Kang lived quite a fascinating life, so Billy had absolutely no trouble listening to his stories. He absorbed it intently, trying to twist the message around in his head and puzzle it out.

Gloth was like him. The other bozak had been belittled, but training and encouragement from Kang had brought him up to speed. He guessed that Kang was willing to do the same for him if he tried---that was one less burden weighing Billy down. He had feared Kang would become frustrated with him and quit.

Do I know it? Billy's face shifted into a thoughtful expression. He reflected on just what he'd proven himself to be capable of doing. Images of repairing machinery for his friends, earning his first karate belts, and running to help Renne and Jamie filled his head. He was far from perfect, of course---the pile of failures had helped create this mood in the first place---but he worked hard and didn't always fail. That had to be enough for now, as long as it was improved later.

"I'll fight to remain capable, sir" His mood and expression are relieved. Not quite the happy ball of curiosity that was his normal self, but more similar to a man that had been saved from drowning and caught his breath.