“Yes,” says Jones, “my name is Jones Frederick.” He waits one second, then continues. “Now before you say what you were about to, let’s consider the consequences. What did you intend by mentioning that my first and last names appear transposed? To endear yourself to me? Surely not; you must have deduced that I’ve heard it from everyone I’ve ever met. To garner our companions’ favor by amusing them at my expense? Possibly; that’s why I beat you to it. Or is there something that I haven’t considered?”

Blankenship’s mouth clicks shut.

“Jesus, Fred,” sighs Shannon, “you always gotta do that?”