"Of course what, book boy?" Bull asked irritatedly.
"Look," Skip explained. "If you pull a piece of string with a steady tension on both ends, what happens when it breaks? That's right. Objects at both ends are flung apart."
"So the Regis was flung out of that spot the same as we were," Bull said in amazement.
"That's right," Captain Stevens agreed. "And she was able to hang on in her new position until another rescue ship reached her. She's safe. Alistar of Cygnus is O.K., too."
"So the Federation and the System are happy," Skip added. "Everything seems to have worked out but us. And we're just plain out."
Captain Stevens looked at them. "Some men," he said, "are like a good ship—like the Cerebus III for instance. They don't show what they're worth until they've had some of the polish and shine rubbed off. Isn't that so, Allen?"
Skip nodded mutely.
"Other men," Stevens continued, "are afraid that someone might know more than they do. Don't you agree, Wright?"
Bull's eyes were taking on a new light.
"What I really came here for, Ensigns, was to find out when you two figure that you'll be able to pick up your duties as regular Officers of the Cerebus III? I like to keep good men like you with me."