Coil sat in his dimly lit office, phone in hand. The events of the past few hours had thrown Brockton Bay into chaos, and he needed to get a clear picture of the situation. He dialed a number, waiting as it rang once, twice, before a familiar voice answered.

  "Boss," Tattletale's voice came through, a mix of exhaustion and excitement evident in her tone.

  "Tattletale," Coil replied, his voice calm and measured. "I need your analysis on the current situation. Start with the Merchants and Lung."

  There was a brief pause, the sound of shuffling papers in the background. "Right," Tattletale began. "The Merchants have indeed managed to beat Lung. It's... unprecedented, to say the least. The PRT is trying to downplay it, though. They're focusing on the fact that Lung is now in Protectorate custody, rather than highlighting the Merchants' role in his capture."

  Coil leaned back in his chair, processing this information. "Interesting. And how successful are they in this endeavor?"

  "Not very," Tattletale replied with a hint of amusement. "The Merchants are going to be on everyone's mind now, regardless of what the PRT says. This is too big to sweep under the rug. The video Uber and Leet broadcast has gone viral. Everyone's talking about the 'Merchant Megazord' that took down Lung."

  "I see," Coil mused. "And what of the Merchants themselves? Casualties? Injuries?"

  There was another pause, longer this time. "Squealer's injuries are serious," Tattletale finally said. "From what I've gathered, she took the brunt of Lung's final attack before he went down. Trainwreck is probably capable of keeping their vehicles running, and he might be able to use some of Squealer's creations, but he's a much more limited tinker. He won't be able to replicate or improve upon her work, at least not to any significant degree."

  Coil drummed his fingers on his desk. "What do you think Mush's next move will be regarding Squealer?"

  "He'll be trying to get parahuman healing for her, that's almost certain," Tattletale replied confidently. "Given the severity of her injuries and the Merchants' newfound notoriety, he's likely to look for out-of-town talent. They can't risk using Panacea, even if she were willing."

  "Any guesses as to who they might approach?"

  Tattletale was quiet for a moment, and Coil could almost hear the gears turning in her head. "If I had to guess... Scapegoat," she finally said. "He's a Ward, but he's known to sell his services on the side. His power would be perfect for dealing with Squealer's injuries."

  "Interesting choice," Coil remarked. "How long do you think it will take them to arrange this?"

  "It'll take some time," Tattletale admitted. "Scapegoat is still a Ward, after all. They'll need to be discreet, and that takes time. But even with the delays, I'd guess they'll have Squealer back up and running in no more than a month. End of February at the latest."

  Coil nodded, though Tattletale couldn't see it. "Good. Now, I want your analysis on how the ABB will react to this situation."

  "That's... complicated," Tattletale said, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "The Empire is being extremely soft in their encroachment of ABB territory. It's not their usual MO, and it's throwing the ABB off balance. They're not sure how to respond to an Empire that's offering aid instead of violence."

  "Go on," Coil prompted.

  "Right now, the ABB is focused on attacking the Merchants," Tattletale continued. "They're out for revenge, but they're disorganized without Lung. And speaking of organization, Oni Lee hasn't been spotted since the battle with the Merchants. I don't have enough information to say what his status is - whether he's injured, laying low, or planning something big."

  Coil leaned forward, intrigued. "Speculate."

  Tattletale sighed. "If I had to guess, I'd say he's probably injured. The Merchants' attack was messy and wide-ranging. Even with his teleportation, Oni Lee could have easily been caught in the crossfire. But without more data, I can't say for certain."

  "I see," Coil said. "And how do you think this will affect the ABB's operations in the short term?"

  "They're going to be scrambling," Tattletale replied. "Without Lung, they lose a lot of their intimidation factor. They might try to double down on their existing operations to show strength, but that's risky without Lung to back them up. More likely, they'll try to consolidate what they have and focus on defending their territory."

  Coil nodded, processing the information. "And the long term?"

  "That depends on a lot of factors," Tattletale said. "If Lung stays in custody for an extended period, the ABB might fracture. Oni Lee isn't really leadership material. But if Lung gets out quickly, which is entirely possible given his power set, they might come back stronger and more aggressive than ever."

  "Interesting," Coil mused. "Now, let's discuss the Empire's unusual approach. What do you make of it?"

  Tattletale paused, clearly choosing her words carefully. "It's... unexpected," she finally said. "The Empire has always been about shows of force and racial superiority. This softer approach, offering aid to everyone regardless of race, it's not like them at all."

  "Any theories on what's behind this change?" Coil pressed.

  "A few," Tattletale admitted. "The most likely is that they're trying to improve their public image. With the Merchants suddenly becoming a major player and the ABB in disarray, the Empire might see this as an opportunity to rebrand themselves as protectors of the city rather than just another gang."

  "Plausible," Coil agreed. "But why now? What's changed?"

  There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "I'm not sure," Tattletale finally said, sounding frustrated. "There's something I'm missing, some piece of the puzzle I can't quite see. It could be a new cape influencing their decisions, or maybe Kaiser has some long-term plan we're not aware of. Without more information, I can't say for certain."

  Coil leaned back in his chair, contemplating this. "I see. Keep digging. This change in the Empire's behavior could have significant implications for the balance of power in the city."

  "Understood, boss," Tattletale replied. "Anything else you need?"

