"In the shower." Astro gestured to the bathroom, where Tom could hear the sound of running water. "What made you change your mind about seeing Captain Strong?" asked Astro.
"I think we've misjudged Roger, Astro," said Tom slowly. And then related what he had seen and heard.
"Well, blast my jets!" exclaimed Astro, when Tom had finished. "What's behind it, do you think?"
"I don't know, Astro. But I'm convinced that any guy that'll visit Galaxy Hall by himself late at night—and cry—well, he couldn't be entirely off base, regardless of what he does."
Astro studied his work-hardened palms.
"You wanta keep it this way for a while?" he asked. "I mean, forget about talking to Captain Strong?"
"Roger's the best astrogator and radar man in the Academy, Astro. There's something bothering him. But I'm willing to bet that whatever it is, Roger will work it out. And if we're really unit-mates, then we won't sell him out now, when he may need us most."
"That's it, then," said Astro. "I'll kill him with kindness. Come on. Let's turn in. We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow!"
The two boys began to prepare for bed. Roger came out of the shower wearing pajamas.
"All excited, spacemen?" he drawled, leaning against the wall, brushing his short hair.