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The Cohen-Kline Icosahedron

Chapter 5

copyright comidacomida 2023

The first day of class back on Land Earth was unlike anything Kaiden had expected. He'd woken up buried in Prirn's feathers and, following another snuggle session, the two got up and took a lengthy shower. Considering they only had so much time until their day was set to begin, Kaiden was sure that there was no 'hanky-panky'... aside from giving Prirn a quick hand job, much to the Viddin's extreme delight. At that point they got out, dried up, and Kaiden went to go get dressed while Prirn joined the rest of their Roost in getting ready to leave.

Kaiden and his Viddin classmates said farewell to the Ilsit, who were already busying themselves with cleaning up the home (not that it had become very dirty since most of the Viddin spent the weekend getting used to Land Earth's different atmospheric gas composition). Haklys, being four legged, spent his enjoying the early morning sun, basking on the fenced in concrete patio outside the home's sliding glass door in the back yard. Kaiden was certain he saw the dragon smirking the entire time.

The Roost were provided with a massive people-mover, except all the seats had been removed, offering up ample space for seven Viddin to fit comfortably inside; Kaiden was provided a single seat up front to act as the driver or, more specifically, the human component required as a fail-safe for the automated transport system. He had little to worry about since the vehicle was on its own private street-- essentially one long drive way between the Roost's residence and the back parking lot of the Unity Centre.

Kaiden marveled at the building as they approached; it wasn't the same Unity Centre he attended when he first started in the Programme due to the number of Earths discovered in the years since increasing. The young man liked the floating UC for Water Earth and he had enjoyed his time at the island UC connected to Shattered Earth, but the one dedicated to Plateau Earth was something else entirely-- there was so much land surrounding it that he and his Roost were able to have their own home! The surprises, however, continued coming.

The sprawling campus of the Unity Centre was a large, diamond-shaped, three story central building with four separate wings at each of the compass points. The North and South wings were two stories tall while the East and West wings were each single story extensions. The East wing was where the people-mover was headed, letting them out in a covered area right next to the building. Kaiden got out first and saw that an attendant was already waiting for them at a large, double-door entrance.

The woman gave him a curt nod. "Kaiden Wilson?"

He offered a nod back. "Yes, ma'am. My classmates are still inside. Let me get them out and we--"

She interrupted him. "Please have them enter single file. I've been instructed to lead you to your class room."

She was apparently not interested in wasting any time so he took a much less casual and much more professional approach. "Single file, to the classroom. Understood, ma'am. Would you like me at the front of--"

The woman interjected before Kaiden was able to finish the question. "As I said, I'LL lead. You can follow them."

The people mover was covered with canvas so it was little surprise to Kaiden that his Roost had been able to hear. Most of them had the tact not to say anything, but Nittik had never been much for tact. Addressing Kaiden in the Viddin language, the little Viddian stated "Such a charming hen. I wonder what crawled up her egg hole this morning."

The woman, standing right beside the door, immediately focused on the smallest of the group. "Just so you are aware, I do understand Viddin. And Human women are not referred to as 'hens'."

Kaiden was surprised that the woman spoke the Viddin word for 'hen' without even the faintest trace of an accent. Nittik, however, seemed even more surprised; he immediately squawked, and rushed to the back of the line where he could hide behind Tral. Although the majority of the Roost had selected to walk in single file based on their size (a regular method for the Viddin), the largest of the bunch had hung back. Kaiden approached, offering Nittik a comforting pat before addressing the massive Viddinire. "Everything alright, Tral?"

The huge gryphon clicked his beak affirmatively and leaned forward to rest his chin on the young man's head. "Yes. Fine, Kaiden'huu... I just have not seen much of you lately and thought I would enjoy walking with you."

The woman at the front started for the doors. "Single file everyone. Please do keep up. Your orientation is set to begin shortly."

Nittik, still cowed, followed along in Tral's shadow, mumbling softly in English "I hope she is not our instructor. That would be... unfortunate."

Trying to restrain his smile, Kaiden simply acknowledged the statement as truthful. "I agree. Personally I'd like everyone to start off on a positive note with our new instructor. No sense being labeled the problem group."

The trip down the hallway was not a long one. The woman led the Roost past two doors, each opposing one another on opposite sides of the hallway, then stopped at the next pair of two doors and gestured to the one to the left. "This will be your primary classroom. Mr Wilson, please make certain your classmates are situated. Seats are assigned based on Viddin size so it should not be difficult for everyone to place themselves accordingly."

