"Carey Rockwell - Tom Corbett Space Cadet 03 - On the Trail of the Space Pirates" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rockwell Carey)

peace with one another, though sprawled throughout the universe; and the Solar Guard, the
might of the Solar Alliance and the defender of interplanetary peace. All these things Tom
saw as he stood in the wide portal of the Tower Building, flanked by Astro and Roger.
Turning into the Tower, the three cadets went directly to the office of their unit
commander. The training program at Space Academy consisted of three cadets to a unit,
with a Solar Guard officer as their teacher and instructor. Steve Strong, captain in the Solar
Guard, had been their cadet instructor since the unit had been formed and he now smiled a
welcome as the cadets snapped to attention in front of his desk.
Polaris unit reporting as ordered, sir," said Tom, handing over the audiogram order he
had received the day before.
"Thank you, Corbett," said Strong, taking the paper. "At ease."
 The three boys relaxed and broke into wide grins as Strong rounded his desk and
shook hands with each of them.
"Glad to have you back, boys," he said. "Did you enjoy your leave?"
"And how, sir," replied Tom.
"Tom's mother showed us a whale of a good time," chimed in Roger.
"And how she can cook!" Astro licked his lips involuntarily.
"Well, I hope you had a good rest-" said Strong, but was suddenly interrupted by the
sound of a small bell. Behind his desk a small teleceiver screen glowed into life to reveal the
stern face of Commander Walters, the commander of Space Academy.
Strong turned to the teleceiver and called, "Yes, Commander Walters?"
"Did the Polaris unit arrive yet, Steve?" asked the commander.
"Yes, sir," replied Strong. "They're here in my office now, sir."
"Good," said the commander with a smile. "I just received a report the exposition will
open sooner than expected. I suggest you brief the cadets and raise ship as soon as
possible."
"Very well, sir," answered Strong. The screen darkened and he turned back to the
cadets. "Looks like you got back just in time."
"What's up, sir?" asked Tom.
Strong returned to his chair and sat down. "I suppose you've all heard about the Solar
Exposition that opens on Venus next week?"
Tom's eyes lit up. "Have we! That's all the stereos and visunews and teleceivers have
been yacking about for weeks now."
"Well," said Strong with a smile, "we're going!"
The three cadets couldn't restrain themselves and burst out in a happy shout. Then
Roger calmed down enough to comment, "Sounds more like another vacation than an
assignment, sir."
"Hardly, Manning," replied Strong. "You see, every industry, society, organization, and
governmental agency is setting up exhibits at the exposition to show the people what's
taking place in their part of the solar system. There'll also be an amusement section." Strong
chuckled. "I've seen pictures of some of the tricks and rides they've developed to entertain
the younger generation. Believe me, I'd rather take full acceleration on a rockel ship than
ride on any of them."
"But what will we do, sir?" asked Tom.
"Our job is very simple. We're to take the Polaris to the exposition and land on the
fairgrounds. When the fair opens, we show all the visitors who are interested, everything
about her."
"You mean we're going to be"-Roger swallowed- "guides?"
"That's right, Manning," said Strong. "You three will guide all visitors through the
Polaris."