"Yes, sir," replied Jeff. "I've—I've been working on a new type of communications set."
Vidac stepped closer to the set and gave it a quick look. Suddenly, without warning, he picked up the delicate instrument, smashed it to the floor, and then trampled on it. He whirled around and faced Marshall.
"What's the meaning of this, Marshall?" he demanded.
Jeff was stunned by Vidac's violent action and could only stammer, "I have nothing to say, sir."
"Is Corbett or Manning or Astro in on this?" asked Vidac.
"No, sir," Marshall said quickly.
"I warn you, it won't go easy with you if I catch you shielding those cadets," snapped Vidac.
"No, sir," said Marshall, swallowing hard several times, "I am not shielding them."
"Very well, then. Tell me, what was the purpose of this 'experimental' communications set?"
"To make contact with amateur communicators back in our solar system, sir."