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The Cohen Loop Carver and Max IV copyright comidacomida 2015

Max was held one more day in the medical center where Phin doctors monitored him closely. They had confirmed by that afternoon that he was recovering well, which brought an immediate calm to Carver. The Doctors finally managed to usher the Amplus out of the room, providing them that much more space with which to work. It was strange for Max to think how close to death he had come, but the source of his rescue was even more confusing.

His curiosity came to a head while he was in the company of an Album intern named Keeper. The Human assumed the Phin was probably just past graduation age but he appeared to be doing a good job at dealing with the machines monitoring his sole patient. Max cleared his throat to get the Album's attention. "Um... Keeper?"

The Phin glanced at Max out of the corner of his eye before focusing his attention back on a machine that was humming softly. "Yes, Max Snyder?"

"The Tikk... they, uh... pulled me out of the water... didn't they?"

Keeper's attention moved from the machine to Max and he set down the data pad that he'd been holding. "No, Max Snyder. The Tikk brought you to the surface and it was members of the Human security regiment that pulled you out of the water."

Max sighed. "That's not what I mean... I meant, they saved me... they rescued me."

The Album picked up the tablet again and went back to pressing buttons on it. "Yes."

"Even though they hate Humans?"

The intern spoke with a faint whistle to his tone, a sure sign that he was multitasking as he answered. "The Tikk do not hate Humans, Max Snyder-- they think that Humans and Phins should be responsible for their own problems."

Max sat up in bed. "I know... they think Humans shouldn't be on Water Earth and Phins shouldn't be on Land Earth, but I thought--"

Keeper set the pad down again, apparently finished with whatever readings he was recording. "There are more than two sides to the argument, Max Snyder. All Tikk are afraid of Humans and what interacting with them could bring... but those serving in the Unity Center have three schools of thought."

The bluntness and almost frustration with which the Album spoke caught Max off guard. "Oh?"

The Phin gave a click of affirmation. "Yes. There are those who think highly of Humans... much like your partner Carver. There are also those who see the benefit of working with Humans but have no great love for them beyond the help your kind can bring."

Max nodded in thought, "So... people like me and Carver are more important than ever if we're going to show everyone--"

Keeper interrupted him. "AND then there are the rest of us... like me-- like the Tikk who came to your aid. We aren't so pleased about how you can help us if we aid you as we are worried about the harm you can cause to us if we do not."

The Human sat on his bed, stunned at the blunt explanation offered by Keeper as he walked out, retreating through the archway without another word. Max had long since known that there were plenty of humans that feared the Phin but he had never stopped to consider that the same could be true among the people of Water Earth. Entire nations back home rejected the notion of working with Phins but he had thought that everyone involved with the Unity Programme would be of a more enlightened mind.

He was so caught up in his own thoughts that he hadn't even noticed another Phin enter his room. Gray Doctor picked up the pad that Keeper had abandoned, waiting to speak until he had Max's attention. "Keeper told me that the two of you shared words about your rescue by the Tikk... and that your naive view of things flustered him."

The Human had trouble figuring out how to respond and it was several seconds before he could mold his meandering thoughts into a proper reply. "Do that many Phins really fear Humans, Gray Doctor?"

The Longos let out an affirmative click before adding. "Our people do not have words in our language for almost everything your kind know of war, Max Snyder. Every year Humans experience the Spearcast a large number of them call it barbaric and savage, and yet they tell stories of entire villages on Land Earth being destroyed by warlords and despots. Your people have adapted themselves and their tools to the ways of war. That is reason enough for us to be afraid."

Max paused at that, a little taken aback that Gray Doctor didn't look at him as he spoke; was it that uncomfortable a subject? He thought back to the stories he'd heard about the first contact between species and the grand council that met to help align the two Earths' interests. "What about the First Meeting? Isn't that how the Unity Programme came to be?"

Another voice joined the conversation from the entryway into the med bay; Max recognized the tonal quality of Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director's words immediately. "The First Meeting is remembered how history preserved the best moments of it, Max Snyder, but very few learn the full story until their final months of study at the Centre."

"S-sir?"

The Album and the Longos exchanged glances, each speaking in Phin using the lowest of their range, and beyond Human senses. Max felt increasingly uncomfortable since they were speaking discreetly right in front of him; he couldn't understand what they were saying but he could still feel the soundwaves. It ended when the director switched back to something in the Human's auditory range. "It is settled then."

Max's emotional discomfort was only getting worse. "What's settled?"

Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director lowered down into the water so he could float-- the equivalent of a Phin taking a seat. "I am having you and Carver relocated to an advanced study program."

