"Will the cadets holding green slips return to their quarters. Those with red slips will remain in their seats," she announced.
Tom found himself moving with difficulty. As he walked through the door, Astro joined him. A look more eloquent than words passed between them and they made their way silently up the slidestairs back to their quarters.
Lying in his bunk, hands under his head, eyes staring into space, Tom asked, "What happens now?"
Sprawled on his bunk, Astro didn't answer right away. He merely gulped and swallowed hard.
"I—I don't know," he finally stammered. "I just don't know."
"What'll you do?"
"It's back to the hold of a Venusport freighter, I guess. I don't know." Astro paused and looked at Tom. "What'll you do?"
"Go home," said Tom simply. "Go home and—and find a job."
"Ever think about the enlisted Solar Guard? Look at McKenny—"
"Yeah—but—"