The Cohen Loop
Swimmer (Andy) & Coaster III
copyright comidacomida 2016

Never during the course of her education at the Water Earth Unity Centre had Swimmer ever been to Level  Four.  As per the usual Phin method, floors were numbered in ascending order the further you descended beneath the waves; most students spent the majority of their time far beneath the surface in the lower levels of the structure.  Anything higher (a lower number) than level six was usually reserved for staff but the Tier 6 education center was obviously an exception.

The first afternoon on Level Four was a whirlwind of chaos for the students as they attempted to familiarize themselves with the locations where they'd spend all of their time.  Thanks to Warm Shallow Drifter's basic introduction and identification of the nine doors they all had a rough idea of where to find everything but every last one of the six newcomers was right back out in the hall after spending a few minutes dropping off their personal effects in their respective rooms.

Swimmer and Coaster were the last to head out into the hallway, having taken a few extra minutes to hold one another close; Coaster was teaching Swimmer one of her family's Birth Songs so they could sing it together to their calves.  It was a pleasant quiet time, and a few seconds of peace and mental centering was good for them.  Things went straight back to moving a mile a minute however the moment they stepped beyond the confines of their apartment and into the common area.

Max and Carver were hanging out in the hallway and Max's glance toward the open door at the end of the hall told Swimmer all she needed to know.  "Lemme guess: Hunter didn't want to wait to check out our new classroom?"

Coaster responded with a neutral comment but the faint hint of humor made its way into her tone.  "He does enjoy being first in everything."

Swimmer slid her fingers into Coaster's grasp.  "Except it sounds like four students already got here before us."

Max shrugged.  "Well, I want to see where we'll be learning too."

Coaster gave a slight waggle to her beak, mimicking a Human nod.  "Oh yeah... I bet it'll be a lot nicer any general class room."

Carver moved to the front of the group and, since his position was not contested he waded down the hall until he reached the door at the very end.  Waiting no longer than it took for everyone else to fall in line the Amplus slowly pushed it open, revealing a decent sized room complete with what appeared to be four circular meal tables with four stools per table.  The long, thin room had a door to the left and right at either end of the room and the wall across had three.   Hunter and Greg were just exiting the door to the far right as everyone else followed Carver in.

Hunter, who had been speaking to someone else, finished up what he'd been saying as he turned to regard the newcomers.  The words were in Phin so it was easy to listen in.  "...a little while ago.  And it looks like they've decided to join us."

A step behind Hunter and Greg, Roller emerged from the room next and turned around to close the door they'd just exited.  Swimmer had seen Roller on one or two other occasions and recognized him by sight, but otherwise didn't know the Longos very well.  As anticipated there was no hint of recognition when the other Phin saw her.  Having apparently anticipated such a lack of familiarity Hunter went right ahead with introductions.  "You know everyone here-- Swimmer there is Andy Butler.  He's a Phin now that she's pregnant."

Before Swimmer had a chance to object to the rather forward introduction Max spoke up instead.  "Roller?  If you're here then does that mean--?"

As the oldest among the seven of them Roller was the second tallest, beat out only by Carver.  The Longos turned to look at Max and pulled the Human in for a hug.  "Thank you again for your help staying in the program, Max Snyder."

Once Max managed to escape the hug with reddened cheeks he waved away the compliment. "It's okay-- but, if you're here then that means Angie Mae is too?"

Roller gave a quick double-click affirmative and then stabbed at the air with the end of his beak.  "She is back in our apartment.  We arrived just a short while ago and when I came out to explore I found Gregory and Hunter."

Greg cleared his throat.  "It's Greg.  Greg's fine, thanks, Roller."

Coaster remained next to Swimmer, fingers still entwined with hers.  As usual, Coaster must have caught something that Swimmer had missed. "So you were in F-3 with Max and Carver?"

Roller turned to regard Coaster and responded in Phin.  "I was.  Yes."

Despite how relaxed she had always been in class Coaster's inquisitive and astute mind once again managed to connect the dots before Swimmer's.  "Then that girl you were partnered with.  She left the Centre because you got her pregnant?"

