18.3

Worm, Chapter 18.3 Summary

Miss Militia, a hero, holds the Undersiders at gunpoint, suspecting their involvement in the recent disappearance of the young heroine, Vista. Tattletale denies any wrongdoing, and Skitter points out the inconsistencies in the accusation. A tense exchange follows, revealing the Undersiders’ pattern of withholding information and requesting help under questionable circumstances.

Imp reveals their motive: they need help with a “nasty one.” Tattletale discloses they were working for Coil, a now-deceased villain. Miss Militia, however, suspects Hellhound’s involvement due to witness reports of howling and the scale of destruction.

The conversation shifts to the Slaughterhouse Nine, and Skitter reveals Noelle, a member of the Travelers, as one of their targets. Noelle is implicated in the disappearance of forty people in New York. The Travelers’ constant movement and pursuit of quick cash are attributed to their search for someone who could help Noelle.

Miss Militia, learning from past encounters, demands an explanation for the Undersiders’ claim of indirect responsibility. Tattletale remains cryptic, citing the complications of revealing the details surrounding Coil’s death. Miss Militia presses them about the explosion at the town hall, which the Undersiders vehemently deny involvement in, even offering evidence to support their claim.

Grue suggests calling in “the big guns,” and Tattletale classifies the threat as “Class S,” on par with the Endbringers. This revelation shocks the heroes, especially when Skitter labels Noelle a “nascent Endbringer.” Tattletale elaborates that Noelle is transforming, becoming less human and more powerful. She was contained by Coil, but now she’s free and enraged.

The heroes learn that Noelle likely has Vista, and Coil’s precog predicted no real damage until dawn, giving them a short window. Skitter reveals she took Dinah Alcott, Coil’s precog, home, and her powers are currently disabled.

Assault confirms Dinah’s location, and Tattletale details Noelle’s abilities: strength comparable to Leviathan, but without his extreme density. Noelle consumes and duplicates people, creating stronger, more hostile copies. Miss Militia agrees to a tentative cooperation, demanding a hostage in exchange for their trust.

Imp jokingly offers herself, but Miss Militia insists on someone they can track. Rachel, aka Hellhound, is proposed, but she refuses. Skitter offers herself, surrendering her weapons and dismissing her swarm of bugs. Miss Militia accepts, and Skitter is patted down by Triumph before being led to a containment van.

Inside the van, Clockblocker notes Skitter’s smaller stature without her bugs and questions why she didn’t dismiss all of them. Skitter explains it’s a habit, a constant surveillance that happens automatically. Miss Militia examines Skitter’s utility compartment, finding a gun, string, pepper spray, and other items. Clockblocker picks up her baton, noting the contrast between the high-quality and mundane items.

Clockblocker questions Skitter about the Undersiders’ takeover of the city, her lack of guilt or pride, and her lack of fear as a hostage. He brings up the code violations, mentioning Shadow Stalker and Triumph’s family. Skitter defends her actions, calling Shadow Stalker damaged and broken. Clockblocker presses for evidence, but Skitter argues the system tied their hands.

The conversation turns to Skitter’s recent smoky smell, which she attributes to escaping a burning building, separate from Coil’s arson. Clockblocker, defying Miss Militia’s orders, continues to question Skitter, seeking justifications for her actions. He brings up the takeover, Mannequin and Burnscar’s killings, Panacea and Glory Girl, Battery, Triumph’s family, and Shadow Stalker.

Skitter defends, explains, or concedes each point, admitting she can’t fully justify her actions regarding Triumph’s family. Clockblocker reveals that Shadow Stalker, after being manipulated by Regent, attacked her mother and attempted suicide, resulting in her imprisonment and family estrangement. Skitter admits she feels “less bad than she should” about it but maintains that getting Shadow Stalker off the streets was worth it.

Clockblocker accuses Skitter of not paying attention to the consequences of her actions. Skitter denies enjoying the negative outcomes. The van arrives at the PRT offices, and Skitter enters as an unlikely ally, feeling further from being a hero than ever before. She reflects on her past actions, feeling less confident about her justifications, especially after hearing Clockblocker’s perspective. The weight of her decisions, though seemingly necessary at the time, now sits uneasily upon her.