The Cadet's Officer

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The Cadet’s Officer Copyright © 2009 Mark Alders Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

The Cadet’s Officer By Mark Alders

Dedication I dedicate this book to my family.

U.N.N. Science Vessel Aristotle 2100 hours dam Wilkinson reached out and touched the only engineered rose he’d ever seen out here amongst the countless stars and the cold eternal depths of space. At the moment, it glowed a brilliant blue, reflecting his current mood. The bush it bloomed from only ever produced one flower at a time. He knew how it felt. He sighed. The arboretum was the one place, the only place where he sought sanctuary amongst the hustle and bustle of life as a cadet. Trying to work and live amongst nearly one-hundred thousand people of all colours and creeds crammed into a steel city that explored the galaxy in the name of human advancement proved more difficult than he first thought. Adam missed looking up and seeing familiar stars at night. He would often sit on the roof of his home and gaze at those stars for hours, hoping that one day he would be amongst them. A year ago and a month after his nineteenth birthday, his wish came true. He became a science cadet, specialising in astrophysics and stellar cartography, thanks to a grant made available to him by a kind and wonderful mentor at the

A

1

Mark Alders college he attended. He never did get to thank Mr. Brown. Now he was without family. Thankfully, the two young men he shared his quarters with, Azeel and Hamish, were now really good friends. Unfortunately, they were only interested in young women. Just his luck. The arboretum gave Adam those precious few moments he craved at the end of each rotation. As he sighed again, the rose turned white, it’s neutral tone. He turned. Approaching him were his friends. “Here you are, Wilksey. We’ve been looking for you all over the ship,” Hamish said, slapping Adam on his back. The rose remained white. Apparently, it only changes colour when the emotions of the one close to it are strong enough to affect it. Every time Adam sat near the rose, it was blue. “I find it hard to believe that you searched every square centimetre of a ship that’s well over fifty kilometres long,” Adam said. Azeel let out a roar of laugher. “That’s Wilksey for you. Nah, we knew you were here. Say, you hungry? We should grab our rations before all the officers get in there and take all the good shit.” “Sure.” Adam rose to his feet and all three began the long journey through the many passages to the mess hall. “But I doubt there’ll be 2

The Cadet’s Officer anything resembling real food in the mess anyway. Oh, how I crave some homemade bubble and squeak, just like Ma used to make.” Hamish screwed up his face. “I have no idea what that is, but it sure sounds nasty.” “I didn’t think you would know what that was, mate,” Adam said with a fair dose of cheekiness. “You’re a space boy, born and bred, aren’t you? You’ve been eating nothing but processed food since you were weened.” Hamish thumped on his chest. A look of pride drew across his face. “I sure am a spaceman. Born right here on the Aristotle and proud of it. I’m a man of the stars and one that can give the girls some mighty fine stellar loving, I might add.” Azeel laughed again. “So how are things between you and Andrea? Did she run a mile from mister lovin’ spaceman once you got your suit off? Being born in a vacuum can do terrible things to your dick, you know. Worse shrinkage than cold water, I’ve been told.” “Oh, har, har very funny. At least I’ve got near a woman. Ol’ Azeel here can’t even pluck up the courage to talk to one let alone get past first base.” Hamish smiled sarcastically at Azeel while turning to wink at Adam. “It’s not easy gettin’ women around here when there’s the legendary spaceman lover sharin’ a room with me, now is there?” Azeel said as he 3

Mark Alders jabbed Adam in the ribs. “I wouldn’t be able to get a word in…she’d be ear bashed and passed out by your smooth talk before she even set foot past the door. The poor thing.” They approached the mess hall and the door slid silently open. The room was filled with hundreds of people and the noise of all of those people talking hit Adam like the smell of incense at temple. “Oh goody, looks like we beat the rush.” He wanted desperately to change the subject. Every time Azeel and Hamish got together, the subject, no matter where they were, always drifted toward their sex lives or lack thereof. The next words out of Azeel’s mouth sank all hopes of them doing that. “Say, it must be easy for you, Wilksey.” Adam knew where this was going, but he took the bait anyway. “Oh, why’s that?” Hamish had secured them seats near the observation windows. Outside a White Dwarf star about to shed its stellar material loomed, the reason why the Aristotle was in this part of space. The star’s light was brilliant, and as people milled around, the walls and floor were full of harsh shadows. When the three young men sat, a light board materialised before them. On it was today’s menu. Bubble and squeak was noticeably absent. 4

