2.07 (tofix)

Joining the Undersiders

Taylor, under the alias “Bug,” joins the Undersiders, a team of supervillains. As they discuss getting to know each other better, Taylor realizes she’ll have to reveal her identity, a natural progression she hadn’t foreseen. Feeling cornered, she impulsively decides to change out of her costume on the rooftop, hoping nobody will recognize her.

Anxiety and Introductions

After changing, Taylor feels a pang of regret about her choice of plain clothes, worrying about how the cool and confident Undersiders will perceive her. She reminds herself of her recent accomplishments and her undercover mission, trying to muster some confidence. She introduces herself with her real name, a gamble she hopes will pay off later. Lisa, one of the Undersiders, gives her a comforting hug, a gesture that surprises and touches Taylor.

Exploring the Docks

The group heads to their hideout in the Docks, a run-down area of the city. Taylor, despite living nearby, has never explored this part before. The area is a mix of desolation and unexpected life, with abandoned buildings, overgrown weeds, and a few surprising residents going about their lives.

Redmond Welding

Their destination is an old factory, Redmond Welding, with a rusted exterior and a dark, stripped-down interior. They ascend a spiral staircase to the second floor, a stark contrast to the desolate first floor.

The Loft

The second floor is a spacious loft, divided into three sections: a living room with a large TV and gaming consoles, a collection of cubicle-like rooms, and a kitchen area at the far end. The space is messy but lived-in, a statement of the team’s independence.

Taylor’s Room

Alec reveals that the loft is now Taylor’s space too. They plan to clear out a storage closet to give her a room. Taylor is surprised but grateful, realizing this will help Brian, another team member, who has been sleeping on the couch.

Team Dynamics and Compensation

Brian explains the team’s compensation: two thousand dollars a month just for being a member, plus a share of the ten to thirty-five thousand dollars they typically earn from each job. Taylor is taken aback by the amount of money involved.

Knowledge and Powers

Brian asks Taylor about her knowledge of the local cape scene. She admits she’s been researching but still has a lot to learn. Brian offers to share his knowledge and encourages her to ask questions. He expresses relief that she takes things seriously, unlike some other team members. Lisa claims to know everything, revealing that her power fills in gaps in her knowledge, allowing her to figure things out intuitively.

Lisa’s Power

Lisa explains that her power helped her know Taylor was at the library and that she can easily figure out passwords and access information, such as the PHQ’s surveillance footage. She admits it’s less reliable with reading people and can be overwhelming. Brian criticizes Lisa for her occasional recklessness despite her power.

Interrupted by Dogs

Before Brian and Alec can explain their powers, they are interrupted by the sound of barking. Three large, snarling dogs appear, backing Taylor against a wall.