Victor turned to look at Regent. “That’ll do.”
“Can you cut him free?”
I had my spiders start severing the threads.
“You leave the others alone,” Victor said.
“Skitter will keep an eye on them until we’re a safe distance away, and then she’ll give them the signal that it’s okay to move,” Tattletale said.
I nodded. I didn’t agree, but I would play along for the sake of the group’s image, and because I wasn’t willing to sabotage a plan in progress, even if I didn’t agree with it.
I brought Atlas to me and was in the air a few seconds later.
Between Imp and I, there was a pretty slim chance that we’d both blink at the same time and leave Night free to use her power.
When Tattletale and Regent were out of my range, I turned to leave. Night didn’t turn into a monster, but I took that to be a result of her being unconscious. Or maybe the taser’s effects. Either way, I wasn’t complaining. It gave me more of a head start. When the Chosen were at the limits of my power’s range, I drew words in the air to let them know it was safe to move.
I caught up with the others a short distance away from Regent’s headquarters. Victor was being loaded into a van, hooded and heavily shackled. Another truck was parked a short distance away.
The moment the door was shut, I stabbed one finger in Tattletale’s direction, “What the fuck was that?”
“Woah,” Regent said, “Relax.”
“I’m not going to ‘relax’. You two deliberately left me in the dark, there. Or it was an exceedingly stupid oversight to forget to mention it, and I know Tattletale isn’t stupid.”
“It was only sort of deliberate. Regent didn’t have any part in that.”
“Explain,” I told her.
“I didn’t realize you had such an issue with Regent using his power until you brought it up before. I could have mentioned our secondary goal then, but I was worried that would start something. Or that it would discombobulate you before we got into a thing with the Chosen.”
“As opposed to finding it out right after.“
“I’m sorry. Again, I really underestimated how much you’d care.”
“I was okay with Shadow Stalker because she’s a legit psychopath, and sure, there was some personal bias in there. Whatever. I’m also cool with Shatterbird because I don’t think there’s a shred of humanity in there. This is different.”
“See, that’s what throws me,” Tattletale said. “I don’t see that big a difference between Victor and Shadow Stalker.”
“I’ve spent more than enough time around Shadow Stalker to feel confident in making the call. I haven’t spent any time around Victor. I didn’t know if he’s a psychopath, if he’s just deluded, or if he’s being forced into what he’s doing.”
“I could have filled you in.”
“You’re right,” I said, “You could have. That’s all I wanted. I just wanted you to ask.”
She frowned.
“And, of course, now we’re locked into this thing, and I can’t help but wonder if I can trust you in the future.”
“That’s rich,” Regent said, “Coming from you.”
I shook my head. “I’ve played along.”
“Bullshit. You’ve demanded concessions and compromises from us every step along the way.”
“And I’ve made concessions and compromises. I accepted it when you revealed your real power, I agreed we should capture Shadow Stalker for the one job.”
“Let’s call a duck a duck. You agreed to capturing Shadow Stalker because you wanted revenge.”
I shook my head. “No. Remember when I first brought up the bullying? I was pretty clear about how I didn’t want any of that.”
“You said it, but that’s a long ways away from meaning it.”
“I say what I mean.”
“Says the most dishonest members of the group,” he retorted. Before I could reply, he raised both hands, as if to ward me off. “Not really intending to get on your case, not accusing or insulting you. Just saying: the whole undercover operative thing, I don’t think you have much ground to stand on.”
I looked away. “I’m not proud of that.”
“Sure. That’s fine. But let’s be honest about all this. You spent a whole lot of time saying one thing while doing another. I think we all rolled with that pretty damn well. Even went the extra mile on some occasions. Well, Rachel excepted, but yeah. Are you saying you can’t return the favor?”
