P.7

Heart_Shaped_Pupil logs into the Treefort_Lookout chatroom, a space for young info-sharers. After brief greetings, she’s informed that two of her old Ward teammates, Aven and Houndstooth, have been located. Excited, Kenzie reaches out to Aven, expressing her happiness at Aven’s survival and offering to reconnect. Aven politely declines, wanting a fresh start.

Undeterred, Heart_Shaped_Pupil contacts Houndstooth, who reveals he’s already spoken to Aven about her. Kenzie shares that she’s looking into joining a new team, and Houndstooth mentions that most of their old team survived, with only one member unaccounted for. Kenzie reveals she’s already found that member, much to Houndstooth’s relief.

Kenzie reflects on the importance of the Wards to her, calling it “home.” Houndstooth acknowledges this but reminds her that things have changed. He gently advises her against contacting the other Wards, explaining that they’re rebuilding and looking forward. He suggests that people are “gunshy” around her.

Hurt but determined, Kenzie asks for a chance to prove herself, even in a business capacity. Houndstooth agrees, promising to be in touch and to pass on her contact information to the others.

Back in the Treefort_Lookout, Kenzie learns that Tattletale is on a mission to Earth N, which she considers a priority. She abruptly leaves to join another group chat, where she finds that “C” has also left. She learns that “A” is at the library, where she often studies, and that this is a good thing since Tattletale’s absence likely means a reprieve from attacks. “Cap” mentions an upcoming meeting that might involve a scolding, but then has to leave for church.

Returning to the Treefort_Lookout, Kenzie learns that Weld is back, but the people she’d inform are away. An admin alert appears, and Kenzie laughs, realizing it’s related to her recent actions. After a hug from Thistlesoup, she goes to address the issue.

Admin Shower contacts her about unusual search activity that caused server congestion. Kenzie admits to piggybacking off the servers for a “hobby project” aimed at updating wikis and gathering information. Shower explains that this is interfering with others’ access and asks her to dismantle it. Kenzie agrees, mentioning she’ll need to reboot.

After returning to Treefort_Lookout again, Heart_Shaped_Pupil initiates a series of commands, effectively killing off a number of automated bots she had created. These bots, designed to mimic real users, were part of her project. Thistlesoup offers support, and Shower returns, questioning if the bots are AI. Kenzie denies this, calling them “dumb as dog farts” and explaining their simple programming.

She offers to donate the server she built to manage the bots, but Shower emphatically refuses, citing security concerns. Kenzie agrees to shut it down immediately.

In a private message, Mangled_Wings asks about the meaning of “Queen Dark,” a term used to mock her. Kenzie explains it’s a mean joke and expresses her frustration with the internet, suggesting that Mangled_Wings’ intimidating presence doesn’t translate well online.

Mangled_Wings declares her hatred for the internet. Kenzie expresses her desire to meet face-to-face with her new teammates. Mangled_Wings confirms their deal to work together, promising to make good use of Kenzie’s skills and keep her around, even if their current project fails. Kenzie, feeling appreciated, agrees, calling Mangled_Wings one of the cooler people she knows.