The plan began with a concert.
Reverend Mercy Mantis had scheduled a countywide worship service to celebrate the first gold shipment. Councilbug Vale would speak. Silas Ledger would announce a new development fund. Every major transmitter in Hood County would carry the event.
False Black hijacked the feed.
His face appeared on screens across town.
“No sermon tonight.”
The Reverend stared upward in horror.
False played the recordings Echo Webb had secretly collected for Gilden.
Vale discussing shipment routes.
Ledger discussing gold valuation.
Sable Tick discussing behavioral compliance.
Countwell discussing household targeting.
Roachman discussing access points.
Then Gilden’s voice.
“The bugs themselves are the commodity.”
Hood County went silent.
The Reverend ordered the broadcast cut.
Dewdrop cut into the feed from his burrow.
“Too late.”
He dropped a beat.
Ian transmitted Doc Loxo’s analysis of the vaccine.
Across town, bugs began tearing down partnership banners.
Census offices emptied.
Bank customers demanded their solder.
Roachman’s inspectors were chased off porches.
Gilden slammed both fists against his console.
“Activate Hoppity.”
Jocko looked at him.
“Fabian.”
“Do it.”
“No.”
Gilden turned.
Jocko stood beside the control board with the cable in his paws.
“I said activate him.”
Jocko pulled the cable free.