Present day.

Lleyton sat silently as Eeva taught her next class, immersing himself in learning to forget about his personal mental battles and the revelation he was likely an Outlander.

He was particularly amazed with the discoveries made on the First Planet thousands of years ago, and the seeming regression of technology on Gaiathal. Eeva explained that to most scientist's surprise, there were new laws of physics from galaxy to galaxy that had yet to be understood, and that a lot of the current technology they had were actually reinventions, rediscovered technology constrained to the rules and mysteries of the new planets and galaxies humans had ventured to.

She used the powers of the Gifted as an example. Something that earliest humans never imagined on earlier planets were a new reality on Gaiathal, and the different properties of electromagnetism, in which radio waves were the only so far usable form of long-range communication. She did say, however, that biology on Gaiathal was remarkably consistent with other known planets, especially the First.

Eeva concluded her class, and she waited with Lleyton for leaders of the New Generation to arrive. The New Generation, she explained, or the New Gen, was a group of remarkable young adults aged sixteen to twenty years of age, selected by Aimos and his five cabinet members. The goal of the group was to foster forward thinking directions for the province of Orconia, and address current issues that Aimos and his cabinet also faced to help train and foster future political leaders.

The four leading members of the New Gen were selected based on a battery of tests. The top three of the many young adults tested had the top combined scores in intelligence, policy mastery, athleticism, and leadership potential. The other was the eldest child of the current leader Aimos, who in this case was Eeva.

It was clear she was being groomed to rule eventually when Aimos had had enough of governing. Eeva said that two of the four members were Hosts, which was unsurprising. Eeva was exempt from the battery of tests the others completed, but she blushed at Lleyton when she said she finished second place when taking a mock exam among the many young adults in Orconia.

Eeva repositioned chairs in her classroom into a circle as the three other leaders entered. The first was a dark haired boy with dark skin and light brown eyes. He was a slightly stockier build, like most of the people in the city, than Lleyton, but the same height. He extended his hand to Lleyton from a blue robe, and also extended a warm smile. His handshake was firm and confident. "Nice to meet you. The name's Goddard Flin." Lleyton knew somehow that he was another Host.

Next came in a fair haired and muscular man. While Goddard was closer to sixteen years, Lleyton guessed, this one was closer to Lleyton's age. He had specks of golden hair on his clenched jaw, his pale eyes were serious and with meaning. He was much taller than Lleyton. He greeted Eeva with a hug and a smile, and Lleyton realized this man refused to acknowledge him. Duly noted, Lleyton thought to himself.

Eeva tried to defuse the obvious tension the man had created. "Lleyton, this is Julien Bruczyk."

As fast as Lleyton had began to feel uncomfortable in his chair, he relaxed as the next member entered the room.

It was Calysa, lighting up the room with her smile and a flick of her dark hair. She hugged all the members, even Lleyton to the chuckle of the other members at her carefree personality. "Good to see you again," She said to him, her eyes squinting in a smile the way Lleyton had noticed from earlier in the day.

Lleyton smiled back as she sat down.

"Why do you have us meeting in your classroom again, Eeva? Why not a pub?" Calysa said, letting out an exaggerated sigh.

Eeva scoffed and ignored Calysa, stood, and went over the agenda with her members. "Everyone, as you all probably know, this is Lleyton. Father has insisted for me to take him around, to hopefully help with his memory. He'll be sitting in today."

Lleyton noticed Julien shift uncomfortably in his chair.

"Full disclosure, Lleyton, sometimes we discuss uncomfortable topics here. Any idea is welcome for conversation, and welcome to also be shot down if it's stupid, is our philosophy, echoed by our province," Eeva said, shuffling papers in her hands. "Okay... first up, Goddard, any update on Viking enrolment?"

Viking was the name of the game Eeva described to Lleyton earlier. It was a mandate of the New Gen to increase enrolment in the sport among youngsters, for fitness and to make sure battle-ready militia numbers would remain high for years to come. "Twenty-five percent increase from last quarter," Goddard said to the applause of everyone.

"Excellent news, Goddard," Eeva said, jotting in her notes. "...and Calysa, how is preparation for the Island Games?"

