Sigma/Star

Chapter 76: Cataclysm Theory

"There is a guiding idea that was developed which we use to shape our understanding of war," Mr. Toriyama spoke over his shoulder as he wrote notes up on the virtual board. "It is a singular theory, created around 2164. Does anyone have an idea as to what it is?" The professor ceased his writing and spun on his heel to observe a very sleepy-looking class. More than a few students had their eyes closed or head on their desk, including Porter, whose cheek was resting in a puddle of his own drool.

A single, tiny arm shot up in the air and waved back and forth as an overly exuberant Nami showed her desire to answer the question. Knowing he wouldn't get any other response from this dreary class, Mr. Toriyama nodded at the young student, signalling her to continue with the answer. "It is Cataclysm Theory sir."

"Thank you Nami. You may sit down now." The little girl did as requested. "As I tell you every class, you don't have to stand up every time you answer a question."

"Yes, sir," came the eager reply.

"Cataclysm Theory," Toriyama continued, resuming his writing, "states that a singular, large impact event will have an effect on all military forces involved, regardless of which side is more affected by the event, though the effect is always to a multiple of three compared to the relative magnitude of the event, using Goratz's Psyche Index Meter for reference. However, the interesting aspect of Cataclysm Theory is that the event will always have a larger impact on the non-military population, to a multiple of seven. Keep in mind that the common misconception is that the event will largely result in psychological trauma or joy or an emotional response, but Cataclysm Theory covers politic shifts, cultural changes, and economic impacts as well, and usually it is more concerned with those aspects than any psychological ones. It is alternatively known as Concussive Impact Syndrome, largely because its multipliers increase exponentially for each successive event that occurs within a set period of time. Now, who can tell me who created this theory?" Toriyama turned to face the class again, watching Nami's hand shoot up once more. However, he needed to inject a little life into this class and he knew exactly who to call upon if you wanted excitement. "Mr. Ryen, could you give us the answer please?"

"Mmglforp." Little ripples went out across the saliva puddle under Porter's head as he mumbled.

"Porter!"

"Lawrence Wilstein!" Porter sat up straight in his chair, eyes bulged out and red-rimmed. He had taken a particular beating in the previous class with Ochenkov, as the barbarian teacher had run the entire class through a gauntlet of harsh survival training, save for Nami who seemed to be his personal favourite.

"Well," Mr. Toriyama mused as the rest of the class giggled and came back to life. "When you consider that Wilstein had been dead for fifteen years by the time Cataclysm Theory was published, it probably wasn't him. Try Kendro Allen next time Porter, and make sure you keep up on the readings."

"Yes, sir," Porter slouched down in his chair in shame as the class continued to the end.

* * * * *

Chase had his arm wrapped around one of his cronies, pinning them down as he won another round of fights. He had set up a miniature arena in the middle of the cafeteria and was taking on challengers in exchange for food. The remainder of the Crisis Rescue Unit sat off to the side, following Chase's antics as he gloated.

"You'd think after all we'd been through he would have changed just a little," Ardwen mumbled, causing Gretta to giggle. She was tagging along with him whenever he was free as the two had started spending significantly more time together since the dance.

"He's different!" Nami snapped back, waving her arms around to draw attention to her miniature frame (one made even smaller by her sitting). "I mean if Chase weren't Chase anymore than who would he be? But he is definitely slightly different." A chunk of mashed potato smacked Porter in the back of the head, followed by a howl from Chase. "Well, very slightly different."