Regardless of who was right and who was wrong, there would
always be a mark on their records.
"Look, Tom," said Astro, "if I thought it was only me I'd keep my mouth
shut. But you'd let Manning get away with murder because you wouldn't
want to be the one to get him into trouble."
"No, I wouldn't," said Tom. "I think Roger would make a fine spaceman;
he's certainly smart enough, and a good unit-mate if he'd only snap out
of it. But I can't let him or anyone else stop me from becoming a
spaceman or a member of the Solar Guard."
"Then you'll go see Captain Strong?"
"Yes," said Tom. If he had been in doubt before, now that he had made
the decision, he felt relieved. He slipped on his space boots and stood
up. The two boys looked at each other, each realizing the question in
the other's mind.
"No!" said Tom decisively. "It's better for everyone. Even Roger. He
might find two other guys that will fit him better." He walked from the
room.
The halls were silent as he strode toward the slidestairs that would
take him to the nineteenth floor and Captain Strong's quarters. Passing
one room after another, he glanced in and saw other units studying,
preparing for bed, or just sitting around talking. There weren't many
units left. The tests had taken a toll of the Earthworms. But those that
remained were solidly built. Already friendships had taken deep root.
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