The Cadet’s Officer “Well, you must have it easy, mate. I mean, there’s plenty of cock on this ship, way more than the pussy, I’d reckon,” Hamish said, studying the menu. “You’d have your pick.” Adam shook his head. “You know, finding someone to love, no matter what sex you’re into, isn’t as easy as you think. Just because there are more men on this ship than women doesn’t increase my chances. It’s the same whether you’re gay or straight or whatever. Love sucks big time.” Azeel grabbed Adam’s hand to get his attention. “Say, isn’t that the officer of the watch over there? What’s his name?” Without hesitation, Adam replied, “Mr. Cleary.” Hamish and Azeel looked at each other, before Azeel said, “Sooooo, its Mr. Cleary, is it?” “Who’s got it bad for the officer of the watch then, hey?” Hamish said. “What was all that about it being hard to find any cock? Hmm?” “Stop it! He’s not interested in me.” Adam’s mind began to wander as he watched Mr. Cleary sit at his table with a couple of other officers, one of the men was the captain. The food that Adam and his friends had ordered was placed in front of them by one of the robotic waiters that serviced the mess hall. Adam didn’t feel hungry any more. “Besides, I don’t think he even likes me. Last 5

Mark Alders rotation he busted my arse for not filing my status report before I clocked off.” Azeel giggled. “I bet he’ll bust your arse!” He motioned a rather crude pelvic thrust while seated and trying to wolf down his dinner at the same time. “The man’s built like a series nine service droid. I mean, damn…he’s got some guns on him. He’s gotta work out for sure.” “That’s enough guys. I-I don’t want—let’s just drop the subject, okay? I mean…” Adam’s voice trailed off as he witnessed Mr. Cleary look straight at him, get up and then approach their table. Before Adam could pretend he wasn’t even looking in the officer’s direction, the man’s shadow fell over them. “Cadet Wilkinson, I need to see you in my office 0800 tomorrow. Clear?” Adam swallowed the replicated beef he had forced down his mouth in a vain attempt to look like he was doing something other than staring wide-eyed at the officer, no matter how much his stomach turned with nervous butterflies or how taken in he was with the man’s presence. “Yes, sir!” Mr. Cleary disappeared into the crowd of the mess hall. When there was no sight of the man, Hamish let out a cough, as he did so he managed to inhale some food, causing him to choke. Azeel patted Hamish on his back. “See, even ‘ol 6

The Cadet’s Officer spaceman here is impressed you managed to hook yourself some officer. He’s all choked up, in fact.” Adam felt sick. He pushed his plate away. “I don’t think that was a romantic invitation.”

7

Mark Alders

Mr. Cleary’s office Officer’s Deck 0800 hours dam rapped on the door to Mr. Cleary’s office at precisely 0800 as instructed. “Enter,” a deep husky voice bellowed. The officer of the watch’s office was small, as were most Adam had been in on this spaceship. Inside, Mr. Cleary sat behind his desk, looking grim. With him were two men. One Adam recognised as Mr. Theonopolis, the head science officer and his boss. The other man he only knew as Sarge, well, at least he thought that was his name. He was in charge of propulsion or the maintenance of the engines or something. Adam wasn’t sure. All three men turned and stared as Adam stepped into the room and the door shut behind him. He felt trapped. “That will be all, gentlemen. Oh, and, Sarge, I want a full system report on the status of the engines by the time I start my rotation at 1200 hours. We have to keep on top of any issues while we’re this close to a star about to go supernova, okay? It may look pretty and we may be advancing the knowledge of mankind and all that,

