25.1

Worm, Chapter 25.1 Summary:

Armstrong, Wilkins, and a few other PRT directors are having a meeting to discuss Weaver’s recent actions. Armstrong argues that Weaver is a “sixteen-year-old girl with strong opinions,” who unintentionally influences vulnerable people, much like a cult leader. Weaver counters that the people who followed her lead, like Foil, Parian, and the Chicago Wards, made their decisions independently. The directors, however, are concerned that Weaver’s message and ideas linger, influencing others even in her absence.

Glenn suggests they postpone the discussion, but Wilkins insists on handling it immediately, especially while Chevalier is hospitalized. Director West, resembling Piggot in demeanor if not in appearance, agrees that Chevalier’s input isn’t crucial. A woman director expresses concern that Weaver’s actions, such as conspiring with a known terrorist and betraying the truce, undermine the PRT’s goal of reassuring the public.

The discussion shifts to the leaked video of the battle, which shows capes going all out, potentially causing public fear. Armstrong suggests using capes from the Birdcage to bolster their numbers for future Endbringer fights, a proposal West strongly opposes. The woman director suggests releasing more favorable footage to bury the controversial video and quietly address Weaver’s conduct.

Weaver’s bugs begin to act on their own, massing and preparing to disable the PRT uniforms guarding the room. Weaver realizes she could easily escape and return to Brockton Bay, but it wouldn’t solve anything. Instead, she focuses her swarm.

Glenn argues that punishing Weaver would backfire due to her public support. West counters that they face a lose-lose situation, but a quiet resolution would minimize damage. The woman director suggests deflecting public attention by raising another issue, a tactic Glenn claims is overused and anticipated.

Weaver asks why they’re targeting her when she helped defeat Behemoth. West cites her consistent unpredictability and rule-breaking. Armstrong agrees that her actions are extreme, but others acknowledge her contributions. The woman director points to Weaver’s overall conduct as the problem, mentioning the spiders in the prison and her hidden silk costume as examples of her deceptiveness.

West accuses Taylor Hebert of being dangerous, unpredictable, and manipulative. Glenn interjects that West is twisting Armstrong’s words. West announces that Glenn is relieved of duty, and Weaver will return to Gardener to complete her sentence, with her Wards test run rescinded.

Weaver has her bugs repeat West’s words and other parts of the conversation throughout the building, alerting staff, Wards, and Protectorate members. Dispatch and Exalt arrive, having heard the bugs’ recitation. Tecton, Grace, and Annex also appear, with Tecton stating that they support Weaver and watched the video together.

Weaver claims her actions are what Chevalier wanted: open and honest, exposing the rot. She admits she’s not perfect, but she’s doing what she can. Tecton threatens to quit if Weaver is locked up, and others murmur in agreement.

West concedes, allowing Weaver to join the Chicago Wards, but with strict conditions: a tracking device and constant escort. He warns her that she made no allies in the room. Weaver retorts that they were her enemies from the start.

Glenn tells Weaver that humiliating an enemy is dangerous and she must be clever in her future actions. He asks her what’s motivating the Directors, and she realizes it’s fear of losing control. Glenn suggests she make a big, yet calculated move to shake the status quo without violating her probation.

The scene shifts to Weaver’s hearing, where she affirms her identity and accepts the terms of her probationary membership in the Wards. Her father, Danny, unexpectedly arrives to support her, a moment that fills Weaver with mixed emotions. They agree that they can’t “fix” their relationship or society, but they can change and move forward.

Weaver meets her new team in Chicago. Campanile, the team’s leader, gives her a tour of her workshop and living quarters. He explains the budget and how she can sell her silk. He also mentions arranging for her to get spiders or go for escorted walks to collect them.

At the hub, Weaver finds Tecton, Wanton, Annex, Grace, Golem, and Cuff. The boys have pulled a prank, stuffing their costumes to exaggerate their crotches, attempting to embarrass Weaver. She remains unfazed, finding the situation humorous. They apologize, admitting it was a juvenile idea.

Golem and Grace play a similar prank on Wanton, causing chaos. Weaver uses the distraction to access the computer and start researching local powers, though Grace’s laughter makes it difficult to concentrate. She reflects that this is her new home, for better or worse.