 What is Ben's relationship with Charlie?
Just one, which I'd sent to Charlie Taggart. I remembered how, as a kid, I'd pestered him in the Long Island Spaceport, tagging after him like a puppy, and how he'd grown to like me until he became father, mother, and buddy all in one to me. And you, Laura, were with him. Charlie scorned the skin-tight uniforms of the government service and wore a shiny black suit that was a relic of Everson's early-day Moon Patrol. You shook hands and said, softly: "It's a privilege to meet you, Charlie. A moment later Mickey said, frowning, "What was he talking about, Ben?
 Charlie is the only family Ben has.
 Chalie is Ben's uncle.  Charlie is Ben's favorite teacher at the Academy.  Charlie is Ben's grandfather.  Charlie is the only family Ben has.