A

8

The Cadet’s Officer but I sure don’t want to get caught up in that stellar material when she blows. Clear?” Sarge nodded and saluted. Both men left. Adam remained standing in front of Mr. Cleary’s desk, waiting for whatever it was the man had called him in for. He felt his feet and hands go numb. “So…Cadet Wilkinson, isn’t it?” “Yes, sir.” Adam stood to attention when he was addressed. “You came here highly recommended.” Mr. Cleary strode casually around the desk to finally stop next to Adam. The man was indeed well built. Even in what looked like a large uniform he could see the stress of the material near the buttons, especially around the man’s chest. He was practically bulging out of his clothes. He bet Mr. Cleary had a six-pack you could bounce beer cans off. Adam swallowed. “But I don’t like sloppy work, Cadet.” “No, sir.” Adam could feel his lips dry. “This is a verbal warning, Cadet. I don’t ever want to see you in my office again for a missed report, you hear? There’s too much at stake here.” The officer of the watch began to walk around him. “One false action taken because of misinformation and there’ll be Hell to pay. We must be vigilant.” “Yes, sir.” The butterflies in Adam’s stomach began to rise. He swore Mr. Cleary was checking 9

Mark Alders him out. He was certainly standing behind him for a lot longer than he would have thought necessary. “How do you find it here aboard the Aristotle, Cadet?” Adam licked his lips one more time. “Permission to speak freely, sir?” Mr. Cleary nodded. “Sure. I finished telling you what I needed you to hear. Fire away. I need to know if I have the right man in the right job, especially a man that’s on my rotation.” “I have found it interesting and challenging, work-wise, sir…but…you know, other stuff has been difficult for me.” “Go on.” By this time, Mr. Cleary was ever so close, Adam could smell the man’s after shave. It was intoxicating. “Well…they all know about me here.” Adam looked up. “What about you, sir? Do you find it difficult being on board? You know, finding someone to be with—I mean, sorry, I don’t mean to sound out of line. You probably have a wife—” The officer of the watch leaned down, coming close to Adam’s ear. “I don’t go for women.” Before Adam could even register what Mr. Cleary had said, he was back behind his desk looking at the virtual computer files that materialized in front of him. 10

The Cadet’s Officer “Sir?” Adam caught himself saying. He was confused. What was the real reason Mr. Cleary had called him into his office? To check him out or to dress him down? Adam felt weak at the knees. “That will be all, Cadet. I’ll see you on the second rotation at 1200 hours. Don’t be late.” Adam saluted. “No, sir, I won’t be late.” With that he left Mr. Cleary’s office, heading for the only place he knew would do him any good right now.

11

Mark Alders

Rose Gazebo Main Arboretum 0835 hours he created rose in the secluded crew only section of the main arboretum always made Adam feel at peace. Well, it probably wasn’t the rose as such, rather the colour the rose turned which comforted him by confirming how he felt. This time the rose didn’t glow an ominous blue as soon as he was close enough to touch it. It turned yellow. Adam stood and pondered for a moment what this meant. It was the first time the rose had been any other colour besides blue or white in his presence since he had come on board and discovered this place. “What are you trying to tell me?” He shook his head. “Gee, look at me, I’m talking to a plant of all things.” The rose remained yellow, the colour so intense it was like freshly minted gold. As he looked at it, almost hypnotised by the hue, he swore the colour deepened. “There you are, Wilksey,” a familiar voice said from behind one of the many feature walls and

T

12

The Cadet’s Officer statues that surrounded the rose bush like a strange enclosure. “Yeah, I’m here, Azeel.” “Say, you wanna catch some hoops or somethin’ before your rotation. Hamish is busy making a fool of himself with Andrea. He’s got no chance, the poor bastard.” “Yeah, all he wants is to get his end wet with no strings attached. Pity Andrea doesn’t see it that way.” Azeel nodded and let out a giggle. “So you comin’ or what?” “No thanks, mate. I just want to be alone for a while. You understand.” Azeel frowned. “Oh, yeah, you had that meeting with Mr. Cleary, didn’t you? How’d it go?” Adam sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s just say he’s a typical officer. A man with a superiority complex and filled with hot air, too.” “Gee, ‘cause that’s funny.” Adam turned to his friend. He was beaming a smile, looking rather ridiculous seeing as he was showing all his teeth. “Oh, why’s that, Azeel?” “Yellow is the colour of hope.” Adam looked at the rose once more. “Why would the man be interested in me?” “I’ve been on this ship most of my life, Wilksey. No crew member that isn’t an officer has ever 13

Mark Alders been called into his office before their rotation. Just so you know.”

