ou're right, sir," replied Stefens. "Those two survivors,
Loring and Mason, are having coffee in the mess if you want to talk to
them."

"Did they change their story?" asked Connel.

"None at all. They were hooking a ride back to Atom City, and they were
asleep in the cargo hold. Jardine, one of the pilots, came in and told
them to pile out. They did."

"Ummmmh," mused Connel. "I know those two, Loring and Mason. Had a
little trouble with them recently on a trip to Tara. Suspended their
papers. So if they were just hooking a ride, it might be they're telling
the truth!"

"I have a report here on the damage to the station, sir, if you'd like
to listen to it," said Stefens, handing his superior a spool of
audiotape.

"Good! Did you make out the report yourself?" asked Connel.

"Yes, sir. With the assistance of Terry Scott and Cadet Corbett."

"Good lad, that Corbett," said Connel and paused. "The whole unit is
good! If it weren't for that hare-brained Manning, I'd say they had as
bright a future in the Solar Guard as any unit I've seen!"

"I'll buy that, sir!" said Stefens with a smile. "That Corbett picked up
traffic-control operations like a duck takes to water. And it's been a
long time since Jenledge on the power deck raved about a cadet the way
he does about Astro."

Connel smiled. He was reluctant to press for an investigation of the
radar deck, knowing that if he did, it would mean a damaging black mark
against Manning. But justice was justice, and Connel came closer to
worshiping justice than anything else in space!

Connel placed the spool of tape in the audiograph and settled in a chair
to listen. He didn't like the entire affair. He didn't like to think of
losing a cadet of Manning's ability because of one stupid mistake. He
had recommended a thorough investigation. There was no other way. If
Manning was cleared of the responsibility for the crash, he was free,
and it would not show up against his record. If he wasn't, however, then
he'd have to pay. Yes, thought Connel to himself, as Stefens' voice
began to crackle harshly on the audiograph, if Manning was guilty, then
Manning would most certainly pay. Connel would see to that.

Deep in the heart of the space station, Loring and Mason were huddled
over steaming cups of coffee whispering to each other cautiously.

"Want more coffee, Mason?" asked Loring.

"Who wants coffee when there's going to be a Solar Guard investigation?"
whined Mason. "S