All eyes in the cafeteria turned to look at Coaster; Max and Greg seemed incredibly surprised by the question but Hunter seemed more surprised that Coaster had somehow made that leap of logic.  Roller's fluke lashed to the right. It was clear Phinine body language similar to a Human crossing their arms; his past partner wasn't something he wanted to talk about.  "Why Christina Valentine chose to leave is her own business."

Hunter click-chuckled as he walked up beside Roller.  "Well, it's probably your new partner's business too... just in case you might try it again she should probably know that you--"

The Album didn't get a chance to finish his comment; with a powerful lash of his tail Roller sprang from the water and landed atop Hunter, beak leading the way for a solid nose-to-nose strike followed by both fists.  The two turned the water into a roiling froth in the ten seconds it took for Carver to step in and break them up.  The Amplus stood there between the two with one in either hand held away from the other.  Max was shouting through the entire altercation but none of his words worked their way through the sound of splashing or the sharp trills of Phinine 'shouts'.

Silence descended immediately and fully when the door to the hallway opened and an attention-getting click-whistle from Warm Shallows Drifter clearly demanded "What is going on here?"

Swimmer was the first to speak up, quickly announcing the first thing that came to mind.  "Just a friendly Tiff, Warm Shallows Drifter."

Their instructor glanced around the room before looking at her.  "Is that so?"

All eyes and not just the professor's found their way to her.  She was committed to the story however, and as she spoke it was as much to everyone around her as it was to their teacher.  "If we're going to be a good class then we need to be unified, so what better way to do that than as a pod?"

Roller had since calmed down and Carver let him go.  The Longos let out a double-click which sounded more conceding rather than agreeing.  "It IS the best way to get along."

Warm Shallows Drifter was obviously not a stupid Phin and Swimmer realized that he readily knew there was more going on than anyone had said.  He looked next to Carver.  "I assume you are officiating this Tiff?"

Hunter looked ready to speak up but Carver beat him to it.  "Yes, Warm Shallows Drifter."

Again the rowdy Album made to speak but Roller chirped over him.  "Hunter won, so that means he gets to choose a seat for himself and his partner before Angie Mae and I get ours."

Although Hunter still hadn't been given an opportunity to say anything the Album immediately closed his beak; Swimmer realized that the Album wasn't going to ruin an advantage by insisting he speak his mind.  Roller was certainly a quick thinker on multiple levels.  Coaster gave Swimmer's hand a squeeze before speaking.  "It is getting late though everyone-- maybe we should head back to our rooms and settle in for the day."

The gathered students all agreed in a combination of mutters, nods, and flicks of tails.  Warm Shallows Drifter continued glancing around at the congregation, still obviously not convinced but he did not press the issue.  "Classes begin at 5:00.  Getting rest is not an unwise suggestion."

Everyone remained right where they were until the instructor left, and a moment later Greg was up next to Hunter, holding a cloth up to the Album's beak where a split in his skin was causing blood to leak out.  Although Hunter was fidgeting at the attention the Human wasn't giving up.  "Hold still.  You're bleeding."

Hunter appeared none too happy about the injury but weathered the attention.  "Of course I'm bleeding... Longos have better bone structure than Album for beak strikes."

Max and Carver followed Roller out, speaking quietly as they exited into the halls.  Swimmer remained behind with Greg and Hunter and Coaster stayed with her.  It took another minute or two until Greg had seen enough of the wound to enough that he chose to leave it well enough alone.  It was then that the Human started in with his objection.  "Were you LOOKING to get into a fight?"

Hunter hit Greg with a sonar barrage of trilling clicks as a counter to his chastising words.  The announcement was more a general expression of dismay and not wanting to talk about it but the sounds were chosen specifically because of the affect they had on the Human body; it was as effective as if the Album had shoved Greg away.  Hunter stalked off out of the room, announcing in English as he left "I'm going to bed.  Don't stay up late because we're waking up at 4:00."

Swimmer exchanged glances with Coaster and announced mutedly in Phin choosing a pitch so high that Greg wouldn't be able to hear.  "I want to stay here a little with him.  I'll join you in your room later, Love?"

Coaster gave Swimmer's hand another slight squeeze before disengaging without saying a word.  She passed by Greg, giving his thigh a light smack with her tail.  "You two don't stay up too late.  See you in class tomorrow, Greg."

