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The Cohen Loop

Max & Carver, D

copyright comidacomida 2018

Despite all of the trials and tribulations of Tier Six, after enough time passed Max began to find his groove, and so did the rest of the students. With the final pair in attendance, class began for real and the information provided ramped up, not just in pace, but also in complexity. By the fourth week after the Cohens' arrival the students had gone from general genetic biology instruction to "cross genetic amalgamation through utilization of recumbent coding, retrovirus therapy, chromolportation and micro-phasology". It was a cutting edge science that barely been around longer than Max had been alive, and one that scarcely three out of 1.2 million Humans had been given the opportunity to study.

It was hard for Max to believe that he'd had Heather and Aiden as classmates for over two months; more than that, it was almost unbelievable that they had turned out to be good friends; even more impossible was the fact that the school year was coming to a close. Nobody had given it much thought, especially considering how intense the course work was. More than that, Max believed, nobody wanted to talk about Summer because it meant the end of the Humans' end of study on Water Earth.

The realization of that continued to weigh on Max more and more, especially when he realized that he had not been cleared to stay on Water Earth and there was no program release that would allow Carver to go back to Land Earth with him. It was something he knew was on both their minds but it wasn't something they wanted to bring up, as if talking about it would make it that much more real. It wasn't something Angel had to worry about, of course; a pregnant male Human would not be going back to Land Earth.

It was a too-simple work around and, as the days left on Land Earth went from the dozens, to less than a score, to countable on one hand Max was contemplating it more and more. He didn't want to get pregnant just so he could stay on Water Earth but, at the same time, he really didn't want to leave without Carver. The Cetacatian process turned out to be their introduction to advanced genetics and included an artificial mutation that changed Angel's physiology, resulting in the rapid growth of a uterus to hold the developing fetus.

Max remembered the black man's constant declarations of pain as his body went through the change during the second month. It was almost three months into the procedure and most of the discomfort apparently started to wane and Angel was upbeat. His discussions with Max and Carver were provided with all the life experience of an expert and he often referred to what he'd gone through as a good map as to what Max should expect. He said it was like going through a growth spurt again. Although that didn't sound particularly pleasant to Max every time Angel was asked if it was worth it his response was always the same "Hell yeah."

Unlike Phins, the experience of a male human's body changing to accommodate a pregnancy did not include a gender swap. Angel would continue to have all male sexual characteristics but, ultimately, when the child was ready to be born it would have to be with surgical assistance-- something Angel jokingly referred to as a ceta-cesarian-section. He seemed far more upbeat with the prospect than Max would have given the situation. Then again, Max hated the idea of any kind of procedure that resulted in him getting cut open.

Angel continued to take a combination of hormone supplements and vitamins; he would continue that regimen through the birth and for several months thereafter as his body healed and recovered. According to the study material almost 80% of Human males would lactate sufficiently to be able to breast feed but the Tier 6 class had already discussed at least a half dozen contingencies to accommodate if he didn't. It was a good feeling for Max when he thought how well they had come together into a cohesive group.

Aside from Cetacatian, the class continued much as it always had. There were advanced theories presented and peeks behind the curtain that had been put in place separating the vast majority of humanity from what was really going on across the loop in Water Earth. There were plenty of secrets for the Phin students to learn as well and everyone devoured the information as quickly as it was presented. What really caught Max by surprise was that so much of the material also seemed to be new to Warm Shallows Drifter as well.

Although the material itself became so much harder to process it was somehow a lot easier to get through; Max attributed it to his classmates-- his friends. Even though he had reservations about a Tikk joining them Aiden had meshed with surprising ease and Heather seemed just as at home with Phins as she did with the Humans. It made sense, of course, since Station Zero was supposed to be the first official joint settlement. The information that the two cousins brought with them was mind-blowing and, as far as Max was concerned, if the races were able to accomplish that much together than it made so much more sense that the Unity Programme was pivotal to the success of both races.