  "Yes," Coil said. "I want your thoughts on how the Protectorate and PRT will respond to all of this. With Lung in custody and the Merchants suddenly a major threat, how do you think they'll adjust their strategies?"

  Tattletale took a moment to consider. "They're going to be in a tough spot," she began. "On one hand, they've got a major win with Lung's capture. That's going to look good for them. But on the other hand, they can't take credit for it without acknowledging the Merchants' role, which they seem reluctant to do."

  "Go on," Coil prompted.

  "I think we'll see increased patrols, especially in areas that were previously ABB territory," Tattletale continued. "They'll want to establish a presence there before either the Merchants or the Empire can fully move in."

  Coil nodded, though Tattletale couldn't see it. "And how do you think they'll handle the Merchants? Will they prioritize them over the Empire now?"

  "That's a tricky one," Tattletale admitted. "The Merchants have suddenly become a much bigger threat, but the Empire is still the largest and most organized gang in the city. I think the PRT will try to balance their efforts between the two, but they might lean slightly towards targeting the Merchants in the short term, if only to try and nip their newfound power in the bud."

  "And what of Dauntless's temporary leadership?" Coil asked. "How do you think that will factor into their response?"

  Tattletale paused, clearly thinking it over. "Dauntless is competent, but he's also more by-the-book than Armsmaster. He might be hesitant to make any big, risky moves without clear approval from higher up. That could slow down their response time, especially if they need to deal with something unexpected."

  "I see," Coil said. "One last question. How do you think New Wave will react to all of this?"

  "New Wave is going to be in an interesting position," Tattletale replied. "They're not officially part of the Protectorate, but they often work alongside them. With the power vacuum left by Lung's capture and the Merchants' rise to prominence, New Wave might see this as an opportunity to take a more active role in the city's cape scene."

  "Elaborate," Coil prompted.

  "Well, they've always positioned themselves as heroes, but they've also been somewhat reactive, mostly responding to crimes in progress rather than actively patrolling or trying to take down gangs," Tattletale explained. "But with the current chaos, they might decide to take a more proactive approach. We could see them increasing their patrols, maybe even trying to claim some of the former ABB territory for themselves."

  "Interesting," Coil mused. "And how do you think this might affect their relationship with the Protectorate?"

  "It could go either way," Tattletale admitted. "If they coordinate well, it could strengthen their alliance. But if New Wave starts acting too independently, it could create tension. A lot will depend on how Miss Militia handles the situation."

  Coil nodded, satisfied with the information he'd received. "Thank you, Tattletale. Your insights have been most helpful. Keep monitoring the situation and report any significant developments immediately."

  "Will do, boss," Tattletale replied. "Anything else?"

  "No, that will be all for now," Coil said, ending the call.

  As he set down the phone, Coil leaned back in his chair, mind racing with the possibilities this new situation presented. The capture of Lung, the rise of the Merchants, the Empire's unexpected change in tactics - all of these were pieces on the chessboard, waiting to be moved. And as always, Thomas Calvert intended to be the one moving them.

  The cafeteria at Winslow High School buzzed with excitement, a stark contrast to its usual laid-back atmosphere. Students huddled around tables, their voices animated as they recounted the events of the previous night. The epic battle between Lung and the Merchants had captured everyone's attention, overshadowing even the typical high school drama.

  Taylor made her way through the lunch line, piling her tray with an assortment of foods. She couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations as she moved.

  "Did you see that giant robot thing?" a freshman boy exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe. "It was like something out of a movie!"

  His friend nodded enthusiastically. "I know, right? And Lung was huge! I didn't know he could get that big."

  Taylor suppressed a smile as she headed towards her usual table. Emma was already there, holding court among their circle of friends. Madison sat to Emma's right, while Sophia slouched in her chair, looking bored with the whole affair.

  "Hey, Taylor," Emma greeted as Taylor took her seat. "We were just talking about the fight. Can you believe it?"

  Taylor shook her head. "It's pretty wild. I never thought the Merchants had it in them."

  "I know!" Emma leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Do you think this means they're going to be, like, a major player now?"

  Before Taylor could respond, Madison chimed in. "You know what's weird, though? Nobody here seems that worried about it. Even the ABB kids are just going about their day like normal."

  The group glanced around the cafeteria. Sure enough, the students who were known to have ABB connections weren't huddled together or looking particularly concerned. They were laughing and chatting just like everyone else.

  Sophia frowned. "That is strange. You'd think they'd be more worried about what's going to happen to their territory."

  An awkward silence fell over the table. Taylor and Emma exchanged a quick look, both aware of the real reason for the lack of concern. Their efforts to shape the school's atmosphere were paying off, perhaps a little too well.

  Emma, ever the master of social navigation, smoothly changed the subject. "So, speaking of exciting events, who's pumped for the Medhall Valentine's Day dance?"

  A chorus of groans erupted from the table.

  "Come on, Emma," Julia complained. "Stop rubbing it in our faces. We get it, you and Taylor are going to some fancy corporate party."

  Emma had the grace to look slightly abashed. "Sorry, I'm just excited. It's going to be amazing."

  Taylor, sensing the need to diffuse the situation, jumped in. "The Medhall dance is still two weeks away, guys. And don't forget, Winslow is having its own dance too. That should be fun, right?"

  The mood at the table lightened considerably at the mention of the school dance.

  "Oh yeah," Madison said, perking up. "I can't wait. Greg asked me last week, and he was so adorably nervous about it."

