The Cohen Loop
Rejects, Part 4

The awkward discussion over dinner led to an opening up in the relationship Mason had with Roller.  The Longos engaged him in conversation more often; they still spent plenty of time apart and each tending to his own tasks but Mason finally felt like he wasn't being avoided or ignored.  By the time the term ended he actually felt like he could almost consider Roller a friend.  It was a far cry from their first weeks of interaction when Mason wondered just how bad it would get; things were... good.

Another term passed and they continued to develop their relationship, focusing on interaction and familiarity; Roller started joining him and Gamer when they had their get-togethers and hung out.  Mason had never been that great at making friends but, between Gamer and Roller, the young man finally began to feel like he wasn't pathetically inept in social situations.  That trend continued as the year came to an end and the three started hanging out together more and more often.

They didn't share many classes; Mason saw Gamer in a single class that year and Roller in only three, yet their spare time was often felt in one another's presence.  The Human could tell that it was doing just as much good for Roller, who started to come out of his shell and injected more openness and personality into their interactions.  It was a good thing, and Mason actually felt happy.

Annya, Gamer's partner was usually not part of their hanging out.  Although she wasn't anti-social by any means, she was obsessively dedicated to her classwork; having apparently failed to qualify for a spot at the Unity Centre she was double-committed to making things work at the Academy.  That wasn't to say that she never found time to hang out with her partner but, more often than not she spent her hours studying-- even going so far as to lead two study groups and partaking in two others.

Every now and again she did find opportunities to spend time with her partner and, at those times, Roller made himself scarce.  By the third or fourth time Mason was able to put the pieces together and realize that the Longos was still gun-shy when it came to females.  To be honest, after hearing Roller's story, Mason could empathize and he was surprised that the Longos did so well around Humans at all.

Even though most of Mason's memorable moments took place in his free time, classes continued to go well for all of them.  He was far ahead on his education, having surpassed expectations by learning almost two years of course work in just under one.  Having further refined his studies, Mason had taken an interest in anatomy and physiology.  He'd moved past the various files available on his data pad when it came to Humans and Phins so he progressed to studies of comparative species on Land Earth and Water Earth.

There were numerous animals that appeared on both but there were differences-- not the least of which being sequential hermaphroditism on Water Earth versus the male-and-female division state found among the vast majority on Land Earth.  More than that, he began to study hermaphroditism on Land Earth and the few cases where there was more than one sex on Water Earth.  It led to a comparative analysis on a number of other topics, enough to the point that he started to work on partner studies with more than one of his teachers.

Not everything was good, however, and the stress started to mount up again when the term was coming to a close.  When Mason had first arrived at the Gora Ridge Academy he was convinced that it was just another jail of a school but, with the end of his stay rapidly approaching he came to the realization that he was going to miss it.  No other institution of learning had managed to engage him and help him realize his potential.  When his father had implied that he'd be a new person for the experience, Mason had rolled his eyes but, having spent his time at the facility he was glad that his dad was finally right about something.

One week before the end of his stay, Mason was hanging out with Gamer and Roller in the facility's cafeteria/cafe to distract him from the pending conclusion to that part of his life.  They had gathered on Saturday and without classes that meant they'd be able to hang out all day.  Annya was doing some extra-credit activity for her bio-chemistry class, which meant it was just the three guys and that was just fine with Mason since it meant that Roller was more open and relaxed.

The three of them were casually messing around at their table as they eat, exchanging jokes, talking about funny anecdotes about the time they spent at the academy, and, as the day continued on, started wondering about what would happen next.  Roller was the most optimistic. "At the end of the week I have a review with the deans to see if I can apply for a position at a research station on Water Earth."

That statement caught Mason by surprise. "After spending so much time with Humans you want to go back to Water Earth?"

Roller offered a clicking-chuckle in response before explaining "The research station is a Human colony.  Several of my friends from the Unity Centre were assigned there and I still want to end up there eventually."

Gamer gave the floor a light slap with his fluke, speaking up next. "I am glad I came from Water Earth, but I want to explore.  I like the idea of not going home.  If I can find a way to get a position at the Unity Centre on Land Earth that would work... or even a facilitator at a Phin settlement here."

