 What is Ben's relationship with Charlie?
How can I tell you what it's like to be young and a man and to dream of reaching the stars? They're going to bring us the metals and minerals that we desperately need. And perhaps most important of all, they'll make other men think of the stars and look up at them and feel humility—for mankind needs humility." Mickey Cameron, sitting next to me, dug an elbow into my ribs. 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. The Universe was mighty big, but with two of us to face it together, it would be only half as big. They expect us to make a new kind of civilization and a better place out of Earth. He was his normal, boyish self again, walking lightly, his blond, curly-haired skull swaying as if in rhythm with some silent melody. 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. Charlie gulped helplessly, and Mickey said: "Still going to spend the weekend with us, aren't you, Ben?" "Charlie has only twenty-four hours liberty. "Ben," he called, "don't forget that offer. A moment later Mickey said, frowning, "What was he talking about, Ben? That's what most of you want, isn't it? "It doesn't change anything, Ben—right now, I mean. Charlie was muttering under his breath, smoldering like a bomb about to reach critical mass. They were content with a home that was cool on this warm summer night, with a 'copter and a tri-dimensional video, and a handsome automatic home that needed no servants or housework. Charlie doesn't like to be sentimental, at least not on the outside. As far as I know, his life began when he took off for the Moon with Everson." You kept looking at me until I had to ask: "What are you thinking, Laura?"
 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.