Up on the Lunar, Lieutenant Duran went back on duty, ignoring the whispers and trying to do his job. After a rather uncomfortable hour, he went to the Captain and asked him to call a meeting of the other officers; he owed them at the least, a proper explanation. He looked around at the group, everyone was there, staring at him, except Jack and the Captain who had discreetly slipped outside. He took a deep breath.

"You all heard what Major Pattisson said the other day. I've asked the Captain to get everyone together so I can fill you in on what is happening. Firstly, I owe you all an apology for not behaving in a professional way and letting Jack take the blame for something I did."

Edwards, the Second Lieutenant, was regarding him with a stony face while the others looked shocked, as if they hadn't believed he would admit it.

"Major Pattisson is now fully aware of the situation. For the moment, I am still your First Officer. If anyone has anything to say to me, then say it now, in front of everyone." He looked coolly around the room, making sure he made eye contact with everyone. No-one spoke. "That's all, then. Dismissed."

~~~

Stevens, the Second Lieutenant, stayed behind to speak to the Captain, who had returned as the others left.

He looked wound up. "Sir, can I ask you something? Is Lieutenant Duran going to stay on the Lunar, now we all know he's an om?"

"I'm not sure what you mean, Stevens," responded the Captain calmly.

"I thought oms weren't allowed to serve on our type of ship, a P108. Doesn't Rule 158 prevent that?" He had the regulation up on his wrist com, ready to remind the Captain if necessary.

'Rule 158: Homosexuals are advised and requested not to enlist in ships of the following types, P108, P112, M394 and M401. Any homosexuals who do so will be subject to transfer in the event that they cause a dangerous tension aboard their ship. The question of 'dangerous tension' shall be decided by the Captain or the Chief Medical Officer, provided neither is personally involved in the case. Providing there is no infringement of another regulation the person so judged to be causing dangerous tension will be transferred without penalty to his/her rank, career, financial position or any other consideration. Any person not classified on official documents as homosexual, who feels that s/he is showing these tendencies should report to the medical officer immediately. Transfer will be arranged as soon as practicable if requested.'

"Have a seat, John, let's talk about this," Ivanov seated himself behind his desk. "It's true that oms aren't encouraged to enlist on P108s or P112s, but it's not prohibited. They have the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else. Rule 158 only comes into play if an om requests a transfer or if someone causes a 'dangerous tension' and as far as I can see, that's not the case here."

"But how can they expect the rest of us to work with them?" protested Stevens.

"The same way you work with anyone on this ship, whatever their differences. You wouldn't have a problem if a man was white skinned or religious would you? As long as it didn't interfere with his work?"

"No sir, of course not, but ... it doesn't seem the same. What if someone has to get in a stealth pod with him?"

The Captain noticed that Stevens was now openly talking about Duran. "It shouldn't make any difference. I would expect both men to act professionally."

Stevens looked unconvinced.

"Has Lieutenant Duran acted inappropriately in the past?" Ivanov prompted.

"No sir," the other man admitted.

"Well then, nothing should really change just because it's public knowledge, should it?" The Captain smiled. "Just act towards him as you usually do and I think you'll find you've got nothing to worry about."

Lieutenant Stevens left, biting his lip, looking unconvinced.

The Captain made a mental note to keep his eye on him - oms weren't the only ones who could cause a 'dangerous tension'.