I'm sorry for the delays and everything, the job is getting hectic and I'm starting to lose my mind. Hope you guys enjoy this one.

Karkat was happy to say that the first meeting back together wasn't that awkward, especially after such a… heavy moment. It wasn't back to normal completely, of course, especially since Sollux was still leagues away from forgiving him. Aradia had kept her cool, though, so at least two people weren't mad at him right now.

Feferi and Kanaya were also adjusting, if only slightly still irked by the insanity that was following them everywhere now. The small-time ghosts at least didn't scare them, and he was sure that some were even terrified of Kanaya. Feferi seemed to want to move forward on the whole Dualscar situation, but she was being patient. For now.

There was one final leap that he was addressing right now: meeting their ghost allies. Specifically while they were evaluating the new accessories.

"You know, I figured that walking would be pretty easy since all you humans do it without any issues," Nepeta started, holding onto the side of a table as she took baby steps forward. "But I didn't realize that gravity was such a hassle."

"Well, at least your senses aren't dulled. You're forgetting that I'm blind and can't smell my way out that well." Terezi didn't have as much of a problem walking, but it was clear that wearing an accessory did cut down on her ability to navigate. "Mom warned me about this, but I thought she was joking."

"Well, this is what being human is like. Congratulations, good luck with paying taxes." Karkat had the distinct feeling this would be a tough adjustment period. Good thing he had volunteers. "Kanaya, how's Tavros doing?"

"I'm not entirely sure, though I would hazard a guess an say he's doing fine." Kanaya had been watching the boy just stand there after he put on his own accessory and… well, not do much else. "Is everything okay, Nitram?"

"Yeah." Tavros nodded minutely, not looking her way. He was swaying on his feet, eyes unfocused. "I'm just… I need a minute here."

"I wouldn't worry too much, Kanaya." Feferi patted her friend on the back, giving Tavros a sympathetic look. She figured it would be weird for him since he hadn't walked for a long while, even before he died. "First time he's used legs in a while. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"That's touching and all, but can we focus on right now? Some of you have either not been human for a long time or have never been human at all." Karkat waved a set of binders, tossing one over to Nepeta when she was forced to sit down. "That means making sure you know how to blend in."

There was some groaning at the sight of study materials, but Karkat only rolled his eyes. He tossed one of them over to Nepeta and Tavros and made sure to hand off the one that had Braille to Terezi carefully. It wasn't much, but it was good at such short notice.

"These booklets should have everything you need to not look like complete weirdos in front of a bunch of humans." Aradia had always said there wasn't a real definition to normal, but there were some limits. "Also some general knowledge that most humans would know about, including some politics and other random stuff."

"You don't need to memorize it now but consider it a guide, so you don't get dissected on your first day." Sollux stated, deciding not to waste words on this. "If you want to hang out in the human world and help us out, it's a must read. Or you can roll the dice and see what happens next..."

"Okay, okay, we get it, play along or die. Really putting a damper on all of this." Terezi leaned toward Feferi, motioning her to come closer while speaking in a stage whisper. "This is what happens when you let a Doom Aspect give a pep talk."

"I still have no idea what that means, but I get it." Feferi shrugged, giving Karkat a look. "I'm guessing today is just showing them around town and hoping for the best? I doubt Amity Park is accepting tourists right now."

"It is possibly accepting military families who decided to join the GIW, so people won't really notice or care at first. Besides, if they appear in town often enough, people won't care eventually." Karkat figured that'd be the case. People didn't notice much around here unless it was outright threatening them. "If things work out with Horuss too, we'll have constant updates on my dad's projects, while they get to keep watch on the town."

This was all a gamble and one that Karkat would've loved to have taken earlier without a government agency coming down on them. While no official base had been announced just yet, it was obvious that some agents were running about. Just a bunch of guys in white suits, which had quickly earned them the nickname "Guys in White," which just worked too well. At least it showed Doc Scratch wasn't infallible since his fashion sense seemed like it needed work.

"I feel like it should be surprising a maniac is in a high place of power in our government, but it doesn't." Kanaya was hoping that would be rectified soon enough, but it appeared Scratch was a good actor. "And all of this is in service to some double-dead ghost king?"

"It's a lot more complicated than that considering time travel is involved, but yeah." Karkat didn't want to know what they'd think of the existence of Caliborn yet. He wasn't sure if either of them was the type to want to murder a baby Hitler, and he wanted to know if they were before saying anything. "He's got multiple avenues, all of which he can achieve with his reach. We can only make sure he can't do anything in the Ghost Zone and in town until something happens to push him off his seat."

