Roger was still standing in front of the Space Queen!
Quickly changing over to the slidestairs going up, Tom slipped back to the hall floor and stepped off. Roger was still standing in front of the Space Queen!
Tom started to speak, but stopped when he saw Roger take out a handkerchief and dab at his eyes.
The movements of the other boy were crystal-clear to Tom. Roger was crying! Standing in front of the Space Queen and crying!
He kept watching as Roger put away the handkerchief, saluted sharply and turned toward the slidestairs. Ducking behind a glass case that held the first space suit ever used, Tom held his breath as Roger passed him. He could hear Roger mumble.
"They got you—but they won't get me with any of that glory stuff!"
Tom waited, heart racing, trying to figure out what Roger meant, and why he was here alone in Galaxy Hall. Finally the blond cadet disappeared up the moving stair.
Tom didn't go to see Captain Strong. Instead, he returned to his room.
"So quick?" asked Astro.
Tom shook his head. "Where's Roger?" he asked.