Joseph

by Tracy St. John

  Joseph’s steps were confident as he followed the directions to the office he searched for. He had to laugh softly to himself when he found the door to his target. It had the same Kalquorian characters and numbers that the rest of the gray doors were labeled with. It also sported a sign that proclaimed it Earther Men’s Support and Assistance in five different Earther languages. He couldn’t have missed it, even if he’d lacked his rudimentary knowledge of Kalquorian.

  The nervousness he’d shed on the trip from the apartment returned as he readied to meet with his fellow transplants. These were men who’d come to Kalquor to be with their lovers—and he was sure none had arrived in the roundabout, criminally convicted manner he had. Had there not been a friendly face among them to look forward to, Joseph might have raced home to Almon’s rather than attempt to find encouragement and friendship.

  I’ve faced much worse. He drew a breath and stepped forward to trigger the door to open. It did so, and he went inside.

  Right off the bat, he found himself in a bare corridor, with four doors on either side of it. A door on the end was open, and Joseph heard voices emanating from that direction. He quietly walked down the hall, the soft, gray flooring muffling any sound his carefully placed steps might have made. He reached the doorway and peeked into the room beyond.

  There was the typical low-to-the-ground table favored by the Kalquorians, though it was larger than most Joseph had noticed. Over half a dozen Earther men, ranging in age from barely out of their teens to middle-aged, sat in a circle around it on large blue seating cushions. A nearby counter, taller than the meeting table, was covered with cups, a couple of drink dispensers, a coffee carafe, and a tray of Kalquorian and Earther snacks.

  Joseph scanned the faces at the table, and his tension eased when he spotted Aaron’s familiar smile. Ibmul’s companion noticed him at the same instant and cheerfully waved him in.

  “Joseph! You found us. Come say hi to everyone. This is Joseph, guys. He’s with a Nobek named Almon.”

  As everyone called welcomes, they moved to make room so Joseph could sit next to Aaron. “Hi, everyone. It’s nice to be here. Thanks for letting me join you.”

  Aaron pointed as he made introductions. “Solomon, Mike, Brad, Tom, Daniel, Paul, and Gabriel.”

  “Repeat all the names you just heard and win a prize,” black-haired Tom teased.

  Joseph chuckled with them.

  “Don’t worry. You’ll figure out who’s who all too soon. For the moment, we’ll let you settle in, if that’s okay? Daniel was telling us about an issue he was having with his clan.”

  “Thanks. I’d appreciate having a few minutes to gather myself.” Joseph was relieved he wouldn’t have to spill his guts immediately.

  “A few minutes? I could go on for hours. Count yourself lucky you fell for just one guy. Back me up here, Brad.” Daniel glanced at the blond, thirty-something hunk halfway between himself and Joseph.

  “It gets easier. Give yourself another three to fifty years.”

  More laughter ensued, but Daniel shook his head. Joseph thought he might be the youngest of the group, though with the sadness in his eyes, he seemed older than his unlined face indicated. “I don’t know about that. They’ve been together as a trio for twenty years. They’ve got history, inside jokes I’m not part of, a whole pattern of living that’s hard for me to figure out.”

  The guy next to him—Joseph remembered him as being Mike—asked, “Do they explain stuff to you when you don’t understand what’s happening? Because if they’re at least doing that, then they’re aware and paying attention to your needs. Cut yourself a break. A good clan doesn’t expect you to have it all figured out right away.”

  Joseph listened in fascination as the conversation went on. It was a relief to discover he wasn’t the only person facing adjustment issues. As Daniel described his difficulties in adapting to being openly gay and coping with his clan’s irritation when other males paid attention to him (“The clerk only asked what size I wore on Earth, for heaven’s sake!”), Joseph felt better about his own difficulties.

  It was particularly gladdening to discover the rest were supportive of Daniel’s concerns. Any criticism was offered in a caring, understanding manner that was impossible to take offense to. After a short while, the line between Daniel’s brows had eased, and he laughed more often with them.

  With the young man bucked up, Aaron turned to their newest member. “Are you comfortable enough to share your story with us, Joseph? A little background to start, perhaps?”

