aking higher passing marks. You see, an average is taken for
all three and they pass or fail as a unit."

"Then they are forced, more or less, to depend on each other?" asked
Hardy.

"Yes. In the beginning of their training. Later on, the cadets learn for
themselves that it is better for all of them to work together."

Once again the bell in back of Walters' desk chimed and he turned to
speak on the teleceiver to his aide.

"Captain Strong is here, sir," repeated the enlisted man.

"Send him right in," said Walters. Seconds later the door slid back and
Steve Strong entered and saluted.

After the introductions were completed and the Solar Guard captain had
taken a seat with his cadet unit, Commander Walters immediately launched
into the purpose of the meeting.

"Steve," he began, "Governor Hardy here has been appointed by the Solar
Council to head one of the most important projects yet attempted by the
Alliance."

The cadets edged to the front of the couch and listened intently for
what the commander was about to say.

"But perhaps I had better let the governor tell you about it himself,"
concluded Walters abruptly and settled back in his chair.

Captain Strong and the cadets swung around to face the governor, who
rose and looked at each of them steadily before speaking.

"Commander Walters stressed the fact that this was an important
project," he said finally. "No one can say how important it will be for
the future. It might mean the beginning of an entirely new era in the
development of mankind." He paused again. "The Solar Alliance has
decided to establish a new colony," he announced. "The first colony of
its kind outside the solar system in deep space!"

"A star colony!" gasped Strong.

The cadets muttered excitedly among themselves.

"The decision," continued the governor, "has been made only after much
debate in the Solar Council Chamber. There have been many arguments pro
and con. A week ago a secret vote was taken, and the project was
approved. We are going to establish a Solar Alliance colony on a newly
discovered satellite in orbit around the sun star Wolf 359, a satellite
that has been named Roald."

"Wolf 359!" exclaimed Roger. "That's more than thirteen light years
away--" He was stopped by Tom's hand clamped across his mouth.

Governor Hardy looked at Roger and smiled. "Yes, Wolf 359 is pretty far
away, especially for a colony. But preliminary expeditions have
investigated and found the