“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.”

Second Officer Lieutenant Kent placed the notice in the centre of the common room noticeboard. He was a tall man, in his mid-twenties with unruly brown hair the colour of toffee and vivid blue eyes. Although communication was electronic these days, an important message was still occasionally displayed in hard copy when someone wanted to make a point. His lips tightened as he read it. His ship, of the P112 type, had been advised to remind the crew of the regulation by its command base an hour ago.

This was because a situation of “dangerous tension” had recently occurred on a sister ship, P108 Reval, resulting in a fight between two crewmen. One had died of his injuries. Most spaceships were crewed by both men and women but there were still several specialised military vessels which were single sex, the P108 and P112 with men and the M394 and M401 with women. It was considered more effective when crew were placed in combat situations where they risked their lives.

Captain Matthews watched his officer from a distance and noticed the tightening of his mouth. He stepped up to him casually, “Anything wrong, Lieutenant? Perhaps you don’t agree with the regulations against oms?”

“I think they all ought to be shot! Nothing but a bunch of filthy—” Kent stopped abruptly, suddenly aware that he was speaking to his captain. Matthews felt and looked taken aback by his officer’s cold viciousness. Kent started an apology, obviously expecting a sharp reproof but the Captain walked off without a word, leaving his Lieutenant surprised and rather alarmed.