11.04

Chapter 11.4: The Mall

Skitter arrived at Tattletale’s hideout, located in a shelter near Lord Street. Unlike Skitter’s discreet lair, Tattletale’s base was in plain sight, a bustling hub of activity. The shelter was packed, with cots, supplies, and signs emphasizing priority for the sick, elderly, and families.

Skitter found Tattletale working at the front desk, assisting a woman who had lost her home to Merchants. A large map behind the desk detailed territories of various groups, including Skitter’s, marked as ‘low threat’ with ‘free supplies’. Tattletale’s territory was marked as contested, overlapping with Grue’s and the Merchants’.

Tattletale, feigning ignorance about Skitter’s confession to Grue, revealed that she had misread the situation, assuming Skitter had only sought comfort from him. Skitter, still hurting from Grue’s rejection, asked Tattletale not to interfere, fearing further damage to their already strained relationship.

Interrupting their conversation, four men entered: Minor, Senegal, Jaw, and Brooks, all ex-soldiers and part of Coil’s (and now Tattletale’s) group. Tattletale introduced them as their escorts for a reconnaissance mission to a Merchant party at the Weymouth shopping center. Skitter was paired with Senegal, a decision that made her uneasy due to his predatory demeanor. Lisa explained that she needed Minor for long-term planning and that Brooks, while useful, was easily influenced by Senegal. She asked Skitter to endure Senegal for the mission, promising she wouldn’t have to deal with him afterward.

Lisa explained her choice to set up base in the shelter: It gave her access to information and allowed her to stay at the center of things. She also showed Skitter a room filled with computers and information on various enemies, including the Protectorate, New Wave, and the Slaughterhouse Nine. Lisa admitted she was experiencing a power-induced headache and needed a break.

As they walked towards the Merchant party, Skitter described her recent territory grab and her frustration with her limited range. Tattletale theorized that Skitter’s powers were strongest when she was in a similar mindset or physical situation as her trigger event, suggesting a connection between her powers and feelings of hopelessness and frustration. Tattletale warned that this could be a dangerous, self-reinforcing cycle, but also noted it could be a defense mechanism, boosting her powers in dire situations.

They arrived at the Weymouth shopping center, now a rallying point for hundreds of Merchants. The scene was a debauched festival, with many Merchants wearing red bands, signifying bloodshed. Tattletale confirmed Skitter’s suspicion that something ugly was about to happen.