Greg took a seat on a bench-like stool with his back to the table and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared down at the water lapping around his thighs.  Swimmer had seen the Human in that position often enough; back when they'd hung out (before Andy became Swimmer) Greg usually chose that posture when he was deep in thought.  The Longos sat down beside him, tail making slow, lazy figure eights in the water beneath the table.  She waited what felt like a respectable amount of time before speaking up.  "You alright, Brown?"

The Human shrugged, raising a hand up to rub at his forehead.  "Yeah, I guess.  I mean, mostly."

It was another of Greg's go-to answers; he didn't commit to any feeling one way or another, further indicating that he was thinking.  Swimmer's tail swayed far enough to the side that the fluke smacked him lightly in the small of his back.  "So what's the deal then?"

Back when she'd been Andy, Swimmer usually got her friend to open up with an insistent 'What's the deal?' and, thankfully it worked again.  Greg let out a sigh, reaching back to rub at where the tail had brushed him.  "Hunter's really excited about this Tier 6 thing and whenever Hunter gets excited he gets--"

"Whacko Crazy?"

It was another word choice she'd use often enough with Greg, but usually reserved for talking about parents, instructors, or the occasional foolish student out in the Dive Ball tank.  It was enough to get the Human to smile, if only a little.  "Yeah.  Hunter's got this whole idea in his head of really kicking butt at this Tier 6 thing but we don't even know a thing about it.  To be honest it's got me on edge and I think me being on edge has him on edge."

Despite not wanting to address Hunter's shortcomings with Greg, Swimmer couldn't help but comment on the most obvious issue.  "Being on edge is one thing but if he starts picking fights then it won't end well for any of us."

Greg turned toward Swimmer and stared for what felt like a long time.  Eventually his next words had nothing to do with Hunter.  "That's really you, isn't it, Andy?"

Swimmer felt the tell-tale tingle of a Phin blush and she nodded.  "Andy Butler-- the one and the same... only not exactly the same now."

The Human continued staring.  "So, you're half-Phin..."

The Longos nodded.  "My mom's a Human from Hawaii on Land Earth and my dad's a Longos from The Flow here on Water Earth.  I grew up back on Land Earth and--"

Greg stared a little closer, more than enough to make Swimmer uncomfortable.  "Is this the first time you've been-- I mean... looked like..."

Swimmer slid a few inches away from him before answering, moving a hand to rest on her stomach.  "Yeah.  I've been a Human my whole life, until... well..."

The Human paused, obviously having seen the motion.  He cleared his throat as he stood up.  "I thought I heard Max and Carver say something about-- uh... Andy... are you pregnant?"

The Longos nodded.  "Yeah.  So's Coaster."

Greg fidgeted as he glanced back toward the door that led to the hallway.  "Tailor, that University student's Phin partner is pregnant too.  Hunter said that Coaster got Max pregnant, but--"

Swimmer rested a hand on Greg's shoulder and the Human fell silent as he looked to her.  The Longos offered her best Phinine smile.  "Almost all of the Tier 6 class pairs are, or were pregnant.  I guess that's what Hunter must have been getting at when it came to Roller."

Almost defensively Greg suddenly announced "I'm not pregnant-- neither is Hunter."

A clicking-chitter-laugh escaped Swimmer as she responded to the comment, unable to help herself.  She quickly recovered from the reflexive action and noticed that Greg looked somewhat dejected.  It was a confusing reaction but Swimmer took it seriously.  "What's the problem with that?  I don't think it matters, Greg."

The Human let out a sigh, wading slowly toward the door.  "I think that's why Hunter's so grouchy... he really wants to be a mom some day and with everyone around him pregnant or recently pregnant I think he might end up going calf-crazy.  My bet is he'll start bitching as soon as I walk through the apartment door."

Swimmer stopped the displeased trill she was about to release and instead chose to remain positive.  "Just tell Hunter he can worry about that once he's done with the Programme.  There's plenty of time to get pregnant later."

Greg's grumbling reply was in a low tone, barely above a stage whisper, but Swimmer caught it anyway.  "I think he wants to get pregnant from a Human."

There really wasn't any response Swimmer could have thought of to respond to the comment and so she had no choice but to let it go as if she hadn't heard him speak the words.  She walked Greg back to his apartment since it was on the way to her own and stopped when he did.  "He'll come around, Brown; don't worry... just make sure you're there for him and that he knows anything stupid he does will affect both of you... and probably all of us too."

