"Very well, sir," answered Strong. The screen darkened and he turned back to the cadets. "Looks like you got back just in time."
"What's up, sir?" asked Tom.
Strong returned to his chair and sat down. "I suppose you've all heard about the Solar Exposition that opens on Venus next week?"
Tom's eyes lit up. "Have we! That's all the stereos and visunews and teleceivers have been yacking about for weeks now."
"Well," said Strong with a smile, "we're going!"
The three cadets couldn't restrain themselves and burst out in a happy shout. Then Roger calmed down enough to comment, "Sounds more like another vacation than an assignment, sir."
"Hardly, Manning," replied Strong. "You see, every industry, society, organization, and governmental agency is setting up exhibits at the exposition to show the people what's taking place in their part of the solar system. There'll also be an amusement section." Strong chuckled. "I've seen pictures of some of the tricks and rides they've developed to entertain the younger generation. Believe me, I'd rather take full acceleration on a rocket ship than ride on any of them."
"But what will we do, sir?" asked Tom.
"Our job is very simple. We're to take the Polaris to the exposition and land on the fairgrounds. When the fair opens, we show all the visitors who are interested, everything about her."
"You mean we're going to be"—Roger swallowed—"guides?"