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Cadet candidates might possibly hide dangerous flaws from Academy officials but never from boys near their own ages. "Major," said Astro, "those fellows came close to blasting off right here in these chairs. They really thought they were out in space!" "Fine!" said Connel. "Glad to hear it. I've singled them out as my personal unit for instruction."
I wanted to adjust it myself, but the projectile is so compact, I can't get at it without taking a chance of getting doused by the fuel." "What about that remark about finding an opening?" growled Connel. "What's going on here?" called Professor Hemmingwell as he bustled up to the group. "Why aren't these men working? Dave, why aren't you up there ?" "Just a minute, Professor!"
"Barret," said Connel, "I have enough evidence on you now to send you to a prison asteroid for ten years at least!" "On what charge?" demanded the young man. "Trying to kill an officer of the Solar Guard." "Where is your proof?" demanded Barret. "Right there!" snorted Major Connel, pointing to the sleeping figure of Professor Hemmingwell. "What do you mean?" demanded Barret.
If they go to the mines, they'll be punished and help someone else too. I'd send them to Titan and exile them from Earth forever." Connel studied the cadets a moment. He turned to Shinny. "Think they made a good decision, Nick?" "I like what young Tommy, here, had to say, Lou," answered Shinny.
"Sure, that's the way it is in the book. But this is real. That big hick might be hurt or trapped. Maybe he needs our help!" "I know how you feel, Roger," replied Tom. "I want to take off and hunt for Astro myself, but Connel needs us. Don't forget that bunch of guys in uniforms back at Sinclair's.
"I've never given up a battle yet and, by the stars, I'm not going to now!" Forgetting rank and protocol, the three cadets danced around the major, slapping him on the back and howling their enthusiasm. Connel could not restrain a momentary grin and then his features assumed his usual bulldog look. "Knock it off!" he shouted. "We've got work to do. Manning!" "Yes, sir?"
Now, with their backs to the wall, Connel and Strong knew that if Tom and Roger were captured, they might be used as hostages to ensure safe passage for some of the rebels. "Let's go," said Connel finally. "Tom and Roger will be expecting us." He forced himself to grin at Astro, but the giant cadet turned and faced the building grimly.
When the jet car was brought up, Tom slipped behind the wheel, and with Connel seated beside him, he sent the sleek little vehicle roaring across the spaceport to the main administration building. Inside the gleaming crystal building, Connel and Tom were escorted by a Space Marine guard to the office of the spaceport commander, Captain Jim Arnold.
The major was crouched behind a wrecked jet car, staring at the administration building. "I can get that Marine captain over to our left to co-ordinate an attack with us, sir," suggested Astro. "It's risky," said Connel. "They still have a lot of men in there. But if we wait for another column to reach us, it might be too late.
"Did they change their story?" asked Connel. "None at all. They were hooking a ride back to Atom City, and they were asleep in the cargo hold. Jardine, one of the pilots, came in and told them to pile out. They did." "Ummmmh," mused Connel. "I know those two, Loring and Mason. Had a little trouble with them recently on a trip to Tara. Suspended their papers.
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