  The other girls began chiming in with their own stories about their dates and plans for the dance. Taylor listened with half an ear, her mind drifting to thoughts of Theo and the Medhall dance. She was looking forward to it, but part of her wished she could just attend the school dance like a normal teenager.

  As the conversation continued, Taylor noticed Sophia sitting silently, picking at her food. Without thinking, she said, "I'm sorry you don't have anyone to go with, Sophia. Maybe we could set you up with someone?"

  The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, and Taylor immediately regretted it. She hadn't meant to draw attention to Sophia's lack of a date, especially given the complicated history between them.

  To everyone's surprise, Sophia's head snapped up, a hint of a smirk on her face. "Actually, I do have a date."

  Emma and Taylor exchanged shocked glances. This was news to both of them.

  "What? Who?" Emma demanded, leaning across the table. "Why didn't you tell us?"

  Sophia shrugged, suddenly looking a bit defensive. "It's not a big deal. Just someone I met outside of school."

  Taylor felt a twinge of annoyance. This wasn't part of the plan. Sophia was supposed to be focused on her duties, not dating some random guy. She tried to keep her voice neutral as she asked, "Oh? Where did you meet him?"

  "At the gym," Sophia replied, her tone guarded. "I've been going there to work out. With as much as you guys have been feeding me, I had to take some extra steps to work off the weight."

  Emma's eyes lit up with interest. "Ooh, a gym rat? Is he hot?"

  Sophia rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. "He's alright, I guess."

  Taylor fought to keep her expression neutral, but inside, she was seething. This wasn't supposed to happen. Sophia wasn't supposed to find happiness on her own. She was supposed to be dependent on them, grateful for their attention and care.

  Emma, ever perceptive, seemed to sense Taylor's discomfort. She smoothly took control of the conversation, peppering Sophia with questions. "Come on, Soph, give us details! What's his name? How old is he? What does he look like?"

  Sophia hesitated for a moment, clearly torn between her usual reticence and the desire to talk about her new romantic interest. Finally, she relented. "His name's Brian. He's a couple years older than us, I think. Tall, dark-skinned, really muscular."

  "Ooh, sounds dreamy," Madison cooed, leaning in. "How did you two start talking?"

  Sophia shrugged, but there was a softness in her expression that Taylor had never seen before. "He noticed I was using bad form on one of the machines and offered to show me how to do it right. We just kind of hit it off from there."

  As Sophia continued to share details about Brian, Taylor found herself growing increasingly frustrated. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. Sophia was meant to be isolated, dependent on them for social interaction. Having a boyfriend outside their circle could complicate everything.

  "So, are you bringing him to the dance?" Julia asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

  Sophia shook her head. "Nah, he's a bit old for a high school dance. We'll probably just do something on our own."

  Taylor saw an opportunity and seized it. "Are you sure that's a good idea, Sophia? I mean, you don't really know this guy. He could be dangerous."

  Sophia's eyes narrowed. "I can take care of myself, Taylor. I'm not some helpless little girl."

  Emma, sensing the rising tension, quickly intervened. "I'm sure Taylor's just concerned, Sophia. We all are. You're our friend, and we want to make sure you're safe."

  Sophia seemed to relax slightly at Emma's words. "I appreciate that, but really, it's fine. Brian's a good guy."

  Taylor forced herself to nod and smile, even as her mind raced with possibilities. This Brian could be a problem. She'd need to find a way to deal with him, to ensure he didn't interfere with their plans for Sophia.

  Brad stalked through the halls of Medhall, his eyes scanning for any sign of Nessa. He'd been looking forward to surprising her with lunch, but she wasn't at her usual spot. As he rounded a corner, he caught sight of her emerging from Taylor's lab, a furtive expression on her face.

  "Nessa?" he called out, startling her.

  She whirled around, eyes wide. "Brad! I didn't expect to see you here."

  He frowned, closing the distance between them. "I was looking for you. What were you doing in Taylor's lab?"

  Nessa's gaze darted away for a moment before settling back on him. "Oh, nothing important. I just wanted to ask her about something."

  Brad's eyes narrowed. Nessa was usually an open book, but right now, she seemed... evasive. "What kind of something?"

  "It's really not a big deal," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "Hey, are you hungry? Where do you want to go for lunch?"

  The abrupt change of subject didn't go unnoticed, but Brad decided not to press the issue. For now. "How about that new burger place on the boardwalk?"

  Nessa's smile seemed a touch too relieved. "Sounds perfect. Let me grab my purse, and we can go."

  As they walked to the elevator, Brad couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Nessa chatted animatedly about her day, but there was an underlying tension in her voice that he'd never heard before.

  What could Taylor possibly be helping Nessa with that she felt the need to hide from him?

  A few days later, Brad found himself on patrol with Stormtiger. The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of the nearby ocean as they moved through their designated route.

  "Where's Cricket?" Brad asked, realizing he hadn't seen the woman in a few days.

  Stormtiger shrugged. "No idea. Rune's filling in for her tonight."

  As if on cue, Rune floated down on a piece of concrete, joining them on the rooftop. "Hey guys," she greeted, her voice muffled slightly by her mask.

  Brad turned to her. "You seen Cricket lately?"

  Rune shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah. She asked me to cover for her tonight. Said she had something she needed to do."

  "Any idea what?" Brad pressed.

