"David, what're we gonna do! All the newsboys are striking! Where are we gonna go to work!" Les tugged on David's shirt sleeve.

"I don't know, okay! I don't know!" David yelled out. He knew they couldn't just go home. He needed to get work somewhere.

"Hey, maybe if we organized a big group of boys, we could take those newsies down!" Les suggested, punching the air.

"Les, violence is not the answer." David sighed.

"Well they're not gonna listen to reason! Come on, we just need to gather a few people!" Les whined. David walked on.

"Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee."

"Okay, fine! We'll find a few people. But I want you out of there if anything happens. You hear me?"

"Okayyyyyyyy." Les sighed.

•••

{okay, now is when I introduce OC's! Yikes!}

William groaned. Why did those stupid newsies have to go on strike today? It was ridiculous, they only raised the price by a fraction of a cent a paper. He had to feed himself, and his little sister Martha too.

"Willie, why won't they let you sell papers?" Martha asked.

"Because that group of newsies from the World decided to go on strike! And I can't find any other work today!" William said loudly, slamming his hat on the gravel. Martha stepped back, fear in her eyes.

"Aw Martha, I'm sorry. It'll be okay. I shouldn't have gotten all mad." William pulled her close. "We'll find someway to get money."

•••

David roamed the street, searching for someone who could help him. He wasn't quite sure what he'd do if he saw anyone. "Hey, wanna go try and get past that scary bunch of newsies guarding the gate?"

It was hopeless.

•••

"You telling me you ain't gonna let me get through and sell? Ya gotta be kidding me! I didn't say I was goin on strike!" Otto yelled.

"Look, ya with us, or against us."

"I wouldn't advise being against us." Specs laughed.

"Come on guys! This is stupid! You all need money, and so do I!" Otto groaned in frustration.

"Otto, just join us."

"No!" Otto stormed off, fuming. He knew they were his pals, but they were being such idiots! They were all gonna starve, and who knows what'd happen if the cops got after them.

•••

Pulitzer was furious. They were striking? This was supposed to be a good thing! He knew it wouldn't affect him for a while, and they would definitely fail, but he couldn't have news spreading about him. He needed to do something. There had to be some boys who weren't with the strikers. He could pay them extra to sell the papers. Maybe he could even get a few to help Oscar and Morris knock them up. It wasn't a terrible plan. Not at all...

Pulitzer stood up and called Hannah in.

"Yes, Mr. Pulitzer?"

"Go get me Mr. Wiesel. I need to speak with him."

"Yes, Mr. Pulitzer." Hannah nodded and scurried off.

•••

"Ah, Mr. Wiesel. It's wonderful to see you. May I ask a favor?"

"Uh, sure, sir. Anything."

"Well, you know how those boys are striking and all..."

"Yes sir, I do."

"Yes. Well, I need that to be stopped as soon as possible. So maybe you and those Delancey boys could, I don't know, round up a few fellows who'd be willing to sell my papers for a little extra cash?"

"I'd be delighted, sir."