All of these thoughts and more ran through the young man's head as he sat in the cafeteria, surrounded by his friends and looking down at his meal. The brunch meal consisted of a variety of Water Earth foods, a cuisine that had taken some getting used to but, by that point was as normal to him as eggs and toast. He picked at the kelp salad on his plate as the discussion continued around him. Heather and Aiden were joking with Swimmer and Coaster about something that had escaped Max's notice, but he put forth enough effort to at least offer a smile and a half-chuckle so as to give the illusion that he was part of the conversation.

He was pulled out of his own musings by the gentle pressure of Carver's tail on the back of his calf. The Amplus leaned over and spoke quietly in English. "Is everything alright, Max? You have been quiet today."

He shrugged, putting down his utensil before leaning his head against the large Phin's shoulder. Max let out a sigh. "Missing Angel and Seraph, I guess."

The couple had started spending more and more time isolated outside of class. They were subjected to constant tests and diagnostics to carefully monitor the growth of their child (a calf, according to initial reports) and rarely ate meals with the group. The vast majority of everyone's day was spent in classes and the only time the two were able to get in for check-ups were the short breaks the Tier Six class had for meals. Nobody in Tier Six had much free time, especially the pregnant couples.

Charlie and Clicker, however, had joined the group for lunch. Charlie was really starting to show her pregnancy, and Clicker was overtly proud about that fact, grandstanding her every opportunity he had. As usual, Charlie's keen ear picked up on Max's conversation with Carver. "It's okay, Max. We already checked with Seraph and he promised us that they'd have tomorrow free."

It was hard to believe that the class only had one more activity day together. There was some comfort in knowing that Angel and Seraph would be able to spend it with everyone but just thinking about it made Max all the more uneasy. Apparently that feeling made its way around the table and everyone grew quiet, even Coaster and Swimmer, who were traditionally one of the most vocal pairs of their pod. Eventually it was Swimmer who spoke up. "Anyone given any thought into what we'd do for our last activity day?"

Coaster and Swimmer were both starting to show; the two female Phins were pregnant together with one anothers' calves-- it was confirmed that they'd be expecting two Phins. Like Angel, Swimmer would be staying on Water Earth, but, of course, that only made sense since her family was already there. Max had also heard that Swimmer had already been in talks with some of the Unity Centre programme directors about joining in with the faculty to teach classes for Phins heading to Land Earth. That would be after her calf was born, of course, and at that point he'd be back to being Andy.

Max didn't realize he'd dived into his own thoughts again until Swimmer spoke up, calling him back into the discussion. "What about Tailor, Snyder?"

"Huh?"

Coaster elaborated. "Do you know how Tailor is? She left class before we stopped for second meal and she is not here in the cafeteria."

Tailor had given birth several weeks prior. Out of everyone in the class except for maybe Jackson, Max was most in touch with her. Although she was still part of Tier Six she did a lot of her study alone and her Human partner spent a lot of his time running projects and reports back and forth. She would still be female for another five or six months through breast feeding-- well past the end of class, but, according to Warm Shallows Drifter, Tailor would be completing the class with them.

In addition to caring for her calf, Max also knew that she was spending more time with her calf's father, Striped Instructor. With his Phin partner so often indisposed, Jackson had started spending more time with Angie Mae. The two had been growing closer over the past few weeks and if Max were to guess he had a feeling that they were quite likely becoming an 'item'. Although he'd first worried that it would upset Roller, the Longos seemed to have come to grips with it and gave the two space when they were not in class. In return, Jackson was courteous enough to let the two work as partners in class without disruption.

As far as that partnership, Max was overjoyed that the two had finally started to resolve their differences. It had been a long road, but, even as he looked across the table at Angie Mae and Roller he was pleased that they were laughing and joking together; even if she was closer to Jackson than Roller, Angie Mae no longer kept her partner at arm's length. It was for the best, Max reasoned, and they worked better together for it-- their entire social group worked better for it, in fact. It was an interesting and unfortunate contrast to Greg and Hunter's relationship.

