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The Cohen Icosahedron

Chapter 20

copyright comidacomida 2022

Kaiden wasn't alone in his surprise when he saw the mixed family; everyone in the class seemed caught off guard. Individually, both Kathleen and Kahs'kin appeared to be relatively normal representatives of their species; Kathleen was a Caucasian woman in her late thirties or early forties-- she had a professional look to her; she dressed cleanly and her shoulder-length blonde hair was well kept; her glasses were neither obtrusive nor slight.

Kash'kin was a Viddinis of no spectacular bearing and, despite Kaiden's dreams about the Viddin, he was neither two legged, or particularly different in appearance from Sokkas, in other than the obvious, individual ways that any member of a species differed from another. The only thing even close to spectacular about the instructor was that he wore TWO satchels instead of one... that, and he had a humanoid daughter.

Visla, as she was introduced, ended up being the entirety of the lecture and discussion for the first class. A happy, rambunctious bundle of energy, the little girl appeared in all ways to have the physical, mental, and emotional development of an eight year old Human, though she was, in actuality, six. Knowing that Viddin reached maturity about 50% faster than Humans, it seemed that a hybrid split the difference.

Kaiden had not seen any Viddin chicks; the youngest ones he'd encountered was Tiskis, a Vidday who was two years younger than anyone in his study group, and still considered mature for one of his kind; he was years older than Visla, who had a combination of plumage and chick fluff. Her entire appearance was a combination of cute and disconcerting, and not just because of how eerie it was to encounter her after the dream he'd had the previous night. The fact that she wore a pair of overalls and a pink blouse (with holes in the back for her wings) made it even more surreal.

Even after the first two hours of the family visit, and after Kathleen had taken Visla back home, Kaiden continued to think about the significance of what had been revealed to the students that morning. Along with the other Human in the room (Chyou, a young Chinese woman a year his junior) and Surveyor (a Longos student), each senior student stood among his or her Viddin, who seemed just as shocked. It was then that Kash'kin started their lesson for the day: cross-fertilization between species.

Phin were brought up, but only in passing, since it all signs pointed to the inability for Phins to impregnate Viddin or vice versa. Humans, however, were perfectly capable of crossbreeding with the gryphons. Not only could male Viddin impregnate female Humans, but female Viddin were capable of being impregnated by Human males. To complicate matters further, initial exploration into Cetacacian of Human males for the purpose of bearing Viddin young resulted in confirmation: yes, male Humans could bear Viddin young. Kaiden didn't miss seven sets of eyes staring at him after that reveal.

Their instructor continued his lecture, asking for questions to be saved for later when Surveyor had slapped his tail against the floor. Kahs'kin explained that, despite laying eggs, Viddin were mammals. When a Human woman became impregnated with a hybrid child she would give live birth like any Human; likewise, if a Viddin hen became impregnated by a Human, she would give birth to an egg, which would then hatch into a hybrid child.

Interestingly enough, Human males who go through the Cetacacian process are made gravid, becoming pregnant with an egg which must then be removed surgically. The process, as it turned out, had been successfully completed five of six times, and, while the unsuccessful attempt ended in the non-viability of the egg, no lasting harm was inflicted upon the Human. Chyou raised her had at that point, causing Kahs'kin to again remind the class that he would like them to hold questions until the end.

As Kahs'kin moved on to talk more about the process of females bearing hybrid young versus a Human male incubating an egg, Kaiden glanced back to his study group; most of his Viddin were paying attention to the instructor, but two sets of eyes were staring right at him: Vetlyk looked so incredibly intense the Human wondered if the Viddin was trying to burn a hole through him; Tral, on the other hand, had a wistful, dreamy expression in his eyes, as if his thoughts were flying off somewhere beyond the walls of the Centre.

As the class lecture came to an end, Kahs'kin plopped his haunches onto the ground. "I am NOW ready to answer questions. Surveyor, I believe you may go first."

The Longos looked right back at the teacher, clicking in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Kahs'kin. Yes. I wanted to know if coupling between Viddin and other races has been common among the Programme. I know that Viddin and Humans have interacted for several years before the Phin and Oolau became involved, but has this been an ongoing activity or is this relatively new?-- as of your daughter's age, I mean."

