6.06

Armsmaster demanded the Undersiders’ surrender, highlighting their disadvantageous position. Grue countered, pointing out their numerical superiority. Armsmaster dismissed their efforts, asserting that their powers were nullified, including Regent’s attempt to influence him, claiming to have psychic shielding.

Tattletale, however, revealed her awareness of Armsmaster’s technological capabilities, taunting him about his specialized technology integrated into his halberd. She mentioned his ability to detect vibrations and use the floor’s brass to transmit electricity. Despite Armsmaster’s denial, Tattletale provoked him, leading to her being attacked and knocked to the ground.

A skirmish ensued between Regent and Miss Militia, with Miss Militia gaining the upper hand, holding Regent at bay with a machete. Armsmaster instructed Grue to dispel his darkness, threatening Regent’s safety if there were witnesses to any harm inflicted by Miss Militia. Grue complied, revealing the aftermath of their battle and the onlookers, including Skitter’s past tormentor, Emma, and her family.

Skitter, despite her reluctance, withdrew her bugs from the crowd, focusing on assisting Tattletale. Amidst the tension, she provoked Armsmaster, leveraging his concern for his reputation to create an opportunity. Regent joined in, further agitating Armsmaster, while Grue subtly criticized Armsmaster’s ruthless tactics. A distraction allowed Regent to attack Miss Militia, leading to a chaotic fight where Skitter used her insulated spider silk to disrupt Armsmaster’s electrical attacks.

In the ensuing battle, Velocity confronted Skitter, using his speed to overwhelm her. Grue intervened, using his darkness to slow Velocity down, allowing Skitter to use pepper spray and her bugs to incapacitate him. Skitter then used Velocity’s restraints to further restrict him, effectively taking him out of the fight.

While Regent and Tattletale managed Miss Militia, Grue, Bitch, and her dogs faced Armsmaster. Despite their efforts, Armsmaster maintained control, utilizing his advanced technology and combat skills to disable Brutus and Grue, then swiftly dealt with Angelica. He threatened Bitch, revealing his thorough understanding of her and her dogs’ fighting patterns, asserting his dominance.

Bitch, however, hinted at Skitter’s underestimated abilities. Skitter, seizing an opportunity, directed Grue to create darkness around her and Armsmaster. She then fled to an outdoor patio, with Armsmaster in pursuit. He used his grappling hook to capture her, but Skitter, determined not to be defeated, especially in front of Emma, used the patio railing to anchor herself.

Armsmaster, after a brief consideration, decided to approach Skitter directly. She attempted to negotiate, leveraging his desire for a positive public image by suggesting he let her escape to gather information on the Undersiders’ backers. Armsmaster refused, leading to a final confrontation where Skitter unleashed a swarm of hornets on him while grappling with his halberd.

Bitch arrived with an unconscious Tattletale and Brutus, aiding Skitter. In the chaos, Skitter managed to disarm Armsmaster and throw his halberd away. The Undersiders, including Skitter, Grue, Judas, Angelica, and Regent, escaped, leaving behind a message formed by Skitter’s bugs. The chapter concluded with Skitter reflecting on the likelihood that this was her last mission with the Undersiders.