Lorel, of course, fell asleep on the railcar. Sort of. Rather than completely asleep, he hovered somewhere between the sleep and the waking world, aware of the vehicle's gentle rocking and general clamor, but oblivious to much else. Years of practice had taught him to tune out the conversations of others.

  Some part of his barely-conscious mind mulled over the many events of the past 36-odd hours, but it bore no conscious thought.

  He jerked awake as his watch vibrated- bashing his head against the glass window as the dark veil slipped away. "Ow..." Ignoring the eyes that turned towards him, Lorel jumped to his feet as the glass doors slid open. He was the last one to join the line, and the last one to step down.

  However brief, the rest had done him good. He felt refreshed- both mentally and physically- save for the dull ache in his legs. But then, that was hardly surprising. He'd spent the better part of his morning so far running.

  He let out a yawn, tilting his head upright as he walked. Treading through the city on foot was always an... interesting experience. Its actual scale was difficult to truly grasp, given that it housed buildings as tall as skyscrapers.

  Lorel had read about their construction long ago; the topic and its many branching paths had spurred on more than a few sleepless nights. The cities themselves were built in the vacuum of space, then transported and dropped on the planet. Most large-scale projects were built that way. Apparently it was easier when orientation stopped mattering as much.

  Regardless, the initial process had been long- and expensive. Long-distance travel was exponentially more difficult before the discovery of Coral- just one of many ways the substance had made life easier for their species.

  They were retrofitted long before he was born; and that was something to be grateful for. They'd apparently become much stable since then. Not that there had been any catastrophes before, but still.

  It took two minutes for his destination to come into view. It looked like any other building, a glass-and-metal box with too many windows to count. Each layer bore a different iridescent hue; an effect of Coral weakening at higher altitudes. The lower floors were classrooms, and the upper ones offices.

  The door opened as he stepped up to it, revealing a row of many more. The building itself wasn't really a school so much as it was a collective. At least, that's the word he thought more apt. It hosted practically every sort of class imaginable, all the way up to the university level.

  Students were placed in classes that suited their needs and assessed on an individual level. That was ultimately the most efficient method, and helped guide them towards their interests. This was to be his last year here; and much of it had already passed. As for his path forward, well. There was more than one, but they all ended in the same place.

  Lorel moved based on instinct more than anything else; muscle memory built over year's worth of time. Second floor, eighth door on the left.

  Every eye turned to him as he opened the door.

  "Yo."

  And then turned away. Save for Loch, who rolled his eyes. "You're late again."

  "I'm always late." Lorel poked his head in. "Where's teach?"

  "With Arel. You forgot what day it is, didn't you?"

  He frowned. "It's not exams, is it? I thought we finished those last week."

  "That's because we did. We're doing individual evaluations today."

  "Oh." Lorel took a seat. Not a literal one- instead, he sat on top of the desk closest to Loch. "That's it?"

  "Still as carefree as always."

  "Always."

  Loch sighed in relief, snapping his book shut. "Then I guess the news wasn't about you."

  "The spaceship? That was me alright."

  He stiffened. Not only that, his whole body jerked as the book he held fell from his hand.. "That was?!"

  "Sure was." There was no point hiding it. Loch would find out one way or another. That he hadn't already was somewhat strange. "I'm surprised you didn't know. Dad chewed me out real good for running away."

  "I didn't know because someone scrubbed every bit of data about you!"

  "Wow. You're really angry."

  "Of course I am! That was insane! I heard about it and hoped it wasn't you!"

  "Wait." Lorel held up one hand. "Dad, Aria, and Lani each already gave me their own talking-to. Do you think you'll be able to add anything that they haven't already said?"

  The other boy visibly clenched his teeth. "No."

  "Then do you really want to waste your breath on something I'm probably not going to listen to?"

  Loch sighed again. In resignation, this time. "I suppose not." He paused. "Probably?"

  "Three people I trust have all told me to be more careful. I'd be stupid to not at least consider their words."

  "... What exactly did they tell you?"

  "Let's see..." Lorel raised one finger. "Dad chewed me out for dipping and forcing him to cover for me." He raised another. "Aria told me that sooner or later, I'll be in the sort of trouble that I can't talk my way out of." And a third. "Lani..."

  He hesitated, not wanting to dredge up his Loch's worries yet again. But regardless of what he thought, his friend was the type of person to value the truth. "I stopped by Lani's to eat and ask for some advice."

  Loch's blue eyes narrowed. "Advice about wh-"

  The sound of the door opening- followed by someone shouting- interrupted him. "Lorel!"

  They both turned to face the doorway at that. Arel was frozen in an awkward half-step, a look of panic on her face.

  Lorel raised one hand to wave her to the side. "She's mad at me, not you."

  It took her nearly two full seconds to recover, and when she finally stepped away, a tinge of red had already crept across her cheeks.

  Their teacher stepped in a moment after. She was a middle-aged woman, with short, pale blonde hair, and tomboyish features that matched her stern attitude.

  "Sita!" That was how she preferred to be addressed. Not Miss Sita, or Miss, or even teacher, but by her name. Sita. It was odd, perhaps, but something every one of them appreciated. It was a sign of respect.