If the direct reference to his family bothered Kahs'kin the Viddin didn't let it show. He provided a simple and direct answer. "Learning about one another has always been the focus of the Unity Programme. Identifying similarities in one another leads to closeness and, in some cases, closeness leads to a deeper intimacy which, in turn, leads to rutti--" the gryphon paused, correcting himself. "Intimacy. At times, intimacy results in offspring."

Once it was obvious that Surveyor's question had been answered, Chyou asked hers. "Instructor Kahs'kin, can male Viddin bear eggs if they undergo the Cetacacian treatment?"

The Viddinis focused directly on the young woman, giving a clear, concise click of his beak with a negative connotation before elaborating. "The Cetacacian treatment, as with Oolau and Ikali, is not effective on Viddin. At present, it appears that only Human males can undergo the process. Thus, to answer your question: No, Chyou; male Viddin cannot bear eggs." He paused, looking around the class. "Other questions?"

One of the Viddin in Chyou's group, an especially small Viddian hen spoke up. "Do we know what Viddin are capable of producing offspring with Humans?"

Kahs'kin acknowledged the question. "Yes. All Viddin seem to be capable of crossbreeding with Humans."

One of Surveyor's Viddin, a gray-feathered Viddinire nearly as large as Tral shot out a question next. "But... how would that even work? If Humans are not supposed to know about Ilsit, they would not be able to use Xis, correct? A male Human and a female Viddinire might be one thing... or a male Viddinur and a female Human, but if I mounted a Human they would burst."

A few snide chuckles and snickers went through the class, but Kaiden felt a little more uncomfortable than joyful, and that sense only grew when he caught sight of Tral, who was staring at him with what almost looked like a hungry gaze mixed with a goofy grin. The young man found himself blushing and the two looked away from one another at the same time, even as Kahs'kin stated "Xis would be the case, I presume... as Humans are not restricted from knowing about Xis, just Ilsit. That, and Humans such as my mate have received clearance to learn about Ilsit-- just like Chyou and Kaiden here."

The conversations continued for some ten-or-so more minutes, but Kaiden began to zone out, dozens of thoughts running through his mind with regard to what he'd learned that morning. He didn't need to look up to see that Vetlyk was still staring at him, nor the fact that many of his other study group were shooting glances his way. He wondered if their minds were as busy as his own, but he didn't really get a chance to ask them while class was in session. That changed somewhat when the class took a break for lunch.

Kaiden was surprised when instructor Kahs'kin explained that the study groups would be taking lunch separately; Viddin would join him for lunch while Kaiden, Chyou and Surveyor would be eating with a Human and his Phin husband. The lunch rooms were across the hall from one another so there was no reason to split up until arrival but, as usual, most of the Viddin rushed on ahead in order to be the first to choose a spot. Surprisingly, despite the competitive nature of the gryphons being on full display, one of Kaiden's group elected not to race off.

Moving to take up a position beside the Human, Vetlyk walked without saying a word, his talons the only sound as they clicked on the tiled floor. They'd almost made it to the Viddin-sized elevator before Kaiden addressed it. "I'm surprised you're not at the front of the group looking for the best seat."

Vetlyk's response was matter of fact. "I will get whatever seat I want. Besides, you are more important than a spot to perch for lunch."

The casual praise that felt particularly flattering; Vetlyk spoke it as though it were a simple fact rather than an opinion, and Kaiden felt his cheeks burn from the compliment. "I'll be okay if you want to catch up with everyone else. It's not like you won't see me again in an hour anyway."

The Vidday double-clicked his beak dismissively. He had a certain way about him "Unless you send me away, I would rather enjoy your company, Zfielt."

Despite the fact that Vetlyk had returned to the formal tone and terms of address there was still a surprising warmth that Kaiden could feel in his words. "No... that's okay. I enjoy walking with you too... Classmate."

Despite the stoic expression that came across as Vetlyk's natural resting face, he didn't do a good job of hiding indignation. Sliding just a little closer than his usual polite distance, the gryphon lowered his voice. "I..."

Kaiden came to a stop, turning to regard Vetlyk, who did the same. The Vidday's crown feathers were half raised and he glanced around the empty hall warily. The Human furrowed his brow, eying his companion. "What is it?"

Vetlyk's feathers around his face raised acutely as his eyes explored everywhere in the Human's direction but at him, before gazing floorward as if seeking something-- an answer, perhaps? When one finally did come, it lacked the Viddin's usual self-confidence. "I... have always enjoyed you calling me by name."

