An Uncertain Thanksgiving - 2. Chapter 2

The next morning, I meet Rowan in the rec area for breakfast.

He greets me with, “You know what I really feel like?” He doesn’t wait for me to guess and continues. “A Denny’s^® Breakfast.”

“What’s a Denny’s^® Breakfast?”

He groans. “Don’t tell me you don’t have Denny’s^® in . . . . . err, where you come from.”

I smile and look as cheerful as I can in the morning. “Australia. No we don’t. How about we go out and you show me what a Denny’s^® Breakfast is.”

He grins at me and grabs my hand. I’m pulled out of the spaceship and towards the nearest Denny’s^®. Even before we reach Denny’s^® I notice a change in people’s mood. Everyone is happier than yesterday. It’s as if the whole planet is on a high.

We’re shown to a booth and without looking at the menu, Rowan immediately orders for both of us.

“Don’t I get a say on what I’d like?”

“No. Not on your first breakfast. Let me be your guide.”

For some reason that doesn’t annoy me.

Our coffees arrive and our conversation flows.

Breakfast arrives. I look at the plate loaded with a stack of Maple pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and hashbrowns. I make a mental note to spend more time in the gym. “This is breakfast?”

Rowan looks up from his plate. “If it’s not enough we can order more.”

I’m quick to reassure him that it’s enough. As I’m eating it’s impossible to ignore the buzz of excitement in the air.

Rowan also notices. “Isn’t it great. The Thanksgiving atmosphere. It almost feels like home.”

I reply, “I’m beginning to understand the excitement. It’s fantastic.”

“I’m glad you’re getting the vibe. I feel we’re going to have a fantastic Thanksgiving. I just wish I had some family with me.”

“After what you’ve told me I get the importance of family. You should treat the crew as our family. We spend more time together than most families.”

“You’re not wrong. We should organize Thanksgiving Dinner in groups that are like . . . . like work families.”

Breakfast finished, we pay, tip and walk out. At the door I stop and look back.

“What’s the problem?” Rowan asks.

“Nothing. I just thought I heard an Aussie accent and tried to see who it is.”

“So there are others that sound like you.”

I’m a bit defensive. “Yeah, there’s a lot of us.”

“Cool, I like hearing you talk.”

 

We walk a short distance and I ask, “What are you planning to do?”

He pauses before responding, “I need to go and talk to the Commander this morning.”

“Is this about that thing that’s going to make you a lot of money?”

“Yeah, but I was thinking us.”

I’m confused. “What do you mean ‘us’?”

“I was thinking of sharing my part with you.”

I am even more confused. “Why with me?”

He looks down for a moment and then mumbles. “I have to get going.” He walks to the corner, turns around and calls out, “Because I like you.”

He’s gone around the corner before I can respond.

 

I start walking without paying attention. I’m thinking about Rowan. I come to an intersection. I stop and look around and I see it. A shop selling antique maps and charts and random other antique stuff. The door doesn’t open automatically, and it takes me a moment to read the sign that says ‘push’. I push open the door and a little bell rings. I feel I’m stepping back centuries in time. I love it.

“Can I help you?” The voice comes from behind a counter piled high with books.

I reply to the invisible voice. “Amm, I like old maps and charts. I’m just looking at what you have.”

“Let me know if you need any help.”

I quickly discover that this strange shop has the most amazing collection of antique maps and charts I’ve ever come across. I’m searching for an expression to describe how I feel. I think of ‘like a bull in a China shop’. But no that’s not the expression I want. I remember it’s ‘I’m like a pig in mud’.

This little shop has antique charts covering the then known universe and of hundreds of planets. I want the lot but I can’t afford that, so I need to select carefully. I decide to purchase a collection of holograph charts of sectors where the original cartographers got it very wrong and maps of planets I’ve visited where they were similarly mistaken.

I take my selection to the counter but can’t find anywhere to put them down. A white haired old man emerges from behind the pile of books. “Where do you want me to forward your receipt?”

