The door behind them opened and an enlisted spaceman stepped inside,
saluting smartly. "Ready for the next blast-off, Captain Strong," he
announced.

"Who is it?" asked Strong, turning to the intercom connecting him with
the control tower that co-ordinated all the landings and departures at
the spaceport.

The spaceman referred to a clipboard. "It's the _Space Lance_, sir.
Piloted by Captain Sticoon. He's representing an independent company
from Marsopolis."

"Right, thanks." Strong turned to the intercom mike, calling, "Captain
Strong to control tower, check in."

"Say, I'd like to see this fellow blast," said Tom. "He's supposed to be
one of the hottest pilots ever to hit space."

"Yeah," agreed Roger. "He's so good I don't see how anyone else could
have a chance."

"With that hot rocket in this race," said Astro, "the others will have
to fight for second and third place."

"Control tower to Strong," a voice crackled over the intercom
loud-speaker. "Ready here, sir."

"Right. Stand by for the next flight, Mac," replied Strong. "It's
Sticoon."