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The Cohen-Kline Icosahedron

Chapter 3

copyright comidacomida 2023

Kaiden was still reeling from the rapid introductions involving a wide variety of family responses as his classmates began saying farewell to their respective families. With the visiting time reaching its conclusion, his roostmates' kin were escorted away from the airfield as Kaiden's partners made ready to leave. The Roost's Ilsits swarmed them, assisting with securing carrying gear to transport everyone's various personal effects and, in Haklys and Tral's case, harnesses to assist with Kaiden's.

He felt bad for putting them through it all. "I really appreciate the help guys... it's a shame that the Unity Programme won't send transports to pick us up here."

Since Prirn didn't have an Ilsit to help him, Kytskir directed Hassag to tend to the Viddinur before moving to join Kaiden. "I believe that is more prudent than anything else... your Human air transport craft can make travel lines dangerous for Viddin. We do not have the kind of communication your people enjoy to coordinate air travel and it only takes one of your large metal air vehicles to create a threat."

Since Kytskir brought it up, Kaiden DID indeed remember something about air transports being prohibited withi a certain distance of Viddin settlements. "Oh... right. I guess that makes sense. Any idea how far we have to go, Kyt?"

The Viddinek adjusted his spectacles, limping his way over on three legs so he could do so as he moved. "I presume we are leaving at this hour so we will be able to make it to the meet-up site before it gets fully dark. We should have enough time to get the last warming updrafts from the desert to help us on the way."

Hahn, who had already had his harness secured, joined the two of them. The slightly parted beak and gleaming eyes were a dead giveaway that he was about to say 'something colorful'. The Human was honestly surprised when his classmate had a much more casual comment prepared. "Hey, Kaiden'huu? These are harnesses you Humans upgraded... REAL different from the ones the Ilsit make for us."

Kaiden paused, surprised at the innocent nature of the comment. "Oh. Yeah! It's made to be more ergonomic and help spread weight more evenly across the--"

The Human found out that his first instinct was right on the money. "I bet you could hang off of it upside down so we could rut in the air while I'm flying."

Kalsig joined them immediately, addressing Hahn in Viddin. "Hahn, there will not be any space for that once everything you are supposed to carry is--"

"That wasn't the point, Kalsig!"

Kaiden just smiled and snickered to himself as the Viddin's attentive Ilsit companion began securing cargo to Hahn, who was growing indignant by the moment. Ultimately, as the young man was walking away the restrained gryphon had to shout after him. "You can make it up to me later, Kaiden'huu!"

Quickly making his escape, Kaiden moved further into the group and away from the struggling, randy Viddin. Although it HAD been awhile since he and Hahn had 'gotten up to something', the young man had travel on his mind, not sex. Stuck in his own thoughts, the Human felt Tral's massive presence even before he heard the gryphon coming up from behind. "Hey, Tral."

The large Viddin stepped up beside him, lowering his head down the long distance from its normal height so that he could rest his beak on Kaiden's shoulder. "Are you apprehensive, Classmate?"

The young man felt no reason to be untruthful. "A little... less so now that family introductions are out of the way."

Tral recoiled, raising his head up so he could guffaw with a full bellied laugh. "Seriously, Kaiden'hu? Worried about family I get, but you should be as relaxed as an overfed Zofra now that they are all gone. You are no stranger to flying."

It was Kaiden's turn to chuckle; Tral's antics did help take the edge off. Reaching up to rest a hand on his classmate's upper foreleg, the Human clarified. "It's not the flying... it's... pretty much everything that's coming at us. I know it'll be everyone's first time through the Gateway and, even if it means I'm going home, there's lots of variables at work that make all of this a--"

In his lovable, dufus sort of way, Tral managed to get Kaiden to fall silent by resting his beak atop the Human's head. "Whatever it is, ai'Takket'im, we will face it together. I am here, so you do not have to worry."

While Kaiden appreciated the sentiment, seeing Zithing making his way over led the Human to realize that Tral was underestimating the amount of time he had available. "I'm glad you'll be with me for the trip, Tral... but, for right now, at least, I think you still need to get your harness secured."

The huge Viddin's nares reddened immediately. "Oh... uh... do not go anywhere, Kaiden. I will be right back, and then I can fly you to the meeting site myself."

A deep, gravely bass voice rumbled up from off to the side. "The Roost will need you to help transport Kaiden's equipment, Tralyn. I will handle Kaiden Wilson."

There was a distinct tone in Haklys' tone that suggested a double entendre, but Kaiden knew the Dragon well enough to know it was simple chiding; the Ilsit Major wouldn't go so far as to initiate anything in the middle of a group on official Unity Programme business-- he certainly wasn't Hahn-like enough for that. Turning to regard Vetlyk's foster brother, Kaiden was surprised to see the large Dragon already weighed down with a lot to bear, but the spot on his back was still open. "You're flying me then?"

