Booker shifted uneasily as he and Director Phips sat across from Astor and Helena Fournier in the meeting room. They were here to discuss implementing Phips' new aura awakening technology at Fournier's academy, but the ethics troubled Booker.
"This process could unlock many youths' dormant powers safely," Phips was saying enthusiastically. "Your facilities are ideal to take the lead."
Astor frowned. "But how can we ensure it's truly safe? The last thing I want is more children harmed by risky experiments."
"Progress demands some risk," Phips countered. "With care, the benefits far outweigh potential dangers."
Helena nodded along eagerly, but Astor still seemed unsure. Booker hesitated, then spoke up. "Why not start with a small trial group and expand slowly once we know it's safe?"
Director Phips considered this. "Very well. We'll first bring your top students through, observe them closely, then reassess."
He extended his hand to Astor. "For the greater good, yes?"
Astor shook it reluctantly. "If we stay vigilant. I won't see more innocents twisted toward ill purposes."
After finalizing details, Astor and Helena departed. Alone with the Director, Booker voiced his reservations.
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"I know you mean well, but tinkering with powers still makes me uneasy," Booker said. "Haven't these children been through enough?"
Phips clapped Booker's shoulder. "You have a good heart, son. But progress is always a bit messy. As shepherds, we must temper risks with care."
Booker nodded slowly. "I hope you're right. I'll trust your wisdom, as Bear did."
"Your friend would be proud seeing the leader you've become," Phips said warmly. They left the meeting with Booker feeling hopeful for the future.
Perhaps these experiments could unlock humanity's potential after all. But a sliver of doubt lingered in Booker's mind. Power, however well-meaning, often blinded even the best intentions. He would stay vigilant for any sign Phips' grand vision led them astray. Progress walked a knife's edge - guiding it safely forward demanded unflagging wisdom and care.
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Mei paced back and forth as Sofia watched her anxiously. They were meeting to discuss the shocking news of Fournier Enterprises' new collaboration with the Chamber Portal Research group.
"I can't believe CPR would ally with those monsters after everything!" Mei fumed. "Don't they realize Fournier will just use them for power?"
Sofia wrung her hands. "The promise of progress blinds even the best minds. People forget ethics in the name of ambition."
Mei shook her head bitterly. "And now Fournier has their 'safe' awakening tech to expand operations. How can we hope to compete?"
At that, Sofia lowered her eyes. "We may not be able to, my dear." She took a deep breath before continuing. "Our parent company, GateCruisers Unlimited, is in dire financial straits. This partnership could ruin us."
Mei stared at her mentor in dismay. "What? But John built GateCruisers into the top portal corporation!"
"Until Fournier supplanted us with their warped human experiments," Sofia said darkly. "Now John rots in prison while they flourish and poach our allies."
She gripped Mei's shoulders. "I'm telling you this because you deserve the truth. Hard times loom, but remember who you are - don't compromise, no matter what comes."
Mei's head spun, but she managed a firm nod. "I understand. No matter what happens, we'll face it with courage and principles intact."
Sofia managed a sad smile. "You are the best of us, Mei. Stay true, and light will follow, even through the darkest nights ahead."
Mei embraced her teacher tightly, drawing strength for the uncertainty to come. This latest ploy threatened their future, but she refused to lose hope. Together, they would walk the righteous path forward, wherever it led.
That fragile but steadfast faith would have to sustain them through the coming storm. The flame still flickered, so long as one held fast. And Mei would cling to that light until the heavens fell and the abyss rose up to meet them. Even perched on the precipice, dawn awaited beyond the horizon's veiled edge.