jet boat raced out across the blue-green sea that swept up in
giant swells along the snow-white sandy beaches. It was a temptation to
set the small craft down and enjoy the pleasure of a swim after the many
days of cramped, tortured living on the _Polaris_. But Tom remembered
Connel's orders and also had a lot of respect for some of the things he
had seen swimming in the water.

"Better get back," said Tom. He flipped the audiophone switch in the jet
boat and spoke into a small mike.

"Jet boat one to _Polaris_. Jet boat one to _Polaris_. Cadet Corbett to
Major Connel."

There was a crackle of static and then Connel's voice, vibrant and
clear, filled the small cabin.

"Corbett!" he roared. "By the craters of Luna, I couldn't contact you.
Return to the _Polaris_ on the double!"

"Is there something wrong, sir?" asked Tom, apprehensive after seeing
the wildness of the jungle below him.

"Wrong?" blared Connel. "News from Earth--from the Academy! Roger's been
cleared of all charges."

"Cleared?" stammered Tom.

"Absolutely! When I sealed the radar bridge after the crash, a security
officer examined the settings on the scanners and transmitting
equipment. They showed that Roger _had_ been on duty at the time--that
he had been tracking the ship as he claimed."

"Then what was the reason for the crash?"

"Security isn't sure yet. An acceleration control lever is missing from
the wreckage. And it wasn't broken off as a result of the crash. Now
Loring and Mason are wanted for further questioning."

Tom looked at his unit-mate, Astro. The big Venusian had his head turned
to one side; he seemed to be staring out over the vast writhing jungle.

"Astro, did you hear?" asked Tom softly.

"Yeah," mumbled Astro in a small, choked voice. "Just don't ask me to
turn around."

CHAPTER 12

"How much longer before we reach the atmosphere of Tara, Manning?" asked
Loring.

Roger bent over the chart table and quickly measured the distance
between his present position and that of Tara.

"About two hours," he said, straightening up.

"Good!" said Loring. "Let me know soon as we get close."

"O.K.," replied the cadet.

"Hey, radar deck!" Mason's voice came over the intercom from the power
deck of the _Space Devil_. "Don't forget to let me know when I have to
cut down on thrust!"

"Take it easy, spaceboy," snapped Roger. "You'll know in plenty of
time!" He turned back to the radar scanner and continued the
neve