 Chapter 9 of Stand by for Mars. This LibriVox recording is in a public domain. Recording by Sean O'Hara. Stand by for Mars by Kerri Rockwell. Chapter 9. The three members of the Polaris unit stepped off the slidewalk at the Academy Spaceport and stood before warned officer McKenny. There she is! Said the stubby spaceman, pointing the gleaming spaceship resting not two hundred feet away. The rocket cruiser Polaris! The newest and fastest ship in space! He faced the three boys with a smile. And she's all yours. You earned her. Mouths open. Tom, Roger and Astro stood gaping in fascination at the mighty spaceship resting on a concrete ramp. Her long two hundred foot polished beryllium steel hull mirrored the spaceport scene around them. The tall buildings of the Academy, the ready line of space destroyers and scouts, and the hundreds of maintenance non-coms needing listed solar guard, their scarlet uniforms spotted with grime were all reflected back to the Polaris units as he eyed the sleek ship from the needle-like nose of her bow to the stubby opening of a rocket exhaust. Not a seam or rivet could be seen in her hull. At the top of the ship, near her nose, a large blister made of six inch clear crystal indicated the radar bridge. Twelve feet below it, six round window-port showed the position of the control deck. Surrounding the base of the ship was an aluminum scaffold with a ladder over a hundred feet high anchored to it. Its top rung of the ladder just reached a power deck emergency hatch, which swung open like a giant plug, revealing the thickness of the hull, nearly a foot. Well! roared the red-clad spaceman. Don, you want to climb aboard and see what your ship looks like from the inside? Do we? cried Tom and made a head-along dash for the scaffold. Astro let out one of his famous yells and followed right at his heels. Roger watched them running ahead and started off at slow-walk, but suddenly, no longer able to resist, he broke into a dead run. Those around the player stopped their work to watch the three cadets scramble up the ladder. Most of the ground crew were ex-basement-like McKenny, no longer able to blast off because of acceleration reaction, and they smiled knowingly, remembering their reactions to their first spaceship. Inside the massive cruiser, the boys roamed over every deck, examining the ship excitedly. Say, look at this! cried Tom. He stood in front of the control board and ran his hands over the button and switches. This board makes the manual we worked on at the Academy look like it's ready for the Galaxy Hall. Yo! Three decks below, Astro had discovered the rocket motors. Four of the most powerful ever installed on his spaceship, enabling the players to outrace any ship in space. Roger stuck his head through the radar bridge hatch and gazed gnawed the array of electronic communications, detection radar, and astrogation gear. With lips pulled into a thin line, he mumbled to himself, too bad they didn't give you this kind of equipment. What did you say, Roger? Asked Astro, climbing alongside to peer into the radar bridge. Startled, Roger turned and stammered. Nothing, nothing. Looking around, Astro commented, This place looks almost as good as that power deck. Of course, said Roger. They could have placed that astrogation prism a little closer to the chart table. Now I'll have to get up every time I want to take a sight on the stars. Don't you ever get tired of complaining? Asked Astro, Ah, rock it off. Snarled, Roger. Hey guys, yelled Tom from below. Better get down here. Kevin Strong's coming aboard. Climbing back down the ladder is a control deck. Astro leaned over his shoulder and asked Roger, You really think you'll let us take this baby up for a hot manning? Can't hear a head out of that cloud, Astro. He'll pull about five weeks of dry runs before this baby gets five inches off the ground. I wouldn't be too sure of that manning. Strong's voice boomed out as he climbed up through the control deck hatch. The three boys immediately snapped to attention. Strong walked around the control deck, fingering the controls lightly. This is a fine ship he used aloud, and one of the finest that scientific brains can build. She's yours. The day you graduate from the academy, if you graduate, and I can think of about a thousand reasons why you won't, you'll command an armed rocket cruiser similar to this. As a matter of fact, the only difference between this ship and those that patrolled the space lanes now is in the armament. Don't we have any arms board at all, sir? Ask Tom. Small arms like parallel ray pistols and parallel ray rifles, plus four atomic warheads for emergency use, replied Strong. Seeing a puzzled expression cross Astro's face, the Solar Guard officer continued, you haven't studied armament yet, Astro. But parallel rays are the only weapons used by law enforcement agencies in the Solar Alliance. They work on the principle of controlled energy, sending out a ray with an effective range of 50 yards that can paralyze the nervous system of any beast or human. And it doesn't kill, sir? inquired Astro. No, Astro. Paralyzing a man is just as effective as killing him. The Solar Alliance doesn't believe you have to kill anyone, not even the most vicious criminal. Freeze him and capture him, and you still have the opportunity to make him a useful citizen. But if you can't, inquired Roger Triley. Then he is kept on a prison asteroid where he can't harm anyone. Strong turned away abruptly. But this isn't time for a general discussion. We've got work to do. He walked over to the master control panel and switched to jealousy for screen. There was a slight buzz, and a view of the spaceport outside the ship suddenly came into focus, filling the screen. Strong flipped a switch, and a view after the Polaris filled the glowing screen. The aluminum scaffolding was being hauled away by a jet truck. Again the view changed as Strong twisted the dials in front of him. Just scanning the outside boys, he commented. You have to make sure there isn't anyone near the ship when we blast off. The rocket exhaust is powerful enough to blow a man 200 feet. Say nothing of burning him to death. You mean, sir? began Tom not daring to hope. Of course Corbett. Smiled Strong. Take your stations for blast off. We raised ship as soon as we got orbital clearance from the spaceport control. Without waiting for further orders, three boys scurried to their stations. Soon the muffled whine of the energizing pumps on the power deck began to ring through the ship, along with a steady beep of the radar scanner on the radar bridge. Tom checked the maze of gauges and dials on the control board. Airlocks, hatches, oxygen supply, circulating systems, circuits and feeds. In five minutes, 200 foot shining steel hull was a living thing, as the rocket motors purred, warming up for the initial thrust. Tom made the last sweeping check with the complicated board and turned to Captain Strong who stood to one side watching. Ship ready to blast off, sir, he announced. Shall I check stations and proceed to raise ship? Carry on, Cadet Corbett, Strong replied. Log yourself in as skipper with me along as supercargo. I'll ride in the second pilot's chair. Tom snapped a sharp salute and added vocally. Aye aye, sir. He turned back to the control board, strapped himself into the command pilot's seat and opened the circuits into the Spaceport control tower. Rocket cruiser Polaris to Spaceport control. He droned into the microphone. Check in. Spaceport control to Polaris. The voice of the control tower operator replied. You are cleared for blast off in two minutes. Take out orbit 75. Repeat 75. Polaris to Spaceport control. Orders received and understood and transmission. Tom then turned his attention to station check. Control deck to radar deck. Check in. Radar deck, aye. Ready to raise ship. Roger's voice was relaxed. Easy. Tom turned to the board to adjust the teleceiver screen for a clear picture of the stern of the ship. Gradually he came up in his sharper focus as if he'd been standing on the ground. He checked the electric timing device in front of him that ticked off the seconds as a red hand crawled round to zero and then swept down to the 30 second mark. Tom pulled the microphone to his lips again. Control deck to power deck. Check in. Power deck, aye. Energize the cooling pumps. Cooling pumps, aye. Repeated astro. Feed reactant. Reactant is D-9-8. From 70 feet below them, Strong and Tom heard the hiss of the reactant mass feeding into the rocket motors and the screeching wind of the mighty pumps that kept the mast from building too quickly and exploding. The second hand swept up to the 20 second mark. Control deck to radar deck. Called Tom. Do we have a clear trajectory forward? All clear, forward and overhead. Roger. Tom placed his hand on the master switch that would throw the combined circuits, instruments, and gauges into the single act of blasting the mighty ship into space. His eyes glued on the sweeping hand. He counted past the 12 second mark to 11. 10. 9. Stand by to raise ship. Evolved in the microphone. Minus 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. 0. Tom threw the master switch. There is a split second pause. Then the great ship roared into life. Slowly at first, she lifted her tail full of roaring jets free of the ground. 10 feet. 20. 50. 100. 500. 1000. Picking up speed at an incredible rate. Tom felt himself being pushed deeper and deeper in the softness of the acceleration cushions. He'd been worried about not being able to keep his eyes open to see the dwindling earth and teleseeper over his head. But the tremendous force of the rockets pushing him against gravity to tear the 200 tons of space away from the earth's grip held his eyelids open for him. As powerful rockets tore deeper into the gap that separated the ship from earth, he saw the spaceport gradually grow smaller. The rolling hills around the academy closed in, and then the academy itself with the tower of Galileo shrinking to a white stick was lost in the brown and green that was earth. The rockets pushed harder and harder and he saw the needle of the acceleration gauge creep slowly up. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 miles a second. When the awful crushing weight of his body seemed unbearable, when he felt as though you'd never be able to draw another breath, suddenly the pressure lifted and Tom felt amazingly and wonderfully buoyant. He seemed to be floating in midair, his body rising against the web straps of his chair. With the start and momentary wave of panic he realized he was floating. Only the straps kept him from rising to the ceiling of the control room. Recovering quickly he realized that he was in freefall. The ship had cleared a pull of earth's gravity and was in open space where everything was weightless. Reaching towards the control panel he flipped the switch for the synthetic gravity generator and, seconds later he felt the familiar reassuring sensation of the chair under him as the generator supplied the artificial gravity field to the ship. As he loosened the straps of his chair he noticed Captain Strong rising from the position beside him and he grin sheepishly and answered the twinkle in Strong's eyes. It's alright Tom, reassured Strong, happens to everyone the first time. Carry on. Aye aye sir, replied Tom as he turned to the microphone. Control deck to all stations, we are in space. Observe standard cruise procedure. Star deck aye, was Astro's blasting answer of the loudspeaker. Who? Out here where we belong at last. Great our bridge here. Roger's voice chimed in softly on the speaker. Everything under control. And Astro, you belong in the zoo if you're going to bellow like that. Oh, rocket off, bubble head. The big venusian's reply was good-natured. He was too happy to let Roger get under his skin. Alright you two. Interrupted Tom, knock it off. We're on a ship now, let's cut the kindergarten stuff. Aye aye, Skipper. Astro was irrepressible. Yes sir. Roger's reply was soft, but Tom recognized the biting edge to the last word. Turning away from the controls, he faced Captain Strong who had been watching quietly. Polaris spaceporn at 933 hours, Captain Strong. All stations operating efficiently. Very competent job Corbett. Had strong approval. He handled the ship as if he'd been doing it for years. Thank you sir. We'll just cruise for a while on this orbit so you boys can get to feel the ship enough space. Solar Guard officer took Tom's place in command pilot's chair. You knock off for a while. Go up at the radar bridge and have a look around. I'll take over here. Yes sir. Tom turned and had to restrain himself from racing up the ladder to the radar bridge. When he climbed through the hatch at Roger's station Space boy smiled Roger. Indicated blister. Take a look at the wide, deep and high. Tom looked up and saw the deep blackness that was space. It's just like looking into a mirror, Roger. He breathed in awe. Only there isn't any other side. No reflection. It just doesn't stop, does it? Nope, commented Roger. It just goes on and on and on. And no one knows where it stops. No one can even guess. Ah, you've just got a touch of space fever. Laughed Astro. Tom suppressed a smile. Now for the first time he felt there was a chance to achieve unity among them. Kill him with kindness, he thought. That's the way to do it. All right now boys. Kevin Strong's voice crappled over the speaker. Time to pull up your eyeballs and get back to work. We're heading back to the spaceport. Take your stations for landing. Tom and Astro immediately jumped towards the open hatch and started scrambling down the ladder towards their respective stations while Roger strapped himself into the chair as the ship was ready for landing procedures. At a nod from Kevin Strong, who again strapped himself into the second pilot's chair, Tom began delicate operations. Entering Earth's atmosphere, Tom gave a series of rapid orders for course changes in power adjustments and then, depressing the master turn control, spun the ship around so that she would turn first towards the ramp of the Academy spaceport. Radar deck to control deck. Called Roger over the intercom. 1,000 feet to touchdown. Control deck, aye. Answered Tom. Control deck to power deck. Check in. Power deck, aye, replied Astro. Stand by to adjust the thrust to maximum drive at my command, ordered Tom. Power deck, aye. The great ship balanced perfectly in the hot exhaust, slowly slipped towards the ground. 500 feet to touchdown, warned Roger. Main rockets, full blast, ordered Tom. The sudden blast of the powerful jet slowed the descent of the ship and finally 50 feet above the ground, Tom snapped out in another order. Cut main rockets, hold auxiliary. A moment later there was a gentle bump and the Polaris rested on the ramp, her nose pointed towards heaven. Touchdown, yelled Tom. Cut everything, fellas, and come up here to sign the logbook. We made it, our first hop into space. We're spacemen. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of Stand by for Mars. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Sean O'Hara. Stand by for Mars by Carrie Rockwell. Chapter 10. Next Event Will Be. Worn off from Kenny's voice, boomed over the loudspeaker and echoed over the Academy Stadium. Last semi-final round of Mercury Ball. Polaris Unit vs. Arcturus Unit. Polaris Unit vs. Arcturus Unit. As 2000 space cadets crowded in the grandstands watching the annual Academy tournament rose to their feet and cheered lustily. Tom Corbett turned to his unit mates, Astro and Roger, and called enthusiastically. Okay, fellas, let's go out there and show them how to play this game. During the two days of the tournament, Tom, Roger and Astro, competing as a unit against all the other Academy units, had piled up a tremendous amount of points in all the events, but so had Unit 77K, now known as the Capella Unit. Now, with the Capella Unit already in the finals, the Polaris crew had to win the semi-final round against Arcturus in order to meet the Capella in the final round for Academy honors. This is going to be a cinch, bested Astro. I'm going to burn them up. Save it for the field, said Tom with a smile. Yeah, you big Venusian ape, added Roger. Make points instead of space gas. Stripped to the waist, wearing shorts and soft three-quarter-length space boots, the three boys walked out onto the sun-baked field amid the rousing cheers from the stands. Across the field, the cadets of the Arcturus unit walked out to meet them, stopping beside McKennie in the midfield line. Mike waited with six boys to form a circle around him while he held the mercury ball, a 12-inch plastic sphere filled with air and a tube of mercury. You all know the rules, and asked Mike abruptly. Head, shoulders, feet, or any part of the body except your hands can touch the ball. Polaris unit will defend the north goal, he said, pointing towards the white chalk line 50 feet away. Arcturus, the south, and he pointed to a line equally distant in the opposite direction. Five-minute periods with one minute rest in between. All clear? As captain of the Polaris unit, Tom nodded while smiling at the captain of the Monkey Lakes named Skahari. All clear, Mike? All clear here, Mike, responded Skahari. All right, shake hands and take your blazes. The six boys shook hands and drew towards the respective opposite lines. Mike waited for them to reach their goal lines and placed the ball in the middle of the chunk-drawn circle. Towing the line, Tom, Roger, and Astro eyed the Arcturus screw and prepared for the dash to the ball. All right, fellas, urge Tom. Let's show them something. Yeah, breathed Astro. He sized 13s on that pumpkin before it starts twisting around. Astro wanted to advantage his first kick of the ball while the Mercury tube inside was still quiet. Once the Mercury was agitated, the ball would be as easy to kick as well-greed steel. We'll block for you, Astro, and he put every ounce of beef you've got into that first kick. If we're lucky, we might be able to get the jump on them. Cut the chatter, snapped Roger nervously. Baldi is ready to give us the go-ahead. Standing on the sidelines, warrant officer McKenny slowly raised his hand and a crowd in the grandstand hushed in eager anticipation. A second passed, and then there was tremendous roar as he brought his hand down and blew heavily on the whistle. Running as if their lives depended on it, the six cadets of the two units raced headlong towards the ball. Tom, just a little faster than Roger or Astro, flashed down the field and feared off to block the advancing Skahari. Roger, following him, charged into Swift, the second member of the Arcturus crew. Astro, few feeding back of them, running with a surprising speed for his size, saw there was going to be a close race between himself and Alan, the third member of the Arcturus unit. He bowed his head and drove himself harder, the roar of the crowd filling his ears. Go, Astro! Go, Astro! Counting down for the kick, Astro gauged his stride perfectly, and with one last, mighty leap, swung his right foot to the ball. There was a loud thud drowned by the roar of the crowd as the ball sailed over the ground with terrific force. And then, almost immediately, there was another thud as Alan rose up in desperate leap to block the ball with his shoulder. It chromed off at a crazy angle, wobbled in its flight as the mercury within rolled from side to side. Swift, with the Arcturus crew, reached the ball first and sent it sailing at an angle over Tom's head to bounce 30 feet away. Seeing Astro charge the ball, Tom threw a block at Alan to knock him out of the play. The big Venusian, judging his stride to be off a little, shortened his steps to move in for the kick. But just as he brought his foot forward to make contact, the ball spun away to the left. Astro's foot continued in perfect arc over his head, throwing him in the heap on the ground. 2,000 voices from the stands roared out in one peel of laughter. While Astro lay on the ground with the wind knocked out of him, Skaharian's Swift converged on the ball. With Astro down and Tom out of position, the Arcturus unit seemed certain for scoring. But again, the ball rolled crazily, this time straight to Roger, the last defender. He nudged it between his opponents towards Tom, who, in turn, kicked it obliquely past Alan, back to Roger again. Running with the grace and speed of an antelope, the blonde cadet met the ball in midfield, and when it dropped to the ground in front of him, the scoring crossed his goal with one powerful kick. As the cadets in the stands sent up a tumultuous cheer for the perfectly executed play, the whistle blew, ending the period, and the Polaris unit led, one to nothing. Breathing deeply, Astro and Roger flopped down near Tom and stretched full length on the grass. That was a beautiful shot, Roger, said Tom, perfectly timed. Yeah, hot shot, agreed Astro. I'm glad to see that big head of yours is good for something. Listen, fellas, said Roger eagerly, ignoring Astro. To go into the finals against Richards and compelling it, you've got to be a dark churrus crew, right? Yeah, agreed Tom, and it won't be easy. We just happened to get the breaks. Then why don't we put the game on ice, said Roger, freeze the ball. We got them one to nothing. That's enough to beat them. When whistle blows, it's over. We win. Astro looked at Tom, who frowned and replied, but we've still got three periods left, Roger. It isn't fair to freeze this early in the game. If it was the last minute or so, sure. But not so early, it just isn't fair. What do you want to do, snarled Roger? Win or play fair? Win, of course, but I want to win the right way, said Tom. How about you, Astro? I feel the same way that Tom does, said the big cadet. We can beat these guys easily and on the square. You guys make it sound like I was cheating, snapped Roger. Well, said Tom, it sure isn't giving the dark churrus guys a break. The whistle blew for them to return to the goal line. Well, asked Roger, do we freeze or don't we? I don't want to, but majority always rules in this unit, Roger. Tom glanced at Astro. How about it, Astro? We can beat them fair and square. We'll play all out, answered Astro. Roger didn't say anything. He moved to one side and took his position for the dash downfield. The whistle blew again, and the crowd roared as two teams charged towards the ball. The cadets were eager to see if their churrus crew could tie the score, or if the crew of the Polaris would increase its lead. But after a few moments of play, their cries of encouragement subsided and the rumbles were discontent. In its eagerness to score, the archerous unit kept making errors and lost the ball constantly. But the crew of the Polaris failed to capitalize. The second period ended with the score unchanged. As he slumped to the ground for the rest period, Astro turned on Roger bitterly. What's the idea, Manning? You're dogging it. You play your game, Astro, applied to Roger calmly. I'll play mine. We were playing this game as a team, Roger, chimed in Tom heatedly. You're kicking that ball all over the lot. Yeah, added Astro. In every direction except the goal. I was never clear. Defended Roger. I didn't want to lose possession of the ball. You sure didn't, said Tom. You acted as if it was your best friend and never wanted to be separated from it. We said we didn't want to freeze this game, Roger, and we meant it. Astro gloured as a unit mate. Next period you show us some action. If you don't want to score, feed it to us and we'll save you the trouble. But the third period was the same. While Tom and Astro dashed up and down the field, blocking out members of the Arcturus crew to give Roger a clear shot, he simply nudged the ball back and forth between sidelines ignoring his teammates pleased to drive forward. As the whistle sounded for the end of the period, booze and cat calls from the grandstands filled the air. Tom's face was an angry red as he faced Roger again on sidelines during the rest period. You hear that, Roger? He growled, nodding his head towards the stands. That's what they think of your smart playing. What do I care? replied the blonde cadet arrogantly. Not playing this game, I am. And we are too. Astro's voice was low rumble as he came up behind manning. If you don't give us a chance, so help me I'll use your head for a ball. If you're so interested in scoring, why don't you go after the ball yourselves then? said Roger. Because we're too busy trying to be a team, snapped Tom. We're trying to clear shots for you. Don't be so generous. sneered Roger. I'm warning you, Roger. Astro glared at the arrogant cadet. If you don't straighten out and fly right, McEnney's whistle from the far sideline suddenly sounded, interrupting the big cadet, and three boys trooped back out on the field again. Again, the air was filled with booze and chats of derision, and Tom's face flushed with shame. This time, when McEnney's hand flashed downward, Tom streaked for the ball instead of his kohari, his usual opponent. He measured his stride carefully and reached the ball in perfect kicking position. He felt the satisfying thud against his foot and saw the ball shoot out high in front of him and head for the goal line. It was a beautiful kick, but then the ball suddenly sank. It's flight altered by the action of the mercury. Running downfield, Tom saw Swift and Alan meet the ball together. Alan blocked it with his chest and crumbled it over to Swift. Swift let the ball drop to the ground, drawing his foot back to kick. But again, the mercury changed the ball's action, twisting it to one side, and Swift's kick caught it on the side. Instead of the ball going downfield, it veered to the left into the path of Astro. Quickly getting his head under it, he shifted it to Roger, who streaked in and stopped it with his hip. But then, instead of passing ahead to Tom, he moved downfield in the open. Roger prepared to kick the goal himself. Tom shouted a warning, but it was too late. Skahari came rushing in behind him and had a running stride, met the ball squarely with his right foot. It sailed high in the air and over the Polaris goal line, just as his whistle blew. The game was tied. Oh, some play, Manning. Said Astro when they were lined up, waiting for the next period to begin. You asked for it, snapped Roger. You were yapping at me to play, and now look at what's happened. Listen to your loud mouth, punk. It's just that, but just in the whistle blew and three boys ran out onto the field. The Arcturus crew swept down the field quickly, heading for the ball and seemingly ignoring the Polaris unit. But Skahari slipped and fell on the grass and gave Tom a clear shot at the ball. He caught it with the side of his boot and passed it towards Roger. But Allen, at full speed, came in and intercepted, sending the ball in a crazy succession of twists and turns and bounces. The crowd came to its feet as all six cadets made a desperate attempt to clear the skittering ball, with none of them so much as touching it. This was the part of the mercury ball that police the spectator. Finally Skahari managed to get a toe on it and he sent it down field, but after it had moved out to play defense. He stopped the ball with the shoulder and dropped it to the ground. Standing it there, he waited until Tom was in the clear and kicked it 40 yards to the midfield stripe. The crowd came to its feet, sensing the final drive might mean victory for the Polaris crew. The boys of the Arcturus swarmed in trying to keep Tom from scoring. With a tremendous burst of speed, Tom reached the ball ahead of Skahari, and with the strength of desperation, he went against it. The whistle blew, and in the game as the ball rose in an arc down the field and fell short of the goal by 10 feet. There was a groan from the crowd. But suddenly the ball, still reacting to the mercury inside, spun like a top, rolled sideways, and as if it were being blown by a breeze rolled towards the goal line and stopped six inches inside the white chalk line. There was a moment's pause as the crowd and players stunned by the play, grasped what happened. Then, swallowing into a roar, there was one word chant over and over. Polaris! Polaris! Polaris! The Polaris unit had reached the finals of the Academy Tournament. During the intermission, Charlie Volchak, unit commander of the Capella crew, walked over the refreshment unit behind the grandstand where Steve Strong, Dr. Dale, and Commander Walters were drinking Martian water and eating Space Burgers. Afternoon, Commander, saluted Volchak. Hello, Joan, Steve. Looks as though your boys and the Polaris are going to meet their match this afternoon. I've got to admit they're good. Tony Richards feeding passes to Al Davison and the blocking of Scott McAvoy, young officer, broken to a grin. I don't know, Charlie. Commander Walters said with a wink to Dr. Dale. From the looks of Cadet Astro, if he ever gets his foot on the ball, your Capella unit will just have to go after it with a jet boat. My commander, replied Volchak, laughing good-naturedly. Tony Richards is one of the finest booters I've ever seen. Some make a goal from the 60-yard line from a standstill. Steve Strong waved to Martian water pop bottle at young Volchak with the gesture of friendly derision. Did you happen to see the play in the first period? He boasted. Manning took a perfect pass from Astro and scored. You're finished, Volchak. You and your Capella unit won't even come close. From what I hear and see, Manning seems to be a little sore that he can't make all the scores himself. Grinned Volchak slighly. He wants to be the whole show. Strong readden turned to put the empty bottle on the counter, using it as an excuse to hide his feelings from the commander and Joan. So Volchak had observed Manning's student play on the field, too. Before Strong could reply, Beagle sounded from the field, and the group of Solar Guard officers returned to their seats for the final game of the tournament, between the Capella and Polaris units. Out on the field, Mike made his usual speech about playing fair and gave the cadets routine instructions of the game, reminding them that they were spacemen first, unit members second, and individuals third and last. The six boys shook hands and dropped down the fields to take up their positions. How about concentrating on a pass as Richards is going to feed to Tom Astor's unit mates. Never mind blocking out Richards and McEvoy. Yeah, agreed Astro. Play for the ball. Sounds good to me. How about it, Roger, asked Tom. Just play the game, said Roger, and then added sarcastically. And don't forget to give them every chance to score. Let's play fair and