  She stopped short. "Yes?"

  "Nothing. I just thought we were shouting each other's names."

  "You're late."

  "I'm always late." Lorel was starting to feel a bit like a broken record. How many times was that now?

  "Why are you like this?"

  "Because I can get away with it."

  "Hearing that causes me physical pain every time."

  "Because I'm right?"

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  "Yes."

  That exchange summed up the nature of their relationship. They were cordial; respectful, even, but Sita had very little real control over him. Or anyone in the class, for that matter. As long as they kept their grades up, they were given quite a bit of freedom.

  Something Lorel was all too happy to exploit. To an extent, at least. He didn't want to cause too much trouble. He liked her too much for that.

  "You know what we're doing this week, right?"

  "Individual evaluations, right? You could just save us both the time and-"

  "Not happening."

  "Why not?"

  "Because regardless of our class structure, I take my job seriously." There was no denying that. Despite hardly ever holding a real session, Sita was always available, and ready to help. And not just matters regarding education, either- she'd lent an ear to a student more than once.

  "Fair enough."

  "I'm glad you understand. You're up next."

  "Seriously?"

  "Seriously."

  "Why?"

  "This is my way of getting back at you."

  "That seems personal."

  "It is personal. But unless you can give me a good reason why you shouldn't be up next, that's how it is."

  "I don't have a good reason why I shouldn't be next."

  "Then it seems our course of action has been decided."

  "So it seems." He turned back to his friend- only to find that the black-haired boy had already returned to his book. "So cold. Do I still have a lecture to look forward to?"

  Loch spared no more than a momentary glance upwards. "I haven't decided yet."

  "Let me know when you make up your mind."

  "Believe me, you'll know."

  Lorel pushed himself off the desk, following Sita as she stepped back out of the classroom.

  She had a slight sway to her stride; so small it was barely noticeable. More than that, there was a always a trace of tension present in her shoulders. The reason for that was exceedingly simple.

  Everyone in their class was a Tidal, so naturally, their teacher was as well. The government could hardly ask a normal human to keep watch over Augmented, after all. Grouping them together like this was far more efficient than scattering them throughout many others.

  Lorel wasn't quite sure how skilled Sita really was, but she was certainly quite adept. She wouldn't have been given this assignment otherwise.

  "So?"

  "So what?"

  "What do I have to do to convince you that this is a waste of both our time?"

  Silence fell to the end of the hallway.

  "Hey."

  No response.

  "You know I'll just keep annoying you until you give me a response. You might as well save us both the time."

  Still no response.

  "If you're going to give me the silent treatment, I think I deserve to know why."

  "Because you're hard to deal with," Sita answered matter-of-factly, not even bothering to turn around or pause her stride. "Letting a student throw me off kilter would be a failure on my part as a teacher."

  "All the more reason for you to just let me off. I respect you as a teacher and a person, but I already know what I want to do."

  She lapsed back into silence, this time lasting until they reached her office. It was a small cube, about half the size of their classroom, and covered in posters. And unlike Aria's room, they had clearly been placed with careful consideration for each.

  Each and every one was handmade; gifts from the many students she'd had over the years. Sita was clearly loved, but more importantly for her, the posters served to make the small room more welcoming. She was always looking out for them in one way or another.

  The only furnishing present was a small wooden desk, and two matching chairs, one on each side.

  She took the seat on the far side. A lesson learned from the first of their evaluations. "So."

  Lorel took the other. "So... What?"

  "How are you?"

  He thought about it for a moment. "Better than I was yesterday." Or this morning, even.

  Sita raised an eyebrow. "I don't suppose it has anything to do with this?" She asked, pulling up a feed.

  Lorel knew what it would be- news of yesterday's crash- but winced all the same. "Did you hear that from the Tideguard?" She occupied a position in the organization, but where his was honorary, hers was more... Official.

  "No."

  "Damn. I guess I'm getting predictable."

  She snorted at that. "Hardly."

  "Then how'd you know?"

  "Because it's not a matter of predictability. You ran away from the Tideguard. Do you know anyone else audacious enough to do that?"

  "No."

  "And there you have it."

  Lorel sighed. "Could you at least spare me the lecture? I've already had three people tell me off already, and I'm pretty sure Loch is getting ready to give me another one."

  "Good. You deserve it." Sita closed the feed with a flick of her finger. "If you're here, though, it means your dad already chewed you out-"

  "He did."

  "- which also means it's not my place to chastise you any further. We'll just do the individual evaluation and be done with it."

  "... I think I'd rather get lectured again."

  She frowned. "It's really not that bad."

  "It's not," Lorel admitted.

  "Then why are you always so reluctant?"

  He thought about it for a moment. "Because I respect you. What you say here isn't going to change my mind. I don't want you to waste your time on me when you could be helping someone else."

  "Don't say that," Sita said, her voice gentle despite its admonishing tone. "This is my job. Like I said, I take it seriously. Besides, I enjoy the time I spent with each and every one of you." She paused. "Even if you can be difficult to handle sometimes."

