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The Cohen-Kline Icosahedron

Chapter 4

copyright comidacomida 2023

Although Kaiden already experienced flight in a Scrambler before, the experience still felt alien after all the time he'd spent on Plateau Earth. Granted, the Unity Centre was almost 90% Human construction since the Viddin didn't really practice engineering or architecture, it was still made for Viddin use; the Scrambler, aside from being large enough to carry them, decidedly was not. Fortunately, one of the technicians on board provided Kaiden and the Ilsit with proper directions to help tie off the gryphons.

Each Viddin and Haklys got a Velcro clasp around their hind legs, and there were metal bars built into the floor for them to grasp with their talons. Rather than slide around the transport bay like a dogs in a van, they were capable of standing still and managing the movement caused by the changes in altitude and velocity. Some definitely handled it better than others.

Kaiden and the two legged Ilsit each had a polymer loop connected to a bar overhead to help them steady themselves, not unlike the handholds in a subway; Prirn remained next to him the whole time. Kytskir was likewise quiet, but it seemed more likely that he was just interested in observing the process rather than being sensitive to the pitch and yaw or the loud rumbling and vibrations. Tral and Hahn, on the other hand, seemed to be actively enjoying themselves immensely.

Tral was at the far front of the transport bay, wings spread and eyes closed, as if comparing the feeling of soaring without wind to normal flight. Hahn was standing firmly, wings spread, but he was far from quiet; the Viddinis letting out an array special-effects sounds reminiscent of the evil side's space fighters from the space opera move he'd come to enjoy-- and he did it every time there was a slight change in their heading. Before long Vetlyk spoke up. "Quiet down."

The simple, straight forward command was enough for Kaiden to realize that the Vidday was uncomfortable, despite not showing it. The young man reached down to give Prirn a gentle pat. I'll be right back."

Working his way up several steps to where Vetlyk was crouching, the young man identified himself so as to avoid catching his friend unaware. "I'm coming up behind you, Vetlyk... on your right."

Hahn interjected. "You can come up behind me if you want, Kaiden'huu!

The human and Vidday both ignored him, and Kaiden felt Vetlyk's tail brush against his leg. The Human rested a hand on his companion's withers. "You okay?"

Vetlyk's muscles twitched several times before settling down. His response was vague, but gracious. "Better now, Takket'hu. Thank you."

Staying beside Vetlyk, Kaiden very nearly jumped when another furry weight pressed against his right side; he turned to see Prirn kneeling beside him, gripping the talon-bars. Looking up at the Human, the Viddinur's fluffy cheek feathers puffed out as he announced sheepishly "There. Now you do dot have to come back. I am here with you, Siik'im."

In the scheme of things, Kaiden didn't mind having Vetlyk to his left and Prirn to his right; the flight was smooth enough that he could let go of the hand hold and rest his palm on Prirn's head even as his other one was laying against Vetlyk's flank. At some point Nittik managed to slink in from behind and squeeze in to lay down between Kaiden's legs; Kytskir, on the other side of the Scrambler so he could stare out the window, did provide occasional, mirthful glances in his direction.

The Scrambler made good time; since they were flying east the sky darkened with preternatural speed, but the landing zone was easily visible from the small window available to Kaiden. Their destination was called 'The Temple of Doors', an ancient structure that was, according to Viddin history, constructed by the Ilsit. Sokkas, who had been lurking toward the back of the bay, spoke up for the first time since they'd boarded. "I have never seen the Temple of Doors before... I wonder how much different it would look during the day."

Vetlyk's response was casual. "It looks fine at all hours... the last time I was here was under my own wing power. Being in this.... thing is... odd."

Kaiden found himself staring at the massive structure even as the Scrambler came in for a landing. His Roost continued to speak among themselves; the prospect of arrival seemed to snap the more petrified members of his group out of their torpor. Even as they chatted in a lively manner, the Human continued to stare, looking at the otherworldly construction. It resembled any normal kind of ancient building he'd expect to see back on Land Earth-- like the structures in central America or the ancient castles in Wales, and yet they were also different at the same time.

He almost let out a cry of alarm when Haklys' deep voice spoke softly behind him. "I have memories of its construction. I would not be opposed to sharing them with you sometime, Kaiden Wilson."

Sharing memories required physical intimacy so there was little doubt about what the dragon was offering. "Thanks, Haklys... I'll remember that. For now, we should focus on getting everyone out of the Scrambler once we touch down."

