"That's all that's really on the agenda for today. You can leave if you want to."

  "Really?"

  "Yes, really."

  "Then why is everyone still here?" Their class had already been in session for some time. That every single one of his classmates had voluntarily chose to stay behind was hard to believe.

  "They were waiting for you."

  "Me? Why?"

  "They all saw the news. They're all curious. And of course, they're not going to let you go until you answer their questions."

  "Oh. Great. Is it really that obvious?"

  "Yes and no."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "Not everyone is certain. Most just suspect. But they're suspicious enough to tie you down, that's for sure."

  "Great."

  "I know you'll humor them."

  "Why are you so sure?"

  "Because you always make time for the people that worry about you."

  "You know I'm not friends with all of them, right?" That wasn't particularly odd. There were ten of them in total; some were bound to mesh poorly. And considering how many odd personalities there were- his own included- it was really only to be expected.

  "I know. But you're at least acquainted with all of them, right?" That wasn't unusual, either. They'd been in the same class for more than half a decade at this point. Even if their lives didn't necessarily intersect, they certainly brushed up against one another's. "You'll answer their questions. No matter how much you whine and moan."

  "Being particularly mean today, are we?"

  Sita chuckled. "Things are winding down here. We probably won't be seeing much of each other regardless of what path you take. Consider this payback for the years I've spent dealing with you."

  "You may want to reconsider your pricing model. Seems like I'm getting off light."

  "That's because you are."

  "Gee, thanks." For the second time that day, every eye in the classroom turned towards Lorel as the door slid open. Only about half the class remained- some had no doubt wrested their answer from Loch. "Stop looking at me like that. I'm shy."

  A collective sigh ran through his remaining classmates.

  "Lila, you're next."

  The green-haired girl jumped to her feet. Rather than a result of being Augmented, the color was her choice; as was the purple it had been before. Really, it was her passing influence that had led Aria to dye her own hair bright pink. Lorel was thankful for that. His sister needed some chaos in her life. The kind that didn't have to do with the state of her bedroom.

  He stepped to the side, giving Lila room to follow Sita away and retaking his seat on the desk by Loch. "So? Have you decided whether I'm receiving another lecture?"

  "No."

  "No as in you haven't decided, or no as in I'm not?"

  "No as in you're not."

  "Dare I ask why?"

  "Because I trust you," Loch answered, turning a page in his book. "There are many, many things I could say, but everything comes back to that. Besides, you probably won't change until you're forced to." He glanced up. "What did Sita tell you? You weren't there for long."

  "Has anyone taken long?" As far as Lorel knew, all of their grades were at least passing, if not outright good. They would have been transferred to another class otherwise.

  "No. I was the longest, and that was just because I had other things to ask her."

  "She told me I should consider becoming a teacher."

  He looked up at that, surprise clear on his face. "You too?"

  Lorel nodded. "Me too, apparently. Also, for the sake of the next generation, please don't become a teacher. I think you'd bore them to death."

  "You don't need to worry about that," Loch responded dryly. "I have no intention of becoming a teacher."

  "Well, that's unfortunate. I actually think you'd make a great teacher."

  "You should make up your mind."

  "I just did!"

  "Enough about me. What did you say?"

  "I told her I would make a terrible teacher."

  "Hm." Loch looked down to turn another page.

  "You disagree?"

  "Partially."

  "Explain."

  "You'd be terrible in some ways, but good in other ways."

  "Further."

  A frown spread over his face as he snapped his book shut, setting it on the desk before him and crossing his arms. "You're considering it? That's surprising."

  "It might help me spend more time with Aria. I think that's worth considering."

  "Hm." Loch shifted in his seat, taking the same strange posture he always did when mired in thought; lips pursed, head slightly tilted down, his blue eyes staring at something only he could see. "You have a strange personality."

  "Believe me, I know."

  "But you treat everyone the same."

  "That's not true. I'm not friends with everyone here."

  "That's not what I mean."

  "Then what-"

  "I'll get to that if you let me." A note of annoyance crept into his voice.

  Lorel laughed. A gesture that only served to annoy Loch further. "Fair enough."

  "You listen to my problems. And I know you listen to other people's problems, too. That's good. But you take everybody's problems seriously. No matter what they are. That's important."

  "You're making me blush."