Although the short trip down the hall was simple, Kaiden noticed that the entryway started to get backed up as those who entered the room didn't bother taking more than a few steps. He tried to get things moving. "Come on-- Vetlyk? Sokkas? Please make way so everyone can get in. We don't want to hold everyone up."

He didn't realize how unnecessary the word 'everyone' was until he went last into the room himself. The classroom was a little smaller than most of the ones he was used to occupying, but there was more than enough space for the seven seats. In addition to a teaching station with a chair, the room was occupied by only enough Viddin lounging sofas for Kaiden's Roost. That feature struck him as odd. Looking back to the woman, who was still standing at the doorway, the young man asked "What about the rest of the students?"

Her response was straight and to the point. "This is everyone. Since you are assigned to the accelerated class, this classroom is for your group alone."

Kaiden faltered in his questions, only managing to push out snippets. "Accelerated class? Alone?"

Sighing, the woman elaborated. "The Director mentioned that several Viddin dignitaries were pushing for your class to take an accelerated course. Since the rest of the Viddin students will be here for six months instead of three, admin provided you your own house, your own transport, and your own instruction wing."

The young man was completely blown away by what he was hearing. "Three months? Is that going to be enough time? Do we also have our own teacher too?"

The first hint of something other than a scowl creased her lips; it looked like a smile but it felt more like a death gaze. "You are going to be leading the class, Mr. Weston."

"Me? Teach?"

As soon as he spoke the words, their handler handed over a small backpack to him. "Syllabus, reading material, lesson plans, and tutoring guide. According to the Director you've already aced all Viddin material so the accelerated class will be focused on the education of your Viddin classmates. Director Kline said that this is your opportunity to become familiar with being on the other side of the desk and that you should consider it a crash-course in preparation for 'additional duties as assigned'."

Kytskir's lengthy deelie-bopper facial feathers perked up. "Did you hear that, Kaiden'huu? 'Additional duties as assigned' is a very big responsibility."

Nittik had apparently recovered from his earlier faux pas, as he was no longer quiet, snickering as he stated "Heh... 'crash course'... I love English turns-of-phrase... I can just imagine flying a course where the objective is to crash into every single--"

Hahn interrupted. "Nope. 'Crash course' is an idiom, not a turn of phrase, egg-pecker. Good try though."

Kytskir objected. "Wrong on both counts, classmates. The term 'Crash course' is, in actuality, both an idiom and a turn of phrase-- the former because it has a figurative meaning, and the latter because it is used in a particular way that is not literal."

Kaiden appreciated the impromptu 'study session' or, more specifically, a case of 'one-upsmanship', but he realized that there were things that took precedence. "Alright everyone, quiet down. Okay, ma'am, so when do--" Turning around, the young man saw that their guide had already departed. He settled for a Viddin explicative. "Khwah."

* * * * *

Their first hour in the classroom consisted of him providing his classmates some study questions to go over in two teams of three, with Kytskir providing guidance on anything either of the teams had trouble with. He used that time to familiarize himself with the lesson plans and proposed syllabus. He was surprised at just how quickly he was expected to get through all the material, but also that so much of it was open-ended. They REALLY seemed to expect him to handle everything himself. Granted, he spent years as part of the Unity Programme and he knew the general class models backwards and forwards, but HE was going to lead their class? It seemed an almost insurmountable challenge. Fortunately, at the end of the first hour he got support.

A jovial man in his early thirties showed up just as Kaiden was finishing up his review of the documents the woman had provided. The newcomer was 'hefty', but it didn't seem to slow him any, and a ready smile poked through the forest of curly, red whiskers that made up a (relatively) well-kept beard which was tamed only a little less than his frizzy, carrot-colored hair. His greeting was as outgoing as he appeared. "Well hey there! You must be Kaiden!"

Just as with the woman, everything the man told him was a whirlwind of information, granted, it was much more pleasant hearing things from him. The man introduced himself as Sean, and he mentioned that he was a senior associate at the Unity Centre-- neither an administrator nor a teacher, but his role was to help work with Kaiden and serve as an adjunct support role to make sure the young man was able to succeed. Sean concluded the introduction with "And, believe me-- if there's anything I can do to help you out, I will. just let me know how I can be of assistance and--" he winked, 'shooting' Kaiden with dual 'finger guns', "You got it."

The first thing that came to mind was an expansion on the lighting quick introduction to the campus provided to him by the still unnamed woman who met them at the doors. "So... this whole hallway is ours to use?"

