Interlude: Calculations

Armsmaster

The rhythmic clanging of metal against metal echoed through Armsmaster's workshop as he adjusted the alignment on his halberd. The weapon, a masterpiece of engineering and efficiency, demanded constant maintenance. It was his anchor—a tool that didn't falter, didn't surprise him with variables he couldn't account for. Unlike people.

Ethan Harper's intervention during the fight with Lung still lingered in his mind. A civilian—no, a parahuman—unregistered, unknown, with the rarest and most volatile power set imaginable. Matter manipulation. It made his mind race with calculations and contingencies.

He'd seen Ethan in action, albeit briefly. The way he neutralized Lung's fire and reshaped the battlefield wasn't chaotic or uncontrolled—it was deliberate. Efficient. That wasn't something you could just stumble into.

"Matter manipulation without any formal training," Armsmaster muttered. "He's a risk."

The screen beside him blinked, displaying the data his systems had gathered. No records of public power use prior to the fight. Minimal online presence. Connection to New Wave through Crystal Pelham, which explained some of his restraint but not the full scope of his capabilities.

The comm on his desk beeped. "Console to Armsmaster. Director Piggot is requesting an update on Harper."

"I'll handle it," he replied curtly.

He left his workshop and made his way to the command center, his mind already formulating the report. When he entered, Piggot's face filled the screen.

"Armsmaster," she began, her tone clipped. "Tell me you have something useful."

"I've confirmed that Ethan Harper's powers are indeed reality-warping. He displays fine control, though he claims to be largely self-taught. His actions during the Lung incident indicate a protective instinct, but his lack of formal training makes him a liability."

"And what do you propose?" Piggot asked, her expression unreadable.

"We need to bring him in," Armsmaster said firmly. "He's too powerful and unpredictable to remain unaffiliated. If he refuses, we'll need to monitor him closely. Reality-warpers are high-risk by default."

Piggot's lips thinned. "Do it. But tread carefully. I don't want this blowing up in our faces."

"Yes, ma'am," Armsmaster replied, already planning his next steps. He would handle this, just like he always did—with precision and control.

Emily Piggot

Emily Piggot hated capes.

Her dislike wasn't rooted in envy or prejudice—it was practicality. Capes were unpredictable, chaotic forces that upended everything they touched. And now, she had to deal with one of the most dangerous varieties imaginable: a reality-warper.

The file on Ethan Harper sat on her desk, thin but full of implications. Armsmaster's report was thorough, as always, but it didn't make her feel any better. A civilian with godlike power and no allegiance? That was a recipe for disaster.

She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. "Why can't this city ever have something simple?"

Her office door opened, and her assistant stepped in. "Director, the Wards are requesting your presence in the common room. They've been discussing Harper's actions, and I thought you might want to hear it firsthand."

Piggot scowled but stood. "Fine. Let's see what they have to say."

The Wards

The Wards' common room was buzzing with energy when Piggot entered. The young heroes were gathered around the TV, which was replaying footage of the aftermath of Lung's fight.

"Look at that!" Clockblocker exclaimed, pointing at the screen. "He just waved his hand, and Lung's fire went out. That's not just powers—that's some god-tier stuff."

"Or it's really dangerous," Vista said, crossing her arms. "What if he lost control? He could've done more damage than Lung."

Kid Win adjusted his visor. "I don't think he's out of control. His moves were too precise. Did you see how he reshaped the ground to protect Skitter? That's not someone flailing around with power."

Shadow Stalker snorted. "Or he got lucky. Doesn't mean he knows what he's doing."

"Enough," Aegis said, his voice calm but firm. "This isn't about arguing. It's about figuring out if he's a threat or an ally."

Piggot stepped forward, silencing the room. "He's neither," she said, her tone brooking no argument. "Ethan Harper is an unknown, and unknowns are dangerous. Your job is to stay out of his way unless instructed otherwise. Is that clear?"

The Wards exchanged glances before nodding.

As Piggot turned to leave, Vista spoke up. "Do you think he'll join us? Or the Protectorate?"

Piggot paused, considering her words. "That depends on him. But if he doesn't, we'll have to make sure he doesn't become a problem."

With that, she left, her mind already racing with contingency plans.

Coil

In the darkened confines of his underground base, Coil watched the events unfold through his network of screens. Ethan Harper's appearance was unexpected, but not unwelcome.

"Matter manipulation," Coil mused, steepling his fingers. "A power with limitless potential, if properly directed."

He leaned back in his chair, reviewing the footage from Lung's fight. Harper's intervention had been decisive, but there was hesitation in his actions—a sign of inexperience. That could be useful.

"Tattletale," he said, his voice calm.

The blonde thinker appeared on one of the screens, her smirk visible even through the low-quality feed. "You called, boss?"

"Ethan Harper," Coil said. "What do you know?"

"Not much yet," Tattletale admitted. "But I'm digging. Connected to New Wave through Laserdream, which is interesting. Matter manipulation power set, but he's keeping a low profile. My guess? He's not confident in his abilities. Yet."

"Then we'll give him a reason to be," Coil said. "Continue your investigation. I want to know everything—his triggers, his weaknesses, his loyalties."

"And if he's not loyal to anyone?"

Coil's smile was thin and cold. "Then we make him loyal. One way or another."

The screen went dark, leaving Coil alone with his thoughts. Ethan Harper was a variable, but variables could be controlled.

And in Brockton Bay, control was everything.