16.7

Worm, Chapter 16.7 Summary

Construction crews work tirelessly in Skitter’s territory, a sight that brings her a sense of satisfaction and security. Coil’s influence is evident in the widespread rebuilding, even as rumors of the unpredictable Skitter circulate. Restless, she yearns to confront Coil about Dinah but knows she must wait for Trickster to make his move regarding Noelle. Her own hands are tied; she can’t risk upsetting Coil by intervening in her territory.

Her thoughts turn to Sierra, a distinct figure she can usually track with her swarm, but she’s missing. She finds Charlotte easily, distributing water to the workers. Brian, physically healed from his recent injuries, joins her. They share a somewhat awkward morning after their intimate night, discussing Brian’s struggles with past trauma and his reluctance to seek professional help. He insists he needs to work through it himself, finding solace in staying active or being with Skitter.

They enjoy a quiet breakfast, avoiding talk of their work and instead reminiscing about childhood memories. Skitter mentions Emma’s betrayal, and Brian shares details of his upbringing and interest in martial arts. As they walk through her territory, they observe the cooperation between her people and the construction crews. Skitter is puzzled that her following hasn’t dwindled after recent battles, despite expecting it to.

Their walk ends, and they part ways, a casual goodbye that feels strange to Skitter after their night together. She reflects on their unconventional relationship, comparing it to a jumbled-up, non-formulaic storybook romance. Arriving at her father’s house, she finds it filled with his friends. Initially suspicious, thinking Coil might be behind it, she relaxes upon recognizing Kurt and the others. They’re dockworkers, friends of her dad, having a pre-debate gathering.

The conversation turns to the recent Endbringer attack and the city’s state. Lacey, a bit drunk, apologizes for bringing up Skitter’s deceased mother but expresses her admiration for her. They discuss the upcoming mayoral debate and the controversial Mayor Christner, who opposed the city’s condemnation. Kurt reveals that Christner’s decision might have been financially motivated, as the city’s condemnation would have involved payouts from a disaster relief fund.

Skitter questions whether it’s better to live in a functional city ruled by villains or a failed city with the same villains less prominently positioned. Kurt and the others prefer freedom in a flawed city to being slaves in a supposedly perfect one. Her dad argues that accepting villain rule would set humanity back to an iron age, where might makes right. He worries that complacency isn’t the answer and that eventually, someone like Lung or Jack Slash could take over.

Skitter’s birthday is mentioned, and she realizes she missed it during the Slaughterhouse Nine confrontation. Kurt laments this, and they prepare to leave for the debate. Skitter’s dad, cleared from his kidney damage, joins them. Lacey thanks Skitter for warning them about Shatterbird, potentially saving their lives.

They arrive at the town hall, finding it less crowded than expected. Skitter notices two of the candidates are likely backed by Coil, and she recalls standing in Mayor Christner’s backyard, him pointing a gun at her, begging her to save his son. Her swarm sense picks up something unusual: armed soldiers, not from the PRT, are entering the building. An armored limousine arrives, and Coil emerges, surrounded by his men. This is highly unusual for him. She realizes Coil is making his move, right here, right now.