square the way we did with the Arcturus unit. If you feel that way, Manning, answered Astor coldly, you can quit right now. We'll handle the Capella guys ourselves. Before Roger could answer, McKinney blew the whistle, and three boys lined up along the white chalk line, preparing for the dash to the ball. The cadets in the stand were hushed. McKinney's hands swept up and then quickly down as he blew the whistle. The crowd came to its feet roaring as Tom, five steps from his own goal line, tripped and fell headlong to the grass, putting him out of the first play. Astor and Roger charged down the field with Astor reaching the ball first. He managed a good kick, but Richards, three feet away, took the ball squarely in his chest. The mercury ball fell to the ground and spun in a dizzy circle, and with the channel tapped by Richards, he rolled to Davidson, who took it in stride and sent it soaring for a 45-foot goal. The Capella unit had drawn first blood. Well, hot shot. Snarled Roger back on the starting line. What happened to the big pass-stealing idea? I tripped, manning, said Tom through clenched teeth. Yeah, tripped, sneer Roger. The whistle blew for the next goal. Tom, with an amazing burst of speed, swept down the field, broke stride to bring him in the perfect line with the ball, and with a kick that seemed almost lazy, sent the ball from dead standstill, 50 yards over the Capella goal, before any of the remaining players were within five feet of it, and the scorer was tied. The crowd sprang to its feet again and roared his name. That was terrific, said Astro, slapping Tom in the back as he lined up again. They looked as though you hardly kicked the ball at all. Yeah, muttered Roger. You really made yourself the grand standstill light. What's that supposed to mean, manning? Asked Astro. Superman Corvette probably burned himself out. Let's see him keep up that speed for the next ten minutes. The whistle blew for the next goal, and again, the three boys moved forward to meet the unrushing Capella unit. Richards blocked Astro with the twist of his body, and without stopping his forward motion, kicked the ball squarely towards the goal. It stopped ten feet short, took a dizzying spin, and rolled away from the goal line. In a flashed, six boys were around the ball, blocking, shoving, and yelling instructions to each other, while at the same time kicking at the unsteady ball. With each grazing kick, the ball went into more maddening spins and gyrations. At last, Richards caught it with the side of his foot, flipped it to McEvoy, who dropped back, and with twenty feet between him and the nearest Polaris member, calmly booted it over the goal. The whistle blew, ending the first period, and the Capella unit led two to one. During the next three periods, the Capella unit worked like a well-oiled machine. Richards passed Davis and her McEvoy, and when they were too well guarded, played brilliantly alone. The Polaris unit, on the other hand, appeared to be hopelessly outclassed. Tom and Astro fought like demons, but Rogers' lack of interest gave the Capella unit an edge in play. At the end of the fourth period, the Capella team led by three points, seven to four. All the boys rested for the fifth and final period, Kevin Strong, having watched play with keen interest, realized that Roger was not playing to his fullest capabilities. Suddenly, he summoned a nearby earthworm cadet, scribbled a message on a slip of paper, and instructed the cadet to take it directly to Roger. Orders from the coach on the sidelines asked Volecek as he noticed there was no action. You might say that, Charlie, answered Steve blandly. On the field, the cadet messenger handed Roger's slip of paper, not mentioning that it was from Strong, and hurried back to the stands. Getting fan mail already? Asked Astro. Roger ignored the comment and opened the slip of paper and read, It might interest you to know that the winning team of the Mercury Ball Finals is to be awarded first prize at Three Days Liberty in Adams City. There was no signature. Roger stared up into the stands and searched vainly for some indication of the person who might have sent him the note. The crowd hushed as he stepped forward for the starting of the last period. What was in the note, Roger? Asked Tom. The winning combination, smiled Roger lazily. Get set for the fastest game of Mercury Ball you've ever played, Corbett. You've got to pull this mess out of the fire. Bewildered, Tom looked at Astro and merely shrugged his shoulders and took his place ready for the whistle. Roger tapped the note into his shorts and stepped up to the line. And then McEvoy faints as if to get it, leaving Davison in the open. When you go to block Davison, you leave Richard in the clear. He just keeps the ball. He scored three times that way. Yeah, said Tom. I've noticed that, but there's nothing I could do about it the way you've been playing. Got into late in the game for any new ideas, Manning. Crawled Astro, just get the ball and pass it to me. That's my whole idea. Playback Astro, move like you're very tired to see. Then they'll forget about you and play three on two. You just be ready to kick and kick hard. What's happened to you, Roger? Asked Tom. What was in that note? Before Roger could answer the whistle and roar the crowd signaled beginning of the last period, the cadets raced down the field, Roger swerving to left, making a faint at blocking Richards. He missed intentionally and allowed Richards to get the ball, who immediately passed to the left. McEvoy raced in on the ball. Tom made move as if to block and reversed and startled the cadets and the ball landed two feet in front of Astro. The big cadet caught it perfectly on the first bounce and kicked it on the line across the goal, 70 yards away. Up in the stand, Steve Strong smiled as he watched the score change on the board. Capella 7, Polaris 5. In rapid succession, the Polaris unit succeeded in intercepting the play of the Capella unit and rolling up two more goals to an even score. Now there were only 55 seconds left to play. It had been a long time since Mercury balled and played with such deadly accuracy at Space Academy and everyone who attended the game was to remember for years to come the last player of the game. McEvoy blew the whistle again and the boys charged forward, but by now aware of the sudden flash of unity on the part of the opposing team, the Capella unit fought desperately to salvage at least a tie. Tom managed to block a kick by Richards and the ball took a dizzy hop to the left, Astro paused for a split second, judged the ball and stepped forward to kick, but the ball spun away just as Astro swung his leg and at that instant McEvoy charged in from the left only to be blocked by Roger, but the force of McEvoy's charge knocked Roger back into Astro. Instead of kicking the ball, Astro caught Roger on the side of the head. Roger fell to the ground and lay still. He was knocked cold. Astro lost his balance, twisted on one leg unsteadily and then fell into his ankle. The Capella unit members stood still, confused and momentarily unable to take advantage of their opportunity. Without a moment's hesitation, Tom swept in and kicked the ball before his opponents realized what had happened. The ball drifted up into high arc, landed with several bounces, stopping 5 feet from the goal. Suddenly, Richards, McEvoy and Davidson came alive and charged after Tom, who was running for the ball as fast as his very legs would carry him. He saw a clear shot back down the field and, certain score, Richards reached the ball, stopped and carefully lined up his kick, certain that his teammates could block out Tom. But the uncadet and the last desperate spurt, outraced McEvoy and Davidson. Then, as Richards cocked his foot to kick, Tom jumped. With a mighty, leaping dive, he sent his body hurtling head along towards Richards, just as he kicked. Tom's body crashed into the ball and Richards. The two boys went down in a heap, but the ball fell down. In an instant, 2,000 officers, cadets, and enlisted men went wild as the ball rolled across the goal line. The player's crew had won, 8 goals to 7. From every corner of the field, the crowd cheered the cadets who had finished the game, had won it in the final seconds with two of them sprawled on the field unconscious and a third unable to stand on his own feet. Up in the stands, Captain Strong turned to Commander Walters. Captain's crew had been absent since the час of the game, and now they're back in the field to establish a circle. The team had not completed the game but put me in a way of making my decision into combat. The two boys rushed along to the port and flew all over the ground. and as a long, gleaming line of monorail cars eased to stop with a soft hissing of brakes. The three cadets of the Polaris unit moved eagerly in that direction. Adam said, here we come! cried Astro. We and a lot of others with the same idea, said Tom. And, in fact, there were only a few civilians in the crowd pressing towards the car doors. Uniforms predominated. The blues of the cadets enlisted men in Scarlet, even a few in the black and gold uniforms which identified officers as Solar Guard. Personally, whispered Tom to his friends. First thing I want to do in Adam's city is take a long walk, somewhere where I won't see a single uniform. As for me, trawled Roger, I'm going to find a stereo studio where they're showing a Liddy Tamal feature. I'll sit down in the front row seat and just watch that girl act for six hours. He turned to Astro. And how about you? Why? Why? I'll string along with you, Roger, said the cadet from Venus. It's been a long time since I've seen up, uh, Tom and Roger laughed. Oh, what? teased Tom. Uh, uh, girl, sputtered Astro blushing. I don't believe it, said Roger in mock surprise. I never! Come on, interrupted Tom. Time to get on board. They hurried across the platform and entered the sweet car. Inside, they found seats together and sank into luxurious chairs. Astro sighed gently, stretched out his long legs, and closed his eyes blissfully for a few moments. Don't wake me till we get started, he said. We already have, returned Tom. Take a look. Astro's eyes popped open. He glanced through the clear crystal glass at a rapidly moving landscape. These express jobs move on super cushion ball bearings. Explained Tom. Can't even feel it when he pulled out of the station. He'll bless my jets, marveled Astro. I'd sure like to take a look at the power unit on this baby. Even on vacation, all this guy can think about is power, grumbled Roger. How about building up our own power? Suggested Tom. It's a long haul to Adam City. Let's get a bite to eat. Okay, with me, Space Boy. Astro grin. I could swallow a whole steer. That's a great idea, Cadet. Said a voice from behind them. Came from a gray-haired man, neatly dressed in a black one-piece style-on suit currently in fashion, and with a wide red sash around his waist. Big pardon, sir. Said Tom. Were you speaking to us? I certainly was, replied the stranger. I'm asking you to be my guest at dinner. And while I may not be able to buy your friend a whole steer, I'll gladly get him a piece of one. Hey, said Astro. Do you think he means it? He seems to, replied Tom. He turned to the stranger. Thanks very much, sir. But don't think Astro was kidding about his appetite. I'm sure he wasn't. A gray-haired man smiled and came over and stretched out his hand. Then it's a deal, he said. My name's Joe Bernard. Bernard! exclaimed Roger. He paled and glanced quickly at his two friends. But they were too busy looking over their new friend to notice. Glad to know you, sir, said Tom. I'm Tom Corbett. This is Astro from Venus, and over here is… Roger's my name. The third cadet said quickly. Won't he sit down, sir? No use wasting time, said Bernard. Let's go straight to the dining car. The cadets were in no mood to argue with him. They picked up the small microphones beside their chairs and sent food orders to the kitchen. And by the time they were seated in the dining car, their food orders were already on the table. Mr. Bernard, with his twinkle in his eye, watched them enjoy their food. In particular, he watched Astro. I warned you, sir, whispered Tom as if Venusian went to work on the second steak. I wouldn't have missed this for anything, said Bernard. He smiled, lit a cigar, fine-recurring leaf tobacco, and settled back comfortably. And now, he said, let me explain why you're so anxious to have dinner with you. I'm in the import-export business, shipped to Mars mostly, but all my life I've wanted to be a spaceman. Well, what was his trouble, Mr. Bernard? Astro Roger? The man in black side. Couldn't take the acceleration, boys. Bad heart. I sent out more than 500 cargers a year to all parts of the solar system, but myself? I've never been more than a mile off the surface of the Earth. It sure must be disappointing to want to blast off and know that you can, said Tom. I tried once, said Bernard, with a rueful smile. Yep, I tried. He gazed thoughtfully out the window. When I was your age, about 20, I wanted to get into the Space Academy worse than anybody I've ever met. He paused. Except for one person, a boyhood buddy of mine named Kenneth. Excuse me, sir. Cutting Roger quickly. But I think we better get back to our car. With this big liberty in front of us, we need a lot of rest. But Roger, exclaimed Tom. Bernard smiled. I understand, Roger. Sometimes I forget that I'm an old man. And when he've already tasted the excitement of space travel, talk like mine must seem rather dull. He stood up and faced the three cadets. It's been very pleasant, Corbett, Astro, Roger. Now run along and get your rust. I'll just sit here for a while and watch the scenery. Thank you, sir, said Tom. For the dinner, your company, everything. He finished, lamely. There was a chorus of goodbyes and the boys returned to their car. But there was little conversation now. Gradually, the lights in the car dimmed to permit sleep. But Tom kept listening to the subdued click of the monorail and kept wondering. Finally, Roger, sleeping next to him, wakened for a moment. Roger, said Tom. I want to ask you something. Well, a little morning, humbled Roger. Honest sleep. The way you acted with Bernard, Tom persisted. You ate his dinner, then acted like he was poisoned. I was that, Roger. The other sat bolt upright. Listen, he said. Listen. Then he slumped back in his chair and closed his eyes. Let me sleep, Corbett. Let me sleep, I tell you. He turns back and in a moment was making sounds of deep slumber. But Tom felt sure that Roger was not asleep. That he was wide awake, but something seriously bothering him. Tom leaned back and gazed out over the passing planes and up into the deep black of space. The moon was full, large and round. He could distinguish Mara Imbrium, the largest of Luna's flat planes visible from Earth, where men had built the great metropolis of Luna's city. Further out in the deep blackness, he could see Mars, glowing like a pale ruby. Before long, he would be up there again. Before long, he would be blasting off into Polaris with Astro and with Roger. Roger. Why did he act so strangely at dinner? Tom remembered the night he saw Roger in Galaxy Hall alone at night, and the sun flashed on the field a few days before when he'd won the Mercury Ball game. Was