Sean nodded vigorously, making an expansive gesture behind him out into the hall. "You got it, man! You and your Roost got full run of the hallway!"

The man's choice of words caught Kaiden by surprise. "Roost?"

Nodding, Sean offered a friendly wink. "Very few things get past the Director, Kaiden. She knows you've all formed a roost, and that you and Prince Vetlyk plan on having some little ones some day. These are pretty important details, you know."

Feeling his cheeks redden almost as much as Sean's beard, the young man cleared his throat and, pushing past the fact that Sean gave Vetlyk a 'Prince' title, tried to get away from that particular topic. "So... the WHOLE hallway? There's four different rooms, right?"

Not even missing a beat, Sean gestured in the general direction of each of the separate rooms, naming them as he did so. "Viddin-friendly lab. Storage. Lecture room across the hall, and this here is the standard classroom. Student services should get the rest of the furniture in here before tomorrow."

Kaiden was confused. "More furniture? I thought this room was just for me and my... classmates."

Sean shrugged. "Well, sure... but the Director wanted to make sure your Ilsit were also joining you."

Yet again Sean caught the young man by surprise. Trying in vain to find something to say (or not say) about the Ilsit considering few people knew about them, the best Kaiden could come up with was "What?"

The outgoing red head elaborated. "You know-- the ones that came through the gateway with you? Two Drones, a Greater Drone, and the Major? Man, I'm jealous... I've only ever got a chance to read about a Major... never saw one in person."

Since Kaiden realized that Sean was apparently someone 'in the know', he dropped pretenses; it helped him think more clearly. "So... they'll be joining us in here?"

Sean smiled, leaning against the door frame. "You got it! They're just sitting in though-- admin still expects you to focus on your Viddin classmates, but Director Kline wants to look into exchange of info and social integration with the Ilsit here in the next few years, so this is a good place to start."

Kaiden's response was a simple one. "Oh."

The jovial fellow managed to smile even wider. "Anyway, I wanted to stop by and introduce myself make sure if you had any questions that I'd be here to answer 'em, and let you know that admin are expecting this'll be a short day for you."

The last comment stuck with the young man. "A short day for us?"

Sean shook his head. "Nope-- just you, Kaiden. Once you finish basic class set-up and everyone gets used to the space a car'll bring you back home and I'll do an orientation for your classmates."

Vetlyk quickly interjected, the first Viddin to do so during the exchange. "I would rather my classmate provide that, thank you."

The red head, still smiling, offered an apologetic shug. "Sure, I can appreciate that, Prince Vetlyk, but the administration sets the rules and the rest of us follow em. I'll make sure everything goes smooth and the faster we go through everything the faster you can get back to Kaiden. Sounds fair?"

Sokkas spoke up next. "Although I assume you are qualified, I too would rather have Kaiden handle orientation for us."

Sean just rolled his eyes, as if he were dealing with four year olds asking to have ice cream for dinner, and he turned patiently to Kaiden. "Hey, Kaiden... can you point me to the bathrooms?"

Kaiden, put on the spot, was at a loss for words. "I... haven't been here very long. I don't know where they are."

Sean didn't so much as bat an eye. "What about the cafeteria?"

The young man shook his head. "I don't know where that is either."

The visitor didn't relent. "And what about the code for if you get your wing caught in an automatic door?"

Every single one of the Viddin recoiled back on their lounging sofas at the statement while Kaiden, sympathetic to their plight, could only say "I don't know."

Sean looked back to the class. "See? Kaiden'll get some time to familiarize himself with everything, and he needs that time, which is why I'm playing stand-in. I'm a pretty nice guy though, if you'll give me a chance. Will you?"

Nittik, apparently overtaken with a rebellious spirit instilled by Vetlyk and Sokkas, jumped up and squawked "No!"

His exclamation sounded as though it was meant to be included in a chorus but, unfortunately for him, he was the only one who had spoken up. Feathers around his face puffing up, the Viddian slowly sat back down, obviously embarrassed as he fluffed out his wings in an attempt to settle his feathers. "I... mean... 'yes'?"

Sean gave Kaiden a light pat on the shoulder. "Car should be by the back entrance to pick you up, Kaiden. Have a good rest of your day. I'll take good care of these guys and have em back to you in time for dinner."

Kaiden offered a nod, and headed for the door; he was stopped when an enormous talon gently grasped him around the bicep. Tral, the closest Viddin to the door, pulled him closer to where he was laying and spoke quietly. "I know we will learn a lot from you, Kaiden. I know I may not be the smartest in the class, but I'm glad that you're willing to teach me."