  Loch's frown returned. "You asked."

  "I did. And you answered. Thanks. Seriously, it's a big help."

  He sighed. "I hope you'll be able to keep acting like that."

  Lorel frowned. "What is that-"

  Another, louder voice interjected. "Hey! Are you two done yet?" Sela's.

  He turned to see the tall, blonde girl standing there. Arel, as always, stood just a half-step behind, hands folded neatly behind her back. They made for an odd pairing. Sela was brash, tomboyish, and athletic, while Arel was quiet and elegant. Despite her demeanor, though, she had more steel than most, and bared it at anyone who dared think her docile.

  "We're not done. Go away."

  Arel smiled. "Come on, Sela. Give them space."

  "No! I've waited long enough. I want to go home already. I just need to hear it from his mouth first."

  "Hear what from me?"

  "The news. That was you, right?"

  "Didn't Loch tell you?" If they were this impatient, they certainly would've asked him first. Although, given the circumstances, he might have kept quiet for once.

  "He did, but I want to hear it from you."

  "Why?"

  "Trust but verify."

  "Are you calling him a liar? Loch, are you just gonna let that slide?"

  They spoke at nearly the same moment.

  "Don't twist my words."

  "Don't twist her words."

  Lorel laughed. "That's new."

  "We were worried about you," Arel said gently. Her tone was a reflection of her personality, in some ways; always quiet, but never extinguished, no matter the surrounding clamor. "We thought you might not show up. We all suspected the news might be about you, but you're always late. It was hard to tell."

  "Hey. Thanks for realizing that I'm always late."

  She blinked, clearly caught off-guard. "You're... Welcome?"

  "So?" Sela asked. "Was it you?"

  "On the news yesterday?"

  "Yeah."

  "Yeah, that was me."

  She raised one eyebrow. "Seriously?"

  "Are you calling me a liar now?"

  "No. It's just hard to believe."

  "Better believe it."

  "And you're here? Today? That's kind of incredible."

  "I have my dad to thank for that."

  "I'll say," Loch interjected. "Someone scrubbed every bit of data about you. Not just on the civilian feeds, but everywhere. Your name should have been on reports, in videos, everywhere. But it's all gone. I'm not even sure it's anywhere on their internal records, either."

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Lorel winced. "No wonder he was so angry."

  "So that's it?" Sela asked, disbelief clear on her face. "You just rescue the crew of a fallen spacecraft, run away from the Tideguard, then show up like nothing ever happened?"

  "Hey. I'm on house arrest. That's not nothing."

  "And yet here you are. That is unbelievable."

  "I agree. I'm just as shocked as you are."

  "You don't seem it."

  "Like I told Sita. Good poker face."

  "Uh huh." She reached down to grab her bag, slinging it over one shoulder. "That's good enough for me."

  "Is Lila going to be mad if I leave without explaining things to her?"

  "Probably not. She seemed completely unsurprised. Everyone else seemed satisfied with Loch's answer, she just stuck around for her evaluation. Luck of the draw she was last. "

  "Figures." It was rather hard to catch her off guard. Due to her personality, more than anything. She had a way of accepting whatever life threw her way. "If you were so curious, why'd you wait so long to ask?"

  Sela shrugged. "I knew you and Loch would want to talk first."

  "... But you still interrupted us."

  She snorted. "It was Arel's idea. I'm impatient."

  "Ah. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

  "No, you shouldn't. Really, though, we're worried about him." she pointed to Loch. "There's obviously something going on, but no matter how much we poke and prod, he won't say anything. Maybe you can get through to him."

  "Really?" Lorel turned to face him "That's surprising." And it was. Though not the sort of friends that spent every waking moment together, they were certainly close to Sela and Arel. More than enough to share their troubles, at the very least. Both of them had done so on more than one occasion; just as they had with them.

  They were trustworthy. They'd proved that on more than one occasion.

  Loch shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I can't."

  Lorel stared at his friend. There was a difference in their phrasing. An important one; especially when it came to Loch. There was a jumble of emotions in his dark blue eyes; anticipation, worry- and a hint of genuine fear. It only took him a moment to piece it all together. "Fuck." The curse slipped out unbidden.

  Loch flinched. A look of surprise spread over Arel's delicate features as Sela leaned forward, suspicion clear on her face. "You just figured it out, didn't you?"

