“Not at all. It will be a fair and proper trial. I’m in full agreement with the captain. Discipline demands a trial.”
Novee said, uneasily, “Look, Cimon, I wish you wouldn’t. He’s in no shape to take this.”
“Too bad,” said Cimon.
Sheffield said, “But you don’t understand. I’m responsible for the boy.”
“On the contrary, I do understand,” said Cimon. “It’s why we’ve been waiting for you to regain consciousness. You’re standing trial with him.”
“What!”
“You are generally responsible for his actions. Specifically, you were with him when he stole the air-coaster. The crew saw you at the coaster’s cabin door while Mark was inciting mutiny.”
“But he cracked my skull in order to take the coaster. Can’t you see that’s the act of a seriously disturbed mind. He can’t be held responsible.”
“We’ll let the captain decide, Sheffield. You stay with him, Novee.” He turned to go.
Sheffield called on what strength he could muster. “Cimon,” he shouted, “you’re doing this to get back at me for the lesson in psychology I taught you. You’re a narrow… petty—”