The almost brow-beaten expression was not something Kaiden was used to seeing on the usually self-assured gryphon. The Human would have felt bad if it wasn't so gratifying giving him a taste of his own medicine. "I just thought you liked being formal about things."

His companion snorted, his feathers deflating almost immediately as he gazed right at Kaiden, indignant. "You are making fun of me."

Kaiden could no longer hide his smile. "A little..."

Much to his surprise, Vetlyk's beak split into a smile as well. "Very well... just so long as you are enjoying yourself, Kaiden."

The Human took a step closer and tentatively reached out, resting a hand on the gryphon's back. "I am, Vetlyk. Thank you."

The two continued walking again in silence, but only for a few steps. The Viddin spoke up anew, ever-so-slowly extending a wing to drape across the Human's shoulders. "Kaiden, I wish you to be aware of something."

The statement's approach was not the norm for Vetlyk. Glancing toward his four-legged classmate, Kaiden raised an eyebrow. "Okay...?"

Vetlyk maintained a very slow pace in order to make it easy for the Human to keep up. "My family has been informed of my Tier 7 status. They are pleased at my progress and credit much of that success to my human classmate-- you."

Kaiden rolled his eyes. "You're a smart Viddin, Vetlyk. I may have helped a little, but most of the credit is yours. They should know you've--"

The gryphon let out a loud clack of his beak; it was enough to silence the Human. Letting out a breath, Vetlyk continued. "Kaiden-- when my sire has decided on something there is no use arguing. He attributes much of my new status to you, and he has determined that a celebration is in order."

Although the classes had covered a lot of social norms for Viddin, discussions on celebrations were somewhat limited; there were only a few limited causes for them and 'doing well in school' was not one that had made the list. Since his companion said the word in English, that complicated things. "A celebration? What do you mean? Like... one for a kawlree, a huufkaht or a soukri?"

Vetlyk double-clicked his beak in disagreement, slowly withdrawing his wing. "None of the above-- this is not a successful grand hunt, a birth or a mating. My sire has chosen to give our study group his blessing, and so we will be celebrating tomorrow."

Kaiden wanted to get more information but the two of them arrived at the hallway where each would take a different direction. The Human wasn't really sure what to say so he kept it simple. "Well... I... uh... I'll see you after lunch?"

Rather than his usual casual dismissal, the Viddin flicked his tail, glancing over his shoulder with a warm, beaky smile. "I look forward to it, Hasst'huu."

* * * * *

Lunch turned out to be more of a social affair than anything else. Kaiden, Chyou and Surveyor were seated at a small, six person dining table with a place setting at each chair. At the foot of the table was a spot for Surveyor, while Kaiden was to his left and Chyou was to his right. The remaining three spots were for someone named 'Andy' (presumably a Human), 'Coaster' (most-likely the referenced Longos), and 'Jim' (almost a Human name). The realization that there were two Human names and Kahs'kin had mentioned one. The answer, however, was not long in arriving.

The three guests joining the students were, in fact, a family. Andy and Coaster were husbands, while Jim was one of their three sons-- and his mixed heritage showed. As they lunch proceeded, Andy and Coaster began to explain some details and Jim, who was a very intelligent, emotionally mature pre-teen offered up input of his own. Jim, in fact, had a Phin sibling named Splasher, who just started at the Water Earth Unity Centre; Jim was looking forward to enrolling the next year-- a slight delay since 3/4 Phins matured faster than 1/4 Humans. That required some clarification.

Andy, as it turned, out, was half Phin; without having been told, Kaiden never would have known. Since Coaster was a full Phin, their genetic combination resulted in offspring that could be Humans or Phins-- but always male. As a Half-Phin, Andy was capable of bearing young and, in fact, when he became pregnant, he turned into a female Phin-- a very extreme example of Cetacation, as he explained it. He and Coaster were both pregnant at the same time; Andy gave birth to Splasher and Coaster gave birth to Jim. Since Splasher's primary physiology was Phin, he had two Y chromosomes and was considered 3/4 Phin while Jim, who inherited Andy's X Chromosome was referred to as 1/4 Human.

Only after the initial discussion explaining the family's background (with the added note that their third little one was staying with Andy's parents at the Water Earth Unity Center) did the guests get down to business detailing the purpose of their visit. Andy started the discussion with some severity. "You are going to be learning a lot in Tier 7 that others don't know. That's a big responsibility."

