22.3

Worm, Chapter 22.3 Summary:

The heroes and PRT officials leave Skitter and her lawyer, Mr. Calle, alone. Their hushed conversation is not quiet enough; Skitter, straining to listen through her bugs, overhears snippets: Tagg discussing her father’s arrival, Clockblocker talking about Skitter’s desire to hunt the Slaughterhouse Nine, and Mrs. Yamada noting a pattern of escalation tied to Skitter’s father.

Skitter requests five minutes of silence to think. During this time, she overhears a conversation between the Wards and Tagg about Flechette’s defection to the Undersiders. Vista is particularly upset, and Tagg advises her to call Flechette, expressing hope that she might reconsider. He also reveals plans to mobilize capes against the Undersiders, and not making Vista to fight against Flechette if she doesn’t want to.

Miss Militia calls Skitter’s father. Mr. Calle suggests manipulating the situation, hinting at exercising leverage. Skitter wants to shake the PRT’s confidence and asks Mr. Calle to relay a message, but he refuses direct involvement. He proposes involving the District Attorney to complicate matters for Tagg, forcing him out of his comfort zone, but Skitter sees drawbacks. Media attention is another option, but Skitter seeks cooperation, not enmity.

Skitter decides to contact Tattletale and make a play for ownership of the portal to another world, using her firm’s assets. She sabotages the wiring for Kid Win’s drones to maintain her advantage. Dovetail reports to Tagg and Miss Militia about the Undersiders arming civilians. Skitter’s father arrives, and Tagg takes him to his office, showing him the charges against Skitter. Mr. Calle interrupts, demanding a meeting with his client.

Tagg brings Skitter’s father to her cell. After a tense reunion, where her father hugs her instead of striking her, Tagg initiates a discussion. He emphasizes the Undersiders’ threat and Skitter’s terms, including amnesty for her friends and Tagg’s removal. Skitter reiterates her willingness to go to the Birdcage if it means achieving her goals. She explains her motivation: the world is ending, and the PRT is too focused on petty conflicts to address the real dangers, like the Class S threats.

Tagg challenges Skitter, painting her friends as dangerous criminals. He questions her father, asking if he wants the Undersiders controlling the city’s underworld. Skitter’s father says no, but also expresses his trust in Skitter, despite not understanding the situation fully. Tagg argues that Skitter’s plan is short-sighted and will have negative long-term consequences for the PRT.

Mr. Calle reveals that news of a property transfer is breaking. Properties around the portal have been consolidated under a single individual, Sierra Kiley, connected to the Undersiders. Skitter feigns ignorance, but is secretly pleased. Miss Militia expresses anger at Skitter’s actions, but acknowledges the need for compromise.

They await the arrival of a new player, a woman who commands respect and fear. She is revealed to be Deputy Chief Director Costa-Brown, also known as Alexandria, one of the most powerful heroes in the world and a leader of the PRT. She has stepped down but is handling remaining crises. Alexandria’s arrival shifts the power dynamic, leaving Skitter and her father facing an even more formidable opponent.