Stand by for Mars! · Chapter
Arrival at Space Academy explained
Tom Corbett and other cadet candidates arrive at Space Academy, where they face immediate discipline from Warrant Officer McKenny.
What happens
Tom Corbett and other cadet candidates arrive at Space Academy, where they face immediate discipline from Warrant Officer McKenny. Tom is singled out as an example, and later, Roger Manning tricks Astro into carrying his luggage. The candidates are assigned to quarters, take the Academy oath, and Tom, Astro, and Philip Morgan are assigned to Section 42-D.
Themes in this chapter
Discipline and Hierarchy
McKenny's harsh treatment of Tom and Astro establishes the strict discipline and chain of command at the Academy.
Friendship and Loyalty
Tom, Astro, and Philip Morgan quickly form a bond, choosing to room together and support each other.
Coming of Age and Self-Discovery
The candidates take the Academy oath, marking a pivotal step in their journey toward becoming spacemen.
Characters to notice
- Tom Corbett
Tom is the first to step off the slidestairs, drawing McKenny's ire. He befriends Astro and Philip Morgan, and takes the Academy oath.
- Roger Manning
Roger Manning tricks Astro into carrying his luggage, and later faces Cadet Herbert about the luggage issue.
- Astro
Astro is tricked by Manning into carrying his luggage, then berated by McKenny. He later befriends Tom and Philip Morgan.
- Warrant Officer McKenny
McKenny uses Tom as an example of discipline, berates Astro for stepping off first, and orders the candidates to take the oath.
- Philip Morgan
Philip Morgan is assigned to Section 42-D with Tom and Astro, and takes the Academy oath facing a star chart.
- Cadet Herbert
Cadet Herbert assigns quarters and confronts Roger Manning about his luggage.
Key passages
“school, eh? Talked your mother and father deaf in the ears to let you come to Space Academy and be a spaceman! You want to feel those rockets bucking in your back out in the stars? Eh? вАЭ вАЬYes, sir,вАЭ replied Tom, wondering how this man he didnвАЩt even know could know so much about him.”
McKenny accurately guesses that Tom convinced his parents to let him attend Space Academy, surprising Tom.
McKenny uses psychological insight to assert authority over Tom.
“вАЬThis could be the beginning of the end,вАЭ drawled a lazy voice in back of Tom, вАЬfor some of the more enthusiastic cadets.вАЭ”
Roger Manning sarcastically comments that Tom's trouble with McKenny might be a bad omen.
Manning's remark highlights the competitive and mocking atmosphere among candidates.
“вАЬI solemnly swear to uphold the Constitution of the Solar Alliance, to obey interplanetary law, to protect the liberties of the planets, to safeguard the freedom of space and to uphold the cause of peace throughout the universeвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ to this end, I dedicate my life!вАЭ”
The candidates recite the Academy oath, pledging to serve the Solar Alliance and protect space.
The oath marks their formal commitment to becoming space cadets.