lf-hour, Vidac had Sykes laughing at his jokes and stories,
and when they parted, the professor's temper had abated. When the
scientist finally left, Vidac turned to the ship's intercom and paged
the cadets. A few minutes later they entered his quarters for the second
time that evening.

Vidac was ready and waiting when they entered the room and came to
attention. He leaned back against his desk and looked at each cadet
through half-closed eyes. Finally, after a full minute of silence, he
began to speak.

"I gave you specific instructions to report to Professor Sykes for work
as his assistants," he said in a cold, hard voice. "I also told you I
wanted my order carried out without complaints or whining excuses. You
saw fit to start an argument as soon as you reported, thereby
interrupting his work. The professor went to the governor and
interrupted _his_ work. The professor came to see me, interrupting _my_
work. Three men had to stop their jobs because you didn't feel like
carrying out orders."

"But, sir--" said Tom. "The professor--"

"Shut up, Corbett!" said Vidac coldly. "Don't ever interrupt me again
while I'm talking!"

"Yes, sir!" said Tom through tight lips.

"You boys have been enjoying considerable latitude under Captain Strong.
But I would like to remind you that Captain Strong isn't here. There's
no one here but me. You will do as I say, when I say it, and as long as
I say it. If you don't, I promise you, you will regret it."

"May I speak, sir?" asked Roger.

"No, Manning. I've heard about your tongue. I warn you, never use it on
me, or--" He paused. "Just never use it, that's all."

He walked about the room, but kept his eyes on the cadets. "There's just
one more thing I want you to understand, before you're dismissed. I know
that all three of you refused my application as a colonist originally. I
know what your feelings must be now that I am your superior. And because
I know, I feel I should warn you not to try to express your feelings.
You can't win. You can only lose. If I ever catch you going to Governor
Hardy, by-passing my authority, I'll make your lives so miserable
you'll wish you were dead. Now get out of here!"

As one man, the cadets of the _Polaris_ unit saluted, turned a perfect
about-face, and walked once again from the room. Outside in the
passageway, they relaxed and headed for their quarters.

None of them could say a word, for the simple reason that each of them
was so boili