The six cadets all trembled but said nothing, standing at rigid attention, eyes straight ahead.
"Return to your quarters immediately."
As one, the cadets wheeled and marched off. Tom, Astro, and Roger walked across the quadrangle back to their dorm, and the Capella unit took the slidewalk that led to their quarters. Connel watched them go, a ferocious scowl on his craggy features.
"Little rough on them, weren't you, Major?" asked the man who stood beside the Solar Guard officer.
"Rules are meant to be obeyed, Professor Hemmingwell," retorted Connel stiffly.
"Perhaps you're right," mused the stranger. "But what's this about an inquiry?"
"A trial, Professor. A trial conducted by the cadets themselves to see whether or not the accused should be kicked out of the Academy."
"Kicked out?" exclaimed the professor. "You certainly do believe in discipline."
"These boys are to be Solar Guardsmen," replied Connel shortly. "If they can't obey orders now, they never will."
"Well, it's all very unimportant really, Major," Hemmingwell said with a shrug. "We have many more vital things to think about now than mere cadets. Shall we go? Commander Walters is waiting for us."