PelaamΒ© January 2010
Pushing the weighted barbell up and down, Jaydon lost himself in the almost hypnotic rhythm of the repetitions. It was not particularly heavily weighted as he did not have a gym-buddy with him on this occasion. Pumping heavy weights without a companion was strictly prohibited. He could feel the air conditioning blowing cool air over his heated skin and the beads of sweat that glistened in his dusting of dark chest hair. It had caused his nipples to peak proudly. They were clearly visible, their mocha brown colouring quite distinct through the flimsy material of the white vest he wore. He was happy to work out alone. These days he found crowds gave him a headache.
His stint at the Base was up in another few weeks. Jaydon loved Takuskan and liked and respected Colonel Belden. However, on this posting, trouble had taken the form of Sergeant Decker and Privates Harris and Kevork. Despite his rank as Captain, Decker, Harris and Kevork made his life difficult and uncomfortable at every possible opportunity. They had the same narrow mindedness over sexuality as they did about other things, calling the Takuskan denizens jellies or spooks. There was no place in the modern world for such barbaric phobias, but regrettably, it still existed in small pockets.
Although any discrimination or harassment, sexual or otherwise, was a serious offence, the Army still preferred not to openly admit it harboured any such prejudices. While he would have Colonel Belden's support now, Jaydon would be unsupported once off Base. Better to ignore the bigotry and focus on his future. Just a few more weeks at Base, and less than a year on his compulsory Army contract and he would be free.
Stopping his weights, Jaydon eased from the bench and stretched to his full six feet before commencing his cool-down regime. He glanced at himself in the nearby mirror. He still had a few years before he hit forty. Jaydon began stretching, pleased at the strength and suppleness of his body. His dark body hair peeked over the curve of his singlet and down his well-developed legs. His arms were more lightly furred, but had the same solid musculature.
Jaydon knew that he was attractive to both sexes and it was not out of pride. He worked hard to remain fit, healthy and looking good. He peered into the mirror. His olive-toned skin glowed with health, his body was toned and well-proportioned and his hair raven-black. The Latino eyes looking back at him never failed to turn heads, the men he had dated always said his lush chocolate eyes were the first thing they had noticed.
However, despite maintaining his physique and his looks, he was still without a loving partner. Army life did not facilitate deep, meaningful relationships. Jaydon would complete his year's service and then put his skills in engineering to use in the outside world. Then perhaps he would find that special someone with whom he could settle down; staying in one place, putting down roots, he wanted a good, solid home life.
He headed towards the showers, humming softly, only to be confronted with Sergeant Decker and his cohorts Harris and Kevork. Smirking, they lounged in the doorway to the showers, blocking his way.
"If you're not using the showers get out of the way, Sergeant," Jaydon ordered, his voice clipped and professional.
"Had a good workout with your right hand, Captain Jaydon?" Decker taunted. "If you'd asked we could have given you some real exercise. Rode you hard and lathered you good."
"If you persist in this behaviour I will file a formal sexual harassment charge with Colonel Belden," Jaydon growled from between gritted teeth. He tensed; ready for a more physical assault should they want more than to just verbally taunt him. He ignored the niggling pain at the base of his skull. It seemed to be worse when he was facing such hostility and he had no time for stress-induced migraines.
"Sure you will," Harris laughed.
"Do you just suck him or does he get a piece of that tight ass?" Decker sneered. "Can't tell us that something like you goes without all the time you're on Base."
"What I do is none of your business. Now get out before I put you on charges," he snarled. All three men laughed and Jaydon found his headache beginning to pound.
"Let's go, men," Decker said smirking. "Looks like the Captain needs privacy to get prettied up."
His rank always sounded like an insult from Decker's lips, but if it meant the men were moving on, Jaydon did not care. The Base was expecting a visit from two Colonels of the Takuskan who were undertaking a periodical check. Since the Base was on their territory, they were able to make spot checks whenever they wanted. Jaydon was looking forward to them coming, enjoying the cultural exchange. They would be at the Base within the next seventy-two hours and he had a myriad of things to ensure were prepared. He did not have time to deal with people like Decker
The three men parted, still laughing, as Jaydon pressed past. He felt unwelcome and unwanted hands slide across his groin and buttocks as the three men crowded him. Then they were gone, coarse laughter and more crude remarks in their wake. It left Jaydon drained and trembling in the aftermath. His head ached and he headed gratefully to the shower.
