Welcome to Gaia! ::

Commodore Lyndin was not an infrequent visitor to the house in Destiny City, even if he did spend most of his time in the Negaverse gifted home in their Dark Kingdom. He stayed there only because it offered the most space to conduct his own research, and develop his own projects.

And, because the Negaverse seemed to like to think they had him under his thumb.

Lyndin liked the days he had an excuse to leave his work; his ethic dictated that he put his the good of Velencya above all else, and if he wasn’t actively pursuing that, he felt like he was failing.

Thankfully, Naeria gave him a very good reason to take a break. This was, after all, for the good of Velencya.

He was downstairs when she arrived, dressed in his fine pressed uniform. He wasn’t wearing his cape, but he carried himself with as much dignity and pride that it didn’t detract from his appearance.

Lyndin was checking the safety defenses on the house when she came down, and as soon as he spotted her he closed the panel in the wall and smiled.

“Cadet Naeria. It’s very good to see you. You’ve been keeping quite busy with your research, I see! Thank you for bringing it.”

Lyndin watched as she moved about and got everything set up; he seemed impressed with each new specimen, and it was easy to see that she was very invested and involved in the project already. He didn’t take a seat yet, but only because he was still looking at the mushrooms she’d brought with her.

He glanced away from the screen when she mentioned Caedus, but there was only curiosity on his face.

Not anger.

“Is that so? He’s right. I’m very interested in this. I like that you’ve found something you care about. You don’t have to apologize. Good research comes in time. It’s all right, you can relax, Naeria. There’s no pressure here. I’m just excited to see what you’ve been working on.”

“Oh,” Lyndin said, maybe a bit more animated than he would have been if it were a presentation on Velenya. There, he might have sat quietly, taken some notes, nodded. His expression probably would have been less readable and he would have been silent while she gave her presentation.

But, here, he could see that she seemed a little nervous, so he put a bit more effort into being a supportive audience.

“That’s fascinating. I had no idea they could be used as a renewable building material. I don’t know if I would have thought something that broke down toxins and decomposed waste could be safely edible. The mushrooms back on Velencia were most certainly not safe to eat. I can see why you’re so interested in these. What are your thoughts on them as food, have you been eating them?”

A tiny smile twitched again onto his features, and he seemed to find enjoyment in her enthusiasm. He appreciated her passion and nodded along as she spoke, skimming the slides in her presentation as he absorbed the information.

“Naeria,” he said after a moment. “This is incredibly impressive work. You’ve outdone yourself with this quality. You’ve really tapped into something good, here. I can’t believe a single organic thing can have so many uses. Have you considered biological engineering or synthesis? Oh, I’m sorry. Don’t let me interrupt you, please go on. The topic is fascinating, you’ve most certainly gotten my attention. And not just on the mushrooms. This presentation is something I would expect in a professional council meeting. Believe me when I say I’ve had conferences with half as much work put into them.”

He sat still, and straight, but his eyes were fixed on the screen, alternating between it and her as she spoke. “Is there anything I can do to help aid you in your studies and development?”

Lyndin’s face remained soft while he watched her, like he could see the emotions she felt through her face no matter how she might have tried to hide it. He still seemed like he was ready to be encouraging, no matter what concerns or insecurities she might have.

“I think so,” he said easily. “It’s something that seems to have infinite possibilities. You’ve been here for a short while and already tapped into so much, I think there’s a real chance that you’re onto something important. I encourage you to keep up with your research on the topic, and let me know if you find anything interesting you want to share, or any projects you want to test. I can acquire whatever resources you need, hopefully, to aid you in your studies and development.”

There was something akin to an apology on his face, and he added, “I am sorry for how things went recently. Part of my disappointment lies in myself as well. I am proud of you for trying so hard, please don’t let any negativity undermine that. I think emotions were high. They can be very dangerous. But, I hope we can all learn and improve. I know you haven’t forgotten the mission, Naeria. It is easy to feel lost and overwhelmed on Earth, but you seem to have found a niche, and I want you to keep exploring it. Especially because it’s something you’re passionate about, and that means I know you’ll put your best efforts into your research. If that isn’t too much to ask? I don’t want to burden you with too much obligation or responsibility. Are you comfortable with that?”

He seemed patient, but curious, like there might have been more to his question. Like he was also considering something else underneath it all.

The corners of his lips were turned up in a slight smile and he nodded encouragingly. “Make a list of what you need, do your research so we can make sure we get the best tools for the job. Don’t worry about expenses, I just need to know what to get.”

And, now that he could see her relaxing somewhat, he could do the same.

“Good, I’m glad to hear that. Although, that’s not the only extra responsibility I want to offer.” He gave her a moment to process, to let things sink in. “Would you be interested in a promotion or are you happy where you are now?”

“I was thinking the same. A lot of your research seems like it could benefit from having a little extra power behind it. And, I think you could handle it. I’ve taken a lot of time to think it over. I know it’s not traditional, it’s not how we’d do it on Velencya, but I’ve always had a good eye for when I thought someone was ready to take the next step. I think Earth complicates things, it’s forced a lot of you to grow very quickly. But, I’m proud of you.”

It wasn’t lip service; he met her eyes and it was clear that he meant it.

“I think it would be good for you, for your research, for the Vanguard. And,” he stood, and offered her a hand, “If you agree, I’d like to do it now. And then I’d like to hear the rest of your presentation, I’m already very interested.”