Oliver held a hand up to stop Ichiro in his tracks. Ralph had given him enough of a headache talking about the nonexistence of time yesterday. The last thing he needed was a debate first thing after waking up.

Instead, he took Ichiros outstretched hand and got to his feet.

But as Oliver stood, his memories suddenly came back to him. With a jolt of fear, he remembered that todayhis first full day of lessonswould involve the dreaded test. What if it turned out he was a cobalt Seer with the potential to turn his powers to evil?

Ichiro must have noticed the change in Olivers expression.

Interdimensional sleep can feel a bit weird at first, he said reassuringly. But youll get used to it.

Its not that, Oliver muttered. Today is my test.

You get to find out your specialism? Ichiro asked. What are you thinkingelectrical? Or maybe elemental like me? Thatd be great. Id love another elemental buddy.

Not that part of the test, Oliver refuted. The part about whether Im bromine or cobalt. Good or… He lowered his voice to a whisper, evil.

Ichiro pulled a face. Im sick of those binary comparisons. Cobalt Seers can be good! Bromine Seers can turn bad. Its the equivalent of saying every sociopath is evil. Its reductive and not true at all. Youre a good kid, Oliver. Theres no reason youd go bad, cobalt, bromine, or otherwise.

Oliver felt greatly reassured by his words. You really mean that? he asked Ichiro. Its really not that big a deal?

Not at all, Ichiro told him. And I should know. Im cobalt.

Oliver was surprised by the admission. Clearly, it wasnt so bad after all. Ichiro seemed nothing but kind and reassuring, and he hadnt been kicked out by Professor Amethyst either. Oliver had been worrying about nothing.

Your clothes will be in the airlock, Ichiro added, patting Olivers shoulder. Cleaned and ready for you. Enjoy your day!

Oliver felt very relieved. The thought of being tested no longer filled him with dread. In fact, without that anxiety occupying his mind, he suddenly became eager to learn more about his powers and how to harness them.

He went to where Ichiro had pointed, the same changing-room area from last night, and wondered who else would be inside. He hoped to see Ralph and Hazel, and Walter and Simon. And the beautiful Esther. But not Edmund or his horrible scowling friend, Vinnie.

Oliver entered the airlock changing room and was relieved to find Ralph and Hazel the only people inside. Hazel had already braided her hair into the same two-bun style shed worn yesterday.

Feeling rested? Ralph asked.

I got your clothes for you, Hazel said, handing Oliver his blue overalls, cleaned and smelling of fresh lavender. Oh, and this was with them.

She held out a small rectangle of hard transparent plastic.

Your timetable, she explained.