Danger in Deep Space, page 109 by Carey Rockwell
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110
TER 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!"
"That has nothing