  Lorel shrugged. "Maybe."

  "Care to share?"

  "Not a chance."

  "Seriously?"

  "Seriously. You two are more than smart enough to figure it out yourselves. And if I'm right, you'll know soon enough anyways." Confusion replaced suspicion, but Lorel paid her no further mind, instead addressing Loch. "What's the rest of your day supposed to look like?"

  "Not a lot. Dad wanted me home right after this. I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to listen to him."

  "Did you stick around because you were worried about me?"

  "In part."

  "Great. You're coming back with me, then."

  He frowned. "Didn't you say you were on house arrest?"

  "Not literally. Or legally. Part of dad's punishment."

  His frown deepened. "And you're inviting me over anyways?"

  "Not inviting. I'll drag you there if I have to."

  "Aren't you just going to get into more trouble?"

  "No."

  "Are you sure?"

  "No."

  "Then-"

  "Aria's home. And she wants to see you." That, of course, had the desired effect. Loch's face immediately reddened as he turned his eyes down to stare at the floor.

  "Stop it. I know she didn't actually say that."

  "Maybe not. But I know she'd like to."

  "Oi." Sela stepped between them. "Did you forget that we were here?"

  "No. But your presence was getting faint."

  "Very funny. Anyways, if you two have your plan then it's time we take off." She turned to Loch, her bag- really more of a satchel- held awkwardly over one shoulder. "Are you gonna be okay from here on?"

  Loch nodded.

  "Don't take it personally," Lorel said, pushing himself off the desk.

  Sela straightened, waving his words away with her free hand. "Never do. It's fine. You two have known each other longer. It's only natural. We just stuck around to make sure he'd be fine."

  "Good call."

  Loch scowled. "I was not that bad."

  "No, you weren't, but better safe than sorry. Anyways. Catch you later." Arel followed close behind as she made her way to the door. "Also. You two. Be sure to make some time for us sometime soon. School's almost done. Even if we all go our separate ways after this, I'd like to have at least one more get-together."

  "Hey. I take offense to that." Even if they did go their separate ways, Lorel had no intention of just letting their friendship wither. So long as they matched his efforts, at least.

  "Yeah, yeah." Sela saluted lazily, not even bothering to turn around as the door slid open. "Then make some time for us."

  He returned it. "Sure thing."

  "And soon. Like next week type of soon."

  "Promise."

  Arel turned, offering them a slight wave and half-smile before stepping out herself. She, like Lorel, brought nothing to school besides her holo-watch. That was partially due to his influence- and something he took no small amount of pride in.

  He turned back to Loch as the door slid shut. "Should we get going too, then?"

  His friend frowned. "You did figure it out, didn't you?"

  "I think so."

  "Then how are you still so carefree?"

  Lorel looked around. They were the only ones remaining- but still. "Do you really want to have this conversation here?"

  Loch shrugged. "It doesn't really matter."

  "You're right. It doesn't. So why didn't you tell them? I'm sure they'd rather hear it from you."

  His eyes flicked to where their friends had been moments ago. When he spoke again, his voice was hardly audible. "I don't want them to hate me."

  "Hey. Don't think like that. They're good people. They wouldn't shoot the messenger. Especially when the messenger is their friend."

  "... I know."

  "So?"

  "I'll apologize next time we see them."

  Lorel shook his head. "You don't need to. I'm sure they'll understand that, too. Best not to make things complicated."

  Loch's sighed. "I guess you're right. What am I supposed to do, then?"

  "Nothing. Just remember it for next time."

  "If you say so." His eyes moved back to Lorel's. "So? Why are you so calm?"

  Lorel shrugged. "It's like I said. There's nothing I can do about it, so there's no point in worrying about it." He paused. "Although if you asked me this morning, I might have given you a different answer."

  Understanding dawned on Loch's face. "Lani. You said you got some advice from her."

  "Yeah."

  "About... That?"

  "Sort of."

  "What did she say, exactly?"

  "She told me it's normal to be worried. No matter how resolved you are."

  "And?"

  He shrugged again. "That's really it. I stopped to eat. We talked."

  "That was enough to put you at ease?"

  "Yes. Sort of."

  "What does that mean?"

