"Will the alchemiters work in the new universe?" Jade asked. It was one of the last questions any of them asked as they stood on the platform.

They all looked at each other dumbly.

"I mean, will there even be grist in the new universe?" Jade asked, and suddenly everyone found themselves looking through their sylladices, silently panicking, estimating how long their food supplies would last them.

Karkat looked at Dave in horror. "How will we build Can Town?" he mouthed.

"At least we have the planets," Kanaya said. "We do have the planets, right?" she added, looking at Jade. Jade triple-checked her pockets and nodded.

John thought for a moment. "Well... our universe didn't have alchemiters when we started. We've survived this long without them. We'll be fine. I think…"

"Yeah!" said Roxy. "If we can beat an immortal alien queen, we can do anything! Come on, guys!"

Everyone smiled, albeit uneasily, and watched with renewed calm as the genesis tadpole made its journey.