“If we’re talking mind control-”
“No,” Tattletale cut in. “We’re not. We’ve already established a precedent when it comes to using Regent’s powers on the legitimately fucked up. And I already knew Victor fit that label. Your issue is with my neglecting to fill you in. I’m willing to admit I was wrong. It was a bad call on my part, to leave you in the dark. It’s your call if you want to accept that apology and move on.”
“And how often can this happen before I can say we’re taking it too far? Regent’s power is going to get us in trouble, one way or another. If our enemies decide that the threat of being mind-controlled is too big, and band together against us, it might be creating more of a disadvantage than an advantage.”
“It’s body-control, not mind-control,” Regent said. “I don’t touch the grey matter.”
“Semantics. My point stands.”
“Then let me raise my own point,” he said. “What am I supposed to do, if I’m not using my power? The whole bit with tripping people up, knocking them down, making them drop shit? It’s not exactly grade A material as superpowers go.”
“I’m saying we discuss it as a group before enslaving someone.”
“And if there’s a window of opportunity?” he asked. “A chance to capture someone on the fly? Do we just let it slip by because you want to host a debate?”
“No,” I sighed. “You could capture the person in question, we hold them for long enough to talk it over, then we let them go if it isn’t appropriate.”
He shrugged. “Which doesn’t do a damn thing to ease people’s suspicions if everyone’s watching their friends, seeing if anyone’s dropped off the map long enough to have been captured and converted. I’ve been there. Maybe not on this scale, but I’ve seen it happen, the paranoia.”
“Right. And your little plan here has started that ball rolling. Whatever we do from here on out, people are going to be spooked enough that they’ll see the mind controlled where they don’t exist.”
“Fear is good,” Tattletale said.
“Paranoia isn’t. If our enemies are backed into a corner, they might do something stupid. You yourself said how Victor was willing to attack us if we cut him free, even if it put himself and his teammates in grave danger. And he’s not dumb.”
“He’s not brilliant either,” Regent said. “Just saying, but having a power that gives you brains doesn’t necessarily mean you’re smart.”
Tattletale gave him an annoyed look, then turned to me. “I can understand your frustration. You feel like we just set ourselves back on a city-wide scale for a relatively minor gain.”
I shrugged, “Pretty much.”
“Except our enemies are already banding together to attack us. Having Regent as a target doesn’t change anything except taking the focus off of more important members of the team,” she said.
“I see what you did there. A little quid pro quo,” Regent muttered.
Tattletale stuck out her tongue at him, then turned back to me, “And people are going to be scared to take him out if it means releasing Shatterbird. Picture yourself in their shoes. It’s not a comfortable position to be in if you’re itching to retaliate.”
“It’s not a comfortable position to be in anyways, even with him on the team,” I said, glancing over at Shatterbird. Not that we hadn’t taken countermeasures, but… yeah.
Tattletale looked as well. “But the main thing I was getting at is that we’re working towards something here. We got Victor. Bully
for us. But you’re probably wondering why.”
“Just a little.”
“Remember our attack on the PRT headquarters? We walked away with data. Data Coil and his best people couldn’t crack.”
I nodded.
“I think Victor could pull it off.”
“Okay. Still not convinced.”
“Hear me out. I told Coil that, and that got his attention. I had something of an idea that Victor, Rune and Othala were looking to leave the Chosen, so I floated the idea to Coil that he could make them an offer.”
“I’m not so sure I’m a big fan of that idea.”
“I don’t think they’ll accept. But if they do, I think it’ll work out for us anyways. But I’m getting off topic. The important thing isn’t recruiting them, but letting them know in a roundabout way that we’re involved with Coil and Coil’s involved with us.”
I nodded. Outing Coil and his relationship to our takeover, maybe possibly. There were advantages to that. It would divert attention from us and maybe distract him.
“Point three. Just a theory, but what if Grue could borrow Victor’s power and get some permanent boosts?”
“Just as an idea? It’s interesting. You brought this up with him?”
“No. Imp said he was resting when I called to ask. I figure it can’t hurt.”
I nodded.
