"That's our boy, Manning," growled Astro. "The great team man!"
"Team?" Roger took a step back into the room. "Don't make me laugh, Astro. For your information, tomorrow morning I'm putting in for a transfer to another unit!"
"What!" exclaimed Tom. "You can't trans—"
"Yes, I can," interrupted Roger. "Read your Academy regs. Anyone can request a transfer once the unit has passed its manuals."
"And what excuse are you going to use," snapped Astro bitterly. "That you can't take it?"
"A personality difference, Astro, my boy. You hate me and I hate you. It's a good enough reason, I think."
"It's just as well, hot-shot," replied Astro. "Because if you don't transfer, we will!"
Roger merely smiled, flipped his fingers to his forehead in an arrogant gesture of farewell and turned to leave again. But his path was blocked by the sudden appearance of Captain Steve Strong. The three cadets quickly braced.
The Solar Guard officer strode into the room, his face beaming. He looked at each of the boys, pride shining out of his eyes, and then brought his hand up and held it in salute.
"I just want to tell you boys one thing," he said solemnly. "It's the highest compliment I can pay you, or anyone." He paused. "All three of you are real spacemen!"