Walters abruptly, "what do you consider
the best possible move for the Solar Guard to make? Under the present
circumstances, do you think we should undertake a full-scale
investigation? We talked to Al Sharkey, and while he admits being head
of an organization known as the Venusian Nationalists, he denies any
knowledge of any attack on Sinclair such as you describe. And he claims
to have been in Venusport when the incident happened."

Connel thought a moment. "I don't know about Sharkey, but I don't think
a public investigation should be made yet. I think it would arouse a lot
of speculation and achieve no results."

"Then you think we should move against them merely on the basis of this
encounter at the Sinclair plantation," asked E. Philips James in his
smoothest manner.

Connel shook his head. "I think our best bet is to locate their base. If
we can nail them with solid evidence, we'll have a good case to present
before the Grand Council of the Solar Alliance."

"I agree with you, Major." James smiled. Behind him, his secretary was
busy transcribing the conversational exchange on his audioscriber.

"What would you require to locate the base?" asked Walters.

"I haven't worked out the details yet," said Connel, "but a small
expedition into the jungle would be better than sending a regiment of
guardsmen, or a fleet of ships."

"Do you have any idea where the base might be?" Sykes suddenly spoke up.
"Most of those men were supposed to be planters who know the jungle
well. Isn't it possible that they might have their base well hidden and
a small party, such as you suggest, could cover too little ground?"

Connel turned to Astro. "Astro, do you know that section of the belt?"

"Yes, sir," replied Astro. "I hunted all over that area when I was a
boy." The big cadet went on to explain how he had become so familiar
with the jungle, and described briefly their experience with the
tyrannosaurus. All of the men at the table were impressed by his
knowledge of jungle lore.

"I gather you plan to take these cadets on your expedition, Major,"
commented James.

"Yes, I do. They work well together and have already been in the
jungle," answered Connel.

"What do you three boys think of the idea?" asked Walters. "I don't have
to remind you that you'll be up against two kinds of danger: the jungle
itself, and the Nationalists."

"We understand, sir," replied Tom, without even waiting for his unit
mates' quick nods.

"T