"Are you sure those other ships can equal your speed?"
"They've got exactly the same type engines as we have here on the Polaris, sir. I'm sure they could—and with perfect safety."
Strong hesitated a moment, started to ask a question, then stopped and walked to the chart screen. He checked the figures. He checked them four times, then turned to Tom with a grin and an outstretched hand.
"I've got to offer my congratulations, Tom. This maneuver would wipe them out. And I've got a notion that you'd come off without the loss of a single ship, plus, and it is a big plus, keeping the invaders more than fifty thousand miles away from their objective!"
The captain turned to the teleceiver. "Rocket cruiser Polaris to control tower at Space Academy—"
There was a crackle of static and then the deep voice of Commander Walters boomed from the speaker.
"Spaceport control to Polaris. Come in, Steve."
In a few brief sentences, Strong outlined Tom's plan of action to the Academy commander. The commander's face on the teleceiver widened into a grin, then broke out in a hearty laugh.
"What's that, sir?" asked Captain Strong.
"Very simple, Steve. All of us—all the Academy top brass—develop a foolproof test for cadet maneuvers. And then your young Corbett makes us look like amateurs."