Ely Nguyen is a cadet fresh out of the Academy and wide-eyed with enthusiasm. But he’s also alone. Sure, his work as a trainee engineer takes up most of his time, but what about when he’s on R & R? He hasn’t had a boyfriend since he left Mars some three months back. No one to even buy a drink for in one of the many clubs and pubs scattered about the starship Mandrake he’s been assigned to.

Sure, he’s got friends, but a man needs more than friends, especially after a long rotation of work.

Then, a chance encounter on a lower deck corridor sees to it that cadet scientist Emerson Sonfield catches Ely’s attention and he asks the man out for a drink. Will this be the start of something wonderful? Will duty get in the way of their fledgling relationship? Or will Ely ruin the chance of being with Emerson of his own accord, putting his foot firmly into his mouth before they even get to know one another?