there some reason behind his companion's strange actions? In vain, Tom racked his brain to find the answer. There had to be some explanation. Yet what could it possibly be? He tossed and turd and worried, and finally, comfortable as a monorail car was, he fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. Adam City. Built of the clear crystal mine so cheaply untightened, the moon of Saturn, Adam City had risen from a barren North American wasteland to become a show place of the universe. Here was the center of all space communications, a proud city of giant crystal buildings. Here had been developed the first slide walks, aircars, three-dimensional stereos, and hundreds of other ideas for better living. And here at Adam City was the seat of the great Solar Alliance, housed in a structure which covered a quarter of a mile in space, and which towered 3,000 noble feet into the sky. The three cadets stepped out of the monorail and walked across the platform to a waiting aircar, jet-powered, shaped like a teardrop, and with a clear crystal top. We want the best hotel in town, said Astro, grandly to the driver. Can get this speed bug out of here in a hurry, Roger told him. There's a lot we want to do. The driver couldn't help smiling at the three cadets, so obviously enjoying their first leave. We've got three top hotels, he said. One's as good as the other. Near the Earth, the Mars, and the Venus. The Earth, voted Tom. The Mars, shouted Roger. The Venus, roared Astro. Now alright, said the driver with laugh, make up your minds. Which of them is nearest the center of the city, asked Tom. The Mars, then blast off for Mars, ordered Tom, and the aircar shot away from the station and moved up into the stream of expressway traffic 50 feet above the ground. As little cars sped along the Broad Avenue, Tom remembered how often, as boy, he'd envy the space cadets who'd come to his hometown of New Chicago and leave. Now here he was, in uniform with three day pass, and all of Adam City to enjoy it in. A few minutes later the aircar stopped in front of the Mars Hotel. The cadets saw the entrance loom before them, a huge opening with ornate glass and crystal in many different colors. They walked across a high ceiling lobby towards the desk. All around them, the columns that supported the ceiling were made of clearest crystal. Their feet sank in soft, lustre-steed pile rugs made of Venusian jungle grass. The boys advanced towards a huge circular reception desk where a pretty girl with red hair waited to greet them. May I help you? she asked. She flashed a dazzling smile. You're a lucky girl, said Roger. It just so happens you can help me. We'll have dinner together, just two of us. Then we'll do the stereos, after which we'll... The girl shook her head sadly. I can see your friend's got a bad case of rocket shock. She said to Tom. That's right, Tom admitted. But if you give us a triple room, we'll make sure he doesn't disturb anybody. Ah, said Roger. Go blow your jets. I have a nice selection of rooms here on the photo slides if you care to take a look at them. The girl suggested. How many rooms in this hotel, beautiful? Asked Roger. Nearly two thousand, answered the girl. And you have photo slides, Val. Two thousand? Ah yes, answered the girl. Why do you ask? You and asked her to go take a walk, Corabette. Said Roger with a grin. I'll select our quarters. You mean? Asked the girl, a little flustered. You want to look at all the slides? Sure thing, lovely. Said Roger with a lazy smile. But that'll take three hours. Exactly my idea. Just give us a nice room, Miss. Said Tom, cutting in. And please excuse manning. He says, smart, he gets dizzy now and then. Have to take him over to the corner and revive him. He glanced at Astro, who picked Roger up by the arms and walked away with him as though he were baby. Come on, you space Romeo. Hey, hey, let me go, you big ape. You're killing your best friend. Roger twisted around and asked her his voice like grasped, no veil. Space fever, explained Tom. He'll be okay soon. I think I understand. Said girl with a nervous smile. She handed Tom a small flashlight. Here's your photo electric light key for room 2305F. That's on the 230th floor. Tom took the light key and turned towards the slide stairs where Astro was holding Roger firmly, despite his frantic squirming. Hey, Tom. Cried Roger. Tell this big Venusian ape to let me go. Promise to behave yourself? Asked Tom. We came here to have fun, didn't we? Demanded Roger. That doesn't mean getting thrown out of the hotel because you gotta make passes at every beautiful girl. What's the matter with beautiful girls? Crawled Roger. They're official equipment, like a radar scanner. You can't get along without them. Tom and Astro looked at each other and burst out laughing. Come on, you jerk. Said Astro. Let's get washed up. I want to take a walk and get something to eat. I'm hungry again. An hour later, showered and dressed in fresh uniforms, the Polaris crew began to tour the city. They went to the zoo and saw dinosaurs, a Tyrannosaurus, and many other monsters extinct on Earth millions of years ago, but still breeding in the jungles of Terra. They visited the cancel chamber of the Solar Alliance for delegates from the major planets and from the larger satellites, such as Titan of Saturn, Ganymede of Jupiter, and Lune of Earth, made laws for the tri-planetary league. The boys walked through the long halls of the Alliance building, looking at the great documents which had unified the Solar System. They reverently inspected the original documents of the Universal Bill of Rights and Solar Constitution, which guaranteed basic freedoms of speech, press, religion, peaceful assembly, and representative government. And even brash, irrepressible Roger Manning was awestruck as he tiptoed through the Great Chamber of Galactic Courts, where the supreme judicial body of the entire universe had in solemn dignity. Later, the boys visited the Plaza de Olympia, a huge fountain filled with water from the Martian canals, the lakes of Venus, and the oceans of Earth, and ringed by a hundred large statues, each one symbolizing a step in mankind's march through space. But then, for the cadets, came the greatest thrill of all, a trip through the mighty Hall of Science, at once a museum of past progress and a laboratory for the development of future wonders. Thousands of experiments were being conducted within this crystal palace, and as space cadets, the boys were allowed to witness a few of them. They watched a project which sought to harness the solar rays more effectively, another which aimed to create a new type of fertilizer from ours, so people on that planet would be able to grow their own food in their arid deserts, instead of importing all of it from other worlds. Other scientists were trying to adapt Venusian jungle plants to grow in other planets with a low oxygen supply, while still others, in the medical field, sought for a universal antibody to combat all diseases. Evening finally came, and with it, time for fun and entertainment. Tired and leg weary, the cadets stepped onto the sidewalk, and allowed themselves to be carried to a huge restaurant in the heart of Adam City. Food. Exalted Astros, crystal doors swung open before them. Smell it. Real honest gosh, food. He rushed for a table. Hold it, Astro. Shout it, Tom. Take it easy. Yeah, added Roger. It's been five hours since your last meal, not five weeks. Meal? Snorted a Venusian cadet. You call five space burgers a meal? And anyway, it's been six hours, not five. Laughing, Tom and Roger followed their friend inside. Luckily they found a table not far from the door, where Astro grabbed the microphone and ordered this usual, tremendous dinner. Three boys ate hungrily as course after course appeared in the middle of the table to be the direct shaft from the kitchen. So absorbed was manning that he did not notice the approach of a tall, dark young man about his own age, dressing in a red-brown uniform to the passenger space service. But the young man, who wore Captain's high-build hat, suddenly caught sight of Roger. Manning, he called. What brings you here? Al James cried Roger and quickly got up to shake hands. Of all the guys in the universe to show up, sit down and have a bite with us. The space skipper sat down. Roger introduced him to Tom and Astro. There was a round of small talk. Whatever made you become a space cadet, Roger, asked James finally. Oh, you know how it is, said Roger. You can get used to anything. Astro almost choked on a mouthful of food. He shot a glance at Tom, who shook his head, as though warning him not to speak. James grinned broadly. I remember how he used to talk back home. The space cadets are a bunch of tin soldiers trying to feel important. The Academy was a lot of space gas. I guess now you've changed your mind. And maybe I have, said Roger. He glanced on easily at his two friends, but they pretended to be busy eating. Maybe I have. Roger's eyes narrowed. His voice became a lazy drawl. Now that is better than being a man in a monkey suit, with nothing to do but impress the passengers and order around the crew. Wait a minute. What kind of a crack is that? Said James. No crack at all. Just the way I feel about you, passenger chants, you don't know a rocket tube for a moray gun nozzle. Look, Manning, returned James. No need to get sore just because he couldn't do any better than space cadets. Blast off, shouted Roger, before I fuse your jets. Tom spoke up. I think you better go outside, Captain. I've got six men outside, sneered the other. I'll go when I'm ready. You're ready now, spoke up Astro. He stood up to his full height. We don't want any trouble, the cadet from Venus said. We're not breaking our jets to get away from it, either. James took a good look at Astro's powerful frame. Without another word, he walked away. Tom shook his head. That pal of yours is real space cadet fan, isn't he, Roger? Yeah, said Astro. Just like Manning is himself. Well, said Roger. Look, you guys. He hesitated, as though intending to say something more. Then he turned back to his dinner. Go finish your food, he growled. He bent over his plate and ate without lifting his eyes, and not another word was spoken at table until a young man approached carrying a portable teleceiver screen. Pardon me, he said. Is one of you cadet Tom Corbett? Why I am, acknowledged Tom. There's the call for you. Seems they've been trying to reach you all over Adam City. He placed a teleceiver screen on the table, plugged it into a floor socket and set the dials. But there's nothing wrong at home, said Tom to his friends. My last letter from Mom said Billy was messing around with a portable atom reactor, and she was afraid he might blow himself up. A picture began to take shape on the screen. My gosh, said Astro. He's counting strong. It certainly is, said Catten's image. Having dinner, eh boys? Mmm, those baked shrimps look good. They're terrific. Said Astro. Wish you were here. Wish he could stay there. Said Catten's strong. Oh no. Moaned Astro. Don't tell me. Sorry boys. Came to voice from the teleceiver. But that's it. You've got to return to the academy immediately. The whole cadet corps has been ordering in space for special maneuvers. You'd last off tomorrow morning at six hundred. But sir, objected Tom. We can't get him on a rail until morning. This is an official order, Corbett. So you have priority over all civilian transportation. Solar Guard, Catten smiled. I've tied up a whole bank of teleceivers in Adam City searching for you. Get back to Space Academy fast. Come and get in your car if you must. But be here by six hundred hours. Catten waved to Cherry Goodbye, and the screen went dark. Space maneuvers. Breathed Astro. The real thing. Yeah, agreed Tom. Here we go. Our first stop into deep space, said Roger. Let's get out of here. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 of Standby for Mars. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Sean O'Hara. Standby for Mars by Carrier Rockwell. Chapter 12. The following ships in Squadron A will blast off immediately. Brod Commander Walters over the teleceiver. He looked up alertly from a track before him in the Academy's spaceport control tower. He began to name the ships. Capella Orbital Tangent 0900-834. Arcturus Orbital Tangent 0900-835. Centauri Orbital Tangent 0900-836. Polaris Orbital Tangent 0900-837. Aboard the space cruiser Polaris, Tom Corbett turned away from the control board. That's us, sir, he said to Captain Strong. Very well, Corbett. The Solar Guard captain walked into the ship's intercom and flipped the switch. Astro. Roger. Standby. Astro and Roger reported in. Strong began to speak. The conduct corps has been divided into squadrons of four ships each. We are a command ship of Squadron A. When we reach freefall space, we are to proceed as a group until 800 hours. When we are to open sealed orders. Each of the other seven squadrons will open orders at the same time. Two of the squadrons will then act as invaders, while the remaining six will leave the defending fleet. It will be the invaders' job to reach their objective and the defenders' job to stop them. Spaceport control to rocket cruiser Polaris. Your orbit has been cleared to blast off. The voice of Commander Walters interrupted Strong in his instructions, and he turned back to Tom. Take over, Corbett. Tom turned to the teleceiver. Rocket cruiser Polaris to spaceport control. Blast off minus two six hundred forty eight. I read you clear, said Tom. He clicked off the teleceiver and turned back to the intercom. Standby to raise ship. Control deck to raid our deck. Do we have a cleared trajectory forward and up, Roger? I'll clear forward and up, replied Roger. Control deck to power deck. Energize the cooling pumps. Cooling pumps, aye. Came from Astro. The giant ship began to shudder as the mighty pumps on the power deck started their build. Tom strapped himself into the pilot seat and began checking the dials in front of him. Satisfied, he fastened his eyes on the sweep of the hand of the time clock. Above his head, the teleceiver screen brought him a clear picture of the Academy spaceport. He watched the giant cruisers take of the air one by one and rocket into the vastness of space. The clock hand reached a ten second mark. Standby to raise ship. Tom called into the intercom. The red hand moved steadily inexorably. Tom reached for the master switch. Blast off minus five. Four. Three. Two. One. Zero. Tom through the switch. The great ship hovered above the ground for a few moments. Then it heaved itself skyward, faster and ever faster, pushing the earthmen deep into their acceleration cushions. Reaching freefall space, Tom flipped on the artificial gravity generator. He felt its pull on his body. Quickly checked all the instruments and turned to Kevin Strong. Ship spaceport at six hundred fifty-three, sir. Very well, Corvette, replied strong. Check with the archerist, Capella and Centauri. Form up on one another and assume a course that will bring you back over to Academy spaceport at eight hundred hours when we will open our orders. Yes, sir, said Tom, turning back eagerly to his control board. For nearly two hours, the four rocket ships Squadron A moved through space in a perfect arc, shaping up for the 0800 deadline. Strong made use of the time