18.5

Worm, Chapter 18.5 Summary:

The TV screen goes dark, signaling the end of Noelle’s damaging transmission. Tattletale remarks that this was only the second worst thing Noelle could have done, suggesting Noelle might be losing self-control. Assault expresses frustration over the repeated harm caused by the Nine and the Undersiders, questioning if they should be turned in for breaking the code. A debate ensues about whether to hunt down Noelle or apprehend the Undersiders, with Grue suggesting that internal conflict might be what Noelle wants.

Miss Militia argues against underestimating Noelle, proposing they treat the situation like an Endbringer attack and accept the Undersiders’ help. Assault voices concerns about the Undersiders breaking the truce during the Leviathan attack, to which Skitter retorts that they’ve been misinformed. Miss Militia assures Assault that if the Undersiders break the rules again, she’ll support a kill order against them.

A kill order means no holds barred, allowing official heroes to shoot them on sight and offering rewards for their deaths. Despite the risks and the unfairness of the situation, Skitter agrees to cooperate, and her team follows suit.

Tattletale reveals that Noelle lied about Vista being dead, implying Noelle can produce more clones and is keeping Vista captive to maintain pressure. Miss Militia takes charge, ordering teams to split up, with standard stranger countermeasures in effect. Dragon sets up armbands to identify allies within a 50-meter range.

Tattletale knows Noelle’s location at the time of the call but says it’s pointless as Noelle will have moved, using Vista’s power for enhanced mobility. Tattletale plans to visit her headquarters to explore theories and an off-the-wall idea involving the other Travelers. She also plans to join the Undersiders and the Chicago Wards in going to Ballistic’s territory, hoping to recruit him and Scrub, a matter-annihilating cape.

Skitter asks Bitch to clear a window, and she brings bugs inside, creating a display of power to gain respect and cooperation. The Chicago Wards introduce themselves: Tecton (tinker/thinker with piledriver gauntlets), Wanton (breaker/stranger, telekinetic storm), Grace (martial artist with enhanced perception, agility, and striker ability), and Raymancer (long-range fighter).

The Undersiders and the Chicago Wards head out, with the latter requisitioning a containment van. Tattletale warns that Assault might try to screw them over and that they need to stay on top of things to avoid being turned in. Skitter reflects on the differences between this situation and Leviathan’s attack: no air raid sirens, no evacuations, and a potential kill order on their heads.

As they move, buildings shift, indicating the presence of Vistas. Skitter finds one on a rooftop and another closing in. Bitch’s dog, Bastard, reacts, and she veers into the van’s path to avoid a collapsing building. The pseudo-Vistas are strategically altering the environment, laying groundwork for future collapses and creating obstacles. A third, tall Vista is picking through the rubble, twisting it into dust.

Noelle is nowhere to be seen, likely targeting Ballistic or Parian. These Vistas are meant to slow the group down. Skitter realizes Noelle is using tactics similar to her own but more effectively. They can’t afford to fight while Noelle targets their allies. Skitter calls for reinforcements, highlighting the urgency of the situation.