11.08

Chapter 11.8: Optimism

Ten individuals, including Skitter, Lisa, Bryce, Charlotte, and members of Minor’s squad, arrive at Dr. Q’s office. Bryce is prioritized for treatment, while Skitter, at Lisa’s suggestion, is next in line. This allows Lisa to confer with Minor and Skitter to have a crucial conversation with Charlotte, who is visibly shaken, aware that she knows too much.

Skitter, sitting cross-legged on a bed, admits her dilemma to Charlotte, “I don’t know what to do with you.” Charlotte, perched on the edge of her seat, pleads, “You don’t need to do anything?” Skitter explains that Charlotte is the first person who knew her before her cape life. Charlotte insists she didn’t see anything, but Skitter presses her, “I’m not stupid… you and I both know you saw everything.”

Charlotte, leaning in, asks, “Why did you bring me here?” Skitter explains that Charlotte had seen too much to be left behind. She emphasizes that their group is an organization, not just kids in costumes. Charlotte, distressed, says, “I don’t want to know this!”

A group of soldiers enters, delivering a cooler with blood bags for Bryce, and then they leave. Skitter reassures Charlotte, “I’m not your enemy.” Charlotte acknowledges that Skitter saved her from being assaulted. Skitter admits she’s a villain, but assures Charlotte she won’t threaten her. “I’m not going that route… I don’t want to be that kind of bad guy.”

Skitter proposes two options: Charlotte can leave Brockton Bay with her mother, or she can work for Skitter. She warns that if Charlotte reveals what she knows, she will be found and dealt with, not by Skitter, but by the person in charge. Charlotte admits she can’t leave due to her grandfather’s refusal to evacuate.

Skitter suggests Charlotte tell her family a partial truth, that she was attacked by Merchants and doesn’t feel safe. Charlotte refuses. Skitter then offers the second option: Charlotte can work for her, safely and without doing anything illegal unless she chooses. Charlotte points out she’d still be helping a criminal indirectly. Skitter explains she’s not hurting innocents or dealing drugs. When Charlotte asks what Skitter is doing, Skitter mirrors Lisa’s past words, “The full details only come with membership.”

Charlotte feels she has no choice. Skitter advises her to think about it, as she’s safer with them for now. Skitter worries about her territory and potential Merchant attacks, despite Lisa’s assurance.

Lisa is seen with the two squad leaders, laughing and putting her hand on Fish’s arm. She winks at Skitter. Dr. Q finishes with Bryce and tends to Skitter’s injuries, which fizz and sting as they are disinfected.

Jaw escorts Sierra to Bryce’s bedside. Sierra sees Bryce’s hand, and Lisa explains that things got violent. Sierra understands and holds Bryce’s intact hand. Lisa apologizes, saying she has something difficult to tell Sierra. Sierra asks if Bryce was drugged or assaulted. Lisa reassures her Bryce wasn’t a victim, but one of the attackers.

Sierra is in disbelief, “No. You must have misunderstood.” Lisa explains Bryce was with the people who attacked the church, fighting for a prize. Sierra becomes angry, “No! Where’s Skitter? Where’s your boss?”

Skitter stands, revealing her identity to Sierra. Sierra is stunned to see Skitter injured. Skitter confirms Lisa’s story, “Lisa wasn’t lying.” Sierra insists it doesn’t make sense, that Bryce wouldn’t do that. Lisa explains that Bryce was vulnerable, like someone preyed on by a cult.

Sierra kicks Bryce’s bed in anger, “Is that supposed to be an excuse? No way he gets off that easy!” Minor, Jaw, and Fish intervene, but Skitter stops them. She tells Sierra that Bryce lost most of his hand and may lose more.

Dr. Q, indifferent to the drama, attends to Charlotte. Skitter leads Sierra away and asks if she can keep Bryce. Skitter explains Bryce would likely run, even though there’s nowhere to go. Skitter mentions the Merchants may be done for, and Sierra asks if it’s because of her request. Skitter admits, “In small part because of that, yes.”

Skitter says she needs to return to her territory and offers Sierra a place to stay. Sierra suggests keeping Bryce prisoner, but Skitter says it won’t work. They call Lisa for advice. Lisa suggests giving Bryce what he wants: excitement, respect, and a sense of power. She proposes recruiting him, with the soldiers keeping him in line.

Sierra asks if it can be temporary, and Lisa agrees. Sierra wants to join too, to watch Bryce. Lisa says they are partners, controlling different territories, nine in total. They are taking over because the city is failing. Sierra agrees to join Skitter’s group, and Lisa offers a contact number to check on Bryce.

Skitter agrees to let Sierra visit Bryce in Lisa’s territory. Lisa suggests giving Bryce space due to guilt and resentment. Sierra agrees to the deal, saying she can leave anytime and will if Bryce gets hurt. Lisa sends Skitter off, saying she’ll send Sierra over later.

Skitter hugs Lisa and goes to Charlotte. Charlotte agrees to join, saying her grandfather can’t leave. Skitter shakes her hand.

In Skitter’s lair, she calls for Grue, telling him to put on his mask. Grue asks about the mission, and Skitter introduces Charlotte as a new employee. Grue is surprised Skitter is recruiting so quickly. Skitter apologizes for moving fast, promising to explain later.

Grue and Skitter talk in a separate room. Grue mentions Lisa called, defending Skitter. Skitter is embarrassed, saying she told Lisa not to interfere. Grue suggests they call it even and try to be friends again. Skitter agrees.

Grue asks if he can drop by, and Skitter agrees. Grue leaves to sleep. Charlotte explores the kitchen, and Skitter lets her use the oven. Skitter reflects on her progress, feeling cautiously optimistic for the first time in months. She has helped Sierra and Charlotte, and though she’s a villain, she feels like she’s finally being a superhero. She can feel like everything just might work out.