to check a new astrogation prism perfected by Dr. Dale for use in hyperspace speeds. Tom rechecked his instruments and prepared hot tea and sandwiches and galley for his shipmates. This is what I call service, said Astro. He stood stripped of the waist, wide leather belts studded with assorted wrenches of various shapes and sizes strapped around his hips. In one hand he carried a wad of waist cotton, with which he continually polished the surface of the atomic motors, while his eyes constantly searched the many gauges in front of him for the slightest sign of engine failure. Never mind bringing anything up to manning. I'll leave to share. Astro deliberately turned the intercom on so Roger on the radar deck might hear. The response from that corner was immediate and emphatic. Listen here, you rocket-headed grease monkey! Y'all Roger? If you so much as smell that grub, I'll come down and feed you into the reactant chamber. Tom smiled at Astro and turned the ladder leading up from the power deck. Passing through the control deck on the way to the radar bridge, she glanced up at the clock. It was ten minutes tamed. Only one thing I'm worried about, Corbett. Said Roger through a mouthful of sandwich. What's that? asked Tom. Collision, said Roger. Some of these space-happy cadets might get excited, and I, from one to one, wind up as a clash in the air-sat atmosphere. Why? You have a radar. See anything that goes on? Oh, sure. I can keep this wagon out of their way. But will they stay out of mine? Why, my father told me once. Roger choked on his food and turned away to the radar screen. Well, said Tom after a moment. What did your father tell you? Ah, nothing. Not important. But I've got to get across Vix on Regulus before we start our little game. Tom looked puzzled. Here was another of Roger's quick changes of attitude. What was it all about? But there was work to do. So Tom shrugged his shoulders and returned to the control deck. He couldn't forget what Roger had said about a collision, though. Excuse me, Captain, said Tom. But have there been any serious collisions in space between ships? Sure have, Tom, replied strong. About 20 years ago, maybe less, there was a whole wave of them. That was before we developed super-rebound pulse radar. The ships were faster than the radar at close range. Strong paused. Why do you ask? Before Tom could answer, there was sharp warning from the captain. At a clock corvette, Tom ripped open the envelope containing sealed orders. Congratulations, he read. You are in command of the defenders. You have under your command Squadrons A, B, C, D, E, and F. Squadrons G and H are your enemies. And at this moment are on their way to attack Luna City. It is your job to protect it and destroy the enemy fleet. Space men's luck. Walters, Commander Space Academy, Senior Officer, Solar Guard. Roger, yelled Tom. We've been selected flagship for the defenders. Give me a course to Luna City. Good for us, Space Boy. I'll give you a course in the Jiffy. Capella de Polaris, I'm standing by for your orders. Tony Richards' voice crackled over the teleceiver. One by one, the 23 ships made up the defenders' fleet checked in for orders. Astro shouted Tom. Stand by for maneuvers. Have you prepared to give me every ounce of thrust you can get? Ready, willing and able, Tom. Replied Astro. Just be sure there's other space rockets and keep up with me. That's all. Tom turned to Captain Strong. What do you think of approaching? Strong cut him off. Corvette, you are in complete command. Take over. You're losing time talking to me. Yes, sir, said Tom. He turned back to the control board, his face flushed with excitement. 24 ships to maneuver and their responsibility all his own. The odd chart projected on screen. He studied the various approaches to the moon, Luna City. What would he do if he were in command of the invading fleet? He noticed the moon was nearing a point where it would be an eclipse on Luna City itself. He studied the chart further, made several notations, and turned to the teleceiver. Attention, attention. Flagship Polaris to squadrons B and C. Proceed to chart 7 sectors 8 and 9. You will patrol those sectors. Attention, squadrons D and F. Proceed to the Luna City at emergency space speed. However, at 100,000 feet above Luna City spaceport and wait for further orders. Attention, ships 3 and 4 of squadron F. You will proceed to chart 6, sector 68 through 75. Cut all rockets and remain there until further orders. The remainder of squadron F's, ships 1 and 2, will join squadron A. Squadron A will stand by for further orders. He glanced at the clock and punched the intercom button. Have you got that, course, Roger? Three degrees on starboard rockets and 78 degrees on the up plane of the ecliptic will put you at the corner of Luna Drive and Moonland in the heart of Luna City's spaceboy. Get that, Astro? All set. Applied, Astro. Attention, all ships in squadron A. This is Flagship, codenamed Starlight. I am changing course. Stand by to form upon me. Tom turned back to the intercom. Power deck, execute. At more than 5,000 miles an hour, the Polaris hurtled towards its destination. One by one, the remaining ships moved alongside until all sticks at their needle-like noses pointed towards the pale satellite of the Moon. I'd like to know what your plans are, Tom. Said strong, went long haul towards the Moon and settled down to routine. Just idle curiosity, nothing more. You don't have to tell me if you don't want. Collie, sir, said Tom. I'd be very grateful for your opinion. Well, let's have it, said the captain. But as for my opinion, I'll listen, but I won't say anything. Tom grinned sheepishly. Well, he began. If I were in command of the invading fleet, I'd strike in force. I'd have to to do damage with only eight ships. There are three possible approaches to Luna City. Once from the Earthside, using Eclipse Corridor of Darkness as protection. To meet that, I'd station two ships at different levels, so that it would be impossible for the invasion to pass unnoticed. You mean you'd be willing to give up two ships to the invader to have him betray his position? Is that right? Yes, sir. But I've also sent squadrons B and C to Sectors 8 and 9 on Chart 7. So I have a roving squadron to go to their aid, should the invaders strike there. And on the other hand, should he manage to get through my outer defenses, I have Scrundini over to Luna City itself as an inner defense. As for Scrundini, we'll try to engage the enemy first, and maybe weaken him. At least reduce the full force of his attack. I then have squadrons B, C, D, and E finish him off by attack from three different points. Strong and audited silently. The young cadet was shaping up a defensive strategy of great skill. If he could only follow through on his plans, the invaders of Luna City wouldn't have much of a chance of success, even if willing to take heavy losses. Roger's voice came on. Had a report for you, Tom. From Command Ship Squadron B, they've sighted the invaders and are advancing to meet them. Tom checked his charts and turned to the intercom. Send them this message, Roger, he said. From Starlight to Command Ship Squadron B and C, approach enemy ships from position of Chart 19, Section 1 through 10. All right, said Roger. Strong smiled. Tom was driving his heaviest force between the invading fleet and its objective, forcing the aggressors into a trap. Tom gave more crisp orders to squadron. He asked Roger for an estimated range, and then, rechecking his positions, turned again to the intercom. Astro, how much could you get on this baby by opening the bypass between the cooling pumps and the reaction chamber? That mean feeding the stuff into the motors only half-cooled. Strong turned, started to speak, then clamped his lips together. Uh, another quarter of space speed, roughly, replied Astro. About 1500 miles more an hour. You want me to do that? No, not now, replied Tom. Just one know what I could depend on if I get stuck. Okay, said Astro. Let me know. While you use emergency speed, Corbett, you seem to have your enemy right where you want him now. Yes, sir, replied Tom, and the enemy knows I have him. He can't possibly attack Luna City now, but he can still run away. He can make his escape by this one route. Tom walked to the charts and ran his finger along the line from the invader's position into the asteroid belt. I don't want him to get away, Tom explained, and with the extra speed we can cut him off, force him to turn into a position where the remainder of my fleet would finish him off. You'll do all that with Justice Polaris? Oh no, sir, said Tom. I'd use the Arcturus, Capella, and Centauri as well. Are you sure those ships can equal your speed? They've got the exact same type of vengeance we have here on the Polaris, sir. I'm sure they could, and with perfect safety, strong hesitated moment, started to ask a question, then stopped and walked to the chart screen. He checked figures. He checked them four times, then turned to Tom with a grin and that stretched hand. I've got to offer my congratulations, Tom. This maneuver would wipe them out, and I've got an ocean to come off that loss of a single ship. Plus, and it's a big plus, keeping the invaders more than 50,000 miles from their objective. Captain turned to the Teleceiver. Rocket cruiser Polaris to control tower at Space Academy. There was a crackle of static, and then the deep voice of Commander Walters boomed from the speaker. Baseboard controlled to Polaris. Coming, Steve. And a few brief sentences, strong outline Tom's plan of action to the Academy Commander. The Commander's face on the Teleceiver widened into a grin, and then broke into a hearty laugh. What's that, sir? Asked Captain Strong. Very simple, Steve. All of us, all the Academy top drafts, develop a foolproof test for cadet maneuvers, and then your young Corvette makes us look like amateurs. But didn't you expect one side or the other to win? Asked Strong? Of course, but not like this. We've been expecting a couple days of maneuvering on, but here Corvette wraps the whole thing up before we can get our pen- Your stuff caught in Corvette's ears before he hears all this. Rassed Manning over the intercom. Where is that? It'll be too big to get it through the hatch. Quiet Manning. Came after his voice from the power deck. Your mouth alone is bigger than Tom's head'll ever be. Rocky big Venusian ape. Began, Roger. The Commander Walter's voice boomed again. His face on the Teleceiver screen was serious now. Attention, attention, all units. The battle has been fought and won on the chart screen in the Rocky Grisor Polaris. Who in a city attack has been repelled and the invading force wiped out? All units and ships will return to the Space Academy at once. Congratulations to all and transmission. Commander's face faded from the screen. Captain Strong turned to Tom. Good work, he said. He was interrupted by a crackle of static from the Teleceiver. A face suddenly appeared on screen. A man's face frightened and tense. S.O.S. The voice rang through the control deck. This is an S.O.S. Space Staff's ship Lady Venus requests assistance immediately. Position is Sector 2, Chart 103. Emergency, we must have- The screen went blank. The voice stopped as though cut off by a knife. Strong frantically worked on the Teleceiver dials to re-establish contact. Polaris to Lady Venus, he called. Come in, Lady Venus. Rocket cruiser Polaris calling Lady Venus. Come in. Come in. There is no answer. The passenger ship's instruments had gone dead. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of Standby from Mars. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Sean O'Hara. Standby from Mars by Carrier Rockwell. Chapter 13. Polaris to Commander Walters at Space Academy. Come in, Commander Walters. Kevin Strong's voice was urgent in the Teleceiver. Just worked up an assumed position on Lady Venus, said Roger over the Unircom. I think she's bearing about 17 degrees to port of us and about 128 on the down plane of the ecliptic. Okay, Roger, said Tom. Kevin Strong's trying to reach Commander Walters now. He made a quick mental calculation. Callie Roger, if you figured that out right, we're closer to Lady Venus than anyone else. The Teleceiver audio crackled. Commander Walters at Space Academy to Kevin Strong on the Polaris. Come in, Steve. Commander, Strong's voice sounded relieved. Did you get that emergency from Lady Venus, the SOS? Yes, we did, Steve, said the Commander. How far away from here are you? Without a word, Tom handed Kevin Strong the position that Roger had computed. Strong relayed the information to the Commander. If you're that close, go to Ader in the Polaris. You're nearer than any solar-guard patrol ship than you can do just as much. Right, sir, replied Steve. I'll report as soon as I get any news and transmission. Spaceman's lock and transmission, said the Commander. Have you got a course for us, Roger? Ask Strong. Yes, sir. And let's get out of here. I have the feeling there's something more than the usual emergency attached to that SOS from Lady Venus. In 20 seconds, the mighty cruiser was blasting through space to the aid of the stricken passenger ship. Better get the emergency equipment ready, Tom, said Strong. Spacesuits for the four of us and every spare spacesuit you have on the ship never can tell what we might run into. Also, the first aid in surgical kits and every spare oxygen bottle. Oh yeah, and have Astro get both jetboats ready to blast off immediately. I'll keep trying to pick them up again on the Teleceiver. Yes, sir, replied Tom Sharply. What's going on up there? Ask Astro when Tom relayed the orders from Captain Strong. Tom quickly told him of the emergency signal from the Lady Venus. Lady Venus? Said the big cadet, welling the name on his tongue. I know her. She's one of the Martian City Venusport jobs, an old timer. Converted from a chemical burner to atomic reaction about three years ago. Any idea what the trouble might be? Asked Tom. I don't know, replied Astro. There were about 150 things that could go wrong, even on this wagon, and she's brand new. But I wouldn't be surprised if it was on the power deck. And what makes you think so? Asked Tom. I knew Space Man once it was on a converted tub just like the Lady Venus, and he had trouble with your action chamber. Whoa, explained Tom. Let's hope it isn't that now. He can say that again, said Astro grimly. When this stuff gets out of control, there is very little you can do with it, except leave it alone and pile out. Nepolaris, rocking through space at full space speed, plunged like a silver bullet through the vastness of the Black Void, heading for what strong hope to be the Lady Venus. Tom prepared the emergency equipment, doubling all the reserves on the oxygen bottles by refilling the empties found in the ship, and making sure that all the spacesuits were in perfect working order. Then he opened the emergency surgical kit and began the laborious task of examining every violin drug in the kit, to acquaint himself with what there was to work with, just in case. He brought all the stores of Jelyot for radiation burns, and finally opened a bottle of special sterilization liquid, with which to wipe all the instruments and vials clean. He checked the contents of the kit once more, and satisfied that everything was ready as he could