His Immortal

01

While the teacher introduced the topic for the day, Marcus stood to the side reviewing the bullet points on his flash cards. Then, "Welcome Marcus Pike from the FBI!" He chuckled a little as he stepped forward, holding the deck of flashcards in his hand. He couldn't help but think how weird this all was. He cleared his throat before speaking. "Thank you. Hi everyone,".

"You don't look like an FBI agent. Aren't you too old?" A student remarked in the third row.

He chuckled at the remark, amused by the audacity of the student. He was used to dealing with all kinds of people, and teenagers were certainly no exception. "Well, I assure you that I am indeed part of the FBI." "And I may be a bit older than most agents, but that just means I've got a lot of experience under my belt."

"Now, let's move on from my age. I'm here today to talk about internet safety, which is important for all of you." He said, shifting his focus to the topic at hand. "With the rise of social media and online activities, it's crucial to stay safe online."

"First and foremost, it's important to think twice before sharing personal information online." He advised, using the flashcards as a guideline for his speech. "This includes your full name, address, phone number, or any sensitive details like your school or workplace."

"Also, be cautious about the people you interact with online. Not everyone is who they seem to be." He gestured to the classroom, emphasizing his point. "It's crucial to verify the identities of people you meet online and never agree to meet up in person without the consent of your parents."

"Furthermore, protect your online accounts with strong passwords and keep them private. Don't share your passwords with anyone, even friends." He continued, providing practical tips to ensure online security.

"And remember, if something doesn't feel right or someone is making you uncomfortable online, it's okay to block and report them." He added, encouraging students to prioritize their safety and well-being online.

"Lastly, be careful about what you share online." He advised, emphasizing the importance of being aware of one's digital footprint. "Once something is on the internet, it can be difficult to completely erase it. So think twice before hitting the 'share' button."

He glanced around the room, hoping his advice had resonated with the students. "I know this might sound basic to some of you, but these are essential online safety rules that everyone should follow."

"And remember, there are experts like me at the FBI who are here to help if you ever have any questions or concerns about online safety." He added with a warm smile, making himself available as a resource for any students who may need assistance.

I spoke up "Well that's not true, a lot of cops turn into criminals."

Marcus furrowed his eyebrows, perplexed by the comment. "I'm not sure where you got that information from." He said gently, maintaining a patient tone. "While it's true that there are cases of individuals who are both criminals and law enforcement officers, they represent a very small minority of the overall law enforcement community."

Seeing the eye roll, Marcus couldn't help but feel a little puzzled by the student's attitude. "I understand that you may have your own opinions, but it's important to rely on facts rather than assumptions." He replied calmly, trying to address the underlying scepticism respectfully.

"The vast majority of law enforcement officers are dedicated to serving and protecting their communities with integrity." He explained, wanting to emphasize the positive aspects of the profession he was a part of.

He noticed the student's persistent cynicism and took a moment to consider how to address it. "Of course, there's always room for improvement, but it's unfair to generalize and assume that 'a lot' of cops turn into criminals." He spoke candidly, hoping to offer a balanced perspective.

"Most of the time it's on the news," I retorted.

Marcus nodded, acknowledging the student's point about news coverage. "It's true that news often highlights negative incidents, which can create a skewed perception." He admitted, recognizing the influence of media portrayal.

"However, news reports often focus on sensational stories rather than capturing the full picture. There are countless officers out there serving their communities with dedication and integrity every day, but those stories don't always make headlines."

"And it's unfair when I am telling the truth that your side of it can be criminals."

Marcus understood the student's frustration but felt it was important to clarify. "I'm not saying that every person in law enforcement is perfect or blameless." He said earnestly.

"There are instances where individuals within the profession act unethically or commit crimes. However, these cases are not representative of the entire law enforcement community." He insisted, emphasizing the importance of not generalizing an entire group based on individual actions.

"It's crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions, but it's also important to recognize and appreciate the countless officers who work tirelessly to keep people safe." He expressed, hoping to provide a more nuanced perspective on the complex issue at hand.

He could sense the strong emotions and disagreement in the room, but he remained calm and patient, believing in the value of open communication and understanding different viewpoints. "Both sides have valid points, and it's important to have respectful conversations to address these complex issues."

"It's not about completely denying or accepting one side or the other. It's about finding a balance and working together to ensure accountability and protection for everyone." He reiterated, aiming to foster a constructive dialogue that considers various perspectives.

He glanced around the room, taking a moment to let his words sink in before continuing. "This is precisely why we're having this conversation today—to raise awareness and promote online safety for everyone, regardless of their background or profession." He smiled warmly, emphasizing the importance of the topic they were discussing.

"Let's focus on what we can learn from this conversation and how we can apply it to improve our behaviours and actions online." He suggested, shifting the focus back to the main topic at hand—internet safety.