ther. In fact, Steve, everything you can think of, and then more,
will be represented here at the exposition. Why, do you know I've been
working for three years, co-ordinating ideas, activity, and
information!"

Strong and the cadets sat transfixed as they listened to the
commissioner speak in glowing terms of the exposition, which, until this
time, by the cadets at least, had been considered little more than a
giant amusement park. Finally Strong managed to say, "And we thought the
_Polaris_ was going to be so big, it'd be the center of attraction." He
smiled.

Hawks waved his hand. "Look, I don't want to offend you or the boys,
Steve, but the fact is, the _Polaris_ is one of the _smaller_ exhibits!"

"I can see that now," answered Strong. "Tell me, Mike, just what do you
want us to do?"

"I'll answer that in two parts. First, I would like the cadets to set up
the _Polaris_, get her shining and bright, and with quiet courtesy,
answer any question anyone might ask concerning the ship, referring any
question they can't answer to the information center in the Space
Building."

"That's all, sir?" asked Tom incredulously.

"That's all, Corbett. You open the _Polaris_ at nine in the morning and
close her at nine at night. You'll be living aboard, of course."

"Yes, sir. Of course, sir."

"That sounds so simple," drawled Roger, "it might be tough."

"It will be tough, Manning," commented Hawks. "Don't fool yourself into
assuming otherwise."

"Don't worry about these boys, Mike. Now, what is part two?" Strong
asked.

Hawks smiled. "Here it is, Steve. The Solar Alliance has decided to open
the exposition with a simple speech made by a relatively unknown person,
but one who is deserving of such an honor. They left the choice of that
person up to me." He paused and added quietly, "I'd like you to make
that opening speech, Steve."

"Me!" cried Strong. "Me, make a speech?"

"I can't think of anyone more deserving--or dependable."

"But--but--" stammered the captain, "I can't make a speech. I wouldn't
know what to say."

"Say anything you want. Just make it short and to the point."

Strong hesitated a moment. He realized it was a great honor, but his
naturally shy personality kept him from accepting.

"Steve, it may make it easier for you to know," said Hawks teasingly,
"that there's going to be a giant capsule lowered into the ground which
will contain a record of every bit of progress made since the inception