The Human and Album continued to be the perfect odd couple with Hunter bossing Greg around as much as ever but, to Max's surprise, about two or three weeks after the Cohens' arrival Greg had started talking back to and objecting to the orders of the Album. They got into some pretty heated arguments over fairly menial topics; Max had never seen Greg get so worked up outside of those moments of head-butting and conflicting points of view.

The crazy thing, Max observed, was that Hunter seemed to really like being told 'no'. As far as he knew there wasn't a single member of the Tier 6 class that didn't recognize their arguments for what they likely were: foreplay. Even with that contention in their midst, the entire pod had become a cohesive unit-- all the more heartbreaking that their time together was nearly at an end.

Heather, who was sitting on the other side of Max from Carver put her head on his shoulder. "Hard to believe our time at the Center's almost over, huh?"

It was the single line that none of them had yet managed to work up the will to say. With it out in the open everyone fell silent again. A scant three months prior Max wouldn't have known how to deal with a half-Phin girl leaning against him, or her Tikk cousin, who sat on her other side. Out of everything he'd have to accept he'd originally had thought that they would have been the most difficult but they had proven him wrong. Both Aiden and Heather were wonderful, caring, and amazing individuals and he was surprised every time he considered just how easily they had become his friends.

The year was coming to a close, and all of the relationships Max had made during his time on Water Earth were also coming to a close. He had no illusions about maintaining them across the vast space between Seattle and Water Earth which meant that--

He had a hard time finishing the though, his eyes watering as he hugged Heather with one arm and Carver with the other. The time he'd had in Tier Six had been priceless and he realized that he was a member of a very select few individuals who had been given the chance to peek behind the curtain. What that meant in the big picture however was that he'd missed the entire last month of the Unity Programme which included placement applications and interviews for Humans who wanted to continue serving on Water Earth and for Phins that wanted to migrate back to Land Earth.

Neither he nor Carver had been cleared for continued service abroad, so what would happen to them? He tried to bring that thought up but he choked on his words. Before he realized it he was crying. In most circumstances he would have been embarrassed about breaking down in the midst of all of his friends but, to his surprise, he was not alone in the expression of emotion; Angie Mae began crying, Greg's eyes water freely, and even Jackson had to wipe away a tear or two. The only one not crying, in fact, was Heather. She reached her second arm around to give Max a full hug. "Why all the tears? You should be happy, Max! We've almost made it, and we'll make it as a pod."

The comfort and encouragement was enough to help him feel a little better-- just enough that he was able to respond even as he continued crying. "I-- I just can't believe it's almost over I... don't think I'm ready for it to end."

Aiden's fluke gave Max a gentle thwap on the lower back. "Do not be so down, Max. We are all moving on to bigger and better things."

Max's tears started coming more freely again as he reached under the table and squeezed Carver's hand; was everything starting to fall apart already? "I don't think there's anything bigger or better out there."

Heather opened her mouth to respond but she was cut short as Warm Shallows Drifter appeared in the hallway whistle-clicking his direct order to the entirety of their group. "Students. Return to the class room. Lunch has ended and we have important topics to discuss before you are released early for the day."

In all the time the class had been part of Tier 6 they had only ever been released early once, and that was when Aiden and Heather were soon to arrive. The fact that the school year was nearing an end made the declaration all the more ominous and Max's trepidation began to grow exponentially. Carver remained at his side, providing him physical comfort but it did little to settle his disquiet mind. As if sensing his emotional troubles, Aiden stepped up beside him, offering a gentle "All will be well, Max."

