The Weaver's Web: Book two, Chapter 16

It didn’t take long for Brian to move Aisha out of the room, Miss Militia with them. That left me alone with Director Piggot.

“I find myself in a quandary.” She stared at me. “There is no sign of parahuman involvement. Legally, that means that the PRT and Protectorate cannot get involved. Equally, this single incident has done more damage to the Bay than any single event since the aftermath of Marquis’ Birdcaging. I am not inclined to let them get away with it.”

“And you do not trust the authorities?”

“Do you know the financial status of this city?”

I nodded. “While there are some bright spots, such as Medhall, in general, the economy has been sinking, stagnant at best, especially due to the presence of large groups of people willing to work for…” I shrugged. “Just about anything.”

“And it’s about to get worse. The fact is, even with FEMA assistance, the Emergency Investment Act ties funding to the likelihood that a city can be made financially stable, with a series of targeted and limited stimulus packages.”

I didn’t need to think for very long. “Which the Bay will not qualify for, at least not the affected parts.” Money might go to downtown, or to Medhall, but the rest… no. “And the people responsible for this company getting away with its issues will do the same to others, especially as the damage to the economy makes people more desperate.”

“Yes. And while I cannot state it for certain, the city government is both heavily invested in this, and likely to be unwilling to fix itself.”

I thought about it. “Some might say that removing this corruption won’t help the city, just drive more marginal businesses into ruin.”

“And you?”

I had my answer. Just holding on in the face of the Trio hadn’t solved anything. And this was the same. “If you’re sinking, it doesn’t matter if you sink in an hour or a day—if you’re not trying to get to shore. At the very least some parts of the city might be rejuvenated by a more proactive government. Worst case…” Sorry, Dad. “Some of the population might leave and find better options elsewhere. Do you think any Parahumans are involved?”

“No. At least not directly. We know the Empire gets protection money, as do the ABB, but they have both left the higher levels of city government untouched. Inspectors might get bribed to harass minorities, but there’s no sign they are involved in this.”

Interesting. But it made sense. Neither Lung nor Kaiser were likely interested in the minutia that went into running a city, and direct cape attempts to take over city and state governments were one thing that was guaranteed to bring in immediate and heavy-handed intervention. I remembered a joke on PHO: “Build a doomsday device, kidnap the maiden, but don’t ever imply you’re the government.”

As with many things, there was a kernel of truth in it.

“I can’t produce results immediately, if ever,” I warned her. “For one thing, I doubt this is as simple as a single man looking the other way. For another thing, just sending people to prison without some kind of solution, isn’t going to help the city.”

“I know.”

“There is another thing,” I added. “The ABB and Empire may not be directly involved, but their protection rackets and crime play a major role in both pulling money out of the economy and making the city… unattractive to outside investment. If I do find any information about them, I will provide it to you, but given my… non-bulletproof nature, I would prefer that such information be officially sourced from other individuals.”

“I understand.” Piggot paused. “But don’t be too overconfident—there are plenty of people who might panic if they think you’re on to them.”

“I understand.” I paused. “Why?”

“What?”

“The PRT’s funding is federal and won’t be harmed by this, I can understand the worry if the city falls into disorder, but is that your only reason?”

“I’ve seen a city die, Investigator. I would prefer to not see it happen again.”

“Ah.”

“I can’t be directly connected to this, but we’ll provide you with some emails and emergency numbers. If you think someone is directly targeting you, and you can’t make it to the PRT, one of these numbers will get aid.”

“Even if my issues are not Parahuman related?” I asked.

For a moment, a tiny smile cracked on Piggot’s face. “Well that’s the problem. In a world of Strangers and Masters, who can be sure it isn’t, at least not until we get you to safety.”

“Ah.”

I nodded, and a few moments later was leaving. She had her own issue to work on, and as I left the building, I looked up to the pillar of smoke, the tell-tale twisting in the air showing that Vista was still working on it, signifying the death of a major industry.

I would go home, think, and then get to work.

As both Orb Weaver and The Investigator.

*****

“There will be a debriefing tonight,” Miss Militia said as she led Brian and Aisha down the corridor. “A lot of what went right and what went wrong.” She paused. “Director Piggot has had to bury troopers and parahumans before. Keep that in mind when you’re wondering why she’s been so hard on you.”

“Yeah.”

“Aisha…” Brian took a deep breath. “Look, just… try not to get killed. Okay, for one week try not to get killed.”

Aisha paused, looked up at Bro and then shook her head. “Depends if someone needs help, Bro. I ain’t gonna… Look, I’m here because a lot of people decided to go all out for me. I can’t turn around and not do it for other people.”

Bro said something about understanding Bitch and Tats… then he shook his head. “Then just… be careful and call me.”

“Fine, Bro.”

“Now, we have another meeting that springs from your actions today.” Miss Militia opened the door, and Aisha blinked.

There were the two kids sitting in chairs and a tired looking woman who took one look at her and started bawling, hugging Aisha.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you…” She said.

Miss Militia shook her head, leaned down to Aisha, and whispered into her ear. “Not all consequences are bad ones.”

Aisha couldn’t disagree.