  Rune's eyes darted away. "Well... I did see her heading towards Taylor's lab earlier today."

  Brad felt a chill run down his spine. First Nessa, now Melody? What the hell was going on in that lab?

  "You okay, boss?" Stormtiger asked, noticing Brad's sudden tension.

  "Fine," Brad grunted. "Let's keep moving."

  As they continued their patrol, Rune's nervous energy became more apparent. She kept glancing around, as if expecting someone to jump out at them at any moment.

  "Something on your mind, kid?" Brad finally asked.

  Rune hesitated before blurting out, "Doesn't Miss Stepford creep you guys out?"

  Stormtiger snorted. "What are you talking about? She's been a huge help to the Empire."

  "Yeah, but..." Rune trailed off, struggling to find the right words. "Don't you think it's weird how much control she has over people? I mean, look at what happened to Tina."

  Brad frowned. "Who's Tina?"

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  "Stormtiger's new girlfriend," Rune explained. "She used to be this hardcore feminist type, always ranting about the patriarchy and stuff. Now she's like this perfect little housewife, cooking and cleaning and agreeing with everything Stormtiger says."

  Stormtiger bristled. "Hey, watch it. Tina's changed because she realized how stupid all that feminist crap was. Miss Stepford just helped her see the light."

  Rune scoffed. "Yeah, right. More like she brainwashed her into being your perfect little house bimbo."

  "You don't know what you're talking about," Stormtiger growled.

  Brad held up a hand, silencing them both. "Enough. We're not here to gossip about people's relationships."

  But as they continued their patrol, Brad couldn't shake the unease Rune's words had stirred up. He'd noticed changes in some of the Empire members lately, but he'd chalked it up to improved morale and discipline. Now, though...

  "Let's call it an early night," Brad decided abruptly. "I've got something I need to check on."

  Stormtiger and Rune exchanged glances but didn't argue. They made their way back to street level, Brad's mind racing with possibilities.

  Brad made his way to the security room, his heart pounding in his chest. As he entered, the guard on duty looked up, surprised.

  "Hookwolf? What are you doing here?"

  "I need to see the security footage from Taylor's lab," Brad growled, leaving no room for argument.

  The guard swallowed hard and stepped aside, granting Brad access to the monitors. With a few taps of the keyboard, he pulled up the feed from earlier that day.

  The grainy image showed Taylor's lab, the door opening to reveal Nessa, Karen, Melody, and Taylor herself emerging. They paused, glancing around furtively before hurrying down the hallway.

  Brad's brow furrowed as he watched them. Their behavior was suspicious, to say the least. What could they possibly be up to that required such secrecy?

  He rewound the footage, studying their movements closely. There was a tension in their postures, a wariness that set his instincts on edge.

  Were they planning something? Some kind of betrayal against the Empire?

  The thought made Brad's blood boil. He'd trusted Taylor, brought her into their fold. If she was plotting against them...

  No. He needed to stay calm, gather more information before jumping to conclusions.

  Glancing at the guard, who was doing his best to appear invisible, Brad made a decision.

  "I want copies of all the footage from Taylor's lab for the past week," he ordered gruffly. "And keep this to yourself. Understand?"

  The guard nodded rapidly, already moving to comply.

  As Brad left the security room, his mind raced with possibilities. What had Taylor been doing in that lab? And why was she involving Nessa, Karen, and Melody?

  He needed answers. And if Taylor was up to something nefarious, he would make sure she paid the price for betraying the Empire's trust.

  Brad's fists clenched at his sides as he strode through the halls of Medhall, his expression thunderous. No one dared get in his way.

  Sophia grunted as her fist connected with the heavy bag, the impact reverberating up her arm. She followed it with a quick jab-cross combination, her movements sharp and aggressive. Brian watched from nearby, his brow furrowed in concern.

  "You're really going at it today," he commented, steadying the bag as Sophia unleashed another flurry of punches. "Something on your mind?"

  Sophia paused, wiping sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. "It's nothing," she muttered, but her scowl said otherwise.

  Brian raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't look like nothing. Come on, talk to me. What's going on?"

  Sophia sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's just... my friends have been really annoying lately."

  "Taylor and Emma?" Brian asked, recalling the names Sophia had mentioned before.

  "Yeah," Sophia nodded. "They've been acting weird. Especially Taylor. It's like she's got a problem with me or something, but she won't come out and say it."

  Brian frowned. "What do you mean? Has she said anything specific?"

  Sophia shook her head. "No, that's the thing. She hasn't said anything outright. It's just... little things. The way she looks at me sometimes, or how she'll change the subject when I talk about..." She trailed off, suddenly self-conscious.

  "About what?" Brian prompted gently.

  Sophia felt her cheeks warm slightly. "About you," she admitted. "It's like she doesn't want to hear about it. And Emma's been weird too, always trying to change the subject when I bring it up."

  "Huh," Brian mused. "That is strange. Have you tried talking to them about it?"

  "Not really," Sophia shrugged. "I mean, what am I supposed to say? 'Hey, why do you guys act all weird when I talk about my boyfriend?' It's not like they're being outright hostile or anything. It's just... off."

  "Maybe they're jealous?" Brian suggested.

  Sophia snorted. "Of what? Taylor's got Theo, and Emma's got her modeling career. It's not like they're lacking for attention."

  "Fair point," Brian conceded. He opened his mouth to say more, but was interrupted by a new voice.

