maybe Derek should just use some lucid dreaming (dream manipulation)
my psycology teacher told me to face what is scaring you in the dream, just make sure it's a dream. Like if something is chasing you in your dream, turn around and face it, then change something in the dream, give yourself a 50 caliber rifle and shoot it, and if that doesn't work dream up a tank. my psycology teacher never needed to go any farther than that, because he usually got rid of what was scaring him. But if you can't get them in the tank (like the devil dogs) use holy water/salt or if you still like using the guns, use a plasma cannon or something. dreams are dreams. they mean nothing.