Mason smirked. "And, if you're on Land Earth, it's a lot easier to play Dragon World Apocalypse, right?"

Both Phins chuckle-clicked and, without missing a beat, Gamer didn't bother countering. "That is just an added bonus, Mason."

They all shared another laugh and as things quieted down Roller asked the dreaded question. "What about you, Mason?  What are your plans?"

The happy feelings drained out of the discussion immediately for the Human.  Letting out a sigh, he put his elbows on the table and then put his face in his hands. "I really don't know, to be honest... I mean... I know what I'd LIKE to do... but--"

Both Phins looked at him closely.  Gamer asked "What would you like to do then, Mason?  Assuming you could, I mean?"

Opening his mouth, Mason was more than willing to answer until he realized he didn't have a response.  The silence was interrupted when the vid-screens broadcasting some silly background show suddenly went blank and the splash page for a 'Channel 104 Special News Report' flashed across the monitors.  Everything went quiet in the eatery as the numerous students looked up to whatever screen was most convenient.  A moment later the graphic dissolved, showing a news anchor.

Mason wasn't familiar with the news anchor since apparently Channel 104 news was recorded on the east coast of the US; the words identified him as 'Liam Fabre'.  He spoke up immediately.  "Good evening.  We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming with this special report."

He rotated in his seat to look at another camera; Mason could tell he was reading off of a teleprompter.  "Christina Valentine, outspoken critic of the Unity Programme was pronounced dead at Elliot Hospital in Manchester earlier this evening."

The camera panned over to a second anchor and she began talking but Mason's attention had already transferred to Roller, whose attention was locked on the closest screen; apparently Mason had remembered the name right-- Christina Valentine was Roller's first partner.  Reaching over, the Human took hold of the Longos' hand; Roller jumped in surprise, glancing down before quickly grasping it in response, attention returning the monitor.  Mason did the same as the report continued.

The male anchor continued from where the female had left off. "The New Hampshire state police released a statement, identifying the injury as self-inflicted and they have ruled the death a suicide.  We go now to a news conference with her parents, currently underway."

A new feed played on the screen; it looked as though it was an on-site interview and it was taking place in a warm-looking living room complete with peach-colored walls with a large wooden cross on it and a light-colored upholstered sofa with floral prints.  A slightly overweight man with thinning hair and a thick pair of glasses was seated on one side of the sofa and on the other side was a short woman with long, very red hair pulled up into a bun; her eyes were puffy and damp.  Both held one another's hand between them on the middle cushion of the sofa.

The woman spoke up first. "As many of you know, our beloved Christina spent the last fourteen months fighting against the unlawful non-disclosure agreement and gag orders enforced by the Unity Programme.  We have stood beside her as she fought her crusade against inequity and false information.  Our little girl loved God and would never do something like this."

Her voice faltered and the man gave her hand a squeeze, speaking up where she left off. "We know that the reports are wrong; Christina never would have killed herself, and we are going to hire a private investigator to uncover what's really going on.  If we find that the Unity Programme had anything to do with--"

The video feed cut and returned to the news studio where the female anchor spoke up "Ms. Valentine spent the last ten months in and out of psychiatric institutions undergoing a variety of evaluations.  After being ejected from the Unity Programme, she was quoted during numerous interviews that the Programme was hiding facts, limiting the dissemination of information, and even at one point claimed to have been impregnated by a Phin."

The camera returned to the man as Mason gasped in surprise; several of his fellow students echoed the sound.  The male achor continued. "Ms. Valentine's claims were disproven by two independent physicians, challenging her assessment that she had been pregnant or had a termination of her pregnancy.  Her psychiatric evaluations are yet to be released to the authorities who will be looking into why she was released two weeks ago after her most recent intake rather than being kept on site for observation."

The female anchor picked up after that. "Her parents vow to continue her fight against the Unity Programme, insisting that her death was under mysterious circumstances, and have made a direct challenge to the Programme, citing 'If we die then the world will know that they are silencing dissidents'.  We will provide more details on tonight's News at Ten."

