Page 107 of The Pacifist
Sheriff flexed his biceps. “In my day I could have given them a good run for their money, that’s for sure.”
“Ha!” Jimmy shook his head. “You’re dreaming. Those warriors were trained by Magni. They aren’t regular men.”
My eyes fell on the screen again, where a large crowd was being filmed from a drone above. “What’s going on there?”
“Didn’t I tell you people are protesting?” Jimmy gave an order for the interactive wall to turn up the sound.
“You made it sound like it was a handful of guys down at your local pub. That right there is a massive protest.”
Both Jimmy and Sheriff stopped working and turned to the screen with me to listen.
“All morning we’ve been seeing pop-up protests around the Northlands, but here on North News, we’ve kept an eye on the media in the Motherlands to see how the people are reacting to their Council’s vote last night. What we’re showing you right now is actual footage from Old York in the Motherlands, where Jonah resides. What began as a small group of protesters is currently growing exponentially by the hour. Here is an interview with the organizer from about an hour ago.”
The camera changed to a female reporter interviewing a vain-looking man.
“I’m here with Hans, a mediator who says he couldn’t stay home but had to come out and show his disappointment over what is happening to Jonah Cervici.” The reporter swung to the man, who was wearing heavy make-up and had his blond hair in a braided bun. “Can you tell us what you’re protesting about?”
“I’m protesting the fact that men are being held back and stifled in this country. We want equal opportunities and we’re with Jonah when he says that enough is enough.”
“Do you feel Jonah is being treated unfairly on the Council?”
“I know he is. We all feel it in our daily lives. It’s impossible to get ahead as a man without being called opportunistic and deceitful. We grow up hearing about legendary women and as boys we’re made to feel that greatness is a female trait. That needs to stop. Being legendary isn’t gender specific.”
“Are you surprised that so many are joining your protest and that so many are women?”
Hans looked behind him where people were walking with banners saying:
Enough!
Hands off Jonah
Nannies not needed
Less Control – More Freedom
Let’s get drunk and dance together
Hans looked back at the reporter. “Yes, I’m a little surprised but mostly excited and relieved. This feels like the beginning to a more balanced society. Jonah has given a voice to what all of us men have been thinking for years.”
“Can you understand how many Motlanders feel shocked and scared from waking up to see thousands of protesters in all major cities? We really haven’t seen anything like this for decades.”
Hans nodded. “I can see why some would feel that way. I’m just hoping that the Council members take note that the people want Jonah to represent them on the Council.”
The reporter nodded. “It will be hard for them not to. Thank you.”
“See, I told you.” Sheriff snatched three cookies and handed them to me. “Give these to Jonah from us. He’ll need something after your dad is done with him.”
“If he has a black eye, we have ice too,” Jimmy added.
With a grateful smile, I took the cookies and headed straight to my father’s office. Placing my ear against the door, I listened. I could hear talking but not the exact words.
At least there’s no shouting.
“Are you waiting for Jonah too?”
Anne came walking toward me and immediate guilt filled me. Taking her hand, I led her away from the door before I answered. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ve been an awful hostess. Have you been waiting for us all morning?”
Anne smiled. “It’s fine. Your mom was kind enough to give me a tour of the Manor and I had breakfast with your cousin, who surprised me.”
