22.6

Worm, Chapter 22.6 Summary:

Dragon’s sleek aircraft hovered gracefully, a stark contrast to Defiant’s sturdy, battle-ready vehicle. Skitter, still reeling from the confrontation, learned that Alexandria’s actions were a calculated gambit. She pushed Skitter, expecting either an attack, providing grounds for severe punishment, or a lack of resistance, revealing leverage points. However, Alexandria underestimated Skitter’s attachment to her friends, leading to her and Tagg’s deaths. The Undersiders were safe, poised to attack within fifteen minutes.

A PR nightmare loomed, with news of Alexandria’s death threatening to spread. Dragon managed digital communications, but word of mouth was uncontrollable. Skitter suggested they embrace the chaos, exposing the PRT’s flaws. Miss Militia questioned Skitter’s change of heart, and Skitter blamed her for her inaction.

Miss Militia urged Skitter to stand by her desire for a workable solution. Skitter agreed to call off her team, but demanded the Undersiders be left alone. After tense negotiations, Miss Militia was appointed interim PRT director, a temporary measure to address the crisis. Skitter contacted Tattletale, instructing her to delay the attack. The Undersiders were shocked to learn Skitter killed Alexandria, but the news was already spreading.

To mitigate the damage, they needed a convincing narrative. Dragon’s A.I. crafts were suggested as a symbol of hope, but concerns about their vulnerability to Endbringers remained. Carefully crafted words and a compelling speech were deemed necessary. Skitter agreed to call off her lawyer, Mr. Calle, who was threatening the PRT. Mr. Calle, however, refused to back down, suspecting coercion. He agreed to a meeting, and Dragon’s vehicle was sent to retrieve him.

The plan was to hold off the immediate crises, control the narrative, and address Alexandria’s death. Skitter’s cooperation was crucial. She was asked to participate in a press conference, a fabricated story to legitimize their actions and rebuild the PRT. Skitter questioned the foundation of lies, but acknowledged the need for concessions in such a large-scale event. She proposed “flipping the script” on Alexandria, presenting her as a villain.

Dragon transported Skitter and Mr. Calle to her aircraft, where a makeshift contract was drafted in minutes. Chevalier arrived, and they prepared for the press conference. The Wards stood guard as they addressed the reporters. Chevalier announced Alexandria’s death, revealing her as a traitor responsible for a recent incident in Brockton Bay. He claimed “good capes” left the PRT, leaving it weakened, and that Alexandria’s power and resources silenced them. He emphasized that some, like those on stage, stayed to protect the PRT’s ideals, promising accountability.

Chevalier mentioned Alexandria’s many battles against the Simurgh, suggesting she was a victim of the Endbringer’s influence, a blatant lie to protect her image. He credited the evening’s efforts for stopping Alexandria, introducing Skitter as a key player. Skitter, overwhelmed and struggling to speak, was rescued by Chevalier, who declared it a day of change and hope, a chance to fight without sabotage. Dragon’s new A.I. crafts landed, symbolizing this new era. Chevalier mentioned the portal to another world, offering resources and potential refuge, as well as new allies.

Skitter removed her prison clothes, donning her new costume. She admitted to her crimes, expressing her willingness to face the consequences, hoping to inspire other heroes to return. She declared her commitment to serving the people, fighting to the end. As dogs howled in the distance, she announced her new name: Weaver.

Chevalier ended the conference, leading Weaver away. Defiant praised her improvisation, but acknowledged she couldn’t stay due to a conflict. Dragon, however, silenced him with a gesture, embracing Weaver in a rare display of warmth.