And that was it.  Moments later the previous programming was restored but it went completely unheard as the entirety of the cafeteria errupted into a rolling boil of discussion; Mason's table was the one exception, where Gamer just stared at Roller, and Roller just continued staring at the screen.  It was left up to Mason to say something, and when he did he immediately regretted it. "Christina Valentine... that was your first partner... wasn't she?  Any idea why she would have--?"

The Human's gaze drifted to his partner while he spoke but the words ended the moment he saw that Roller was looking toward the East entrance into the cafeteria where two Humans and an Album had entered.  The Longos in charge of monitoring the students' eating area was talking to the newcomers and, as Mason watched, pointed toward him and his friends.  Three sets of eyes settled on them and, before young man knew it, the official-looking individuals were making their way over.

Roller stood up before they arrived.  He glanced down to Mason. "It was good getting to know you, Mason.  I hope you finish out the good year with high marks."

The farewell struck the Human, not only as odd, but as sudden.  "Wait, Roller-- what do you mean? Where are you--?"

He froze in the middle of his question when the three staff arrived; one of them was dressed in a security uniform and had a rifle.  The unarmed Human of the group spoke up.  He looked like he was barely a teenager and his voice further reinforced that impression; it still had the higher pitch tone of a boy who hadn't gone through puberty. "Roller?"

Roller nodded.  "Yes."

The pre-teen motioned to the doorway through which they'd entered.  Mason was pretty sure he heard an Australian accent when the boy said "This way if ya please."

The Longos followed without argument or objection but Mason wasn't content to leave it at that.  He stood up and moved to follow but, the moment he took one step away from the table the man with the gun. "Return to your seat, please."

Mason didn't follow once he was faced down but he also didn't sit back down.  "Where are you taking him?  He's my partner-- I should be able to go with."

The man's stoic expression didn't change.  "You aren't.  We're here for Roller and that's all.  Return to your seat."

Mason saw that the Album and the other Human had stopped but he focused on the security officer.  "This is about Christina, isn't it?"

The other two looked to one another and the armed man glanced their way; the Album nodded silently.  The security officer motioned to the young man.  "Alright... you too.  Come on."

Mason stepped into line next to Roller. "Hey... I got your back."

Roller exhale deeply through his blowhole.  "I wish you wouldn't have said anything."

The security officer remained where he was. "You too.  Come on."

Mason and Roller both turned back to see that he man was talking to Gamer.  Looking up from the table, the third member of the students' party looked around at everyone, grabbed his data pad, and moved to follow, saying only "Alright."

The five of them left the cafeteria amidst whispers, murmurs, and a plethora of eyes staring at them on their way out.  None of their accompanying escorts said anything until they were in the hallway and beyond any eavesdroppers.  It was the Album who spoke first. "What have you told your friends, Roller?"

Not stopping to have the conversation, the group continued at a fairly decent pace down the hall.  Roller spoke as he walked.  "Nothing that wasn't allowed.  I told Mason about my last two Human partners and why I was ejected from the Unity Centre Tier Seven."

Gamer clicked in an interruption. "What do you mean Tier Seven?  I thought there were only six tiers.'

It was, in truth, the first time Roller had ever specifically mentioned Tier Seven, not that it mattered to Mason since he didn't really know much about the Unity Centre.  He kept quiet as the official-looking Album continued his questioning without addressing Gamer's inquiry. "And they know about Christina Valentine?"

Roller again provided a succinct answer. "Just that she was my first partner."

Mason interjected "What's going on, exactly?  Is Roller in trouble or something?"

The Album came to a stop and the two Humans following did likewise.  He turned to regard Mason. "I am known as Senior Partner Council Speaker and I serve as a retained Lawer for the Unity Programme.  I am here to help Roller.  Who are you?"

Only one word came to his mind, and it was one that Album had spoken. "Lawer?"

Gamer murmured quietly. "Lawyer."

Senior Partner Council Speaker simply repeated his question in a bland tone. "Who are you?"

