment and placed it back in the box. There was no need to try it on since she knew it would fit well anyway. Warren, meanwhile, took the tuxedo from Sophia with his thanks.

"Thanks so much for helping Sophia, you're an angel," Warren gratefully said and Sophia returned his smile.

"I'm always happy to help," she replied. "Just promise me you two will be careful tomorrow, I don't know what to think of you being so near the President," she finished nervously.

Mia took her hands and gave them a reassuring squeeze, "Don't worry, it'll be Amelia the C.O.O of a multinational corporation and Warren the highly paid doctor he'll be meeting, not the vigilantes he wants to get rid of."

Sophia sighed, "I guess," she suddenly looked at the time and widened her eyes. "Oh! I forgot to tell you two, there was a curfew set up just this afternoon after the riot near the Capitol. No one's supposed to be out past midnight."

It was 11 o'clock, "We missed that notice. What Johnson comes up with next I don't know," Warren shook his head while he and Mia gathered their things.

"I can drive you both back to your place," Sophia offered as she too started to pack up.

"No don't worry Sophie, we'll call a cab, you live on the other side of the city from our house and I don't want you to miss this ridiculous curfew," Mia replied.

"Alright, I'll call one now, it'll be faster."

Everyone picked up their belongings and headed down to the now empty shop. When the taxi came for Mia and Warren, both hugged their friend goodbye.

"Take care Sophie, I'll call you tomorrow," Mia said before Sophia walked to her car.

Mia and Warren got on the taxi and it took about 20 minutes to reach their condominium building. They paid the driver, who spoke and complained about the recent curfew for the most part of their ride. The couple had been very sympathetic and wished him goodnight after including a large tip in their payment.

Warren carried the two large paper bags and Mia pulled the door open for him. When they entered the lobby, the concierge of the building greeted them.

"Good evening Doctor and Mrs. Peace," he cordially said to the two.

"Hello Graham, how was your day?" Mia smiled up at him.

"Very busy as usual," Graham sighed. "I trust you both have heard of the newly enforced curfew?"

"Yes, we seem to have made it just in time," Warren noted when he casually looked up at the giant clock behind the information desk; it was a quarter to midnight.

"We have been instructed to let all of our residents know that the building management is required to lockdown the building at midnight," Graham informed them in a rehearsed tone. "We apologize for any inconvenience."

Mia shook her head and gave him a reassuring smile, "There's no need to apologize, the building management didn't create the new rules."

"Indeed," Graham returned the smile and continued to speak with a tone of dry humour. "Well, I hope you have a pleasant night despite our circumstances under the giant dome."

Warren couldn't help but smile at his words, "We'll try, goodnight Graham."

Mia waved goodbye when the elevators opened. They went all the way up to the top floor where their penthouse was located.

"I wonder what they would do to people they catch outside after midnight," Mia pondered as she opened their door.

Warren entered after her and placed the bags on an entryway bench, "Most likely an armed escort home."

Mia went straight to their computer in the office and entered a secure connection. She opened a video communication program and contacted their teammates. While she waited for them to answer, Warren heated up some food in the microwave as the two had not eaten since that afternoon- food was usually the last thing on their minds when they're caught up in a mission. Warren pulled a computer chair next to Mia and handed her a plate of lasagna they ordered in from a restaurant the previous day.

"Thanks," Mia turned to face Warren as both ate their meal. "How are you feeling?"

"Cold," came Warren's simple reply and Mia smiled sympathetically. She had only seen Warren stripped off of his powers once during a mission to the ancient Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt. The inside of the Pyramid neutralized any superpowers, and the Elements team were caught unawares by a villain who wanted them dead. They were successful in that mission, but the nullifying effects on their powers from the pyramid lingered for a few days when they left.

Mia gingerly placed a hand on Warren's cheek, and indeed he was cool to the touch, "Hmm, I'll have to get used to this. I'll need to find an electric blanket to replace you," she grinned.

Warren gave a short laugh in reply; he appreciated Mia's humour at a time like this. When they finished eating, a beep came up on the computer screen and Mia clicked on the conference call program. The window was split into five video feeds and Layla's face popped into one of them.

"Mia! Warren! How are you?" Layla exclaimed. She was calling from the hero centre in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Warren smiled at Layla, "Hey Hippie, we're just fine. How are you and the little guy?"

"We're doing well, Cam's been missing Will a lot," Layla replied. "Will just called and said he would be online in a few minutes."

Will soon entered the conversation and minutes later, Veronica and Tom signed on. Next was Ethan and Gabriela, and finally, Zach and Magenta.

After their initial greetings with each other, the chaos dwindled a bit, and all got down to business.

"First off, the shield," Ethan started. "We've analyzed it from the Elements' satellites and it is a strong force field. There are no weak spots. Wildlife has been trying to get through it and it's like a bird hitting a window. Same with the people trying to break through. The Commander bounced back a few hundred meters when he tried to punch a hole through it this afternoon."

"It's an impressive shield," Vee nodded. "Tom and I had a look at it earlier where it stops at the border of Texas. I went under a lake to see if we can go below it, but I had to dig even deeper than the lakebed. Nothing. The shield in my opinion extends well below the earth's crust."

"Damn," Will added. "And how did they manage to make the inside a neutralizing zone too? Where could they have gotten that technology?"

Everyone was silent. No one knew, and that meant they had something to add to their mission.

"How are your supplies?" Layla steered the conversation to another direction. "With no powers, you'll need lots of weapons and other equipment."