The hot water sluicing over his body helped relax him and the pain abated once more. Colonel Belden knew of the headaches and of the harassment, but respected Jaydon's decision not to take things further. He was so close to completing his tour and his time in the Army Jaydon did not want to have to go through everything that raising charges would bring. Instead he focused on the visit they were having and what he still needed to prepare.
****
The day was as hot and humid as the one before had been and as the one yet to come would be. It was a constant part of life at the Base. Jaydon had completed a last circuit, ensuring nothing was out of place. There was just one dark cloud on his horizon, but it was a big one. Colonel Belden had been called away at short notice due to a family situation and Colonel Gethin had replaced him.
Gethin was a complete antithesis to Belden. Old school, old ways, old prejudices. Jaydon had felt a distinct sinking sensation on seeing Decker's face light up as Gethin sauntered towards his temporary office. The older man's reputation preceded him. Old friends in high places were the reason many believed he had not been politely retired. Jaydon had watched the Sergeant follow the Officer inside his office and he had seen them come out together, camaraderie evident. He was just thankful that it was only likely to be a week or so that the temporary Commander would be in charge. Gethin had already made Jaydon redo a lot of work that the younger man knew was complete and correct.
****
Two Takuskan Colonels arrived and were escorted by Gethin from his office to where the body of personnel that manned the base had been lined up by Jaydon. He was irrationally pleased to find that one indeed was Colonel Achaana. Jaydon maintained his professional demeanour even though his stomach roiled. The male was every bit as attractive as Jaydon remembered.
Takuskan were eerily similar to Earth's ancient Egyptians. The two men before Jaydon each wore a simple kilt in white made of a similar material to linen. Colourful red sashes wrapped around their waists to drape at the front of the kilt. The red was the same colour as the three feathers in their respective headdresses. Red feathers were the symbol of their rank. Takuskan soldiers wore green feathers and sashes, captains wore blue, Colonels red and Generals gold. Their almond-shaped eyes were ringed with a dark kohl-like substance. They were completely hairless and Jaydon knew that, from a Takuskan perspective, hair was deemed to be a sign of inferior intelligence.
Jaydon also noticed that while Achaana's smooth, translucent-skinned chest was naked, his companion wore a breastplate. A halter-neck fastening along with straps buckled around his back held it in place. Both men wore decorative bangles on the biceps of their lower arms, but neither wore anything on their upper or true arms. The shifting colours along their abdominal region were currently light purple, an indication of serenity. The colour would shift into redder tones if a Takuskan was agitated in any way and richer purple tones when happy.
In Takuskan society, politeness and decorum were highly valued and they were a highly private people. Little was still known about them despite the alliance that had been in place for many years. When Earth had taken its first stumbling steps into the vastness of space, the Takuskan had been there to catch them. Jaydon knew that some Takuskan still believed humankind little more than primitives and that too much time and energy was wasted on a people that harboured prejudices amongst its own kind. However his Base, and the couple of others permitted on Takuskan soil, was a good way to ensure a steady cultural exchange.
Colonel Gethin led the two men towards Jaydon who could see that the older man was clearly displeased. He observed that both Takuskan had their true arms clasped at the wrists behind their backs. Jaydon could well imagine that Gethin had not taken well to the fact that, unless you were a family member or a particularly valued friend, a Takuskan would only touch you with their lower hands and even then it would be a fleeting touch. He stood smartly to attention as the men reached him.
"Captain Jaydon, this is Colonel Achaana and Colonel Kangi," Gethin barked. "It will be your responsibility to show the Officers around the Base and ensure they are offered hospitality during their stay."
Jaydon was certain he could sense the relief from the older man to be rid of the visitors. The Colonel had also made it clear to Jaydon that any criticisms that the Takuskan made of the Base would be on his shoulders.
"Life, prosperity and health to you," Jaydon intoned as he crossed his arms across his chest so that each hand touched the opposite shoulder and then bowed.
"And to you," both Takuskan responded duplicating the gesture using both sets of arms.
As Jaydon rose, he caught a glimpse of the sneer on Gethin's face. It did not surprise the younger man that the Colonel had ignored all Takuskan codes of conduct and opted to use only human greetings. However, the smiles on both Takuskan faces as the other men looked at him helped reassure Jaydon that they would not hold any of Gethin's poor manners against him.
****