A subtle smile crept its way across Haklys' broad muzzle. "I took you half way to the White Tail Aerie and the entire way back. Considering the time of day and the lessening of the updrafts it makes sense that they focus on carrying belongings and I focus on carrying the zfielt."

Kytskir popped up out of nowhere, already fully dressed in his harness with what he was transporting mostly secured and in place. He spoke calmly and casually in English. "I cannot help but wonder at the inconsistency of these terms in your language, Classmate. Sometimes they make little sense to me."

Kaiden looked to the owl-and-cheetah Viddinek. "What do you mean, Kyt?"

Turning slightly so that Hassag could finish strapping down a bag on his flank, Kytskir elaborated. "You indicated that Haklys would be flying you to the midway point where we would be meeting up with our transport to Land Earth."

The young man nodded. "Yeah... that's what he said, anyway."

Adjusting his over-sized glasses, the Viddin offered a slight tilt to his head. "Yet, in English, the verb 'to fly' references one piloting an aerial vehicle... such that the term 'You will fly me.' would suggest a mode of transportation referring to its pilot or, in this case, would it not be more accurate to suggest that you would be flying Haklys to the meet up point?"

Kaiden really didn't have much of a comeback for that. "I... uh..."

Surprisingly, it was Vetlyk who interjected, also speaking in English. "In the case of an air vehicle being used to move riders, the individual controlling it is said to be flying their passengers the same as the one controlling a land-based vehicle is driving their passengers. Since Haklys is both the vehicle and the individual controlling the vehicle I would propose that either is correct."

Kitskyr paused and his feathery 'antennae' bobbed in time with his impression of a human-like nod. "Yes. I believe that does make sense. Thank you for the clarification, Classmate. That must be the piece I was missing in order to better understand the word usage. It is a much more logical way to view things."

With their classmate heading back off to finish up his preparation, Vetlyk turned to regard Kaiden, sitting regally as his chest swelled with pride. "You are a very handsome Human, Kaiden Wilson. I am glad to call you mine."

Nittik strolled by, apparently off on some errand as Zithing hissed at him, trying to secure the smallest Viddin's harness while on the move. Nittik slowed only long enough to add "You mean 'ours'. Huustook, Classma--"

Vetlyk chased the Viddian off with nothing more than a severe gaze. Looking once more to Kaiden, the regal Vidday's feathers puffed out in obvious adoration. "Nothing would have made me happier than to be the one to carry you to the gateway, Kur'im but, if it couldn't be me, I am still pleased that it is my Soltyr. Haklys will do a fine job of it."

The Ilsit Major rumbled out a chuckle, extending his wing so he could wrap it around Vetlyk; a moment later he'd yanked the large Viddin over to him so he could ruffle up the gryphon's head-fathers with a talon. "Praising me when I am not absent? That is a new thing for you, Soltyar."

Grumbling and completing the sound with an indignant squawk, Vetlyk escaped Haklys' loose grip. "I COULD say that I would rather have you get caught in a downdraft and have your scaled hide splattered on the rocks dotting the desert floor, but that would be insensitive to Kaiden who, for whatever reason, seems to like you."

The two brothers snickered, helping Kaiden to realize that they were just posturing. The inside joke was interrupted, however, by Nittik, who came trotting by again (still making things difficult for Zithing), chiding the two brothers who were speaking in English by identifying the similarity between the English word 'who' and the Viddin 'huu'. "Oh.. I like Kaiden'huu too."

It was Haklys' turn to urge the Viddian onward, switching to Viddin to do so. "Stop fooling around and let Zithing finish readying you for the flight."

It was readily evident by everyone's demeanor that the Roost was in high spirits. That, coupled with the reassurances he got from everyone as they finished up all of their preflight preparations. Haklys excused himself and Vetlyk as the two brothers apparently had a final check of their own to complete, leaving Kaiden alone for the first time in over an hour. He used the time to take a deep breath and find his center, letting his thoughts calm in the still silence amidst the soft, boisterous background noise of Viddin getting ready for a long flight.

His moment of peace was disrupted by a squawking call of his name followed by the lazy flow of Viddin that could only have been Sokkas' sire. "Hey! Kaidin Wilson! Hey! Zfielt 'tto! You're not gettin' ready t'fly... commere fer just a bit!"

Turning, Kaiden saw that Rannyl was at the edge of the Centre's walkway sitting on his haunches, right wing held aloft like a crescent moon and flailing about in an almost human-like wave, very eye-catching due to the lighter shaded primary feathers visible only on the underside of his extended wing. The young man also noticed that Sokkas was right there, with both of his talons clamping down both of his sire's; apparently Rannyl had meant to wave with a foreleg but had to improvise due to his son's interference.