A scant two months previous the close proximity of the Tikk would have done the exact opposite of providing a calming presence but, as the young man had learned over time, Aiden was a good guy, and a good friend. With a Tikk on one side of him and his beloved Amplus on the other Max entered the class room. He fought to steady his heart beat by focusing on his breathing; after realizing he'd almost started hyperventilating, the Human forced himself to measure his inhalation and exhales, breathing in slowly through his nose, and letting his breath out through his mouth. He finally took a seat as everyone else also got settled.

Warm Shallows Drifter wasted no time in getting to the point. "After today, the Unity Centre will be readjusting its trajectory of travel and will be heading north to B27. The final week of classes will take place during that time and then all exchange students will be traveling back to Land Earth. Water Earth students will remain aboard the Unity Centre. Those graduating from the program will either be overseeing the transfer of students to and from Land Earth, or else traveling through the Gateway to begin their appointed studies or work programs on the other side."

Max was tempted to slap his hand against the water to interrupt what sounded like a prepared statement but he ws still mortified by the moment having finally come; Warm Shallows Drifter was explaining that his time with Carver was at an end. He began to cry again.

The instructor continued. "All Tier 1 through Tier 5 students have already been processed and have their travel plans prepared."

Something about the sentence sounded like a segue, and it was enough to catch Max's attention and forestall his further emotional wreckage. Angel took the opportunity to speak up. "You got any word on what's gonna happen with me and Seraph, Teach?"

Warm Shallows Drifter let out a lengthy click of displeasure at being interrupted but, nevertheless, he did provide an answer. "Yes, Angel. I was arriving at that very topic before I was interrupted."

Seraph wrapped his arms around the black man and pulled him in for a hug, speaking quietly. "Shush now, my little otter... let him finish, THEN ask questions."

The Longos at the front of the room waited a moment longer before continuing. "Classes of Tier 6 will officially conclude as of today. Your activity day tomorrow will be focused on preparing for the week long journey."

Despite Max's desire to be mindful, he couldn't help himself. "So... we're going home? That's it? It's over?"

Warm Shallows Drifter let out the same lengthy click identifying the fact that he didn't appreciate the interruption but, rather than respond, he simply reached out and pressed a button on a data pad in front of him at his desk. A voice piped up; it was a Human speaker. Male. Max would have guessed late fifties or early sixties. "Hello. Warm Shallows Drifter? Am I on?"

The Longos responded simply. "Yes, sir. They can hear you."

The casual nature of the speaker continued, but the man took on a much more celebratory tone to his words. "Hello Tier Six class. I am so pleased to hear that the majority of you will be concluding your studies at the Unity Centre and I look forward to meeting you."

A few whispers arose from the partners in the room; Max simply continued to listen, giving Carver's hand a squeeze. The Amplus squeezed back. Rather than confusion, like the rest of the class, Heather and Aiden were much more at peace with what they were hearing. Heather even took the opportunity to say "Hi Uncle Nathan!"

That single greeting was enough to cause the complete and total breakdown of order within the class-- and within Max's mind. Were they on the line with Nathan Cohen? His response answered that question, and revealed a playful nature to his personality. "You just refuse to let me have my mysterious introductions, don't you?"

Aiden took his cousin's side as he addressed the class. "That's my great uncle, Nathan Cohen on the line. He's always like this."

Suddenly struck with that realization, Max's ennui was banished. He was really being addressed by Nathan Cohen? Why would someone so important talk to a class at the Unity Center? And, more importantly, why reach out to them when their time on Water Earth was coming to an end? That question was quickly answered by Warm Shallow Drifter. "I was informed this morning that Heather and Aiden will be overseeing the transfer of Tier Six students. Travel permits have already been obtained for the class and none of you will be joining the Unity Centre on its trip back to B27."

Carver was out of his chair in an instant, far more animated than Max had ever recalled seeing him. "You get to stay? Max! You get to stay!"

In that moment Max realized just how well Carver had done working to be his rock. The Amplus' similar exclamation released all of the pent up confusion, frustration, and fear that he'd been secretly mirroring in Max's own worries, yet Carver had internalized them all so as to be supportive. He promised to chastise the Amplus later about it but, in the moment, the Human was just too happy to be angry, and they embraced.