I’m a bit startled.

“My shop and what I sell might be old fashioned, but my financial systems are state of the art. Your selection has been totaled and billed to your account, less fifteen percent because you are from that ship that brought the turkeys. Your receipt is your warranty for the maps and charts. Just bring them back if there are any problems.”

 

I figure I should take my purchases back to my cabin for safe keeping. I’m not certain where I am so I download the city map to my communicator and discover I’m quite close to the docks. I’m becoming more and more aware of tomorrow being Thanksgiving. The exuberant atmosphere is almost explosive. My walk back to the ship is through already celebrating crowds.

Soon after I step on board I run into Rowan in the rec room.

“So you’ve been shopping?”

“Yeah just some stuff that I collect and a souvenir from being here.”

He’s curious and asks with a broad smile. “What sort of souvenir do you get for this planet? Something with Denny’s^® logo on it?”

He’s joking and I laugh along. “No. Something only I would think of. A couple of old maps of this planet.”

“Hmm kinky. So now I know you’re kinky and well as geeky. What else? Oh yes there’s your sexy accent.” He is sounding seductive and I’m loving it.

“About earlier. You ran away before I could respond.”

He avoids looking at me and hesitates. “So, how were you going to respond?”

I smile happily, “That I like you too.”

He looks up and we look into each other’s eyes. “Really. You like me. Like really like me like?”

My smile widens. “Yes I like you, like you, like boyfriend like.”

He grabs me and kisses me. I’m startled but I’m still able to respond. Our kiss intensifies until I hear a laughing. “Hey guys get a room.”

We pull back enough to disengage our lips and I say, “I think my cabin is closer.”

“Yeah, what are we waiting for.”

 

Thanksgiving morning and I’m woken with a kiss. Rowan is still in bed, and I feel his naked body next to me. We melt into each other.

“Are all Aussies, (did I get that right?) as good in bed as you?

I pull him close. “I’m not going to answer that and I’m not going to let you try to find out.”

We kiss. “Fair’s Fair. I don’t intend to let you stray either.”

I lightly punch him. “You know you didn’t get to set up ‘family’ groups for today.”

“I don’t care anymore. I’ve got my family right next to me.” We kiss yet again.

 

Rowan goes back to his cabin to dress. That is, after we shower together. I dress and as I’m leaving to meet Rowan, I notice that Charlie’s bed is in the same unmade state it was yesterday morning. He didn’t return last night.

I meet up with Rowan and hand in hand we head out looking for a Denny’s^® for my first Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner. The ship is now empty except for a couple of security. Denny’s^® are providing Turkey Dinners on board for them. Even the catering crew are going to Denny’s^® for Thanksgiving Dinner.

We quickly find a Denny's^® (there’s plenty of choice) and share a large booth with the same three crew members who were so concerned about missing out on Thanksgiving. I’ve started thinking of them as Huey, Dewey, and Louie but it turns out they are Daniel, Samuel and Ezekiel.

I’m about to slide into the seat next to Rowan when I hear it again. That Aussie accent. I look around and there he is at the door waiting to come in to eat.

I excuse myself and walk up to him. He’s older than me and there’s something about him that I can’t quite place.

I use my broadest Aussie accent. “How ya goin’ Mate.”

He enjoys the joke. We don’t normally talk like this. “G’day Mate,” he replies, and we start laughing.

“I’ve got a booth over there with five of us and room for one more. I’d like that to be another Aussie. Come and join us.”

He agrees and at the table I introduce Rowan as my boyfriend, the others as crew mates and finish by introducing myself.

He looks at everyone, “I’m Trajan. I hope it’s OK for me to join you.” Everyone nods. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

I direct him to sit between me and Rowan. He looks a bit dubious but relaxes and slides in. I sit, as five beers arrive. Trajan orders himself a beer.

I ask, “Have you got a parent who’s mad about Ancient Rome like I have? We’re both named after Ancient Roman Emperors.”

