(Here's the next chapter guys.)
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Chapter 4: Protest Possibilities
(Manhattan, New York University, a week later)
Connell and Humphrey had become quite the close duo over the past several days, their friendship growing strong. During that time, Connell learned that his new friend is also against what the government has done these past few years. They discussed in depth the many events that had led to the fascist regime taking power. However, they only discussed such things in assured privacy. Currently they are in the cafeteria having lunch. Humphrey is eating a watermelon while Connell enjoys some pasta.
"Got my homework done a few hours ago, took a bit to do though." Connell said.
"Yeah, been a busy week." Humphrey sighed.
They couldn't discuss anything vital, for there are eyes always watching. Cameras are monitoring from various angles for any suspicious activity from anyone.
"Things seem bleakly difficult don't they." The short, young man sighed.
"Indeed they do." Connell sighed.
They talked about mundane matters in public to avoid eavesdropping ears. The two young men didn't need getting into deep trouble for any talks of 'rebellion'. The government didn't tolerate disagreements with their motives, choices, and past decisions. To keep order, as they put it, they worked to keep society with the program so there wouldn't be any problems with the 'peace' that blesses their country. After several minutes they had finished their meal and are walking to their dorms. They heard whooshing sounds above them and looked up to see Sentinels flying overhead.
'Mutant killing machines…how fitting they'd use those accursed robots to do their dirty work.' Connell growled in his mind, but tried not to show any signs of that on his face.
Humphrey looked at his friend with worry and saw a frown trying to make his way on the young man's face. The short guy's eyes shone with surprise at the sight.
(Connell's room, a few minutes later)
"You seemed stressed by the sight of the Sentinels." Humphrey said.
"I just find it sickening they're using them as weapons. Those things killed countless mutants…I want to throw up every time I see them." Connell grunted, anger thick within his voice.
"Are…Are you a…?" Humphrey stammered.
"A mutant? No…at least not as far as I'm aware. But I don't have to be…shouldn't be to recognize the evil of those machines." Connell said.
His friend smiled, yet with surprise in his eyes.
"I just wish…I just wish…" Connell mumbled under his breath.
"Sadly I don't know if there's anything can be done." Humphrey sighed, defeat in his voice.
Connell's eyes stared at the ground. What could they do? They are two college students speaking of a hopeless rebellion. Even if they could be heard by a number of the American people, which is highly unlikely, there would be terrible reactions from the side that 'disagreed'. Not only would the government and S.H.I.E.L.D. retaliate, but so would their supporters, who are the majority in the country.
"I'm not sure there is anything that could change people's minds…not since Rhodes was killed by Captain America and Iron Man…" Humphrey sighed in defeat.
'Wait…that's it!' Connell gasped in his mind.
The shorter youth saw the look on his friend's face.
"What is it, Connell?" Humphrey asked, confusion on his face and in his voice.
After a long discussion of what Connell had discovered they agreed it might be possible to advocate to stand against the government.
"You sound like it's going to be a fight?" Humphrey said.
"You sound worried about what I'm saying." Connell replied.
"Remember the war the heroes were in? Their rebellion against the government had them all wiped out, none of them survived. After their deaths, it caused the Registration Act to gain more ground and strength." Humphrey said.
"That's because no one continued the fight against them." Connell replied.
"Nonviolence even in the face of even violent retaliation will prove a powerful point." Humphrey argued.
"You have a good point." Connell said.
'Boy, do you truly believe that?' A voice grunted.
'You're back.' Connell gasped in his mind.
'Yes, young man.' Another of the voices replied.
'You think nonviolence won't work?' Connell asked.
'Ha! Is that even a question?! Of course it won't work! Boy, this isn't some simple petty argument!' Another of the voices scoffed.
'I would like to believe this can be solved without bloodshed.' One of the voice stated.
'Who said anything about bloodshed?' Connell asked.
'A fight of this magnitude will not go without spilling blood, boy.' One of the voices grunted, unconvinced by the young man's words.
"Connell? Are you ok?" Humphrey asked.
"Huh?" Connell grunted, turning to his friend.
"You haven't said anything for a few minutes, and you've had this strange look on your face." Humphrey said.
While Connell had been talking to the voices, he'd been unaware of his friend trying to talking to him.
"Oh, just different thoughts running through my head. Various possibilities for what can be done next." Connell replied.
'That's one way to put it, lad.' Another of the voices chuckled.
'This will not be as peaceful as you believe, boy. This will get worse before it gets better.' One of the voices grunted.
'Hopefully not. But you have a point…but I just hope it doesn't come to that.' Connell sighed in reply.
'Boy, this will not go as you hope at first…something like this…doesn't begin with peacefully at the start.' Another voice responded, unconvinced by Connell's statement.
Connell didn't reply…but he did understand what they were saying. They are haunting words, but the young man had this odd feeling they had grave meaning to what was to come. But he hoped he was wrong. Humphrey checked his watch.
"Oh man, I gotta go. I have class in an hour and I need to get my stuff ready back in my dorm. We can discuss this more later." Humphrey said.
"Sure thing, perhaps we can create some kind of plan: gather the brutality of this regime, possibly get more people to join us in standing against it?" Connell replied.
"Good plan. We can get to work on it this weekend, perhaps. Later." His friend said as he left.
"Later." Connell replied.
Humphrey gasped suddenly as he was out of the dorm. He looked at his sweating skin, more heavily than usual.
'Oh no…not now.' Humphrey gasped with worry in his mind.
He hurried to a water fountain and turned it on. Humphrey then reached out his left hand. Suddenly the water flew to his hand and coated his hand then suddenly disappeared. Humphrey gasped in relief as his energy returned to him. The short guy turned off the water.
'Just glad I was able to get more water so soon. If I didn't, I would be in trouble.' Humphrey gasped in his mind with relief.
He then walked off to his dorm. However, around a corner is the three guys that attacked him a week ago.
"So he's one of those freaks." One of them growled.
"So that's why he doesn't side with the law." Another grunted.
"Someone needs to be legitimized, if you know what I mean guys." The third chuckled sadistically.
The three smiled in glee and nodded to one another then left.
To be continued…