ce."

"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.

"Astro!"

"Captain Strong!"

"Where's Tom and Roger and Major Connel?" demanded Strong.

Astro told the captain of Tom's attempt to save Roger and that nothing
had been heard from him since. "Major Connel wants us to attack
together," Astro continued. "He's jumping off in four minutes!"

"Right!" snapped Strong. He turned to a young Solar Guard officer
waiting respectfully near by. "You take them in, Ferris. Full frontal
attack. Don't use blasters unless you have to. Take as many prisoners as
possible."

"Very well, sir," replied the lieutenant.

"I'll go back to the other position with Cadet Astro. Start your attack
as soon as you see Major Connel and his men go in."

"Got it, sir," said the lieutenant.

Strong and Astro made their way back to Connel's position quickly, and
after a brief but hearty handclasp, the two officers began plotting the
last assault against the Nationalists' stronghold. While other Marine
columns were wiping up small groups of rebels figh