"I knew you'd do
it."
"Put me down, you oversized Venusian jerk," said Roger, almost
good-naturedly. Astro released the smaller cadet and faced him.
"Well, hot-shot, I promised you something when I got back, didn't I?"
"Make it later, will you, and I'll be glad to oblige." He walked toward
the door. "I've got to go down and collect a bet."
"What bet?" asked Astro.
"With Tony Richards."
"But I thought you were afraid to bet on me!"
"Not at all, Astro. I just wanted to make you mad enough to ensure my
winning."
"That sounds like you were more worried about your bet than you were
about Astro passing," snapped Tom.
"You're exactly right, spaceboy," purred Roger, standing in the doorway.
"That's our boy, Manning," growled Astro. "The great team man!"
"Team?" Roger took a step back into the room. "Don't make me laugh,
Astro. For your information, tomorrow morning I'm putting in for a
transfer to another unit!"
"What!" exclaimed Tom. "You can't trans--"
"Yes, I can," interrupted Roger. "Read your Academy regs. Anyone can
request a transfer once the unit has passed its manuals."
"And what excuse are you going to use," snapped Astro bitterly. "That
you can't take it?"
"A personality difference, Astro, my boy. You hate me and I hate you.
It's a good enough reason, I think."
"It's just as well, hot-shot," replied Astro.
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