Trying to fight back a smile at the antics, Kaiden meandered in their direction. Sokkas eventually released his sire's talons and let out a long, emotive sigh. "He is supposed to be getting ready to go, Rannyl, not catering to your desire to socialize. You should leave him to his task... and me too."

The larger of the two Viddinich let out a dismissive huff. "Aw... he's already ready t'go, Uutyar'im... ain'cha, Kaiden?"

Kaiden glanced at Sokkas, who, after being called the equivalent of 'little son of mine' looked like he'd just tried to swallow a bad piece of meat. Despite generally enjoying Rannyl's positive presence, he was a little concerned about his classmate. "Are you alright, Sokkas?"

Sokkas switched to English. "I find my sire exhausting. I told him to go home, but he said he is not doing his task as my sire if he does not see me off and, unfortunately, he seems to have taken a liking to you."

At first Kaiden was taken aback by Sokkas' virulent opposition to his father's presence but, in that moment, he reassessed the situation. The young man had friends earlier in his life who were at 'that age' and hated to be seen with their parents; Sokkas certainly seemed to give off that type of mood. Kaiden looked at Rannyl and spoke in Viddin. "I think Sokkas is feeling crowded. You are the only family still here."

Rather than address his son, Rannyl looked to Kaiden. "Sokkaas here's always been th' independent type-- even when he needs help he has trouble askin' for it. You make sure you remember that, 'tto... I'm countin' on ya t'keep him safe and healthy."

Glancing between sire and son, Kaiden realized he had to be a little less diplomatic. "It... looks like he still wants to be independent, Sir. I am not sure he wants you here."

The comment only got Sokkas' sire to give off a beaky smile. "Aww... Sokkaas is just goin' through a phase... findin' himself. Ya shoulda seen him when he growin' inta his wings... HAWHAWHAWHAWHAW... poor guy was trippin' all over himself."

Sokkas' feathers deflated to a point that he almost looked like someone doused him with a bucket of water as he stated flatly "Sire... I wish to have an Ilsit gouge out my auricles. Please stop."

Looking first to Sokkas and then to Rannyl, Kaiden had to admit they were different enough that they hardly seemed related. He tried to convey as much in Viddin, but he had trouble choosing the right words he could pronounce. "You two are very different."

Rannyl apparently didn't take offense. Still laughing, he gave his son a light bump with a wing. "Don't let him fool ya, Kaiden.... he's his sire's 'tto, that's for sure! Why, I bet when he's my age, he'll finally put a little flesh on them 'drumsticks'."

Sokkas rolls his eyes at the last word, which was in English. "Did you learn the human word 'drumstick' just so you could say that?"

His sire was all smiles, holding up Sokkas' data pad in one talon. "See? Told ya I was interested in yer learnin'!"

Sokkas ground his beak and snatched his data pad back from his sire. "Time to say your goodbyes, Sire-- the flight master just gave the sign so we need to go back and join the Roost for our upcoming flight."

Glancing in the direction Sokkas was looking, Kaiden did indeed see that one of the Human ground crew was holding up one of their hand lights and signaling that it was time for departure. Kaiden let out a gasp when a strong talon grabbed him from behind and, a moment later, the young man was surrounded by feathers and fur, pulled into Rannyl's padded chest. "Be good t'Sokkaas, Kaiden. Keep him safe, okay?"

Kaiden managed to work his way out of the large Viddin's embrace. Despite Rannyl still having much to learn about Human mannerisms, the young man had to admit it was endearing... and a little overwhelming. "I will, Sir. Thank you."

Sokkas quickly escorted Kaiden away from the older Viddin, mumbling quietly in English. "I apologize for that, Kaiden'im. He can be.... clingy."

Kaiden chuckled. "I think it's kinda cute."

Sokkas didn't appreciate the sentiment.

* * * * *

The flight, despite it being early evening, had been scheduled just early enough to allow the Viddin to make use of the last bits of updrafts coming from the cooling rocks far below. With everyone weighed down, they would have had a hard time traveling any great distance but, fortunately, their time in the air didn't last for too long. The Roost had been flying for almost an hour before Kaiden caught sight of the staging area. Since flying vehicles weren't allowed near any populated Viddin area, the Unity Programme had to set up out-of-the-way airfields.

Kaiden rode Haklys, who also carried the vast majority of the Human's belongings. Tral, the second largest in the group had Hassag riding him while the others carried Zithing, Kalsig, and Sogig. Prirn and Nittik, as the smallest of the Viddin, were each only responsible for their own gear, which was a good thing since neither would likely be able to stay aloft with even an Ilsit drone on their back. As the Roost slowly made their descent toward the well-lit landing pad, Kaiden took in a deep breath, reveling in the feel of the cooling night air rushing past him; the experience was a far cry from the first time he'd flown with Tral and it no longer frightened him.

