Hayes' family had a long history of involvement in shipping, anything from pilots and navigators to captains, though mostly they, or someone in the family, owned their ships as well. They flew everything from cargo ships to small traders.

Adam Simon Hayes had broken away from the family tradition to join the Patrol and had risen to the rank of Captain through his own efforts rather than the power of his name. His marriage to Fiona Becker had been encouraged by both families, as it would give the Hayes a legitimate entry into politics and the Becker family the money to back their projects. There had been delicate hints of a promotion to Admiral, or an administrative position on the Space Station, for Adam when he married and settled down.

Determined to seek conformity, and eager to oblige his family, Adam Hayes had found himself swept along in the scheme without thinking about the consequences too deeply. Now he was trapped in a web of expectations and respectability. And he was dreaming about his Lieutenant. The sooner Fiona came aboard the better. That would soon put an end to all these inappropriate feelings.

King struggled to decide how to act. Part of him wanted to confront the Captain, grab him and shake him into his senses... Well to be honest, he didn't want to shake him, he wanted to... But you couldn't force someone to admit they were an om, they had to reach that decision of their own accord. The more rational part of him conceded he had to abide by the Captain's wishes to let it go, he was just frightened that he would ruin three lives before he made the right choice. Mind you, it was easier said than done to act naturally around him now that he knew he was Simon, but he had to put the episode behind him as the Captain had done and move on.

Fiona and her father came aboard two days later with three others, including a middle aged woman to act as chaperone and companion, and two staff officers. Fiona was as tall as King himself, with long black hair and brown eyes. She kept a polite expression on her face at all times so that it was hard to judge what she was actually thinking or feeling.

King thought she looked cold and reserved but admitted he was anything but impartial. He grimaced. Simon evidently had a thing for tall lovers with black hair and brown eyes, although his own were more hazel than brown.

The Revel had arranged a formal banquet in honour of their visitors, which was attended by all the officers. As First Lieutenant, King found himself seated next to Fiona, with the Captain on her right and Ser Becker on the Captain's other side. King made an effort to be as civil as possible under the circumstances, enquiring politely about her work and her family; concentrating on not looking beyond her to the Captain, who was drinking slightly more than he usually did. The elaborate meal went off without a hitch thanks to Supply Officer Tomas and the galley crew. Eventually it was over, and King was free to stand up and socialise with the other guests; conversation had not changed his opinion of the Captain's betrothed. Perhaps she suspected she was being set up.

Supply Officer Tomas was also keeping an unobtrusive eye on the number of drinks the Captain was having. He stepped up casually beside King. "It might be an idea if the Captain retires fairly soon. It seems to me as if he has slightly overdone the celebrating!" He smiled. "Not that anyone would begrudge him, but I know the Captain and he likes to keep in control. He's told me before to let him know if I think he's had enough."

Tomas glanced sideways at a member of the galley crew who was trying to get his attention. "Would you mind taking care of him, sir?" he asked King. "It looks like I'm needed elsewhere."

"Maybe it would be better if—" King broke off as he realised he was talking to the air. Tomas had already moved to check on his assistant.

King squared his shoulders and approached the Captain. "Sir, we've got a busy schedule tomorrow. Shall I wind things up here? Tomas sent me over to check with you."

The Captain turned and found himself face to face with his Lieutenant. Without thinking, he leaned in toward him, then realised what he was doing and stepped back. "Sorry, what was that?" King repeated the message and Hayes nodded, understanding what Tomas had meant. "Thank you, that sounds a good idea."

He turned to the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a busy schedule tomorrow. I am going to wish you all good night. The staff will serve a last round of drinks shortly for anyone who would like a nightcap, but of course you are welcome to take something with you back to your rooms if you would like to. Just ask one of the crew. Good night. I'll see you at 08:00."

He turned to take his leave of Fiona and her father and then headed toward his quarters. "Come with me, will you?" he told King in a low voice.

King followed him obediently, expecting some last minute instruction.

The door shut behind them and they were alone in the Captain's quarters.

King turned to him, "Yes, sir?"

Now that they were alone in his cabin with the door shut, Hayes began to have second thoughts. For some reason his cabin seemed a lot smaller than usual.

"I was going to run quickly over tomorrow's schedule with you, but now I think that would really be a bad idea." He smiled with a touch of nervousness, his breathing faster than usual.

"Why is that, sir?" asked King softly, stepping closer to him.

"Because I've had too many drinks!" the Captain answered frankly.

The other man kept advancing. "And now you want me, don't you?"

"Please, you'd better go," Hayes said with a hint of desperation. "Tomas will probably drop in any minute to report that everything has been finished up."

King stopped, just centimetres away. "All right, if you insist. But I'll be back." He smiled.

The Captain stared at him and licked his lips unconsciously. He was kidding, right?

The Supply Officer dropped in a few minutes later as Hayes had expected, to report that everyone had retired to their rooms The Captain thanked him and then went to bed himself, throwing occasional glances at the door. He was almost certain King had been joking, that he'd imagined that heat in his eyes.