  "I'll have you know I take that as a compliment."

  A slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips, lasting only a brief moment. "I take it you still intend on joining the Tideguard or working as a Coral harvester?"

  "Yes."

  "Which one are you leaning towards?"

  "Working as a Coral harvester. I think the Tideguard would be a bit too restrictive." And his father had never once expected Lorel to follow in his footsteps. He didn't actively encourage it, but neither did he discourage it. The meaning of that was rather obvious: do what you think is best.

  Sita nodded. "I agree. Being part of the civilian reserve is one thing, but being an active member is different."

  Lorel stood. "Does that mean I can go now?"

  "No," she said, voice suddenly sharp. "Sit back down."

  He promptly did so. "What exactly are you looking to get out of me? I've told you the same thing every year. This one is going to be no different."

  "But it is different," Sita said, more gently than before. "It's your last year here. That means it's important, regardless of what you think. As for what I'm looking to get out of you, well. It's the same as always. I just want you to apply yourself. That's it."

  "I am applying myself."

  "Not as much as you could."

  "Because I don't want to."

  "I really hate when you say that."

  Lorel shrugged. "My grades are good."

  "Yes, they are. There's many more places you can go with them. University-"

  "Pass. Aria has done more than enough for both of us on that front."

  Sita sighed. "Let me finish. Even if not university, then there are other things you can do. Things that will still keep you in the water."

  "... Like what?"

  "You could be a teacher like me."

  He stared at her, mouth half-open, stunned into silence.

  "Wow. I don't think I've ever seen you actually speechless before. Should I take a picture? I'm sure Loch would print and frame it." He most certainly would do just that- even if a digital frame would be much more convenient.

  Lorel cleared his throat, intending to rebut her suggestion. Instead, only two words came out. "You're serious."

  "Well, you certainly recovered quickly." Sita leaned back in her chair, the slight smile on her face now blooming into a full one. "But yes, I'm serious."

  "I would make a terrible teacher."

  "Do you really think so?"

  He answered without hesitation. "Yes."

  "Why?"

  "I don't know if you've realized it yet, but I'm pretty strange. Like, really strange."

  "You are."

  "Wow. That stings."

  "You said it first. And you look completely unfazed."

  "I've got a good poker face."

  "I'm sure you do. But yes, I'm being serious."

  "Why?"

  "I happen to think you'd make a good teacher."

  "Again: why?"

  "Because you know who you are. That counts for a lot. I think it would be good for students to see that in someone closer to their age. And despite how you act, you're always willing to lend a hand or ear. That's important too."

  "That can't be it," he said, frowning. Even I'm worried I might be a bad influence on the next generation."

  "... It helps that your combat proficiency is so high."

  "Ah. There we go. You want me to keep others in line."

  "That's part of it," Sita admitted. "deally, you'd be in charge of a class like ours, one that does away with most direct instruction. You'd be given a lot of freedom. I'm sure you could convince the higher-ups to hold classes on the coast if you really wanted to."

  Lorel shook his head. "I'm not interested."

  "There is another reason, you know."

  "That being?"

  "You didn't see the news, did you?"

  "I didn't need to see it. I was part of it."

  "That's not what I mean." Sita pulled up another feed. More news, but this time, something he hadn't seen before. Another spaceship, but this one many magnitudes larger than the one he'd torn in half. And a different headline- ICC Representative Visits Planet.

  He frowned. "Dad got mad at me for messing with a representative, but their spaceship didn't look anything like that."

  "There can be more than one, you know."

  "... I guess." Something still seemed off, but Lorel couldn't quite put his finger on it.

  "I think it may be best for you to avoid activities that would get you noticed."

  Lorel arched one eyebrow. "Are you supposed to be saying that to me?"

  Sita laughed. "I'm a teacher first. Everything else comes afterwards. Besides, they wouldn't have given me this position if I wasn't willing to cross some lines for my students." She closed the feed. "It wouldn't be right away. You'd still need a couple more years of education, among a few other things."

  He closed his eyes. "Still not interested." If the topic had come up this morning, he might have been more hesitant- but Lani had helped stifle the last of his fears. "Besides, if something happens, every Tidal is going to be called on anyways.I t happens to the whole planet. "

  "It could help you spend more time with your sister."

  "... How?" That, at least, was worth hearing out. He loved Aria. She had her own life, of course, but each of them were constants in the other's. That most- nearly all- of her time now was spent away felt... Strange.

  "Like I said, it would involve a few more years of education. Your grades are more than good enough to test for admission to her institution. It might not be a lot, but I'm sure you'd see more of each other."

  He hesitated. Aria had already promised to spend more time at home, but...

  "I'll think about it."

  Sita nodded, apparently satisfied with that answer. "Good. That wraps it up for our evaluation."

  "Really?"

  "Yes, really. Your grades are good, and despite your... Strange personality, you've always passed your psych evals."

  "That's unexpected."

  She sighed. "No matter what I think, if you're certain you'd be content working as a Coral harvester, it's not my place to tell you otherwise."

  "Thanks."

  "You're very welcome."