22.4

Worm, Chapter 22.4 Summary:

Alexandria arrives, initiating a tense discussion with Skitter, her father, and Mr. Calle. She asserts her intention to end the Undersiders’ threat, stating her legacy with the PRT and belief in its life-saving role. When Skitter claims to be protecting it, Alexandria suggests rescheduling their discussion for a more stable time, revealing she’s following the new Chief Director’s orders while also operating independently as a Cauldron operative.

Alexandria presents a chilling ultimatum: talk for five minutes, then she’ll take out one of Skitter’s teammates, either arresting or killing them. She plans to repeat this until sunset, effectively neutralizing the Undersiders. Skitter questions Alexandria’s absence during the Slaughterhouse Nine and Echidna incidents, but Alexandria cites “extenuating circumstances,” partially involving Tattletale.

Alexandria boasts about her reputation and powers, mentioning her extensive experience fighting Endbringers and her enhanced intellect, which she claims makes her one of the few who truly understand the world’s situation. Skitter suggests leveraging Tattletale’s knowledge, but Alexandria counters, saying Tattletale is too unpredictable and dangerous with the information she could uncover. She prefers bringing Tattletale into custody and using her freedom as leverage.

Alexandria leaves to target one of the Undersiders, leaving Skitter, her father, and Mr. Calle in the cell. Miss Militia exits, needing fresh air. Skitter explains to her father that this is her daily reality, facing terminal risks and monsters. Skitter reveals the PRT scandal involving Alexandria and other secrets, shocking her father. Mr. Calle is offended when Tagg suggests he might warn the Undersiders, but he notes the unusual civility between Skitter and her father, contrasting it with his past experiences with supervillain families.

Tagg taunts Skitter, saying she’s going to jail, but Skitter remains confident, hinting at multiple plans. Her bugs sabotage Tagg’s phone, causing it to fall and go off-hook. She dials a number, hoping to reach Tattletale. Using cockroaches, she taps out a message: “Alexandria.” Tattletale understands.

Skitter tells her father about the Undersiders’ bond, saying she’s willing to go to jail for their sakes and for the greater good, especially concerning the Endbringer threat. Alexandria returns with an unconscious Regent, whose limbs are broken. She gives Skitter another five minutes, threatening to take out another teammate. Skitter refuses to make concessions, insisting on her original terms.

Alexandria leaves again. Tagg and Skitter are left alone, and he tries to provoke her by being a bully. Mr. Calle and Skitter’s father discuss legal and moral issues, with her father learning about trigger events and the possibility of a death penalty. They also discuss how to counter Alexandria and Tagg.

Alexandria returns with Imp, unconscious. She explains that the Undersiders used a fire hose and a water-generating cape in an attempt to drown her, but it failed. Alexandria offers new terms: Skitter surrenders, the Undersiders receive no amnesty but are released, Tagg remains in position, and Miss Militia is promoted. Skitter gets two years in juvenile detention, followed by probation with the threat of the Birdcage for any violation.

Skitter’s father sees this as a way out, but Skitter refuses, stating she needs the Undersiders to keep the real monsters out of the city. Miss Militia calls the offer generous, but Skitter insists on amnesty for her team. Skitter’s father squeezes her hand, pleading silently, but Skitter stands firm, trusting her teammates and herself. She warns Tagg and Alexandria that she’ll make them pay if they hurt her team further, referencing Lung, Valefor, Butcher, and Coil.

Alexandria leaves for a third hunt. A PRT van arrives with a body bag. Skitter realizes it’s either Brian or Rachel, and she breaks down, shaking. Alexandria returns, and Skitter attacks her with bugs, aiming to suffocate her. She also attacks Tagg with venomous insects. Miss Militia tries to intervene but doesn’t shoot. Skitter, in a detached state, reflects on her actions as revenge.

Alexandria, choking on bugs, flies through the roof. Tagg, blinded and in pain, attacks Skitter, slamming her head on the table. PRT officers inject Skitter with a tranquilizer, but her powers continue to work even while she’s unconscious, ensuring Tagg’s death. Skitter blacks out, her last thought being the inevitability of her actions.