The Cycles of Revelation Series
Artifact of the Dawn: Catching Up (A Queer Sci-Fi Adventure)
Episode 45: Back at the Rahn’naa, Ardyn and Jevan catch up on what they missed while they were away.
Ardyn awoke the next day feeling more rested than he had in a long while. Getting away from everything for most of the previous day helped, especially learning that Jevan was equally overwhelmed.
Looking over at the still sleeping man, Ardyn contemplated their relationship. While circumstances had forced them together, he couldn’t deny that his feelings for Jevan were deepening. It didn’t hurt that Jevan was always so sweet and understanding. Don’t forget charming and attractive, Ardyn reminded himself with a smirk.
Ever since they’d forced him to mate with Cylaen and the others, Ardyn had avoided sexual relationships. Well, there was that one ranger, Ardyn recalled. After the incident in Ahren, Ardyn became friendly with a ranger named Laedyn, whose range bordered his new one.
Ardyn had spent little time with Laedyn in Maala’naa, as their families lived on opposite ends of the settlement, but they struck up a friendship as they crossed paths during their patrols. Soon they deliberately ranged so they could spend every few nights eating their evening meal together.
Unfortunately, one night, when Laedyn made intimate advances toward Ardyn, it didn’t go well. Ardyn found Laedyn attractive, and at first enjoyed the man’s touch. It’s when Laedyn offered his body to Ardyn that it triggered memories of his forced matings. Without thinking, Ardyn pushed Laedyn away and fled into the woods, half dressed.
Since then, Ardyn had been too embarrassed to let anyone else get that close to him. Not until Jevan. The Medellan had such a charming, easy-going way about him, he always put Ardyn at ease.
Shaking his head, he gave Jevan one last glance and a soft smile. There is too much going on right now for me to indulge in such thoughts, Ardyn reminded himself as he rose and readied himself for the day.
“Good morning!” Takyra greeted them as they entered the elevator on the way to the dining hall. “How are you feeling today, Ardyn?”
“Much better, thanks,” Ardyn replied with a smile before turning to Jevan. “Yesterday was exactly what I needed.”
“I’m glad,” Takyra said. “You’ve both been thrown into an overwhelming situation. It has amazed me how well you’ve been handling it all. Please, never hesitate to let me know if you need a break like that again.”
As they entered the dining hall, everyone else was already seated at one of the larger tables in the corner. After replicating some food, Ardyn joined them. “Good morning,” he greeted. “I hope you had a productive day yesterday.”
“It was very enlightening,” Tomas replied. “The cryopods are a true marvel. I still can hardly believe those things kept your people alive for so many centuries!”
Ardyn agreed. “It is incredible!”
As Takyra and Jevan joined them, Jevan asked. “Were you able to contact your people?”
“Yes,” Aron replied. “The communications system on this ship is amazing. Clear as a bell with no static! It sounded like they were in the next room, and not far across the ocean.”
“So, what did they say?” Jevan asked as he leaned in.
“It took time to explain everything we had learned,” Tomas explained. “Because the presence of the Athla’naa it makes the situation more complex than we had expected. They are sending a larger delegation to assess the situation first-hand.”
“You have more of those flying craft?” Takyra asked.
“Our old girl was one of the earliest models, and the first one designed to fly long distances,” Aron replied. “Before we left, they were testing a larger long-distance model. One that can carry more people. It will take them some time to finish the safety tests and select who to send, but they should be here in a couple of weeks.”
Ardyn looked over at Jevan, who was clearly excited to meet even more of these intriguing Medellans. “Why are they sending this delegation?” Jevan asked.
“Aron and I are only trained for scouting missions,” Tomas explained. “We hadn’t expected to find all of you, along with this complicated situation. They are going to send one of our diplomats, a historian, and likely at least one scientist and engineer.”
“A historian?” Jevan asked. “That’s great. I have so many questions about our people’s history. Especially regarding some rituals my people still insist on following, that no one has been able to explain.”
Mathias harrumphed at that. He’s still not planning to force Jevan to pair-bond, is he? Ardyn wondered.
“I’m sure whoever they send will be happy to answer all your questions,” Aron said. “I have little knowledge beyond the basics of our history that I learned in school.”
“Neither of us are much in the way of academics, which is why we joined the army,” Tomas admitted.
“Why do you need an army?” Mathias asked, setting down his fork to give the men his full attention.
“Our army is an organized force of people trained to keep the peace in Ateria,” Tomas explained.
“And to protect our borders,” Aron interjected.
“So, something similar to my security techs,” Aerys said, understanding.
Before Ardyn could ask, Jevan spoke up. “Protect from what?”
Tomas shot Aron a look, and the man clamped his mouth shut. Taking a deep breath, Tomas replied. “There are people in Ateria who believe that there are forces that may threaten our land. They never explain exactly who they are or where they might come from, but…”
“But the Athla’naa presence here may have just confirmed some of their fears,” Aron said, putting his hands up defensively when Takyra frowned. “Don’t get me wrong, you seem friendly enough. With your ship buried underground, I don’t think you’re much of a threat, but that’s not up to us to decide.”
“Your delegation is most welcome,” Takyra said. “I hope we can show them we are a peaceful people.”
“Well, at least most of the time,” Ardyn added with a small frown.
“That’s what the delegation will need to determine,” Tomas said. “Seeing all these technological marvels, I think it would be good for us to be friendly with your people.”
“I think we all have much we can learn from each other,” Takyra agreed. “Especially if we decide to remain on this world.”
After breakfast, they relocated to the tower meeting room to discuss plans on how to prepare for the Medellan delegation. Quarters had to be assigned and Takyra wanted to better understand Aterian customs and cuisine so they could program the replicators accordingly.
They were about to break for the day when a message came through the communications panel in the room. “Chief Technician Takyra, please come to the control center. We are receiving an incoming subspace message!”
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