(Here's the next chapter guys.)
Noble Six: Thanks.
Chapter 5: One's Words
(New York University, a few days later)
Connell sat in his room, thinking about the possibility of trying to take on the government.
'Do we really have a chance against Gyrich and his fascist supporters?' Connell sighed in his mind.
'Your hopes to defeat this enemy through peaceful means is admirable lad, but to do this you must fight for freedom.' One of the voices stated.
'Boy, do you truly believe that talking will defeat this foe?' Another of the voices scoffed.
Connell was quiet, his mind wrapping around the voices' statements. He knew they had valid points.
'I get where you're coming from…but with this situation…fighting might make it worse. The people…most agree with the government, they're happy about this current situation of control and order.' Connell stated.
'Ah boy, that does not mean they cannot realize the true enemy is the enemy within.' Another of the voices stated.
'Unfortunately, the people have shown major support for it all these years. They want to control the people that have these superhuman gifts. They see them as freaks…monsters…' Connell sighed in his mind.
'And you?' One of the voices asked.
'I don't. You shouldn't hate something you don't understand.' Connell answered.
'Indeed young man, that's the way. The unknown is unique, something to be understood not despised and mistrusted.' Another of the voices said, praising the youth's answer.
Connell rubbed his stubbled chin. A thought came to his mind that been bugging him for awhile, he was just unsure if he should bring it up. But now, he realized he needed to.
'Why do you all have such high opinions on this?' Connell asked.
'Let's just say boy, we understand the importance of fighting important battles.' One of the voices said.
Connell wasn't sure how to react. These voices were speaking about things he was unsure if they had a place in the world anymore. With the government having so much power, the thought of a violent revolt only led, in his mind, to a massacre and people cheering about it.
'There have been times in history when hopeless situations have presented themselves, yet those of strong wills and the right purpose have overcome them." A voice said.
Connell held the center piece of the necklace to his face. The shield and swords stood proudly before him.
'Who are you all?' Connell asked.
'In good time, lad, in good time." One of the voices stated.
'All will be revealed at the right time, young man. Just be patient.' Another of the voices stated.
Connell was unsure what to think and what the voices meant. Right time? What and when was the right time? The young man was nervous as he delved deeper in thought about it. As he continued to contemplate on what that meant, his emotions become more and more worried. He looked at the clock and then realized he had class soon.
'I gotta go…we'll continue this later.' Connell grunted, worry thick within his statement.
He gathered his supplies and headed to his history class.
(Several minutes later and midway into his history class)
Connell is lying back in his seat, his arms crossed as he listens to his professor lecture. Humphrey sat at the other side of the room, but he also listened intently to the professor. They are on the American Revolution, one of their major topics in the course. They are near the end of this topic and are currently going through an overall review of this vital segment in American History.
"Now let me hear your all's understanding of what this event's validity in our history." The professor said.
"The independence we craved and desired, being free to do as we see fit?" One student said.
"That's a part of it, yes." The professor said.
"To make it on our own, to lead our own lives?" Another student said.
"Another piece to the puzzle." The professor replied.
"To be able to choose our own path. To be able to change our world to something we can chase our dreams. Being able to flow around the hardships that they experienced at the hands of the British and be able to choose for themselves." Humphrey said.
"Well done, Humphrey." The professor stated.
Some of the other students scoffed and rolled their eyes. Connell growled under his breath.
"Anyone else?" The professor asked.
Connell had something in mind, but began thinking about how history repeated itself: how white Americans persecuted and beat down minority groups as time followed, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, etc.
"Ok, can someone tell me why the people chose to enact the Revolution? There are multiple points to this." The professor stated.
"Because of the taxes the British placed upon the Colonies?" One of the students said.
"Good point." The professor acknowledged.
"The British Empire was violent in their approach in response to boycotts, resulting in injuries and deaths to which the colonies wanted justice for?" Another student suggested.
"Indeed, indeed." The professor replied.
"It was more than that." A voice said in the crowd of students.
"Hmm? Yes?" The professor asked, her eyes trying to find the owner of the voice.
Humphrey looked across the room and saw Connell's deadly, serious face.
'What are you about to say, Connell?' Humphrey asked.
Connell's gray eyes shook nervously, but still had that serious fixation. The young man wasn't sure what overcame him, but he suspects the voices' words had some influence. Even though he knew the American people would go onto make terrible and horrific choices, that time of oppression itself was still unjust.
"It was a time of tyranny. The British Empire unjustly controlled the colonies through might and malice, hurting anyone who dared questioned or stood against them. The colonies were being oppressed by the crown and wished for vengeance against the tyrant who dared call himself a king. The people longed for freedom and justice, choosing to fight against this terrible foe to reveal they would no longer bow to tyranny." Connell stated, his voice seemingly filling the room as he spoke his statement for everyone to hear.
Everyone was quiet for a moment.
"Well put, Mr. Lewis. Well put." The professor said.
Some of the students silently, yet still nodded slightly in agreement with his words. Humphrey looked worried on the outside, but was cheering on the inside. Most of the group looked uneasy and unamused by his statement, including the group that had attacked Humphrey earlier and then run off by Connell. After class ended Humphrey caught up with his friend in the hall.
"That was one heck of a speech." Humphrey said.
"You did far better than me." Connell said.
"Come on man. But perhaps save the inspiring words for the meeting in a few days." Humphrey whispered.
"No way. You did it?" Connell gasped.
His friend smiled and nodded in confirmation.
"How many?" Connell asked.
"Not a whole lot, but some willing to listen though they have their doubts." Humphrey answered.
"We've got some, hopefully that'll be a start." Connell said.
"Right. Well we can talk about this later." Humphrey said then walked off.
Connell sighed with a slight sense of relief. However, as he continued walking he saw the trio who he'd chased off glaring in Humphrey's direction. Connell's eyes narrowed in anger and his fists clenched.
(Hours later, secluded area of the campus)
Connell sits in a particular spot whenever he needs to think deeply, to try to understand something important and to try to calm himself down. He's sitting under a small tree which is at the top of a small hill in the more remote and grassy field area of the campus. He looks up at the full moon then picks up a guitar he's had for a long time. He starts to tune his guitar and frets the strings for a few moments. He picks up his black plectrum then begins strumming the guitar to one of his favorite songs.
"Well I won't back down. No I won't back down. You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down. Gonna stand my ground. Won't be turned around, and I'll keep this world from dragging me down. Gonna stand my ground, and I won't back down." Connell sang, his voice a harmonious baritone that mixed to the melody of his guitar, from whom the mix called out into the night like a wolf's howl as he looked at the full moon.
To be continued…