“These are serious concerns and the pilot erred not in laying them before master pilots. Therefore, and after consultation, it was agreed that a retesting should be done. The testing is now completed, and I call upon the master pilots present to render their opinions: is Pat Rin yos’Phelium Clan Korval a pilot or does he hold a license wrongly? Speak, masters!”

Daav stepped forward, black eyes serious.

“Though he is perhaps not as conversant with the basic coord book as might be desirable, it is my estimation as a master pilot that Pat Rin yos’Phelium is worthy of the license he carries.” He fell back a step, cocking an eyebrow at Andy Mack, lounging against the wall. The lanky pilot shook his head, white hair moving softly across his shoulders, and took a sip of his beer.

“Been sayin’ it, ain’t I? Boy’s a pilot. Tell by lookin’ at him.”

Shan stepped forward. “It is my estimation as a master pilot,” he said seriously, “that Pat Rin yos’Phelium is worthy of the license he carries.” He fell back a step, and Priscilla came forward, then Nova, Cheever and at last Natesa, who made her declaration with the cool, emotionless intonation of a Judge, then smiled at him and stepped forward to take his hand.

“You did well, Pat Rin,” she murmured.

“In fact,” said Clonak, “he did. I say this as one who doubted the damn’ dance would work out at all, but young Shadow carried the day. So.” He looked sharply at Pat Rin. “In my estimation as a master pilot, having observed the whole of the testing, Pat Rin yos’Phelium is worthy of the license he carries and I’ll thank you to stop doubting yourself, you young whippersnapper! Between you and your lady mother, you’re a devil’s brew, make no mistake!”

Pat Rin blinked. “My mother?”

“It happens,” Priscilla said surprisingly, “that Lady Kareen is, after all, of the dramliza. She appears to have only one talent, which is rare, but not unknown.”