His admission opened the doors for a round of probing questions. The hearing may not have been adversarial, Austin thought, but the court was nibbling Ryan apart like a flock of hungry ducks. Ryan did his best to parry the questions, but with each reply, his case became weaker. Finally he lifted his hands, as if to say enough.

“I realize that my explanation raises more questions than it an- swers. But let me say this unequivocally, so there is no misunder- standing. We did not deliberately ram the Danish ship. I have witnesses who can back me up. You can check with Captain Pe- tersen. He'll tell you that I warned him.”

“How long before the collision did this warning occur?” Lundgren asked.

Ryan took a deep breath and let it out. “Less than a minute before we hit.”

Lundgren asked no further questions. Ryan was excused, and the female reporter from CNN took the stand. She was calm during her recounting of the collision, but she broke down and glared at Ryan with accusing eyes when she described the death other cameraman.

Lundgren signaled a court officer to insert a videotape into a TV set that had been set off to one side where everyone had a good view of the screen. The tape began to roll. It showed Ryan standing on the deck of his ship surrounded by reporters and photographers. There was some joking about rough seas, then the reporter's voice saying:

“Just make sure the story is worth all the damned Dramamine I swallowed.”

The camera executed a close-up of Ryan's grinning face as he replied: “I can almost guarantee that you'll see action.” As the cam- era followed his finger pointing toward the Danish cruiser, there was a muttering in the audience. That's it, Austin thought. Ryan is toast.

The tape ended, and Lundgren asked the reporter one question. “Was that your voice on the tape?”

When the reporter replied in the affirmative, Ryan sprang to his feet.

“That's unfair. You're using my comment completely out of con- text !”

“Please be seated, Mr. Ryan,” Lundgren said, a bemused expres- sion on his face.

Ryan realized his outburst would bolster the image of a hothead capable of ramming a ship. He regained his composure. “My apolo- gies, sir. I was not told that the video would be introduced into evi- dence. I hope I will have the chance to comment on it.”

“This is not an American court of law, but you will have every op- portunity to make your side known before this hearing is adjourned. The board will hear from Captain Petersen and his crew as soon as they are able. You will remain in protective custody at the police sta- tion until then. We will do our best to expedite the process.”

Ryan thanked the court. Then, escorted by the policemen, he left the room.

“Is that all?” Austin asked Becker.