Hershel's eyes moved to Clive, the young man still facing ahead, though noticeably changed. He did not move, save for steering the ship, and his head was bowed, just an inch. Clive had been remarkably silent despite what should have caused outrage for him. Instead, he was defeated, as if the life was drained from him. Which in a way, it had.
All others began to turn to Clive, and kept their gaze on him, sorrowfully. It was Flora who braved the first move. She sprung at him, tears describing an arc in the air, and pulled him into a fierce hug. Clive accepted her embrace at first, but some fire seemed to claim him, and he wanted to push her off, and tell everyone to leave him alone. Already, he was planning to steer this ship back at the Angels. If Costillos Monriel was really one of them, he had to pay for what he had done.
He had found an eerie calm when seeking justice on Dimitri and Bill, but the Professor had shown him that his 'justice' was misplaced vengeance. His rage took hold of him by the end, but he thought now he was a better person. Yet inside that rage resurfaced. This man... this monster not only claimed responsibility for the time machine explosion; he showed no remorse. He wasn't an Angel as he so claimed; he was a demon.
Clive wanted to explode, to let the world feel his wrath, but instead, he kept it in, his body wrapped in misery and confusion. He was still struggling to grasp it all, and so he remained still, unable to act immediately. If not for Flora's warm embrace, he might have let loose by now.
"Oh, Clive," Flora sobbed. "Please don't get mad. Please see the light. We're here for you. The Professor, Chief Inspector Grosky; the Special Agents... and me. We are here; we love you. Please don't let darkness steal your heart."
Clive's eyes darted about furiously. Flora's words were taking hold of him, pushing him on a better path, but it was only a small shove. He still felt consumed by grief.
As Flora's weeping permeated through the still Bostonius control room, all others watched on with concerned looks. Hershel took a step towards Clive, ready to step in.
"Clive," he breathed. "Like Luke, I did not wish to let anyone else know of this, yet..."
"Yet it had to be told," Clive responded in a small, dry voice.
Hershel nodded, and then bowed his head.
As for Clive, he pushed Flora away, his arms now holding Flora's.
"I love you, Flora. You are my sister, of course, but also my best friend. If not for your strength..."
Clive's void of emotions vanished, letting the waves of grief flood in. He broke out in tears, and then threw himself back into Flora's arms. Hershel took another tentative step forwards, and then placed his arms around them. Together, they would get through this.
The embrace lasted for what felt an age, and would have lasted longer if not for a cough behind them. Turning, they met Grosky's severe expression.
"This is a painful time, I know," he grumbled. "However, we have a mission to continue, and we need to know if that boy can continue to fly the ship."
"Chief Inspector!" Flora snapped, but Hershel calmed her with a wave.
"It's alright, Flora. The Chief Inspector is right. As tender as time this may be, if Clive cannot fly this ship, we shall have no pilot."
All eyes met Clive, as he looked about, uncertain. He wiped away his tears, and nodded firmly.
"I can do this. I'll be fine. I promise."
Before cheers could meet his determination, Hershel placed a hand on Clive's shoulder.
"Are you quite sure?"
"I am, Professor," he said proudly, nodding once. "I can be strong. But if I feel myself slipping, I'll let you know."
Hershel and Clive grinned at each other, and Flora leaped at both of them, pulling them into a sudden embrace that took them both unawares.
"I really do love you two!"
Hershel and Clive grinned, laughing softly. They were quite the family.
A harsh buzzing gained everyone's attention, cutting short the special moment. All eyes fell upon a red flashing light on the controls. Clive flicked a switch, and a familiar voice filled the speakers, bouncing harshly off the walls.
"Professor! Please, I need your help! You're the only one who can help me!"