  "Sorry I'm late," a blonde girl said, approaching them with a friendly smile. "Traffic was a nightmare."

  Brian turned to greet her. "Hey, Lisa. Glad you could make it." He glanced at Sophia, who was eyeing the newcomer with curiosity. "Sophia, this is Lisa. She's a coworker of mine. Lisa, this is Sophia."

  "Nice to meet you," Lisa said, extending her hand.

  Sophia shook it, her grip firm. "Likewise. What kind of work do you do?"

  "Oh, a little bit of this, a little bit of that," Lisa said with a vague wave of her hand. "I'm something of an investigator, you could say."

  Sophia's eyebrows rose. "An investigator? Like a private detective or something?"

  Lisa chuckled. "Not quite that glamorous, I'm afraid. More like... information gathering and analysis. Boring stuff, really."

  Brian cleared his throat. "Lisa's actually here to help out with something. I hope you don't mind, Sophia. I thought maybe she could offer a fresh perspective on the situation with your friends."

  Sophia frowned, a hint of suspicion creeping into her voice. "What situation? I told you, it's not a big deal."

  Lisa held up her hands in a placating gesture. "Hey, no pressure. Brian just mentioned you were having some issues with your friends, and I offered to lend an ear. Sometimes it helps to talk things out with someone who's not directly involved, you know?"

  Sophia hesitated, glancing between Brian and Lisa. After a moment, she sighed. "Fine. Whatever. What do you want to know?"

  Lisa's smile widened. "Why don't you start by telling me a bit more about your friends? Taylor and Emma, right? How long have you known them?"

  "Since the beginning of high school," Sophia said, leaning against the wall. "We weren't always close, though. Taylor and I... we had some issues at first."

  "Oh?" Lisa prompted. "What kind of issues?"

  Sophia's brow furrowed. "I... I don't really remember, to be honest. It's all kind of fuzzy. I just know we didn't get along at first, but then things changed."

  "Changed how?" Lisa asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.

  "I don't know," Sophia said, frustration creeping into her voice. "It's like... one day we were at each other's throats, and the next we were friends. It doesn't make sense when I say it out loud."

  Brian and Lisa exchanged a quick glance. "That does sound a bit odd," Brian said carefully. "Do you remember anything specific about when things changed?"

  Sophia shook her head. "Not really. I just know it was sometime last year. Things at school started getting better all around, you know? Grades were up, there was less fighting. It was like everyone just... settled down."

  Lisa nodded, her expression thoughtful. "And your relationship with Taylor and Emma? How would you describe it now?"

  "It's good," Sophia said, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "I mean, we hang out a lot. Or we used to, before they got so busy. Taylor's always working on some project or other, and Emma's got her modeling stuff."

  "What kind of projects does Taylor work on?" Lisa asked, her tone innocent.

  Sophia opened her mouth to answer, then paused. "I... I'm not sure, actually. She doesn't really talk about it much. Just says it's for school."

  Lisa hummed noncommittally. "And Emma's modeling career? That must be exciting for her."

  "Yeah, she's doing really well," Sophia said, a hint of pride in her voice. "She's gotten a lot of big jobs lately. It's kind of crazy how fast she's moving up."

  "That's impressive," Lisa said. "Has she always been into modeling?"

  Sophia frowned. "Yes, actually. She only started getting into it big-time, last year. Before that, she was..." She trailed off, her expression confused. "I can't remember what she was into before. That's weird, right?"

  Brian stepped in, his voice gentle. "It's okay, Sophia. Sometimes we forget details about our friends' lives. It doesn't mean anything's wrong."

  Lisa shot him a look, but quickly smoothed her expression. "Brian's right. Let's focus on the present. You said Taylor and Emma have been acting strangely lately. Can you give me an example?"

  Sophia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's hard to explain. It's like... they're always watching what they say around me now. And Taylor keeps pushing food on me, even though I've told her I'm trying to watch my weight."

  "She pushes food on you?" Lisa asked, her eyebrows rising. "That's an interesting way to put it. Does she do that with everyone, or just you?"

  Sophia shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I've seen her do it with other people too. But it feels different with me. Like she's... I don't know, trying to fatten me up or something." She laughed, but it sounded forced. "That's stupid, right?"

  Lisa's expression remained neutral. "Not necessarily. It's clearly bothering you. Have you talked to Taylor about it?"

  "No," Sophia admitted. "I mean, how do you even bring that up? 'Hey, can you stop trying to make me fat?' It sounds ridiculous."

  "But it's affecting you," Brian pointed out. "If it's bothering you this much, maybe you should say something."

  Sophia shook her head. "It's not just that. It's... everything. The way they act around me, the things they don't say. It's like there's this big secret they're keeping, but I can't figure out what it is."

  Lisa leaned forward, her eyes intent. "Sophia, I want you to think carefully. Has anything strange happened at your school recently? Anything that seemed off or out of place?"

  Sophia's brow furrowed. "I... I don't think so. I mean, things have been going really well. Everyone's grades are up, there's less fighting. Even the teachers seem happier."

  "And that doesn't strike you as odd?" Lisa pressed. "Such a dramatic change in such a short time?"

  Sophia opened her mouth to argue, then closed it again. She looked troubled. "I... I guess I never really thought about it. It just seemed like things were finally going right, you know?"

