Love, unconventionally. By Phoenix Rafael prafael@myprivacy.ca This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 Canada License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc-sa/2.5/ca/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA. Disclaimer: If it is illegal to read this where you are, then don't read it. This story is completely fictional. Any similarities to any persons or events, past or present are purely coincidental. This story may contain scenes which involve sexual situations. If this type of material is offensive to you, or it is not legal for you to be reading this type of material, please do not read any further. Author's Note: The rank's used in this article are from the Canadian military, except for the Commander rank on which I made a mistake, so it represents the rank of Lt Col. From Chapter Three Keith walked over and looked at Jason, a little embarrassed at not mentioning his position. “I'm sorry I didn't mention anything. I hope you will still spend some time with me on Rigel Prime.” Keith was clearly asking Jason's permission. “Of course I will. I look forward to meeting your siblings.” Jason offered Keith a smile. Chapter Four Jason awoke the next day in a large room. In the middle of the room was a four-poster King sized bed. Off to the side was a sitting area, and off to the otherside was a large walk-in closet. As well there was a large attached bathroom. Yawning as he got out of bed, Jason looked around a little. He had barely looked around before he was tired and went to bed. Yesterday had been a busy day, and they had arrived on Rigel Prime late in the evening. He was to meet Keith's family this morning. A man who was of the same species as General Drake stepped into the bedroom. He was young, about Jason's age, and slim. He wore a nice pair of beige, loose hanging pants with a white shirt. “Mr. Bezner, my name is Suder. Suder Appjo. His highness has asked me to escort you to the dining room for breakfast” said the young man. “He has, has he?” Jason asked, as he put on his outfit. His usual attire of a t-shirt and jeans seemed ok. He probably should dress up to meet the royal family, but he didn't really care that much. He just cared about Keith.
“Yes, sir.” Suder replied, watching Jason closely as the changed into the clothing. “Alright then Appjo, lead the way.” The young man opened the door to the dining room, where around the table where all beings of red skin, just like Keith. Jason blinked a moment, wondering if perhaps the food colouring had fallen into the rolled oats. “Mr Bezner, your majesty.” Suder announced to the Pharaoh. “Thank you, Mr. Appjo. You're dismissed. Mr. Bezner, please have a seat.” The Pharaoh said calmly. The Pharaoh was a man of about 60, sitting at the head of the table. To his right was a woman of about the same age, and same species. Keith's siblings were quite obvious to him by the descriptions he had been given before. There was an empty chair next to Keith, probably that way on purpose. Jason quietly walked over, and one of the wait staff pulled it out for him to sit. Jason took the seat, quietly looking at the food on the table. It all looked very foreign right now. In fact, he had a longing for Special K after looking at the strange food. “So, Mr. Bezner, what is it you do for a living?” The Queen started to ask as Jason helped himself to what looked like scrambled eggs, and what looked like orange juice. “I'm an intelligence officer, your majesty. On Earth. I was on a mission when I met your son.” Jason replied. He figured if they were the royal family, they probably already knew a lot more than that about him already. “Ah yes, our recent alliance with your planet.” The Pharaoh started to say. “My advisor's suggested I allow an intelligence mission or two. Did you learn much about our society?” “Not really, your majesty.” Jason started to say as he took a bite of food. “I didn't realize that plant was poisonous to even step in, I didn't see much except for the camp I was in during my convalescence.” “Well, I will tell you a little bit about our government if you'd like.” The Pharaoh started. “We are a dual absolute monarchy. The constitution of the Empire is more like a partner agreement than a basic law. Both myself and the Queen have equal authority. There are a few things like treaties and military action where we must both agree, or it doesn't occur.” Jason gave a polite nod as he continued to eat his food, stealing a few occasional glances over at Keith. The Pharaoh noticed the glances, and politely said, “I'd be happy to tell you more another time if you'd be interested.” Jason smiled to the older man and said, “I'd like that, sir.” Finally breakfast ended, with Keith and Jason the only two left in the dining room. Jason was
a little happy that the Pharaoh's long talking finally ended. Keith looked over to Jason for a moment, pondering something. “Jason... I... I know we distances apart when you have to go home, but I was wondering...” Keith looked into Jason's eyes, himself looking sad now. “Would you be my boyfriend?” Jason gave a bit of a sigh. “I don't know, Keith. I want to say yes, but Rigel Prime is two day's by war ship to get to. Talk about a long distance relationship.” “I know, but I promise to come visit as soon as I can.” Keith said still looking into Jason's eyes. “Okay, I'll give it a try.” Jason smiled, and leaned in to kiss his new boyfriend passionately on the lips. Oh those red lips, how Jason loved their soft touch. For the rest of the morning, Jason and Keith spent a few hours in Keith's private living quarters cuddling, while watching some form of entertainment similar to TV, but not quite the same. After lunch, with to Jason's thankfulness didn't involve the Pharaoh or the Queen, Jason played a game like tennis with Keith's brother and sister. They didn't get to talk much, Keith and his brother played on one team against Jason and Keith's sister. Of course Jason's team won, and they all enjoyed a post-game milkshake. After the game, Jason retired to his bedroom to pack his bag. Although he had been here just over a day, he had to start to make the long trip back to Earth. He was planning to leave after dinner. The RSS Aeon had returned to orbit to transport him back. The mood at the dinner table was lively, but Jason and Keith were noticeably despondent as Jason was going to be leaving soon. The Queen and the rest of the family decided to depart dinner early, saying they had an event to be at, leaving Keith and Jason alone. “I'm going to really miss you” Keith started to cry as he held Jason closely. “I know, but you will call.” Jason replied, just as upset as Keith. Finally the two broke the embrace, and Keith along with the Royal Guard escorted Jason to the Starport, where a shuttle was waiting to take him to the Aeon, and then home. Jason blew Keith a kiss, and boarded the shuttlecraft, with the same Captain Krell who had flown him back on Earth. The next two days were going to be the loneliest two days of his life.