Eeva had explained what this was to Lleyton. Pairs between the ages of sixteen and twenty would travel to the island to the south, outfitted with the same gear used in Viking. The game lasted a day, and the last couple not shocked by their vest won a feast in their honour at a winner's podium in the Square, the best night of the year, Eeva remarked, and a great honor. Many people not competing came to watch and spend time with friends and family, and take part in the mini-feast directly after the Games.

"Maybe she should focus on finding herself a partner before finalizing the games?" Julien joked to the snicker of Goddard.

Calysa brushed it off. "I just have high standards, Julien. It's a shame Eeva doesn't share these high standards," Calysa said to the laughter of everyone. She was clearly referring to Julien, Eeva's partner.

"Laugh it up, Calysa. We'll win again this year."

Lleyton hated the thought that Eeva would partner with Julien at anything. His handsome jaw and muscled tone was not only intimidating, but annoying.

"Preparation of the games is just fine. So far we have thirty teams entered and will probably have another ten more before next week. We have all the game wardens ready to help."

Lleyton still found himself bothered by Eeva and Julien's partnership, and tried to question it. "Isn't it a little unfair for a Six to enter a fighting tournament?" He asked, trying to hide his annoyance.

"Actually, I probably didn't inherit my father's powers, only my mother's. Most children of Six's reported their powers kicking in around fifteen years of age. I think I've missed the boat," Eeva said to him. The others seemed irritated with her sentiment.

"Just got to be patient, Eeva, it'll come," Goddard said, while other members nodded and reassured her. Lleyton could tell the topic bothered her. There was clearly pressure on her to lead after Aimos, but without his powers it would change things significantly.

The Sixes stopped aging at random in their adulthood, yet Aimos continued to age into his grey years while the others stopped long ago. He remained invincible, but if the aging continued his speed and strength would continue to decline, making him invincible yet weak and susceptible to capture.

Eeva swiftly changed the topic. "Thanks, Calysa. Finally, Julien, we need to submit our report for review to the cabinet regarding Outpost resource transports. Where are we with that?"

For the first time, Julien looked at Lleyton, unblinkingly. "If you haven't explained Outposts to him yet, I would like to educate him."

Lleyton felt hot under his robe, this man across from him clearly confrontational. The others fell quiet. Eeva allowed Julien to proceed with an open hand. Lleyton gripped the arm on his desk instinctively, looking around the room for potential weapons. Somehow, Lleyton knew Julien was a threat, he didn't just think he was. And how did he know to start scanning for weapons? Was he an Outlander trained for battle like Eeva seemed to insinuate? And why now were his muscles calming during such a tense moment, like he was conditioned this way?

Julien kept staring at Lleyton, and said, "We, like all provinces, have Outposts outside of the capital, with their own walls and Fields. They not only collect food, but also essential resources the capital relies on, including sanctuary for traveling at night, which is a dangerous time. While the capitals are one hundred percent natives, like this capital which is made up entirely of Orcas, Outposts have all kinds of different people; as long as they 'pledge' themselves to the province. This isn't a problem for the Subs, who don't have a province of origin. But I ask you, Lleyton, what would you do if you were Aimos, and your Outpost was full of Ravens or Bears? How can you, with absolute certainty, say that their allegiance doesn't lie with the province of their people? That they won't take resources and steal them for their own kind? Or deny night travel for one of our own Orcas within these borders if their numbers were too high?"

Lleyton considered this a moment, and then continued listening and waiting for what Julien had planned. He had yet to hit the climax of this so-called lesson.

"The answer is that we cannot, so these demographics need to be watched closely."

Eeva then added, "Now, for some level-headedness, we have had no problems with Ravens or Tigers or Bears or non-Gifted in our province, and I hope this was not added to our report... The report topic was strictly resource transportation schedules, and this is way off topic."

Julien smiled and nodded. "Yes, they aren't problems... for now. My point is coming, don't worry."

The whole room appeared to hold their breath. "But you see, Lleyton, one thing that is a problem, no matter which way you slice it, is if a Sub ever did find its way into our capital city. And if one found his way in, claiming sanctuary while remembering 'nothing', then it would be perfectly natural for a native born to deal with him. Wouldn't you agree?"