  Brian shot Lisa a warning look. "Lisa, maybe we should-"

  But Lisa pressed on. "Sophia, you mentioned earlier that you couldn't remember why you and Taylor didn't get along at first. Don't you find that strange? Not being able to remember something that significant?"

  Sophia's frown deepened. "I... I don't know. Maybe I just blocked it out or something."

  "Or maybe there's another explanation," Lisa suggested gently. "Have you ever heard of-"

  "Lisa," Brian cut in sharply. "That's enough for now."

  Lisa held up her hands in surrender. "You're right, I'm sorry. I got carried away."

  Sophia looked between them, confusion and suspicion warring on her face. "What's going on? What aren't you telling me?"

  Brian sighed, running a hand over his face. "It's nothing, Sophia. We're just... concerned, that's all. Some of the things you've said don't quite add up."

  "What do you mean?" Sophia demanded. "What doesn't add up?"

  Lisa stepped in, her voice soothing. "It's just that there seem to be some inconsistencies in your memories. And the changes at your school... they're pretty dramatic. We're just trying to understand what's going on."

  Sophia's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying I'm lying? Or that I'm crazy or something?"

  "No, not at all," Brian said quickly. "We believe you, Sophia. We're just trying to help you make sense of things."

  Sophia took a step back, her posture defensive. "I don't need help making sense of things. My friends are just being weird. That's all."

  Lisa nodded, her expression sympathetic. "You're right, we shouldn't push. I'm sorry if we made you uncomfortable, Sophia. That wasn't our intention."

  Sophia glanced between them, still wary. "Yeah, well... maybe we should call it a day. I'm not really in the mood to work out anymore."

  Brian looked like he wanted to argue, but Lisa put a hand on his arm. "Of course. We understand. Thanks for talking with us, Sophia. And again, I'm sorry if we overstepped."

  Sophia nodded curtly, grabbing her gym bag. "Yeah, whatever. I'll see you around, Brian."

  As she walked away, Brian turned to Lisa with a frustrated expression. "What the hell was that? I thought we agreed to take it slow."

  Lisa sighed. "I know, I know. I got carried away. But Brian, you heard her. The memory gaps, the sudden changes in behavior and school performance... it all points to-"

  "I know what it points to," Brian interrupted. "But we can't just dump all of that on her at once. We need to be careful about this."

  Lisa nodded, her expression serious. "You're right. We'll take it slower next time. But Brian... we need to act soon. If what we suspect is true, Sophia and who knows how many others are in serious danger."

  Brian ran a hand over his face, looking tired. "I know. Believe me, I know. We'll figure it out. For now, let's just... let's give her some space. We'll try again in a few days."

  As they gathered their things to leave, neither of them noticed the figure watching from the shadows near the gym's entrance. Sophia stood there for a long moment, her mind racing with questions and doubts. Something wasn't right, she could feel it now. But what? And more importantly, what was she going to do about it?

  With a frustrated sigh, Sophia turned and walked out into the night, her thoughts a confused jumble of suspicion and uncertainty. Whatever was going on, she was determined to get to the bottom of it. One way or another, she would find out the truth.

  Brad paced the halls of Medhall, his mind churning with suspicion and unease. Something wasn't right, he could feel it in his bones. The secretive meetings, the whispered conversations that stopped when he approached - it all pointed to trouble. And at the center of it all was that new tinker, Miss Stepford.

  He needed answers, and he needed them now. With determined strides, Brad made his way to James Fliescher's office. If anyone knew what was really going on, it would be Krieg.

  Brad rapped sharply on the door, not waiting for a response before barging in. James looked up from his desk, eyebrows raised at the intrusion.

  "Brad? What's the matter?"

  Hookwolf shut the door behind him, his voice low and urgent. "James, I need to know what's going on with Miss Stepford. Something's not right."

  Krieg leaned back in his chair, his expression carefully neutral. "What do you mean? Has something happened?"

  Brad ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "That's just it - I don't know. But Nessa's been acting strange, sneaking off to Taylor's lab. And it's not just her. Cricket, Othala - they're all involved in something."

  James's eyes narrowed slightly. This was the first he'd heard of any suspicious activity surrounding the tinker. But if Brad's concerns were valid, it could be the opportunity he'd been waiting for.

  "I see," Krieg said slowly. "And you're certain this isn't just... women's business? Perhaps they're planning something for the upcoming dance?"

  Brad shook his head vehemently. "No, it's more than that. They're hiding something, I'm sure of it. And it all leads back to Taylor."

  Krieg steepled his fingers, his mind working quickly. If he played this right, he might finally convince Kaiser to send the girl to Gesellschaft. "It is concerning," he agreed. "A tinker with her abilities... the potential for abuse is significant."

  "Exactly!" Brad exclaimed. "Who knows what kind of influence she could be exerting? We need to do something."

  James nodded thoughtfully. "You may be right. Perhaps it would be wise to have her abilities evaluated by... outside experts. For everyone's safety, of course."

  Brad's eyes narrowed. "You mean Gesellschaft."

  Krieg spread his hands in a placating gesture. "They have resources we lack. If there is a genuine threat, they would be best equipped to handle it."

  Hookwolf grunted, unconvinced. "Maybe. But first, I need to know what's really going on."

  As Brad turned to leave, Krieg called out, "Be careful, Brad. If your suspicions are correct, we may be dealing with a very dangerous situation."

  Hookwolf nodded grimly and strode out of the office, his resolve hardened. He would get to the bottom of this, one way or another.

