"You have a lot to learn about human nature, Grayson. You'll find as you grow older that whenever someone proposes a plan for the benefit of mankind, there are violent factions that will work hard to circumvent it. How many leagues of united nations have failed throughout history because of jealousy, aggrandization, megalomania. Both personal and national. In one instance after the Bomb convinced all men that uniting as one was the smart, safe, sensible thing to do, people hailed with joy the creation of a new sovereign state apart from its neighbors. Another nation blocked amity because of an ideology. A third nation presented a territorial possession with its freedom and at the same time contemplated the addition of two new states to its union. Grayson, once a man rises above his daily job and tries to set up something beneficial to mankind, he will find other men who see that plan as a threat to their own ambitions." Paul leaned forward over the desk. "Why not let me try?" he asked eagerly. Haedaecker leaned back wearily. "We've been all through that." "But why?" "I will not have one of my own men involved in an experiment as ridiculous as yours!" Paul eyed Haedaecker quietly. "But--" Haedaecker shook his head. "You are not to attempt this." He eyed Paul angrily. "Who says I am?" demanded Paul. "Reason and logic. And," said Haedaecker coldly, "excepting for one thing, I'd go out and inspect that ship of yours for Z-wave gear. But Paul Grayson is smart enough to smuggle the Z-wave gear on earlier trips, not leaving his evidence for the last attempt, so I would find nothing at this time." Paul felt his heart pound thrice and then settle down again. The one thing that he was trying to avoid was not going to come off. But Haedaecker glared at Paul once again. "I absolutely forbid you to do this." Paul glared back. "What have we to lose?" "I'll not have the ridicule attendant to such an abortive experiment pinned onto my department." Paul laughed sarcastically. "It seems to me that a man in your position might like to have the name of being willing to have himself proven wrong." "What do you mean?" demanded Haedaecker. "Can your own personal ambition be great enough to block and forestall the linking of Sol and Neosol by Z-wave?" "You young puppy--"