Blister's mouth opened in a wide yawn. She was tired, but the only time she could record was night. She paused for a moment and glanced around the room; she didn't have to, the snores of her friends assured her of their sleep. Carefully, Blister sat up and reached down beneath her bed. Her hand grazed the floor blindly until it bumped against a small Scooby Doo lunch box that, as the watch was, had considerably faded. She opened it up and grabbed a small black journal.

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Okay. So, the code. Things have been...different, since this bullshit code. But like I said, long as it keeps Spider out of my territory; well, here it is.

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Blister read from the paper in quick, harsh whispers.

THE NEWSIES CODE

No one shall cross the sides (Lower or Upper) during selling time (6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.).

No one shall cross into their opposite (East or West) during selling time.

If one crosses into their opposite during selling time, a peaceful surrendering of all papers and all money must occur before one returns to their rightful territory or the safe zone.

If one crosses sides during selling time, a surrendering of all papers and all money must occur and severe punishment may be used before one returns to their territory or the safe zone.

No newsie shall soak another member of their rightful side (except in the case of a Violent Overthrow of Leadership).

When one or more newsies takes on a leader in fight and wins, a Violent Overthrow has occurred. The winner of the fight is the new Leader.

When the majority of a group decides to switch faithfulness from their leader to another newsie, a Silent Overthrow has occurred. The newsie becomes the new Leader.

A Leader may also choose to sacrifice his/her position and set it upon another newsie.

If for some reason a Leader is unable to lead, the next in command will become the new Leader.

There will be no violence between any newsie in the Safe Zone.

Violating peace in the Safe Zone is punishable by a severe soaking and probable banishment from the Newsie community.

Only Leaders are allowed to declare Rivalry.

When Rivalry is declared, there is to be no communication between the two or more groups of newsies (aside from the Leaders and their seconds) until the Rivalry has been undeclared (resolved).

Crossing into a Rival group's territory at any time of day (with the exception of the Leaders and their Seconds) is strictly forbidden.

Relations outside one's group are not recommended.

Relations between members of Rival groups are strictly forbidden.

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And that's it.

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Blister clicked the red stop button and the tape went quiet.