  “Oh boy. I’m going to fill the hour Daniel didn’t use, and then some.”

  “I smell drama.” Next to him, Solomon rubbed his hands together, as if contemplating a tasty dish. His wink and nudge eased the jolt of terror Joseph had experienced at Aaron’s invitation to speak.

  “Trust us, we’ve heard some pretty intense stories around here. And the mistakes we’ve made are plenteous.” The muscled guy Joseph remembered as Paul coaxed him on to murmurs of agreement.

  Despite the friendliness, Joseph started his story with his gaze on the table before him. The others were silent as he described his upbringing under the critical and suspicious eye of his father, his refusal to surrender when Earth lost the war with Kalquor, attacking Almon’s ship, being captured and sentenced to the institution, and finally, living with Almon and the issues with Nesof. By that time, after several peeks to gauge his listeners’ attitudes, Joseph was sitting up straight and speaking directly to the concerned men who’d welcomed him into their midst.

  It was the eldest among them, Solomon, who voiced their first concern. “I doubt that you’re out of the woods yet, Joseph. This orderly—he’s sounding kind of stalkerish to me. Bad news.”

  “Compounded with you feeling as if you owe him because he was your only friend in that facility. Which, if you’ll excuse the bluntness, you don’t owe him shit.” Gabriel scowled at the air over their heads.

  A lively discussion erupted, though the consensus was that Nesof had realized all along that Joseph and Almon were an item, and any Nobek would know better than to interfere with such a relationship. They also confirmed that despite formal clanning of Earther males not being recognized by the government, Nesof was in the wrong and Joseph was not.

  After several minutes of debate, Paul held up his hands to quiet the group. “Okay, okay. What we need is a plan. If Nesof does have an inappropriate interest in Joseph, he’ll show up again. That much we have figured out. Joseph, you have to be ready for him.”

  “Right. Don’t allow yourself to be surprised. Be prepared for confrontation.” Aaron squeezed his shoulder.

  “Okay. How?” Joseph was at a loss.

  Brad mused, “The biggest problem is if he gets you alone. If you’re with your Nobek, then it’s up to him to deal with the situation. Nobeks love that shit, even if they’re pissed off at what’s happening.”

  “I was on my own in the eatery. I mean, Aaron was looking out for me—did I thank you for that? But still—”

  “Ibmul and I would have had no problem helping you if you’d asked for it. Even if we didn’t know Almon, we’d have been ready to toss Nesof out on his ass, had he upset you. Most of those working in public places would feel the same.”

  The others piled on their agreements. “There’s no shame in screaming for assistance if Nesof comes along and starts acting weird. Make a scene. Ask for help.”

  “Like Brad said, Nobeks love that shit. You don’t have to be a Matara for them to jump into protective mode.”

  “Earther guys and Imdikos do have that courtesy. Right or wrong, we’re viewed as weaker, so Nobeks will butt into a scene to be sure we’re okay. For that matter, most Dramoks would too.”

  “That’s good to hear. Though the idea of not handling it myself makes me feel like a wimpy ass,” Joseph admitted.

  “Bring on the machismo. I am man, it’s up to me to fight my own battles.” Mike struck a pose, flexing his biceps and snarling.

 
Aaron laughed with the rest. “It’s a different ballgame for us here on Kalquor, Joseph. Kalquorians are trying to figure it out too. But for the most part, if an Earther companion finds himself in trouble, the big guys swing into action. Should Nesof show up, yell for help. You’ll find it.”

  The last knots of tension had unraveled for Joseph. The support group offered objective but compassionate counseling. They had experience in not only navigating a repressed past, but also what it meant to fall in love with former enemies. The meeting had been exactly what he needed. He could hardly wait to share his experience with Almon.

  At the end of the session, the men headed out of the meeting space as a group. Most of them were picked up by clanmates at a nearby shuttle pad. A couple others had their own vehicles. Everyone offered Joseph a ride home, but he demurred.

  When Aaron tried to insist he and his Dramok Waklar give Joseph a lift, with a stop at Ibmul’s for lunch, Joseph said, “I told Almon I would ride the public shuttle and go straight home after the meeting. Maybe once we have our act together a little better, I’ll take you up on those kinds of offers—but for his peace of mind, I’d rather not deviate from what I say I’m going to do.”

