“They are. I’ll point you to a server and give you the tools to access it. Distribute the information as you see fit.”

“In terms of mutual goals, we need backup from the city,” Tristan said. “I know it’s politically inconvenient, but we’re catching the worst of it on every front. The public, resources, information, lack of connections to people in power, the danger and the chaos.”

“We’re already making plans to elevate the other teams. The Wardens haven’t been in a position to be a public face or a middleman since the portal disaster. We can provide information when we provide it to the other teams, we’ll encourage the law enforcement and parahuman patrols to cooperate with you, insofar as the mayor can do that. Will that be all?”

She asked that last question like she was hinting that her patience was wearing thin.

“So long as you don’t throw us under the bus,” Tristan said. “Yeah.”

“Fill me in.”

“I’ve massaged things with the assistant warden. I explained the sequence of events, and he was reassured by Foresight’s counsel at the scariest moments in the night. He’s on our side, except for the sheer number of prisoners they just lost. He’s scared. He needs reassurance.”

“He just lost his job,” Victoria said. “He’s worried he’s going to be painted as the villain or made out to be the scapegoat.”

“Understood.”

“We caught wind of the plot when we traced Cheit’s people and they turned out to be Teacher’s. He was responsible for the attack on the portals and for the attack on this prison. It didn’t feel like he went all-out, even if he did it smart. He wanted the prison sealed off so he could collect everyone within, and we think he wanted Goddess with them. She slipped the trap.”

“The collection process is using Mama Mathers and Scapegoat,” Rain volunteered.

“We know that much. He’s made several oblique attacks on key capes.”

“If he’s using the portals, I have a way to mess with him. I could make devices,” Lookout said.

“It could help. Keeping certain individuals out of his reach, for one thing. Thank you.”

“You’re—”

“No,” Tristan interrupted Lookout. “Not for free.”

“If you’re trying to look better in front of your team by driving a hard bargain, you should know that there are limits, Capricorn.”

“I’m not driving a hard bargain or trying to look better,” Tristan said, his voice rising. “We drove. We looked good. We put on a damn good performance out there, all considered.”

“We talked it over as a team,” Victoria said. “We agreed we’re willing to cooperate with you. So far, we’re only asking for information and cooperation.”

“You talked about that when you appeared on television.”