Lleyton breathed out slowly, collecting his thoughts.

Julien's pupils, dilated. Breathing, quickened. Tone of voice, changed. Temper clearly high which he's trying to hide. Let's see what snaps him, Lleyton thought to himself. "Well, what I'd say to that native born, is," He began, watching this beast of a man before him becoming redder and redder. "Give it a try."

As the last word left his mouth, Julien lunged at Lleyton, clenched club of a fist hurled at him furiously. Lleyton's head snapped back, dodging the strike, and he ripped off the arm of his desk, readying it as a weapon.

"Julien that's enough!" Eeva and the members yelled, jumping up at him and holding him back from Lleyton, who stood straight and did not step back an inch. Eeva's guards from outside heard the commotion and rushed in, holding back a thrashing Julien. Lleyton calmly sat back down and tossed his weapon aside.

"Go home, Julien," Eeva told him.

Juilen smashed a desk with his hand on the way out. "You may have fooled the others, Sub, but I know what you are. You've come to kill us. I can see it in your eyes," He said to everyone, stomping out down the hall. Eeva's guards led him out of the school facility as the others checked on Lleyton. Lleyton knew his jaw would be in pieces had he not dodged Julien's strike. It was raw power that was scary to contemplate physically exchanging with. Lleyton was again surprised with himself that he was able to analyze this, and play to his strengths while knowing his own weaknesses.

"You really know how to pick 'em," Lleyton said to Eeva, Calysa and Goddard awkwardly laughing at the tense situation.

The four walked down to the exit of the Teaching Facility after calming down. Eeva and Lleyton boarded into their carriage to return home with their guards. It was now a dark pink outside as the sun set, and Goddard said goodbye to Lleyton.

"Don't worry about him, eh," He said to him, apologizing for his friend's actions. "Believe it or not, but he's a nice guy once you get to know him." Lleyton thanked Goddard for getting in between them.

Calysa poked her head into their carriage next. "You're fast," she said to Lleyton with a sweet yet sly smirk. "If you're not busy next week, come to the Stadium and practice with us. Maybe you could earn a position as a sub..." She paused a moment and grimaced at her poor choice of words, which Lleyton couldn't help but laugh at.

"Position as a substitute," She restated with a graceful grimace.

"Sure, yeah. See you then," He said to her, not being able to hide his excitement that he may finally have a friend in the city.

Calysa smiled back at him, and said, "Cool, I'll see you. Goodnight, Eeva."

Calysa waved at both of them as she walked home, a smattering of children near the education facility swarming the warm Calysa, tugging at her dress and asking questions of the celebrity Host with their parent's permission.

Their carriage made its way back towards Aimos' facility. "I'm sorry I upset your boyfriend," Lleyton said to Eeva, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"He's not my boyfriend," She scoffed at him, but Lleyton couldn't help but notice her blush. "He shouldn't have lashed out at you and said those things... He's just passionate about protecting his people, as am I. Just a little... extreme. We'll make sure he doesn't do anything to you. Don't worry."

Lleyton shrugged his shoulders dismissively.

"Don't do that," Eeva said to him. "I mean that. I don't want any harm coming to you."

Lleyton analyzed her face, searching for any sign of apathy towards him. She didn't fully trust him, but it was becoming more and more obvious she had compassion for his situation. He gave her a soft smile, and outstretched his hand. This took immense courage for Lleyton, they both realized.

She accepted it in her own, shook it, and gave a soft smile back. A fresh start.

Awaiting Eeva and Lleyton in the grand chamber was plates of meat and fish and peppered vegetables, sweet sauces and spices, with towering desserts of colour and shiny icing, and mugs of Sweet Beer. Lleyton couldn't believe the royal treatment he was continually receiving. Curiously, he noticed all of the plates had whole gigantic fish on them, except for his and Aimos's plate which had cooked filets. Orcas indeed, Lleyton thought to himself.

"Daughter," Aimos said with his arms outstretched, embracing his daughter and kissing her on the cheek. He extended his hand to Lleyton.

"Please you two sit and eat, and tell me all about today," Aimos said.

