Part 16 (1/2)

”I think it's rotten,” said Tom. ”Astro left here feeling like a plugged credit! And if he does fail, it'll be because you made him think he was the dumbest guy in the universe!”

”He probably is,” mused Roger, ”but he still won't fail that manual.”

From the hallway behind them, a loud blasting yell was suddenly heard, echoing from somewhere on the lower floors. Tom and Roger waited, their eyes wide and hopeful. There was only one person at s.p.a.ce Academy capable of making such a noise.

”He made it!” Tom exclaimed.

”Of course he made it,” said Roger casually.

Astro tore into 42-D with a mad rush.

”Yeeeoooooopliment I can pay you, or anyone.” He paused. ”All three of you are real s.p.a.cemen!”

Tom and Astro couldn't repress smiles, but Roger's expression never changed.

”Then we pa.s.sed as a unit, sir?” asked Tom eagerly.

”Not only pa.s.sed, Corbett”--Strong's voice boomed in the small room--”but with honors. You're the top rockets of this Earthworm group!

I'm proud to be your commanding officer!”

Again Tom and Astro fought back smiles of happiness and even Roger managed a small grin.

”This is the fightingest group of cadets I've ever seen,” Strong continued. ”Frankly, I was a little worried about your ability to pull together but the results of the manuals showed that you have. You couldn't have made it without working as a unit.”

Strong failed to notice Roger's face darken, and Tom and Astro look at each other meaningfully.

”My congratulations for having solved that problem too!” Strong saluted them again and walked toward the door, where he paused. ”By the way, I want you to report to the Academy s.p.a.ceport tomorrow at eight hundred hours. Warrant Officer McKenny has something out there he wants to show you.”