He says, “I was just wondering the same thing and yes Dad Andrew is an expert on Ancient Rome. Weird, isn’t it?”

“Yeah weird alright. I’ve also got a Dad Andrew.”

Before anymore can be said Trajan’ beer arrives and so does an excited Charlie.

“Titus I’ve got to tell you. I’ve already told the Commander. I’m staying on Denny’s^®. I’ve got a girlfriend.” He looks across the room and waves. A beautiful no, gorgeous, transwoman waves back.

He almost swoons, “We’re in love. She’s amazing.”

I look back at Charlie, “That’s where you were last night?”

“Yeah, it was awesome.”

“Charlie, I’m very happy for you.”

“Thanks Titus. Sorry to leave you without an assistant but you know . . .”

I glance at Rowan “Yeah, I know. And I think I’ll manage.”

“Great. Got to get back to her. Bye.”

Food, lots of food, starts to arrive at our table and we start eating. I try the turkey. It tastes wonderful.

Rowan turns to look at Trajan and me. “Titus, did you say you have a Dad Andrew?”

“Yeah, he’s an expert on Ancient Rome . . . .” Trajan and I stare at each other, uncertain what to say.

“Where did you live in er Aussie land?”

Still staring at each other we answer simultaneously, “Adelaide.”

This just got mega weird. Are we from some parallel universes or something? The food is excellent so everyone is still eating but there is no other conversation. They are all watching us.

Rowan asks, “Just to clarify. You both talk as if you have two dads.” We both look at him and nod. “You each have a dad called Andrew. What’s the name of your other dad?”

Trajan says, “Joe, Joseph.”

Relieved I say, “Harry.” and add, “and I don’t have an older brother.”

Trajan looks thoughtful. “When I left home there was a little brother. About four years old.” He turns and looks at me. “I’ve just remembered his name. It was Titus.”

Rowan groans. “I’m calling time out.” He includes the traditional accompanying hand signal. “For now, we have to accept that you two are brothers. Any other explanation is too totally fucking beyond weird to be considered. What we need to do now is get another six beers, enjoy all this delicious food and finish it in time for dessert. After dessert we can try to sort it all out.”

We return to serious eating. Samuel, Daniel and Ezekiel start to reminisce about Thanksgiving Dinners at home with their respective families. I realize why they wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving so much. The conversation moves to funny stories involving family Thanksgiving Dinners and I include a couple from my family Christmas Dinners. Yep, Thanksgiving is certainly about fun, food and family.

We have dessert. No Pavlova, but I can’t complain. I have Pumpkin Pie for the first time. The patrons finish eating and the restaurant empties. The Denny’s^® staff and their families start organizing their own Thanksgiving Dinner.

We ask if we can stay and talk. We’re told we can but are asked to settle the bill first. We ask about another beer and are told to settle the bill and help ourselves. After we pay, the staff are off duty and celebrating.

We settle the bill and because everyone wants to stay, I get six beers.

Rowan starts off. “Let’s assume that you two are brothers and that Titus was too young to remember Trajan when he left home. Now what we need to know is why did Trajan leave home and where do these different dads fit in.”

I agree, “Trajan, can you tell me, well us, why you left home.”

Trajan looks around and sighs, “I feel I’m with friends so yes. I was fifteen and decided I had to be open about my sexuality, so I decided to tell my dads that I’m straight. It had always been assumed that I was gay like both dads. But I’m not and I just had to tell them. I told Dad Joe, and he went totally off planet about it. Told me that ‘no son of his was going to be straight’ and threatened to throw me out if I insisted on having a girlfriend. I just couldn’t cope and left. I literally ran away to space and worked my passage as crew on spaceships.”

I am stunned. “But what about Dad Andrew? How did he react?”

“He was away at a conference. When he returned and found out, I was already gone from home. He called me and pleaded with me to return but by then I’d made up my mind and I was also stubborn.”