14

The Cadet’s Officer

Bridge of the Aristotle 1200 hours f the view of the White Dwarf star from the mess hall and the arboretum was stunning, here on the bridge it was phenomenal. It was an intense yet shimmering point of light next to the brilliant crimson of the Red Giant the dwarf star pulled the stellar material from that would eventually turn it supernova. From where he was stationed, to the right of the captain’s chair, Adam could see for himself the bridge of gas between the two stars. On this rotation, he was part of the team that monitored the instruments that were used for measuring what was outside the ship. At this point in time, the biggest concern was making sure the Aristotle maintained a reasonable distance from the star, both before and after it exploded. Before he could log on to his station, the captain came onto the bridge. The man looked rather weary. To have the captain here on second rotation was unusual and Adam couldn’t help but be concerned as he watched the man inspect each station one by one, Mr. Cleary at his side. He then

I

15

Mark Alders knew the time for the Aristotle to begin manoeuvring away from the star must be close. “This situation must be controlled, Mr. Cleary,” the captain said with a rasp. “Although, I have to say at the moment we seem to be okay.” “Aye, sir,” Mr. Cleary replied, not really looking at the man. Both men were coming up the ramp that led to the sensor array, right where Adam was standing. When he logged on, he looked at his virtual monitor. Scrolling before him were equations and numbers relating to the mass and condition of the White Dwarf star and its Red Giant companion. One number caught his attention. 1.3905. Adam then checked the distance the Aristotle was in relation to the White Dwarf star. Butterflies rose up in his stomach. A few moments ago, that figure was 1.3859. Why the sudden jump? The climb should be a lot steadier than that. When the Captain was close enough, Adam saluted, unable to contain himself, he said, “Sir, I think you should see this.” “What is it, Cadet?” Mr. Cleary barked. Adam swallowed. “I think we’re too close, sir.” The captain’s eyebrows shot up his forehead like rockets on lift-off. “What do you mean? Too close to the star, is that it? Nonsense…we’ve been pouring over figures all during the first rotation. I’ve been assured we’re fine.” 16

The Cadet’s Officer Adam licked his lips, glanced down at the information again and became convinced he needed to say something. Seeing that number 1.3905 once more taunted him. He knew it was significant. “The sensor is—” “The captain has been assured this ship is at a safe distance for the here and now, clear?” Mr. Cleary glared down at Adam, but if he didn’t know any better he would have sworn there was a faint smile that creased the corner of the man’s lip. Adam nodded slowly. “But my figures are saying something different…sir.” The captain and Mr. Cleary came to flank him. “Show me these figures, Cadet.” Adam pointed to the monitor. The screen paused when he touched the light display. The figure he had been concerned about was still there, like a red flag flying in the face of an angry bull. “I think the White Dwarf star has changed suddenly…and it’s—it’s drawing material off the Red Giant quicker than I…I mean we, first thought, sir.” “Nonsense!” the Captain said, almost sarcastically. There is at least another week or so before the White Dwarf reaches critical mass. Mr. Theonopolis has double-checked the figures. I have the hard copy of his report sitting on my desk at this very moment to prove it. Now let it be, Cadet. I know everyone’s a little jumpy right 17

Mark Alders now, but there’s no use causing panic, now is there?” Adam lowered his gaze. “No, sir.” “Now, for the star to gain more stellar material at an accelerated rate, something must be affecting it. Something we haven’t seen before. Do the figures you have there right now back up that hypothesis? No! I thought not. This station only monitors the activity outside, it does not calculate scenarios. That’s Mr. Theonopolis’s area of expertise, not yours, Cadet. Now get back to what you are supposed to be doing, which is to make sure the calibrations of this monitor are accurate.” Adam felt as though he wanted to crawl under his workstation and never come out. Why did he even mention anything at all? The Captain was right. How could he calculate anything from such raw data? “Yes, sir,” he said weakly. “Mr. Cleary, I understand the enthusiasm of youth, but please make sure your cadets are kept in line.” Adam looked up, having to force himself to do so. He didn’t want to show anyone on the bridge he was affected in any way by what was being said to him. The captain was walking away, but Mr. Cleary remained where he was. Right next to him.