make it. He went to the control deck. Any other messages from them, sir? Asked Tom. Nothing yet, answered strong. If I could pick them up on the telesever, maybe they could tell us what the trouble is, and then we could be more or less prepared to help them. He bent over to the telesever screen and added grimly, if there's anything left to help. Radar deck to control deck. Roger's voice was tense. I think I'd pick them up on radar scanner, Captain Strong. We lay it down here to control deck scanner, Manning. Ordered strong. Hmm, murmured the captain when the screen began to glow. I'm pretty sure that's her. Here's that assumed position Roger worked up, Tom. Check it against one here on the scanner. Tom quickly computed the position of the object on the scanner and compared it to the position Roger had given them previously. If Roger's positioning was correct, sir, said Tom, then that's Lady Venus. They both check out perfectly. Strong bent over the radar scanner, didn't answer. Finally, he turned around and flipped off the scanner. That's her, he announced. Congratulations, Roger. You hit it right on the nose. How shall we approach her, sir? asked Tom. We'd better wait until she sends up flares. You mean the identification flares for safety factors? That's right, replied Strong. A white flare means it's all red come alongside and couple the airlocks. A red one means stand off and wait for instructions. Tom turned to the intercom. Control Deck to Power Deck, reduce rust to one quarter space speed. Power Deck, aye, answered Astro. We'll wait until we're two miles away from her, then use the breaking jets in the battleship to bring us within a few thousand feet of her, commented Strong. Yes, sir, said Tom. Work up an estimated range, Roger, said Strong, and give me a distance on our approach. Aye, aye, sir, Roger replied. Objective four miles away now, sir. When we hit three miles, said Strong to Tom, have Astro stand by the forward breaking jets. Aye, sir, said Tom. Three and a half miles, said Roger a few moments later. Closing in fast, Lady Venus looks like a dead ship. That could mean only one thing, said Strong bitterly. There has been a Power Deck failure of some sort. Three miles to objectives, sir, reported Roger. I think I can pick her up on the Telestiever now, but only one way from us to her. All right, said Strong. See what you can do. In a few moments, the Telestiever screen glowed and the silver outline of Lady Venus appeared on screen. I don't see any damage to her whole, said Strong, half to himself. So if it was an explosion, it wasn't a bad one. Yes, sir, said Tom. Shall I stand by it with the flares? Better stand up a yellow identification flare, identifying us as a solar guard. Let them know who we are. Tom turned to the yellow button on the left and pressed it. Immediately a white flash resembling a meteor appeared on the Telestiever screen. There should be an answer soon, said Strong. Three thousand yards to objective, reported Roger. Fire breaking rockets one half, ordered Strong. Tom really de-ordered Astro and made the necessary adjustments on the control panel. Stern drive rockets out, ordered Strong. Once again, Tom relayed the message to Astro and turned to the control board. Cut all rockets, ordered Strong sharply. The great ship, slid by the force of the breaking rockets, became motionless in space and bare 500 yards from the Lady Venus. They should be sending up their safety factor flare soon, said Strong. Keep trying to raise them on the Telestiever, Roger. Strong was peering through the crystal port directly at the ship hanging dead in space opposite them. There wasn't any sign of life. Tom stepped to the side of Steve Strong and looked out at the crippled passenger ship. Why don't we go aboard, sir? Asked Tom. We'll wait a little longer for the flare. If we don't get one soon. There it is, sir, shouted Tom at Strong's side. From the flare port near the nose of the commercial ship, a ball of fire streaked out. Red, said Strong grimly. That means we can't go alongside. We'll have to use the jet boats. Captain Strong shouted Roger from the radar deck. They're signaling us with a small light from the upper port of the starboard side. Can you read it? Said Strong quickly. I think so, sir. They're using standard space code, but the light is very dim. What did they say? Reaction chamber. Said Roger slowly as you read the blinking light. Radiation leaking around. Baffle all safe. That's all, sir. I couldn't get the rest of it. Strong turned to the intercom. Astro, get the jet boats to radio blast off immediately. Roger, send this message. And coming aboard, stand by to receive me on your number one starboard jet boat catapult deck. Signed Strong, Captain, Solar Guard. Yes, sir, replied Roger. Get into your spacesuit, Tom, and give Astro a hand with the jet boats. I have to get a message back to Space Academy and tell them to send out help right away. Aye, sir. Roger, said Strong. Stand by to record this message for the teleceiver, and case Space Academy should call on our circuit while we're off ship. All set, sir, came to reply from the radar deck. Okay, here goes. Captain Steve Strong, Solar Guard. And boarding passenger ship, Lady Venus. Secondary communication signal message received. Indicates it is a power deck failure. I'm taking Cadet's Corbett, Manning, and Astro and boarding, same at. He paused and glanced at clock. Thirteen hundred fifty-one hours. That all, sir? Asked Roger. That's it. Get that set on the open circuit for anyone calling us and climbing into your spacesuit. In a matter of minutes, four spacemen of the Polaris crew are making last minute adjustments to their spacesuits. Astro picked up his heavy belt of tools and strapped them around his waist. What's that for, Astro? Asked Strong. I'll have tools aboard the ship if we need them. With that lead baffle in the reaction chamber as work looser, the odds are our ten-to-one that control chamber is flooded with radiation. And if it is, tools are probably so hot you couldn't use them. That's good thinking, Astro. Complimented Strong. He turned to Tom and Roger and checked their suits and oxygen supply and feeder valves on their backs. He then turned his back while Tom checked his and Roger adjusted Astros. All right, turn on your communicators and test them. Ordered Strong. One by one, the boys flipped on the switch with the portable space phones and their fishbowl helmets and spoke to each other. Strong indicated that he was satisfied and turned towards the jet boat catapult deck. The three boys following him in a single file. Astro, you and Roger take number one boat. Said Strong. Tom and I will take number two. His voice had a harsh metallic tone through the headset space phones. Roger hurried alongside with Astro to the number one boat and climbed inside. Jet boat has zone oxygen system. Said Astro to Roger. Better make use of it while we're in here and save our suit supplies. Good idea. Said Roger. He locked a clear plastic airtight covering the jet boat and began flicking the control buttons. Strap in, you Venusian Hick. And here we go. Roger shoved a lever at his side, making the jet boat deck airtight from the rest of the Polaris. And then, by pressing a button on the simple control board, a section of the Polaris hole slid back, exposing itself to empty space. The controls of the jet boat were simplistic itself. A half-moon wheel for guiding up, down, and either side, and two pedals on the floor, one for going and one for stopping. Roger stepped on the go-pedal, and the small ship flashed out into the darkness of space. Almost immediately on the opposite side of the Polaris, Kevin Strong and Tom, in the second boat, shone away from the rocket cruiser, and both boats headed for the stricken spaceship. End of Chapter 13. Chapter 14 of Stand By for Mars. This LibriVox recording is in a public domain. Recording by Sean O'Hara. Stand By for Mars by Kerry Rockwell. Chapter 14. The hatch clank shut behind them. Inside the huge airlock of the Lady Venus, Tom, Roger, Astro, and Captain Strong waited for the oxygen to equal the pressure in their spacesuits before removing their fishbowl space helmets. Okay, sir, said Tom. Pressure's equal. Strong stepped to the hatch, leading to the inside of the ship, and pushed hard. It slid to one side. How many jet boats do you have? What's the first thing Strong heard as he stepped through the door to the interior of the passenger ship? Al James, cried Manning. So this is your tub. The startled young skipper, whom Tom, Roger, and Astro had met in Adam City, turned to face a blonde-headed cadet. Manning, he gasped. What's your trouble, skipper? Ask Strong of the young spaceship captain. Before James could answer, there was a sudden climber from behind the next hatch leading to the main passenger cabin. Suddenly the hatch was jerked open and a group of frightened men and women poured through. The first to reach Strong, a short, fat man with a moon face and wearing glasses, began to jabber hysterically while clinging to Strong's arm. Sir, this ship is going to blow at any moment. You've got to save us. He turned to face Al James, and he refused to allow us to escape into jet boats. He pointed an accusing finger at the young skipper as the other passengers loudly backed him up. Just a moment, snapped Strong. There's a Solar Guard rocket cruiser only 500 yards away, so take it easy and don't get hysterical. No one is going to get hurt if you keep your calm and obey orders. He turned to James. What's your trouble, skipper? It's the reaction chamber. The lead baffle around the chamber worked loose and flooded everything with radiation. Now the mass in number three rocket is building and wildcatting itself. If it gets any higher, it'll explode. Why didn't your power deck man dump the mass? Ask Strong. We didn't know it was wildcatting until after you tried to repair it, and he didn't tighten bolts enough to keep it from leaking radiation. The young skipper paused. He lived long enough to warn us, though. What's the Geiger counter on the radiation? Ask Strong. Up to 1232, about 10 minutes ago, answered James. I pulled everyone out of the power deck and cut all energy circuits, including the energizing pumps. We didn't have any power, so I had to use a combined use of the three jet boats sent out the emergency signal that you picked up. He turned to face a little man with the glasses. I had a choice of saving either about 15 passengers on jet boats and leaving the others, or take a chance in saving everybody by using the power to send out a message. Hmm, said Strong to himself. He felt confidence in young spacemen who would take a decision like that upon himself. What was that Geiger counter again? He asked. Must be better than 1400 by now, answered James. Strong made a quick decision. All right, he said tight-lipped, abandon ship. How many passengers? Seventeen women and twenty-three men, including the crew, replied James. Does that count yourself? Asked Strong. No, came the reply. Strong felt better. Any man who would not count himself on a list to survive could be counted on in any emergency. We'll take four women at a time in each jet boat first, said Strong. James, you and I will operate the jet boats and ferry passengers to the Polaris. Tom, you and Roger and Astro get everybody aboard the ship ready to leave. Yes, sir, said Tom. We have much time. The reaction mass is building fast. Come on, James, we have to rip out the seats of the jet boats to get five people in them. Strong turned back and the jet boat launching well. May I have the passenger list, Captain? Asked Tom, turning to James. Young Skipper handed him a clipboard with names of the passengers and crew and followed Strong. We will abandon ship in alphabetical order, announced Tom. Miss Nancy Anderson, the young girl about sixteen, stepped forward. Just stand there by the hatch, Miss, said Tom. He glanced at the next name. Miss Elizabeth Anderson, another girl, looking very much like the first, stepped forward and stood beside her sister. Misses John Bailey, called Tom. A gray-haired woman about sixty, stepped forward. Pardon me, sir, but I would rather remain with my husband and go later with him. No, no, Mary. She did an elderly man, holding his arm around her shoulder. Go now. I'll be all right. Won't I, sir? He looked at Tom anxiously. I can't be sure, sir, said Tom. He found it difficult to control his voice as he looked down at the old couple. He couldn't weigh more than two hundred pounds between them. I'm going to stay, said the woman firmly. As you wish, ma'am, said Tom. He looked at the list again. Misses Helen Carson? A woman about thirty-five carrying a young boy about four years old, stepped out and took her place beside the two sisters. In a moment, the first eight passengers were assembled into two groups, helped into spacesuits with a special portable suit for the little boy, and loaded into the jet boats. The red light over the hatch glowed and then went out. The first load of passengers had left the Lady Venus. They were pretty jumpy, Roger whispered, nodding towards the remaining passengers. Yeah, answered Tom. Say, where's Astro? I don't know. Probably went take a look at the jet boats, see if one could be repaired so we could have a third ferry running. Good idea, said Tom. See if you can't cheer these people up, Roger. Tell them stories or sing songs or… Better yet, get them to sing. Try to make them forget they're sitting on an atom bomb. I can't forget it myself, said Roger. How can I make them forget it? Try anything. I'll go to see if I can't give Astro a hand. Roger turned to face the assembled passengers and smiled. All around him in the main passenger lounge, the frightened men and women sat huddled together in small groups staring at him, terror in their eyes. Ladies and gentlemen, began Roger. You are now going to be entertained by the loudest, corneous, and most miserable voice in the universe. I'm going to sing. He waited for a laugh, but there was only a slight stir as passengers shifted nervously in their seats. Shrugging shoulders, Roger took a deep breath and began to sing. He only knew one song and he sang it with gusto. From the rocket fields of the academy to the far-flung stars of outer space, we're space cadets training to be. On the lower deck of the passenger ship, Tom smiled as he faintly heard his unit mate's voice. He made his way to the jet boat deck of the Lady Venus and opened the hatch. Hey, Astro! he called. There wasn't any answer. He stepped inside and looked around the empty deck. Walking over to one of the jet boats, he saw evidence of Al James' attempt to send out emergency signal messages. He called again. Hey, Astro! where are you? Still no answer. He noticed that one of the jet boats was missing. There were three still in the deck, but an empty catapult for the fourth made Tom think that Astro might have repaired the fourth and taken it out in space for a test. Light over the escape hatch indicated someone had gone out. It was odd, thought Tom, for Astro to go out alone. But then he shrugged, remembering how Astro could lose himself into his work and forget everything but the job at hand. He climbed back to the passenger deck. When Tom opened the hatch to the main lounge, the sight that filled his eyes was so funny that, even in the face