“Your being straight wouldn’t have worried Dad Andrew. I’ve, sorry, we’ve got a younger sister and brother and they’re both straight.”

Rowan says, “There’s still the Joseph and Harry mystery. Titus, do you remember a Dad Joseph or Joe?”

“No, but then I don’t remember a brother either.” I put my arm around Trajan. “But I’m overjoyed to have found him. I just wish he would return and be part of our family again.” Trajan puts his arm around me and squeezes.

Rowan comments, “We have to assume that after Trajan left home Andrew broke up with Joe then met up with Harry. I suspect you haven’t been in contact with anyone to find out.”

Trajan looks at his beer. “Sorry, no I haven’t.”

“Don’t be sorry. You and Titus have reunited. That’s something to be pleased about.”

“It sure is.” I stand up and pull Trajan out of the booth and wrap my arms around him and we hug. Suddenly the other four join in the hug. I’ve experienced not only my first Thanksgiving but also my first family Thanksgiving.

 

The next morning, I wake spooning a very naked and very sexy Rowan. I kiss his neck.

He murmurs, “I could get very used to this. Now you don’t have an assistant I can move my stuff in here.”

“I’d like that. I noticed Charlie has already moved all his stuff out.”

“If it’s OK with you, I’ll move my stuff in first before my meeting with the Commander.”

“Of course, it’s OK. I’ll even help you. Is the meeting about your secret deal?”

“Thanks,” I get a kiss, “and yes, it is. We needed to wait until after Thanksgiving. We have a consignment of breeding turkeys on board. We’re planning to sell them to Planet Denny’s^® so they can start up their turkey farms again.”

“We can transport livestock?”

“Yes we have a dedicated section of the cargo hold with life support. All roboticly managed.”

“So you expect they’ll be prepared to pay a very good price for them.”

“After the party atmosphere yesterday, I reckon they will. It won’t be a Black Friday sale. What are you doing today?”

“Trajan agreed to meet up again this afternoon so we can just hang out. I can help you move before I meet him.”

 

Trajan and I meet for a coffee. Rather than sit inside we order take away coffee. Coffee in hand we walk through a green park towards a large lake. It is so like being back on Earth, except that I can’t identify any of the birds swimming peacefully on the lake. We talk about Trajan’ life on Denny’s^® as we watch the birds.

He stops walking. “Titus I’ve been thinking and this morning I had a long talk with Uncle Dimitri.”

“Uncle Dimitri? You have an uncle here?”

He laughs, “He’s not a real uncle but he and Aunt Karina, his wife, have been good to me and helped me a lot when I first arrived. He also helped when my girlfriend and I broke up. I trust him and his advice a lot. It’s funny. He’s very smart and modern but runs this really old fashion shop.”

“That sells old maps, charts and stuff.” I finish the sentence for him.

He laughs loudly and I join in. “Don’t tell me you’ve been there?”

“Yeah I have and I loved it.”

He’s happy but becomes serious. “I go to him for advice, and after talking to him this morning I’ve decided I want to return to Earth and join our family again.”

I grab him and pull him into a hug. Fortunately, there’s nothing left in our coffee mugs to spill over us. “That’s fantastic. I’m so happy that having found you I’m not going to lose you.”

He pushes out of the hug. “Hold on. It’s not as easy as you think. Spaceships from Earth only call in here when they’re lost, and getting to somewhere they do visit and then to Earth would be more expensive than I can afford.” He gives a sly smile. “Do you think you could help me stowaway on your ship?”

I shake my head and laugh happily, “Stowaway! There’s no need for you to stowaway. We’re a crew member down and I need an assistant.”

“Really, you think I could be crew.”

“Yeah and from what you told me you have experience.”

“When do you leave?”

“Well, obviously no maintenance was carried out yesterday so another three days but now let’s get you signed on as crew before you change your mind.”

“I’m not going to change my mind. I’m stubborn remember.”

 

We meet Rowan in the entry hatch. “We’re on our way down to sign Trajan on as my Navigation Assistant.”

