"It's not that simple. The Nightmare's devastated the surface of the planet, killing 98% of the inhabitants. A few pockets of survivors remain, but that's a different matter altogether. Until this attack, we have been monitoring the planet from space at all times, for research and for the opportunities of rescue attempts. This was the first time the Nightmares have acknowledged our existence in space, much less launch an attack. While the AAF strategists are still figuring out what this might mean, by the time they decide anything, it might be too late," Andres explained evenly.
"So what are we supposed to do about that?" Rachel asked, her voice cracked with age.
"We are the back up plan, in case all out war really erupts on another planet in the Alliance. As of now, the nightmare's strategy has been fairly well documented. We certainly had plenty of opportunity to figure that out on mars, ironically," Andres said ruefully.
"Wait, does this have something to do with their fear attacks?" Kinson asked, feeling enlightened.
Andres looked at him somewhat surprised, but confirmed it, "Actually yes, it does. Soldiers, both mortal and psionic, with weak wills are completely incapacitated in the presence of a nightmare. In fact, their feelings of fear and despair grant these beings greater strength. Combined with their near indestructibility, our forces stand absolutely no chance as they are now. Our mission is to produce a way for soldiers to experience battle against Nightmares in the deathdream first, so that they can be sufficiently prepared when reality strikes. Unfortunately, finding a being who's confronted a nightmare, and whose deathdream remains intact, has been almost impossible. We must find a suitable deathdream and refine the experience so that it can be experienced by the masses."
Rachel settled back in her chair deep in thought. "I see. If that's the vision, it's definitely going to take a lot to get there."
"So we've got three deathdreamers, and the crew to support them. Well, two really," Luthier said, sparing a glance for Kinson.
"Yeah, this is quite the project for a noob. Are you sure you can handle this?" Kael asked sincerely, although her voice was laced with scornfully.
"Please, the only way we will be able to succeed is by working together in trust and unity. Give it a little…" Andres began patiently, but was interrupted by Luthier.
"No, this should be addressed now. If our deathdreams turn dangerous, I'm not going to be responsible for this kid. He simply doesn't have the talent or experience for this sort of work. How could we trust the fate of the alliance to a nameless boy from nowhere?" Luthier said harshly.
"Just give him a chance. I won't be holding anyone responsible for the safety of anyone else," Andres said.
"Let the kid speak for himself," Luthier retorted.
"I agree with Luthier. How much could he possibly contribute?" Kael added.
"As much as I hate to add to this dissension, I too worry about whether his mind will be able to handle the things he might see, and be forced to do. It would pain me a lot to send this kid to his family a puppet with his strings cut," Rachel mused. Her expression didn't seem particularly concerned, though.
Kinson raised his head and looked them squarely in the eye. As he spoke, his voice comes from emotion. "I may not know much now, and I really don't know what you see in me, but I am willing to give my all. That planet down there was my home. It was taken and ravaged by those monsters. I can't sit by while the same might happen elsewhere."
"Sentiments are irrelevant in war," Luthier said sharply.
"Yes, but power without conviction leads down the road of oblivion," Kinson answered evenly.
"Who told you that? Your mom?" Luthier snorted. Despite his feigned indifference, his eyes softened a bit.
"Just trust me on this one. Kinson will have an invaluable contribution by the end of this, I'm sure of it," Andres said confidently.
At these solemn words, Griffon finally entered the conversation. "I say we trust Andres. Do you really think he would waste time on a variable when so much is at stake?" he reasoned with confidence.
"I'm not sure about Kinson, but I guess I'm willing to trust Andres," Kael nodded respectfully to Andres.
"Fine, if you're all on board, I suppose we'll give him a chance. But I'm serious about this. I won't hesitate to leave him behind," Luthier relented.
Andres clapped his hands once with a smile. "Then it's settled. Kinson, work hard and don't betray our expectations."
Kinson nodded, filled with warmth of their unwarranted faith. Just like that, the meeting came to an end. Kinson stood from his chair, and looked around. It seemed like everyone had begun conversing with each other. Didn't most of these people just meet recently? Why did they all look like such good friends? That thought had barely crossed his mind when Griffon approached him.
"Don't worry about what happened earlier. Everyone here is considered the best in their field, for some reason or another. I'm sure they were just a little put off by having to work with someone with so little experience. I have my doubts as well, but there is more to you than meets the eye," Griffon placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, thanks. It really does seem like a big responsibility, especially working with so many powerful psionics. But I'm serious about doing my best," Kinson replied.
"I know you are. But Luthier made a good point. Determination and perseverance only go so far on their own. If you wish to help, you must grow stronger, and quickly," Griffon remarked.
"And that's exactly what I'm planning," Andres said, joining them.
"What do you mean?" Kinson asked, looking up at the man.
"Well, you see, you're not particularly useful to us right now. I've looked at your data, and I see a lot of potential. But that only matters if that potential is realized. Do you get what I'm saying?" Andres asked.
"Yeah, I think so. But it might be tricky. I'm not able to control the deathdream very well, so it's very dangerous for me to practice. I don't really have a lot of talent, after all," Kinson admitted.
"You don't have to worry about that. We have the two strongest deathdreamers in the alliance with us. I'm sure they'll be able to break any blocks you may have, and help you master both your ability, and the deathdream," Andres said firmly.
"If they're willing," Griffon muttered under his breath.
Andres frowned at him, but otherwise ignored the remark.
"You can head back to school today. Real training starts tomorrow for you. Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals, too. It won't take much for those two to label you as an idiot," Andres warned.
"Okay, I'll do that. If it's alright, I'll leave now," Kinson said goodbye to Andres and Griffon, then began walking towards the door.
"Hey wait up!" a voice broke in.
He turned to see Kael making her way towards him. Her brown eyes flashed and the look upon her face made him gulp. She looked him up and down, and her disapproving frown somewhat lessened.
"It seems I'm going to be in charge of training you, along with Luthier. But your growth comes from your own efforts, so don't expect much growth beyond what you put in. You seem a pretty earnest kid, so work hard. See you tomorrow!" Kael left, being surprisingly friendly at the end.
"Okay, I won't disappoint you," he called after her retreating back.
Being called a kid by someone his own age, and a cute girl at that, irked him a bit. But it seemed she was willing to give him a chance, at least. Kinson resolved in his mind to prove to them all he was worth something. A saying his grandfather, who had seen the early days of psionics, said once came to his mind as he walked out the door. "There are no useless abilities, regardless of type or class. Only useless psionists."