Nathan Cohen's voice spoke up from the data pad. "That would be Lone Carver, I assume? The class' only Amplus?"

Warm Shallows Drifter answered for Carver. "Yes, Dr Nathan Cohen, that is correct. His partner is Max Snyder."

Max's heart almost stopped when he was addressed directly by the famed scientist. "Max-- are you willing to accept an initiation for immersion study on Water Earth?"

The young man was definitely not ready for the question. "I-- what about-- but-- isn't my visa only for--?"

The relaxed chuckle from the data pad made Max blush. "Relax, Max. The Centre has already prepared all of the documentation and your parents have already signed the release. When they found out that your grades were in the top 3% of your transfer class and that the entirety of your stay here would be covered by a scholarship they already gave their consent."

The simple way in which the man had explained so much in so few sentences sent Max's head spinning. He was still trying to grasp the fact that he didn't have to leave Carver and he was suddenly adding an invitation to an all-expense-paid immersion study program? AND he was in the top 3% of grades? When and HOW had that happened? Rather than answering the question, one of his own slipped out. "What about Carver?"

It was as if Nathan was ready for the inquiry. "Watcher has also been notified and he has provided his consent for Carver to likewise take part in the internship. You will remain partners."

The Amplus was definitely ready with his answer, hugging Max with every 'yes'. "Yes. No question, Nathan Cohen. Yes. Please. Yes."

Angel was next to speak up, leaning over and patting them both on the back. "Hey... congrats you two. You may not have calf started yet like us, but you deserve it."

Another chuckle similar to the first from the data pad called attention from everyone again. "Tyrone Simpson, I'm guessing? How's Cetacatian treating you, Angel?"

The black man had no filter, or he had no appreciation for the man with whom he spoke. "A lot better than last time, that's for sure. It'd been better if I didn't have to go through all of the secrecy crap and lose our first calf."

Warm Shallows Drifter let out that disapproving click before denoting "This is not a topic to be debated, Angel. You have no--"

Nathan interrupted him via the data pad. "You have every right to be angry, Angel, and I am very sorry you had to deal with that hardship. Station Zero and I have every intention to make it as right as we can and I assume by now Heather has provided you and your mate your immigration data sticks?"

Angel's severe expression immediately turned around to elation. "Hell yeah! Can't wait to get to Station Zero. I hope your killer nightlife can compare to Miami!"

The entire class froze in place and Max joined them; Angel and Seraph were moving to Station Zero? Angie Mae was the first to put voice to that question. "Angel... you and Seraph are going to live at Station Zero?"

Nathan answerd that question. "Yes. In fact, so will Max and Carver; the study program will take place here in one of our procedure centers. It is a very tightly screened program and we only permit a dozen new entries each year."

Charlie, who had remained quiet throughout the discussion finally spoke up, both hands holding her belly as her partner held up two data sticks. "Clicker and I also got an invitation. We'll be going too."

Nathan didn't miss a beat. "If you are Charlice Brenner thenthat means the other young woman was Angie Mae Kline?"

Angie Mae was a little at a loss for words but she managed to say "Yes, sir."

The famed scientist didn't miss a step. "Well then, Ms. Kline, I have to congratulate you as I've been informed that your scores during Water Earth rate you as the top graded Human out of all transfer students. You and your partner Roller are also getting an invitation to join us at Station Zero."

She started crying immediately but she still somehow kept her voice even. "I-- yes! Yes! Please!"

Nathan continued. "Gregory Brown and Tenacious Hunter have the highest combined total grade for all student pairings. Congratulations both of you. Are you there?"

Hunter spoke up immediately. "Of course we did. And of course we are. Thank you Nathan Cohen. We would be honored to accept your invitation, wouldn't we, Greg?"

