A Hitch in Space

A routine service run through the Shaulan system turns oddly personal when Jeff Bogart, the narrator’s reliable co‑pilot, begins conversing with an imaginary companion—who, to everyone’s surprise, is actually the narrator himself. Their ionic jeep, sleek as a fountain pen, carries three “men” on a long trek among orbital beacons, yet the extra presence feels both absurd and unsettling as Jeff’s chatter fills the cabin with a constant, overly sweet monologue.

The narrator watches the strange friendship unfold, from the harmless talk‑throughs to moments that border on harassment, like Jeff insisting the “other Joe” finish his scrambled eggs. Beneath the humor lies a deeper tension: Jeff’s relentless positivity leaves no room for criticism, prompting the narrator to push for honest feedback and hint at a little therapeutic help. The story balances lighthearted sci‑fi banter with an exploration of how even the most well‑meaning companions can become a source of quiet strain.