Gull scratched its chin, listening to Frederick's complaints. The Superior was also trying to make him understand that a pain free way of utilizing that ability did not exist. Despite understanding that all too well, the Commander was still telling Gull to do something about it.
"This power isn't something I have complete control over. There's no two ways about it. I dislike it as much as you do. I also have to go through the same pain. But this is the sole method in which we can defeat that otherworldly being. You know that too, don't you?" Gull continued with a huff. "Getting worked up over this isn't going to help you in any way. We'll use Karabell's mind tomorrow, so you'll have the chance to get some well-deserved rest."
"Rest you say..." Frederick responded, grinning. "Are you sure those guys will be able to handle it? Karabell and Een, I mean. Of course, I'm not saying I doubt your intuition. You are a Superior, after all. However, I feel like you've forgotten something. We need to be able to fight. Once we get there, Karabell and I will take that thing on. Getting rid of it takes priority. This means that we can't mindlessly exhaust ourselves trying to sniff out its location. Keep in mind that you're the ones responsible for this. Don't think for even a second that I'll be able to forgive you creatures just like that. You've murdered my comrades. Who knows how many will die during this expedition, too. Heh... I guess I lost my temper a little." Neither his face nor his tone betrayed any emotion.
"Let's leave it at that for now, guys. Arguing won't solve our problems." Karabell approached the two, forcefully joining their conversation.
He hadn't heard all of it, but one thing was clear. Just like he'd thought, cooperation wasn't Frederick's strong suit. Karabell couldn't help but think that dealing with Frederick was way more tiresome than fighting Aberrations. At least they didn't have to work together with him for much longer. Perhaps the only one in their group who didn't share that opinion was Lyra, but she was nowhere to be seen... Meaning that he was very much on his own.
Frederick glanced at Karabell, taking his eyes off the Superior for a moment. For better or worse, he'd stopped their disagreement from getting any more heated. But they both knew that being a peacemaker in that world didn't amount to much. Siding with the Aberrations was the only way to find and kill their boss. That was all. Karabell had become too fond of them. He treated the creatures like they were their friends... Like they were fellow humans. The Commander didn't like it in the slightest. In spite of that, everyone had acknowledged Captain Karabell Ress as their leader. Frederick watched Gull as it stepped away from them. Those monsters had taken away their freedom, giving them nothing but despair in return. Frederick seemed like a brat, just like the rest of them. Spouting nonsense about winning, saving the world and whatnot. But what about those who'd lost? They wouldn't come back. There was no way to bring everyone back. His parents, his comrades, it wasn't like they'd just up and died, no. Those accursed creatures had slaughtered them.
"Maybe ignorance really is bliss," Frederick muttered, staring at the ground.
Karabell opened his mouth. He wanted to say something, anything, but the words just wouldn't come out. Frederick's grin faded, his expression souring all of a sudden. He was sure he wasn't in the wrong. Karabell didn't know anything. He hadn't experienced that torment. The Captain was still too innocent, too ignorant.
"Karabell, I still remember our first conversation vividly. I doubt you trust me any more now than you did back then. I won't tell you to believe in me, that's entirely your choice. Gull's ability... it's more than you can take. It's more than I can take." Frederick looked at the Captain. It was Karabell's first time seeing such determination glint in the Commander's eyes. No, that wasn't it. The Commander was desperate. "It's a never-ending nightmare. It felt like I'd lost myself, like an invisible force was trying to shatter both my mind and my body. It goes without saying that we can't fight in that weakened state. That's why I think the Superior's plan won't work. We can't take turns. By the time we get there, all three of us will be exhausted. It's vital to understand that. Who'll fight in our stead? Didn't we agree that we'd put an end to this?" His shoulders tensed, but his tone remained neutral. "I realize it's dangerous... and unreasonable. Tomorrow, convince Gull to only use me when we start our search. I'm not saying I'll sacrifice myself. But I know I can endure it, I've done it before."
"Say no more. I get it." Karabell smiled, punching Frederick's chest lightly. "We all want to get rid of that thing. Perhaps our reasons are different, but we share a common goal. And you're gravely mistaken if you think I'll let anyone die. I doubt Gull will agree with your plan right away, but he'll give in eventually. You'll have to be careful though. If you don't want to end up like Gun, at least."
Frederick nodded. A world without fighting... Was that even possible? They were the ones who got to decide that. Lyra had told him countless stories about her old life. At first he'd had a hard time picturing it. But the Aberrations had robbed them of that peace. All those tales had only fueled his desire to banish those creatures.
Karabell took a few steps towards the entrance. He was so worn out he could barely walk straight. Everyone else was probably fast asleep.
"We're different, Captain..." Frederick whispered, following him. "I've always hated the Aberrations, even as a child. Killing them meant saving the world. That's what I thought. That's what I still think. We'll put an end to this 2000 year-old stalemate, no matter what. There's no doubt in my mind that we'll succeed. You do your job properly. I'll take care of the rest."
Karabell looked over his shoulder. He wasn't sure if he should say anything. He'd heard Frederick loud and clear. Gull had once told him that humanity couldn't be controlled. That the human will could not be restrained. The Captain let out a sigh. He was starting to understand the meaning behind those words.