As they climbed out of the jet boat, the inner air-lock portal slid open
and Tad Winters, the civilian captain of the liner, appeared. There was
a scowl on his face and he made no attempt to hide his annoyance.

"Whose idea was this to come snooping around while we're in flight?" he
snarled.

Astro bristled and stepped forward, towering over the smaller spaceman.
"If we had anything to say about it, Mr. Winters, your company would be
the last we'd want!"

Winters glanced at Tom and Roger who stood to one side silently, their
faces grim.

Tom stepped forward. "Vidac sent us, Winters. We're here to check the
departments and see that everything is in order."

"Vidac, eh?" sneered Winters. "What's the matter? Can't he do it
himself, instead of sending a bunch of space squirts?"

[Illustration]

"The lieutenant governor is busy," said Roger sarcastically. "Very busy,
in fact."

"Doing what?" asked Winters.

"Trying to keep the rest of his space rats in line!" snapped Roger.

"Listen, you!" growled Winters, taking a threatening step toward Roger.