Back in their jet boat a few minutes later, blasting through space on
the rest of their tour, Tom turned to his unit mates, a troubled look on
his face.

"Did you notice anything aboard Number Twelve that looked--well,
suspicious?" he asked.

Astro and Roger shook their heads.

"Me neither," said Tom. "Maybe we've got Vidac pegged wrong. Maybe--"

"I thought of that, Tom," interrupted Roger. "But there's one thing that
doesn't seem right."

"What's that?" asked Tom.

"Your report to Captain Strong," Roger replied. "You sent it to him ten
days ago. You should have had an answer by now."

"He's out on Pluto," said Astro. "Space Academy might not have forwarded
it to him."

"You know the rules," said Roger. "Any official communication to a Solar
Guard officer is sent through regardless of where he is in the universe,
if communications are at all possible."

"You're right, Roger," said Tom finally. "I should have had some sort of
answer by now."

"You think," mused Astro slowly, "maybe Vidac didn't send the report?"