  "It's something new. Something we've never experienced before. Of course we're scared."

  "This is a lot worse than a new experience."

  "I know. But still. The same thing applies. And no matter how much we dread it, we have no real say in it. Might as well make the most of it." Lorel grimaced. "Although I guess our positions aren't really the same. You have a seat closer to the front." He paused. "Is that why you're not sure where to go? Is everything okay at home?"

  He knew Loch's father would never cross the line, but the man was charged with a nation- and, apparently, one soon to be in wartime. The stresses of such a position were unimaginable.

  His friend nodded. "It's fine. He's just... Nervous. Even if he doesn't say so." Loch's eyes returned to the door. "Do you think they'll figure it out?"

  "Probably. They're smart. And they know who your father is."

  "I wonder if they'll still be like that after tonight."

  "Like what?"

  "... Good?"

  "That's corny."

  "You said it first."

  "Did I?"

  "Yes."

  "I'll take your word for it."

  "You better." He sighed. "It still doesn't feel real."

  "Think it'll take some time to sink in?"

  Loch shook his head. "It already sank in. It's just... Hard to believe." He paused. "Are you sure you want me to come back with you?" There was a hint of trepidation in his voice.

  "Yes." Lorel offered him one hand. "Even moreso now. So long as you think your father will be alright."

  Loch stared at his upturned with dark blue eyes. "Are you sure?" He asked again.

  "For the last time, yes."

  He took it a moment later. "Alright."

  Lorel grinned. "Looking forward to seeing Aria?"

  "Yes."

  He blinked. "Wow. I didn't expect you to actually admit it."

  "It feels silly to get embarassed something so minor now."

  "Why didn't that logic apply before?"

  Loch's brow furrowed in contemplation. "I just... Never thought of it, I guess."

  "If there's one silver lining to this, it's that you two might finally get together."

  He audibly sighed. "Do you really think things are going to be that simple?"

  "Why can't they be?"

  "Because..." He trailed off. "They just aren't."

  Lorel pulled him to his feet. "I know they aren't. Let me dream."

  "Yeah, yeah." Loch retrieved his book from the desk, stowing it in his leather briefcase. "Do you think Lani will be annoyed if we eat at hers tonight?"

  "You want to get advice from her, too?"

  "Yes. I'm sure she put it much more eloquently than you did."

  "Oh, believe me, I'm sure she did, too." Lorel stepped towards the door. "I don't think Lani will mind. And besides, she said she wanted to meet Aria. Now is as good a time as any." It slid open. "I want to make a grocery run first, though. Aria will be home for a while. I need to put more food in the house, else she probably won't eat."

  "What happened to being on house arrest?"

  "This is for a good reason."

  "And dragging me back with you?"

  "Also for a good reason. I think Aria and I could use the company. Besides," he continued, turning back to face Loch as he stepped through. "It's not like this is all for fun. I can tell you're still anxious. And from the sound of it, both our families will be busy. I don't want to leave you alone right now. That's more important than whatever punishment dad wanted me to adhere to. He'll understand."

  "... If you're sure."

  "I am."

  "Alright."

  They made their way out of the building in silence. It wasn't until the facility came into view that Lorel spoke again. "We can fill out our hours later."

  "Are you sure?"

  "I thought you'd want to get off the streets as soon as possible."

  "I do. I do, but..." Loch trailed off.

  "But?"

  "I don't know. The activity might help."

  "Doesn't mean we need to do it there. Remember where I live?"

  "That's true." He sighed. "I just want tonight to be over. And the next week. And the week after that... But the more I think about it, the more I focus on it, and the slower it moves. It's agonizing."

  "All the more reason you should come over."

  "Maybe." Another sigh. "It's strange to think about, you know? Last week was so normal, but our lives are going to be turned upside down after tonight."

  "That's how everything happens. It doesn't happen, until it does. And by the time you realize it, it's too late to do anything about it."

  "Since when did you become a philosopher?"

  "I make sure to do a little bit of everything."

  "Uh huh."

  "You don't sound convinced."

  "That's because I'm not." Loch tilted his head to look up at the sky. "But I think you're right."

  "I'm always right. About what, though?"

  "Things change. This is the hand I was dealt. The hand we were all dealt. There's no changing that, so there's no point in worrying about it. No point in being angry about it." He smiled wryly. "And I've always known this was a possibility. I shouldn't really be so surprised."

