16.2

Worm, Chapter 16.2 Summary

Grue hesitates to take the lead, worried about his ability after being captured by the Nine. Skitter steps up, suggesting a strategy revolving around Imp. They plan to infiltrate the PRT headquarters to rescue Bitch, Genesis, and Ballistic, anticipating Dragon’s countermeasures. Skitter proposes using Imp as a saboteur, but they need to disable the security cameras first. Regent suggests Shatterbird can gently break the cameras and lights, but she needs to be close, requiring a distraction.

The plan involves multiple steps, each dependent on the previous one and a separate distraction. They approach the PRT building, modified and guarded by PRT uniforms and a unique Dragon suit. Skitter identifies the missing capes are not present, and the Protectorate and Wards are inside.

Sundancer creates a distraction with her heat orb. Trickster swaps Skitter into the room with the heroes, where she attacks with capsaicin-laced bugs. She uses Trickster’s power to disorient them, targeting Miss Militia, Vista, Flechette, Triumph, Chariot, and Kid Win. Assault manages to kick her, and Miss Militia orders the window blocked.

Skitter is left to face Weld, Assault, two PRT officers, and Director Piggot. Piggot tries to talk Skitter down, claiming more Dragon suits are coming, but Skitter retorts, highlighting the Protectorate’s failures. Shatterbird disables the lights, plunging the room into darkness. Skitter uses a decoy and escapes through the window, repeatedly swapped by Trickster until she’s outside with Clockblocker, captured by Grue.

The wheel-equipped Dragon suit attacks, using a magnetic force to pull Grue. Sundancer’s orb forces it to retreat. The foam-sprayer suit, used against Leviathan, arrives, trapping Trickster and Kid Win. Trickster swaps with Kid Win, then Miss Militia, and they flee.

Skitter finds a note in her hair, a message from herself, instructing them to go to the south end of the main beach. Imp reveals she tied the note, having captured Director Piggot and forced her to shut down the Dragon suits.

They have leverage, but it’s temporary. Dragon will likely find a workaround. Despite the setbacks, they have a chance to negotiate.