“Knowing is easy. I know the Earth is big. I know the sun is bigger. Understanding the true magnitude of it all, though . . . Well, you’ve got to experience it to truly understand.”

I was afraid she would take offence, but she didn’t. She had wanted to join the privateers with me, but the military needed her talents and paid her well. So, she had never been to space. Sometimes she seemed jealous, but being a psychiatrist she had learned to control her emotions.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“It’s okay, honey. Are you frightened?”

I considered this for a moment.

“No, just in shock, I guess. I’m on the first leg of a six-week mission, and I’m just beginning to understand my situation. Having a little difficulty coping with it all. I mean, I trust Kara. She could run this assignment solo if she wanted. And I trust my ship. She’s been in hairier situations than this and never let me down.”

“And the captain? Do you trust him?”

“I wouldn’t have agreed to lead this mission if I didn’t think I was capable.”