"And I want you to pay particular attention to Manning," Vidac went on.
"He seems to have the biggest mouth in the unit."

"Well, he'd better watch his step with me or he'll find himself in a
space hurricane!" Sykes said gruffly.

Vidac turned to Roger, but the blond-haired cadet was staring down at
his boots. Vidac suppressed a smile. A few days under the whiplash
tongue of Sykes, who would be anxious to finish the project and return
to his own studies, and Manning would either buckle or flare up in open
revolt. The lieutenant governor considered the possibilities and nodded
in satisfaction.

"That's all, Professor Sykes," he said, rising and then turning to the
cadets. "And I'd advise you boys to give the professor all the aid you
can."

"Yes, sir," said Tom. "We understand. We'll do our best."

"Dismissed," said Vidac.

The three cadets and Marshall saluted sharply and filed out of the room.
But Professor Sykes hesitated and turned to Vidac.

"I'd like to speak to you a moment about the--ah--"

"That's been taken care of, Professor," replied Vidac. "Nothing to worry
about."

"Has the complete report been sent back?" asked Sykes.