Fear Infinity

"I'm a little disappointed. Been looking forward to when we go through the kaleidoscope. Is that on the itinerary?"

He pushed air through his straight nose, a controlled laugh. "Don't remember seeing it. However, reality is pretty good for a start. I'm Jeric. I've been looking forward to meeting you." He extended his right hand. She accepted it. Her grip was cool and firm, but not competitive.

"I’m Anna. Why?"

"Why? Do I need a reason?"

"No, just checking. I was afraid you might be one of those not-so-subtle psychiatric moniters."

"The Coalition is fond of observation, isn’t it?"

"Very. I haven't been probed like I was for this trip since the essentials of physical exam in school. Amazing scrutiny."

"You're a doctor?"

"Sir, yes sir. Flight surgeon Anna Miranda reporting for duty, sir." Anna saluted curtly.

"Ah, I thought so. You have a certain rigorous quality." That was direct, Jeric thought, Let’s see her sidestep that one.

"Thank you. What are you in for?"

"Well, I'm almost a psychiatrist, neurophysics is my field. Neurometaphysics as my friends and certain colleagues prefer to call it. I've been doing research at Berkeley, but I fooled the Coalition into giving me a ride to Proxima Centauri. I've got cousins there."

"Really? How many times removed?"

"Oh, we go way back." Jeric smiled broadly. She was gorgeous. He relaxed slightly. "Miranda...isn't that some kind of ancient law? Don't tell me your cousins are lawyers."

"Anything you say will be used against you. Watch it."

With a subtle smirk, Jeric countered, "My pleasure." Was that too garish? But she kept smiling, silhouetted against the red and gold storms of Jupiter.