Astro paused for a moment. Then he relaxed and brought his eyes down to the level of the major.
"I am a human being, sir," said Astro in the deepest voice Tom had ever heard. It was strong and full of emotion, yet controlled. "And as long as I am a human being, I shall consider Roger Manning one of the finest men I'll ever know."
"Are you finished?" snapped Connel.
"No, sir, I'm not," said Astro. "I speak in defense of the man, the spaceman, not the uniform, or the trust he betrayed. And I respectfully request of the major that if his feelings for Cadet Manning are so violent that he finds it difficult to control them, that he make a special effort to control them"—Astro paused and stuck out his chin—"in my presence!"
Connel stepped back. "And if I don't?" he shouted.
"Then I shall ask for a transfer from your command, sir, and if that is not granted, then I shall resign from the Academy."
"And?" asked Connel.
"And, sir—" Astro stumbled.
"And what, Cadet Astro?" roared Connel.
"I have nothing more to say, sir," said Astro.