18.y (Bonus Interlude #2; Crusader)

Worm, Chapter 18.y Summary (Bonus Interlude #2: Crusader)

Justin, alongside Dorothy and Geoff, discusses methods to force Theo’s trigger event, considering options like water torture, burning, and psychological methods. They are interrupted by Kayden, who objects to the idea of torture, suggesting they find another way. Justin argues that every day they wait is a day lost for training Theo’s abilities, essential for his eventual confrontation with the Slaughterhouse Nine.

They discuss Theo’s lineage, noting his connection to Kaiser and Allfather, powerful parahumans who ruled Brockton Bay. Kayden suggests they might fight the Slaughterhouse Nine themselves if Theo fails to gain powers, but Justin expresses doubts, leading to a discussion about contacting the Gesellschaft for help. Kayden expresses concern that the Gesellschaft might aid the Slaughterhouse Nine or offer Theo an undesirable power, ultimately deciding against contacting them.

Justin shares his personal beliefs, stating his alignment with Kayden’s views rather than the Gesellschaft’s, and emphasizes the urgency of Theo’s trigger event to prevent Jack Slash from harming innocents. Kayden proposes they let Dorothy clean up while Justin spars with Theo, planning to seek another solution for Theo’s trigger event.

Justin trains Theo in combat, emphasizing self-defense and perception. Later, they visit Harvard’s Department of Parahuman Studies, where they encounter Peter Gosley, a T.A. filling in for Dr. Wysocki. They question Peter about trigger events, learning about various methods governments have tried, including drug-induced panic attacks, kidnappings, and torture, with limited success.

Peter explains theories about trigger events, such as the specific trigger theory and intelligent intervention, where powers are sentient and decide who gets them. He mentions that the manner of trigger event seems to impact the resulting powers, and drugs tend to create conditional powers linked to one’s physical, mental, or emotional state.

Kayden speculates that lack of food and water could create similarly conditional powers, referencing a case where a trapped girl developed powers that fed off resources. Peter discusses the impact of being a parahuman’s child, noting that successive generations tend to produce younger capes by lowering the barrier to entry for trigger events.

Justin notices PRT vans surrounding the building, indicating they’ve been discovered. He decides to abandon Theo, believing it’s the best way to force his trigger event. Kayden initially resists, but Justin convinces her, arguing that their presence as a support system is preventing Theo from reaching the necessary breaking point. They escape, leaving Theo behind to face the authorities and potentially his trigger event alone.