“So we’re getting the data, we’re possibly outing Coil, and we’re putting a skill vampire in a situation where he’s surrounded with some very skilled people. Like a kid in a candy shop, I doubt he’ll be able to keep from drooling. Coil won’t let Victor get in situation where he can pick up anything special unless he agrees to join, that’s obvious enough. Except I’ve talked to Minor, Senegal, Pritt and Jaw, and they’re willing to give him a little something in the way of exclusive skills he wouldn’t otherwise have access to, in exchange for a few small favors.”
“Like?”
“Like getting a read on Coil’s talents and skills, perhaps. I can’t say for sure, but I’m thinking Victor could tell us what Coil’s day job used to be. Enough of a starting point that I can dig up more details. Know your enemy. And with a guy that versatile, I can think of several ways he could be useful.”
“Okay,” I said.
“Okay?” She asked.
“Okay. Yeah. I wish we could have talked about this before, but I’m willing to accept that we’ve been through a hell of a lot, and you’ve put up with a lot of demands from me. If you think this is a good idea, if you’re certain about this, I can accept that.”
She nodded once, “Thank you.”
“And me?” Regent asked. “No ‘I have faith in your judgement’?”
“I really don’t,” I admitted.
“Pshh. After everything I’ve done for you.”
“Hm?”
“Nevermind,” he said, chuckling. “I’m going to catch a ride to Coil’s and handle this next bit. Wonder how long he’ll hold out.”
“I’ll come too,” Tattletale said. ”I want to see how this plays out.”
“If you don’t need me, I’m thinking I’m going to head back,” I said. “Take care of my people.”
Tattletale nodded and gave me a short wave as she climbed into the back of the second truck.
I wasn’t thrilled, but I could deal. I felt relieved to have a window of time to do what I needed to do. It wouldn’t be relaxation, but more moving on to the next point on my priority list, handling the stuff that absolutely positively needed to be handled. Making sure my dad was protected from Coil was a big one, making sure my people were both protected and equipped to protect themselves from the Chosen was another. I needed to get my equipment in order, and the costumes finished, make sure I touched base with Bitch so our recent good relationship didn’t fall apart, and maintain the lines of communication with Tattletale and Coil so I was up to date on upcoming events.
“Do me a favor?” Someone asked from behind me.
I spun around, drawing my knife. It was just Imp. Damn it.
“What?” I asked. “Where’d you come from?”
“I stayed behind to keep an eye on Night. Winking instead of blinking so I didn’t lose sight of her. And you don’t even remember that I was doing it. Fuck. Ungrateful bastards. I had to run the last block so I could be sure you didn’t fly off before I could ask.”
“You could have phoned.”
She shook her head. ”You heard what Tattletale said. Coil might be listening in over the phones. We don’t mention anything we wouldn’t want him to overhear.”
“And you don’t want him to overhear this favor?” I asked, hating myself even as I opened my mouth.
How was I supposed to get a handle on everything if I was posed with two more crises every time I got something done?
15.y (Donation Interlude #2; A guy with the second trigger event)
He pummeled the bag, one hit after another. There wasn’t any real rhyme or reason to his strikes. Only his training persisted, hardwired into his brain: the joints of his hands were stacked, his weight shifted back and forth over the balls of his feet, and the room was filled with the muffled thumps of fist against vinyl.
His dad would be yelling at him right about now, shouting at him about how he was risking injury. Didn’t matter.
Just needed to hit something.
Needed to release. To feel some relief, push himself to a point where he was too tired to think.
Except all he felt was a mounting frustration.
It spooked him, just a little. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was his new default state. If this was how he’d be for the rest of his life.
He twisted his body to strike the bag with a roundhouse kick. The bag swung from the chain.
He turned away. Sweat streamed down his body, his hands were shaking, and he couldn’t control his breathing.
“Jesus, bro. You look like you’re going to have a heart attack.”
