"It was the mayor." Those were the first words out of his mouth when he saw that Kankri was the one to bring groceries. At first, he looked confused, but his eyes widened when the realization sunk in.

"I suspected as much," he muttered, barely audible. Karkat wasn't sure he heard him correctly. "I don't know if you remember any of Dad's claims, but he was making a big statement about those involved in the government that were letting gangs get away with everything. Of course the mayor was getting bribed, she probably had the money to hire someone."

"It gets worse. She's in a gang."

"Isn't everyone at this point?"

Karkat explained who the Protectors of Alternia were, and what Doc Scratch's theory had been. Kankri listened, the corners of his lips pointed down as he absorbed this information. He didn't seem surprised.

"I have this friend," Kankri said, when Karkat asked him about it. "And he's a bit like me, because he wasn't very popular either. Not even with his friends. So he talks to me about a lot of things. He talks about his dad a lot. They're a family of sea trolls, so of course his father is big on traditional Alternia crap. Claims to be the one and only Orphaner Dualscar."

"That's the equivalent of a human saying they're Hitler."

"Yes, well, you know exactly what time of man Cronus's father is. Cronus always talks about this family business, and how his dad is very adamant about Cronus's involvement. He never goes into depth about what he does, but he hates it, and isn't proud of it."

"You think he's part of PA?"

"He's a sea troll with an old fashioned parent. I'm almost positive he was forced to be a thug of sorts."

"Do you think he'll help us?"

"I need to learn what exactly you're doing first." Shit, he never got around to explaining this plan to his brother. He added Kankri to the group chat and showed him his notes so far. He explained what Dirk had told him to do as best he could, though he was silently praying the Kankri would be able to understand despite the horribly shitty explanation.

"You really are like Dad," Kankri said as he browsed through the notes for the umpteenth time. Karkat had to admire his determination to know the facts. "Yes, I know you have our mother's face, whoever that is. But you're starting something. Maybe it started out of your impulsive nature, but you do believe in the right things when you aren't pissed off."

"Uh, thanks?"

"I think Dad would be proud."

Karkat almost didn't respond, and when he did, it was a basic, "He'd be proud of you too."

Kankri didn't react. "I haven't done anything of value yet."

"You didn't get an old man killed."

"He was bound to be discovered sooner or later."

"That's a bit morbid, don't you think?"

"Absolutely, but it's the truth. Besides, think of the lowbloods and humans you'll save!"

"At the cost of what? I got all my friends involved. Everyone I care about is going against something bigger than I can comprehend." Karkat sighed. "Maybe I wish I left everything alone. I don't know if it's worth it."

"It's always worth it to improve the lives of millions."

"You know I won't be able to do shit holed up in here. I don't even know what to do if I get out," Karkat admitted.

"I think you'll figure it out. I honestly do."

Karkat didn't respond, and Kankri got up to leave. Before Kankri could walk out of the door, Karkat said, "Oh, uh, happy belated birthday. I got you a gift. It's in a box in my closet. It's just an old necklace from Dad's campaign that I found at some novelty shop. Nothing special, really." Kankri grinned and opened his mouth, but Karkat said, "Okay, now beat it. I don't need a spiel on how awesome I am." He complied without a word, and Karkat smiled slightly as he left.