"Good. This first one was the one that proves we're right. Now that we've got one checked in, we can take the rest with less wonder and concern." Haedaecker looked at Paul sharply. "But this isn't all you came to tell me about." "No," said Paul quietly. "It is not. Doctor Haedaecker, I am not one to fly a false flag. I dislike the idea of thrusting a man's ideas back down his throat abruptly and in public." "Just what are you driving at?" demanded Haedaecker. "Upon Proxima Centauri I, I definitely proved the error of Haedaecker's Theory. I received a Z-wave--" "Ridiculous!" "I did," stated Paul flatly. "And so I am telling you because I feel that you should have some opportunity to protect yourself." "I need no protection." "You have always defended your theory viciously. You have never permitted the merest possibility that you could be wrong. I have proof, now." "Impossible." "I have," said Paul. "And I intend to show it. So, if you care to make any statements which will change your previous attitude, do so." Haedaecker looked at Paul queerly. "Just what would you recommend?" he asked. Paul smiled. "If I were you," he said, "I would accept the defeat of your theory graciously." "Indeed." Paul made an exasperated noise. "I'm only trying to save your embarrassment--" "You insolent young puppy! You--trying to help me!" Paul took a deep breath. This was not going well at all. But on the other hand, Paul knew that he was no longer a small voice, to be throttled by the mere gesture from Haedaecker. Paul was in full control of the situation whether Haedaecker realized it or not. Furthermore, the years-long awe of Haedaecker and his iron-handed rule had not left their ineradicable mark. Unlike the child, ruled by stern parents, who defers to their orders long after maturity because of habit, Paul's former deference was gone. Perhaps the only difference was that parents seldom lose their command of respect because the maturing offspring learns as the years go past that their seemingly arbitrary rules were actually born of wisdom that the child could not understand. Whereas Haedaecker was a god with feet of low-grade clay. When the mighty fall, they fall far and hard. "I was trying to save you embarrassment," snapped Paul. "Once the truth is known, that you refused to permit any experiment because it might shake the foundations of Haedaecker's Theory, your entire policy will be destroyed." "So what would you have me do?" "Why not sponsor this idea?" suggested Paul. "Be the first to proclaim, happily, that Haedaecker's Theory was in error and that you now join in the hope of connecting Sol and Neosol by real communications." Haedaecker shook his head coldly. "I'll sponsor no such ridiculous thing," he said. "Because it can not be! You--" "But I have proof!" Haedaecker stood up. "You have not!" "I have!" thundered Paul. "And I intend to show it!"