The announcement caught Max by surprise. An advanced program was good, right? "But... F-3 is-"

The Album's response was as blunt as a nightstick. "F-3 is for pregnant couples... while you were unconscious the doctors determined that your child did not survive the loss of oxygen event you suffered and so it was removed."

At that point there really wasn't anything more to be said.

* * * * * *

Max was released the following morning when Carver came to collect him. The Amplus was quick to embrace the Human and held him close as Max cried. Carver had found out about the loss of their child before Max did but he was told to let the doctors explain things in order to avoid upsetting his health; Max reiterated that the director had done a fine job of doing just that with his direct approach.

Carver let him cry, shout, scream, and any other number of things that later embarrassed Max, but at that time were his only emotional release. The Amplus' only response was to hug him harder and offer a reassuring. "It's alright, Max... it will be okay."

Max didn't go to classes the following day, or the day after that. Carver remained in the apartment with him the whole time. Sometimes they talked and sometimes they didn't but, either way his lover's presence helped. It wasn't until the third day of them sequestered that Max spent any real time talking about the events of that night and what he started with had nothing to do with him or their child.

It was an idle question at first, a desperate grab for information... something to take his mind off his own plight. He asked Carver about Walker, and what would become of Angie Mae. The Amplus held him as they lay on Max's sleeping shelf, explaining calmly that she had two more days of suspension before she would go before the Unity Centre's board to determine whether they could find a solution to her not having a partner or send her back through the Gateway to Land Earth.

Carver went on to say that Jackson, another Human exchange student who was taking part in the Tertiary class would also be addressed at the hearing, and so would Roller. It was during that discussion that the two had their first visitors. Before answering the door Carver asked if Max was okay with seeing anyone and the Human shrugged.

The visit, as it turned out, was for the best. Angel and Seraph were the first to come into Max's view and the young black man showed no hesitation in running to his side to throw his arms around him. "Oh, Max honey... I'm SOOOO sorry to hear..."

Seraph nodded forlornly, adding "Charlie and Clicker also send their best wishes."

Max wasn't offended that the two hadn't come; he remembered recently that she had felt uncomfortable visiting Angel so it made sense. He was just working through the attempt of dark feelings to invade his mind when he saw their third guest; accompanying Angel and Seraph was also Roller, who kept a few steps back. The dark gray Longos cleared his throat and offered up a muted, "Chrissy went back home three days ago. She lost our baby. I... found out this morning."

Unable to tell whether it was a sense of camaraderie, understanding, or just plain scheudenfreuide, the announcement somehow helped... if only a little. Angel, Seraph, Carver, and Max brought the lone Phin in for a hug and for awhile there was silence... and it wasn't a bad kind. A short time later as everyone drew back Max asked the question he had been thinking all along. "So... what happens to you since Chrissy isn't here?"

Roller let out a deep breath through his blow hole. "I am going into a review with the board... two other students and I have to be sorted."

Angel reached out to take hold of the Longos' wrist. "They let people speak at those things, right? I'll speak up for ya. They gotta have SOME kinda way to keep ya here, Boo."

Max nodded. "I'll say something too, if it'll help."

Roller clicked affirmatively. "I would be thankful if you would. I knew Speeder, the other student who died in the Spearcast and I'd offer to become a partner with his Human, but we aren't the same Classes... he's Tertiary, which--"

Max didn't let him finish. "If they can just create new teams then you and Angie Mae could become partners!"

The Longos shied away from the suggestion. "Thank you, Max... but I don't know how well that would work... I made such a mess of things with my last Human Female..."

Angel was quick to correct him. "YOU ain't the problem there, Roll-man... that bitch was just plain Booey."

The comment was enough to get the hint of a smile from Roller, who seemed to have as much of hard time understanding Angel's terms as everyone else. "Well... whether she was 'booey' or not, I'm not sure I know how to understand females."

The young black man rested a hand on the Phin's arm. "We can get ya there... the important thing t'do is t'keep ya here. Youse my Folks... you ain't goin' nowhere if I can help it, Boo."

Max stepped in at that point. "If Angie Mae is willing to accept a new partner you should too... she's not like Chrissy was. Angie Mae is... well... she's like one of the guys. I mean, she's.. uh..."

Roller cocked his head to the side. "Normal?"

The Phin's innocent comment earned him no small amount of laughter.