Lleyton sat at the table as people in dark blue loaded his plate and filled his mug.

"Lleyton, this is my wife, Daria, and my son, Mikkael."

Lleyton said 'hello' to both and bowed. Mikkael was small like his mother, both with strawberry blonde hair and pale eyes, and Eeva clearly got her colours from her mother, Aimos' first wife, Lleyton thought. Lleyton could tell Eeva had a good relationship with her half-brother, as she playfully stole a whole purple fish off of his plate and winked at him while biting into the meat.

"So, Lleyton," Aimos began as he took a swig from his mug. "Any revelations?"

Aimos was counting on Lleyton's memory to inform him of the potential threat to his people.

Lleyton now realized the hunting parties and convoys he saw leaving the front gate were heavily guarded when they left, which must have been extra precautions until they got to the bottom of how Lleyton ended up here. He hated letting this genial and jolly man down.

"I'm sorry, Aimos. Nothing yet. Your daughter taught me lots, though, and has been very helpful."

Aimos couldn't hide his disappointment but gave Lleyton a warm smile. "You take as long as you need. Try to enjoy yourself. I know this is hard on you. It'll come."

Lleyton looked over at Eeva, who he could tell was a little more unsure.

Dinner and dessert concluded, and Lleyton excused himself. The table wished him a good sleep as he made his way up the winding golden stairs towards his room. Something in the back of his mind told him to remain in the stairs to hear what kind of conversations happened without him there. And so he lingered.

"Father, why must I take him everywhere with me? Do you not value my safety? Unlike you, I can actually be killed. We don't know who this is, but we are starting to realize what he is," Eeva said in a hushed tone. "He is clearly trained as a soldier, and he's... skilled. Julien swung at him and missed."

Lleyton could hear Aimos sigh, and he said, "I will only say this once more, Eeva. And listen carefully, because when you take this throne one day this is how you must think. This boy is special, as you said. Maybe he is an Outlander, but regardless, he is special. And whoever cast him into that river is no friend of his, and probably no friend of ours. If they mean us harm, too, then that makes him a powerful friend. Friendship is built on trust. And trust is built if someone treats someone as their own. Do you understand?"

Eeva was silent but Lleyton could tell she was nodding.

"Good. In the unlikely event he fell into that river on his own, that memory can put our minds at ease once it is revealed to us. Until then, treat him with kindness and as a fellow Orca."

"So I must take him with me everywhere?" Eeva asked him.

Aimos sharply responded with a butter knife pointed in her direction, "If you are to rule one day in my place, you must learn diplomacy. It's how I've maintained a good relationship with all of my maniac siblings and why we've had peace all this time. He's a nice boy. Nicer than that beast of a boyfriend you have."

"He is not my boyfriend," Eeva said, annoyed with her father.

"I saw them kiss last year, at the Festival of Champions," Mikkael said, to Eeva's amazement. Daria cheered in excitement and Aimos gave a vindicated ooh.

"Why you little..." Eeva said. Lleyton heard a playful smack atop Mikkael's head.

"I think you're worried you'll like an Outlander. It's why you're so hostile towards him," Mikkael said referencing Lleyton, who now had a view of him from the stairwell.

"Wha... Thanks, psychologist Mikkael, for your assessment," Eeva said, scoffing incredulously at her brother, her hands on her hips and now standing in view.

"Oh come on. I saw you outside Lleyton's room this morning before you went in, fixing your hair and your dress," Mikkael said, mocking his sister, pretending to comb through long locks of golden hair that he didn't have. Aimos was laughing and clapping.

"You two are delusional. For the record maybe I do like Julien," Eeva said, quickly passing her plate to a blue robed person and making her way to the stairs. "Mik, don't encourage Dad. One of you needs to be a grown up. Goodnight children, and mom."

Everyone at the table laughed and wished Eeva a goodnight, as she made her way up the stairs. Lleyton ran silently to his room before she saw him.

He climbed into his bed, the sheets warm and comforting on his skin. Fixing her hair and dress? He thought to himself and smiled. His smile quickly subsided, not wanting to get his hopes up.

But a good sleep, at last.