"We have a good stock here in Maxville, lots of stun guns and rays, as well as a few of those bugs that crash network systems," Will replied.

"Same here, there's plenty at the rebel headquarters," Warren added. "So, what have you prepared over there in the west?"

Zach answered, "We've split up our main team, the other half are in Vancouver so we can still have a link to the non-neutralized world when we get stuck here. We're continuing to worm our way into the government's network systems, but they've got excellent hackers working for them. Mandy went to Vancouver to help set up, but she's coming back later today to help with the weapons and our cloaking devices."

Warren looked at the screen and asked his remaining Elements team members, "Are you two staying? What did you find so far?"

Tom sighed, "If we're going to find a way to dissolve the dome and the neutralizers, we'll have to work from the inside. Even without our powers I'm sure we can manage with our resources. We also located the government facility in the Grand Canyon, and it turns out that it's a large Task Force outpost. If Johnson's amassing a large army inside an impermeable wall, we can't leave the people inside vulnerable."

"Plus," Vee added, looking up after putting her tablet aside. "There's a geothermal power plant here that seems to be highly protected by more Task Force troopers that any other place in the region. They definitely need to monopolize the power grid if they want full control. Our task will be to monitor any places the government might be overtaking. It may give us a clue to what exactly Johnson is planning next."

Magenta typed something on her keyboard and looked up at the screen, "Good idea, we'll try to find something on the network searches. Mia and Warren might have better luck finding those places though, the state dinner tomorrow will have a lot of people talking about government intervention in their private companies."

"Sure, we'll get as much intel as we can," Mia replied, stretching her sore arms out and wincing slightly from the pain on her side.

"So that's all we have for now right?" Will asked and all of them nodded. "I have to leave. Our headquarters is being relocated tonight."

Soon everyone said their goodbyes to each other and signed off. The last to sign off were Ethan and Gabriela, and Mia and Warren.

"I've rsvp'd to your invitations for tomorrow," Ethan informed Mia and Warren. "There will be lots of security checks, so be extra cautious. Greene Pharmaceuticals is also expecting a statement from Mia tomorrow after the event, so they know how to proceed with the travel restrictions."

Greene Pharmaceuticals was a large corporation created by Mia's grandfather, Doctor Greene. He is known in the superhero community for his contribution to superhero science, and the general public knows him as a leading scientist in the pharmaceutical world. He's retired now, and his company is being run by Mia's parents, who are both scientists. Mia is a company partner and the Chief Operations Officer. She helps to run the business side of the company with the aid of trusted managers so that she didn't have to clock in so many hours.

Warren, on the other hand, is a trained medical doctor like his mother Sara Peace. He pursued his M.D. after he discovered his healing powers many years ago. He has since worked for Greene Pharmaceuticals for a number of projects, the most noted one being a Cancer Research and Treatment he did with his fellow teammates Tom and Veronica, who also have healing powers.

The couple were going to be the representatives of a powerful company, which will be quite useful for gathering intelligence from inside the White House.

"I'll be sure to send out the statement Ethan, thanks, tell my folks hello when you they visit you up there later in the afternoon," Mia smiled.

"No problem, we'll talk to you again soon. Goodnight Mia and Warren."

They shut down their computer after the goodbyes. Warren leaned on the back of his chair tiredly and stretched his arms.

Mia stood up, "What a day," she sighed. "I'm due for a shower."

She took her hair out of its messy bun and headed to the bathroom. Warren followed her inside and brushed his teeth while Mia got in the shower. Warren heard a slight grunt, and he turned to see Mia through the glass doors. She peeled off the steri-strip on her wound so she could wash it off with water.

"Let me see," Warren concernedly walked towards her when she got off the shower. He looked at the wound and scrunched his eyebrows; it was still red and swollen.

"The adrenaline has worn off, it hurts like a bitch now," Mia winced when Warren grabbed some supplies and reapplied ointment and steri-strips.

"This would have taken a second if I had my powers," Warren muttered, frustrated at their predicament. Mia smiled to reassure him, and when he finished with her wound, she took his face in her hands and kissed him softly.

She looked at him closely and said in a steady voice, "I'll be fine."

It was Warren's turn to kiss her deeply and when he let her go, Mia slipped on a robe and patted his cheek.

"Be quick, we'll need a good night's sleep to be ready for tomorrow," she commented while Warren took off his clothes and stepped in the shower.

"Don't forget to message the car company," Warren reminded her.

"Oh yes, almost forgot, I'll do it now."

It was almost 1 in the morning when the couple finally got into bed. Yawning, Mia snuggled close to Warren and felt his unusual cold temperature. Warren kissed her goodnight and her eyes fluttered close.

"Try not to kick Johnson in his nether region later today, no matter how annoying he is," Warren muttered against Mia's head, his eyes closed, and mouth upturned into a grin.

Mia's eyes were still shut, and she moved her head to its comfortable nook above Warren's shoulder, "Hmm, it was Lady Force that did it last time. I'll try my very best," she finished with humour in her voice as she remembered kicking Johnson in the groin out of sheer annoyance when he was still a congressman years ago.

Warren wrapped an arm around her waist and carefully avoided the wound on her side. For the first time in weeks, he slept with a small smile on his face. He knew they would do just fine during the state dinner since they won't be seen as vigilantes for once. He only hoped that they could make it through in the coming weeks and find a way to finally end the war.

TBC

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