When that shattering fact was discovered, that the basis of justice was not dependable, action was swift. The mind-probe was analyzed, and the defect removed. But the truth of the facts in the Terran Metals Trial was now uncertain. Guilty or not, the Department of Terran Justice wanted Pell.
Sam took a step toward the picture. The girl's voice shocked him from these thoughts. "I don't know how to thank you, Mister—?" She paused expectantly.
"Knox, Sam Knox."
She held out her hand. "We are so glad to know you."
"You are the first one to want to know me. I've been here a week, and everyone seems to think I have a plague."
Timas Rorke spoke from the bed. "You must forgive us. We are a hard people to get acquainted with, especially now."
"Why especially now?"
The visaphone buzzed. It was the Aeries, now alongside. Nancy went to operate the lock.
A young man came from the lock with her. He was dark and saturnine. His glance viewed Sam with open suspicion.
Nancy said, "Sam Knox, Ned Hawkins."