  Hours later, Brad was still on edge, his paranoia growing with each passing minute. As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with Nessa.

  "Brad!" she exclaimed, a bright smile lighting up her face. "I was just looking for you."

  But Hookwolf's eyes narrowed, searching her expression for any sign of deception. "Were you now? And where have you been all day?"

  Nessa's smile faltered slightly. "Oh, you know, just taking care of some things. Nothing important."

  Before Brad could press further, Nessa's phone chimed. She glanced at it, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh! I'm sorry, Brad, but I need to go. We'll catch up later, okay?"

  As she turned to leave, Brad's hand shot out, grasping her arm. "Let me guess - you're off to Taylor's lab again?"

  Nessa froze, her eyes wide with shock. "What? I... no, I mean... how did you...?"

  "Don't lie to me, Nessa," Brad growled. "What's going on? What are you all hiding?"

  Nessa's expression cycled through shock, guilt, and then determination. "Brad, it's not what you think. Please, just trust me. Everything will be explained soon, I promise."

  But Hookwolf was beyond listening. With a snarl, he released her arm and stormed off towards Taylor's lab, ignoring Nessa's pleas behind him.

  As he approached the lab, he saw Cricket and Taylor standing outside, heads bent together in conversation. The sight only fueled his anger and suspicion.

  "Taylor!" he bellowed, causing both women to jump. "What the hell have you been doing? What kind of scheme are you running?"

  Taylor's face paled, her eyes wide with fear. "Mr. Meadows, I don't know what you're talking about-"

  "Don't play dumb with me," Brad snarled, advancing on her. "I know you're up to something. Using your tech on the others, trying to subvert the Empire-"

  "Brad, stop!" Nessa's voice rang out as she ran up, panting. "You don't understand!"

  But Hookwolf was beyond reason. His skin rippled, metal blades beginning to emerge as he prepared to attack. Cricket moved to intercept him, her kamas appearing in her hands.

  "Brad, don't do this," Cricket warned, her voice raspy but firm.

  Just as Hookwolf was about to lash out, a wall of metal blades erupted from the floor and walls, blocking his path. Everyone froze as Kaiser's voice cut through the tension.

  "What the hell do you think you're doing, Brad?"

  Hookwolf whirled to face his leader, frustration and confusion warring on his face. "Max, can't you see what's happening? She's manipulating everyone, using her tech to-"

  "To what?" Max interrupted, his voice sharp. "To teach my son's girlfriend and the others how to cook?"

  Brad blinked, his momentum faltering. "What?"

  Max pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing heavily. "I know exactly what Taylor has been doing, Brad. Nessa told me weeks ago."

  "But... the secrecy, the meetings..." Brad sputtered, looking between the gathered faces.

  Nessa stepped forward, her expression a mix of anger and hurt. "You idiot," she hissed, grabbing his arm. "Come with me."

  Before Brad could protest, Nessa dragged him into the lab. The others followed, tension still thick in the air. Nessa marched him over to a small stove in the corner of the lab, where a timer was just finishing its countdown.

  With quick, angry movements, Nessa donned oven mitts and pulled out a chocolate cake. She thrust it at Brad, her eyes flashing. "Happy Valentine's Day, you paranoid jerk."

  Brad stared at the cake, then back at Nessa, his mind struggling to process the situation. "But... you can't cook," he said weakly.

  Nessa crossed her arms, a pout forming on her lips. "I've been getting lessons from Taylor."

  The realization of his mistake began to dawn on Brad, a sinking feeling in his stomach. He turned to Cricket, who was holding a small box of what appeared to be homemade chocolates.

  "These are for Mr. Glady," she explained, her raspy voice tinged with embarrassment. "Othala helped me make them."

  Brad looked around the lab, taking in the cooking utensils, recipe books, and various baking ingredients scattered about. The pieces finally clicked into place, and he felt a wave of shame wash over him.

  "I... I don't understand," he said, his voice uncharacteristically small. "Why all the secrecy?"

  Nessa sighed, her anger deflating slightly. "Because I wanted it to be a surprise, you big oaf. I know I'm not the best cook, and I wanted to do something special for you."

  Taylor stepped forward, her earlier fear replaced by determination. "Mr. Meadows, I assure you, I haven't used any of my tech on anyone here without express permission from both the individual and Kaiser himself. These lessons were just that - lessons."

  Max nodded, his expression stern. "Brad, your loyalty to the Empire is commendable, but your paranoia nearly caused a disaster here. We'll discuss this further in private."

  Hookwolf nodded, thoroughly chastened. He turned to Nessa, struggling to find the right words. "Nessa, I... I'm sorry. I should have trusted you."

  Nessa's expression softened slightly. She picked up a fork and cut a small piece of the cake, holding it out to Brad. "Well? Are you going to try it or not?"

  With a sheepish grin, Brad accepted the bite of cake. As the rich chocolate flavor hit his tongue, his eyes widened in surprise. "This is... actually really good."

  A pleased smile spread across Nessa's face. "See? I told you I could learn."

  As the tension in the room began to dissipate, Max cleared his throat. "Well, now that this misunderstanding has been cleared up, I believe we all have work to get back to. Brad, my office, now."

  As the others began to disperse, Brad caught Taylor's eye. "Miss Stepford, I... I owe you an apology as well. I jumped to conclusions, and that was unfair of you."

