Terra Dawning by Ben Winston

however, because one of the things they have to deal with at times are House militias, they are trained accordingly.
    “My parents always told me that if a Ranger ever asked a question of me, that I should answer it to the best of my knowledge and ability, no matter what the repercussions of that might be. I should mention, because of what Captain Coir told you, that killing a Ranger is probably one of the dumbest things anyone could do.
    “By reputation, Rangers are a clannish lot; killing one of them would be like someone killing your baby sister after violating them. A Ranger's death would bring, at the least, an Imperial Cruiser here and there would be Rangers and Imperial troops looking under every rock and behind every blade of grass,” Addson finished.
    “Councilor Yoshi would like to heard,” Mother intoned.
    Ben helpfully pointed to the appropriate monitor, so she could face him. When Yoshi bowed, the girl bowed in return, causing the man to beam a smile at her.
    “Miss Dee, could you tell us what you believe would happen if we were to turn the guilty people from the pirate group over to the Rangers? Would the Rangers believe what Elrond would tell them of us?”
    “You are hoping to make contact with the Empire through the Rangers?” Addson asked, proving her intelligence.
    “We are considering that, yes,” Yoshi replied.
    “I would not recommend it. While the Rangers are tolerant and understanding, the information would be treated as a tip on more criminals. At best, you would be guilty of not reporting your presence on this world to your Duke. Which would result in the HRO handing you over to Duke Tammerain for punishment.
    “At the worst, the HRO would decide you are guilty of piracy after the fact since you didn't come forward immediately with the information of the pirate's location. In that case, you would most likely be executed along with the pirates. I'm afraid that your claim to this planet would be ignored unless you had overwhelming proof. Even then, your claim would be tainted by your association with the pirates,” she finished.
    “Sub-Councilor Hines would like to be heard,” Mother intoned. Again Ben pointed for Addson who turned in her chair.
    “Thank you, for coming, Addson. From your testimony, do we then assume that the members of the pirates that are not actually guilty would be tried as well, regardless of age?” Hines asked.
    “That is an accurate assumption, yes. With the exclusion of very young babies that are too young to understand their actions and considering the crimes of those actually guilty, their punishment would include watching the execution of their families. I say this because of the destruction of the families that lived at Great Falls Aerie. One of the strongest tenets of the Imperial Justice system is for the guilty to suffer at least as much as their victims,” Addson replied, frowning. “I do not agree with it, but it does serve to limit the recurrence of crimes of this nature.”
    “Councilor Rodriguez of Pod one-two-three-three would like to be heard,” Mother intoned.
    After receiving permission from Ben, he asked. “Miss Dee, although you do not agree with it, do you think the dependents should be killed?”
    This time, before Addson could answer, Ben stood. “I object to the question. I'm sorry Councilor Rodriguez, it is our responsibility to make that decision, not Miss Dee's. She is here simply to provide information for us so we may make our decisions, not to render an opinion on them.”
    Rodriguez frowned but nodded acceptance of Ben's ruling. “My apologies, Miss Dee. I should not have spoken to you in such a manner.”
    Addson only nodded, but she had gone pale. “Miss Dee, thank you for coming. Would you please remain in my home until we are concluded? We may wish to recall you, if that's okay with you,” Ben asked. Leaving his seat, he escorted her to the door.
    She nodded. “Sure, thanks Ben.”
    “For what? Putting you in this