"Yeah, that's basically our only plan. And I haven't really found any dirt on this guy just yet, though, even after taking advantage of Aradia's stepmom's contacts with him." Sollux had hated that. He always found something on somebody, but not on a literal politician. That was bullshit. "Either he was a stickler before getting into contact with that tomb, or he's good at hiding it."

"You think maybe we can snap him out of his mind control instead? That seems like it could be a good idea." Nepeta shrugged, deciding to steady herself as she opened her book. "Maybe he wasn't that bad of a guy before all this started."

"I doubt that more and more each time I have to scrap with him." Karkat hoped that was true, but he wasn't counting on it. If he could snap him out of his devotion, it would be beneficial, but not entirely possible. "Anything going on in the community, Aradia?"

"Nothing much. Amity Park is bouncing back, even with impending military presence on the horizon." Aradia figured that since everything was bouncing back, everyone would focus their attention on the Guys in White issue. "And if we're lucky, not everyone will be okay with the new people coming in."

That was good. They could work with that if necessary. Heck, Vriska could certainly egg some people on with her music...

An explosion upstairs cut off the musing fairly quickly. Everyone but Karkat flinched, with him rolling his eyes and mumbled something under his breath.

"At least Horuss is keeping busy..."

Horuss looked down at the smoking carcass of the machine with a mournful look, receiving a pat on the back from Spades. He had technically done this on purpose so as to not show too much skill, but that didn't make seeing a machine die like this any less upsetting.

"Don't worry about it too much, kid. I've blown up more machines than I can count, so don't take it too hard." Spades figured the kid passed most of his tests when it came to engineering, so he wasn't going to turn him away. Besides, the team needed an intern, even if their skills was limited to getting equipment. Actual skill was just a bonus. "I'm surprised it even levitated at all. Is engineering a big thing in your family?"

"Mostly in my immediate family, but yes. My father taught me and my brother some things, but we had different goals in mind." Horuss wasn't lying, which was good. Despite volunteering for this, he wasn't that good at it except if half-truths were involved. "Though, most of what I just did involve some educated guesses on what it was like before disassembly."

"Considering this was a prototype that didn't even turn on when I tested it, I think you did a better job than me." Spades put away the remains of the prototype, mentally cataloguing what was still usable. "I'd say you passed with flying colors! Any idea when you can start, because I don't have a real timeline right now for certain projects yet."

"I can start anytime, quite honestly. I'm currently not enrolled in college right now and I don't have any other jobs lined up." Again, half-truths. Horuss looked around the yard, shrugging as he did so. "Though, I do have to ask what I'd mostly be working on. I know plenty when it comes to engineering, but I don't know much about weapons in general."

"Eh, it'll depend on what crisis comes up next. I'm mostly just trying to find ways to actually explore the Ghost Zone properly with a team. So far, the only idea I have is jetpacks or hitching a ride with other ghosts." Spades figured neither was a no-go with the possibility of hostile ghosts. Other than that, he did have another goal in mind. "I'm also planning on making machines that could figure out ghosts' anatomy but isn't that invasive. Or at least not liable to cause them to dissipate since they apparently discorporate when damaged. I got the notes here."

Spades grabbed a tablet, messing around with it before handing it off to Horuss. Despite the accessory numbing his powers a bit, the ghost could actually feel some of the inner workings of the device. A lot of kill switches were put into place, and Horuss figured it was to make sure his research didn't get into hands it wasn't supposed to. He opened it, giving some of the surface level notes a glance.

"Hm, some of these are surprising." Horuss could see some of what Karkat had "told" his father in that information he gave him, though most of it was speculation on Spades part. A photo of Karkat's hazmat suit was also in there from the looks of it. "You think Phantom might be copying someone?"

"Hm? Oh, wait, that's not supposed to be in that server." The scientist scrambled, already moving the files out. "Don't worry about that just yet, just something I've been working on."

Horuss knew that, mostly because he knew what Karkat technically had in mind when doing this. Making sure Phantom's origins were discussed and done through a red herring made sure Spades wouldn't know who he was unless he stated it. It looked like he was buying the idea that Phantom had formed recently, though judging from those notes…

He had to admit, what Karkat had done was a stroke of genius if it was meant to be heading this direction. Thinking Phantom copied Karkat would make it easier for him to swallow the truth if it came down to it.

There was the ring of a phone, prompting Spades to fish his out of his pocket and push it to his ear in a swift motion. He didn't bother looking at the caller id as started talking.

"Rosa, what's happening? I thought you had some paperwork to get through for those new locations you mentioned." Spades frowned as chattering could be heard on the other line, whatever was being said making him stand straighter. "Rosa, slow down. No offense, but not all of us were an auctioneer in a past life or something."

