While her engineering achievements were being lauded by her uncle, she wasn't respected on more than a superficial level. But that wasn't solely what had turned her toward looking for something elsewhere, even if it had been a factor.

"I don't know why he would think that - ", she started, all the while cursing herself for not being more careful in her queries. The pause went on as she considered whether or not she could trust her new husband. Probably not with something of this magnitude. After all, what had they shared other than a few nights wrapped up in each other's arms, that was comfort, not trust, and he was by his own admission, a career officer. "I am loyal to our cause."

Just saying the words left a sour taste in her mouth. But what else could she say? It was an impossible situation all around.

"What did you tell him?"