"We?" asked Tom. "You're taking us with you?"
"But of course," said Sinclair. "How else would I assure myself that the Solar Guard will not harm me unless I take two of their most honored Space Cadets with me?"
"It's been fifteen minutes," announced Connel, "and they haven't come out yet. There's only one thing to do. Take that building and find out what's happened."
The major was crouched behind a wrecked jet car, staring at the administration building.
"I can get that Marine captain over to our left to co-ordinate an attack with us, sir," suggested Astro.
"It's risky," said Connel. "They still have a lot of men in there. But if we wait for another column to reach us, it might be too late. All right, Astro, tell him we're attacking in ten minutes and ask him to give us all the help he can."
"Yes, sir," replied Astro, and flopped to the ground to worm his way toward the head of the Marine column on the left.
It took the cadet nearly five minutes to cover the hundred yards between the two Solar Guard positions. Several times the firing became so heavy that the cadet was forced to remain still on the ground while rifle and ray-gun fire crackled over his head. He made it finally, several Marines coming out to help him over the top of the barrier. Gasping for breath, the big cadet asked to see the commanding officer.
A grimy, tired-looking officer turned and walked over to the cadet.