Horuss hid the interest in his face, looking back down at the tablet with narrowed eyes. It took a quick use of his powers to intercept the signal so he could hear who was on the other line. Rosa was Kanaya's mother, wasn't she? He'd have to ask when they saw each other next.

"I've been looking into that incident with the Makara's after that whole circus fiasco and I think it might be important." She sounded out of breath, something heavy lacing her voice. Despondent, yet somehow determined. "Apparently some things came up involving that Clopin person and- just come down to the police station with me!"

"That entire incident was important considering it was the first known incident of ghost crime, Rosa." Spades gave a quick look to Horuss, who pretended he wasn't listening. He started speaking softer to keep the attention off of him. "You mind explaining why you want me to come with you so bad? I already gave the police my statement about it."

"I-I... The police called me earlier. Apparently now that Clopin's fingerprints and DNA are in the system, they're connecting him to a lot of different crimes all over." Rosa paused. She sucked in a breath before continuing. "Apparently, we might know a thing or two related to one of the older cases he had his dirty little hands in."

"Which one? I don't remember being involved with that guy before."

"...The one involving Kankri."

Spades stopped dead for only a second, but Horuss was able to catch it. He'd never heard the name, but it was clearly important. A friend, perhaps?

"That- you can't be serious. I thought his death was ruled an accident." Spades didn't get anything from her, and there was a sharp intake of air. "Unless you decided to not mention something to me back then-"

"It was ruled an accident. At first." Rosa's voice bordered on rage, most likely gripping her phone tight. A death in the family, or at least a friend group, then. "It was just… well, being able to identify Clopin's fingerprints on the scene is making the case come open again. And I think you need to hear about what they're speculating as much as I do."

She didn't want to do it alone.

"…Fine. Should I bring Karkat with me?"

"That's up to you. I'd advise against it, but he does have a right to know."

"Okay. I'll see you there." Horuss had already sent a message to the others about Spades impending arrival when the older man hung up. "I have to deal with some personal business. You gave me your number, right?"

"It's in my application." Horuss gave an awkward smile that pointedly didn't show his teeth. "Don't worry about it. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you then. You know the way out."

Horuss sighed. Looks like Phantom's life was going to get harder.

Trizza Tethis had never thought about how hard it was to get a job. That was mostly because she hadn't thought about her future or even considered doing a summer job before, but now that she possibly had to get one, it was daunting.

As it turns out, people wanted her to time travel in order to get experience she didn't have, just so they could be lazy and not train her. Sure, she knew she was in high school still, but that didn't mean she wasn't skilled. Or at least was willing to learn.

"Stupid fucking morons, not even calling for a second interview." Trizza wanted to throw the papers she had in the trash, but she'd learned to reuse her resumes whenever possible. "At least have the common curtesy to call back, dammit."

The only reason she wanted to get a job was because… well, the ghost attack. Axion Labs wasn't suddenly being closed down or anything, but the attack had scared off those investors, as well as a few others that had cancelled appointments. The shield working intrigued a few people, but not enough to offer prices that would cover the costs of making it.

The writing was on the wall. Axion Labs was dying, and it would most likely crumble before she ever got her hands on it. Despite not knowing if she'd want to take it over, it was still a loss that she wasn't ready for. And that meant tightening belts, and she realized that she needed a job.

Didn't mean dad made it easy for her to start applying.

"That ass better not be sabotaging my interviews." Trizza grunted, putting her papers away into her bag. He'd been resistant to the thought of her working for this reason, not taking anything that happened well so far. "Says I should take responsibility one day and not to do shit the next…"

She hadn't hit rock bottom yet, though. She intended to stop that before it started by any means possible.

Trizza fought with the urge to grab her phone and call Ardata. They hadn't spoken since the troubles started and Trizza couldn't stand the thought of facing her now. Not with her being caught in this kind of spiral. Sure, she might not judge, but… Well, she couldn't risk it. She still had an image to uphold.

There were still some places open, and she was fairly sure she could put in application without anyone turning her away explicitly. No one was picky about who could apply where, and one of the only place left was the police station.

She heard the rev of an engine, barely having to turn her own head to see Spades drive by and make her blood boil. He was using the hovering function and some part of her felt a spike of jealousy at that. Vantas and his family's life was getting all the better while her family was probably going to be in a poor house if they don't get some of their investors back.

"This is bullshit." Trizza rolled her eyes, huffing to herself. "This can't get any worse."

That's when she ran right into someone without looking in their direction.

Trizza could feel coffee fly all over her and get over the front her shirt, burning at her skin. The pain caused her to shout and immediately throw a hand at the closest thing in the area, fist meeting flesh as she knocked the offender over.

