Karabell licked his lips anxiously. The atmosphere was way too tense for his liking. Even so, he couldn't blame Lyra for thinking that way. It seemed like Frederick was in complete agreement with her as well. But they didn't know anything. They hadn't seen those things. Gull had shown him how terrible that world could really be. Those horrifying memories... Just like them, Marno had once started to catch on to how that world worked. And the creatures had disposed of him. If they didn't act soon, the same fate awaited them. Getting stronger had been Karabell's goal for the longest time. And, at long last, he'd finally understood that getting stronger wouldn't help him at all. To make use of all that strength, he first needed to stop being such a useless coward. Karabell's hands squeezed into fists. Determination burning in his eyes, he took a step towards Frederick. It looked like he was about to hit the Commander. Well, he wanted to. But he didn't
"If you have something to say, don't hold back. Before that, however, let me say one thing. I know it's not a good plan and we both know it's the only one we have." His brow tightened with anger. One thing hadn't changed at all. And it wasn't going to chance anytime soon. He couldn't stand Frederick. "This is nothing more than a mission. We shoulder a responsibility, Frederick. We must let our fallen comrades know that their deaths weren't in vain. If we let our friends die, then what's the point in doing all this?"
"I totally understand where you're coming from," Frederick swiftly replied. "But you said it yourself, you have no right to tell us what to do. With utmost respect, saying that we'll take that thing down without losing anyone is nothing more than wishful thinking. Even if you try to deny that. I've said this before, but we need to be prepared to make sacrifices. That being said, I can't tell you what to do either. So let's agree to disagree." There was a mocking undertone to the Commander voice. "Suit yourself... Captain," he finished, stepping away from the others.
Lyra gave Karabell an apologetic smile. Shono and Een were obviously just as disappointed. The Captain wanted to say something to cheer them up, but he couldn't muster any words. Frederick's reaction had left him speechless. Contrary forces were complementary... He couldn't help but wonder if that was really true. Frederick didn't want to lose anyone else either, Karabell was sure of that. The Commander's parents, Base Miu's fighters, they had all died, leaving a void in his heart. Still, the two of them were clearly different. Frederick had been born into that world, he'd been forced to witness its horrors time and time again. Karabell was an outsider. He knew full well that he couldn't hope to ever understand Frederick's feelings.
"I'm sorry about that, Karabell. I don't know what's wrong with him," Lyra huffed. "Maybe I should try talking some sense into him. I doubt I'd be able to, though."
"You don't need to apologize, you're not the one at fault. Really. I can't blame Frederick for acting that way, either. It's fine, I'm sure he'll come around eventually. Well, I say that, but who knows what that guy's thinking?" Karabell let out yet another sigh. "We'll finish this soon enough."
Een buried his hands in his pockets, glaring at the Aberrations. He asked himself if they really needed Frederick's help. The Commander always talked about saving the world and whatnot, yet he wasn't willing to work together with them. Was he right in the head? Een smirked.
"Captain's right. Frederick's not a bad guy. Everything'll work out eventually, I'm sure of it. Besides, he's a crazy fighter. Even if he's mad at us, he won't miss out on a good battle," Shono encouraged them, forcing a smile. "I suggest we change the subject, at least for a short while. I don't think getting all depressed now is the right choice. Let's go back to our rooms for now."
Karabell couldn't have said it better himself. They needed to stop worrying about every single thing, even if only for a few moments. They waved Kirru and Gull goodbye.
Annie was waiting for them back at the base, and, for some reason, she was especially cheerful. She didn't seem tired, which was already a strange thing. The woman informed them about Gun. He might've woken up, but he still wasn't doing any better. Karabell had expected as much... He'd even thought about having Gull take a look at him, but that could wait. Even thought he felt sorry for him, they didn't have the time to worry about Gun.
They ate dinner together with the trainees. Apparently, the children rarely got to go outside. They spent all their time either studying or honing their combat skills. The Upper District's rules were harsh. Many were in their last year of training, meaning that they were going to become full-fledged fighters soon. Base Miu was gone, so they would probably go to either Base Yuna or Phi. Maybe even to one of the farms.
"Hey, isn't it scary? Having to fight Aberrations?" one of the younger apprentices asked.
"Who do you think you're talking to?" Een said, trying to shovel more food into his mouth at the same time. "That guy's Karabell Ress, the one and only Captain, so show some respect! Of course it's scary, but he does it better than anyone. And since we're his subordinates, we're just as awesome."
Shono nudged him in the ribs. There was no need for him to put even more pressure on those poor children. The Captain had talked about shouldering responsibility... Protecting those kids was also one of their duties as soldiers. One he wasn't going to overlook.