18

The Cadet’s Officer “Excuse me, Captain,” the officer of the watch said, “but I think in this case the enthusiasm of youth has been somewhat justified.” Adam couldn’t believe his ears. Was Mr. Cleary defending him? He noticed the man give him a slight nod. “What is it, Mr. Cleary?” the captain asked as he turned and began the walk back to Adam’s station. The monitor in front of him continued to scroll numerous numbers. That 1.3905 had become 1.3955. Adam raised his eyebrows, unable to believe there was another massive jump and so soon, too. Something funny was going on with that star nearing the end of its life. “I think Cadet Wilkinson has pointed out something very important, Captain.” Now it was the Captain’s turn to look concerned. The figure had now climbed to 1.3959. “Holy smoke!” the Captain said with a yelp. “Get Mr. Theonopolis onto the bridge immediately. This isn’t right. If that star’s mass exceeds 1.4000 we won’t be around to quibble over it.” The captain’s face turned bright red and veins began to appear at his temples. “Cadet, you may have just saved this ship. Mr Cleary, begin evasive manoeuvres.”

19

Mark Alders “Yes, Captain,” Mr. Cleary said as he pressed his communicator. “Sarge, give me full thrust, right now.” The klaxon sounded. Everything from that moment on became a blur. Men and women ran around the bridge while orders were being flung back and forth between the key members of the navigation crew. It was like watching a surreal ballet. Adam could feel the adrenalin and excitement in the air, becoming swept away in the moment. He could also feel his heart pound in his chest as he witnessed the ship super accelerate away from the White Dwarf star. What seemed an eternity later, Mr. Cleary came over to his station, his face didn’t seem as harsh as it had been earlier. “I expect a full report before your rotation finishes, Cadet Wilkinson, clear?” Adam sucked in his chest. “Yes, sir.” He felt the warmth of pride well up inside him. He also felt, as the rose had shown him earlier, a small vestige of hope. Did he have a chance with Mr. Cleary? Adam shook his head. No way, surely a man like him wouldn’t be interested in a scrawny cadet…would he?

20

The Cadet’s Officer

Crew Mess Hall 2100 hours dam slumped into the chair, grasping his coffee, feeling the warmth of the cup against his fingers. He was sure glad the rest of his rotation was comparatively uneventful. The Aristotle was now a safe distance away from the White Dwarf star, but close enough to keep gathering all the scientific information they needed. Second rotation had finished an hour ago and the star still hadn’t exploded. He would have liked to have been on the bridge when it went. He sighed. “Hey, cheer up, Wilksey,” Hamish said in between mouthfuls of his dinner. “I hear you’re a real hero. Captain was even talking of a medal, you know?” Adam managed a smile. “When did the captain say that?” Hamish looked hurt. “It’s what I heard.” Azeel giggled. “What you hear has to be relayed from your dick…I’m surprised you even know what time it is.” “Oh, there you go again, Azeel.” Hamish scraped the last remnants off his plate. “It’s all

A

21

Mark Alders blah, blah, I wish I were a super space stud like Hamish with you, isn’t it?” Azeel rolled his eyes. “At least I don’t refer to myself in third person. Anyway, Wilksey, I hear Mr. Cleary thanked you for being brave enough to speak up. Is that true?” Adam nodded. “Kind of. If you can call him barking at me to get my report in on time a thank you, then yeah…he did that.” Azeel laughed. “You’ve got it bad for him, haven’t you?” “What ever do you mean? I don’t have it bad for him…do I?” Hamish pointed his fork at Adam. “Azeel is right…you’ve got it bad all right. Look at you, you get all jittery and wide eyed every time you hear his name. I bet you’ve even jacked off thinking about him, haven’t you? Jacked off ‘til you’re red raw. It’s hard sleeping in our cabin with you two love sick puppies slapping yourselves all night, you know?” “No, that’s just what you do, Hamish.” Azeel was forced to lean back as a robot waiter thrust his arm across the table, handing Adam a holo-letter. “This is for you, Cadet Adam Wilkinson,” the robot droned. “Please acknowledge that you have received this communiqué by the appointed 2230 hours.” 22