The Ilsit Major simply chuckled amiably. "Of course. Of course."

Kaiden remembered that the gateway to Land Earth was marked off by the temple, and that the Ilsit and Viddin used to visit Land Earth back before the early medieval period and stopped once the Ilsit deemed it 'too dangerous'-- about the time mankind began seriously learning about engineering to be used for war. The young man wondered what must have gone through their heads during first contact with the Unity Programme explorers. Shuddering, he realized that, in fact, he was perfectly happy NOT knowing-- there were plenty of horror stories about that kind of thing and the short-and-bloody altercation with the Phin.

The Scrambler finally touched down so lightly that Kaiden had to admire the pilot's skill. One of the flight technicians came by and began directing everyone to the rear of the compartment; Kaiden's Roost was large enough that there wasn't a lot of room to maneuver, but, after a lot of bumping and jostling, and a little bit of wheeling-about, everyone was faced in the right direction, and the large bay door finally opened, lowering down into a ramp and revealing the well-lit grass beyond. It was definitely night by that point, but the mobile light rigging gave the area around them an electronic daytime feel.

When the technician fially gave permission for the Roost to exit, several of the Viddin rushed on ahead; Prirn barreled out and flopped face-first into the grass, rolling around in it like a canine that had found an interesting scent. Vetlyk also made a quick exit, but he maintained his composure and decorum. Nittik had somehow hitched a ride on Kytskir, who walked the both of them out and immediately began educating the smaller Viddian on the specifics of the temple.

Kaiden would probably have listened in if not for the second Scrambler touching down across the way from them. The young man instead focused on the bay door as well as Director Kline and her daughter who emerged. The two of them made their way over to the Roost as the nearest Scrambler's engines cycled down; the one the Director had flown in on remained idling. As she approached, Director Kline addressed Kaiden. "When you arrive on Land Earth it will be early morning. The Amsterdam Island facility will start morning operations in about two and a half hours... I'd like you, the Viddin, and the Ilsit all settled in before then. Although the Ilsit are cleared for Land Earth, I'm sure you can appreciate the importance of a slow integration process?"

Kaiden nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

Angie Mae Kline shot him a look and Raine quickly reiterated a statement she'd made earlier. "Like I said, she hates being called ma'am."

The young man winced inwardly. "Right. Sorry."

The Director continued. "No classes the first week. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the station and make sure your Roostmates are getting used to the atmosphere-- after spending three months here you may also need to take it easy for the first few days. Everyone will have a physical on Friday. Standard practice."

Kaiden nodded again. "Right ma'--- Director."

He caught himself that time, and she acknowledged it with a curt tilt of her head. "Raine and I are continuing on to Saurian Earth. We'll be helping to establish the new Unity Centre there."

Raine offered a smile at that. "i look forward to working with you there, Kaiden."

The young man did a double take? "What? But I--?"

Diector Kline held up a hand to forestall his question. "Considering you've already spent some time with Drones, Greater Drones, and a Major, you're on a short list for joining us once things are up and running. It's not set in stone yet, and it won't be before you're done with your three months guiding your Roost on Land Earth. Meanwhile, we're going to complete our first segment of students to make sure the curriculum is suitable."

He finally managed to reel in his numerous thoughts and voice something coherent. "I'll be going to Saurian Earth?"

The Director rolled her eyes. "Again, not for certain, but, if you think about it, you are one of the most qualified program participants at this time since you've already spent time with them. Plus, Holruk Sakloslin nominated you, and, based on reports I've received, the suggestion seems well-founded."

Sokkas snorted from behind, a stark reminder to Kaiden that the Viddinich had warned him before that those in power were always up to something. The Human set aside those concerns for something much more tangible. "If I go to Saurian Earth, what will happen to the rest of my Roost?"

The Director stared at him as if he were asking if water was, in fact wet. "Mr Wilson, you and your roost will have graduated by that point. Once you're done on Land Earth you have the option of accepting a commission or turning it down."

Everything clicked: he wasn't being enrolled in more classes; he was being offered a job. "Oh. Right... wow."

She reeled him back in. "Until then, however, you will be helping as the senior student in helping the Viddin AND the Ilsit on Land Earth. I realize it's a big responsibility, but all of your instructors endorsed you."