  "Yeah. What's up with that?"

  Loch sighed. "It's probably not as bad as you think. Nothing is actually happening yet. This is just... Precaution. It could go on for years. It might go on for years."

  "Then is it any different from the way we've always lived so far?"

  "Yes. Because now we're certain of the end destination- and that it'll probably arrive there during our lifetimes."

  "I see."

  "You don't sound worried at all."

  "I am. But I've already had this conversation too many times in the last two days. I'm getting tired of it."

  He laughed. There was a note of genuine amusement in the sound. "That's very like you."

  "I am me, after all." Lorel stopped. "Just promise me something."

  Loch followed suit after a couple more paces. "What?"

  "If you're ever in a position where you have to choose between my safety and Aria's, choose Aria's."

  "Wh-"

  "Promise me," Lorel repeated, his voice unusually harsh."

  The look that took hold of Loch's features was impossible to interpret. "You're my best friend," he said, his voice low and hoarse. "You would really ask me to make that decision?"

  "I'm asking you because you're my best friend. You'll understand. Better than anyone else."

  His look cleared- but only slightly. "Do you really think I'll have to make that decision?"

  "I hope not," Lorel said seriously, stepping forward and clasping his shoulder in one hand. Loch shivered ever so slightly. "But I think it would be dumb not to consider the possibility. I'm not saying it'll happen. And believe me, I'm going to do everything I can to avoid that sort of scenario. But if it does happen, I don't want you to hesitate. Choose Aria. I can look after myself. Only one of us is Augmented. "

  "... Alright." Loch whispered his agreement. "If... If I have to choose, I'll choose Aria."

  "Promise me."

  His voice dropped even further, making his response hardly audible. "I promise."

  Lorel released his shoulder. "Thank you."

  His friend's dark blue eyes searched his face yet again- then jumped up and down as he nodded once.

  "Then let's get going." For a moment, he feared Loch would refuse to follow, but heard the other boy's footsteps after a moment.

  They walked in silence until the rail station came into view. "I think we should go to Lani's tomorrow. If tonight's the night, I'd rather just spend it with the two of you. We can-" He stopped short. The other boy was doing something on his holo-watch. "Something wrong?"

  Loch shook his head. "No. Just sending a message to Sela and Arel."

  "Saying what?"

  "Telling them what's happening and apologizing. For earlier." He lowered his wrist and raised his head. "You're right. They'll understand. And I'd rather they hear it from me."

  Lorel laughed. "That's very like you."

  A smile tugged at the corners of his friend's mouth. "I am me, after all."

  Just as he was about to turn away-

  "Lorel."

  Loch called out.

  Lorel turned, a joke on the tip of his tongue. It froze as he took in his friend's expression- a stony, solemn visage, tempered by whatever knowledge he was privy to.

  "Things are going to change tomorrow."

  "I know."

  Silence fell between them- lasting until Loch burst out laughing.

  "What?" Lorel asked, surprised. "I don't think I said anything funny."

  "Nothing," Loch answered, calming himself with a shake of his head. "It's just... Seeing you still act so carefree makes me feel silly. Like I'm taking things too seriously."

  "It's not like that."

  "Then what is it like?"

  "It's like I said. I've had this conversation too many times in the past two days. I can only talk about it so much, and I only have so much anger and anxiety. Most of it has already been exhausted. Who knows? I might wake up a nervous wreck tomorrow. Perfectly possible at this point."

  Loch laughed again. "As much as I'd like to see that, I doubt it."

  Lorel shrugged. "You never know."

  "True. Some part of me always thought life would go on as normal before this morning. But tomorrow everything's just going to... Change."

  "There are some things that won't."

  Loch's brow furrowed. "Like what?"

  Lorel closed the distance between them, offering the other boy one of his hands. "You and I are still going to be best friends. Sela and Arel are will still be our friends. Things like that."

  The other boy's smile returned. "Seriously. What's with the philosophy?"

  "I'm just telling you what you need to hear."

  "What I need to hear, huh?" He took Lorel's hand in his own. "Maybe you're right. But thank you."

  Lorel grinned. "Better now?"

  Loch nodded once. "Better."

  "Then let's get going. For real this time."