The Cadet’s Officer “Um, yeah, I do,” Adam said as he snatched the holo-letter out of the robot’s metallic fingers. It then left. “What’s it say?” Azeel asked. “Well, if he hurried up and opened it we’d all know, wouldn’t we?” Hamish said as he finished eating. They both glared at Adam as he fumbled with the seal on the outside of the holo-letter. He felt butterflies rise up as the display lit up and the contents of the holo-letter came into focus. Was this a commendation? Normally the captain issues those personally. What was it then? On the display and scrawled in neat handwriting, were the words Meet me in the arboretum’s rose gazebo 2300 hours. Yours, EC. Adam stared at the holo-letter for ages. “Well? What’s it say? C’mon, we’re dyin’ to know here.” Azeel was once more leaning forward. “Mr Cleary wants to meet with me. He wants to meet me in the arboretum just before midnight.” Azeel beamed one of his trademark smiles. “How romantic. Go for it, Wilksey.” Hamish also smiled. “Don’t forget to show the man that cute cadet arse of yours, that’ll get him begging. No man lover could resist that tush,” Hamish said with a wink. “I’ve seen it. Looks 23

Mark Alders damn fine to me. I bet you’d be nice and tight for him, too.” “Oh, just what’cha need, Wilksey, sex tips from mister spaceman here. The one who can’t even get a girl to kiss him let alone get naked with one. Don’t listen to him.” “Thanks, guys, I appreciate the sentiments…but I think I can handle this my own way. It’s time I found out once and for all what he really thinks of me.” Adam turned off the display. “Just don’t give him everything he wants all at once. Play hard to get. Guys love that shit.” Azeel shook his head. “You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you? Your girl is so hard to get she may as well be living on another planet.” “Least I got one…” They both continued bandying jibs back and forth like that for ages, but Adam didn’t hear them anymore. He was more concerned with the note he held in his hand. What should he wear? Should he bring anything? Was it even a romantic invitation? Maybe the man only wanted to personally thank him for today’s work…then again, maybe he just wanted to talk. Adam began to panic. He hated not knowing, but at the same time, he was rather excited about it, too. “Gotta go. I don’t have much time to get ready,” Adam blurted, getting up off his chair and dashing from the mess hall toward his cabin. 24

The Cadet’s Officer

Rose Gazebo Main Arboretum 2330 hours dam Approached the secluded place in the arboretum where the rose bush grew. Sitting on one of the garden seats was Mr. Cleary. He wasn’t in uniform. In fact, this was the first time he had seen him in casual clothes. The man looked so handsome in the light of the White Dwarf star that filtered in from the high tensile glass above. He wore pants and a shirt, a shirt that was unbuttoned most of the way, revealing his bulging chest. His chest was hairless. He couldn’t help but stare. The rose was a burning red. As Adam came closer, it turned white. “There you are,” Mr. Cleary said with a smooth, deep voice. “Yes, sir.” Mr. Cleary patted the seat next to him. “My name is Evan. Come and sit here next to me, my handsome cadet.” Did Mr. Cleary just call me handsome? “Sorry, sir—I mean, Evan, but I don’t understand.” Adam found himself sitting next to the man before he even realised he’d moved. He smelt divine and he

A

25

Mark Alders took in a lungful of his scent, a mix of something spicy and floral. “I never did get to thank you for the fantastic job you did today. I want to change that right now.” Adam looked into Evan’s eyes. He felt his legs go numb and his stomach tighten. God, he could get lost in his stare, he was so beautiful, so intoxicating. “Is this how you thank all your crew?” “Only the ones I am attracted to.” Adam was taken aback. “You’re attracted to me? Why?” Evan placed his finger over Adam’s lips. “Shhh. Don’t be concerned with the why. Let me show you the how.” Before Adam’s mind could even register what was going on or even how he felt for that matter, Evan pressed his lips onto his. He felt tingles course down his spine, and his stomach, now filled with butterflies, made him giddy. Evan’s kiss was perfect. Not too soft, yet hard enough to know he meant business. Adam reached out to hold Evan, running his hand across his chest. Not only did he look fantastic, he felt magnificent, too. His skin was smooth, his nipples were hard and every contour of his body was a delight to touch. 26

