Marc Struthers is a career nurse in the US Navy, and he hates the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. He lives with Adam, who’s also in the Navy, and they share a room and bed. Although they often make love, Adam claims he isn’t gay.<br><br>One night while on shift, an attractive female doctor tries to seduce Marc. When he rejects her advances, she reports him as being gay.<br><br>Despite Marc’s commitment to the Navy and his job, his military career is in jeopardy. The admiral who must hear Marc’s case is from an older generation. Can Marc wait for DADT to go away as so many promise, or will he be discharged?

Military Emancipation

“Will you lie with me, just for a minute?”


“It’s against regulations. I’m sure your wife and daughter will be here soon.”


Mr. Baldardi tugged to adjust his oxygen tube again, touched the IV in his other arm, and straightened his sheet. “They’re mad at me.”


Marc had other duties, but he knew he couldn’t leave this patient. “I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”


Mr. Baldardi held Marc’s hand in a death grip. “I came out.” Marc tilted his head in wonder. “I told them I’m gay. I don’t want to die without admitting it.” He looked away. “I’ve done some bad thingsin my life, Marc, some really bad things, and keeping this issue buried deep is one of the worst.”


“Do you want me to call for the chaplain?”


Chapter 4