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testimony that the rigger deliberately steered the Ciudad de los Angeles toward the pirate ship. Rigger Legroeder, through his Guild-appointed attorney, denies all such allegations. Questioned by the press, Spacing Commissioner Ottoson North issued the following statement."
    The reporter's image was replaced by that of a well-groomed man wearing a dress tunic with a gold, interlocking-ring insignia over his breast. "Let me make one thing clear: this Spacing Authority will never tolerate collaboration with pirates. However, Rigger Legroeder must have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law. He has found his way to Faber Eridani after a death-defying escape from a pirate outpost, and he has every right to expect fair treatment. As long as Ottoson North is commissioner, he will get that fair treatment. For all we know, the man may be a hero."
    The commissioner was interrupted by a reporter shouting, "What about allegations he was responsible for the loss of Ciudad de los Angeles ?"
    Commissioner North waved his hand to acknowledge the question. "We're investigating , as is our responsibility. All allegations will be examined. But there has been no guilt established yet—and it's the job of the Spacing Authority to determine facts , not allegations. It's also the job of the RiggerGuild to protect and defend the interests of riggers everywhere, and that includes Rigger Legroeder, as well as his colleagues. So let's allow the investigation to move forward, and let the evidence speak for itself, shall we?"
    The holo cut away from North and back to the news desk, where the anchorwoman continued, "Despite these words of reassurance from Commissioner North, potentially damning testimony by the rigger himself was released by the RiggerGuild..."
    The image cut to Legroeder saying, "We steered toward the other ship—" cut to "—the captain told us to maintain our course—" cut to "—we were headed directly toward the pirate ship—"
    The holo cut again, to the panelist asking how many had been killed and captured, then to Legroeder snorting, looking with apparent disdain toward the ceiling. Then just his voice, answering, "Hard to say..."
    And finally an echo of Commissioner North's voice: "—let the evidence speak for itself..."
    Legroeder's coffee cup fell and rolled across the floor. He stared at the holo image, scarcely hearing as his attorney repeated, "That's not the way you said it. We can challenge that. Don't worry, we can challenge that..."
     
    * * *
     
    "The panel has reached its decision," the chairwoman said, with the barest of opening prelimaries.
    Legroeder drew a sharp breath. Reached its decision—? He turned to his attorney.
    Kalm-Lieu was already on his feet. "Madame Chair, this is highly irregular! My client has not yet concluded his testimony."
    "Irregular it may be," said the chairwoman, with a severe expression. "Nevertheless, the decision is made."
    "May I ask why the rush to judgment?" Kalm-Lieu demanded.
    "This is not a judgment , Counsel, merely a decision as to the RiggerGuild's involvement in the matter." The chairwoman sounded chiding. "The full legal proceedings have yet to begin."
    "Nevertheless—"
    "However, I will inform you that the reason for the timing is a request from the Spacing Authority that we move quickly so that the full investigation can begin. This matter is viewed very seriously by the Spacing Authority, and it is the wish of the RiggerGuild to cooperate to the fullest extent possible."
    The chairwoman stared down, clearing her throat. "Now, then. It is the finding of this panel that your actions while serving aboard the Ciudad de los Angeles did in all probability bring harm to the passengers in your care, and to the shipmates with whom you served. Such actions are therefore in violation of RiggerGuild Code—"
    Legroeder grunted in disbelief and tried to turn to his lawyer, but his head felt frozen in ice.
    "—we find a high probability of conviction for dereliction