Hahn, as usual, wasn't inclined to keep his beak shut. "And so did a Vidday Holruk. That's a pretty glowing endorsement. Makes me wonder what you did for him when you vis-- SQUAWK!" His chiding was interrupted by a wing buffet to the back of his head; Kaiden only caught it out of the corner of his eye so he wasn't exactly sure who did it, and the many smug beaks of those around the chastised Viddinis didn't make it any easier to figure out.

Director Kline continued. "I know you have a lot of questions, but keep in mind that you're hearing about this now because my daughter is a free spirit and likes making my job difficult." She shot a glance at the human-sized Ikali, who simply giggled and flashed a peace sign as her whiskers flicked upward to mimic her grinning muzzle. Looking back to Kaiden, Angie Mae stated "I'll be back on Land Earth at the end of the term and we can talk more then... IF your instructors agree with the other assessments you may THEN be offered the position, presuming you want it."

Kaiden opened his mouth to speak up but Angie Mae interjected. "No answer required now, by the way, since the job offer is not on the table, despite my daughter's--"

Raine interjected "Enemy hand?"

Despite her dour response, Kaiden could tell that the frown was hiding a smile as the Director responded with "Yes, Raine... your 'faux-pas'."

The farewell from mother and daughter was professionally curt and they loaded back up onto the second Scrambler; hanging by the entrance, Kaiden noticed, was Vaskag. He offered a shout to the Greater Drone and waved; he smiled when the big, gator-like Ilsit did the same. The other members of his Roost gathered around him, all shouting, cawing and roaring their well-wishes to the departing Ilsit and then, the cargo bay door was closed.

He made sure that all of his roost had gathered up. Glancing around, Kaiden took quick stock of the situation; the last time he went through a gateway all of the students held hands, but several of his Roost didn't have hands. Taking a quick count of everyone, he came up with a plan. "Folks at the UP central offices suggested that when we went through the Gateway that we held hands when I came here as one big group... it'd probably be a good idea going back too. Since not everyone can do that and walk, I'm thinking that each of the Ilsit Drones and I each take hold of a Viddin."

Haklys spoke up, addressing the obvious. "That sounds reasonable, Kaiden, but there are only five of you with hands, and there are eight of us quadrupeds."

Hahn offered a dismissive 'ha'. "That's easy! Kaiden'huu and each of the Drones have two hands. They can hold two of us each. That's more than enough."

Vetlyk interjected. "No... that means that each Drone will each be a collection of three, but we won't all be together in, as he puts it, 'one big group'."

Kytskir adjusted his spectacles before speaking. "Mathematically there may be a problem, but that would be limiting the scope of problem solving possibilities, and solving with logic is still feasible."

Kaiden was still trying to figure out what Kytskir was getting at by figuring out the applicable possibilities. He knew that the four Ilsit Drones could hold a total of seven Viddin and Haklys; Kaiden wasn't even needed... which meant that he also wasn't part of any of the groups. His mind suddenly caught onto an idea. "Hahn, you get with Kalsig; Sokkas, Sogig will hold onto you; Kytskir, you're with Hassag; Tral, you can have Zithing with you."

The eight of them partnered up and, as they got into formation, Vetlyk looked to Kaiden. "That leaves myself, Prirn, and Nittik... and Haklys."

The delay in Vetlyk identifying his foster brother gave the Human the thought that perhaps the Vidday was starting to catch on. Kaiden elaborated. "Kalsig, Zithing, Sogig, and Hassag each have two hands. I'd like each of them to touch one Viddin, and also keep a spare one on Haklys. We don't technically have to be holding hands-- I can hold onto both Haklys and Vetlyk."

As the rest of the Vididn took a moment to consider the ramifications, Kytskir let out a pleased squawk. "Solution presented and confirmed."

Nittik interjected. "Well... except WE still don't have a place in the group."

Vetlyk had obviously figured it out. "Ready Haklys?"

Kytskir had likewise seemed to pick up on the idea, motioning to the two smallest Viddin with a wing. "Hassag, if you would not mind assisting, please?"

Nittik and Prirn both squawked in surprise as they were hoisted up onto Haklys' back. Most of the Viddin were so focused on trying to figure out how to connect everyone together with a limit on arms they missed the obvious answer: they needed to go as a group, but not everyone had to walk. Gathering around Haklys, the entire Roost ascended the steps toward the large archway, which was already strumming with power. He gave them one final piece of advice. "They always suggest holding your breath... let's go."

