"I want a communications unit," said Connel, "that can send out a
constant beam, a signal Space Academy can pick up to follow Junior in
transit back to Earth."
"In twelve hours?" exploded Roger. "Impossible, skipper!"
"_Cadet Manning_," roared Connel, "I don't want your _opinion_, I asked
for that _unit_!"
"But one day, sir," said Roger. "Not even a day. Twelve hours. I can't,
sir. I'm sorry. I'm so tired I can't see straight."
Alfie let out a low moan.
Connel studied the two cadets. He was aware that he had already asked
them to do the impossible, and they had done it. And they deserved to be
let alone. But Major Connel wasn't himself unless he had given every
ounce of energy he had left, or the energy left in those around him. He
patted Roger on the shoulder and spoke softly.
"Roger, did I ever tell you that I think you have one of the finest
brains for electronics I've ever seen? And that Alfie is sure to have a
brilliant future in astrophysics?"
Roger stammered. "Why--ah--thank you, sir--"
Alfie looked up at Connel and then struggled to his feet.
"You know, Roger," he said haltingly, "if we took that unit we came out
here to test--you know, the transmitter unit--"
[Illustration]
Roger cut him off.
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