Page 2 of Breedable Boys from Outer Space
“I still need to add oil and a new filter to the truck I’m working on, it’s not yet cleared for use.”
“Noted, return to work after your briefing and finish up.” He nodded. “Permission granted.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He nodded and waved his hand to signal my dismissal.
My mind raced as I left the garage and made my way back to my room in the barracks. There was no reason that I knew of for me to be summoned to see the Colonel. I hadn’t put in for any transfers, and it wasn’t time for me to re-enlist. I wasn’t aware of anything that would cause any disciplinary actions. No, I tried to keep my nose clean.
Still, it was nerve-wracking.
I showered, then pulled on my service uniform. By the time I was dressed, it was almost time to leave, and I decided to do one last check of myself in the mirror.
Skin free of grease? Check. Dark brown hair combed? Check. I was good to go.
A few minutes later I was making my way down the hallway of the base command when another person fell into step beside me.
I glanced over to see a man I knew and considered a good friend, Staff Sergeant Simon Edwards, at my side.
“Edwards,” I acknowledged.
“Carson,” he replied, then a pause. “Do you know what we’re doing here?”
“Not a clue. You?”
“No, but seeing you here, I wonder if it’s something about that bar brawl last month.”
“I hope not. I thought that was all done. We weren’t involved, and we provided witness statements.”
“Maybe it’s turned into a bigger thing and they need depositions.”
I groaned. “I hope not. I mean, what did that guy expect? He started spouting homophobic shit in the middle of a gay bar.”
“And we all know people who act like that, also think it’s their God-given right to do so.”
“I might start wishing I had taken a swing if we’re going to have to deal with that again though.”
He snorted. “You and me both.”
We stopped outside the Colonel’s office and waited as the lieutenant acting as his assistant informed him of our arrival. Then we were ushered inside the briefing room—where fifteen other men were already waiting.
“At ease gentlemen,” the colonel said once he’d studied us all. “Thank you for coming. Please, sit.”
Permission granted, we all took seats.
Colonel Davies clasped his hands at the small of his back and started pacing behind the lectern.
“I’m sure you’re all wondering why you’ve been ordered here,” he started. Then he stopped his pacing and faced us. “Let me assure you that I’m almost as much in the dark as you.”
He frowned, then continued. “I received rather cryptic orders from Washington this morning. I am to send any single gay soldiers under my command to D.C. for a special… something.”
He growled under his breath. “Given the recent history of how LGBTQ servicemembers have been treated, I asked for clarification. I was informed that the situation is classified and is on a need-to-know basis, and that I don’t need to know.”
Several of us exchanged glances before returning our attention to the colonel.
“However, I was able to secure some assurances,” he continued. “While you are required to report, whatever assignment they have in mind is completely voluntary once you’re briefed. If you choose not to participate, you will be returned to duty here.”
“And the women, sir?” asked one man. “Lesbians? Are they being summoned for the same briefing?”
