The First Attitude: Part One of Three

By Geoff Schultz

In Part 1, when Ilena is discouraged from becoming a religious sister, she remembers what she was teased about missing and asks a former professor to teach her how to make love. He’s shocked at her request then greatly surprises her when he suggests they need to have an agreed to understanding. Before that can be accomplished, one crisis erupts which is shortly followed by an even bigger one.

A peek inside:

“Yes. Once the physical elements are dealt with and the honesty factor is in the open so there is no coercion and no assumptions or unspoken expectations in place prior to engaging in sexual intercourse, the other major factor is the attitude of the participants. This somewhat overlaps the honesty factor, . . . .”

. . . He reaches over and grabs a pad of paper and a writing utensil from his desk and writes the numbers one through five down the left side of the top page. He explains, “There are five basic attitudes which can be identified in how people approach sexual activities in general or sexual intercourse specifically. Obviously, with humans as complex as we are, there can be some overlap or some less than distinct attitudes. I’ll start at the bottom.”

As he writes the word next to the number five, he says, “What I would refer to as the least desirable attitude towards sexual activities would be rape in which one person forces another person against their will to participate in a sexual activity. The next one up would be what I would call, excuse my language, fucking, where one person allows another person to involve them in a sexual activity. One example of this would be a prostitute who allows a man to use her body sexually in exchange for money.

“The third attitude I would label as simply sex or basic sexual intercourse where two people decide to mutually agree to engage in a sexual activity. Examples of this are what people refer to as casual sex or the so-called one night stand. Hopefully, the two people took at least long enough to agree to a definition as to what they mean, but too often one person is thinking of enjoying sexual intercourse while the other person is thinking more along the lines of domination which would be closer to rape.

“The second attitude is what many people would consider as making love where two people who care about each other want to express their care in a physical manner. An example of this should be the marriage relationship.”

She had been quietly listening up until now, but that surprises her so she asks, “What do mean by it ‘should be the marriage relationship’?”

“That goes back to the honesty factor because most people who go into a marriage relationship are not honest with either themselves or their prospective spouse. Each partner will have expectations or assumptions the other partner isn’t aware of or is unable to meet. Then, because one or the other or both of them are soon disappointed, their apparent initial care for each other dissolves into apathy or becomes antagonistic. If either of them feels some sort of obligation or doesn’t want to go through a divorce for whatever reason, their relationship will generally deteriorate even further. Does that clarify why I said ‘should be the marriage relationship’?”

“Yes. That also clarifies some of what has puzzled me about some of the marriages I’ve seen, or at least without investigating the specific details. Thank you for explaining.”

“You’re welcome. Now, for each of these four attitudes I’ve mentioned, many people will say they haven’t been accomplished until the activity results in the physical act of sexual intercourse as defined in the last dictionary. Of course, there are variations or exceptions, but, in general, that’s how most people would understand those attitudes.”

“From what I’ve overheard or based on the small amount I’ve read that seems to be the consensus.” She hesitates some, waits for him to take a drink, then asks, “What about the first attit

• Language: English
• Publisher: Geoff Schultz
• Release date: Jul 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005770112

Geoff Schultz

It has been said that the best things in life are free and so are this writer's stories. Hope you enjoy them.

Book preview

Part One of Three

a story of acceptance and

love on a distant planet

Geoff Schultz

ebook format edition - distributed by www.smashwords.com

Copyright 2020 by Geoff Schultz

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, and events in this book are products of this writer’s imagination or, in the case of referenced historical persons, are used fictitiously. Any other similarity to actual persons, names, or events is purely coincidental.

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License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this writer.

WARNING:

Part One of Three of The FIRST Attitude does not contain scenes of consenting adults sharing physical intimate affection. However, some of the conversations are of an adult nature which are inappropriate for children and may be offensive to some adults. While this writer agrees that such conversations should be limited to adult access, this writer is also very aware that people frequently begin their sexual experiences before they are legally adults and rather than be provided with clear and open discussions about the subject, they often have no guidance other than so-called ‘alley talk’ or the bragging of their peers. Based on those facts, it is hoped that this story may encourage responsible adults to more clearly discuss the subject of sexuality with teenagers so they might consider all of the factors and possible consequences rather than simply act like animals which are driven by hormones to breed.

