[Another extract from the early parts of a longer sci-fi story that never gets finished. These two episodes follow directly on from "Nothing fires lust like grief" and precedes "Surprise before the award ceremony" by 6-12 months. Experienced Underground officer Coll McDiarmid has decided to recruit two young skywheelers, Sweft Apollorida and Kestrem Forre, to work with him. As well as making professional assessments of their psychology, intelligence and fighting skills at this stage, Coll has his own personal agenda and sees no problem in mixing business with pleasure. ]
"Kestrem Forre, skywheeler, lover, Luna legend...." Coll mused aloud with a smile as his bedroom door closed behind Kestrem the evening after his solo night with Sweft.
"Are you mocking me, Coll?" Kestrem asked with good humour sparking in his midnight-blue eyes as he pushed back a lock of dark hair from his face.
"I wouldn't, Kes. I'm impressed with what you and Sweft have accomplished. So was Telor. You haven't seen enough of the wider world yet to know how exceptional you are."
Kes looked away then, lost a little of his usual cockiness. "He told you that? Telor said that?"
"Yes, when he asked me to keep away from the two of you for another year."
Kes shrugged sadly. "Funny how things turn out...."
Coll nodded agreement.
"We are where we are. Let's move on, Kes. Sweft has discussed last night?"
"We share all our sexual experiences. She was more than satisfied, as you know."
Kes smiled at the memory of Sweft curled under the bedclothes with him, warm and wet from thorough recent congress, whispering of Coll's strong body and skilfully expressed sexuality.
"Good. You know that you don't have to be here any more than Sweft? I hope you don't choose to go but you're under no obligation whatsoever."
"I want to be here. I want you, Coll McDiarmid." Kes was direct, looking Coll straight in the eye with clear desire.
Coll looked back at him and they smiled in mutual understanding, both then glancing at the long mirror covering part of the wall in front of the bed. They saw two tall, strong men, each already with a bulge at their groin.
Sandy-haired Coll was a fraction taller and certainly bulkier but moved with powerful grace. Kes was fit and well-built but at 21, not quite the fully adult male he would be after a year or two of training with Coll. They shared an intense sexual charisma that played as much a part in their attractiveness as their good looks. Despite the difference in age, they had each quickly recognised a kindred spirit in one another.
"You and Sweft share all your sexual experiences?" Coll queried, taking off the belt he wore and snapping it sharply against his other hand. As he had strongly suspected, Kes instantly understood his meaning.
"In our own way, yes. Sweft doesn't play rough and I prefer some kinds of fun with men. She knows there's more to some encounters but it doesn't turn her on so she doesn't ask questions."
Coll nodded, remembering Sweft's negative reaction to his attempt at gentle restraint in their sex games. Trust did not come easily to her.
"Take off your shirt and come here," Coll ordered then.
"Come over here and take it off yourself," Kestrem replied insolently but with clear invitation, glancing at the belt in Coll's hands.
"Is that how you want to play it?" Coll asked, advancing across the room.
"What do you think?"
Coll looked from Kestrem's narrowed eyes and sexual smile down to the erect cock distending his trousers.
