Clan and Commit - Tracy St. John Page 0,4
back up, Imdiko.”
Or maybe the warning wasn’t playful. Despite his pleasant expression, there was an undercurrent of demanding Dramok in his tone. Vax suppressed a shiver of excitement.
He decided to keep the teasing to a minimum, at least for the moment. Though his libido was clamoring for him to crawl all over Bacoj as soon as possible, Vax wasn’t entirely focused on the other man’s impressive physical attributes. He wanted to find out what had Bacoj in such a down mood. Instinct told him that while being called to war was a hefty piece of the problem, it failed to account for its entirety. A sorrowful disposition could prove to be a detriment for a fun romp. Or two. Vax hoped to hear what really troubled his new friend so they could get past it and indulge in carnal delights without obstacles.
The pair left the underground caverns where the bar had its home, reaching the outdoors for a short jaunt to the next cavern complex, where the two men had apartments on different levels. Soon they were making their way down a path through the woods, marked by reflective signs.
During the day, the tall trees they traveled among would be eye-catching with their rainbow-hued leaves of sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Under the light of three of the five moons that orbited the planet Kalquor, the trees were muted gray-toned versions of themselves. Yet Vax enjoyed walking at night as much as the day. When darkness descended, the reptilian forest drils chirped in a lovely chorus. Calls from unseen animals added a dash of spooky mystery. A breeze whispered secrets as it rustled through the leaves overhead. The air held the perfect amount of autumn coolness for comfortable walking.
Best of all, Vax was in the company of a stunning young man who’d shown interest in him. Had even offered to punch Karil on his behalf. When Bacoj glanced at him with that lovely smile, it was all Vax could do to not kiss him on the spot.
Story first. Molest later. With that sage bit of advice to himself, he indulged his curiosity. “It’s your turn. You have a story to tell in exchange for mine.”
“Mine’s not nearly as dramatic, so it’s hardly a fair trade. Just a disappointing turn of events. As I mentioned before, I was called up today for the war against Earth. I leave in a few weeks.”
“It’s a bad sign we’re to that point. Last I heard, the military was only asking for volunteers where Dramoks and Imdikos were concerned.”
“Your breed might be exempt for a little while longer, but I’m to report and get my orders next week.”
“What’s your part in it? Do you know yet?”
“Piloting. I’ll be working a shuttle off a supply transport.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.” Which meant Bacoj was losing out on something potentially amazing. “What’s the war taking you from?”
The Dramok’s fists clenched for a moment, confirming Vax’s suspicions. “The chance to attend the best engineering school on Kalquor. I’ve been applying for the last seven years, and I was finally accepted…barely five minutes before I found out I’d been drafted.”
Bacoj had allowed only the slightest bitterness in his tone, but his expression told Vax the truth. He was shattered over the disappointment.
“Stupid war,” the Imdiko sympathized. “Can the school defer your entrance until after the war?”
“I’ll have to ask and hope. The prospects aren’t good, however.”
“A lot of others will be sent off. You might not lose your place.”
“Unlikely. Younger Kalquorians still in basic study, within two or three years of fighting age, will be drafted to double up and pursue the essential fields such as engineering. Even if the war ends in a couple of months, they’ll have first choice to stay in the engineering program.”
“Really? That hardly seems fair.”
“Fair or not, that’s how it’s done. My Nobek father says that’s what happened before, when we were embroiled in conflicts with Trag and Bi’is.”
“Maybe the kids won’t opt to remain in the program, clearing the way for you to jump back in.”
Bacoj shook his head. “Doubtful. My Dramok father was drafted to fight Trag way back in the day. He had to wait two years after he left the military to resume the classes he’d started before being sent off.”
“And you’ve already waited seven.” Vax winced for his predicament. Poor Bacoj.
“Everyone with any engineering talent is desperate to get into that school. It’s been my dream since I can remember.” Bacoj was nearly stomping down the path in frustration.