of danger, he had a laugh. Roger, with his hands clasped behind his back, was down on his knees, trying to push a food pellet across the deck with his nose. The whole passenger lounge echoed with hysterical laughter. Suddenly the laughter was stopped by the sound of the bell over the airlock hatch. Strong and James had returned to ferry more passengers to the Polaris. Immediately the fun was forgotten and the passengers crowded around for the roll call. Where's Astro? Ask Strong as he reappeared in the lounge. He's down on the jet boat deck, sir, trying to fix another one, replied Tom. I think he's out testing one now. Good, said Strong. How are they taking it? He indicated to the passengers. Roger's been keeping them amused with games and songs, sir, said Tom proudly. They'll need it. I don't mind telling you, Corbett. Said Strong, as to wonder to me this tub hasn't blown up already. In less than a half hour, the forty passengers and crewmen of Lady Venus were transferred in alphabetical order to the waiting Polaris. Roger kept up a continual line of patterned jokes and stories, making full of himself, but keeping the remaining passengers amused, and their minds off to dangers as the rapidly building reaction mass. Just one passenger left, said Strong. With myself and you three, I think we can squeeze five into that jet boat and get off here. Ask for me, said Roger. I am the only man in the universe that's ever played to a packed house, sitting on top of an atomic bomb. All right, Barrymore, said Strong. Get aboard. Say, asked Tom. Where's Astro? I don't know, replied Roger. I thought he went to find him half an hour ago. I did, said Tom. But when I went to the jet boat deck, one was missing, so I figured you'd fixed one and taken it out for a test. Then he's probably outside in space right now, said Strong. Suddenly the solar guard officer caught himself. Wait a minute. How many jet boats were on the deck, Corbett? Three, sir. Then Astro is still aboard the ship, said Strong. You couldn't have taken a boat. James told me you couldn't repeat the message you sent out, because he only had the power of three jet boats. One was damaged and left behind it, Adam City. Probably the rings of Saturn, said Roger. A couple million miles from home, sitting on an atomic bomb, and that big Venusian hick decides to play hide and seek. Never mind the cracks, said Strong. We've got to find him. Captain, said the little man with the round face and glasses, who had first spoken to Strong when he came aboard. Just because my name happens to be Zabruski, and I have to be the last to get aboard the jet boat, I don't see why I have to wait any longer. I demand to be taken off the ship immediately. I refuse to risk my life waiting around for some foolish cadet. That foolish cadet, Mr. Zabruski, said Strong coldly, is a human being just like you, and we don't budge until we find him. At that moment, the bell began to ring, indicating that the outer hatch to the airlock was opening. By the craters of Luna, said Tom, that must be Astro now. But if it is, said Roger, how did he get out there? From behind him, the hatch to the inner airlock opened, and now James stepped through. Cam Strong, he said excitedly, you've got to come quickly. Some of the crewmen had broken into your arms locker and taken parallel ray guns. They threatened to leave you here if you don't return to the ship in five minutes. They're afraid the Venus might blow up and damage its Polaris at this close range. Young Skipper, with his red-brown uniform torn and dirty, looked at Solar Guard Captain with wild-eyed desperation. They can't leave us here, remembered Zabruski. We'll all be blown to bits. Shot up, barked Strong. He turned to Tom and Roger. I can do one of two things, he said. I can order you to return to the Polaris now, with James and myself, or I can volunteer to stay behind and search for Astro. Without looking at Roger, Tom answered, We'll stay, sir, and we won't have to search for him. And I think I know where he is. Now that I think about it, replied Strong, I guess there is only one place he could be. Yes, sir, said Tom, town on the power deck trying to save this wagon. Come on, Roger, let's get him. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Stand by for Mars This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Sean O'Hara. Stand by for Mars by Carrie Rockwell Chapter 15 What's the reading on Geiger counter now? Asked Tom. Roger looked out at the face of the radioactive measuring device, and answered, She's been dropping for the last five minutes, Tom. Looks like mass number three is cooling off. 1410 now. That's not fast enough, said Astro, straightening up from tightening a nut on the lead baffle. She's still plenty hot. That mass should have been dumped out of the rocket exhaust right away. Now the whole tube control box is hot with radiation. It'd burn you to a crisp if you opened a hatch. Good thing you brought along these tools from the Polaris, said Tom. Yeah, grease ball, said Roger. He used your head for once. Now let's see if you can use it again and pile out of this hunk of junk. 1500 on counters, danger mark, Roger. As long as we keep it under that, I'm going to try and save this wagon. Replied Astro. Why? To get yourself a solar metal? Asked Roger sarcastically. What do you think made this tub act like this, Astro? Asked Tom, ignoring Roger's remark. Using special reaction feed, Tom, replied Astro. This is a converted chemical burner with an old type cooling pump. It's touchy stuff. While couldn't we drive boron rods into the mass and slow down the reaction? Asked Tom. No, Tom, answered Astro. The control for the rods are inside the tube control box. Can't reach it. There is sudden loud ticking from the Geiger counter. Astro, cried Roger. The mass is building. Here, let me see. Shuttered Astro. He took the instrument in his big hand and watched clock-like face intently. 1400-30. 1400-50. 1400-70. He faced his unit mates. Well, that does it. The mass is maintaining a steady reaction without the energizing pumps. It's sustaining itself. But how is that possible? Asked Tom. It's one of those freaks, Tom. The known happened before. Fuel is just hot enough to stay in a steady reaction because of its high intensity. Once that valve will work loose, the mass started wildcatting itself. And if it doesn't stop, asked Roger tensely, it'll reach a point where the reaction comes so fast it'll explode. Let's pile out of here, said Roger. The three boys made a dash for their spacesuits and the jet boat. Inside the airlock, they adjusted the oxygen valves and waited for the pressure to equalize so they could blast off. Blast it, said Astro. There must be some way to get to that rocket tube and dump the stuff. Impossible, Astro. Said Roger. The release controls are in the control box and if all that radiation was loose, you wouldn't last half a minute. Tom walked over to the valves that would open the outside hatch. Wonder how Kevin Strong is making out with those tough babies on the Polaris. Asked Tom. I don't know. Applied Roger. But anything would be better than sitting around waiting for this thing to blow up. Oh, stop griping. Said Astro. Or I'll shove you up a rocket tube and blast you from here all the way back to Adams City. Hey, wait a minute. Shouted Tom. Astro, remember the time we were on ground crew as extra duty and had to overhaul the Polaris? Yeah. Why? There was one place you couldn't go. You were too big, so I went in, remember? Yeah. The space between rocket tubes and the hull of the ship. It was when we were putting in the new tube. So what? So this. Said Tom. When they converted this tub and had standard exhausts, so it must have been the same layout of the Polaris. Suppose I climbed into the main exhaust between the tube and the outer hull and cut away the cleats that hold the tube to the ship. Why? Why then everything would come out in one piece? Astro's face lit up. React and mask, tube, control box, the works. Say, what are you two guys talking about? Asked Roger. Saving a ship, Roger. Said Tom. Something the whole assembly is a number three rocket. Now you're space happy. Maybe. Said Tom. But I think it's worth trying. How about it, Astro? Okay, by me, Tom. Replied Astro. Good. You get the cutting torches to rig the Astro. Roger, you give him a hand and keep an eye on the counter. Then feed the torches to me when I get inside the tube. I'm going to get rid of a bad rock and save a five million credit spaceship. Before Astro or Roger could protest, Tom opened the hatch and began to climb out on the steel hull towards the rocket tube's main exhaust. His magnetic, sold shoes gripping the smooth steel hull, the cadet made his way after the stern of the ship, and began to climb down around the huge firing tubes and into the tubes themselves. Hey, Astro. He yelled into the space phone. I'm inside the tubes. How about those torches? The cadets had adjusted the wavelengths, so they could all hear what was said. Take it easy, space boy. Said Roger. I'm leaving the hatch now. You and your fat-head friend from Venus are so hopped up and getting a solar medal. Log it off, Manning. Said Astro from inside the ship. And for your information, I don't want a medal. I don't want anything, so for you to stop griping. Roger reached the end of the ship and began to climb down inside the tube where Tom was waiting for him. Okay, space boy. Said Roger. Here's your cutting torches. He started moving back. I'll see you around. I don't mind being a little hero for saving people and all that stuff. But not for any ship. And the odds against the big heroes staying alive are too big. Roger, wait. Shut it, Tom. I'll need- And then the curly-headed cadet clamped his teeth together and turned back to the task at hand. He made adjustments on nozzle to cutting torch and then, focusing his chest light, called to Astro. Okay, Astro. He said, Shoot me some juice. Coming up, Tom. Answered Astro. And waiting until I get my hands on Manning. I'm going to smear that yellow space crawler from one corner of the universe to another. Never mind the talk. Snarled Roger, who at the moment was re-entering the tube. Just get that juice down to this torch and make it fast. Tom turned to see Roger crawling back into the tube and adjusting a cutting torch. Glad to have you aboard, Roger. Said Tom with a smile that Roger could not see in the darkness of the tube. The tube boys went to work. Suddenly the torches came to life and immediately Tom and Roger began to cut away the cleats that held the tube lining to the skin of the ship. Steadily the cadets worked their way towards the center of the ship. Cutting away anything that looked as though it might hold the giant tube to the ship. Boy, said Tom. It's getting hot in here. From inside the ship, Astro's reassuring voice came back and answered. Getting close to the wrecked and masked chamber. The last cleat is up by one of the exhaust gratings. Think you can last it? Well, if he can't. Snarled Roger. He's sure to get that metal anyway. Inched up a little. Move over, Carbet. I'm skinnier than you are and I can reach that cleat easier than you can. Roger slipped past Tom and inched his way towards the last cleat. He pulled his torch up alongside and pulled the trigger. The flame shot out and began eating the steel. In a moment, the last cleat was cut and the two boys started at a long haul down the tube to the outside of the ship. As they walked across the steel surface back to the airlock, Tom stuck out his hand. I'm glad you came back, Roger. Save it for the boys that fall for that stuff, Carbet. Said Roger sarcastically. I came back because I didn't want you and that Venusian hick to think you were the only ones with guts around here. No one has ever accused you of not having guts, Roger. Go blast your jet. Snarled Roger. They went directly to the power deck where Astro was waiting for them. The guy could count her in his hand. All said to get rid of the rod and apple. He asked with a smile. All said Astro. Said Tom. What's the count? She seems to have studied around 1490. But believe me, the 10 points to the official danger mark in 1500 is so small we could find out where the angels live at any moment now. And what are we waiting for? Said Tom. Let's stump that thing. How? Snarled Roger. Tom and Astro looked at him bewilderedly. What do you mean how? Asked Astro. I mean, how are you going to get that tube out of the ship? Why? Started Tom. There's nothing holding the tube assembly to the ship now. We cut all the cleats, remember? We can judge this in the whole unit. It seems to me, drawled Roger lazily, that the two great heroes in their mad rush to get the solar metal have gotten an unwritten law of space. There's no gravity out here. No natural force to push or pull the tube. The only way it could be moved is by power or thrust. Either forward or backward. Okay, then let's push it out just that way. Said Astro. How? Asked Roger cynically. Simple Roger. Said Tom. Newton's laws of motion. Everything in motion tends to keep going at same speed unless influenced by an outside force. So if we blasted our nose rocket and started going backwards, everything on the ship would go backwards, too. Then if we reversed, Astro cut in. Yeah, if we blasted its turn rocket, the ship would go forward, but the tube being loose would keep going the other way. There's only one thing wrong. Said Roger. That mass is so hot now that if any booster energy hit it, it would be like a trigger on an A-bomb. It blows from here to the next galaxy. I'm willing to give it a try. Said Tom. How about you, Astro? I've gone this far. I'm not quitting now. They turned to face Roger. Well, how about it, Roger? Asked Tom. No one will think you're yellow if you take the jet mode and leave now. Ah, talk again. Grumbled Roger. We always have to talk. Let's be original for a change and just do our jobs. All right, said Tom. Take an emergency light and signal Captain Strong. Tell him what we're going to do. Warn him to stay away, about 200 miles off. He'll know if we're successful or not within a half hour. Yeah, said Roger. Then we'll send him one big flash to mean we failed. Behind Voyage! Ha-ha! Fifteen minutes later, as Lady Venus drifted into her silent but deadly orbit, Tom, Roger, and Astro still worked feverishly as the Geiger counter ticked off the increasing radioactivity of the Wildcatting reaction mass in number three, Rocket Tube. Reading on counter is still going up, Astro. Warned Roger. Fifteen, oh, five! Hurry it up, Astro, urged Tom. Hand me that wrench, Tom, ordered Astro. The big cadet, stripped to his waist, his thick arms and chest spattered with grease and sweat, fitted the wrench to the nut and applied pressure. Tom and Roger watched the muscles ripple on his back as the big Venusian pitted all of his great strength against the metal. Give it all you've got, said Tom. If we do manage Jetson that tube, we've got to get this part of the power deck airtight. Astro pulled harder, the veins standing out on his neck. At last, easing off, he stood up and looked down at the nut. That's as tight as I can get it, he said, breathing heavily. Or anyone else, said Tom. All the valve connections broken? Asked Astro. Yep, replied Roger. We were sealed tight. That's it then, said Tom. Let's get to the control deck and start blasting. Astro turned to the power deck control board and checked the gauges for the last time. From above his head, he heard Tom's voice over the intercom. All your relays to the power deck working, Astro? Ready, Tom, answered Astro. Then stand by, said Tom on the control deck. He had made a hasty check of the controls and found them to be similar enough to those on the Polaris so that he could handle the ship. He flipped the switch to the radar deck and spoke into the intercom. Do we have a clear trajectory for an aft, Roger? All clear, replied Roger. I sent Kevin Strong the message. What'd he say? The rebellion wasn't any more than a much badly scared old man. You know, James just got hysterical, that's all. What did he have to say about this operation? I can't repeat it for your young years. Said Roger. So bad, huh? Yeah, but not because we're trying to save the ship. Then why, asked Tom. He was afraid of losing a good unit. Tom smiled and turned to the control board. Energized the cooling pumps. He balled Astro over the intercom. The slow wind of the pumps began to build to a shrieking pitch. Bumps in operation, Tom, said Astro. Cut in nose, breaking rockets, ordered Tom. A low-muted roar pulsed through the ship. Rockets on. We're moving backwards, Tom, reported Astro, and then suddenly Astro let out a roar. Tom, the Tiger counter is going wild. Never mind that now, answered Tom. Sound off, Roger, yelled. Ship moving astern, 1,000 feet a second. 