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References:

Dictionaries quoted in chapter 4 are listed below in the order they are quoted (while they may be out of date based on the timing of the story, they are used to make a point):

Webster’s New International Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Co., Springfield, MA, 1927.

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA, 1980.

Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Co., Springfield, MA, 1980.

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An explanatory note:

Since the terms ‘sentience’ and ‘sapience’ have changed definitions and usage over time, this writer does not use either term to describe an intelligent self-aware being. Most humans are anthropocentric in that they consider humankind to be the most significant entity in the universe whether that’s as a result of evolution or a creative deity or some other cause. Therefore, humans have and will probably continue to use humanity as their criteria by which to determine if another species consists of intelligent self-aware beings who are of equal value with humans.

Throughout history, some humans have been unwilling to acknowledge other humans as having equal value to themselves whether the differences between them had to do with ancestry, economics, gender, geography, language, religion, social status, or any of a multitude of other factors. Because of that, this writer will make the assumption that when humans use themselves as the criteria to judge another species, they will use the more positive attributes of humanity such as compassion, empathy, and respect.

Based on those factors and since this story is written from a human perspective, this writer will use the term ‘anthro-equivalent’ to refer to a non-human species which is considered to consist of intelligent self-aware beings who are acknowledged by humans as having equal value with humanity.

The FIRST Attitude -

Part One of Three

Chapter 1

Hey, Professor!

He sighs at being interrupted, sets his writing utensil down, slightly smiles since he recognizes the voice of the person who is interrupting him, turns, and waits a moment or two for her to get closer so he can respond in a quieter voice, Hello, Ilena. . . . Or do I call you ‘Sister’.

She briefly frowns at him then says, You know I haven’t taken my vows.

And you know I’m not a professor.

I know, but you used to be and you’re the smartest person I know.

Thank you for the compliment, but I would rather not be referred to by a title I don’t currently deserve.

Okay, Chet.

So, what can I do for you, young lady?

I just wanted to make sure you haven’t forgotten our lunch appointment.

I can assure you, I didn’t forget something so important.

She briefly pauses then says, I’m not sure I would call lunch important.

It’s not the lunch which is important, it’s the appointment with you which is important.

Oh. . . . Thank you.

He gathers up his things and as they start to walk, he asks, So, how was your meeting with Mother Superior?

Okay, I guess.

What’s the matter?

Well, she recommended that I not take my vows because she said I had too much dirt in me.

Somehow, I doubt if that’s what she told you.

Maybe not, but once she said she recommend that I not take the vows to become a sister, I guess I didn’t listen too closely to what she said after that.

I can understand that.

So, what am I going to do if I don’t take my vows?

Did Mother Superior say you couldn’t continue the work you’re currently doing?

Um, no. But, how am I going to be recognized as someone with value if I just keep doing the same thing I’ve been doing for years?

Do you think what you’re doing has no value?

No. I know it has value, but . . . I guess what I really mean is that after years of training and preparation and planning to take my vows, it’s kind of hard to set all of that aside.

Believe me, I understand. . . . You might want to meet again with Mother Superior to see if she’ll explain a little more fully why she made her recommendation.

I . . . I don’t think I want to run the risk of being more disappointed by what she might tell me. . . . I don’t want to impose, but . . . would you be willing to talk to her for me?

He chuckles then says, Ilena, you don’t need to worry about speaking with Mother Superior. She thinks very highly of you and greatly appreciates the enthusiasm, effort, and attention you put into doing your work as well as the effort you put into getting your education.

Really? Then, how come she doesn’t want me to take my vows?

Because you’re a very down to earth type of person who would not be happy if you tried to devote yourself to a life of quiet spiritual contemplation.

Yeah, I have too much dirt in me.

Chet briefly laughs then says, No, Ilena, that’s not what it means.

It isn’t?

No. Being down to earth means you’re a practical person who is thoughtful and cares about doing their work to the best of their ability. You’re also willing to say what you mean and mean what you say. Would you want to turn your work over to Sister Rosa?

No way! Nothing would get done.

Can you imagine spending your time like Sister Rosa spends her time?

No. . . . Is that why Mother Superior recommended that I not take the vows to become a sister?

That was a very important part of her reason.

Oh. Thank you for telling me. . . . I guess that means she’s already talked to you.

