"Ah, that's nothing, skipper," said Roger with a smile. "Anyone could have done it with Alfie here to help. He's got a brain like a calculator!"
"Now, I want to see how smart you two really are!" said Connel.
"Huh?" asked Roger stupidly. Alfie had slumped to the deck, holding his head in his hands.
"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?"