The Storybook Dimension

See disclaimer.

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Not Today

Chapter 4: The Price of Order

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She heard the news at a wedding. Warren Peace, the superhero now known as Phoenix, has been captured and by none other than Devastator himself. Evelyn Frost adjusted her skirt, running the statement through her mind once, then twice, testing for the truth.

It had been a long time since her and Warren had been on speaking terms. Nevertheless, she had never wanted him captured or dead, especially at Devastator’s hands. It seemed a lifetime ago that Warren had taken her to the prom at Sky High.

Evelyn allowed herself a slight smile. He had been so cute back then. In fact, he was handsome even now, in a sort of dark and wild way. But Peace was unpredictable, dangerous even. She knew that better than anyone.

And it was his hotheadedness which undoubtedly put him in the situation he was in now. Evelyn knew the rumors were true when the black cars arrived. The Bureau didn’t summon her on the basis of loose talk, only fact.

Her heels clicked loudly against the black tiles of the waiting room.

“Evelyn Frost?” The secretary put down the phone. “The council is waiting for you.”

She nodded and made a sharp turn down the indicated hallway. Evelyn caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror and paused to adjust her hair. Taking the lipstick from her purse, she drew a perfect line across her bottom lip, and then the top.

Putting it away, she straightened her back and entered the room. The Bureau of Superheroes was governed by an elected council, composed of the most respected heroes in the country. Her mother, Emma Frost, had once sat on the council.

Evelyn hated to be reminded of how far she was from living up to her mother’s legacy.

A council member, sitting near the middle of the half-circle spoke first. “Evelyn Frost, do you know why you’re here?”

“I could make and educated guess, but I’d prefer not to.”

One council member turned to whisper in another’s ear. In that instant, Evelyn would have traded anything for the power of super-hearing. Instead, she crossed her hands behind her back and waited for them to continue.

“Witnesses have reported that Warren Peace, also know as Phoenix, was captured by Devastator and taken to his base approximately three days ago.”

“You must understand,” another council member began, “that there is very little we can do… officially. Devastator is too powerful, too influential. That’s where you come in.”

Evelyn nodded. “What do you want me to do?”

“We need you to infiltrate Devastator’s base and plant this device.” A folder was passed to her by an underclerk. She flipped through the maps and diagrams, before concealing it within her jacket. “You may attempt to free Peace, but if he won’t come willingly…” The rest of the words were left unsaid, but Evelyn understood.

“May I speak freely?” Several members of the council nodded and she continued, a little hesitantly. “Warren…” Evelyn took a deep breath. “Warren isn’t a bad person.”

“Yes. But he also follows no orders, no rules. Warren Peace follows only his own conscience. That’s a dangerous thing in a soldier.”

“Warren doesn’t consider himself a soldier.”

“No, he considers himself a hero. But a hero who can’t be controlled is as dangerous as any villain.”

Another spoke. “Save him if you can. But if for any reason you’re not able to, you should understand that the Bureau does not hold you responsible for his fate.”

Evelyn lowered her head briefly.

“I understand.”

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To Be Continued
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