The Cadet’s Officer A long, beautiful moment later, Evan parted Adam’s lips with his tongue. His mind spun as he experienced the taste and sensation of a kiss that got deeper and deeper with each breathtaking second. Adam felt himself stir as his mind became cloudy with excitement. Evan held him tight. He felt completely lost in his strong arms. The officer then broke his kiss. “I want to show you the depth of my feelings for you, my beautiful cadet.” Adam groaned. His lips tingled, his body felt as light as air and his cock, now erect, pressed uncomfortably against his pants. He wanted more. Needed more. “That felt…awesome,” he said with a gasp. “I-I just can’t believe this is happening. Why me? You could have anyone.” Evan placed his warm masculine hands under Adam’s shirt, touching and rubbing them along his chest and stomach, making his way down to his groin. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I laid my eyes on you. You are so handsome and believe me when I say, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time.” “But-I, oh damn…” Adam became hot as the officer continued to caress his skin and the words no longer wanted to come out of his mouth. He was becoming lost in Evan’s arms and he loved it. He let out a yelp as his fingers slipped under the cloth of his underwear. 27

Mark Alders “Take off your clothes,” Evan said with a deep, wanting growl. “I want to have you.” “Oh, god.” Adam noticed the rose had turned a bright crimson as he fumbled with the buttons on his shirt and the latch on his belt. Evan, now standing over him, watched intently as he undressed. He, too, was disrobing. Moments later, both of them were naked, their clothes flung onto the ground without care. Evan was magnificent in all his glory. His body was perfect, like it had been sculpted by a great master craftsman. Yes, he had a six-pack. Adam smiled when he noticed his lover’s cock. It was a huge yet welcome sight, with a foreskin that glistened with pre-cum and a massive vein that ran the length of it. Seemed Mr. Cleary was attracted to him after all. That thought delighted Adam. Without thinking, Adam knelt down. He grabbed the officer’s cock, pulling back gently on his foreskin to reveal the man’s beautiful big glans. It was as red as the rose and just as stunning. Adam felt a yearning he hadn’t experienced in a long time. His cock ached, and he, too, could feel his pre-cum ooze from him. He touched himself with his other hand, rubbing the viscous fluid all over the rim of his foreskin. He couldn’t wait to 28

The Cadet’s Officer explore all the magnificence that was his officer. He couldn’t wait for his officer to explore all of him. He wanted it all, and he wanted it now. “Do you like what you see?” Evan whispered. “Yes, sir,” he replied as he looked up before taking the man’s cock into his mouth. He could taste the tangy pre-ejaculate, then as he wrapped his lips completely over the head of his cock, rolling his tongue across his frenulum and the rim of his glans, he could taste so much more, the delicate sweetness combined with a sharp bitterness only a man had. Adam let out little moans as he worked himself along the length of his officer’s cock. Evan groaned. He could see the man’s stomach quiver as he gained a rhythm to his action. “Fuck, you’re so good, my beautiful Cadet,” he said with a gasp. He now held Adam’s head, ruffling his hair and pulling him closer as he thrust his cock deeper and deeper into his mouth. After a while, Adam pulled himself away. A slurping sound pierced the still air within the rose gazebo when his lips came away from his lover’s cock. His cock was dripping wet with Adam’s saliva. A magnificent sight if he’d ever seen one. Evan smiled. “I want you to have me. I’m ready for you.” “I’ll take you to the stars and back right here and right now.” 29

