(I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've updated this story and the others to come. This writer's block has been adding to my depression. I'm not trying to make excuses and sorry if this sounds like that. I am desperately trying to get out of it and back to these stories. I'm also in the works of something else, I don't know how that will work out though (I know, I'm trying to juggle a bunch of stuff that may end up in an avalanche). Again, I'm so sorry it's taken so long.)
Noble Six: Here it is.
Death Fury: Thanks.
Chapter 27: Words of Caution
(New York City, unknown location, the next week)
The rebels worked through day and night gathering information on the local law and S.H.I.E.L.D. forces. Those gathered had chosen Over Watch to be the one to work as their main strategist and secret liaison to the outside world. Granted the latter had already been the case as she'd been having secret projects working to arm those gathered. Connell had specifically asked for her to gain as much knowledge on the Thor clones as possible. He had gathered everyone to speak on this.
"They are S.H.I.E.L.D. 's most powerful army. Don't get me wrong, the Sentinels and the people who also patrol the country are still dangerous…but as hard as it is, we cannot forget what these clones did to the heroes who resisted," he reminded.
"They murdered them," Convict growled.
Her fist clenched as did her teeth.
"So let me make this clear: if any is sighted, everyone is to retreat. Everyone here is strong and courageous in their own way…because unless someone's life or freedom is in danger because of them or near them, you are to run," Connell added.
The group gazed at one another, many of their faces drained of color. Connell sighed, under his breath.
'They are right to fear the fury of a god…though these pretenders, from your words, are still more powerful than any mortal,' Adalbern said.
'I don't want to test it regardless,' Connell replied.
"How do we stop them then?" Someone asked.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. should have code that makes them docile a backup plan in case they were to turn against them. Or perhaps we could free them? Give them a choice of what to do, some may even join us," Connell answered.
"But they're killers! They murdered every hero!" Another person asked.
Connell nodded.
"I know. It's a terrible truth. I just gave the possibility for their freedom and some joining us as perhaps atonement or vengeance. They were blunt weapons that were sent to brutalize the heroes as they were programmed to do, not out of choice. But yes, that doesn't undo what happened or make it any less painful," he added.
"Then why bring it up?" Someone asked.
"Because if we were able to free them of that control, they might choose to fight against those who used them as weapons. Whether or not they agreed with our cause, seeking vengeance against them would align with our goal," Connell answered.
"Vengeance isn't justice," someone spat.
"Perhaps. But the law of the land is unjust, we all agree on that and yet it says we're unjust in what we're doing," Connell replied.
"So we just let them kill?" Another asked.
"You're acting as if this is a certain outcome. We might only be able to make them docile or they all may choose to just run and hide or find themselves and their own answers. But even those aren't certain," Connell pinpointed.
"Really depressing," someone whispered.
"Sadly it is," Connell sighed, nodding.
The one who spoke covered their mouth, eyes wide.
"But despite them having the law after us doesn't mean we're a serious threat in some of their eyes. Hopefully we will manage to bring them down before they see us that way and send in their Thor clone force," Connell added.
"I WANT to be seen seriously," Kim proclaimed.
Everyone turned to the girl. Her fists were clenched, shaking. Connell had a sad smile on his face and nodded to her.
Richard took a few steps forward.
"They do see us as a serious threat. The president denounced you on live TV and you hacked a response right after that," he growled.
The tone of his voice raised the hair on nearly everyone's necks. When Lona and Richard both speak, they spoke with commanding confidence yet their energy felt something more to it. To Connell, it felt much like Fatale's yet not exactly the same. Connell nodded to him.
"I know. I said that because the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't see us as a serious threat. Despite the president seeing as a threat, she still holds great influence and he does listen to her. And he won't send in the clones without her aid. She's just as dangerous as him," he explained.
Some rubbed the backs of their necks, glancing at one another with uncertainty. Jacob took a few steps forward.
"He's right. I've been fighting S.H.I.E.L.D. for years, since the deaths of the heroes. I've taken down their small time gigs and grunts and helpers. I had a lot of success because they didn't see me as a serious threat. Yeah, they had some come after me. But those were low level, basic sanctioned bounty hunters working for them to round up those the Registration Act targeted," he agreed.
Eren leaned against a wall.
"But you said we need to aim bigger. So did you man," he reminded.
"I did. I said that because I'm not alone now. We have each other. We do need to aim bigger, but we also need to take out their low level activities too," Jacob elaborated.
Connell put a thankful hand on the cryokinetic's shoulder, nodding, before taking a step past him.
