15.5

Worm, Chapter 15.5 Summary

Regent emerges with Victor, controlled like a puppet. Regent explains Victor’s powers are less effective under his control, as he can’t discern what skills he’s borrowing. Grue envelops Victor in darkness, picking up a foreign language skill, but struggles to switch to another. Tattletale suggests Regent practice martial arts forms to help Grue access Victor’s muscle memory.

Grue successfully picks up a martial art, but feels it’s cheating. He admits he might have pursued martial arts later, but finds the shortcut appealing for its effectiveness. He continues, acquiring Latin as well. Tattletale suspects Victor is manipulating them and plans to ask Coil for drugs to hinder Victor’s mental functions while she and Skitter talk about the mayor situation.

They leave, Skitter questions the large number of soldiers Coil employs, despite their limited use. Tattletale suggests they’re part of his plan, either as a contingency or a larger element.

Tattletale whispers to Skitter, outlining two tasks. First, find a mole in Coil’s group to counter any leaks in theirs. She suggests sounding out Ballistic, gauging his loyalty to the Travelers. Second, be cautious, as Coil recently decided to eliminate Skitter, likely tonight during the mayor job.

Tattletale reveals Coil’s concern about Grue’s emotional state, leading to a potential plan to make Skitter team leader, as she’s tactically skilled and understands the players involved. Skitter questions why not Tattletale, who cites her own experience as less relevant than Skitter’s. Skitter doubts her ability to improvise with the team’s lives at stake, but Tattletale reassures her.

Ballistic approaches, and Tattletale leaves after subtly suggesting replacing Grue as leader. Skitter confirms to Ballistic that one can get used to Tattletale’s unsettling nature.

Ballistic questions Skitter’s insistence on joining, asserting he can handle it alone. Skitter wants to see the area and learn, comparing her territory management to his “watchdog” role. Ballistic sees no point in extra effort when the world is ending.

Skitter probes Ballistic’s annoyance, pointing out it contradicts his apathy. He cites territory and insult as reasons, while Skitter argues it shouldn’t matter if the world’s ending. Ballistic differentiates, claiming coworker relations are vital for cooperation. Skitter counters, highlighting the Travelers’ internal friction.

Skitter admits she’s trying to understand him. Ballistic asks her to stop, but Skitter presses, arguing he’d be admitting she’s right. He refuses to divulge details about the team’s issues, citing a deal they made. Skitter suggests he might need to vent, as Cherish did. Ballistic dismisses this, accusing Skitter of channeling Tattletale to gain information.

Ballistic reveals Trickster took everything from them, making bad calls that left them with nothing but the group. He personally holds no respect or love for Trickster, unlike others who still respect or at least don’t hate him.

Skitter asks about revenge, but Ballistic says he sticks to his commitments. He joined Coil for a chance to regain what they lost, but sees Coil making empty promises. He’s apathetic, planning to stick with Coil until he has a good reason not to. He doesn’t see the point in long-term relationships when there’s no long term.

They reach Dolltown, and Ballistic asks about their attack strategy. Skitter proposes making the first move, offering Ballistic credit if she fails. He refuses, accusing her of trying to make the Travelers look bad for personal gain. He claims she’s driven by ambition, using her territory as an example.

Ballistic accuses Skitter of trying to drive a wedge into their team. Skitter clarifies she wanted to offer him a chance to talk. He sarcastically calls her a “softie” and reiterates his refusal to let her handle Parian. He’ll take her out immediately, claiming full credit.

Skitter agrees to stay out of the line of fire, feeling she’s offended him. She uses her bugs to guide Parian away from Ballistic, who starts attacking.

Dolltown is heavily damaged from previous battles. Skitter enters a building, finding Parian with her remaining people, all masked and costumed. They’re the ones Bonesaw altered, now hiding their changed appearances.

Skitter offers to negotiate, warning that Ballistic wants to make an example of her. Parian is skeptical. Skitter mentions someone sneaking up on her, asking for a talk without violence.

Skitter offers medical help for Parian’s altered people, in exchange for joining her team. Parian refuses. Skitter insists it’s the best way to ensure safety, getting Ballistic off their back and providing supplies. Parian’s person gets closer. Skitter turns, and she attacks, driving metal spikes into Skitter’s shoulder and knocking her down. Flechette holds Skitter down, ready to strike again.