Paradeisia: Origin of Paradise

La Guardia

  When the limousine pulled up to the departures platform, Aubrey spotted Maggie standing at the TransPacific Airlines kiosk, rubbing her own shoulders for warmth. Maggie ran up to the limo and opened the door for Aubrey, exclaiming, “I'm so glad you made it in time!” As Aubrey emerged, Maggie clutched her around the waist and manhandled her into the busy airport—almost like a porter with a piece of luggage. When they were inside, Aubrey broke free and protested, “Now you didn't tell me why I had to come to the airport for the interview. Why so fast?”

  “Yes, well, we have to leave just as soon as he's seen you. He's just taken on a new company from England and we're flying out right away.”

  “So wait, you're telling me that if I'm going to accept this job, I have to fly out today, right away, without any warning at all?”

  Maggie admitted, “Uh. I mean, yes, that would be a yes. I wish I could give you more time. But this is urgent.”

  “Maggie! I don't have anything with me except what I'm wearing!” Aubrey's mind and emotions were in a whirlwind.

  “I know, sweetie, I know. But we'll get you new things.”

  When this didn't alleviate Aubrey's baffled expression, Maggie added, “Better things than you had before.”

  Aubrey wasn't impressed. She drew a long breath and exhaled fast, trying to compose herself. “How long will we be gone?”

  “I don't know.”

  “Can you estimate?”

  “I frankly have no idea. That's the name of the game here. But I know you'll love where we're going.”

  “How do you know that?” skeptically.

  “Because it sure as heck won't be International House of Bacon. Now let's go.”

  They rushed so quickly past the iris scanners and through the terminals that, before Aubrey knew it, they were outside again and at the steps of a screaming white jet the size of a commuter airliner. It read “INTRAWORLD CAPITAL” on the side in black letters. The smell of jet fuel was strong despite the chill of the air.

  Maggie was halfway up before Aubrey's protest came from below, “Maggie, I don't have a passport.”

  “What?”

  “I've never flown before,” Aubrey said sheepishly.

  “Sweetie, I know you're naïve, but gosh.... Nobody needs a passport anymore! You got your USID card like all of us, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “They scanned your irises. That's your passport. Now get the heck up here!”

  So Aubrey dashed up the steps and entered the cabin, greeted by a rush of cool air.