What Am I Doing Here?: The Big Push

[x-cannonball.livejournal.com]

Meanwhile, Reed and the other members of the local Friends of Humanity have a meeting after his run-in with Sam, where their plans change to accommodate recent events.


The newest Friends of Humanity cell was mostly gathered in its usual meeting area, namely Wish Reed's surprisingly spacious basement. It was a little musty and the concrete floor was cold but he'd put a fair amount of work into turning the space into a decent meeting area. A podium stood in the front center of the room, well lit by a hanging light above it, and several rows of folding chairs were laid out in front of it. Those chairs were almost all occupied, with the exception of one glaring space in the front row.

The meeting was supposed to have started five minutes ago but they were held up, waiting for Terry Johnson to arrive. He finally entered, still in his officer's uniform, and he doffed his cap as he hurried in and took the empty seat in the front row. He looked up apologetically to Reed, who was standing behind the podium.

"Sorry boss, bookin' that Guthrie punk took up more time than I thought, heh. Was worth it, though, mutie bastard. He won't be goin' anywhere any time soon." Johnson cleared his throat and sat back, placing his cap on his lap as he looked around at his fellow members before turning his attention back to Reed.

Reed chewed the end of the toothpick, "Lets get back to business." Shifting the toothpick to the other side of his mouth as he picked up the notebook that contained names of local mutants. They were in the middle of discussing which family of mutants they were going to picket but the mention of Guthrie just left a sour taste in his mouth.

"So where's it gonna be, Wish?" They all knew what this was about, so the woman who'd backed Wish at the church was just cutting through the layers of bullshit to get to the real issues.

"I think we found our target." Reed said taking out the toothpick and looked at his group. "Let's have some fun with the Guthrie family, teach them a lesson for siding with the freaks."

Shouts of agreement and encouragement rang out from the various members gathered there. There was even some clapping from some of the more enthusiastic members.

"Yeah, man, we should send 'em a message. Maybe... maybe pay 'em a visit one night and leave behind some spray painted messages, help 'em get the drift, yeah?" Johnson snickered at the thought of defiling the homestead.

"No." Reed stood up straight and looked at the others. "We do something more than sprayed words that can be painted over. No, we need to do something that will teach them a lesson. Hit'em where it hurts. Make it so it is a lasting impression. We burn down their house."

"Now you're talkin'!" Eyes shone with fervor, and a chorus of agreement backed her statement. "'Bout time them muties got what's comin' to 'em."