VI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Teamwork and Unity

  The chapter centers on the struggle of Unit 42-D to function as a cohesive team, with Strong and Walters debating whether the cadets are learning to work together despite their differences.

• Discipline and Hierarchy

  The manual examinations and the strict protocols of the Academy underscore the importance of discipline and adherence to established procedures, contrasting with Astro's intuitive, hands-on approach.

• Ambition and Dreams

  Each cadet's performance in the exams reflects their personal ambitions—Tom's leadership, Roger's intellectual pride, and Astro's desire to prove himself despite his academic struggles.

Characters to notice

• Steve Strong

  Captain Strong oversees the manual examinations and discusses the unit's progress with Commander Walters, expressing cautious hope but facing pressure to produce results.

• Tom Corbett

  Tom takes his control-deck manual examination first, showing nervousness but performing well. He also tries to help Astro study, acting as peacemaker within the unit.

• Roger Manning

  Roger completes his radar bridge examination with exceptional speed and accuracy, though his sarcastic attitude toward Astro and Tom persists.

• Astro

  Astro struggles with the theoretical power-deck manual, expressing frustration that he can only understand engines through hands-on experience. His performance is critical to the unit's success.

• Commander Walters

  Commander Walters presses Strong for concrete evidence of teamwork in Unit 42-D, warning that poor test results could lead to the unit being broken up.

• Tony Richards

  Tony Richards from Unit 77-K taunts the cadets of Unit 42-D, betting that his unit will outperform them in the manuals.

Key passages

• ““It’s no good, Tom, I just can’t understand that stuff.” Astro turned and faced his unit-mates, his voice charged with sudden emotion. “Just fifteen minutes on the power deck of anything with rockets in her and I’ll run her from here to the next galaxy. I—I can’t explain it, but when I look at those motors, I can read ’em like you read an astrogation chart, Roger, or you the gauges on the control deck, Tom. But I just can’t get those ratios out of a book. I gotta put my hands on those motors—touch ’em—I mean really touch ’em —then I know what to do!””

  Astro confesses that he cannot learn from textbooks; he needs to physically handle engines to understand them, contrasting his practical skill with the theoretical knowledge required by the Academy.

  Highlights Astro's frustration and the clash between hands-on experience and academic learning.

• ““You may have the patience, Steve, but the Academy hasn’t the time.” Commander Walters was suddenly curt. “When does Unit 42-D take its manuals?” “This afternoon, sir,” replied Strong. “I’m on my way over to the examination hall right now.” “Very well. I won’t take any action yet. I’ll wait for the results of the tests. Perhaps they will solve both our problems. See you later, Steve.””

  Commander Walters warns Strong that the Academy cannot afford to wait for the unit to gel; the upcoming exams will determine whether Unit 42-D stays together or is disbanded.

  Emphasizes the pressure on the unit to perform and the high stakes of the examinations.