Mason took a step closer to Roller. "My name is Mason Weston and I'm Roller's partner here at the Academy."

Rather than address him, the Album instead pulled out a data pad and typed something in.  He glanced up after a moment. "Mason Filmore Weston.  Son of Elijah Mason Weston, owner of Weston Shipping."

The Human was surprised at how quickly the Phin had pulled up his profile.  It shook his confidence, just a little.  "Y-yeah... that's me."

Senior Partner Council Speaker looked back down at the data pad.  "You have a very commendable file, young man.  That will be to your benefit at the hearing."

Mason was confused.  "Hearing?  What do you mean?"

Roller let out a deep breath through his blowhole.  "It is why I did not want you getting involved."

Stowing the data pad, Senior Partner Council Speaker about-faced and continued down the hall, speaking aside to the unarmed Human accompanying them.  "Please notify Dean Marco Alcivar and Dean Accredited Supervisor that we have two other students accompanying us to minimize the chances of a class three information breach.  It will be up to them to determine whether they will be part of the hearing or addressed otherwise and legal council will defer to their judgment."

Gamer, who had been previously quiet, finally spoke up; Mason was glad to hear a hint of dissention in his voice as well as he asked in Phin  "A Class Three Breach?  What does that even mean?"

The boy accompanying the Lawer and security officer, spoke up for the first time since leaving the cafeteria to answer that very question. "The Unity Programme tries to be very careful about what information they let out to the public.  A 'Class Three Breach' is one that's really REALLY bad... only thing worse is a 'Class Four'."

The answer was helpful in a way, but not really all that revealing.  Rather than push the issue, Mason focused on the kid instead. "And what's your part in all this?"

The boy glanced over his shoulder. "I'm acting as Human Council in the hearing.  My name's Ethan Lee.  Ow ya goin mate?"

Mason had trouble comprehending what he was hearing. "You?  Council?  Like... a lawyer or something?  You're what-- fourteen?"

The kid laughed. "Twelve, but thanks-- I like it when people think I'm older."

Without missing a beat, Senior Partner Council Speaker interjected. "Ethan Jack Lee graduated at the top of his class and is serving as a junior lawyer in these proceedings before he attends a higher level firm at a Human settlement on--"

Ethan spoke over him "I don't like my middle name--  you REALLY don't need to use it every time you talk about me, Senior Partner Council Speaker."

Mason had a feeling that the discussion was about to shift to forms of address so he quickly butted in to keep the focus where he felt it needed to be "So you're both representing Roller then, or are you like... prosecution or something?"

Senior Partner Council Speaker motioned to the boy as they continued walking and Ethan answered the question. "Technically this isn't a court case so there's no need for a prosecution or defense team.  This is a hearing to review Roller's situation in light of recent news... and stuff."

The first part of Ethan's statement sounded almost exactly like what Mason would have expected to hear from a lawyer, but when the kid finished with 'and stuff', it really hammered home just how young the boy was.  That led him to as "So... you went to the Unity Centre?"

Ethan nodded, eyes focused forward as they approached the hallway Mason recognized as the one that led to the Deans' offices.  "Yep."

With no further answer, the group entered into the joined waiting room and Senior Partner Council Speaker went ahead into the offices.  Waiting with the rest of them, Gamer turned to Ethan and asked "Will this hearing be more like a quarterly review, a Phin peace-violation council or one of those long legal trials from Human movies?"

The boy glanced to Gamer and answered simply "No worries, mate.  Shouldn't be more than the avro.  I think the Deans already know what's-what and know how they wanna go forward."

Just as Ethan finished giving a very unclear explanation the door to both offices opened up and Dean Alcivar, standing at the left entrance, motioned to the students. "Roller, Mason, and Gamer... this way please."

Accredited Supervisor waited at the right door and motioned to Senior Partner Council Speaker and Ethan, addressing them in Phin "Follow me please." A moment later he addressed the security personnel. "Officer Oliver Blake, please wait here."

