Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. You are so wonderful. I always appreciate your feedback. It keeps me in the happy writing zone.

So, this is the first chapter entirely written after Multiverse of Madness and Moon Knight. (Although this is the second one you're seeing since I ended up switching the chapter order.) Since it's been enough time, I can say my favorite thing about Multiverse of Madness is that you really need to have watched Agents of Shield to get its nuances. It still works without watching, but it's better with it. A lot like this story.

Moon Knight gave me a lot of ideas for some of the things going forward. Also, this is the first chapter to undergo proofreading after Ms. Marvel episode one. Of course, we are in our own timeline, but everything is up for grabs for inspiration. The next time we see Kamala in the story, I will address how different the characters are.

Conversation 56: The Trouble with Teenagers

Late evening March 28, 2018, gamma timeline

Dad: Hey, how was class today? Your principal only called me twice to seriously consider private school for next year. So, I'm considering that a good day.

Dad: OK, he also wanted to know what the hell really happened with Ruby. I'm checking to see if his security clearance is still good before deciding how much he needs to know.

Dad: Kudos for not punching out Betty. I'm sure you wanted to. You really should have told me about that yesterday. Ana sends me her little videos after everything she's done on you. She really is trying to get an internship with JJJ. If it wasn't for all of his stories about me as the director of the ATCU, he would probably still be filming in his basement on green screen.

Dad: I get it's late on the East Coast, and thanks to Wanda, you actually need sleep. I just wanted to let you know that we are in San Francisco.

Dad: Thankfully, I don't have to see Pym until later. I'm hoping Mackenzie will have everybody relocated to Avengers West by that point.

Dad: See, you're not the only one who has to deal with an antagonist. Although Betty actually deserves your wrath. I'm just dealing with the sins of Howard. I hope I don't leave you that type of legacy. Although I probably did. Sorry.

XXXX

Chief mechanic: Is there a reason why my teenager is not responding to my text messages?

Venom: I was told to tell you that she is annoyed that you're in San Francisco and we're stuck in classes. It's even more monotonous than usual when you know you're in the middle of an apocalypse. She sent me screenshots of all your messages.

Chief mechanic: Of course, she did. You're only stuck at midtown for two more days. Then you're coming either out here or to Wakanda the moment the bell rings Friday. I'm still trying to decide which option is better. But I'm not having you guys languish in New York.

Venom: And will we get to decide which?

Chief mechanic: Yes, your desires will be taken into consideration. However, it depends on how far we get with operation Time Zephyr. Especially if Pym refuses to use our superior facilities

Venom: I read the diary. I understand why Pym is apprehensive. Your father was an ass hole.

Chief mechanic: That's an understatement. Honestly, it's a genetic trait.

Venom: I disagree with that. However, the Wakanda government hasn't burned the same bridges as Howard or Shield. Couldn't you just move Pym's mobile lab there?

Chief mechanic: This is why Pepper Pot is preparing you to take over the empire. That could work. He actually respects the Princess for not trying to reverse engineer the particles.

Venom: Your father tried?

Chief mechanic: So many times. Although I wonder if he wasn't actually serious. Just trying to keep someone worse from breaking it. Reading between the lines, it's obvious he knew about the infiltration. However, that's nothing you need to worry about, kid.

Venom: I still do.

Chief mechanic: How are you? I'm sorry we really haven't got to talk since everything blew up with the boyfriend Friday.

Venom: It feels so long ago. I can't believe it's been less than a week. I have so many other things to worry about now that I don't even have time to feel betrayed.

Chief mechanic: You'll feel it eventually. Probably as soon as the apocalypse is over. Although, just so you know, he is now persona non grata at every tech firm on the West Coast.

Venom: You didn't call in another personal favor from Tim or Jack?

Chief mechanic: I didn't. I am also busy with an apocalypse. Pepper did because you're her favorite. I'm sure it was just an underling in HR, probably.

Venom: I'm never gonna be able to work at SI again. I can deal with my dick of a boyfriend without my boss getting involved. I'm sure everybody's going to know. I'm already dealing with enough nepotism claims since most know that you used to be my foster dad.

Chief mechanic: I'm sure she was discrete. Ana probably helped, and you know she is discreet. Also, anybody who tells you that you don't belong there just tell them to go fuck themselves. Neither Kevin nor Pepper are ones for nepotism. If you didn't belong at SI, you wouldn't be there.

Avenger Ana: The former parents still don't know what happened to half their money.

Chief mechanic: Or how do you still manage to get your trust fund from your grandfather.

Venom: You didn't have to destroy my ex.

Chief mechanic: Because I have other people to do that. But we care.

Venom: I like that I have people that care about me. I didn't have that for a while, especially after my grandfather died. However, can you do it in a less embarrassing way?