"I'm not backing down from these guys. That's not what I mean. I want us to hit them anywhere and everywhere, and hit them hard. Each of you has something to offer here. Your stories, your skills, your motivations, all of you add to the strength of this resistance. They nearly have total control over this country and all life here. Each of you is making a stand against that. No, this rebellion is here to stay," Connell affirmed.
The group cheered, some nodding and others punching the air. Kim's fists slowly unclenched, but she still remained rigid. Connell walked over to her.
"I'm sorry I upset you. I-"
"-you're fine…I'm just…nothing. It's nothing," Kim interjected then started to walk off.
"Whenever you're ready to talk, I'll be here."
Convict looked back at him, uncertain but slowly nodded before continuing on. Connell nodded as she walked off. He turned to see Over Watch approaching him.
"How was the meeting?"
"The NYPD is ballistic. They argued that cop you, B-Hulk, and the new recruits intimidated was in fear for her life and would've been justified in shooting to kill," Over Watch answered.
"No surprise there. B-Hulk would've taken a bullet fine. The others…not so much."
"Neither would you, if you really are human or another individual that isn't invulnerable or heals fast."
Connell chuckled.
"I suppose not. But how are they responding?"
"They've revealed they're having officers patrolling in groups of at four to five with assault weapons. But they're 'strongly' considering allowing citizens to sign up for the force. Give those 'eager to put down these', you can guess what they said next, 'down'. And a lot of people want us in jail…some of us dead," she answered.
Connell's eyes narrowed, muscles tensed.
"I'm guessing he wanted you and the other CEOs funding this?"
"Right, make each asshole a living swiss army knife if possible," Over Watch added.
"Sounds like the NYPD," Eren growled, approaching.
Next to him was Jacob.
"The NYPD was already notorious for police brutality. But now with this, any prejudiced bastard can get a badge and gun," Eren added.
Connell nodded.
"They've gone after our newest members' communities."
Still in the news was police harassing and hurting human minorities and those who sought their help. Recently there was news of a few cops who beat up a young black man for standing up to a squad of cops harassing his neighborhood, believing some were with the resistance.
"Everyone's angry and scared, more than usual. The police have always had it out for us. But now that we're fighting back with those standing against the system, we're a target and a message," Eren said.
Connell rubbed his chin, eyes narrowed but directed seemingly into space. After a few moments, he turned to Over Watch.
"Can you track where the CEOs will be sending their supplies?"
Over Watch smirked.
"That would be a waste of my talents."
Connell chuckled.
"Should I give you more of a challenge?"
"Please do."
Over Watch grinned at him.
"I need you to get that armor modified and suited to our members that aren't bulletproof."
The genius nodded. She walked off, pulling out a device with a holographic screen emerging from it. Connell turned to his friends.
"What else?"
Jacob crossed his arms and sighed.
"Everyone's getting nervous about still being here, man. They want to have a more secure place to meet and train."
Connell nodded.
"I don't blame them. I have been thinking about this and have considered talking to Richard and Lona about it. They have informed me that a few of their friends are the best they know at finding good hiding spots."
He turned to look at a few people talking to Richard and Lona. One was a lean young redheaded woman, her eyes shined with brilliance and her smile was almost always in a grin, a young black man also of lean build with a friendly smile yet piercing eyes, and a large young man with a broad, burly build that stood a foot taller than Richard with a calm yet intimidating demeanor.
Eren looked them over.
"Those two said they had friends they wanted to bring in some friends, but damn I didn't expect this many."
Connell patted his friend's shoulder.
"We need all the help we can get."
Jacob turned back to Connell and Eren.
"Want me to talk to them about it?"
"No, I need you to help lead the combat training but also coordinate with Over Watch. You've got more experience fighting S.H.I.E.L.D. than any of us. Help her choose targets but also consider which people who you think are closer to being ready to go on missions."
"What kind of missions?"
"For now, helping groups like the Morlocks: protection and aid in evading S.H.I.E.L.D. and also liberating people unjustly imprisoned while being transferred or held on display. Eventually though, like you said: we will need to think and hit bigger targets."
Jacob nodded and walked off to continue training. Eren nodded to Connell before walking off as well.
'Keeping order in your ranks and making sure they are well prepared. You've taken our lessons to heart, this is good,' Mainard stated.
'There's still more to do, there are few warriors here. They need to be trained," Adalbern added.
'I believe in them,' Connell affirmed.
'Remember though, lad: the fight's barely begun,' Mary warned.
'I know,' Connell agreed.
To be continued…
(Again, I'm so, so sorry it's taken so long to finally update this story. I do hope you like this update though.)