"Fuck, fuck, that's hot! Watch where you're going, you prick!" Trizza knew this would stain. This was one of her better outfits and it would be ruined because of this moron, and she wanted to scream. "I can't deal with this shit right now! You're lucky this isn't McDonalds coffee, otherwise I'd be suing."

"Jesus, lady, don't go psycho on me! It was an accident." Trizza barely noticed the tacky white suit the guy wore, just that he had an ugly buzzcut and sunglasses that made it look like he was trying too hard. He was rubbing his cheek, glaring down at her. "I'd treat me with a little more respect too, while you're at it. I'm helping out with this invasion and all-"

"Fuck you and your invasion shit! I don't need to hear it." Trizza stomped past, ignoring the offended gargle that came from the man. "I have job interviews to get too, and you already ruined my shirt."

Trizza was almost glad to hear the strangled sound that came from the man and feel the sudden grip on her shoulder. She grabbed his arm, leaning forward suddenly and throwing him over her, the man's momentum doing most of the work for her. There was a loud smack as his back hit the pavement and she didn't feel as guilty as she thought she would. Taking a few years in some self-defense classes had done wonders for her.

She wasn't surprised when the guy started to scramble to get up, slowly trying to move, and she got ready to knock his teeth out. She already had her hand raised, ready for it before-

"Excuse me."

Her arm was grabbed again, the grip firm but a hell of a lot gentler then the first guy. Trizza would've tried fighting him too if it wasn't for the fact the idiot she took down froze, looking behind her with visible fear and anxiety.

"Though I saw everything, I would appreciate not ruining an investment before it could properly be used." The old man moved into visibility, letting go of her arm before putting his full attention on the fool. "Then again, considering he's nearly wasting his second chance already, and getting taken down by someone half his age…"

"Boss! Hey, sorry that I-I kept you waiting." The man slowly tried to get off the ground, in a painful attempt to be casual about it. "Mr. Scratch, this was all just a minor misunderstanding. I just happened to-"

"Blow something out of proportion because you can't manage a stressed young woman?" Scratch raised an eyebrow as the man was cowed by the statement. "I knew you were kicked off the force, but I figured you'd keep your temper cool. And it's doctor, Agent O. I have a doctorate. People get those."

Trizza did have to mentally reassess the situation at the mention of the word "agent." Taking a second look over, she remembered the news cast that had come up a couple of days ago, realizing this was the guy in charge of the ghost fighting government division. She actually winced, forcing herself to calm down. She might've been distracted, but she did know not to necessarily attack him.

Well, unless he touched her again. All bets were off after that.

"I'll let this go with a warning, Agent O, but if I do see something like this again, you will be the first man to be let go from the GIW, and that's not a good way to make history. You're dismissed." Scratch didn't pay the salute any mind, turning towards Trizza, barely moving at all to do so. "I do apologize for my subordinate's behavior, though I do have to commend being able to flip him over like that. Trained a little in your youth?"

"Yeah. Didn't do any tournaments or anything, but I know a thing or two." Trizza figured he'd go to Axion Labs at some point, so it'd be pay to be nice right now. She didn't feel up to it, but if her dad got a contract… "And it's a non-issue. I was just… I was just having a bad day."

"Aren't we all?" Scratch looked down on the coffee stain on her shirt, a tilt of his head indicating his curiosity. "And it looks like he also spilled some of my coffee on you too. If you don't mind, I can pay for the dry cleaning."

"I'll send the bill to the White House or something." She may not have wanted to be rude, but something about this was ringing alarm bells in her head. Trizza couldn't pinpoint why that was, though. "Look, I was heading over to an appointment, and I really need to get to it."

"A job interview, perhaps?"

Trizza paused. Scratch had produced a piece of paper, one that had her- her resumes!

"Shit! I almost forgot about those." Trizza made a grab for it, though it was jerked out of her reach. She gave the man a glare as he looked it over with some interest.

"Trizza Tethis. It wouldn't be a leap in logic that your father is the Tethis from Axion, correct?" Scratch handed it to her finally, having it snatched quickly afterwards. "I've heard some of your company's work, as well as a few rumors. Is business going well over there after the last attack?"

"…I think you already know the answer to that." Trizza's blood pressure wanted to spike, but she forced it down. This made this all the more important to land. "You mind getting to the point, doctor? I'm not one for word games."

"Oh, don't worry." Scratch's pleasant smile widened a little. It made something in Trizza's mind flinch. "I just have a favor to ask of you. If you don't mind helping me, that is."

Something told her she didn't have much a choice.

Alright, I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you next chapter.