Niobe's Links
Has absentmindedly called them her “sibling in law” in relation to Dr. Ratio, confusing the two because Sparrow is neither married to him nor was Ratio aware that Niobe saw him as her brother. Is very sensitive to their emotions and struggles, being particularly empathetic to others who are close to Niobe- it’s just that Dr. Ratio and Professor Cor are both not big emoters which makes her lack a strong empathetic response to them often. Admires Professor Sparrow and is more drawn to art than her mentor is, although her forms of art that she creates tends to be... disturbing. Despite this, Niobe still seems to vehemently take Dr. Ratio's side, even during their fight in Penacony, although Niobe was surprisingly hesitant about it. Trusts Sparrow (more than Cor at least) and wouldn't mind being left in their care. Her therapist is very sure that the presence of Sparrow has helped improve Niobe's mental health, and Niobe is incredibly attached to them especially following the events of Penacony.
One of Ratio's students, and one of the most surprising ones at that. She's young and sensitive, and yet she continues to endure. Sparrow isn't sure why, though they offer the girl as much support and comfort as they can. They know Veritas Ratio well enough that, even if slightly softer with the girl, his critique is far from kind.
Since Sparrow grew closer to Ratio, against all odds, they've tried to befriend Niobe a bit more, a balance to their partner's more harsh gaze. Still, there's been leaps and bounds with the dynamic on all sides, and Sparrow feels endless pride in that fact. Even if they only helped a little bit.
In recent weeks, Sparrow has begun to consider themself one of Niobe's guardians alongside Veritas, and does whatever they can to help keep Niobe safe and, to their best attempt, happy. They still feel bad about the confrontation with Ratio in the Reverie. Niobe didn't need to endure watching that, especially since things have settled since then.
After the events of Penacony, Sparrow has made it their goal to remind Niobe just how loved the little girl is, and how Sparrow and Ratio will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. They almost lost each other back then, to the Dream, and Sparrow refuses to let it happen again. Not without a fight this time.
Another professor of the Intellegensia Guild. Niobe seems to be suspicious of Cor because of small odd behaviors she has observed when he thinks no one is looking, and is probably the closest of anyone to finding the truth about him. She's warmed up to him considerably the past few months, but still gets offended whenever he offers her to be his student instead. Niobe was taught to be more fluent in the Standard language by Cor and is currently undergoing a project with him to record her native language from Xin-35.
Ratio's star student, who Cor often laments is too nice and bright to be under that mean old Veritas, and should instead study with him instead. He seems vaguely fond of Niobe although obviously more invested in his own direct students. Unlike others in the Intellegensia Guild, does not question her legitimacy as his student, since that prick is so picky with his own students that he definitely does not make mistakes. On many occasions, he has taken to chaperoning Niobe when Ratio wanders off with Sparrow, roping her into his pranks against the IPC or Ratio.
When they first met, Niobe immediately connected her to Kafka due to the jacket she was wearing and attacked her (albeit somewhat unconsciously). She didn't cause any real damage because Dr. Ratio and Professor Cor interfered, but Niobe has never reflected any apology for attacking her in the first place. The two have somewhat reached a tense understanding, but Niobe noticeably leaves the room when Starling enters. It is fortunate the two will not cross paths often, because Niobe loathes her for her connection to Kafka, the woman who destroyed her home planet.
A little afraid of Niobe, because she doesn't think she could defend herself by attacking her back if she has another episode. Niobe is the first of Kafka's "victims" that Starling has encountered, which has thrown a wrench in her vision of Kafka. Being so desperate for her mother's attention, Starling has unconsciously idolized her and excused any wrongdoing she could have done. Seeing Niobe's scars and deep trauma makes Starling feel incredibly guilty and see Kafka in a different light. Has reached a tentative agreement with Niobe, but knows that Niobe hates her and keeps her distance. Doesn't like to visit the Intelligentsia Guild because of her and Dr. Ratio.
Niobe doesn't like Marcus because he disses Dr. Ratio way too casually. She listens to him and helps him out on his study, but thinks he's a big meanie since he's mean to Dr. Ratio who is infallible in her eyes.
Has weekly sessions with Niobe where he helps record the nearly extinct language of Asfaleia with special interest in how an aristocratic child may have preserved the language differently. He thinks Niobe is amusing and used to be classmates with her in one of Dr. Ratio's classes last year, (jokingly) tormented by the fact that Niobe was far more successful than him