Since Viddin vision was far superior to that of a Human his classmates had obvious had a lot of time to examine the landing sight, but Kaiden got his first clear view during the descent. "Oh! There's the Scrambers!"

His eyes had been attracted to two large switch-wing aircraft. The enormous, transport-sized jets were capable of altering the trajectory of their engines, allowing them to take off and land vertically without any great amount of runway. It made sense, considering much of Plateau Earth didn't have convenient places to establish an airstrip. He'd had his first ride in one when he traveled from the Gateway to the rally point, but he presumed it would be the first time for his classmates. That thought was confirmed when Kytskir squawked "Wow. Look at that air transportation vehicle. It is massive!"

The Gateway was significantly east of the Unity Centre, far out in the desert. Considering the total distance they'd have to travel, the last hour was an insignificant portion of the trip. Combining the lack of fatigue from a transport and its ability to travel five times faster than the fastest Viddin it only made sense that they would board one as close to the Unity Centre of Plateau Earth as possible. Haklys came in for a landing first, followed by the rest of Kaiden's roost. The Human slid down to the ground off of the dragon's back to address everyone as they folded their wings. "You guys are in for a treat!"

Hahn had just started to make some off-color remark in response but he was silenced by a side-bump from Tral. The Roost stuck close together as they all took in the sights of the landing pad; lights were set up all around to provide ample illumination and several mobile service bays were in the process of being broken down and loaded up into one of two enormous Scramblers. The Unity Programme's modular technology allowed them to set up bases of operation in short order and, judging from the level of disassembly they ground crew would be ready to leave soon.

Kaiden's attention was pulled from the ground crew to two figures approaching the Roost. The woman in the front looked like she was in her late forties or early fifties. Still spry, she moved forward with casual ease. Her hair was hardly long but, even so, it was pulled back into a short ponytail. Despite the woman's rather unassuming appearance, Kaiden recognized her immediately. "Director Kline?!?"

Angie Mae Kline was well known to every Human participant of the Unity Programme. As the Director, it was her responsibility to make sure things ran smoothly. A welcome recording provided by her was played to everyone joining the Programme on Land Earth and she was a prominent enough figure that most Phin and Oolau knew of her too. The fact that she spent several months out of every year on Riparian Earth meant that Ikali being familiar with her was a foregone conclusion and, with that thought in his mind, Kaiden spied the furry figure following behind Director Kline.

The Director smiled, urging the slightly shorter individual ahead. Kaiden realized right away that she was an Ikali, but far larger than any he'd ever seen. She wore a Unity Programme suit, which was abnormal since almost all Ikali wore the wetsuits common on Riparian and Water Earths. Before he could think any further, the Director introduced her companion. "This is Raine Quick-Brow, my daughter. She graduated the Programme this term and she's doing some work study with me for the next few weeks."

The Viddin behind Kaiden were all frozen still, likely relying on him to set the pace. He was still so stunned that he had a hard time providing them any guidance. The first thought in his head was also the first thing out of his mouth. "Are you and Raine flying with us to the Gateway?"

The late-teenage Ikali girl motioned to the closest Scrambler. Despite her official tone her smile still felt warm and genuine as she spoke. "You and your classmates will be in #2. We came along to speak with a delegation that already left, but also to welcome this term's transfer students." She then gestured to the second aircraft. "We'll be boarding #1."

Kaiden tried to push out more questions, but the most he could manage was "I..."

Angie Mae glanced to one of the ground crew who made several hand signals toward her. She then looked back to Kaiden. "We'll have a chance to talk at the Gateway. Right now, though, it's time to get your Roost loaded up. Can I count on you to be able to take care of that without any help?"

There was no option in his mind but to agree. "Yes, ma'am!"

Angie Mae huffed and walked away. Her Ikali daughter lingered for a moment, smirking as she winked at him. "Don't call her ma'am... she hates that."

As Kaiden loaded up the Viddin and Ilsits accompanying him, he noticed that Prirn stayed close by his side. Once everyone was aboard the enormous cargo plane, he glanced to his Viddinur classmate. "Are you alright, Prirn?"

Folding his wings for what was probably the fourth or fifth time, Prirn responded in a way that didn't sound convincing. "I am fine, Siik'im... I have never flown without flying before, and being near you emboldens me. I hope you do not mind."

Smiling, Kaiden knelt down and held out his hand. "Here... give me your talon and if you start to feel uneasy you can give my fingers a little squeeze, okay?"

Prirn only had to squeeze once, which was perfectly reasonable since the take off surprised everyone.