"I assure you, Governor," said Walters, "that wouldn't stop him either. But my point is this: Since a cadet unit is assembled only after careful study of their individual psychograph personality charts and is passed and failed as a unit, even though a boy like Cadet Astro might make a failing grade, his unit mates, Cadets Manning and Corbett, can pull him through by making higher passing marks. You see, an average is taken for all three and they pass or fail as a unit."
"Then they are forced, more or less, to depend on each other?" asked Hardy.
"Yes. In the beginning of their training. Later on, the cadets learn for themselves that it is better for all of them to work together."
Once again the bell in back of Walters' desk chimed and he turned to speak on the teleceiver to his aide.
"Captain Strong is here, sir," repeated the enlisted man.
"Send him right in," said Walters. Seconds later the door slid back and Steve Strong entered and saluted.
After the introductions were completed and the Solar Guard captain had taken a seat with his cadet unit, Commander Walters immediately launched into the purpose of the meeting.
"Steve," he began, "Governor Hardy here has been appointed by the Solar Council to head one of the most important projects yet attempted by the Alliance."
The cadets edged to the front of the couch and listened intently for what the commander was about to say.
"But perhaps I had better let the governor tell you about it himself," concluded Walters abruptly and settled back in his chair.