Disclaimer: Is it necessary for me to say I don't own Kim and the gang? I only claim to own Blackout, the main villain in this story, and the only reward I receive for writing is the satisfaction of turning a good phrase or two. Oh, and I do love the reviews I get, both good and bad.

Chapter 11: History Lesson

Mr. Barkin let the ringing of the bell's echo die before calling the class into session. "O.K. people, I'll be handling your American History class today. Your regular teacher, Miss Earp has decided to elope." He lowered his voice, "To some guy named Clanton, ironically."

"Today, we will be studying the Old West... specifically groups called Vigilantes."

Kim, shocked, looked at Ron. Ron, just as shocked, looked at Kim. Kim raised her hand. "Mr. Barkin, we already covered that subject three weeks ago."

Mr. Barkin heaved a heavy sigh. "Yes, Miss Possible, you did. But a concerned citizen registered a complaint with the School Board saying we only covered one side of the issue. That being, of the individuals who hired the Vigilantes in their search for justice. Of course there are always two sides to every issue. You did not study about who the Vigilantes were sent to... exact justice from.

Now one case of Vigilante Justice would be the lynch mobs." 'The 'Mob' would consist of ordinary, upstanding townsfolk. They would remedy a situation by punishing or hanging the guilty party without due process. These 'vigilant' citizens... Miss Rockwaller, please define the word vigilant."

Bon Bon sat up in her chair and hid something under her hand. "Yes Mr. Barkin. 'Vigilant'... I believe it's Latin for awake. It's to be alert or watchful for danger or trouble."

Mr. Barkin rose from behind the desk and walked out to the front of the class. "Very good Miss Rockwaller. I see your photographic memory is still as sharp as ever. It's nice you can multi-task by filing your nails and listen to me at the same time." Mr.B. grinned a little as Bon slouched back in her seat, checked her fingernails and slid the file back in her purse.

"Anyway, the 'Vigilante,' which is Spanish for watchman, would take matters into their own hands. The Cattlemen had use open land to feed their cattle. The cattle were cut off from the areas by Land Barons who legally purchased the tracts and put up fences. Their intent was to mine the land for it's minerals, or to sell to farmers or establish towns. All noble causes. The Cattlemen, on the other hand, took it upon themselves to cut fences and trespass. They claimed squatters rights, but they were in the wrong and were evicted. As depicted in most of the grade B Westerns, the sheriff or other law enforcement agent would try to stay out of the dispute. When pushed, they would enforce the law to the dismay of the Cattlemen. The frustrated Cattlemen would hire Vigilantes to cause as much trouble as possible. These Vigilantes would normally be Outlaws... Guns for Hire if you will. In this case, both sides were in the wrong. The Landowners for keeping the Cattlemen from their livelihood, and the Cattlemen for destruction and revenge by hiring the Vigilantes.

"So what have we learned?" He looked at the vacant stares of the class. "Come on people... This shows that Vigilantism is wrong!"

Kim's hand shot up. "But Mr. Barkin. If a... vigilant citizen for example, knows a crime is being committed, doesn't he or she have a moral obligation to stop it?"

Mr. B raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking hypothetically or are we talking from experience?"

Kim pondered, "Well, I guess both."

Mr. Barkin sat on the edge of the desk. "Well, hypothetically, if a citizen sees a crime being committed, they would be obligated to act if no authorized law enforcement is available. An example. If I were to see a purse snatching, and there were no police around, I would be obliged to make a citizen's arrest." Kim smiled. "But I would also be required to hold the suspect until the proper authorities arrived and took over. Now, as to your (using air quotes) 'missions'... let me ask you how you know if a crime is being committed!"

"We usually get information about what's happening," Kim responded.

"And how is this information gathered?"

Kim looked puzzled. "Someone contacts my website and asks for help."

"And these calls for help are always from people who need your assistance?"

Kim looked at her hands, folded in front of her. "Not always. Sometimes we get anonymous tips."

Mr. Barkin walked over to her and folded his arms. "Anonymous, Hmmm?"

"But Mr. Barkin, Ron and I are practically law enforcement agents. We are credentialed Freelance Agents for Global Justice."

Mr. Barkin turned and walked back to his desk. "That only means you're working for G.J. when they give you an assignment." He sat down. "It sounds like some of your missions fall under the category of Vigilante Justice!"

There was an audible gasp from the entire class.

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After class, Kim, Ron and Bon Bon walked to the cafeteria for lunch. "I don't believe it. That's twice we've been called vigilantes!" She turned to Ron. "If being a vigilante is wrong, as Mr. Barkin said, then are we wrong for saving the world?"

Ron smiled. "Kim, I talked to Rabbi Katz after Synagogue Saturday. His views are that we are not vigilantes, but vigilant citizens. We never look to punish or destroy, but always to help others. That's the big difference."

"I think that's right," Bon Bon chimed in. "Now what really bothers me is the anonymous tips. Why are they always right on the money? Who would have such information on all the Super Villains?"

"That's been bothering me too," Kim said as she pulled out the Kimmunicator and activated it. "Wade, I need you to do a little research on our anonymous tipsters. Can you find out who they are and how they might know all the information?"

Wade slurped his soda. "I've already done some preliminary background checking on them, just to make sure they were legitimate. I discovered they all come from one source. But it was very highly encrypted and I had other projects so I put it on the back burner. If you want, I can start digging again. It will take some time."

"Please and thank you!" She turned off the Kimmunicator. "A single source has information on Drakken, Senor Senior Senior, Motor Ed, and the rest of the villains?"

A/N: O.K. we've shook Kim and Ron up a little. You guys are gonna hate me for what I do next!