"Of course they have. But remember one thing. If Ackerson succeeds we will get the appropriations we need to _build_ up there on that cold chunk of rock. We need that ... need it badly." "I tell you we have nothing to worry about yet," Wade said quickly. "Have it your way, Wade. But remember, we can't land on the Moon until we have appropriations for installations. It all takes money; landing sites, protection against the elements, and most important, take-off facilities. It's a big order. Ackerson can give us all of that if he is successful. The public will back us to the limit if we prove we have mastered space travel." The Secretary watched Wade carefully. "Ackerson _is_ important!" "I never said he wasn't." "I know, Wade." The Secretary toyed with his tie. "But did you let your feelings toward Tomer interfere with your attitude toward Ackerson? He came to me you know, about halfway through the course. He said you were babying Tomer to the point where it was interfering with _his_ instruction." "He lied," Wade cut in. He threw down the cigarette he was holding and ground his heel into it. "You know me better than that!" "Of course. But perhaps Ackerson did have _something_. Perhaps you spent more time with Tomer than you intended. Unconsciously you may have favored him to the point where Ackerson did suffer." Wade let his eyes wander over to the small television screen. It was still operating. Flat, empty sand and a burned out area was all that remained of the _Starfrost_. He wondered: Did I do that? Did I forget to teach Ackerson something while I was working with Tomer? The loud-speaker crackled. "Mother. This is _Starfrost_. Over." The operations room came alive. Wade and Lowe hurried over to stand beneath the speaker, as if that would put them closer to the _Starfrost_. "Go ahead, _Starfrost_. This is Mother." The communications man held the mike in a hand that wasn't quite as steady as it should be. "This is _Starfrost_. Everything in the green. Repeat, everything in the green. Over." Wade took the mike. "How is the gyro, _Starfrost_!" The loud-speaker laughed. "Tsk, tsk, Colonel. Where is your radio procedure? You forgot to say over." There was a pause and Boeman knew why. "Don't tell me you're worrying about ole Ack. I've got this thing sewed up. Why don't you take a walk around the park and see if you can find that little guy? What was his name? You know the one I mean. The one who got cold feet and dropped out before you finished feeding him. Over." Wade handed the mike back to the commo man without a word. He looked at the Secretary. Lowe's eyes cautioned him. Wade swallowed the things he was going to say. Orders. Damn them. He wanted to stick a pin in Ackerson's ego. And it would be so easy. So damn easy. Orders. He gave them and he had taken them.