"Oh, no, Roger," answered Tom. "You're flying solo on that project!"
"Yeah, you go ahead, Romeo." Astro laughed. "I'd like to see the Manning technique in action."
A loud explosion suddenly rocked the spaceship.
"What was that?" cried Roger. "Maybe this old tub won't make it after all!"
Astro smiled. "This is a chemical burner, remember? Her initial acceleration isn't enough. They have to keep blasting her to make speed."
"Oh, sure," drawled Roger, relaxing again and watching the girls ahead. "Well, here I go!" He got up and lurched down the aisle running between the seats.
"Hey there!" roared Simms, who had suddenly appeared at the power-deck hatch. "Keep your seat!"
"Who, me?" asked Roger.
"Not your Aunt Tilly, wise guy! Sit down and shut up!"
"Listen," said Roger, "you don't seem to realize—"