There'll also be an amusement section." Strong chuckled.
"I've seen pictures of some of the tricks and rides they've developed to
entertain the younger generation. Believe me, I'd rather take full
acceleration on a rocket ship than ride on any of them."

"But what will we do, sir?" asked Tom.

"Our job is very simple. We're to take the _Polaris_ to the exposition
and land on the fairgrounds. When the fair opens, we show all the
visitors who are interested, everything about her."

"You mean we're going to be"--Roger swallowed--"guides?"

"That's right, Manning," said Strong. "You three will guide all visitors
through the _Polaris_."

"How long will we be there, sir?" asked Tom.

"A month or so, I guess. The _Polaris_ will be the first Academy
exhibit. When you leave, another unit will replace you with their ship
and do the same thing."

"But--but--" stammered Astro, "what will we say to them? The visitors, I
mean?"

"Just answer all their questions, Astro. Also, make up a little speech
about the functions of your particular station."

Strong looked at his watch and rose to his feet. "It's getting late.
Check the _Polaris_ over and stand by to raise ship in an hour."

"Yes, sir," said Tom.

The cadets came to attention, preparing to leave.

"One thing more! Don't get the idea that this is going to be a space
lark," said Strong. "It's very important for the people of the Solar
Alliance to know what kind of work we're doing here at the Academy. And
you three have been selected as representatives of the entire Cadet
Corps. So see that you conduct yourselves accordingly. All right,
dismissed!"

The three cadets saluted sharply and filed out of the room, their
skipper's final words ringing in their ears.

Fifteen minutes later, having packed the necessary gear for the extended
trip, the _Polaris_ unit rode the slidewalk through the grassy
quadrangle and the cluster of Academy buildings, out toward the
spaceport. In the distance they could see the rocket cruiser _Polaris_,
poised on the launching ramp, her long silhouette outlined sharply
against the blue sky. Resting on her four stabilizer fins, her nose
pointed toward the stars, the ship looked like a giant projectile poised
and ready to blast its target.

"Look at her!" exclaimed Astro. "If she isn't the most beautiful ship in
the universe, I'll eat my hat."

"Don't see how you could," drawled Roger, "after the way you put away
Mrs. Corbett's pies!"

T