* * * * * *

Although Max and Carver continued to talk about what could have been and mourned the loss of their child, the fact that they had an interest in helping their friends remain in the Unity Programme helped them focus their attention and energy. On one hand, Max was relieved that he no longer had to weigh the heavy decision of keeping their child or letting it go and yet he still felt a hint of emptiness when he considered what they lost. Regardless, the two day wait for the afternoon hearing passed in a flurry of preparation.

Max and Carver took Roller to visit Angie Mae, who they found packing her belongings. They sat with her for over two hours discussing the plight both she and the Longos shared. Angie Mae didn't know the specifics of Roller losing his partner-- that was still not public information, but a momentary spark of hope lit her gaze before slowly extinguishing. "We're most of the way through the year... I don't know if I'll be able to get used to having another partner... I mean... Walker... he--"

Roller looked uncomfortable the moment Angie Mae's words trailed off and the tears began. The Longos stood up from his kneeling position in the room's water and made a distressed Phin sound before adding his own two cents. "I... uh... we would both have to get used to it... that would put us on the same crest."

Max had loved that particular phrase ever since he heard it-- the equivalent to the expression of 'on equal ground.' but decidedly Water-Earthly. The young man reached over to take hold of Angie Mae's hand. "You're a REALLY smart student, Angie Mae, and it wouldn't be the same here without you."

Carver took her other hand, "No one is saying that you need to replace Walker... we are only giving you a chance to continue learning here on Water-Earth-- it's a right Walker died helping to protect."

Max was surprised when Angie-Mae didn't recoil from the Amplus. He knew that she didn't like large creatures and some of the Phins' idiosyncrasies regarding Carver's breed had rubbed off on her. Instead, she looked up, meeting the Amplus' gaze. "I know... thank you."

Carver smiled and Max admired the hopeful glint in his lover's midnight-purple eyes. "You should thank Max... it was his idea."

Not one to prefer hogging the spotlight, Max was pleased when her only response was a soft squeeze of his hand. She stood up and looked instead to Roller. "So... if they'll let us, what do you think, Roller? Are you okay having me as a partner? I know your last Human left the Programme and that couldn't have been an easy thing to--"

Roller let out an interrupting chirp followed by a very direct answer. "I need to learn about more than just what humans are. I need to learn how to work with and live with Humans... and I can't do that if I'm not in the Programme."

Max could tell the impersonal response had hurt Angie Mae, but he also knew she realized that Roller was her only chance to remain in class at the Centre. "Well... okay... and I need to learn about Phins too... so... I guess..."

The Longos held out a hand. "If the board will let us be partners... then we can be partners..."

Angie Mae straightened her shoulders and extended her own arm, just as formally. "Good. I can move into your apartment... too many memories for me here."

The awkward planning continued, so uncomfortably in fact that Max figured the best thing he could do would be to excuse himself; Carver was just as fast in seeking an exit. Despite his reservations, the young man turned to his Phin partner, commenting, "Well... that could have gone worse."

Carver rested a hand on Max's shoulder as the two waded off down the hall back toward their own apartment. "As well as could have been expected, I suppose."

* * * * * *

The following afternoon was a wash of activity as classes concluded early and students were sent home with additional lessons to do in their extra time. The faculty was set to meet in the gathering hall; both Max and Carver were asked to attend as well since they were speaking on behalf of both Angie Mae and Roller. Upon arriving Max shuddered; the last time he was there, barely more than one scant week past was right before the Spearcast.

Both he and Carver sat quietly off to one side as they listened to the discussion held by the faculty in charge of the decision. There were instructors from Secondary and Teriary classes since students from both would be addressed. The entire gathering was shaped into a triangle with the faculty making up one side, representatives speaking on behalf of the students forming the second, and the three students themselves creating the third. The instructors were by far the most populous side with ten to their number; the three students, Jackson, Angie Mae, and Roller were seated on a single raised platform a foot out of the water.

Max recognized a number of the faculty on the hearing board. He had seen Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director on a number of occasions. Also present were Spotted Professor and Gray Doctor, who rounded out the faculty with whom Max was familiar. Striped-Instructor, the father of Tailor's calf was also present. He was there to help render a verdict on Jackson's case, as he was one of the two referring teachers for the Tier Three classes. He didn't recognize the final two but he assumed that they were probably the instructors or supervisors of Angie Mae's and Roller's classes.

The discussion among the faculty lasted nearly twenty minutes before the Director, who was apparently the acting speaker for the proceedings addressed the assembly. "This council was called today to discuss the situation that has arisen involving the lack of partners for three students. Angie Mae Kline of the United States of America on Land Earth, Roller Longos of the Eastern Sands on Water Earth, and Jackson Robberts of South Africa on Land Earth, the Unity Centre's requirement for partnership between a Phin and a Human is not a negotiable item, and your classes here are in jeopardy."