Chief mechanic: Laura says that embarrassing your children is how you show you really care about them. We do care even if we are in the middle of an apocalypse. Multiple apocalypses. How are you really holding up?

Venom: Surprisingly, well, considering I found out I died in another timeline, and the only person who cared enough to even report it was Liz. The only good thing was finding out Rosita left. I hope she went to rehab during that time. I drank. She did pills, lots of pills.

Chief mechanic: I haven't come across that information, but we could always ask. I'm glad you're handling that well. Although I was thinking more immediately like the fact that you now know the spider truth. Or that Ned knows that you're not that heterosexual.

Venom: I still find it miraculous that the whole school hasn't found out that I'm gay yet. I hope BITC holds out until Friday, so if it all goes to hell, at least I will have spring break in another country, or half of us will be snapped out of existence. I will take either.

Chief mechanic: We're trying to prevent the latter. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you the Spidey truth. But it had to be Peter. Although by this point, we were all hoping he would slip up.

Venom: I get that. I really do. And looking back, I don't think I was ready to hear it. Afia point blank told me she was a robot, and I didn't believe her.

Chief mechanic: For now, at least. Wanda apparently has plans. I think this is revenge for being complicit in the murder of her parents and brother. I get a teenager to slowly drive me crazy.

Venom: So why are you now in San Francisco?

Chief mechanic: We now have Pym particles to play with. You know I'm not going to miss that even if I have to deal with people who hate me just because of Howard.

Venom: I don't believe you. It seems like you would want to avoid that.

Chief mechanic: There are other reasons, but it's family stuff. Don't worry about it right now.

Venom: I do worry, and I am family, so I should know about this stuff.

Chief mechanic: When I know more, I will tell you and Afia. But I'm still feeling some things out.

Venom: Just keep us in the loop. I'll try to get your child to text message you sometime tomorrow. She really is sleeping right now.

Venom: [image one attached]

Chief mechanic: That's adorable, especially because she's cuddling Capt. America bear. You know you're both my kids?

Venom: But so is Peter, and that would just be weird.

Chief mechanic: He could be the future son-in-law.

Venom: Good night, Tony.

Xxxx

"Are you done embarrassing your child now?" Sharon asked.

"For your information, I was talking to Flash because Afia is not returning my text messages right now."

"She was very annoyed about still being at school when we talked yesterday. She is fine but very, very annoyed, mostly at Betty." The Princess answered.

"And it was even worse today, per what I gather. Flash just sent me a picture of her sleeping, so I will try again in the morning." Tony answered.

"I think that's the best course of action." The Royal replied. "She might be more amenable after sleep."

"So, how would you feel about Pym and family coming to Wakonda?" Tony asked. "Flash suggested it. Because Pym doesn't hate you."

"He definitely does not want to move to Avengers west or the Malibu ATCU offices. The only reason he will even talk to Bobbi and Hunter is they were both disavowed by Shield," Sharon added.

"I'll discuss the possibility with my brother. But I think it is the best option. I prefer my own equipment, and unfortunately, I feel like the Lighthouse facility is not an option Pym will consider because of the shield affiliation."

"I'm sure he will refuse to go to all Avengers facilities for similar reasons. Especially because he already said no to Avengers West," Steve added.

"That is very true. However, we can focus on this tomorrow. We have more time-sensitive things first." The Princess said, pulling up a projector screen.

"I'm assuming the third DNA test says the same thing?" Steve asked.

"Yes. I handled this one myself." The Princess reassured.

"She even watched me get the DNA sample to ensure there was no contamination," Yo-yo added.

"So I guess me and Honeybear will be paying Mr. Roth a visit." Tony sighed. He really didn't want to deal with a Steve variant right now. Honestly, he's had enough variants for a lifetime over the last few days.

"I can do this alone. Besides, we just got more data from the other side. It looks like they had a breakthrough."

"And I'm sure the team here can do the prep work without me for a few hours. Besides, I don't trust you not to punch first and ask questions later."

"I wouldn't," Steve argued, but Tony rolled his eyes.

"You would."

"I already asked Mr. Roth if he would entertain my uncle and his fiancée tomorrow while I'm at work. He's expecting you both for brunch." Sharon looked directly at Steve as she spoke.

"Robin says it has to be you and Tony," Princess said as she pointed to a hologram projection of one of Robin's drawings.

"We will start working on the notes from the other timeline while you're with Mr. Roth."

"Your future step-niece has spoken."

"I'm coming with you. You'll need backup since Sharon can't be there because of her cover. It's not like I can help in the lab." Yo-yo told the group.

"I definitely want you with us. Although, back when you were my assistant, you did get things for me before I managed to blow up the lab a couple of times. That could be useful." Steve gave him an are you kidding me look.

"I was sleep-deprived. Sorry I won't do it again." Tony told his fiancée.

"You better not. I want you alive and not blown up."

"I will try my best, sweetie."

To be continued…