“Does that mean you’re kicking me out immediately after I move in?”

I pull him into a kiss. “No way! I though Trajan could use your cabin.”

“Works for me. Let’s get him signed on.”

On the way I ask Rowan, “How did the sale go?”

“Brilliantly. We have done very well.”

Before he can ask, I tell Trajan, “I’ll explain later.”

 

We are all busy. Trajan is getting organized to leave and saying goodbye to friends. He insists we visit Uncle Dimitri and Aunt Karina. They immediately adopt me, and I know why Trajan likes them so much. It feels like they are family. Trajan bids them a very emotional farewell while I regret not being able to know them for longer.

 

The day before departure is always hectic. Rowan has unloaded the live turkeys and is overseeing the loading of more cargo. The Commander has managed to locate cargo to transport to both our original destination and back to Earth.

I activate UniNavGuy so we can plot a course out of where we are. I’m greeted by a normal working persona.

“Now all my systems are operational I’ve located the archive file which has the old charts for this sector and I’ve been able to overlay them on the new charts.”

This sounds good so I wait for more.

“I’m uncertain about how we got where we are now but, I’m certain I have a few routes to get us out of here. That is when you tell me where you want to go.”

“First up we need to set course for our original destination. I’ll set the coordinates for you.”

“No need, I’ve still have those.” There’s a short pause. “We can go back onto the hyperdrive bypass and backtrack or we can take a sub hyperdrive route which will take ten standard hours longer and avoid tolls.”

“I’ll talk to the Commander and get back to you.”

“No problem.”

I walk up to the bridge and greet the Commander.

“Ah Titus. Can you get us out of here?”

I give him the UniNavGuy choices.”

“I like the idea of the sub hyperdrive route. It’ll give us a chance to shake out any problems before we activate hyperdrive.”

That reminds me. “How are the engineering crew?”

“Unconscious in the Med Bay. God knows where they’ve been and what they’ve been drinking or how long before they recover. Denny’s^® officials certainly don’t want to be responsible for them and made sure they were all aboard and our problem. The Medics are looking after them.”

“So what engineering crew do we have?”

“The one teetotal engineer and that guy, Trajan, that you got signed on.”

“He’s supposed to be my assistant.”

“Yeah right, but he’s smart, has had experience in Engineering Bays and on the same systems as ours so that’s where we need him.”

I don’t mind so I don’t object.

“Anyway, you didn’t use your assistant for navigation anyway. And by the way, you’re done well getting Rowan. You’ll be good for each other. Congratulations.”

I’m speechless.

“And just remember that in deep space I’m authorized to officiate at a marriage ceremony.”

“Does that mean you can marry me?”

“Yes, but more you and Rowan marrying each other.”

“No offense, but I would prefer it that way too. However, it’s not just my decision. We’ll get back to you.”

“I look forward to it, but I want the course setting before anything else.”

“Yes Sir, coming right up.”

He’s smiling and so am I.

 

Trajan’s luggage is onboard and we have prepared our areas for departure but there is something else we still have to do. We have to clear immigration departures. We approach together. The scanner signals a problem. “Not again,” I think.

The same uniformed official approaches. “Oh, it’s you again. Let me have a look.” He moves us to another scanner and looks at the screen. He taps the screen and reads the results. We wait.

He smiles. “You’re obviously brothers. Your ID profiles are so similar it confuses our rapid readers. I had to go to a full analysis.” He presses the screen again. “There, you’re registered as departing Denny’s^®. Goodbye, safe travel and all the best.”

We thank him and walk towards the Heisenberg.

“Are you sure that Dads Andrew and Harry will want me back?”

“I’ve never been more certain of something in my life.”

“You said we have a brother. What’s his name?

“Marcus.”

He chuckles. “Another emperor. And, what’s our sister’s name?”

I’m enjoying this. “Obviously, Cleopatra.”

We walk onboard laughing.

The end.