K." Tom smiled. "Save half of that energy for the _Polaris_, Roger."
"Yeah, use some of that Manning hot air to shine brass!" suggested
Astro.
"Come on. Let's get this wagon in shape," said Tom. He turned to the
instrument panel and the great control board.
A moment later the three cadets were busy shining the few bits of brass
and rechecking the many controls and levers. Suddenly there was the
sound of a hatch slamming below and then Astro's voice came whispering
over the intercom, "... watch it, fellows. Here he comes!"
The airtight hatch leading to the control deck slid back, and Major
Connel stepped inside. With one sweeping glance he took in the control
deck and the evidence of their work.
"Unit--_staaaaand to!_" he roared.
Astro climbed into the control deck and snapped to attention with his
unit-mates as Connel began a quick but thorough check of the many dials
and switches and relays on the control panel.
"Ummmmh," he mused. "Been doing a little work, I see."
"Oh, nothing special, sir," said Roger.
"Well, from now on it's going to be special!" roared Connel.
"Yes, sir," acknowledged Roger quickly.
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