Teddy definitely hadn’t expected Tommy to break away from Kl’rt. In fact he was a few kinds of shocked to have Tommy there, just short of in his face. That didn’t make it easier to look Tommy in the eye. Not after what Kondil told him. What state he was in. No, Earth wasn’t an option anymore.

“Tommy, I...”

How could he say it without ruining their lives?

He couldn’t.

“I have to go with them. I have obligations. You can tell Billy I’m okay.”

Not that he would be home, though. He can’t. Teddy can’t go home again.