26.6

Summary of Parahumans: Worm, Chapter 26.6:

Inside the Pendragon, a box of bugs and a complex decoder sit ready. Weaver focuses on her bugs, a meditation against the unconscious influence of her passenger. Rachel, similarly, tends to her dogs, a shared focus on their companions in a group of uncertain allies.

Chevalier and Defiant converse quietly, while Revel appears to meditate. Tecton and Hoyden, now Protectorate members, talk softly. Parian and Foil, once Undersiders, sit together, a history of mixed feelings between them and Weaver.

A crash signals their arrival at Ellisburg’s wall, and Defiant warns of a rough ride. Rachel grows anxious, the dogs mirroring her unease. Weaver tries to connect with her, but their past betrayal hangs heavy between them.

They land amidst Nilbog’s creations, the sounds of battle bringing back haunting memories for Weaver. Rachel, distracted, talks about her dogs and the mundane details of life on the other world, a stark contrast to the horrors they face.

Defiant activates the decoder, monitors displaying countdown timers. The creatures attack, damaging the Pendragon. Weaver identifies a massive charger and attempts to disorient it, but it manages to damage the craft.

Golem patches the breach, while Defiant and Hoyden hold the line at the ramp. The charger attacks again, guided by other creatures. Weaver tries to negotiate with Nilbog’s army, but they are beyond reason.

The charger breaches the hull, and Golem struggles to hold it back. The countdown nears zero, but Defiant reveals the portal’s activation isn’t guaranteed. They brace for impact, relying on a forcefield at the last minute.

Defiant disables the forcefield, revealing their destination: a vast, empty space. Jack’s voice echoes, borrowing Screamer’s power. He taunts them, revealing Gray Boy is retrieving Theo’s sister.

They move through the complex, finding an operating room and then a chamber filled with cloning vats, each containing a member of the Nine. A video plays, showing Gray Boy torturing PRT officers and Theo’s family, Aster is forced to obey Gray Boy, who is looking for a story. He is told that every major group is helping to defeat Jack and to avoid interacting with him since it could be a catalyst for the end of the world.

Weaver and Rachel search for Jack, finding a giant robot in a larger chamber. Jack’s voice reveals he’s rethinking his plan, considering multiple ways to end the world.

Weaver finds Jack and the Nine, using a priority passphrase to call for backup. She confronts Jack, stalling for time as the others approach. She kills a Nice Guy to prevent him from using his power.

Weaver shoots Cherish, Screamer, and Aster, then retreats as Revel and Foil attack. Jack orders the Nine to split up and target key locations. They vanish, leaving Weaver and the others behind.

Defiant says they can track the Nine if they find a computer. Weaver tells Golem that Aster is dead. Defiant believes they can deduce Jack’s destination, cutting off his escape. The final encounter looms.