The Human offered a nod, and then, after another long pause, Greg murmured "I still can't believe you're a Phin."

"Half Phin."

A faint smile returned to Greg's face.  "Well... since we're on the topic, any other secrets you wanna tell me?"

It was a joke, but Swimmer couldn't help herself when she replied.  "I was deathly afraid of water until I was eight."

Greg wasn't stupid and he realized she was being funny.  "You're kidding."

Swimmer smiled back.  "Just a little."

The Human let out a sigh and held out his fist.  "Okay... thanks for hanging with me."

The Longos struck Greg's fist with her own.  "Hey, whether the rest of the Tier 6 really ends up being part of our Pod or not, we're still one, right?"

Greg's smile seemed just a little easier at that and he leaned forward to give Swimmer a tight hug.  "Yeah... yeah we are."

It hadn't been the best day, but at least Swimmer had succeeded in helping out a friend.  She hoped that things would improve for their first day of class since she was pretty sure there'd be far more to worry about than interpersonal conflict.  Pushing those thoughts out of her mind, Swimmer returned to her own apartment, eager to find the comforting calm of Coaster.  As expected, her lover was waiting in the common room for her and from there they both retired through the door leading to the left bedroom; they only needed one, after all.

* * * * * *

Swimmer was the first up in the morning and gingerly disengaged from her cuddling partner.  Laying down into the waist-high water, Swimmer silently floated her way out into the main room and used her tail to supply the thrust that took her to the kitchen.  The apartment came fully stocked, not only with furniture but also with consumables.  Ten minutes later she had a simple but filling breakfast ready and shortly thereafter Coaster joined her.

The two ate quietly, occasionally exchanging good humored glances at one another and, just as often, one another's abdomens.  Neither was showing yet and although Swimmer's wetsuit was a constant fashion accessory on her Coaster remained 'skin showing', which was perfectly acceptable as long as she didn't have a 'calf curve'.  They finished up their meal and spent a few minutes primping themselves, a moment or two grooming one another, and a few extra minutes generally just snuggling.  Swimmer didn't know if it was the change in her sex or her transformation into a Phin that left her feeling extra touchy-feely but she certainly didn't mind the additional physical contact.

When the time piece indicated that it was five minutes until five the two were ready to go.  They exited their apartment just in time to meet up with Max and Carver who, being right across the hall from them elected to join forces and head as a quartet down to the door at the end of the hallway.  Max looked like he hadn't slept well and Swimmer called him on it.  "Up late, Snyder?"

Max glanced toward her, blinking a moment before reaching up to wipe away the sleep from one of his eyes.  "Late?  Uh, no... just couldn't sleep."

Coaster was happy enough to hold the door open for everyone, offering up a comment to the lone Human in the group.  "When I used to have trouble sleeping as a calf my mom would toast up some algae and serve it with warm seal milk... that always did the trick."

Max made a face.  "Algae?  I'm not really sure that'd be a Human kind of thing.  Thanks though."

Carver walked through the door after Max, followed by Swimmer.  The Amplus commented in a casual manner.  "Plenty of Human cultures use algae in lots of dishes, Max.  I know you've eaten sushi-- isn't  the wrapping made of algae?"

The Human paused, stepping to the side to let everyone else through the door.  "I... think that's seaweed, Carver."

Swimmer click-chittered a laugh.  "Snyder-- seaweed IS type of algae."

Max's only response was a blush but Coaster swam to catch up and rose out of the water right next to him so she could a hand on the Human's shoulder.  "My mom works as a chef now and whenever I ask he always sends me care packages with all sorts of tasty foods.  If you want I can see if he can include some toasted algae next time."

He blushed at Coaster's offer, taking a step away as he shook his head.  "Nah-- I mean, no-- no thanks.  It's just the new surroundings and all of the not-knowing what's coming next.  I kinda worry a lot about-- uh... everything."

Carver moved up beside Max and slid an arm around the Human's shoulders.  "Thanks though, Coaster.  Maybe we'll make some toasted algae tonight and we'll see if it helps."

