Evolution and Adoration[alien x human][manxman]

CHAPTER 2

  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.

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  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.