Page 50 of Facade

The windows faced the stately Caster Studies building. Two guards marched past, looking around vigilantly. Like her, the boys surveyed the space visually, looking more relaxed.

“Yesterday was traumatic, and we’re all trying to adjust,” Clarke said plainly as they all sat down. “We are here to learn, but I understand that it might be difficult to focus. How do you feel about an open discussion? It doesn’t have to pertain directly to history or evolution, but I would prefer an educational topic.”

Ethan raised his hand. “Can we talk about power rankings? They’ve been mentioned several times, but I don’t understand how they work.”

“I’m confused about that, too,” Adam said.

“Professor Halston told us that he has two rankings, one for earth spells, and a lower one for general castings,” Steve said. “We know that most casters have one ranking when other classifications can have more than one, without being told why that is, and how it works.”

“This is a good subject to explore, and makes sense after what you witnessed yesterday,” Clarke said. “Power rankings can be confusing, because the criteria is different for each classification. They are primarily used for employment considerations.

“My position of dormitory monitor requires a ranking of six or higher,” Clarke explained. “Not because the college discriminates against lower rankings, but due to having a large number of evolved students who aren’t in control of their powers. A certain rank is necessary to preventing mishaps, and controlling an accidental, volatile eruption of power.

“Casters are ranked on the strength of raw, unchanneled magic, and how long they can sustain a spell. If the maximum length of a muting spell is one hour, and the caster can hold it for thirty minutes without a wand, his or her ranking will be a six. Casters of any rank can perform most spells, particularly with a wand, but the duration they can maintain the spell varies.

“Most casters have an equal amount of magic for each spell, meaning they have one rank. Professor Halston must have stronger earth magic, with those spells ranking separately. More than one power ranking is most common among powered individuals. Some, like myself, have more than one power, each with its own ranking.”

“I’m so glad you guys asked about this,” Liam said. “This is really interesting.”

“How does it work for shifters?” Chad asked. “Mr. Smith hasn’t talked about rankings, but I heard some older students mention it. We don’t have powers or magic, though, so what do they judge by?”

“Good question, Chad,” Clarke praised him. “Three things affect shifter ranking; leadership ability, ease of transition, and capability for partial transition. High-ranking shifters are strong in all three aspects. For example, Abner Livingston, head of shifter studies, has a rank of eleven-point-two. He can shift from human to wolf painlessly within twenty seconds. Professor Livingston also has the ability to bring aspects of his wolf forward while the rest of him remains human, such as enhancing his eyesight, or extending claws.”

“I really need to practice,” Cody said. “I can’t do any of that.”

“It takes time and effort,” Clarke told him. “Your animals just manifested. I would be shocked if any of you had that level of control.”

“By leadership ability, do you mean dominance?” Marcel wanted to know.

“Some use the term dominance, but it isn’t strictly applicable,” Clarke said. “Dominance can be aggressive, and often evokes an image of a predator species keeping those weaker in line. Good leaders are intelligent, compassionate, and think of everyone’s well-being. They have strong ethics, earning loyalty, trust, and respect. Great leaders can be found in any group or species. Think of wild herds of mustangs. Horses are herbivores, and nonviolent unless attacked. They aren’t aggressive. But there is always a lead stallion, who earned that position, and takes responsibility for the safety of the herd.”

“Wow, ok. So, even as a rabbit, I could have a high ranking?” Cody asked.

“Yes, you could,” Clarke confirmed. “Species isn’t a factor.”

“Are we allowed to ask about your power and rank, Mr. Voudrie?” Liam wanted to know. “My parents aren’t evolved, so this is all new to me, but I never heard of animating objects as a power before.”

“It’s natural to be curious, and I don’t mind discussing it,” Clarke said. “The powered classification and the division of them can be confusing, because they are all mental powers. Those that affect the physical environment are termed physical powers. All others are considered mental, psychic, or psionic powers.

“My physical power is ranked at nine-point-seven. Animating objects isn’t common, but not incredibly rare, either. It’s considered a relatively recent power that some believe to be a combination of telekinesis, and elemental abilities. It works best with organic materials, like wood or metal.

“In regard to ranking, physical powers are graded on the distance at which you can use your power, how long you can maintain it, and the weight or density your power can handle. That aspect is the same as elemental rankings.

“Psionic powers are ranked on accuracy, control, and in some instances, range.”

An animated discussion ensued, and before Clarke knew it, the bell signaling the end of class rang.

Heath

Heath had spent most of the weekend with his sister and her mates. The original agenda was supposed to have been strategizing for the upcoming tournament, and plans to get the feral cat colony into the basement under the dorms without causing them undue anxiety. Those goals were put on the back burner for now.

Nadine and her husbands were just as concerned over the current situation at Mars as Heath was. She was worried about the students, and offended on Clark’s behalf.

They already had a low opinion of Mitch after hearing that he had attempted to confine his students to the dorm. Now, it was considerably worse. Even with a town between them, Mars and Venus were two halves of a whole.

Heath wasn’t the only staff member with relatives who worked at Venus. With most of the staff at both colleges, academic and otherwise, living in Clementine, news of the elemental attack had reached Venus within hours. It was a shocking, disturbing incident that had faculty at both colleges in an uproar.

Therefore, gossip, speculation, and questions about the investigation dominated the conversation. They didn’t really accomplish anything, but spending time with his family reduced some of the stress Heath had been carrying. The affection and normalcy was therapeutic.