The Phin waited a moment to let his words sink in. He then continued after taking a breath through his blow hole. "The assembly is required to provide an opportunity for you to speak, and for others to speak on your behalf. Do you understand the purpose of these proceedings, and the ultimate outcome if this situation cannot be fixed?"

Each of the students responded affirmatively in their own way, and the Director spoke further. "We will begin with the Tier Two class students. Even though you are at risk of losing your status as a student at the Centre this year you will be released without prejudice; any application you may submit for next year will be given preference. This board will now hear from your supporters."

The first set of students who spoke on behalf of Angie Mae were Kelly and Breaker. Max had met them on a few occasions but didn't know either very well. Each gave their impression of Angie Mae, explaining that she was an incredibly intelligent young woman and that her grasp of Phins needed to be given the opportunity to grow even further. Kelly closed by saying that she thought Angie Mae needed to continue her education NOW... not next year.

Angel and Seraph where then given the opportunity to speak for Roller. Several times throughout Angel's wandering summation of how great Roller was Seraph reigned him in and helped translate the meandering, slang-filled description of just why Angel thought Roller should remain at the Unity Centre. Seraph simply reiterated everything the black man had said and added his own thoughts with more than just a hint at what had transpired between Roller and his prior human partner. "After everything Roller has been through and what happened with his partner, he needs to be able to stay."

Although the Longos didn't come right out and say that Roller impregnated his human partner there wasn't a single member of the faculty on the board that didn't look as though they misunderstood what Seraph was implying. They clicked and rumbled quietly amongst themselves, using low tones and quiet volume so their words wouldn't broadcast. In the end, Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director simply let out a settling series of clicks before addressing Max and Carver. "And the final partnership? For whom do you speak?"

Max stood up. "Sir, we want to speak on behalf of both Angie Mae and Roller."

He wasn't sure if the expression the director had was one of bemused interest or displeased apathy. "Proceed."

Carver had practiced over and over with him what they would say but, in the thick of things his mind went blank. Max ultimately latched onto something he could say to stall for time to think. "I think Angie Mae deserves to stay on the Unity Centre for the same reason as Roller-- neither had control over losing their partner."

One of the board mumbled something off to the side, but it was just loud enough that the clicks and chirps carried. "Roller was not entirely without fault."

Thankfully, Carver picked up the discussion quickly. "Angie Mae is one of the top students from her portion of the class on Land-Earth and Roller is the same from ours here. They should both be able to continue as students and take each other as partners."

Max glanced to his lover and managed to subtly create the Phin word for 'thanks' by pressing the back of his tongue up against the base of his soft palette and creating suction in his mouth as he parted the two; he didn't miss the wink that the Amplus gave him in return.

One of the instructors Max didn't recognize, a Longos wearing goggles spoke up, addressing the board. "It is not common practice for students to change partners, but it is not against the Centre's charter."

Spotted Professor let out a decisive chirp. "Students are allowed to choose their partners at the beginning of the year. It would be unseemly to force them to work together, especially considering the loss each has sustained."

Better than any of the other faculty, Spotted Professor would have been able to understand the most about Roller's loss, having been the only one of them in the room when Chrissy had told him that she didn't want their child. The rest of the board seemed to realize that as well, and the Director looked back to the two Tier Two students. "Then the next logical question remains: if it would mean your continued enrollment here at the University Center would you willingly accept one another as partners?"

Neither of the two had the excitement that Max would have hoped for but each of them assented to the partnership; Angie-Mae nodded and Roller gave a simple click of agreement. When it came to speaking, however, it was the human girl that actually said anything. "If I'm going to be Roller's partner do I get to hear the whole story about what happened with his last human? I think that's--"

Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director held up a hand to silence her, and it worked. His response held a distinct tone of finality. "You do not have a right to an answer, but if he chooses to discuss it with you then that will be between the two of you. Just know that neither Roller nor Christina Valentine was faulted for the separation and Christina Valentine's decision to leave the Unity Programme was without grief from the institution."

Angie Mae didn't seem content to let it go. "Was there grief TOWARD the institution?"

The Director actually stood up in the water, his expression completely, unmistakably angry, but, as he opened his beak to denounce the human woman Spotted Professor stood up, placing a hand on the Director's forearm. "Angie Mae, your inquiry is worthy of an answer, and you will be provided full disclosure before you are required to render your approval of the partnership. Is that sufficient?"