  “I suppose you’re right. I certainly remember those early days with my clan.” Aaron shot Waklar a glance. The Dramok chuckled but didn’t add to the discussion.

  “Besides, the shuttle stop is just over there, and I’m in public. No need to worry.” Joseph noted the few Kalquorians walking around the level, going to appointments or heading out for their midday meal.

  The Earthers said their goodbyes, and Joseph headed for the stop. A check of the time showed it would be at least ten minutes before his ride would arrive, so he sat down on a bench to wait.

  He thought the meeting over and decided he felt good about how it had gone. Despite all the harm he’d done as a battlecruiser captain, the others had not been judgmental—at least, not overtly. He thought perhaps a few had some not so proud moments in their pasts as well They also might know a thing or two about searching for redemption. He acknowledged the potential for friendships, particularly where Aaron was concerned.

  “Someone is waiting for a lift.”

  Joseph startled. Nesof stood there, practically looming over him.

  Chapter Eleven

  Joseph stared at his grinning former orderly, trying to come to grips with the Nobek’s sudden appearance.

  It doesn’t mean he’s following me. Maybe he overheard Dr. Adna talking about this group and supposed I might come.

  That failed to change the fact that Nesof had no business near Joseph. The opinions of the other Earthers and Almon were fast becoming a fact. Nesof was stalking him.

  The orderly jerked his head towards the landing bay. “Let’s get you out of here. I’ll treat you to lunch on the way.”

  He was so confident and sure of himself, that it momentarily tripped Joseph’s inclination to bow to authority. But only for a split second did he come close to obeying. The next instant, his discussion with the other Earthers and the strategy they’d proposed stiffened his spine.

  Not budging from the bench, Joseph warned, “We’ve been over this. It’s not possible for me to go anywhere with you.”

  “Of course it’s possible. You don’t have to be afraid of Almon. You have me.”

  “I’m not afraid of Almon. More importantly, I don’t want you. Almon is my lover. You and I are nothing, and it’s time you got that through your head.”

  “After two years under my care, you and I are not nothing.” Nesof’s purple eyes lit with anger.

  “Fine, I’ll put it bluntly, so there can be no misunderstanding. I demand that you leave me alone.”

  As Joseph spoke, he glanced at his surroundings. He and Nesof were alone on the shuttle platform, but there were a few Kalquorians within yelling distance.

  Nesof moved closer, his toes practically touching Joseph’s. The Earther fought off a sudden flare of fear, but he refused to cringe. He sat very still as Nesof leaned close to mutter in a low, threatening tone.

  “Almon doesn’t love you. If he did, he’d be here, watching over you, not letting anyone come near you. I’m the only real friend you ever had. Don’t fuck that up, Joseph. You don’t want to fuck that up.”

  Joseph stood up fast. So fast, in fact, that the Nobek was startled enough to step back. Taking heart from the orderly’s surprise, Joseph uttered a snarl of his own. “You’re the one who messed up the friendship we had. Who do you think you are, pushing yourself into parts of my life where you aren’t wanted? Now I don’t wish to see you at all. Ever.”

  He never saw the slap coming. The sudden heat and force that staggered him was such a shock that for a moment, Joseph wasn’t sure what had happened. He stared at the massive Nobek.

  Nesof stared back, his expression a mixture of contrition and frustration. His hand hung in the air, at the ready to hit him again. “Why would you make such ugly statements? Do you enjoy what you made me do?”

  Joseph drew a deep breath, pulling in air until his lungs hurt from the strain. His scream blasted with the force of an emergency siren. “Help! Somebody, help me!”

  Still crying out for assistance, he walked quickly past the nonplused Nesof—never run from a Nobek, his brain jabbered frantically, fighting his legs’ impulse to do so. He hurried toward a couple of startled Kalquorians on the walkway who were swiveling in his direction. He sobbed with relief as they rushed toward him.

