28.1

Summary of Parahumans: Worm, Chapter 28.1:

(Compression Goal: 5/5, Target Word Count: 1460)

Tattletale blames Doctor Mother for the failed attack on Scion, arguing they didn’t go all out. Doctor Mother counters, saying a complete failure would have been worse and that Tattletale isn’t as smart as she thinks. Taylor wakes up in a hospital, body feeling foreign after being regenerated. She learns from Canary, a fellow patient, that it’s been a few days and things are “really bad.”

Tattletale arrives with clothes, revealing half of Earth Bet’s population is gone. Scion is attacking other Earths, and communication is difficult. Aisha adds that they’re “doomed.” Tattletale reveals the current fight isn’t against Scion but among themselves. She shows Taylor footage of Teacher, a Birdcage inmate, seemingly betraying them by locking down portals to other Earths with the help of Trickster.

The Yàngbǎn are attacking settlements, and the Irregulars are fighting Cauldron. Canary reveals she bought powers from Cauldron and understands why someone might be disgruntled. Tattletale lists other issues: Vegas elites exploiting the situation, the Sleeper on Zayin, warlords on Bet, and various minor threats. The Simurgh is on Bet but inactive.

They acknowledge humanity’s self-destructive tendencies. Tattletale, Taylor, Aisha, and Rachel share a moment of dark humor. They discuss revenge, sex, and Grue’s departure. Rachel mentions Parian and Foil are helping with patrols. They decide to go out fighting, with a plan to rally others and address the current crises. Taylor chooses to wait for Tattletale’s crucial information, opting for temporary blissful ignorance.