PERIHELION

JUNE 17, 2223 | 7:27 AM UTC

Kaluin finds Orvis in his base form, staring listlessly at a wall in one of the safe zones. The area has been restored already, likely by Phelions who were in the area before departing to help with other areas. The pale metal of the walls, floor, and ceiling of the cylindrical room are flawless, though Kaluin knows that it was the site of a desperate battle. Unfortunately, while the safe zones are the deepest parts of the Academy and the easiest areas to defend, they aren't infallible. 

Orvis is sitting against the central column clutching a blanket laid across his shoulders, at the top of three stair steps that circle the column. The blanket was an attempt by another to comfort him, no doubt, but it's clear that Orvis is still in a poor state—he doesn't respond when Kaluin drifts near. 

"Hello, Orvis," Kaluin says quietly—though their voice still feels loud in the low murmur of noise in the room.

Orvis looks up. His eyes look haunted. "Kaluin," he says softly. "I… Aleiren was…" He trails off. 

Kaluin sighs softly. "I know. They weren't the only one."

"They were right in front of me," Orvis insists, pain twisting his expression. It's a far cry from his typical controlled demeanor. "If they didn't manage to land a hit on me—if there just weren't so many—" 

"But there were," Kaluin says, taking a seat on the lowest step of the stairs, putting them closer to eye level. "There were, and you were. It's no fault of your own, Orvis. It was clearly a coordinated attack, something planned with what seems to be the primary purpose of abducting the Aphel-touched." 

Orvis frowns, fiddling with the edge of the blanket. "Why would they, though? In over a century and a half, nothing like this has ever happened." 

Kaluin tilted their head, humming. "What do you think?" 

"… The Aphel-touched have a connection to the Aphel hivemind… or whatever it is," Orvis murmurs. "Through our research with the Aphel-touched, it's clear that they have some sort of cohesive cognitive network, though those of us who aren't are never able to communicate with Aphels. Whenever the Touched try to communicate with them, they usually just go catatonic, though—and with," he waves a hand, "Aphels around, it was too dangerous to test all too much." 

If Kaluin had a mouth right now, they'd smile. Instead, they project an aura of approval. It's nice to see Orvis's mind at work again, considering how shaken he is. "Yes. The Research Board agreed as well, which is why we haven't pursued that particular avenue of inquiry. But what do you think, Orvis? Is it time to take risks?" 

Orvis looks at Kaluin, lips pursed. "Things… have changed so quickly," he says hesitantly. "We've taken quite a hit, haven't we?" 

"We have. The worst in our entire history." 

Orvis's eyes drift off to a distant corner. "We need to protect what we have," he says. "But…" His eyes snap back to Kaluin. "If we keep waiting, there's no telling if we'll be backed into a corner. I wouldn't be able to do it myself since I'm not one of the Touched, but—I think we need to. We've dragged our feet long enough—we need to better understand what we're up against." 

Kaluin remains still for several seconds before nodding. "Thank you, Orvis. I already know several of us who would be willing to help you, even with the risks. There are a few of the original Aphel-touched remaining, and… quite a few newly-Aphel touched who will likely need to recuperate for a few days before doing anything risky. When they're ready, they'll be sent your way. Until then, try to rest—if you can sleep, even better. You were hurt as well." 

Orvis takes a breath—and exhales, letting his eyes fall shut. "'Try' is right." 

"You can always try to synthesize more melatonin to make yourself sleepier," Kaluin says, mirth in their voice. "Sometimes, knocking yourself out is the best solution." 

Orvis cracks a half-smile. "Right." 

Kaluin stands, floating slightly above the ground. "I'll be off, then," they say. As they start drifting away, Orvis calls back to them. 

"Hey," he says. When Kaluin turns halfway to face him, Orvis continues. "What were you planning to do before you talked to me?"

Kaluin laughs softly. "I had too many ideas but no ideas on how to choose them. But everyone thinks of me as a leader a bit too much, methinks. I wonder if you all forget that we're technically part of a hivemind—I'm simply a bit more in touch with it than the rest of you. Do keep in mind, dear Orvis—in the Academy, it's never just me, just you. It's us, moving forward together."

"And what of the parts of us taken?" 

"They are still ours," Kaluin says. "I can no longer sense them clearly, but they are still there, still alive. We will find them. We will take them back." 

Orvis pauses, expression growing thoughtful. "Do you think… that's what the Aphels feel, too?" 

Ah, now there's a thought. "Perhaps it is," Kaluin says. "If that is the case, I suppose we'll have to fight for custody."