“This is just the beginning.”
Luke slowly and methodically cut the beef on his plate with his knife and fork while Howard sat across from him.
“Mister Sinister and the federal government have underestimated the problem of racism. It’s more like a stack of powder kegs that, when ignited, can explode with devastating force.”
In the 1950s and 1960s, racial violence in urban America was primarily between African-Americans and Caucasians.
It was rooted in the political oppression and economic exploitation of blacks by whites under a historically segregated system.
This led to a growing nationalist sentiment among blacks in the 1950s, which reached new extremes.
Robert William Smith, the black leader who was currently active in major cities, had long made it clear–
“We cannot tolerate those who treat us unjustly in court. We must penalize them. If it’s necessary to use lynching to discourage lynching, then we’re willing to take that approach.”
“The only logical and successful answer we have is to fight against large-scale organized violence is to fight back with large-scale organized violence …”
“Molotov cocktails and sulfuric acid bombs can be widely used. The war for minority self-defense will be won.”
All these were the opinions expressed by the black leader.
In fact, before Martin Luther King Jr. came along, every so-called ‘leader’ advocated ‘black power’ through violence.
The simple and rude way not only conformed to the mindset of black people but also quickly accumulated popularity.
“Are you going to turn this farce into an equal rights movement?”
Howard realized that Luke didn’t just want to win public opinion and drive Essex Biotech into the dust.
“I’m not trying to be a popular leader, I’m not trying to get votes — And even if I wanted to do that, the ones I have to unite are the white elite. They are the votes that every President needs.”
Luke shrugged and chuckled lightly, “I’m just exposing the problems in this country for everyone to see.”
“Cleveland, New York, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, and Miami … Ethnic minority conflicts occur almost every year.”
“African-American, Hispanic … extreme nationalism is beginning to flourish.”
“Bob is the fuse, and mutants are the excuse. They will ignite people’s anger. Essex Biotech will become the target.”
Howard was pondering as he looked through the glass window in the direction of the Essex building.
The night was getting dark, but the crowds were increasing.
Some people had even started to give speeches. It was Robert William Smith, the black leader who advocated violence.
To sum up, he gave a very passionate speech.
The general idea was that people of color needed equal rights, a legitimate status without discrimination, differentiation, exploitation, and persecution.
The focus was centered on more jobs, a better educational environment, and eligibility to run for President — the last being the key.
“I just placed a man named Bob in the public eye. He has many labels attached to him, and those who have an interest in claiming any one of them will carry some … sympathy, through labels related to themselves.”
Luke wiped the corner of his mouth, Robert William Smith might be the first to come forward, but he wouldn’t be the last.
Sure enough, before long, a lesbian woman from Chicago began to speak.
She was a woman who spoke out about the vulnerability of the gay community while advocating for women’s rights —
“I’m so angry that I’m shaking all over, I’m sweating all over, and my hands and feet feel cold. Will this country ever get any better?”
“How can I, as a woman and a lesbian, live my life to the satisfaction of the majority? Society is full of discrimination and injustice against us. When will marginalized people like me really be able to stand up?”
When they heard this, women who were originally there to watch and eat popcorn instantly joined the protest march.
The crowd outside was unknowingly divided into different circles.
“I only have one question.”
Howard observed for a while and looked back.
“How did you find that … Bob?”
Luke smiled and replied, “He doesn’t exist.”
“To be precise, there’s a guy named Bob, who’s an Epsilon mutant, the genetically defective kind.”
“He was captured by Essex Biotech last week and died in their laboratory.”
“But this Bob isn’t gay. Although he used to hang out with a few hippies, he’s not an animal advocate, although he did raise a rabbit. And he’s not a religious person …”
“None of that really matters. The key is that he is an alcoholic, a drug addict, a degenerate, and a member of the lower strata of society.”
Howard seemed to understand. Frowning, he said, “Bob represents the lower class. Those who are struggling in the mud will resonate with his image.”
“Bingo.”
Luke snapped his fingers and smiled, “Even if Mister Sinister investigates clearly and reveals the truth, it won’t work.”
“People will blame the policies of this country, white discrimination against blacks, rejection of homosexuals by the majority, and persecution of marginalized people by the elite for Bob’s fall …”
“Why? Because Bob represents them.”
Howard froze for a few seconds, then said, “That’s why you didn’t let Captain Rogers get involved.”
“That’s right. The rules of these games are actually treading on the bottom line, and people like Steve can’t relate.”
Luke nodded and stood up.
“Bob has a lot of supporters already, and it’s time for mutants to come on stage.”
If the protest were confined to mutants against a large company, it would never have caused such a sensation.
“For Bob, for justice!”
In front of the Essex Building, a mutant stood up on the steps.
Through his ability, as if by a trumpet, he transmitted his voice far and wide.
And then, he rushed into the security blocked door.
Then, more than a dozen other people committed similar acts.
Their actions caused a commotion in the crowd.
Like a wave, they crowded into the entrance of the Essex Building.
“Superman appears to stop the riot. This should be the last scene.”
Luke, witnessing the growing riot that was about to get out of hand, went to the balcony and rose from the ground.
He flew straight to Mister Sinister’s office, where his high-temperature Heat Vision melted the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the wind poured in.
Facing the other’s frightened eyes, Luke whispered, “My time is limited, so I won’t give you the chance to leave your last words this time.”
He took a step forward, and the whole building shook.
Terrifying aura like a landslide and tsunami overwhelmed Mister Sinister.
Before he could say anything, his entire body exploded into a crumbling mass of flesh and blood.
“It’s Superman!”
“He’s back!”
“…”
The crowded masses of people saw the sturdy figure standing high in the sky.
The dark red cloak fluttered like a flag.
Luke’s appearance stopped the riot that was going out of control.
On his face, there was a gentle smile.
“Nathaniel Essex has confessed to his crimes. He harmed you, he harmed Bob, and he got what he deserved.”
“A hundred years ago, a great American said …”
His loud and powerful voice echoed.
He began to quote, “I have a dream.”
