CHAPTER 48: Radical

A day or two passed since Skulker happened. I was so relieved when Maddie said that the cover would be finished in a week. Of course, Jack misheard her and rambled on and on about the efficiency of the cover and how it will protect us from ghosts.

It seems great to have a better grasp on my ghost powers. Sure, I still hiccup from time to time, but I can easily explain it away without drawing any suspicion.

But that wasn't my primary social concern.

I decided to go early to the parapsychological building to check up on the portal cover, but a sea of sign-carrying individuals blocked my point of entry.

"Radiate equals hate!"

"Ghosts must die!"

"Vlad Masters," Harriet begins much to my surprise, "there is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of radiation in parapsychology. As the victim of a paranormal project gone wrong, what are your thoughts on the matter?"

"I…I," I stammer in shock, "think we should keep parapsychology. Who knows if another ghost might show up!"

"Aren't you concerned about radiation poison and exposure to dangerous elements such as ectonium?"

"First of all, ectonium in its natural state is non-toxic. Second off, we are working on limiting our radiation. Our further projects shouldn't involve any radiation at all."

"Thank you for your time." She rushes off.

What is going on here? A protest? I can't believe it! I am so tempted just to phase through this crowd!

"Dipstick!" greets Amber crudely. "Just the face of the revolution I was looking for!"

"What's going on here?" I ask retrospectively stupidly.

"Duh! We're protesting the abuse of radiation in the parapsychology department and how it's a risk for students on this campus. We shouldn't fund taxpayer money to dangerous pseudoscience!"

"Parapsychology is not a pseudoscience!"

"You of all people should be supporting this measure. This will prevent people from getting into radioactive peril because of some doofuses who don't care about ethics! Where did you think the leftover charity money was going towards, your college tuition?"

"Oh, leave him alone," Pamela dismisses. "Unlike you, he knows that ghosts are a menace to society, so somebody's gotta kill them."

"Violence is not always the answer, ignoramus! Ending radiation poisoning is the answer."

"Go bleed your heart on someone else!"

Suddenly, Boomer Baxter of all people shows up.

"Yo, dude," he begins, "I need to tell you something."

"What?" I ask cordially.

"There's another ghost roaming on campus!"

"Another ghost?! I was pretty sure I am, uh, well… Please go on."

"He looks like a vampire and seems like the type I could see you making out with."

"Why does everybody think I'm gay?"

"That's why we need para-whatever-you-call-it's like you!"

"Why am I not flattered?"

I find some areas where I could slither to in order to avoid this crowd.