“I didn't,” Kurt said.  “And if I’d known we would return to Earth, I would have objected strongly.  But I didn't know.”

He pressed on, remorselessly.  “I have a wife and children as well as a career,” he added.  “You have a career, a career that has already been dented by one affair.  And ... I don't know how you feel about me, but I am not a good choice for you over the long term.”

Rose looked down at the deck.  “Are you going to report me?  Report us?”

Kurt shook his head, not trusting himself to speak.  The report would destroy both of their careers, even if they were heroes – and rich heroes at that, if the prize money came through as expected.  They would probably be permanently beached or dishonourably discharged.  And, in his case, it would probably cost him his marriage too.

“No,” he said, when he could finally form words.  “But I am not going to make love to you anymore.”

He’d expected anger, he’d expected a shouting match ... but she responded with a calm sadness that worried him.  As CAG, it was his duty to counsel any of pilots who required counselling -- he might have lacked training, but at least he wasn't an idiot psychologist – yet his relationship with her was hopelessly compromised.  He couldn't play her father or a senior officer when they’d had sex countless times.  And who could Rose talk to who wouldn't betray her confidences?

“I understand,” she said, quietly.

She stood, gave him a brief and formal hug, then turned and marched out of his quarters as if she were passing out on parade.  Kurt watched her go, torn between calling her back and letting her go – and, perhaps, asking the doctor to speak to her.  The doctor would keep secrets unless they threatened the integrity of the crew.

Idiot, he told himself as the hatch hissed closed.  What do you think your secret has done?

***

“Jump completed, sir.”

Ted smiled as the familiar shape of the Sol System appeared on the display.  He’d taken the precaution of insisting they came out of the tramline some distance from Earth, just in case Earth’s defenders were in a shoot first and ask questions later mode, but it seemed as though his precautions had been unnecessary.  The closest human starship was over a light minute away.

“Send our IFF,” he ordered.  The defenders, seeing them come out of a phantom tramline, would be more than a little suspicious.  It would take time to reassure them.  “And hold position here until they reply.”