2,000? 4,000? I'm going letter build to 10, Roger, yelled Tom. We've only got one chance, and we might as well make a good one. 6,000! yelled Roger. 7,000! Astro, fellow Tom, stand by to fire stern rockets. Ready, Tom, was Astro's reply. 8,000! warned Roger. Space men's luck, fellas. The silver ship moved through space away from the Polaris. 9,000! reported Roger. An Astro, I really love ya. Cut the nose, breaking rockets, ordered Tom. There was sudden hush that seemed to be as loud as the noise from the rockets. The huge passenger ship, Lady Venus, was traveling through space as silent as a ghost. 9,500 feet a second. yelled Roger. Stand by, Astro and Roger. Hanging untied in space men's luck. 10,000 feet a second. Roger's voice was a hoarse scream. Fire stern rockets. Balled Tom. End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16 of Stand By for Mars This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Richard Kilmer. Stand by for Mars by Kerry Rockwell, Chapter 16. Under the tremendous drive of the stern rockets, the silver ship suddenly hurtled forward as if shot out of a cannon. The dangerous tube slid out of the stern of the ship and was quickly left behind as the Lady Venus sped in the opposite direction. That's it, yelled Tom. Hold full space speed. We dumped the tube, but we're still close enough for it to blow us from here to Pluto. I tracked it on the radar, Tom, yelled Roger. I think we're far enough away to miss. At that moment a tremendous flash of light filled the radar scanner as the mass exploded miles to the rear of the Lady Venus. There it goes, shouted Roger. Great jumping Jupiter, yelled Tom, and we're still in one piece. We did it. From the power deck, Astro's bull-like roar could be heard through the whole ship. Give me an open circuit, Tom, said Astro. I want to operate the air blowers down here and try to get rid of some of that radiation. I have to get into the control chamber and see what's going on. Tom flipped a switch on the board and set the ship on automatic flight. Then, turning to the Teleceiver, he switched the set on. Lady Venus to Polaris, said Tom. Come in, Polaris. Come in. Strong here on Polaris, the officer's voice crackled over the speakers. By the rings of Saturn, I should log you three space-brained idiots for everything in the book. Strong's face gradually focused on the Teleceiver screen, and he stared at Tom coldly. That was the most foolish bit of aroics I've ever seen, and if I had my way, I'd… I'll… well. The captain's glare melted into a smile. I'll spend the rest of my life being known as the skipper of the three heroes. Well done, Corbett. It was foolish and dangerous, but well done. Tom, his face changing visibly, with each change in Strong's attitude, finally broke out into a grin. Thank you, sir, said Tom, but Astro and Roger did as much as I did. I'm sure they did, replied Strong. Tell him I think it was one of the, uh, the… He thought a moment and then added it. Darnedest, most foolish thing, most… Yes, sir, said Tom, trying hard to control his face. He knew the moment for disciplining had passed, and that Captain Strong was just overwhelmed with concern for their safety. Stand by the airlock's Corbett, we're coming aboard again. We're pretty cramped for space here on the Polaris. Just then Astro yelled up from the power deck. Hey, Tom, he called. If Captain Strong is thinking about putting those passengers back aboard, I think you'd better tell him about the radiation. I haven't been able to flush it all out yet, and since we only have three lead-line suits, he left the statement unfinished. I get you, Astro, replied Tom. He turned back to the teleceiver and faced it strong. Astro says the ship is still hot from radiation, sir, and that he hasn't been able to flush it out with the blowers. Hmm, news to Strong, thoughtfully. Well, in that case, stand by Corbett. I'll get in touch with Commander Walters right away. Very well, sir, replied Tom. He turned from the teleceiver and climbed up to the radar deck. Well, hot shot, said Roger. Looks like you've made yourself a hero this trip. What do you mean by that, Roger? First you run off with top honors on the space maneuvers, and now you save the ship and have Strong eating out of your hand. That's not very funny, Roger, said Tom. I think it is, drawed Roger. Tom studied the blonde cadet for a moment. What's eating you, Roger? Since the day you came into the academy, you've acted like you've hated every minute of it, and yet, on the other hand, I've seen you act like it was the most important thing in your life. Why? I told you once Corbett, said Roger, with a sneering air, which Tom knew he used when he was on the defensive, that I had my own special reason for being here. I'm not a hero, Corbett. Never was and never will be. You're strictly the hero type, tried and true, a thousand just like you all through the academy, and the solar guard. Strong is a hero type. Then what about Al James, asked Tom? What about that time in Adam City when you defended the academy? Uh-huh, Grunit Roger. I wasn't defending the academy. I was just avoiding a fight. He paused and eyed Tom between half-closed lids. You'll never do anything I can't, or won't do just as well, Tom. The difference between us is simple. I'm in the academy for a reason, a special reason. You're here, like most of the other cadets, because you believe in it. That's the difference between you, me, and Astro. You believe in it, I don't. I don't believe in anything but Roger Manning. Tom faced him squarely. I'm not going to buy that, Roger. I don't think that's true, and the reasons I don't believe it are many. You have a chip on your shoulder, yes, but I don't think you're selfish, or that you only believe in Manning. If you did, you wouldn't be here on the Lady Venus. You had your chance to escape back in the rocket tube, but you came back, Roger, and you made a liar out of yourself. Hey, you guys, the old Astro coming up behind them. I thought we left that stuff back at the academy. Tom turned to face the power deck cadet. What's cooking below, Astro? Were you able to get rid of the radiation? Na, replied the cadet from Venus, too hot. Couldn't even open the hatch. It'll take a special job with the big equipment at the spaceship yards. We need their big blowers and anti-radiation fushers to clean this baby up. Then I'd better tell Captain Strong right away. He's going to get in touch with Commander Walters at the academy for orders. Yeah, you're right, said Astro. There isn't a chance of getting those people back aboard here now. Once we opened up that outer control deck to dump that tube, the whole joint started buzzing with radioactive electrons. Tom turned to the ladder leading to the control deck and disappeared through the hatch, leaving Astro and Roger alone. What was that little bit of space gas about, Roger? Ah, nothing, replied Roger. Just a little argument on who's the biggest hero. Roger smiled and waved a hand in a friendly gesture. Tom won, two to one. He sure handled that control deck like he had been born here all right, said Astro. Well, I've got to take a look at those motors. We'll be doing something soon, and whatever it is, we'll need those power boxes to get us where we want to go. Yeah, said Roger, and I've got to get a course in a position. He turned to the chart screen and began plotting rapidly. Down at the control deck, Strong was listening to Tom. And Astro said we needed the special equipment at the spaceship yards to clean out the radiation, sir. If we took passengers aboard and it suddenly shot up, well, we only have three lead-line suits to protect us. Very well, Corbett, replied Strong. I just received orders from Commander Walters to proceed to Mars with both ships. I'll blast off now, and you three follow along on the Lady Venus. Any questions? I don't have any, sir, Tom said, but I'll check with Roger and Astro to see if they have any. Tom turned to the intercom and informed the radar and power deck cadets of their orders, and asked if there were any questions. Both replied that everything on the ship was ready to blast off immediately. Tom turned back to the teleceiver. No questions, sir, reported Tom. We're all set to blast off. Very well, Corbett, said Strong. I'm going to make as much speed as possible to get these people on Mars. The crew of the Lady Venus will take over the radar and power decks. OK, sir, and Spaceman's luck, said Tom. We'll see you on Mars. Tom stood beside the crystal port on the control deck and watched the rocket cruiser Polaris's stern grow red from her jets and then quickly disappear into the vastness of space, visible only as a white blip on the radar scanner. Give me a course to Mars, Roger, said Tom. Astro, stand by to blast off with as much speed as you can safely get out of this old wagon, and stand by for Mars. The two cadets quickly reported their departments ready, and following the course Roger plotted, Astro soon had the Lady Venus blasting through space, heading for Mars. Mars, fourth planet in order from the sun, loomed like a giant red gem against a perfect backdrop of deep black space. The Lady Venus, rocketing through the inky blackness, a dull red glow from her three remaining rockets, blasted steadily ahead to the planet that was crisscrossed with wide, spacious canals. Last time I was on Mars, said Astro to Tom and Roger over a cup of tea, was about two years ago. I was bucking rockets on an old tub called the Space Plunger. It was on a shuttle run from the Martian South Pole to Venus Port, hauling vegetables. What a life! Burning up on Venus, and then freezing half to death at the South Pole on Mars. Astro shook his head as the vivid memory took him back for a moment. From what I hear, said Tom, there isn't much to see but the few cities, the mountains, the deserts, and the canals. Yeah, comment at Roger, big deal. Rocket into the wild depths of space and see the greatest hunk of wasteland in the universe. The three boys were silent, listening to the steady hum of the rockets, driving them forward towards Mars. For four days they had traveled on the Lady Venus and joined the many luxuries found on the passenger ship. Now, with their destination only a few hours away, they were having a light snack before making a touchdown on Mars. You know, Tom said quietly, I've been thinking. As far back as the twentieth century, Earthmen have wanted to get to Mars, and finally they did. And what have they found? Nothing but a planet full of dry sand, a few canals, and dwarf mountains. That's exactly what I've been saying, said Roger. The only man who ever got anything out of all this was the first man to make it to Mars in return. He got the name, the glory, and a paragraph in a history book. And after that, nothing. He got up and climbed the ladder to the radar deck, leaving Astro and Tom alone. Suddenly the ship lurched to one side. What's that cried Tom? A bell began to ring, then another, and then three more. Finally the entire ship was vibrating with the clanging of emergency bells. Astro made a diving leap for the ladder leading down to the power deck with Tom lunging for the control board. Quickly Tom glanced about the huge board with its many different gauges and dials, searching for the one that would indicate the trouble. His eyes spotted a huge gauge, a small light beside it flashed off and on. By the moons of Jupiter, we've run out of reactant fuel. Tom, Tom, shouted Astro from the power deck, were smack out of reactant feed. Isn't there any left at all, as Tom, not even enough to get us into Marsopolis? We haven't enough left to keep the generator going, said Astro. Everything, including the lights and teleceiver, will go any minute. Then we can't change course. Right, drawed Roger, and if we can't change course, the one we're on now will take us straight into Mars' gravity and we crash. Send out an emergency call right away, Roger, said Tom. Can't space boy, replied Roger in his lazy draw. Not enough juice to call for help, or haven't you noticed you're standing in the dark? But how, how could this happen? asked Tom puzzled. We were only going at half speed, and using just three rockets. When we got rid of that hot tube back in space, explained Astro grimly, we dumped the main reactant mass. There isn't a thing we can do. We've got one choice, said Tom, hollowly. We can either pile out now in spacesuits and use the jet boat and hope for someone to pick us up before the oxygen gives out, or we can ride this space wagon right on in. Make up your minds quick, we're already inside Mars' gravity pole. There was a pause, and Astro's voice filled the control deck. I'll ride this baby right to the bottom. If I'm going to splash in, I'll take it on solid ground, even if it is Mars and not Venus. I don't want to wash out in space. That goes for me, too, said Roger. Okay, said Tom, here we go. Just keep your fingers crossed that we hit the desert instead of the mountains, or we'll be smeared across those rocks like applesauce. Spaceman's luck, fellas. Spaceman's luck both of you, said Astro. Just plain ordinary luck, commented Roger, and plenty of it. The three boys quickly strapped themselves into acceleration seats, with Tom hooking up an emergency relay switch that he could hold in his hand. He hoped he would remain conscious long enough to throw the switch and start the water sprinkler in case the ship caught fire. The Lady Venus flashed into the thin atmosphere from the void of space, and the three cadets imagined that they could hear the shriek of the ship as it cut through the thin air. Tom figured his speed rapidly. And counting on the thinness of the atmosphere, he estimated that it would take eleven seconds for the ship to crash. He began the count. One, two, three, four, five. He thought briefly of his family and how nice they had been to him. Six, seven, eight, nine, ten. The ship crashed.