* * * * *

Kaiden flopped down onto the king sized mattress provided to him by the Unity Programme. His room had mostly been assembled before he'd arrived-- one of the bonuses of having most of the furnishing provided by the UP. The Roost hadn't stopped running ever since they'd arrived on Land Earth and, he had to admit, it was nice to be able to get settled in... especially since their accommodations were inexplicably rich.

Over the course of his time in the Unity Programme Kaiden had been exposed to all different housing arrangements from a hole-in-the-wall, closet-sized apartment up to the large penthouse condo provided during his final month on Plateau Earth. The one consistent attribute of those arrangements had been that they were all attached to the Unity Center building responsible for their classes. The location established for the Roost on Kaiden's homecoming to Land Earth, however, was different: they were still on campus, but they were on a six acre estate! It was mindblowing.

Laying face-down on the enormous bed, Kaiden let out a long, deep breath. Transitioning from Plateau Earth back to Land Earth, despite the amazing housing arrangement, was not all joy and wonder; the atmospheric difference between the two Earths was vastly different and the rumor Kaiden had heard of comparing it to traveling from a coastal city to a high up mountain town certainly seemed accurate. It was hard for him to think that he was once used to living on an Earth which such a thin atmsophere, and he'd already fought off two bloody noses and had dealt with feeling light headed all day. Still, he fared better than most of his Roost.

A warm beak gently preened the hair behind his ear. "Are you feeling better, Siik'im? I had thought you would have been used to your own Earth."

The entirety of their Roost had felt the impacts of moving to Land Earth, but it hit the larger Viddin the most. Tral, Vetlyk, and Sokkas had all locked themselves away in their respective rooms, not just because they were nauseous, dizzy, and out of breath, but because they were unable to fly. Viddin generally measured their worth by their aerial prowess, and Kaiden had no doubt that the difficulty of taking to air for them on Land Earth would definitely require an adjustment. Prirn, however, had recovered fairly quickly. Rolling to his side to address the Viddin laying beside him, Kaiden reached up and cupped his cheek-feathers. "I'm alright, Prirn... just thinking."

The gryphon snuggled up beside him, flopping onto his side so he could maximize the surface his surface area touching the Human; Kaiden was plenty familiar with Prirn's technique by that point so it didn't catch him by surprise-- he just snuggled right back into him. The Viddin let out a soft coo. "Thank you for comforting me on the Scrambler, Siik'im. It was a strange experience. I would not have been ready for it if not for you."

Smiling, Kaiden reached back past himself so he could rub the back of Prirn's head. As he did so, the Viddin obediently placed his beak on top of the Human's shoulder to make the job eassier. The young man spoke calmly "Of course, Prirn... there are going to be a lot more new experiences for you here, and I'll be happy to walk you through all of them."

Prirn purred softly, pulling Kaiden even closer to him so that no space remained between their bodies. "Mmm... kur'im... you are so good to me. I know you will do the same for the others during their time here. I am so glad you are our Kaiden."

The Human didn't resist as Prirn's clumsy talons began to gently urge off his shirt; he even helped. As his companion began trying to undo the button keeping his pants in place, the Human smirked, slapping them away so he could take care of it himself. "And you're doing alright without Vaskag?"

As Kaiden began to slide his pants off he felt something warm and damp pressing against his underwear from behind him. Prirn crooned, gently pushing his hips even closer to the Human's. "I have you. That is all I need, Siik'im."

The young man repeated his earlier motion, lowering his underwear the second time, but also pushing his hips further back against Prirn's, causing the Viddin to caw softly. Talons encircled either of Kaiden's forearms and his gryphon lover pulled him back even further; it was an awkward position for lovemaking for a four legged creature with wings, but Prirn seemed intent on making it work, and Kaiden wasn't about to object.

It took several tries and, ultimately, was only possible when Kaiden reached down and helped align Prirn's entry, but the moment the pointed tip kissed his opening, the Human knew that Prirn would handle everything else... and he did. His Viddin lover had become much more familiar taking him and the Human had long-since realized just how skillful Prirn was at it. It wasn't because the lynx/falcon was mindbogglingly vigorous, and it wasn't because he was massively endowed (the fact that he was 'reasonable' probably helped); Prirn was empathetic, and seemed to be able to read Kaiden almost intuitively.