Something about going into the office without being followed by a guy with a gun was a calming event for Mason until he realized that there was some kind of hearing about to happen in which, for some reason, he had somehow involved himself.  Both Deans returned to their respective desks before sitting.  Dean Alcivar motioned to the six seats that had been spaced evenly opposite them. "Please take a seat."

Although Mason figured Gamer and Roller were wondering the same question, apparently it was left up to him to ask it. "There's five of us... why six chairs?"

Dean Aclivar smirked and answered cryptically "We will be joined shortly by a sixth guest.  In the meantime, Mason, would you please tell us what you know about Christina Valentine?"

Mason glanced to Roller then back to the two deans. "Just that she was Roller's first partner... and that a news report said that she committed suicide."

Accredited Supervisor followed up with another question. "That is all?"

Not sure what the two deans wanted to hear, Mason shrugged. "Yeah... I guess.  I mean, the news said that she was saying really crazy stuff like there was some kind of conspiracy to hide information from the public about the Unity Programme, and that she said something about getting pregnant by a Phin or something... I didn't hear anything about any of that stuff until the broadcast today."

Dean Aclivar nodded, writing something down on an actual piece of physical paper rather than a data pad.  He put down his pen before looking back up.  "I see.  And what has Roller told you about Christina?"

Still helpless in front of the numerous qustions without any idea where they were going with the inquest, Mason rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest as he sighed. "That she... uh... is afraid of spiders?  God damn-- what is it you want me to say?  We barely ever talked about her or his other partner... but I know he's here instead of graduated because he was protecting his second partner from being raped.  That's fucked-up, by the way... he's a good guy and he--"

Accredited Supervisor interrupted him "He did not tell you that he impregnated his first partner?"

Mason opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out; his brain had screeched to a halt and refused to go any further than hearing the statement repeat over and over without really registering.  Had the Phin just said what Mason thought he said?

Dean Aclivar continued.  "Ms. Valentine was ejected from the Unity Programme because of her inability to come to terms with the significance in a way that would allow her to maintain classes."

Gamer, who seemed to be having almost as much trouble as Mason with coming to terms with the bombshell that Accredited Supervisor had just dropped.  "Did you say that a Phin got a Human pregnant?"

Although the vast majority of Mason's brain remained locked in surprise a small part of it, the one that had such an interest in anatomy and physiology began working overtime.  The conversation taking place in the room disappeared into the background as the young man began to consider the ramifications of what he'd just heard.  Eventually he came to a singular conclusion, interrupting whatever it was Dean Alcivar was saying. "It's not just women, is it?  Phins can get guys pregnant too, can't they?"

All eyes turned to Mason and he fell silent.  Ethan was the one to address his statement.  "It's happened a few times.  My foster-brother from when I was at the Unity Centre actually got pregnant from his Amplus partner, and I heard that another guy in his class had a Longos' calf a little ways back."

Mason's mind was blown again, but the gears were starting to spin faster.  "Human males aren't meant to be able to carry a child to term.... but if the hormones responsible for a sex change in Phins were introduced into the mix then--"

A voice spoke up from the doorway. "The process is called Cetacatean.  We perfected it about a decade ago... but bravo for having come to that conclusion so quickly, Mr. Weston-- apparently the rumors of your capabilities were not over exaggerated."

Both Deans stood up, greeting the newcomer. Senior Partner Council Speaker addressed him. "Dr. Cohen.  Thank you for joining us."

Rather than acknowledging the greeting, the newcomer went straight over to Roller and held a hand out; the Longos accepted it and gave it a shake.  "Hello again, Dr. Cohen."

Gamer's eyes widened as much as the Phin physiology would allow; he was so surprised that his statement came out on Phin, which sounded particularly odd since it included a Human name. "Doctor Nathan Cohen?"

The man was rather unspectacular; he was of an average build and a little shorter than the young man; he had graying brown hair but his smile looked more like it belonged on a six year old, and so did the lively sparkle in his gray eyes.  The moment that gaze settled on Mason the teen suddenly felt so much less anxiety.  Dr. Cohen shook Gamer's extended hand then addressed Mason himself. "I've heard good things about the two of you."

The hearing took on a much different tone after that.