The Academy is the common term for the orbital base of the Periapsis organization, though through common use "the Academy" has become synonymous with Periapsis. The Periapsis organization was founded by Kaluin, and its purpose is to unite Phelions in understanding themselves and progress towards better futures for all.

The Base

The orbital base is a massive construct orbiting Earth, constructed and expanded with great assistance from the metallokinetic abilities of Phelions. It is visible from Earth, though never eclipsed by it (so as to always get light from the sun). It is protected by an invisible barrier, though some sections of the barrier may be released to draw the focus of Aphels rather than allow them to break the barrier themselves.

Inside, different areas of the base may have windows that enhance the sunlight to make it seem as if it were day. Other areas keep the windows natural, offering a view of space. There are large spacious areas including common areas, leisure/recreation areas, cafeterias, combat rooms, etc. You can imagine them as having futuristic architecture of metal and glass, largely elegant and minimalistic. Some areas have various plants, brightening the area with greenery and such.

The central, innermost part of the Academy is the most well-protected area, and it includes the residential area. Housing in the Academy is fairly spacious, with options for single rooms, shared rooms, and suites with personal rooms. All necessary amenities are provided, including internet. There is no concern of running out of room, as the base was built to be large and can be expanded further fairly easily with the combined efforts of multiple Phelions.

In Space

There are some options for travel in space. An individual with both Exploration and Defense qualifications can travel in space alone with or without a vessel. For group travel, it is fairly common to have a vessel that can house all individuals and act as a base of operations of sorts, in addition to providing a place to rest and relax. Individual Phelions may split off to explore and regroup at the vessel; they are able to detect the vessel's signal in space. Phelion vessels use technology derived from Phelions—individuals or multiple Phelions can interface with and power the vessel for travel, though the vessels do have independent power sources for general operations. With more power from Phelions (either from boosting or more individuals), the vessels can travel at higher speeds, from lightspeed to faster-than-light speeds. More power is necessary for larger vessels.

To report their findings, Phelions typically create light structs that are essentially "data cubes" that Academy technology can read and register. A Phelion can make a number of these and store them within their body, eventually to be registered at a base, vessel, or the Academy itself. If the data cubes are damaged or destroyed, it is typically not too much of a problem—the knowledge disseminates throughout the hivemind subconsciously, and can be retrieved. It may simply take some time to reorganize the information.

Various Phelion bases are scattered throughout space, typically managed and occupied by those of the Research division. Those of the Exploration division can come to the bases to rest, register data and report findings, and restock any resources.

Roles in Periapsis

Almost all Phelions capable of Shifting have joined the Periapsis organization and have at least spent some time in the expansive orbital Periapsis base known widely as the Academy. Those who joined the Academy often are classified into three categories which may overlap: resident, student, and qualified.

For your Phelion(s), you can play around with choosing categories and divisions that your characters land in.

Resident

Those who reside in the Academy and spend most of their time there. Those who are not in other categories may be there for protection (as the Academy is most well-defended, even though it is also the most frequent target of Aphel attacks) or community (many Phelions find comfort in being around other Phelions, partially due to hivemind influence).

Student

Those who are in training for qualifications. Most students are also residents, but some may work with a direct mentor away from the Academy, as is often the case for those seeking Exploration qualification. Students study for qualifications in one or as many as they like of the three divisions of the Academy: Defense, Research, and Exploration. They are required to have experience in both Defense and Exploration-related activities, so they can handle themselves in combat and in space if it becomes necessary. The pace of every student is different and individualized; some may get qualifications in a year or less (depending on prior experience as well), while others take their time and do more—perhaps five or six years or longer.

Qualified

Those who have achieved qualifications for any of the three divisions. Some may still be students for other qualifications, and some may be residents or not regardless of division.

Didact

Instructors, overseers, and mentors to other Phelions. They must be qualified in the subject they teach, in addition to undergoing some additional training and procedures. Instructors teach courses, overseers handle and watch over practical exercises, and mentors personally guide the education of another Phelion; there may be some overlap, such as someone who is an instructor for a practical Defense course. There can be informal mentorships from non-didacts as well, but these do not count towards a qualification.

A Didact role requires completion of the Didact Qualification Quest.

Divisions

Phelions who are students or qualified may be in one more multiple divisions.

Defense

The most combat-oriented division. Defense is focused on defending the Academy, Earth, and any interstellar research sites from Aphel attacks. Generally, they pick a general area to patrol and defend, or they accompany a traveling Exploration team. Some in other divisions may get Defense qualifications to ensure their combat abilities are good enough to defend themselves.

Research

The division focused on understanding the science of Phelions and Aphels, in addition to seeking out their origin. Some may be lab-oriented, with a focus on biology, chemistry, physics, etc. Others may be more interested in field research, and either get double qualifications for Research and Exploration or otherwise work with those qualified for Exploration.

Exploration

The division focused on navigating, mapping, and exploring space, largely with the intent to discover the origin of their kind. They are experts at efficient travel and navigation.