16.y (Bonus Interlude #2; Defiant)

Worm, Chapter 16.y (Bonus Interlude #2; Defiant) Summary

Defiant walks through a hospital filled with grieving families, medical staff, and police officers, all grappling with a recent tragedy. He’s there to seek justice or perhaps revenge for the victims. The local sheriff, Miranda Goering, greets him, and they begin their investigation.

Defiant, using his advanced technology, examines the crime scene, noting the brutal efficiency of the Slaughterhouse Nine. He explains to the sheriff how the attack unfolded, suggesting Hookwolf was being groomed by Jack Slash. They discuss the possibility of new recruits for the Nine, including the local villainess Damsel of Distress.

Defiant and Dragon, his AI partner, analyze the evidence, concluding that Hookwolf is not merely a puppet but is being influenced by Jack. They deduce the Nine’s next likely target and prepare to pursue them. Dragon informs Defiant that the Nine have already recruited Damsel of Distress.

As they fly towards Enfield, Defiant and Dragon discuss the recent battle in Brockton Bay, where the Undersiders and Travelers defeated several of Dragon’s AI-controlled suits. Defiant expresses his frustration and a desire to have handled things differently.

Defiant discovers something unusual in Dragon’s code, suggesting she might be a parahuman. He theorizes that she experienced a trigger event sometime after her creation. They decide to leave a note for someone to investigate this further, in case they don’t survive their encounter with the Nine.

Dragon reveals that she won’t put the note on the PRT servers, hinting at a hidden enemy as dangerous as the Nine or the Endbringers. She asks Defiant to trust her and promises to explain later, mentioning the name “Cauldron.” They agree to focus on the Nine for now, with six powered suits ready for battle. Dragon can’t disobey directives, and Defiant can’t lose track of the mission. They prepare for a confrontation, knowing they might not stop the Nine but determined to try.