It seems as if Mark just can’t go anywhere without running into one or more of his foes. The story of the Ohio train crash and the senator’s corruption was highlighted in the “Something Fishy” adventure of 2023. At the end of the story, the senator was arrested by local police. In any event, any corruption or bribery charges against the senator were obviously buried, as he is still in office a year later.

But Mark is wrong and the woman is correct:  This is a teaching and learning opportunity, so let them hear Senator Smalls! Afterwards, the two adults can review the senator’s speech with the students, pointing out any lies, distortions, or other foibles worth bringing up. Mark can also talk about his role in exposing the senator. Thus, the kids will get a much more thorough understanding, as opposed to simply being told “Don’t listen!” and walking on.

There is also a danger that Mark could once again start heckling the senator, leading to Small’s renewed demands for Mark’s arrest. Would Mark abandon Rusty and the rest of the students as he flees the police? On the other hand, will the senator spot Mark first and decide to just duck and run?