"Congressman Graydon Creed made remarks earlier today outside of Capitol Hill that he believes his party will have enough votes to pass the controversial Mutant Control Act in the House. This comes only three months after President Kelly's full endorsement of the bill—"
"... Trask has been abusing his position as the new owner of the app, that's clear. No one living in reality can argue that fact. He's been telling his 120 million followers to sign up for Wideawake America rallies and posting pro-WAM talking points, then banning anyone critical of—"
"I'm telling you the Purifiers were good people. They had good points. They had values and they knew that God was on their side. You know, people always try to tell me that I'm anti-mutant, but I'm not. I'm really not. But I speak the truth, and the truth is a lot of media is run by mutants. And the Purifiers back in the '80s saw that future. They had that vision. That insight from a higher perspective. And Reverand William Stryker was a brilliant man when he started what he did. So, yeah, I'm just gonna say it, I like Stryker. I like Stryker—"
The screen flickered as the channels of the television were changed in quick succession. The dull glow from the monitor barely illuminated the dirty, dank, cramped room and its handful of occupants. On a dingy couch facing the screen, one individual stared with an intensity that could burn as the various news stations discussed the recent sociopolitical shifts in the mutant sphere. A long, delicate finger pressed down on the remote, and the screen flashed again.
The tv now displayed a cheering crowd thunderously applauding a tall, handsome man in a dark suit who spoke behind a podium marked with the scarlet WIDEAWAKE AMERICA MOVEMENT insignia. Above, a banner displayed the green and blue globe of Earth stamped with a white, closed fist. The Friends of Humanity and its greatest proponent, Graydon Creed.
The figure on the couch scowled in disgust as a well-manicured fingernail quickly tapped on the remote, changing the station once more. This time the screen depicted a young blonde woman sitting behind the Frontline anchor desk.
"As I'm sure our viewers are well aware, the Brotherhood of Mutants began in the early 1980s as a political organization that spoke against the poor treatment of mutantkind," Norah Winters explained. "Their acts of non-violent civil disobedience, however, quickly turned to more aggressive activism, and finally resulted in a full-blown, militant, revolutionary group. Over the decade, the Brotherhood was responsible for countless acts of domestic terrorism, including the attempted bombing of New York City Hall. Ultimately, though, the group came to an end when an FBI raid led to the arrest of senior leadership."
The news anchor continued, "Now, it's been over thirty years since the Brotherhood was at the forefront of public consciousness, but just last month reports of a new Brotherhood of Mutants began rising on various social media platforms and far-right forums. We spoke to Dr. Steven Lang, professor of mutant history and studies at Empire State University, who says these reports are nothing to be concerned about. He suggests that with the prevalence of costumed heroes in our society today, an organization like the Brotherhood of Mutants would be no threat at all in the modern world. He credits these rumors of resurfacing as nothing more than a loose collection of internet trolls—"
The light of the television died out suddenly as the figure tossed the remote away. The small space was now shrouded in almost complete darkness. From the shadows, the silhouette rose and turned to face the others who had been watching in silence. Two bright, amber eyes stood out clearly amongst the gloom.
"Boys," a seductively sweet voice called out. "It's time we make ourselves known. Let's show this Steven Lang just how concerned he should be of our Brotherhood."
U P R I S I N G
mickilennial,
Master Bruce,
Supermaxx,
AndyC,
Lord Wraith,
Festive,
Simple Unicycle,
Half Pint,
Izurich,
Rockette