  Taylor nodded, accepting his words. "I understand, Mr. Meadows. I know my abilities can be... unsettling. But I promise you, I'm here to help the Empire, not undermine it."

  Kaiser sat behind his imposing desk, his fingers steepled as he regarded the two men before him. Brad and James stood at attention, the tension in the room palpable. Max's face was a mask of cold fury, his eyes sharp as he assessed his subordinates.

  "Gentlemen," Kaiser began, his voice deceptively calm, "I find myself deeply disappointed in both of you today. Brad, your paranoia nearly caused a disaster. And James... I know you fanned the flames of Brad's suspicions."

  Hookwolf winced, accepting the rebuke with a nod. "I understand, sir. It won't happen again."

  Krieg, however, wasn't ready to back down. "Max, you have to see that the girl is changing too much, too quickly. The Empire-"

  "The Empire," Kaiser interrupted, his voice like steel, "is evolving. Tell me, James, is it truly Miss Stepford you're concerned about, or is it my son?"

  Krieg faltered, realizing he needed to choose his next words carefully. But before he could formulate a response, Kaiser cut him off again.

  "Miss Stepford has been nothing but an asset to our organization," Max continued, his tone brooking no argument. "With the Merchants on the rise, we need every advantage we can get. Which is why I've made a decision."

  Both men tensed, waiting for Kaiser's proclamation.

  "I'm rescinding the order forbidding our cape members from using Taylor's skill implementation technology," Kaiser announced. "From now on, they may use it if they wish."

  Krieg's eyes widened in alarm. "Max, you can't be serious! You're handing the Empire to her on a silver platter!"

  Kaiser's gaze hardened. "I'm still keeping Victor from using the machines, and Taylor remains under close observation. But things are changing, James. The old ways aren't enough anymore."

  He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Theo has presented me with a plan. A plan that could fundamentally reshape the Empire and ensure our control of Brockton Bay for generations to come."

  Hookwolf shifted uncomfortably, while Krieg's face paled slightly.

  "You've seen the effectiveness of Theo's strategies against the ABB," Kaiser continued. "Even you, James, must acknowledge their success."

  Krieg grudgingly nodded, unable to deny the truth of Kaiser's words.

  "I haven't decided whether to adopt this plan yet," Max said, his eyes boring into Krieg's. "But regardless of my decision, I expect your full support. Is that clear?"

  "Yes, sir," Krieg replied, his voice tight with barely contained frustration.

  Kaiser then turned his attention to Hookwolf. "As for you, Brad, I'm leaving your punishment up to Miss Stepford."

  Brad's shoulders sagged in relief, but his reprieve was short-lived.

  "I should warn you," Kaiser added, a hint of amusement in his voice, "Taylor has expressed her... disdain for your dog fighting rings."

  Hookwolf's eyes widened in alarm. "But sir, those rings are a significant source of income for the Empire. We can't just-"

  The words died in his throat as Kaiser fixed him with a withering glare. Brad swallowed hard, realizing he'd overstepped.

  "You will accept whatever punishment Miss Stepford deems appropriate," Kaiser said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Consider yourself lucky that's all you're facing after today's fiasco."

  With a wave of his hand, Kaiser dismissed them both. As they left the office, Hookwolf's expression was sullen, but the lingering taste of Nessa's cake on his lips reminded him that the day wasn't a total loss.

  Once alone, Kaiser leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with possibilities. Theo's plan was ambitious, perhaps even reckless, but it held the potential to cement the Empire's power in a way he'd never thought possible. And at the center of it all was Taylor Herbert, the unassuming girl with the power to reshape minds.

  Max allowed himself a small smile. Yes, things were changing, but change could be good. The Empire would adapt, evolve, and emerge stronger than ever.

  Meanwhile, Krieg stormed down the hallway, his fists clenched at his sides. This wasn't how things were supposed to be. The Empire was meant to be a bastion of purity, not some... social experiment. And now Kaiser was considering handing over control to his son, a boy who clearly lacked the conviction needed to lead.

  As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with Rune. The young cape looked up at him, her eyes wide with concern.

  "Uncle James? Is everything okay?"

  Krieg forced himself to relax, offering his niece a tight smile. "Just some... disagreements with Kaiser. Nothing for you to worry about."

  Rune frowned, not entirely convinced. "Is it about Miss Stepford? I've heard some of the others talking..."

  "What have you heard?" Krieg asked sharply, his interest piqued.

  Rune hesitated, then lowered her voice. "Just that she's been spending a lot of time with Theo, and that Kaiser seems to be relying on her more and more. Some people are worried she's... changing things."

  Krieg nodded slowly, his mind working. "And what do you think about all this, Tammi?"

  The girl shrugged, looking uncomfortable. "I don't know. It's weird, having a tinker around who can mess with people's heads. But... things have been going well lately. We're stronger than ever."

  "Perhaps," Krieg muttered, more to himself than to Rune. "But at what cost?"

  He placed a hand on Rune's shoulder, his expression serious. "Keep your eyes open, Tammi. And be careful around Miss Stepford. We don't know the full extent of her abilities yet."

  As Rune nodded and walked away, Krieg's resolve hardened. He couldn't stand idly by while the Empire was twisted into something unrecognizable. He needed allies, people who understood the importance of maintaining their ideological purity.

  With determined strides, he made his way to Victor and Othala. If anyone would see reason, it would be them.