12.01

Interlude 12.01

Taylor, as Skitter, has set up base in a new lair, grappling with the challenges of leadership and the restrictions of her new circumstances under Coil. She enlists Charlotte and Sierra as her first two minions, assigning them to survey her territory, gather information about its residents, and identify their needs. Their compensation is generous: two hundred and fifty dollars a day each, a rate that reflects Taylor’s desire to secure their loyalty, a principle she gleaned from observing Coil’s methods.

To ensure their safety and maintain communication, Taylor devises a clever signaling system using origami paper boxes, each containing a live fly. Crushing the box serves as an emergency beacon, alerting Taylor to danger through the death of the fly. She also establishes visual cues using her bugs to convey information about the number of people and the presence of weapons in their vicinity.

The lack of a mask for Charlotte becomes a minor issue. Taylor sees her minions as a way to project a more humane image, but Charlotte’s desire for anonymity, fearing recognition, prompts Taylor to provide makeshift masks from her costume design experiments. These masks, remnants of her attempts to replicate Lisa’s old one, are offered in various dark shades.

Taylor had been anxious, while the pair was visiting their families, about them having second thoughts, or worse - turning her in. To her relief, they return, and she sets about the dual tasks of costume creation and overseeing her minions’ work. She uses her multitasking ability, honed through controlling her swarms, to work on the costumes while simultaneously monitoring Charlotte and Sierra’s progress.

Her efforts extend to addressing the immediate needs of her territory. Through Coil’s intermediary, Mrs. Cranston, she arranges for waste removal and the clearing of blocked storm drains, crucial steps towards improving the living conditions in her area. Taylor’s foresight into these logistical issues showcases her strategic mindset, leveraging her powers to facilitate solutions and maintain order.

An unexpected call from Charlotte interrupts Taylor’s routine, alerting her to a severe rat infestation affecting two families. Recognizing the urgency, Taylor springs into action, deploying her swarm to systematically exterminate the rodents. Her swift and effective response underscores her commitment to her people, even as it reveals the limitations of her resources and the depth of the challenges they face. She meets Grue, and he had already been on the way to her before calling, implying a matter that needed in-person discussion rather than a social call.

In the midst of her efforts, Grue arrives, prompting a discussion about the broader implications of her actions and the economic realities of maintaining her territory. Grue, ever the pragmatist, challenges Taylor’s approach, questioning the sustainability of her non-profit model and highlighting the necessity of generating revenue to ensure Coil’s continued support. Their exchange lays bare the tension between Taylor’s idealistic vision and the harsh demands of their situation.

The conversation takes a more serious turn as Grue reveals the true purpose of his visit: the Slaughterhouse Nine have been active in the city, seeking recruits among the local capes, including Regent and possibly Hookwolf. The revelation adds a new layer of complexity to their predicament, forcing them to consider the risks and potential benefits of attending a meeting called by Hookwolf, who may be a target of or a new member of the Slaughterhouse Nine.

Despite the inherent dangers, Taylor leans towards attending the meeting, recognizing the importance of staying informed and maintaining their standing among the city’s power players. Grue, though hesitant, acknowledges the strategic sense in her decision, and they agree to participate, aware of the potential for violence and the need to be prepared for any eventuality. The meeting, scheduled for that very night, promises to be a critical juncture, with the fate of their group and the balance of power in the city hanging in the balance.