Only in the most genuine moments was Tral ever willing to talk about his weaknesses. In Kaiden's mind the entire concept of the big Viddinire worrying about his intelligence was silly; while it was true he wasn't the most intellectual out of the Roost, he was far from stupid. Leaning a little closer, the Human raised an arm and pressed a hand against the gryphon's chest. "I'm happy to be your teacher, Tral... just behave for Sean and I'll see you tonight."

The enormous Viddin offered a beaky smile. "I look forward to it, Kaiden'huu."

* * * * *

The return to his assigned home was quiet for Kaiden; he was in a small two-seater, completely alone as the car drove him effortlessly back to the building without the company of his classmates. Having become so familiar with having them around meant that the silence was distracting; Kaiden had heard the term 'deafening silence' but, until that afternoon he didn't quite get it. Fortunately, the silence ended upon his return.

Hassag awaited him at the door, propping it open with his back as he loomed passively like a reptilian door stop. Inclining his head to Kaiden as the Human approached, the Greater Drone said simply "It is good to have you back, Kaiden."

Kaiden was a little taken aback at the official nature of the greeting but he was more than content to offer a polite response. "Thanks, Hassag... everyone else is still at class and I'm back a little early, but I'm--"

Walking through the door, he didn't get a chance to finish his statement as the three Ilsit Drones sprang up from behind various pieces of furniture. Sogig and Kalsig each let loose with a confetti party popper while Zithing threw two talons worth of streamers and everyone shouted in unison "Welcome home, Kaiden!"

Overwhelmed at the sudden, inexplicable 'celebration', Kaiden's eyes zeroed in on Haklys, who was the only one not hiding, simply gazing in at them through the sliding glass door with the faintest of smirks on his scaled lips. He gestured to the dragon, who responded by using a fore-talon to slide the door open. "Yes, Kaiden Wilson?"

The Drones began scurrying off to various parts of the house while Hassag closed the front door and stepped up to stand behind Kaiden. The Human felt his presence even without turning around, but he focused on Haklys. "What's going on, exactly?"

The Ilsit Major explained simply. "We were informed that you would be instructing the Viddin and that we will be permitted to join the class. Everyone was in agreement that a small celebration was called for when you returned to us. Hassag planned everything while Zithing, Kalsig, and Sogig did the preparation, cleaning, and cooking."

A number of questions went through Kaiden's head, but the first one that stuck was the method for information transfer. "How did the five of you learn about that? The Roost was just told this morning."

Hassag spoke up from behind him, voice monotone and matter-of-fact. "Kytskir contacted me via his data pad after you left and told us that we should welcome you home in a way that was celebratory, but short on 'pomp and circumstance'."

Haklys pushed the sliding door open more fully and squeezed his way in, using his tail to shut it behind himself. "Haklys put the plan into motion very quickly. All of the Drones were eager to assist, and--" he paused as a timer went off in the kitchen. "--and Zithing made a cake to mark the occasion."

The Greater Drone led Kaiden to the sofa and encouraged him to sit, accepting a tray from Sogig, who winked at the Human before disappearing back into the kitchen. Hassag offered the tray to the young man; a cool, mixed drink sat atop a small cocktail napkin, condensation dripping down the edge of the glass. "Zithing has been practicing his mixology, Kaiden. I understand that you enjoy Mai Tais."

The four Ilsit treated him like a king. The three Drones made constant trips between the living room and kitchen, handing trays off to Sogig while picking up previous ones, each time leaving something for Kaiden to enjoy. After his drink, three different kinds of appetizers, and then a small set of finger sandwiches, all three of the Drones emerged carrying a large cake between them. Sogig was again the one to address it. "Considering Haklys is of significant size and would require an equally large spice, Zithing wished to prepare a cake that everyone could enjoy."

Even as the Drones held the platter, Sogig brandished a serving knife and, using it with the flair and finesse of a skilled butcher, the Greater Drone carved up the cake with an odd flourish that looked fancy, yet not a single move was wasted. In the end, everyone present had a piece of cake-- Haklys' was over half of the entire confection. The dragon said simply "Xyn vyhg hyss sssyr."

The rest of the Ilsit followed suit, raising their cake and repeating the statement in unison. "Xyn vyhg hyss ssyr!"

Although Kaiden was still somewhat new to understanding the Ilsit tongue, the phrase was a common one, and he remembered its meaning. He spoke the 'toast' in English. "The sun rises each day."

