>>5328387“Pharos.” You remind Conduit, the fact that the other mutant had missed that name not escaping your notice, and, once more, the shame of his forgetfulness hits you in full.
However, you pay no attention to those feelings, opting to sate another object of your curiosity: “What are latent mutants?” You fire off the question.
<span class="mu-i">“People with high amounts of hyperfrequency particles in their bloodstream. Latent hyperfrequency particles.”</span> Conduit clarifies, and, while the term ‘hyperfrequency particles’ ring a vague bell in your mind, you find yourself thoroughly and utterly confused.
<span class="mu-i">“So, you know how mutations only happen when there’s a particle resonance?”</span> Conduit tries again, speaking a little slower for your sake. Even though you don’t really understand, you nod for him to continue. <span class="mu-i">“Basically, latent mutants are people who’ve got hyperfrequency particles in their bodies but <span class="mu-s">without</span> particle resonance…”</span>
At that, you frown, still confused for the most part. John had tried to explain to you the concept of particle resonance at one point in time, but most of it flew over your head.
<span class="mu-i">“What’s an easier way to put this… damn it all…”</span> He mutters out a curse. <span class="mu-i">“It’s like normal people who can become mutants but aren’t actually mutants yet. That make sense?”</span>
At that, you nod, and this time you actually do understand-- not the quantum-physics mumbo-jumbo, but you think you got the gist of it.
Yet again, the space between the two of you settles into silence as Conduit’s eyes are drawn back to the stars above.
What he sees in those stars is likely something that will only ever be known to him, but, even without the emotional transfer, you can see the complacency written on his face– like Conduit is waiting to become nothing more than a mindless husk.
It makes you frustrated– frustrated that you went through all of this just for him to give up and let himself become nothing more than a tool in the hands of the mad doctor, not to mention everything you’ll have to go through for Conduit's sake soon enough.
“Hey–Hey Conduit!” The other mutant doesn’t answer you, and you’d think he was a statue if not for his breathing. Even when you grab a small handful of dreamsand to throw harmessly at his feet, Conduit still doesn’t respond.
>(2/?) 