Coaster, always happy to offer assistance let out a happy whistle and moved right up next to Swimmer, taking hold of her arm as they went side-by side through the cafeteria and toward-- Swimmer suddenly realized she didn't know which door was the one for whichever class they had first.  Fortunately after only a moment's pause she realized that the door to the right was open; it was as good an indicator as any she'd ever seen and she headed that direction.  "This way, I think."

The two pairs stepped through the doorway and encountered a classroom surprisingly similar to the one where Swimmer and Coaster had spent the first part of their term on the Water Earth Unity Centre.  Other than the fact that it was smaller and had less seats the room was a near copy.  The appearance of the room wasn't much of a surprise, but what WAS exciting was the fact that many of their previously not-introduced classmates were in attendance-- and the fact that Max and Carver seeemed to know them... all of them.

Carver went straight to the black Human and his muscle-bound Longos partner while Max beelined for a pretty Human woman who had a distinctive belly showing that she was 'with child' and the Longos beside her seemed as equally pleased to see the Human and Amplus.  Max was surprisingly animated.  "Clicker!  I didn't know you and Charlie'd be here!"

Glancing around, Swimmer saw that Coaster was also watching the apparent reunion; the black man and the muscled Longos seemed equally as happy to encounter Carver.  Although she knew that Max and Carver had been in F-3 and that other students from F-3 would be joining the Tier 6 class she hadn't taken into account that they'd be on such familiar terms and, if her hearing hadn't deceived her, she was certain she heard the discussion of a pod.  Apparently she wasn't the only one, and Coaster clicked her way.  "Did they say they were a pod?"

Greg, who Swimmer had just noticed was seated at the front of the room waved to her.  Swimmer provided a nod and motioned for Coaster to join her as she moved to take a seat right behind Greg while Coaster got the seat behind Hunter; the Album looked impatient, but also somewhat subdued.  Unless she was mistaken, Swimmer was willing to bet that the partners had a talk (and probably some physical interaction) between the altercation the previous day and going to bed that night. 

There was no time for Swimmer to consider it further as Angie Mae entered into the room and took one of the two remaining front-row seats right next to Hunter.  Her partner Roller, the Longos who had been the second part of disturbing the peace was a step behind her and without a word he sat down in the chair on the opposite side of Angie Mae from Hunter; neither Phin so much as glanced at one another, although Swimmer did see that the Human woman did look at the Album to her right but she said nothing.  She also looked back toward Swimmer and Coaster.  There was no recognition in her eyes at first and then when her eyes settled on Coaster she seemed confused.

Swimmer's thoughts ceased their meandering however when Warm Shallows Drifter slid through the water and into the room before standing up.

He wasted absolutely no time.  "Alright, class.  Everyone please be seated and turn on your data pads.  We have a lot to cover today."

Although Swimmer had only seen an occasional glimpse of Jackson Robberts she was able to identify him immediately since he was the only student of college age; his partner, Tailor, was subdued, quiet, and VERY pregnant.  Like Hunter Tailor wore a wetsuit, but in her case it was due to the societal norm of a pregnant Phin to clothe her stomach.  Max and Carver took the seats directly behind Swimmer and Coaster while the black man Carver had been calling 'Angel' and his accompanying muscle-bound Longos took a seat behind Jackson and Tailor. 

The final pair, the ones Max had addressed as Charlie and Clicker took the rear two seats on the left side of the room, leaving two empty seats on the right side.  As if noticing the subtle glances from the room's students, Warm Shallows Drifter addressed just that.  "You will notice that there are a total of 16 seats in the room with only fourteen students.  There is no need to concern yourself with that for now as I am at the head of the class.  Attention here because you will need to focus as we go into our first topic: Amalgamated Genetics."

With no other delay or any further introduction, Warm Shallows Drifter went straight into the course material.  As Swimmer browsed the files on his data pad he realized that they were actually going beyond the discussion of comparing and contrasting the differences and similarities of the Phin and Human anatomy and physiology; they were actually going to discuss how the two races' biological systems worked in tandem... unified... as a single whole!

It wasn't long before someone spoke up, interrupting the professor.  It was the black man, Angel, who courteously slapped the water with a hand indicating a comment but he wasn't courteous about not waiting to be called on before speaking.  "Hey, Teach-- all this stuff makes it look like there's a LOT of info 'bout Humans and Phins poppin' out kids and calves together."