Yes. She knows you like to talk to me so she wanted to make sure I understood her reasons so I wouldn’t be upset with her for disappointing you.

You mean, . . . she’s afraid of you?

Of course not, but we do have to work together so we do our best to cooperate.

Oh. . . . I certainly appreciate it that you’re willing to talk to me, but I never considered you would be a sort of protector to me.

I wouldn’t consider myself to be your protector, but everybody needs someone they trust enough to go to in order to speak about what’s on their heart and mind and I’m privileged to be the one you feel safe and comfortable enough to talk to.

She puts her hands around his nearest arm and holds on to him as they continue to walk. After a brief pause, she asks, So, where did that saying of down to dirt come from?

The saying is ‘down to earth’.

But doesn’t ‘earth’ mean ‘dirt’?

In general, but ‘earth’ was also the name of the human home planet.

That’s right, but does that change how the saying is used?

Not really. Another way to look at it is that a person who is considered to be down to earth has their feet on the ground, in other words, they’re practical, instead of them having their head in the clouds as they spend their time considering things which have little or no practical value.

That makes more sense. She hesitates a little longer before she asks, Was there more to Mother Superior’s reason?

Yes.

What?

You’re demonstrating it right now.

What do you mean?

You’re touching me.

But I like to touch, but only someone I trust, like you. Sometimes I feel like I have to touch and to have an actual physical connection with another being. Is that wrong?

Of course not. However, it is considered inappropriate for a sister to touch others when she’s supposed to consider herself to be in a marriage relationship with her Deity.

That’s something I was concerned about in thinking about taking my vows, but after I’ve studied and worked and planned for so long to be a sister, I wasn’t going to let that stop me. Even though I wondered how a sister can be in a marriage relationship when there isn’t any . . . physical interaction of a marital nature.

It was wise of you to consider that. I also think Mother Superior was aware of your concerns which is another reason she recommended that you not become a sister.

How could she be aware of that when you’re the first person I told?

If you happened to frown when the subject was being discussed, that could give her an indication of your feelings. In addition to that, she knows you like to touch and hug those who you trust and that would make it difficult for you to be happy with a non-corporeal relationship.

She briefly pauses to try to remember the definition of the word then says, Yeah, you’re probably right about that.

As they near the cafeteria, he says, Well, I suppose we ought to get some food before they run out.

She looks at him in surprise and is about to remind him they haven’t run out of food previously then she realizes he’s teasing her and returns his grin.

Chapter 2

They quietly converse while they eat then Chet guides the conversation towards her educational status and accomplishments before he suggests, "Since you’ve already taken a lot of college level classes as you prepared to become a sister, you might want to check with the Dean and find out what other classes you might need to take so you can qualify to receive a college degree.

Ilena again looks at him in surprise and responds, Mother Superior suggested the same thing.

He looks at her with his own surprise and says in a somewhat stern manner, That woman is going to have to quit being so smart and agreeing with me or we won’t have anything to argue about.

Ilena’s eyes widen at his tone then she clamps her hand over her mouth to stop herself from bursting out into laughter. When she has gained some control, she suggests, I don’t think I’ll tell her what you said.

It would probably be best if you didn’t or she’ll claim I’m finally gaining some wisdom in my old age.

She grins in response and when they finish eating, they turn in their eating utensils to be washed then leave the cafeteria. A couple of moments later, she asks, Chet, will you walk with me over to the farm? I have something I would like to ask you in private.

I can do that, as long as you allow me swing by my quarters to drop off my things and make a pit stop.

She returns his grin, then hesitates before she asks, Would it be okay for me to use your quarters for the same purpose instead of walking all of the way over to the dormitory and back?

Of course.

Thank you.

A few minutes later, they’re walking towards the farm. Instead of holding onto his arm like she did earlier, she holds his hand and interlaces her fingers with his. He looks down at their hands in surprise then looks up to her smile and slowly smiles in return. He’s briefly concerned that if one of the sisters or sisters-in-training sees them, they may report her to Mother Superior, but if Ilena isn’t going to become a sister, then it probably doesn’t matter.