It was a strange saying which, at face value seemed to have no real substance behind it, but for the Ilsit, who lived lives based on a degree of stability, normalcy, and recognition of the past, it was a reference to life continuing on in a steady manner. Oddly enough, it was often used as a congratulations for a big life event which, in Kaiden's mind seemed strange since life events usually indicated a change, not a continuation of the norm.

His wandering mind was caught quickly by Haklys but, as usual, he was anything but direct. "You have not tried your cake, Kaiden Wilson. Are you displeased with it?"

The Humans hook his head. "Oh... no. Not at all. It smells great and looks beautiful... I'm just... trying to make sense of everything. It wasn't a long day, but it was a really busy one, with lots of changes."

The three Drones began to clean up while Sogig remained passively off to the side. Haklys had flopped down on the living room floor while Kaiden sat on the sofa; the dragon still had to look down at him. "It was a GOOD day, I hope?"

Finally putting a forkful of cake into his mouth, Kaiden reveled Zithing's apparent cooking skill, but he didn't let his mind wander a second time, quickly snapping back to the present to address Haklys' comment. "It was, yeah... I just didn't expect to be made into a teacher... and we have our own entire wing of the centre."

Haklys bowed his head in acknowledgement. "It would make sense if the Programme continues to keep the presence of Ilsit on a need-to-know basis... quite prudent."

Kaiden nodded, taking another bite of cake. He considered his day up to that point and came to a conclusion. "This is something new, but I'll make it work. Everyone's counting on me, and I know I can do this. It'll be great."

The Ilsit Major's tail slid back and forth across the carpet. "That is a very good mindset to have, Kaiden Wilson. And your Roost will support you-- of that I am sure."

The young man found himself blushing, finishing off his cake; Kalsig swooped in and snatched the empty plate and fork from him the moment both were no longer useful. Taking a second to readjust from the distraction, Kaiden responded to Haklys' assessment. "I know they will. They all want to succeed, and I want them to succeed. I care for them all very much."

A deep rumble passed through Kaiden's entire body; Haklys was laughing. "Of that I have no doubt. Based on how much you smell like Prirn, I doubt anyone would question how much you love your Roostmates."

It was a rather blunt statement, but Haklys wasn't above them (usually for comedic value). Still, it was embarrassing. "I showered! Don't tell me you could smell... THAT."

Haklys ran an errant talon across the carpet in a lazy circle, firmly enough to make a sound of claw-against-thread, but not hard enough to do any damage. "Considering how much Prirn cares for you, and his capacity for romance, I believe it is safe to say that a single shower was nowhere near enough."

Kaiden had to admit that Prirn was quite the producer of fluids and, on top of that, he was one of the most doting of the Roost, not stopping at just rutting. "Well... we DID snuggle all night long."

The Dragon's scaled lips pulled back to reveal his sharp teeth as he smiled. "Although I presume I am not required to admit it, I freely do so: I am more than a little jealous, Kaiden Wilson."

The statement, sounding almost like a joke, but presented in so deadpan a manner that it was nearly impossible to tell. Kaiden was, once again, on the defensive. "You shouldn't be jealous, Haklys... I spend time with you and Vetlyk too."

The Ilsit Major rumbled softly, leaning forward to draw his forked tongue in (for what was for him) a small lick from Kaiden's elbow to the top of his head. "Given the opportunity, I also would not stop at just rutting."

The 'come on' was not normal for Haklys and Kaiden honestly didn't know what to think of it. "Are... you alright, Haklys?"

Flopping his hind legs out to the side of his body, the dragon revealed that the scale plates at his groin had parted and the first few inches of his member were peeking out. "I could be better... presuming you were interested."

Haklys had almost never been so forward and it further put Kaiden into an unknown gray area. "I... don't know what Vetlyk or the others would have to say about it."

The Dragon glanced at a data pad seated on the end table. "I let him know my intentions and he responded that you are your own Human. Considering you are your own Human and I am my own Ilsit, and we are both able to consent, and, considering we have an entire afternoon, I would very much like to... share memories with you."

The euphamism sounded much more like Haklys' humorous, round-about way of making direct suggestions, and it put Kaiden a little more at-ease. "I'm not saying 'no', but I'm also not saying 'yes'... but how about we just see where the afternoon goes?"

It was not a commitment but, even so, Kaiden already had a very good idea where things were headed and, judging from the huge grin on Haklys' face, the dragon did too.