The Viddin knew what do do and how to do it, practically playing the Human like a fiddle. It wasn't long before he had Kaiden panting, but it wasn't from exertion since the young man had little to do aside from accepting his lover's thrusts. Even so, there was something about Prirn's lovemaking that still managed to take his breath away. The sensation only grew when the gryphon shuddered, offering up a rapid one-two-three thrust before grinding his hips up against Kaiden's backside as his member began to pulse rhythmically, emptying the contents of his testicles deep into the Human's body.

Kaiden rubbed the side of his face against the pillow as he rode the warmth and then rotated his head so he could gently kiss Prirn's feathery neck. "Wow... that was a pretty powerful one... guess you really needed that, didn't you?"

Prirn chirped affirmatively, leaning down to brush Kaiden's lips with his beak; the Human knew what his lover sought, and he provided a kiss. The gryphon pulled his beak back before he murmured softly. "Did need, and still do, Takket... as I can see you do as well."

A careful talon brushed ever-so-gently across the Human's erection and Kaiden shivered in response to it. "I know you won't leave me wanting."

The Viddin slowly pulled back, his still-erect member slipping free from the young man. "Perish the thought."

Prirn reached up and gripped one of Kaiden's ankles, pulling him to the side of the bed so that his legs hung off the edge. He raised his head so he could look at the hungry glimmer in the gryphon's eyes. "What's up?"

Smiling warmly, Prirn rose up and placed his talons against the mattress on either side of Kaiden's body. "I want to look into your eyes while I am mounting you."

The Human smirked. "Can't argue with that."

He helped Prirn up most of the way onto the mattress and grabbed a pillow to put beneath his hips as the Viddin lined up. Hind paws on the carpet, Prirn walked his back end forward until Kaiden felt the barbed tip of th gryphon's member brush against his thigh. Prirn looked down sheepishly. "Would you... please?"

Kaiden's smile turned into an all-out laugh. "You don't even have to ask."

Their next session of love-making was more vigorous than their first; the position was much easier for Prirn to get a good angle and he was able to use more of his body to great effect... enough so that Kaiden began dripping precum as his prostate was teased again and again by the gryphon's barbed tip pistoning in and out of him. Prirn didn't go easy on him but, throughout it all, the Viddin continued his near perfect stimulation of him in every possible way. Kaiden was just starting to feel the pressure building up within him as Prirn screeched out his fourth ejaculation in that position-- the fifth for the night.

Kaiden grimaced when he felt a deluge of fluid escape him when his classmate withdrew. "That'll have to be cleaned up before it stains."

Prirn flopped down next to him on the bed, nuzzling his neck with his beak. "Later, Siik'im... I could smell that you are getting close, and I do not want to end tonight without you satisfied."

The Human craned his neck to kiss Prirn on the top of his beak, even going so far as to use the Viddin term for lover when he addressed the gryphon. "Alright, Takket'im... what would you propose then?"

Cheek feathers puffing and nares reddening, Prirn slowly rolled over onto his back, legs spread, revealing his still very-much rigid erection. "I.... enjoy it when you're are on top, Kaiden'huu. You move around me like nothing I have experienced before."

Kaiden smiled in response, and slowly moved so that he was standing with one foot on either side of Prirn. Squatting down, he placed one hand on his lover's furry belly, the other reaching back to locate and guide the gryphon's still-eager erection into his body. He'd become familiar with the act at that point, and it slid in effortlessly. "Like this?"

Prirn crooned, head flopping back and pointed tongue hanging out of his beak blissfully. "Yes... Just like that, Takket'im..."

Already far past stimulated, Kaiden didn't last long sliding up and down the Viddin's rigid pole. He gasped, gritting his teeth through a powerful orgasm as he sprayed his cum all over his classmate's furry abdomen and chest. Prirn, despite having ejaculated five times previously had no need to catch up; the Human felt the firm flesh inside him respond to his muscles contracting and it pulsed in response, filling him up one more time. The young man eventually collapsed onto Prirn, ignoring the slick stickiness of his own mess as he snuggled into his lover.

He knew he'd regret the mess in the morning but, in that moment, he finally felt the stress melt away. Kaiden was well aware that life would be changing for all of them on Land Earth but, in those little quiet moments when he could be with them without the rest of the world interfering, he knew innately that the important things would remain the same.