October 2nd, 2353. Space Cadets Corbett, Manning, Astro, and
Higgins and ex-enlisted spaceman Nicholas Shinny completed this day all
preparation for operation Junior's Pitch. By authority vested in me as
Senior Officer, Solar Guard, I hereby recommend official commendation
of "_well done_" to the above-mentioned spacemen, and that all honors
pursuant to that commendation be officially bestowed on them. Signed,
Connel, Major, SO--SG ..."

He closed the book and wiped the corners of his eyes with the back of
his hand.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER 16

"Well, fellows," said Tom, stifling a yawn, "it looks like we did it.
But I could use some more sleep. That five hours was just enough to get
started on!"

"Yeah," agreed Roger sourly, "but where does this Venusian lummox get
off grabbing all the credit." He looked at Astro. "If I hadn't built the
fuses for your little firecrackers--"

"_Firecrackers!_" yelped Astro. "Why, you skinny space fake! If I hadn't
built those nuclear reactors, _you_ wouldn't have anything to set off!"

Connel appeared in the small messroom of the _Polaris_, his hands full
of papers and drawings. "When you've finished congratulating each other,
I'd like to say a few things!" he snapped.

"Congratulate _him_?" exclaimed Roger. "Skipper, his head's so thick,
the noise on the power deck can't even reach his eardrums!"

"Just one more word, Manning," growled Astro, "and I'll take a deep
breath and blow you away!"

"_One more word out of either of you_," roared Connel, "and I'll throw
you both in the brig with Mason and Loring!"

Suddenly he glared at the five spacemen. "Who's on prisoner watch
today?" he asked.

The four cadets and Mr. Shinny looked at each other then at Roger.

"Uhhh--I am, sir," Roger confessed.

"I had a sneaking suspicion you would be!" said Connel. "Cadet Manning,
one of the first things an officer of the Solar Guard learns is to care
for the needs of his men and prisoners before himself. Did you know
that, Cadet Manning?"

"Uhhh--yes, sir. I was just going to--" mumbled Roger.

"Then go below and see that Mason and Loring get their rations!"

"Yes, sir," said Roger. He got up and collected a tray of food.

"All of you report to the control deck in five minutes for briefing,"
said Connel and followed Roger out of the door.

"How do you like that?" said Astro. "We break our backs for the guy and
we're no sooner finished then he starts the old routine again