When they arrive at the farm they walk a little further then step into the main barn where she’s warmly greeted by her less than fully anthro-equivalent friends. He may not get over to the farm often, but since he’s known to be her friend, he’s considered to be their friend as well and he does his best to give them his greetings. He’s a little hesitant to hug the creature who appears to be very similar to the drawings of a saber toothed tiger he’s seen in history books, but when he hears the contented rumbling ‘purr’ as he scratches it behind its ear, he calms down.

He briefly pauses to remember its name then asks, Do you still ride Regit?

Only briefly. I don’t know what her limits are as to what is safe for her to carry, so I only do it when she seems to insist on it. I don’t know how she does it, but she always seems to know when I need to go into the commercial district and she insists on going along.

That’s good. I’m sure she’s reduced how often people bother you.

I don’t really know for sure, but compared to what some of the other females have had to say about their trips into the commercial district, I think you’re right.

Before he can think of a response, he sees some movement in his peripheral vision then looks around and says, Well, hello, Silky. Do you remember me? It apparently does as he watches what looks like a somewhat round piece of almost translucent cloth float down from the rafters to wrap around the arm he holds out. He gently slides his other hand across the ‘skin’ of Silky then reaches into his pocket and lays a sugar cube on Silky’s ‘back’ and watches it be absorbed while the nearby ‘skin’ seems to glow in response.

Ilena asks, How did you figure out that Silky likes sugar?

I was hiking in the forest one day and stopped to fix some tea. While I was waiting for the tea to brew, I opened up a small package of sugar. A couple of moments later, I saw a Floater drift down and watched in amazement as it cautiously tried a little sugar. Although the biologists have assured us that the Floaters aren’t dangerous, I was still cautious since the biologists can’t really explain anything else about them or even why they aren’t considered to be dangerous. When Silky decided to take up residence on the farm here, I offered it some sugar and after that I seem to be its friend. At least I’m assuming this Floater is the same one considering we really can’t tell them apart.

After Silky seems to levitate off of his arm and settles back on a rafter, he gives some attention to some of Ilena’s other less than fully anthro-equivalent friends before they wander off. Moments later, she steps close and hugs him and he quickly returns her hug while he wishes he could think of a proper way to tell her how much he enjoys her sincere hugs. He hesitates to admit it even to himself how secretly glad he is that Mother Superior recommended Ilena not take her vows to be a sister.

She seems to press herself a little tighter to him then says, As I’m beginning to get over the surprise of Mother Superior’s recommendation, I think I was secretly hoping that would be her decision even as I couldn’t admit to myself that I really didn’t want to be a sister. At the same time, I didn’t want to think that all of the time and effort I spent to learn and prepare to be a sister was a waste.

An education is seldom a waste.

I understand that, but it’s not a comforting thought to know that I spent so much time heading in a direction which wasn’t appropriate to who I am.

I know what you mean. Sometimes it seems as though we almost have to go in a wrong direction one or more times in order to find out who we are before we can find the right direction for our lives.

She seems to briefly shudder before she verbally responds, Oh! I hope I don’t have to go through something like this again or I’ll really feel like a failure.

Please don’t think that. Maybe you won’t be a great success according to the secular standards of the world, but you’re a success according to Mother Superior and you’re a great success to all of your friends here even if they can’t verbally express themselves.

She hesitates then softly asks, What about you?

He pauses before he answers, I think you’re a very wonderful person and I hesitate to express how much I appreciate your friendship.

Thank you. That means a lot to me, because you’re my best friend.

Um, I hope Regit didn’t hear that because I think I would lose an argument with her.

She briefly chuckles then says, Then to clarify, you’re my best human friend.

Thank you very much.

A couple of minutes later, she starts to loosen her hug and he prepares to release her when she turns her head, guides his closer, and kisses him. Even as he’s greatly surprised by her action, he can’t resist responding. Sooner than either of them want, they’re somewhat out of breath, slightly turn their heads to be check to check, and tighten their hug.

Thank you, Ilena. Although you greatly surprised me, I shall treasure this moment for a long time.

Thank you. I was a little concerned I might offend you.

You certainly didn’t offend me. I’ve always felt honored that you willingly share your hugs of affection with me. I just hadn’t expected you to increase the level of affection you’re willing to share.

I don’t have anyone else to share my affection with who can return it in a similar manner. At least someone who won’t try to take advantage of me for their own benefit without considering my interests. The silence stretches as they each think their own thoughts about what just happened.

