 What does Ben seem to fear, more than anything else?
With never a moment to rest, the pursuit through space felt like a game of hounds and hares ... or was it follow the leader? But he'd become a kind of invisible Siamese twin, as much a part of Ben as sight in his eyes. Again, its face would be a pop-eyed mask of surprise as Ben's fist thudded into its jaw. Ben, quietly and moderately, wanted to celebrate. Until this instant, Ben had suppressed his anger. Under interplanetary law, that would mean ten years in prison and a dishonorable discharge. So , Ben reflected, you can take a beer-and-pretzels tale seriously.
 Losing his position and the chance to fly spaceships.
 The law, and atoning for his crime.  Losing his position and the chance to fly spaceships.  The dead man, and the way he persists in his mind.  Maggie and her husband, and the position they've put him in.