e just returned from the
second, during which we explored it and ran tests to learn if it could
sustain human life. All tests show that Tara can be transformed into a
paradise."

Connel paused, took a deep breath, and continued: "I shall expect more
than just hard work from you. I want everything you have to offer. Not
just good performance, but _excellence_! I will not tolerate anything
less, and if I'm forced to resort to extreme disciplinary action to get
what I demand, then you can expect to receive every demerit in the
book!" He stepped closer to the three cadets. "Remember! Spacemen--or
_nothing!_ Now, stand by to blast off!"

Without a word, the three cadets hurried to their stations and began
routine procedure to raise ship.

"All departments ready to blast off, Major Connel," reported Tom,
saluting sharply.

"Very well, Corbett, proceed," said Connel.

Tom called into the intercom, "Stand by for blast-off!" He then opened
the circuit to the teleceiver screen overhead and spoke to the spaceport
control tower.

"_Polaris_ to spaceport control. Request permission to blast off.
Request orbit."

"Spaceport traffic to _Polaris_. Your orbit has been cleared 089--repeat
089--blast off in two minutes ..."

"Orbit 089--blast off minus one fifty-nine fifty-eight."

"You read me clear, _Polaris_ ..."

Tom clicked off the switch and turned to the intercom. "Control deck to
radar bridge. Do we have a clear tangent forward and up?"

"All clear forward and up, Tom," replied Roger.

"Control deck to power deck. Energize the cooling pumps!"

"Cooling pumps in operation," answered Astro briskly.

The giant ship began to shudder as the mighty pumps on the power deck
started their slow, whining build-up. Tom sat in front of the control
panel, strapped himself into the acceleration chair, and began checking
the dials and gauges. Satisfied everything was in order, he fastened his
eyes to the sweeping red second hand on the solar clock. The teleceiver
screen brought a sharp picture of the surrounding base of the spaceship,
and he saw that it was all clear. The second hand reached the ten-second
mark.

"Stand by to raise ship!" bawled Tom into the intercom. The red hand
moved steadily, surely, to the zero at the top of the clock face. Tom
reached for the master switch.

"Blast off minus five--four--three--two--one--_zero!_"

Tom threw the switch.

Slowly the giant ship raised itself from the ground. Then faster