Mark Alders “Take me then, sir. Do me hard and fast. I so want you.” Adam sat on the bench and leaned back, opening his legs and touching himself at the same time. “Fuck!” Evan got onto his knees. “You’re so beautiful. Look at you. You’re so perfect and just what I need.” Adam retracted his foreskin, his cock was wet with his own fluid. “Quit talking and just get on with it…sir.” He could feel himself approach climax. He didn’t want this to end. Not yet. He let go of himself and his cock slapped against his stomach. Evan grabbed Adam’s legs below his knees and parted them. Then, when Adam couldn’t take the anticipation of what was to follow any longer, he felt the officer’s cock push into him. The sensation was magnificent and Adam yelled and whined as Evan pushed himself deeper into him. The pain and pleasure was overwhelming and he gasped for breath as his lover grabbed hold of him tight around his waist as he began to stand. Adam couldn’t believe it. He was indeed being taken to the stars, for he was now well clear of the park bench and hanging in mid-air. Evan picked him up like he was a rag doll. His only support and the only connection he had with the ground was his lover’s cock inside him and his strong 30

The Cadet’s Officer arms around his waist. He felt giddy all over again. His body tingled with his excitement. “You’re so wonderful,” Evan said with a guttural rumble, gently moving Adam’s whole body up and down so that he could make love to him while standing. “Oh, my God!” Adam screamed. He’d never, ever been fucked like this—no, he’d never been made love to like this, because that’s what it was. Love. Every move, every look and every touch the officer gave was filled with passion. It was phenomenal. Adam arched his back, the White Dwarf star and the universe beyond his only view as his body escalated more and more toward climax. Then Evan let out a yell, his body shuddered and his hold on him became tighter. Adam knew the man had cum inside him, the next words out of his mouth confirmed it. “I couldn’t hold myself any longer…you’re too good.” Adam touched himself again. While held in the air and with Evan’s cock still inside him, he felt himself ejaculate. His own hot fluid covered his stomach. He orgasmed like he had never done so before, his whole body, every muscle and every fibre of his being sang as he blew his load. At that moment the sky above ignited, a brilliant white light filled his vision. The White Dwarf star had spent the last of its fuel and gone 31

Mark Alders supernova, just as he had. Adam let out a moan of joy as Evan lifted him off his cock to place him down onto the ground. The man was still erect. Did he want more? Adam hoped so. When his feet touched the ground, his knees gave way and he fell into his officer’s arms. “I want to be with you always, Adam Wilkinson,” Evan whispered into his ear. “You do?” Adam’s words were but a faint gasp. He couldn’t feel below his neck, his body still in the throes of ecstasy. “Will you come and live with me in my cabin? I would so very much want that.” He glanced over at the rose. The petals had fallen away and a bud, the lightest shade of red, was in its place. Not only was there passion between them, it would also seem that their love would soon be blossoming. Adam knew that much. He wanted to be with Evan Cleary forever, too. He looked up at his officer and, without another word between them, they kissed. They kissed for what seemed an eternity. Stellar material rushed past the glass superstructure them above. The sight was so beautiful and Adam felt like the luckiest man alive within the arms of his officer. His feelings once more began to stir within him, igniting his desires. 32

The Cadet’s Officer “Yes, I will come and live with you. Now take me again, my handsome officer, before I change my mind.” “Tomorrow you’re going to be honoured with a medal, you know?” Evan said as he picked Adam up without effort and placed him gently onto the bench. “I’ve got all the reward I need right now.” “There is something else.” “Oh?” Evan got onto his knees. He grabbed Adam’s cock, still wet and sticky from his climax. “When we are together in private, we’re equal, okay?” The man then took Adam’s cock into his mouth, all of it. The sensation was awesome. He looked up to the heavens again as Evan worked on him. The sky above was filled with the storm of the supernova, like the flow of elation he felt right now. “I love you, Evan.” Evan came away from Adam. “I love you, too.” He smiled, his lips wet with his effort. “And this is only the beginning.”

33

About the Author I’m Mark and I live in Melbourne, Western Australia. By day I am a public servant, but by night, when I get in front of my computer, I can be anyone. I let my imagination go. I can go anywhere, from the farthest reaches of space, to the dilapidated house at the end of the street, and anywhere in between. I write about people from all walks of life, from teenagers finding out what’s it’s like to be an adult or to adults that discover what it’s like to become a child once more. Characters move my stories just as much as they move me.