Infinite Day by Chris Walley Page B

been married briefly, but her husband had been killed in a construction accident. They had had no children.
    Merral looked up at her. “So you were at Tezekal?”
    â€œCommander, I piloted the last flight out before the Krallen attacked.” He heard pride in her words.
    â€œI remember wishing I was on it. And the test flying?”
    â€œI take every machine after repairs or overhaul. It’s my job. It’s supposed to be the riskiest of the flying jobs.” She gave a weaker smile. “That was before we got enemies. I’d say risk has been redefined.”
    â€œIt has. And why do you want to come?”
    She stared straight back at him with unflinching eyes. The smile was still there, but it was now a veneer.
    â€œProbably, Commander, for the same reasons you want to go. Because it’s my duty. Because it’s a chance to do something for the Assembly. Because down here we get just one short life and we have to use it to do what is right.”
    Merral found himself nodding. “A good answer. You think you can handle the ship?”
    â€œNo.” The disarming smile appeared again. “But I’m open and willing to learn. I looked at the specifications, and I have talked with Sarudar Azeras.”
    â€œWhat did you think of him?”
    â€œHmm. Interesting. I mean he’s not the friendliest of characters. But I think we got on.”
    â€œA key part of your job is going to be working with him. He isn’t the easiest person to work with, and frankly, Captain, his attitudes toward women are—how should we say?— different . We’ve tried to establish ground rules, but you may have to watch yourself. Do I have to spell it out in any more detail?”
    â€œVero warned me. He advised me to read some pre-Intervention stuff on—what was the term?—harassment.” She stroked her chin thoughtfully. “If that happened, would I have permission to hit him?”
    Merral tried to restrain a smile of his own. “Only as a last resort. And do him no lasting harm.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œWhat do you think about traveling through Below-Space?”
    â€œInteresting. We will have to see how it will work out. The records aren’t encouraging.” There was another smile.
    â€œSo you aren’t worried about traveling all those kilometers.”
    She looked at him with a sort of awkward amusement. “Actually, Commander, the distance isn’t that enormous. The whole point of entering Below-Space is that we cut through Normal-Space rather than going across it. The distance is only going to be twenty million kilometers. It’s a long way, but it’s not light-years.”
    â€œOf course, Captain; thank you. It’s just like going through the Gates, isn’t it? I hope you aren’t too alarmed by the idea of a mission commander who really only understands trees?”
    â€œIt’s a novelty. But I respect the way you admit your ignorance.”
    â€œDo you have any questions? that I might be able to answer?”
    â€œThe obvious one: whom do I take my orders from, you or the sarudar?”
    A good question . “I am ultimately the commander of the mission. The sarudar just makes sure you get from A to B.”
    â€œSo do I get the job?”
    â€œYes, Captain.”
    â€œGreat! Sounds like a fun trip.”
    â€œFun? No . Memorable? Yes . But I look forward to working with you. Better go and pack. You and I are on the first flight this evening.” Merral glanced at the folder again. “By the way, it says here you have worked a lot with Serena Huang-Li. That’s a name I know; can’t think from what. Is she available as well? As a number two?”
    â€œSerena’s a long way away. She’s the captain of the Dove. ”
    â€œOf course! I saw the crew list. I hope she can handle Delastro.”
    â€œThat’ll be a miracle. She was at Tezekal too. I think she knows what