Strong and the cadets sat transfixed as they listened to the commissioner speak in glowing terms of the exposition, which, until this time, by the cadets at least, had been considered little more than a giant amusement park. Finally Strong managed to say, "And we thought the _Polaris_ was going to be so big, it'd be the center of attraction." He smiled.
Hawks waved his hand. "Look, I don't want to offend you or the boys, Steve, but the fact is, the _Polaris_ is one of the _smaller_ exhibits!"
"I can see that now," answered Strong. "Tell me, Mike, just what do you want us to do?"
"I'll answer that in two parts. First, I would like the cadets to set up the _Polaris_, get her shining and bright, and with quiet courtesy, answer any question anyone might ask concerning the ship, referring any question they can't answer to the information center in the Space Building."
"That's all, sir?" asked Tom incredulously.
"That's all, Corbett. You open the _Polaris_ at nine in the morning and close her at nine at night. You'll be living aboard, of course."
"That sounds so simple," drawled Roger, "it might be tough."
"It will be tough, Manning," commented Hawks. "Don't fool yourself into assuming otherwise."
"Don't worry about these boys, Mike. Now, what is part two?" Strong asked.
Hawks smiled. "Here it is, Steve. The Solar Alliance has decided to open the exposition with a simple speech made by a relatively unknown person, but one who is deserving of such an honor. They left the choice of that person up to me." He paused and added quietly, "I'd like you to make that opening speech, Steve."
"I can't think of anyone more deserving--or dependable."
"But--but--" stammered the captain, "I can't make a speech. I wouldn't know what to say."
"Say anything you want. Just make it short and to the point."
Strong hesitated a moment. He realized it was a great honor, but his naturally shy personality kept him from accepting.
"Steve, it may make it easier for you to know," said Hawks teasingly, "that there's going to be a giant capsule lowered into the ground which will contain a record of every bit of progress made since the inception of the Solar Alliance. It's designed to show the men of the future how to do everything from treating a common cold to exploding nuclear power. This capsule will be lowered at the end of your opening address. So, most of the attention will be focused on the capsule, not you." The commissioner smiled.