Coaster clarified. "Back when were were in the Programme, most of us didn't know that Phins and Humans could crossbreed-- Andy, of course, because his parents were a mixed racial couple, but there's more to it than that. Twelve years ago Phins and Humans weren't at the same point as they are now... I'm glad that nobody in this day and age has to worry about a Spearcast on Water Earth, or the jihadist attacks like the ones against the Unity Centre on Land Earth nine or ten years ago..."

Jim interjected "Eight. We learned about that in history class last semester."

Nodding at the correction, Coaster continued. "The thing is, Phins and Humans have had a few decades to get to know one another... even the Oolau and Ikali have been part of the Programme for over a decade. Adding Viddin into the mix can make things volatile-- just look at what happened with the Ikali and the Viddin hunting instinct."

Andy picked up right where his husband left off. "Gateways on Riparian Earth and Shattered Earth, the Unity Programme is speeding up the process here on Plateau Earth. I don't know what Director Kline has in mind, but I know it's big."

Coaster offered a Phin a soft chirp of encouragement. "Don't let that get to you though... you three were hand-picked for this position. The administration here believes in you."

From there the discussion dissolved into much more casual conversation. Questions about Tier 7 were mostly deflected or answered in simplicity-- such as the existence of the Ilsit being the key to the discovery of the two new Earths. Neither Andy nor Coaster could say much about those Earths; they had been working in Integrated Studies at Station Zero on Water Earth for more than ten years but there were plenty of things that didn't cross their desk.

As lunch drew to a close, Kaiden couldn't help but feel as though he'd ended up attending another class where food was served, rather than a lunch break where information just happened to be on the menu. He walked numbly back toward his class, feeling a mixture of pride and apprehension about what he was a part of. It was a great undertaking, and apparently the fate of the Unity Programme on Plateau Earth and Saurian Earth all hinged on the 24 students of Tier 7. No pressure.

The rest of the day passed in the same haze. Kaiden was present for class, and his mind was able to grasp the lesson, but all of it seeped into his long term recall; he was braindead for the entirety of the afternoon lecture and the practice group test. Fortunately, his task for the group test was only to serve as the time keeper, and then to compare his classmates' answers to an answer sheet. He did so simply and directly, and managed to keep his demeanor neutral enough that nobody asked him if anything was wrong. At least, not until class ended and he was walking back to his room.

The gentle, sympathetic voice was full of concern. "Kaiden? Hey-- Kaiden? Takket'huu?"

Kaiden recognized it immediately without even having to turn around. "Hey, Prirn. Do you need something?"

The mastiff-sized Gryphon lowered his head so he could slide it beneath the Human's arm, and then raise it back up so that Kaiden's hand was resting on it. "You seemed out of sorts today once we returned from lunch. I am worried about you Siik'im."

The term Sik'im was not a relationship title, rather, it had a very poetic sense to it; Prirn had called Kaiden 'My Light'. Letting out a long sigh, the Human gently ran his fingers through the long, fluffy feathers on his classmate's head. "The lunch meeting... it gave me a lot to think about."

Rather than push for information or try to offer any consolation, Prirn simply let out a soft coo of comfort, followed by an empathetic offer. "I am here to listen if you wish to discuss it, Takket'huu."

Kaiden gave the Viddin a gentle pat on the head. "Soon... maybe. I still need to figure things out a little. These last two days have been full of lots of changes and a ton of new stuff that I'm not sure I was ready for. Right now what I really need is some time to sit and think."

Prirn came to a stop as they arrived at his room. Kaiden stopped as well, offering the courtesy of at least letting his classmate say goodbye. The Viddin did, pressing his beak to the Human's sternum. "I will be close by when you are ready, Siik'im. I am Siik'ur as well, you know."

It was a meaningful gesture in acknowledging that Prirn would make himself avaialble, and was willing to be 'Kaiden's light'. Leaning down, the Human kissed his Viddin friend atop his head. "I know. Thanks, Prirn."

The Viddinur offered a warm smile. "Sleep well, Kur'im."

The parting warmed Kaiden just enough to push back the haze long enough to respond, using the same Viddin word, but in English. "You too... my heart."

