9.02

9.2

Flechette, a new Ward, nearly gets shot by Shadow Stalker, who’s a little on edge. It’s a tranq bolt, but still, Flechette’s not thrilled. Shadow Stalker’s all, “Oops, my bad,” and invites Flechette on patrol. Flechette agrees, figuring it’s a good way to bond with her new teammate, the only other girl her age on the Wards team.

They navigate the damaged city via rooftops, Flechette using her arbalest and chain to keep up with Shadow Stalker’s shadow-form agility. Flechette explains her powers – she’s a Striker, infusing objects with a force that lets them ignore physics. She can make her ammo pierce anything, her cleats grip any surface, and even her costume frictionless.

They stumble upon a group of men harassing a woman. Shadow Stalker waits for the men to clearly commit a crime before jumping in. Flechette calls for backup, then rappels down. Shadow Stalker’s fighting style is brutal and efficient, using her shadow form to avoid attacks and her tranq bolts and physical strikes to incapacitate the men. She breaks a man’s jaw, shatters another man’s tranq bolt in his neck, and forces another face-first into the ground. Flechette is horrified but manages to pin several thugs with her power-infused bolts.

The woman they rescued turns on one of the unconscious men, beating him with a trash can lid. Shadow Stalker stops Flechette from intervening, saying the woman needs this, but Flechette disagrees and restrains the woman, arguing that she’s better than this. The woman, enraged and claiming the men hurt her daughter, eventually flees.

Flechette is furious with Shadow Stalker for not helping and for her callous attitude. Shadow Stalker justifies her actions, saying they’re judge, jury, and executioner in these times. Flechette vehemently disagrees and decides to finish her patrol alone.

She contacts Kid Win on comms, asking for info on Parian, a local rogue. Kid Win fills her in - Parian’s a fashion student with a Master-6 rating, using stuffed animals as a gimmick. She’s reportedly set up near the city’s new lake, created by Leviathan.

Flechette decides to visit Parian, navigating the flooded streets to the lake’s edge. She finds Parian’s territory marked by yellow lines and guarded by a giant, fabric gorilla. Parian, in a cracked doll mask and dirty frock, warns Flechette to stay back. She’s made a deal to protect this area in exchange for shelter and supplies.

Flechette insists she’s a hero and offers her help, but Parian is wary. Flechette gives Parian her card and promises to bring fresh water, which they’re short on. Parian, clearly shaken, admits she hates fighting and is scared of failing to protect her people. Flechette reassures her, promising to check in during patrols.

They exchange names - Flechette is Lily, Parian is Sabah. Flechette removes her visor, a gesture of trust. Sabah removes her mask, revealing a Middle Eastern face with metal bands. Flechette finds her cute, despite Sabah being older.

Sabah agrees to patrol the perimeter with Flechette, staying on her side of the line. Flechette is relieved to have made a connection, even if it’s not with a teammate. As they walk, Flechette asks Sabah about being a fashion student, starting a conversation and solidifying their new friendship.