Gerhard thought he was out of control. He "thought" he was, but he didn't "feel" like he was. It was an odd sensation, knowing adrenaline was coursing through his body, but being unable to connect to it. It was if he were a young boy, acting out from behind his mother's back, screaming to get her attention. But the mother couldn't hear him. His brain felt disconnected from his body, disoriented, and his body was screaming out for attention.<br/><br/>Lucas was about to exit the door when Theadora burst out laughing. She seemed so beautiful, then, her guard entirely down. There was a sense of sincerity to it, a true moment of vulnerability that touched a nerve within him. This moment, however fleeting, was enough, and for the first time since the operation, Gerhard felt... something.<br/><br/>Lucas kept firm control. He might have been furious, but if he was he did not show it. The young doctor stayed for Theadora's words, but then ducked out and underneath the tarp entrance to the cafeteria. The young doctor left them there, with nary a word. Alone in the cafeteria with the other two, Gerhard suddenly became aware of the eerie quiet. Despite this, there were signs of life from within the tent compound. Muffled footsteps walked the halls. Murmurs of comrades and brothers at arms escaped like whispers through the intercom. Outside, he could hear the trainers tending to the horses.<br/><br/>"Hm." Gerhard leaned back onto the table, his face to the door. He pulled out a chair and placed his heavy booted foot on it. Thus he sat, quietly, in thought. Then, after some few minutes, "You know... I just might be starting to respect him."<br/><br/>Gerhard turned to Theadora. "You're right, you know. The likelihood of failure is high. The consequences of such are fatal. I..." Gerhard held his hand up. It was trembling. He could feel his heart beating like a jackhammer. The adrenaline coursed through his veins. "But it feels... normal." Gerhard whispered to himself.<br/><br/>"Thea. He told you no crying on the trip. But I say, we have good reason to cry. To weep. I was afraid... terrified... I mean, look at me, I'm so scared I'm trembling in my boots." Gerhard held his hand back up for her to see. It shook visibly. He then let it drop down to his side. "I don't know what you did, Thea. But it struck a nerve. I feel... normal again."<br/><br/>Almost without thinking, Gerhard brought his hand to touch the purple flesh on his cheek. There was an immediate jolt of pain and tenderness. Gerhard grunted and flinched, but otherwise tried not to let the pain show too much. "Ouch."<br/><br/>At this point, Dan spoke up:<br/><br/>"This may be a bit random, but, if and when we somehow take down Lumina what would be put in its place? Who will even choose? Also before that, what are the methods to overthrow the foundation? Overpowering... Surrender or... death?"<br/><br/>It was an odd question, but valid nonetheless. Gerhard noticed that dan was still holding onto that metal washer. From time to time, the guy would practice spinning it. It didn't seem too impressive. A washer was so small it hardly made a difference. But a thought struck his mind, as Gerhard recalled what Dan had said to him the night before on the couch.<br/><br/>"It's too small." Gerhard said, apparently out of nowhere. "It's too small, the washer and your muscles, Dan. It's round, too, so it's easier to manipulate with magnetic fields. Here, come here a second." Gerhard walked back to the kitchen and rustled around a bit, until he found what he was looking for. Walking back, he placed a bulky metal toaster in front of the guy.<br/><br/>"Here, try this. I hate to admit it, Dan, but your probably by far the most powerful out of all of us. The thing is, Lumina doesn't just have electricity, it's built on it. Their streets are policed by machines, machines vulnerable to electrical attacks turning all their circuitry to slush. I can break down a locked door. Maybe Lucas can dodge bullets and Thea can hear them coming a mile away, but you..." Gerhard patting Dan on the shoulder. In truth, Gerhard was still terrified of what was to come, but he smiled reassuringly anyways, "You, Dan, won't have to do any of those things."<br/><br/>Gerhard directed Dan's attention back to the toaster. "Get rid of the washer. You won't improve by lifting weights that are too easy for you. The toaster is larger, so you'll need more concentration. It's also oddly shaped and hollow, so you'll need more control. You need to up the ante. This is how you do that."<br/><br/>Lucas still hadn't come back. The sun was already beating down on the large tent, and the heat was already making the air around them stuffy. Gerhard ran his hand through his hair. It was covered in sweat. "Don't tell me the good doctor can't find the damned thing... jeez."<br/><br/>Gerhard turned back to Dan. "As for your questions, Dan... well, I have no idea. Pray we live to have such a problem on our hands."<br/><br/>"It's better than the alternative."<br/><br/>* * *