The human girl folded her arms across her chest. "FULL disclosure?"

Roller, who was standing beside Angie Mae silently, eyes focused somewhere off toward the ground under the water in the room took a step closer to her. He lowered his head as his beak opened and, Max assumed, he said something at a whisper in English. Based on how wide Angie Mae's eyes got, he had a feeling he knew what it was the Phin had said. Her whole face turned red as Roller switched back to Phin and finished what he was saying loudly enough that Max could hear him say "We will talk about it more should you want if we end up as partners."

The board left the two Tier Two class students in limbo and awaiting Angie Mae's response in favor of calling the final student to the gathering's attention. It was once again Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director who conducted the proceedings. " Jackson Robberts, you are at risk of losing your status as a student at the Centre this year you will be released without prejudice; any application you may submit for next year will be given preference. This board will now hear from your supporters."

Jackson had a pair of supporters who spoke very positively of him. They explained that he was a wonderful Human who had, on multiple occasions helped both of them study and was a leader in his class. The Album student spoke on Jackson's behalf, explaining he had never met a Human who understood Phin so clearly and even pointed out that they were rewriting some programming for the translation devices used by their respective governments. Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director thanked him for his input and reminded him that nothing would stop Jackson from continuing the project back on Land Earth.

The Human of the student pair, a beautiful Korean woman named Mi-ja explained that the Unity Centre as a whole needed him. She pointed out that it was a widely known fact that the only reason Jackson had been in the lowest half of their class on Land Earth was because he spent so much time helping other students learn-- it would be wrong on so many levels to force such a selfless, giving individual to wait to finish his education. Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director thanked her for her character reference and reiterated that the rules regarding partnership among students was still non-negotiable.

With both of Jackson's supporters having said their piece it seemed readily evident that he would not get the second-chance that Angie Mae and Roller were given... there just wasn't another Phin that didn't have a human partner. Max let out a deep breath; Jackson sounded like quite an amazing individual and it seemed unfair that he had to go home because his partner was killed. Eyes meandering across the board, Max searched for any indication on their faces that they were even considering letting him stay.

The young man suddenly bolted upright as his eyes came to a halt on Striped Instructor. "Tailor!"

All eyes in the room suddenly went to the young man. It was the Director who responded. "Are you speaking on behalf of Jackson Robberts, Max Snyder?"

Max felt his face flush but he pressed forward regardless. "Tailor is in F-3... she is here at the Unity Centre on behalf of Striped Instructor. She isn't able to take part in the classes because she doesn't have a Human partner. Make her an official student and let her partner with Jackson!"

Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director's expression gave no doubt that he was displeased by Max's outburst, but he apparently didn't let that color his decision. "Your suggestion is not unreasonable, but it would require approval by the board."

Despite the Director mentioning 'the board', there was one specific Phin to whom he looked. Striped Instructor spoke silently in response, and apparently had quite a lot to say. Max glanced around the room uncomfortably until he met Jackson's gaze. The college student looked as though he hadn't slept in days and the smile that found its way to his face appeared relieved to have a chance to come out. Jackson silently mouthed "Thank you."

Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director's next words were the final ones of the gathering. "The partnership is approved pending acceptance by Tailor. This hearing is now concluded. All parties are dismissed."

Max turned to Carver, and the two embraced one another. The Amplus leaned down so he could rub the side of his face against Max's saying, "See? It turned out for the best."

The young man smiled, slowly disengaging from his partner as he saw eyes migrating toward them. "Well... I'm just glad we were able to help."

The two waited as the room filed out. Angie Mae and Roller both came over to give hugs and thanks to their supporters... especially Max and Carver. Jackson waited for those two to say their piece before stepping up and offering a hand to Max, speaking in what Max thought COULD have been English. "Max is it? Awe, my bru."

Not exactly sure what Jackson just said, Max accepted the handshake. "It, uh, sounds like this place wouldn't have been the same without you."

The college student was all smiles, "And I wouldn'ta been the same without this place either, boet. Guess I'll see ya round, eh?"

It was a weird exchange, Max had to admit, but it felt good. Until that point he'd been stuck having to go with the flow and accept things as they came, but he FINALLY had a chance to make a difference and affect change. He hoped the job-well-done feeling would stick with him for a long time. Stepping beside Carver, Max was ready to leave the auditorium.

Dark Ring Astute Overseer High Director called out before they got to the archway. "Max Snyder-- Carver Amplus... the board would like you to stay."

Max sighed; how quickly it was that the good feelings were replaced by a new round of apprehension.