Warm Shallows Drifter fell silent, lowering his own data pad as he turned to regard Angel.  "That is correct, Mr. Simpson.  Cross species fertilization has been documented, studied, and researched for nearly four decades."

Swimmer, despite herself was unable to keep her beak shut and she was so surprised her words even came out in English rather than the Phinine she'd been practicing.  "You mean there were half-phin born before me?"

The Instructor gave her a blank stare.  "Assuming math is still irrefutable truth rather than a reasonable suggestion I would say it is fair to say so Swimmer, yes, seeing as you are less than forty years old."

Angie-Mae turned around in her seat and stared at Swimmer.  "You're half-phin?"

Swimmer, beyond the initial embarrassment of discussing it shrugged.  "It's not a surprise to anyone else.  You would have found out last night too, Kline-- that is, if you were feeling a little more socialab--"

"ANDY?!?!"

With so many interruptions in a row the class broke down into a series of questions being thrown from the students and countered by Warm Shallows Drifter.  What seemed like pure chaos initially, Swimmer later learned was in fact an anticipated discussion and the class was kept small specifically to be able to keep the open-forum style lecture.  Charlie asked why nobody had heard about the crossbreeds and the instructor explained that there were many reasons but the prominent one was to protect the privacy of those involved.  Max and Carver mentioned something quietly at that point which seemed to satiate Charlie's concern.

Several inquisitive questions later and the discussion started to die down once more... until Angie Mae spoke up, and her question was much more pointed.  "Why haven't we met any of the hybrids?"

Warm Shallows Drifter ignored the accusatory tone in her voice and addressed the question based on its academic merit instead.  "Until Swimmer, who had, until recently been Andy Butler there has not been a hybrid born to parents outside of a carefully controlled environment-- either here at the Unity Centre, the Unity Centre on Land-Earth, or at Station Zero."

Greg, still complying with proper protocol, slapped the water, though, like the other students he spoke up before waiting to be addressed.  "Warm Shallows Drifter... what is Station Zero?"

Hunter smacked Greg's lower back with his fluke.  "It's the first Human outpost on Water Earth, Greg.  I thought everyone knew--"

Angie Mae and Max and even Jackson spoke up in unison.  "I didn't know that."

There was a short pause before Warm Shallows Drifter addressed the question.  "I assume that all of the Humans present know that Nathan Cohen, the Human Physicist who discovered the link between our worlds established a research base here on Water Earth with approval from both races."

There were many nods throughout the room, Human and Phin alike.  Jackson commented further.  "Dr Cohen moved to Water Earth once the transfer was approved.  Do you mean that his research site is Station Zero?"

Warm Shallows Drifter gave an affirmative click, then elaborated.  "Dr. Cohen's entire family moved with him."

Greg questioned further.  "You mean, like his wife and kids?"

Jackson looked to Greg.  "No.  Dr Cohen was twelve when he discovered the Cohen Loop and he received approval to come to Water Earth four years later.  His parents, brother, and sister moved here with him."

Rather than let those not in-the-know spend their time mulling over the physicist's age, Warm Shallows Drifter continued.  "Dr. Cohen's sister Natalie was the first to conceive a hybrid with her first mate Wrangler; she is now a grandmother to two three-quarter Phins, both of whom resemble their Phinine heritage.  Dr. Cohen's brother Chris has had two half-Phin children with his mate Wave Leaper and they are expecting their first grandchild within the next--"

Angel's interruption was VERY animated.  "SSSLLLLOOOOOOOW IT DOWN a minute, Teach..."

"Yes, Mr. Simpson?"

The black man was standing, leaning forward on his table as he stared at the instructor.  "Diju just say a GUY Human and his special Phin someone had themselves a baby, Boo?"

Max and Carver exchanged glances and the stare from Hunter aimed at Greg was more than obvious to Swimmer; despite that, her attention went quickly back to Warm Shallows Drifter.  The instructor stood there calmly, punching up information on his data pad.  He did so as he spoke.  "Yes.  The full details were sent to us from Station Zero at the beginning of the week.  I understand that such a realization may be of some importance to a number of you.  Please open the file marked 'Tier Six B.R.D.' and we will start our lessons there."

For Swimmer to have called her first day in the class 'enlightening' would have been an understatement.