"I want to speak to Manning," demanded Strong. "And if you cut me off like that again, Miles, I'll have you before a Solar Guard court for violation of the space code, race or no race."
"I told you once," said Miles. "Manning is asleep. He sacked in right after we left the Academy. Now leave me alone, will you! I've got a race to win!"
"Very well, Miles," said Strong. "But for your sake, I hope Cadet Manning is asleep."
"End transmission," growled Miles, and again the speaker went dead.
"Trouble, Steve?"
Strong turned to see Commander Walters enter the control room.
"No, sir," said Strong. "I tried to contact Roger, but Quent Miles told me he's asleep."
"Asleep!" cried Walters. "But I thought you weren't going to put Manning with Miles."
"Astro wanted to go with Kit, sir. And Tom was anxious to go with Wild Bill Sticoon. Roger didn't seem to mind."
"Did Miles object?"