19.2

Worm, Chapter 19.2 Summary:

Skitter struggled to her feet, her bugs forming a cloak around her. She approached Weld and Miss Militia, who went silent as she neared. She thanked Weld for the rescue, acknowledging his heroism. Weld mentioned Imp and Tattletale’s convincing argument about the danger posed by Skitter’s clones and the psychotic Grues. Miss Militia added that at least one Grue clone likely survived. Skitter suggested that other capes were equally dangerous, prompting Miss Militia to note the illuminating nature of the situation regarding unchecked powers.

Miss Militia mentioned the Undersiders’ removal of their armbands, indicating they were playing loose with the rules. Skitter stated this was related to what she wanted to discuss, addressing the information her clone had revealed. Weld offered her a way out, suggesting the clone might have been lying, but he had still informed his boss.

Skitter, choosing her words carefully, revealed that Thomas Calvert was Coil. She explained Coil’s power to create parallel realities, which he used to amass wealth and hire mercenaries, including the Travelers and the Undersiders. Coil’s power ensured their plans were more likely to succeed, leading to their takeover of the city. He then staged his own death, along with those of reporters, setting up a body double to die in his place. His plan was for his hired woman to become mayor, Piggot to lose her job, and Calvert to become head of the PRT.

Skitter outlined Coil’s grand plan: controlling all illicit activity in Brockton Bay through the Undersiders and Travelers, dominating local business and industry with his wealth and power, controlling the government through puppets, and the heroes through his PRT position. When asked if she had murdered him, Skitter evaded the question, suggesting it would be better not to answer.

Miss Militia said she would discuss this with her superiors, suggesting a temporary truce. Skitter advised against informing the higher-ups, hinting at Tattletale’s suspicions about Eidolon’s motives. She mentioned overhearing Eidolon talking to Noelle, suggesting he knew about Coil’s involvement with Cauldron.

Miss Militia and Skitter moved away from the others. Skitter asked if Miss Militia knew about Cauldron, which she dismissed as a debunked rumor. Skitter insisted on Cauldron’s existence, citing the Merchants’ power-granting vials and a contract with Cauldron. When asked if she had seen someone gain powers from the vials, Skitter admitted she hadn’t.

Miss Militia suggested that the name “Cauldron” was used for advantage, but Skitter countered with Eidolon’s statement about Coil and Cauldron’s involvement with Noelle. Miss Militia accused Skitter of lying or using an unbelievable story to buy time. Skitter denied seeking an argument, stating she only wanted to put her cards on the table, except for admitting to the murder.

Miss Militia asked what they were supposed to do with this information. Skitter suggested operating as usual but keeping their eyes open. When asked if she would surrender peacefully if they decided to arrest her, Skitter said no. Miss Militia accused her of selfishness, but Skitter maintained she was not trying to defend herself, only suggesting they be more wary of Eidolon and investigate Calvert’s connection to Coil.

Weld asked if Skitter was speaking from experience about blurring identities. Skitter evaded the question. Tattletale interrupted, asking to steal Skitter away. Miss Militia agreed, expressing appreciation if Skitter was telling the truth.

Tattletale introduced Skitter to Scapegoat, a young hero who could transfer injuries. Scapegoat explained that his healing was fragile and temporary, with injuries potentially returning worse if the effect broke. Despite the risks, Skitter agreed. Scapegoat touched her hand, causing a rush of intense sensations. Tattletale explained that Scapegoat was patching Skitter with unhurt parts from alternate versions of herself.

The sensations intensified, and Skitter tried to displace herself from her body using her bugs. Tattletale warned that a new injury or shock could break the effect, bringing back all injuries worse. Skitter questioned how she could fight like this, but Scapegoat said it was too late to undo it.

Suddenly, the sensations stopped, and Skitter could see and breathe again. Scapegoat, now suffering from Skitter’s injuries, coughed and wheezed. Tattletale explained that Scapegoat had taken on Skitter’s injuries, including her blindness.

Other junior heroes gathered, including Grace and Wanton. Scapegoat, supported by Grace and Tattletale, was still recovering. Grace asked if Skitter had been blind, and Skitter confirmed it had happened before they parted ways. Grace looked worse for wear, her costume stained with Noelle’s fluids.

Skitter felt better, almost euphoric. She asked Grace and Wanton to accompany her to find the others. They agreed, their orders still standing. Tattletale advised against bringing Bentley due to the risk of breaking Scapegoat’s effect. Skitter suggested using a containment van and foam to keep him safe.

Tattletale helped Skitter avoid straining herself. They found the Undersiders, with Grue unresponsive and withdrawn. Skitter explained that being inside Echidna showed variations of trigger events or ugly moments. She suggested Imp take Grue home, as he needed reassurance. Imp mentioned Grue’s other trigger event was about Skitter.

Skitter offered to take Grue, leaving Tattletale to lead the Undersiders. Imp hesitated, then agreed. Skitter took Grue’s hand, urging him to go with Aisha and leave the scene behind. He resisted, but she insisted, placing his hand in Aisha’s.

Skitter watched them leave, then rejoined the others. Reinforcements had arrived, including Alexandria, Legend, Myrddin, Chevalier, and Eidolon. Tattletale, with a mischievous smile, said “Cauldron” loud enough for the heroes to hear. Legend reacted, confirming Tattletale’s suspicion that all three knew about Cauldron.

They walked past the major heroes, adding three potential enemies to their list.