21.5

Worm, Chapter 21.5 Summary:

The rain was a light drizzle as Taylor and Brian finished up. They cleaned themselves off, Taylor using her bugs, a silent, intimate moment passing between them. Acknowledging the impossibility of a future together, they shared a simple goodbye, and Taylor headed back to her territory.

On the bus, she noticed a group of construction workers recognizing her, acting as a shield between her and the other passengers. It was a strange feeling, this mix of protection and wariness.

Reaching her territory, Taylor observed the rebuilding efforts, the new ‘seaside’ aesthetic a stark contrast to the old, industrial decay. She noted a crude version of her tag, a reminder of her complex role in this city.

A makeshift memorial for the time-distortion incident during the Leviathan fight stood amidst the new construction. Taylor added a bouquet, a quiet tribute to the lost heroes, including Brockton Bay’s Dauntless.

Back in her lair, the presence of intruders - heroes - put Taylor on edge. Parian, Miss Militia, and Flechette were waiting. A tense exchange followed, with Taylor asserting her control over the territory, demanding a symbolic surrender of weapons.

Miss Militia explained their visit: promising reports from the other side of the portal. Resources, potential for mining, and a lack of human life suggested a valuable future for Brockton Bay. Taylor, unsurprised, learned of Dragon and Defiant’s initial interest in a truce, now complicated by recent events.

Miss Militia, with Flechette, investigated a tinker device, leading to revelations about Defiant’s actions. Parian’s involvement brought them to Taylor, seeking a conversation. An apology from Miss Militia for past events, including Taylor’s traumatic school experience, followed.

Taylor expressed frustration at the heroes’ apologies without change, highlighting the Protectorate’s complicity in various wrongdoings. Miss Militia acknowledged the need for change but cited the precarious situation with the Endbringers as a reason for caution.

A discussion with Flechette revealed the hero’s inner turmoil and disillusionment with the Protectorate. Taylor empathized, urging Flechette to decide what she was willing to fight for.

Taylor, now referring to herself as Skitter, demanded compromise from Miss Militia. The PRT’s exclusion from the discussion was a sticking point, with Miss Militia unable to promise their cooperation.

Skitter proposed a plan: a truce, passive resistance from the heroes, and a focus on upcoming threats like the Teeth. The plan hinged on Accord’s cooperation, which the Undersiders would ensure. A temporary stop to Skitter’s aggression, including the Valefor incident, was agreed upon.

Skitter asked Flechette if this was satisfactory, suggesting it might help her relationship with Parian. Flechette, contemplating a transfer to Brockton Bay, was left to think.

A truce, however fragile, was established. Miss Militia and Flechette departed, leaving Skitter to ponder the accelerated timeline of her plan, a mix of determination and apprehension filling her thoughts.