sure we'll learn to
work together smoothly in these last few days. There are a few changes
to be made of course. But it really doesn't matter. You'll be finished
with the screening soon."

"What kind of changes, sir?" asked Tom.

"Oh, just routine," answered Vidac. "Instead of you seeing the
applicants first, I will speak with each one briefly before sending them
on to you."

"What's the matter with the way we've been doing it?" asked Roger with
a slight edge to his voice that did not go unnoticed. Vidac looked at
the cadet. His mouth was smiling, but his eyes were hard.

"I think, Cadet Manning," purred Vidac, "that it will be better for you
not to question me, or any of my practices. A Space Cadet's first rule
is to take orders, _not_ to question them."

Tom was thinking quickly. It was obvious that Vidac had gone straight to
Governor Hardy and had prevailed on him to review his application. Tom
could see how Vidac's background would impress the governor. He
remembered that there wasn't any real evidence against Vidac. In fact,
Tom thought, it was only because Vidac's background was so superior to
most of the applicants that he had aroused suspicion at all. Now, with
Captain Strong recalled to the Academy, it was only natural for the
governor to get the best man for the job. Tom was ready to admit that
Vidac's background certainly spoke for itself.

He looked at the man and grinned. "I'll tell you honestly, sir. When
Captain Strong refused your application, it was because--well--"

Vidac was watching Tom shrewdly. "Well?" he asked quietly.

"It was because we couldn't understand how a man like you would want to
bury yourself on a satellite for seven years when you could get most any
kind of job you would want, right here in the Alliance."

Vidac hesitated just a second, and then his face broke into a broad
grin. "You know, Corbett, you're right! Absolutely right! I can see
where you three boys have done a fine job for the governor." He slapped
Astro on the back and threw his arm around Tom's shoulder, speaking to
them in a suddenly confidential tone. "As a matter of fact, I was
offered the directorship of the Galactic space lanes only last week,"
he said. "Do you know why I refused it?"

Tom shook his head.

"Because I'm a spaceman, just like yourselves." He looked at Astro.
"Cadet Astro, would you take a job with an outfit and give up space to
sit behind a desk eight hours a day?"

"No, sir!" said Astr