A few minutes later, she quietly asks, Chet, while I was preparing to be a sister, a lot of the other females in my college classes teased me and my fellow sisters-in-training about the things we would miss out on after we took our vows. Of course, that made me rather curious. Now that I’ve had a few days to think about the fact that I’m not going to be a sister, . . . will you teach me how to make love?

He freezes in place and seems to stops breathing. It’s almost a couple of minutes before he’s able to verbally respond, I’m sorry, but I’m not very good at flirting.

Since that answer is totally unexpected, it takes her awhile to ask, Flirt? What’s that got to do with making love?

According to the dictionary, that’s what making love means. Well, the dictionary puts it in better terms, but that’s the essence of it.

Chet, are you teasing me?

No, I’m serious.

But, . . . I thought that making love was the same as sexual intercourse. Or at least that’s how everybody else seems to understand it.

I guess that’s an example which can demonstrate the idea that so-called common knowledge isn’t very clear or accurate.

Then let me be more specific. I want you to gently push your cock into my pussy.

His eyes widen in near shock before he responds, Ilena, there’s no need for you to use crude and imprecise terms. You’re smarter than that. . . . Besides, I don’t own a male chicken.

Even though she tries to think and respond reasonably, she can feel her lower lip begin to tremble as she asks, Are you rejecting my offer?

I can neither accept nor reject your offer until we both have an agreed to and clear understanding of what is being offered and not offered. I would rather disappoint you by my inaction than to hurt you by an inappropriate action.

She steps back and softly says, Please leave.

I’m sorry, but I am trying to consider that your welfare is more important than my interest.

Just leave.

He considers saying more then turns and quietly walks away.

A moment later, Regit steps up next to her, stares at Chet’s back, and quietly growls. She quickly assures her, No, Regit. He’s a good man. He just confused me. Regit seems to relax and sits down. A moment later, Ilena hugs her and barely has to lean over to do so.

Chapter 3

Three days later, one of the other sisters-in-training knocks on the door to Ilena’s dormitory room. She has to knock again before she hears a response, Yes?

Mother Superior wants to see you in her office. The tone of her voice makes it clear that the messenger believes Ilena is in trouble.

Okay. I’ll be there soon. She forces herself to get up and to finish dressing then goes to the bathroom to make herself more presentable before she walks to Mother Superior’s office and tries not to be obvious about her reluctance to do so.

Sooner than she wants, she arrives, takes a deep breath, knocks on the open door, and hears, Please come in, Ilena, and close the door.

Yes, Mother Superior. After she closes the door she steps up to the desk and remains standing.

Please sit down.

She does while she appropriately responds, Thank you, Mother Superior.

Ilena, what’s the matter?

I . . . I want to take my vows to be a sister.

Mother Superior just looks at her for a little while then asks, What is really the matter?

She hesitates, then repeats herself, I want to take my vows to be a sister.

Ilena, please don’t lie to me. I know you were surprised when I recommended that you not take your vows, but I also know you are not suited to a life of spiritual contemplation and I know you are aware of that fact as well. . . . Now, what’s the matter?

She hesitates then softly says, It’s embarrassing and humiliating.

That’s part of being human. If any of us were perfect, we wouldn’t need the Deity. When Ilena doesn’t respond, Mother Superior prompts her, So, what did you do which was so humiliating?

I . . . well . . . when I realized I wasn’t going to be a sister, . . . I asked Chet to . . . teach me . . . how to make love.

Mother Superior is surprised she’s not totally surprised then she hesitantly asks, And did he?

Ilena silently shakes her lowered head.

Now, Mother Superior’s eyebrows do rise in surprise. It takes her a little while to calmly ask, And did he give you a reason why?

He said he wasn’t good at flirting.

Again, she has to pause before she can ask, Did he explain that answer?

He said that’s how the dictionary defined making love.

Did you check the dictionary to confirm that statement?

No. Although I find it hard to believe, I know he wouldn’t lie to me about something like that.

Although I don’t recall specifically looking that term up, I would find it hard to believe he would deliberately lie to you. . . . Was anything else said?

Since I thought that maybe he didn’t understand me, I told him I wanted him to . . . gently put his cock into my pussy.

"Ilena! Where did