18.4

Worm, Chapter 18.4 Summary

The Undersiders and the heroes, including Miss Militia, Weld, Clockblocker, and Triumph, take the elevator to the third floor of the PRT building. The Deputy Director, cynical and wary, questions their presence, noting the villains aren’t restrained. Miss Militia reveals the situation: a new class S-threat, potentially a fourth Endbringer, not yet fully grown. The officers react with alarm, and the Deputy Director orders his men to contact PRT thinkers for verification.

Miss Militia suggests waking the heavy hitters, as this might be their only chance to kill the new Endbringer. The Deputy Director asks about Director Calvert, who has gone silent, making the Undersiders prime suspects. The Deputy Director orders the villains detained and separated: Skitter and Hellhound in the conference room, Tattletale there too, Parian in the legal room, and Grue and Imp in interview room two, with a notice about Imp’s stranger classification.

Skitter apologizes to Triumph for attacking his home. Triumph, though accepting of the risk to himself, is upset about what Skitter did to his father, setting his career back. Tattletale argues his career was already damaged after the city’s flooding, and that public perception is shaped by the worst images. They discuss their motivations, with Tattletale explaining their desire for security and a system like the Yakuza, supporting local businesses and keeping the peace. Triumph finds this terrifying, but Tattletale argues they can be more effective than the heroes in stopping the drug trade and maintaining order.

Weld and Clockblocker join them. Miss Militia reveals the thinkers’ assessments: Eleventh Hour rates the threat an “eight,” Appraiser says “purple,” and Hunch confirms it’s bad. The Chief Director classifies it as a threat level A, but Tattletale insists it’s S-class, citing PRT protocols. Miss Militia argues Noelle doesn’t meet the criteria for a self-duplicator and requires contact to absorb powers, making her threat level manageable. Tattletale counters that Noelle’s threat level will skyrocket if she gets her hands on a tinker or duplicator.

Miss Militia explains the minor differences in response between class A and S crises, primarily affecting tertiary protocols and the participation of top-tier heroes. Tattletale argues that people are inherently selfish and won’t volunteer without a significant incentive, especially with no epidemic protocols in a class-A situation. Miss Militia states they have ample volunteers. Tattletale mentions Armsmaster’s escape, further complicating matters. Miss Militia, expecting Skitter to comment on authority tying hands, is met with silence. She announces an upcoming strategy meeting and the slow process of teleporting in reinforcements.

Tattletale notes Parian’s departure, escorted by Flechette, which Skitter and Tattletale see as a risk. They discuss their strategy for the fight, acknowledging their limitations against Noelle. Skitter suggests a support role for herself and Bitch, while Grue and Regent could slow Noelle down. They consider using Clockblocker on Bentley to freeze Noelle, but Clockblocker expresses fear of the dogs.

Skitter, Tattletale, and the young heroes discuss possible interactions and strategies. Clockblocker is hesitant to ride Bentley, fearing the dogs. Skitter tries to focus on breathing, avoiding a coughing fit. Tattletale asks if she’s okay, noting her quietness. Skitter attributes it to fatigue and thinking, but not formulating a master plan.

Everyone turns their attention to Eidolon’s arrival. Tattletale, despite earlier stating they shouldn’t bring anyone they can’t beat, engages him, looking for weaknesses. She reveals she knows he’s losing his powers, deducing it from his conservation of strength and Alexandria’s absence. Eidolon slaps the table, creating a forcefield that throws Skitter and Rachel against the wall. Tattletale, inside the forcefield with Eidolon, continues their conversation, suggesting Alexandria downgraded the threat level to avoid coming and that Eidolon is testing his powers.

Rachel, enraged, wants to fight, but Skitter calms her, saying they aren’t fighting. The forcefield disappears, and Eidolon claims he wanted a private conversation before leaving for fresh air. Miss Militia questions Tattletale, who downplays the incident, saying they talked it out. Miss Militia gathers everyone for the strategy meeting, with fewer reinforcements than the Leviathan fight. She outlines Noelle’s abilities: brute eight, changer two, and a striker/master ten, but Tattletale believes the rating is too low.

Miss Militia explains the plan: hit and run, maintain distance, and continuous attacks, dividing them into teams. An officer interrupts, handing Miss Militia a phone. They watch a webcam feed of Noelle, who reveals she killed Vista and created five clones. The Wards rush out to save Vista’s family. Noelle offers a deal: kill or hand over the Undersiders, and she’ll trade hostages and eventually let them try to kill her when she’s done. She claims she can’t die easily and will hunt them down until they realize it’s easier to go after the Undersiders.