He snapped his head around to see Aisha in the doorway. Cognitively, he’d known who she was the second he’d heard her voice, and he recognized her at a glance. Still, that initial alarm that came with being surprised sang through his nerves, not a momentary sensation, but a thrum of tension that wouldn’t go away.
She didn’t seem to notice. It was like they were two different people in two very different scenes. She had her mask in one hand, her black scarf loosely piled around her neck.
For a half second, he could see Bonesaw standing there instead, about the same height, dress, bloodstained apron glittering with tools and wide eyes darting about, taking in everything in her surroundings as if there was inspiration or tools to be found anywhere.
He blinked, hard, and that fleeting image slipped away. It wasn’t the same. Aisha’s investigation of the area was casual, comfortable and idle, surveying his room. At the top floor of the headquarters he shared with her, his room had a punching bag, weight bench and sink in one corner, a bed and a stand for his costume in the opposite corner, and a television placed where he could watch it anywhere in the room. Not that there was much available in the way of channels.
“You’re back,” he grunted. ”Didn’t tell me you were going.”
“You mean I didn’t ask permission. No. I totally wanted to hang around here with you wound as tight as a new clock.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” he said, still panting for breath. His chest hurt. He stepped over to the sink and splashed water on his face.
“Sue me. Not like I’ve ever seen a wind-up clock. Not like you’ve ever seen one either. Don’t pretend you’re so much more civilized.”
“Grandpa had one.”
“Really?”
He only nodded, still trying to get his breathing under control. This isn’t just the exercise. Something else. Can’t let her see it.
“Still good to see…” he had to pause to catch a breath, “You’re okay.”
“Of course I’m okay, dumbass. Nobody knows I’m there.”
“Not good eno
ugh.” He began peeling off his gloves.
“I’ve got the costume Skitter made me. I had no idea she was wearing something like this,” Aisha pulled at the fabric between her fingers, stretching it. ”It’s so smooth and so light, I thought she was bullshitting about the fact that you couldn’t cut it. But I tried and she was right. It’s crazy. But yeah, I’m as safe as any of you. Safer.”
That’s not saying that much. He examined his hands, where the skin was torn. Blood had welled out from the open wound and been pressed into the creases and pores. He turned on the tap again and put his hands under, washing where his skin was raw and bleeding at the knuckles.
“Jesus fuck,” she gasped, looking past him to his hands. ”Any time I’ve spent in the gyms, it’s ’cause Dad dragged me there, so I wasn’t paying attention so much as I was looking for the nearest exit. But I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to be bleeding like that.”
What was he supposed to say to that?
“Why did you do that to yourself?”
“Just trying to tire myself out.”
“You’re already tired, you dumbass! This isn’t going to improve the situation. How long were you fucking hitting that thing? The entire time I was gone?”
I’ve handled worse, he thought. He’d meant it as a joke, a moment of personal humor, but the amusement didn’t come.
“Incision here… saw through the breast bone, there we go. You’re cooperating so nicely! Not that you have much of a choice. Oh, here. This part is always cool. See, the ribs are flexible, and with the sternum separated, a little bit of help from Spider thirty-three here, they unfold like a bird slowly spreaaaaading its wings.”
He leaned over the sink, gripping the edges. That pressure in his chest was getting worse.
Her tone changed. ”Hey, seriously, are you okay? You’ve been breathing really hard for a bit now, and now you’ve gone really quiet for, like, a minute. I didn’t use my power, either, so I know it’s not you ignoring me because of that.”
He bit back the harsh retort, telling her to shut up, to stop being annoying and go away, that he wanted to be alone. If he did, she would; she’d run away from home six times in four years, had gone from their mother’s house to their father’s, back to their mother’s and then to foster care. Every time, there was a reason, some argument or incident that had pushed her. Any excuse would do, even a criticism at the wrong moment. The child services workers would put her somewhere else, praying for some stability that she would never have. She was flighty, like a wild animal that would bolt at a loud noise. That might forever be the case.
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