Greg's response was much simpler. "Thank you, Dr. Cohen."

That good humored laugh preceded his response. "You're very welcome. Now... that covers all of the partnerships who are joining us at Station Zero. I understand that Andy 'Swimmer' Butler is going to be staying at the Unity Centre with his family and Coaster will be joining him?"

All eyes turned to Swimmer and Coaster, who were seated at their table in the corner. It was Coaster who spoke up. "We're both pregnant and Swimmer's parents are here. We already put in the request before we knew about the invitation."

There was a lengthy pause from the other line so Warm Shallows Drifter stepped up to continue the conversation. "Dr Nathan Cohen, is it possible that we could maintain an invitation for Andy Butler and Coaster to join next year's intake for entry into your immersion study?"

"I can't make any promises but promise I'll look into it."

Something about the impression Max got from the man via the data pad led him to believe that Nathan would do just that and, if there was a way, he would try to make it happen. Swimmer's smile gave him the impression that he wasn't the only one who felt that way. "Thank you, Dr. Cohen... I think that'd be really... uh... cool."

Nathan laughed again. "Yeah. 'Cool' is putting it mildly. Just keep that mindset and keep up with your studies and if it's possible then next year we may just extend the invitation to the two of you again. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and those calves."

Coaster let out an affirmative whistle-click. "We will, Dr Nathan Cohen. Thank you!"

Another lag in the conversation gave Jackson the chance to slap the water before speaking. "Dr. Cohen... this is Jackson Robberts and... and I don't have my partner anymore. I think Tailor said that she was going to be staying with Striped Instructor for the rest of her pregnancy, which means she isn't going to be continuing on to Station Zero."

The voice from the other side of the data pad confirmed the conjecture neutrally. "Yes. I was informed that was the case."

Jackson shifted in his seat uneasily. "Where does that leave me?"

The class' attention went to him and Angie Mae reached out to take his hand. They shared a glance, eyes lingering on one anothers' gaze and the pain struck Max empathically; he had only recently thought he and Max would part but to see that as a very real possibility for Angie Mae and Jackson-- it didn't sit well with him.

Nathan Cohen, however, already had an answer prepared. Although he spoke in as much an official tone as Max had yet heard from him there was a sense that he was doing so in an almost sardonic or satirical manner. "Having a preassigned partner is a ruling made by the Unity Programme, Mr. Robberts. There are a number of Tikk here at Station Zero who do not have Human partners and, if you are interested in accepting an invitation for a new Phin I have no doubt that we will find one to help facilitate your continued interaction."

There was absolutely no hesitation in Jackson's reply. "Yes sir. I would please. Thank you, Dr. Cohen."

Rather than continue the discussion, the response from the data pad was quick and to the point. "Well, it sounds like we have everything settled then. Warm Shallows Drifter, if you would please make certain that you finish out your obligations before dismissing the class, I would be appreciative. Congratulations to all of you, and I look forward to meeting most of you in person soon."

Their instructor kept the follow-up simple. "You will spend your activity day preparing for your departure. You will gather your things and add them to a pallet being set up in the cafeteria. Your skiff will depart tomorrow night."

The speed at which everything was happening made Max's head spin but he managed to keep focus when Carver's hand sought his out and gave it a gentle squeeze. The Human looked to his Amplus partner and the two exchanged a smile. Swimmer splashed the water with her tail before asking "Any chance we can organize a going away party for everyone heading to Station Zero?"

Warm Shallows Drifter picked up his instruction material and the data pad with which Nathan Cohen had spoke to the class. "When I walk out of this classroom I cease to be your instructor. What you do with your time is entirely up to you, Swimmer... but I believe it would be a very nice sentiment, yes. On that note, it has been a joy and a privilege to help educate each and every one of you, and to learn along side you."

There was nothing more to be said at that point, and Warm Shallows Drifter ducked down into the water, and swam out of the class room. It was the first of many farewells to come.