10.06

The lingering containment foam made Skitter’s baton sticky as she headed towards Bitch, Tattletale trailing behind. A cloud of white smoke engulfed them, initially mistaken for bug spray. It turned out to be a tactic used by Miss Militia, who launched a smoke grenade, separating herself from Skitter and Tattletale. The smoke, Skitter discovered, triggered instinctual behaviors in her bees, making them want to eat, flee, and adjust their flight to alter oxygen flow.

Miss Militia, undeterred, advanced through the smoke. Skitter, warning Tattletale, inadvertently revealed her own location. Miss Militia fired, grazing Skitter with what felt like nonlethal shotgun pellets. Skitter directed her bugs to attack, and Grue’s darkness enveloped the area. Tattletale helped Skitter escape, and they regrouped with Grue outside the smoke.

Grue, concerned about the others, decided to return with Skitter. Skitter, injured, pointed out their teammates’ locations using her bugs. They escaped, finding a hiding spot in an abandoned apartment lobby. After a tense wait, the rest of the team arrived.

Skitter, fueled by anger and adrenaline, confronted Bitch, striking her with the baton and pinning her down. She accused Bitch of treachery during the Dragon fight, revealing that Bitch had pushed her into the foam. Despite the urge to retaliate further, Skitter offered Bitch a deal: an end to their vendetta and a chance for genuine teamwork, even offering to help with Bitch’s dogs. Bitch, however, rejected the offer and stormed off.

The team discussed Shadow Stalker, deciding to release her under Regent’s terms. Regent explained that he could easily regain control of her, making her a liability to the Wards unless she left town. They escorted Shadow Stalker away, then met with Coil at a new location, a reinforced quadruplex.

Coil revealed corrupted data on a USB stick, requesting his tech team to decrypt it, prioritizing information on the Slaughterhouse Nine. Dinah, Coil’s captive precog, revealed a chilling prophecy: Jack Slash, a member of the Nine, would trigger an event leading to the death of almost everyone on Earth. The probability of this event, even if Jack was killed, remained high.

Coil, alarmed, ordered the Undersiders to avoid the Slaughterhouse Nine at all costs. He then detailed his plan, assigning each Undersider a territory to control, with resources and staff. Bitch, despite her absence, was assigned a station with staff experienced in handling dogs and veterinary care.

Skitter requested a private conversation with Coil. She learned about his awareness of her past actions and his power, which he hinted at revealing later. Skitter then made her request: Dinah’s eventual release in exchange for her unwavering loyalty and service. Coil, initially hesitant due to Dinah’s value, agreed, contingent on Skitter proving her worth.

Leaving the meeting, Skitter found Grue and Imp checking their new supplies. She departed without a word, her hand shaking, determined to help Dinah, no matter the cost.