* * * * *

Class started much the same way for day two as it had for day one. Kash'kin dug straight into the topic for discussion, which turned out to be Viddin-Ilsit relations, with a short segment discussing forays that they had made jointly to Land Earth over a millenia past. The lesson plan started to differ from day one around what normally would have been lunch time, however, as it did not conclude promptly at 12:30.

Classes on Plateau Earth always paused at 12:30 so that students could have one hour for lunch. Kash'kin continued, however and didn't address the oversight until it was just after 1:00, which he did with minimal fanfare or explanation. "That will conclude class for today. You are, of course, welcome to pursue a meal at this time."

Chilch, one of Surveyor's Viddin hen classmates spoke up. "Instructor Kash'kin, is there a reason class is not continuing after lunch?"

The gryphon at the front of the class clicked his beak closed once, affirming that there was a reason, and he provided it directly. "The administration has requested that each of the study groups be formally acknowledged as a Roost. As such, you are to be relocated to apartments where each group of classmates may cohabitate as single units on Floor 3."

Kaiden was familiar with Roosts; before he'd transferred to Plateau Earth he'd had a whole study focus on Roosts. Much like Humans created social clubs and associations, Viddin had gatherings of similarly minded or professional individuals-- there were Roosts of Hunters, Roosts of Scouts, and even Roosts of Politicians (for as much as Viddin had Politicians). Was the Unity Programme planning on having Roosts of Students? Three of them? Kaiden hadn't heard of Student Roosts, so were they a new element in the Viddin society?

With the rest of the students in the class starting to vacate, Kaiden's study group hung out a little longer. Tral spoke up first. "Wow... we get to make the first Roost with a Zfielt in it!"

Despite the trouble Kaiden had in asking the previous questions running through his mind, Tral's comment brought one to the forefront. "You mean there aren't any Roosts with Ilsit in them?"

Hahn snickered. "Ilsit aren't Zfielt, Kaiden'huu."

Vetlyk stood, shaking out his feathers as he settled his wings across his back. His reproach was casual rather than pointed or accusatory. "Save the lessons for study time, Classmate. We must relocate to our new accommodations."

Prirn, who was laying against Kaiden made no move to leave. "We have no idea where we are going other than it being Floor 3, Classmate. Why are you in such a rush?"

The Vidday glanced at the much smaller Viddinur. "I know where we are going. We were assigned Room 1."

There was no student or faculty unfamiliar with Room 1 on Floor 3; it was supposedly a huge state room reserved for visiting dignitaries-- whether Human, Phin, Oolau or Viddin, Room 1 was supposedly the nicest in the Centre. Kytskir gave Vetlyk an appraising glance from across the table. "And how do you know that we have been assigned Room 1, Classmate?"

All eyes save Sokkas' went to Vetlyk; the lion/eagle gryphon remained where he was with no apparent intention of answering the question; his eyes were focused on the door. Sokkas, rather than looking to Vetlyk for an answer, walked right up to him and lowered the front half of his body, tilting his wings in a courtly Viddin bow. "Truly rank has its privileges. Be sure to thank your sire for us, ai'Holruk'huu."

Although the statement was delivered in perfect, casual tone, even going so far as to refer to Vetlyk as 'our future Lord', there was no doubt in Kaiden's mind that Sokkas meant the statement with as much casual disdain for authority as could be implied. Vetlyk did a remarkably fine job of appearing above reaction to it, but Kaiden didn't miss the faint lilt to his ear tufts, or the uncertain glance in his own direction. When their eyes met Vetlyk's beak opened up as if he were going to say something but he remained quiet, quickly looking away from the Human.

Nittik, however, did not remain quiet-- and, as far as Kaiden was concerned, probably lacked the capacity avoid saying something. "Really? Wow! Thanks, Vetlyk! We're really getting Room 1? Your sire can be my Holruk any day! Kassai!"

Tral, fortunately, managed to herd Nittik away from the rest of the group, encouraging the excitable Viddian to go start packing because "You little Viddin need to make more trips because you can not move as much as bigger ones like me."

Kaiden rolled his eyes; his classmates-- his study group-- his ROOST was far from perfect. Each of them had their own idiosyncrasies which, individually, could drive him crazy. Together, however, there was just enough mutual dysfunction that things might probably work. With a smile on his face far larger than his confidence level warranted, the young man gave Prirn a pat on the head, then hopped up to head off to his own room; he needed to pack and get ready for what was quickly becoming the biggest move of his life.