  With those men racing to his aid, he gave into instinct and ran for the safety of strangers. He didn’t check if Nesof chased after him until he joined the flustered Dramok and Nobek coming to his rescue. Only then did Joseph turn to note Nesof’s reaction.

  The orderly was nowhere in sight.

  * * * *

  I should have been there.

  The sentence had been chanting in Almon’s skull, a continuous mantra, since he got the com. It didn’t let up for an instant, even when he saw Joseph standing safe and sound near the public shuttle stop with a couple of law enforcement officers.

  Maybe not so sound after all. Almon’s young companion’s face was stark white except for the red imprint on his cheek. Seeing an obvious sign of attack filled Almon with fury. The only sanity that kept him from hunting down Nesof that very second was the voice of hard-won wisdom telling him to keep himself under control for Joseph’s sake.

  Nevertheless, his first act upon reaching his lover was to wrap his arms around the trembling body and clutch him tight. “Joseph, Joseph, are you all right?”

  “I’m okay. I’m fine.”

  “Like hell you are.” The whispery quality of his voice made all of Almon’s instincts rage to find his enemy and make him pay.

  Joseph pushed him back. Not all the way, but just far enough so that they could look into each other’s eyes. “No, really. I’m not permanently damaged or anything. Dramok Gorg and Nobek Stek answered my call for help.”

  Almon noticed the two men standing nearby, an older pair close to his own age. He released Joseph to return their bows.

  The Nobek Joseph had identified as Stek spoke, his voice filled with apology. “I hope we didn’t make a mistake by not pursuing the young Earther’s antagonist. Our initial concern was making certain he hadn’t been harmed. Please let me know if I can aid you in repaying the bastard for what he did.”

  Dramok Gorg added, “Other than a slap, your companion wasn’t dealt any injury, but I too wish we could have gone after his attacker.”

  “Do not compare notes, Dramok Gorg and Nobek Stek. I’m still collecting statements.” The Dramok in the armored law enforcement formsuit dipped a slight nod to Almon and indicated his scarred companion. “I’m Investigator Kavug. My enforcer, Nobek Trib.”

  As the Nobek officer bowed, Almon returned it. “Are you going to arrest Nobek Nesof?”

  Kavug’s eyebrow rose. His features were too strong to allow him to be handsome, but he wasn’t unpleasant to look at. His words, however, were aw
ful to hear. “Arrest Nobek Nesof? We haven’t confirmed he was anywhere in the vicinity.”

  “But these witnesses—”

  “Were at a distance. When your companion began yelling, the assailant ran off, with his back to the Dramok and Nobek. They didn’t have a good look at him, nor did they witness his alleged attack.”

  “Alleged? This kid didn’t put that huge handprint on his own face!” Stek stared at the officer in disbelief.

  “He was attacked. There is no doubt about that.” Gorg didn’t bother to hide his scowl.

  Kavug gave them a steady gaze. “Thank you for your time. I’ll be in touch in the next few days.”

  Neither looked happy with the abrupt dismissal, but they offered no further challenges to the officer. “Good luck, Joseph and Almon. Hopefully, they’ll take care of this matter quickly.”

  Once they were on their way, Almon spoke heatedly to Kavug. “I don’t understand why you’re not taking Nesof into custody. He’s been harassing Joseph since his release from the psychiatric center.”

  Kavug’s gaze on Joseph was cold, his question for Almon emotionless. “Did you report this harassment?”

  “No. I warned him off in the hopes that would settle the issue.”

  “At my request. I didn’t want the matter blown out of proportion before I realized Nesof was stalking me,” Joseph added.

  “I’ll be in contact with Nobek Nesof, to hear his story on the matter. Do you have any other witnesses of this alleged harassing behavior?”

  Almon’s teeth grated at the dismissive tone. Why wasn’t this asshole cop taking the matter seriously?

  Joseph provided the answer. “Aaron. I don’t know his last name, but he’s the companion of Clan Waklar. He works at his Imdiko’s eatery, Ibmul Feeds You. He’s also in the support group I was just coming from when Nesof confronted me.”

  “Aaron. Your witness is another Earther? I don’t suppose he was also a former member of your crew, Captain Walker?”