Under the streetlight, Sean was able to get a good look at her face and the electronic ID on her Kevlar vest, and he blinked in surprise. “Officer Reed.”
The policewoman who had arrested them a while back jerked at the sound of her name. She stared at them, reddened eyes darting from one to the other. “I can’t leave him.”
Alexei ignored her, intent on getting anyone still alive back into the fight. He started barking out orders that half the officers immediately jumped to obey. Alexei took a few steps forward, forcing Sean to follow after him. He looked back over his shoulder at Officer Reed, with her partner’s blood on her hands, a confused expression on her face.
“I’m sorry for your loss, but we still have a fight to win. Are you coming or not?” Sean asked.
He could see the moment she made her choice, the wrenching grief crossing her face before she locked it up like she was trained to do. First responders had a job to do, and that job didn’t include standing vigil over the dead when the bullets were still flying.
Sean watched Officer Reed kneel down and touch her partner’s face, closing his eyes, and bowing her head in silent prayer for a moment. Then she got to her feet and went to join her fellow officers, those still alive and able to walk and shoot. Two officers chose to stay behind to coordinate any EMS arrivals and to keep watch at the intersection. Sean didn’t think EMS would have anyone to save over here. Even ricochet wounds from a large caliber gun could be deadly.
Everyone else followed Sean and Alexei down East Capitol Street NE. Despite being phased, Alexei still went for cover, using vehicles to hide their movements. The police with them followed suit, talking in low voices over comms to coordinate their movements.
“Sir?” someone called out.
“Wraith,” Sean replied, without looking away from the street up ahead. “I’m Wraith. This is Inferno.”
A couple of officers swore in surprise, and one young-sounding man let out a shaky laugh. “Fuck me, we’re following members ofAlpha Team.”
Sean ignored that outburst in favor of what was happening far down the street where the Capitol Building stood. Rising over the buildings between them and the National Mall was the glowing layer of an energy shield.
“Oh shit,” a woman said.
“Think it’s military-grade?” Sean asked.
“Da. Cut off access. Is what I would do,” Alexei said.
Wraith, we need you take out the shield anchor platforms to break the energy loop and bring it down,Katie said into his mind.
How the hell did no one see them set this thing up?Sean asked.
They did a stealth drop from atmo to place the aerial anchor above the National Mall,Annabelle said.
Who the fuck is manning the satellites and radar?Donovan wanted to know.
Whoever they are, they’re getting fucking court-martialed,Madison replied.
Where is the nearest shield anchor platform to our position?Sean asked.
They set one up on the corner of Independence Avenue and Second Street Southeast, with what seems like a damn battalion to guard it. I’ll keep your mind shielded from their telepath,Katie said.
What about the metahuman with the null power?
Still haven’t found Blanchett yet, but her power is focused more where Apollo and Knight are. Her range seems limited, or she’s not using her full power.
Find Kyle yet?Alexei abruptly asked.
Katie was quiet for a second, but she ultimately wasn’t the one who answered.
No, Jamie said in a clipped voice.
Alexei swore under his breath and in his mind, the sound echoing strangely through Sean’s head. Sean didn’t want to leave him, but the impending problem of the energy shield trapping the people whoran the fucking countryinside with the enemy took precedence.
“Go,” Alexei said, turning to look at him.
It was difficult to meet his gaze through the patchwork street light and tactical goggles, but Sean still searched out his eyes. He nodded at Alexei before making sure they were clear of any solid objects. Then he let Alexei go. “Keep your head in the game.”
Alexei nodded once, a sharp motion that didn’t ease Sean’s worry at all. But he didn’t have time to dwell; he could only obey Katie’s order.
