The Nephilim Protocol

Prep Work

It's dark, and I can feel Jackhammer's eyes on my neck.

"... democracy was, perhaps, spawned from the abuses of power by ancient rulers. The belief that the king was a special being, inherently superior to all others, led to many cruel, power-hungry practices. The larger part of Europe languished like slaves under ..."

I get that we need the lights off for the movie. And I also get that Jackhammer would be insane to attack me in Government class. But it's still nerve-wracking.

"... though the core principle of American democracy—individual sovereignty and the absolute freedom of self-expression—was formed in response to such practices, America's early government perpetuated the mistakes of monarchy by focusing on the dominance and superiority of the white male."

I hate this sort of movie.

"The abuses of power conducted in early America rivaled medieval cruelty in ways ..."

Someone taps me on the shoulder. I nearly shriek. I keep it under control and turn to see Fish leaning over.

"Hey," he whispers. "What time is the fight starting Sunday?"

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In History class, Ms. Scribe gives us worksheets again. I read over the directions about five times before I understand them.

"Hey," someone behind me whispers.

I glance over to see a pair of blue eyes and trailing blonde hair.

"Better close that jaw, or you'll get flies," says Valerie, giggling.

I shake my head and turn back.

She doesn't let up. "Hey, is your band of Musketeers—sorry, Inseparables—the ones getting in a fight this weekend?"

I try to play it cool. "You know about that?"

"Everyone knows about that. Are you guys going to go?"

"Duh. Can't just let them go pushing people around."

She giggles. "Look at you. So, are you going to have time for Film Club on Saturday?"

"You guys are meeting on Saturday?" I half-twist in my seat to look at her. "Why so often? Is it, like, just a way to—"

"Mr. Dickson. Ms. Jones," Ms. Scribe calls from the front. "Please don't talk while the others are working."

We shut up.

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We've barely sat down before Destro sidles up. "Hello, my friends! It is my understanding that you're having a fight this weekend. That's what I heard."

"Yeah. So?" says Dolphin.

Destro purses his pudgy lips. "I don't think that's a good idea. That's not what I think. I would not do it."

"We know you wouldn't," Ball Buster says. "Why don't you talk to Jackhammer and his buds? Who are they again?"

"Jackhammer hangs around with Sidewinder, Viper, Icepick, Jackhammer, and Fluffmufffin," Destro says.

"Oh, that guy's scary," says Dolphin with a little shudder.

"Indeed. As I said, I wouldn't meet with them. I said this to them also, but they didn't listen. Having said this to you, I now take my leave." He walks away.