"I don't think anything. Thinking's not my job. If you'll pardon my saying so, Jim, you did too much thinking for your own good when you were in Albany. This thing has to be handled with kid gloves. It would not surprise me if the government clamps down and bottles it all up until all its aspects have been fully explored." "Federal Research Act of '92," Harker said thinly. "It guarantees freedom of research without government interference, as you know well enough." Winstead seemed to be perspiring heavily. "Laws can be repealed or amended, Jim. Listen here: why don't you go see Thurman? Find out how _he_ stands on the matter. Then come back here and maybe we can talk about it again." It was obviously a dismissal. Winstead had no intentions of getting involved with something that had so many ramifications as this. Tiredly Harker rose. "Okay. I'll see Thurman." "Good." "One more thing, Leo--this project hasn't been announced to the public yet. Since you're aware of the fuss it's going to kick up, I hope you'll be thoughtful enough to keep your mouth shut until we're ready to spring it ourselves." "Of course, Jim. Of course." CHAPTER VII It was a very long weekend. Harker reached his home at five-thirty that evening, having left Winstead around noon. He had had a miserable chlorella-steak lunch on the wrong side of State Street and spent the early afternoon strolling around Albany, easing the inner tension that gripped him. He made the 4:15 jet back to New York. Chris was watching the video when he came in; it was a weekend, and the boy had no homework. He hopped up immediately and said, "Drink, Dad?" "Martini. _Very_ dry." The boy busied himself with the pushbutton controls of the autobar while Harker hung up his hat and jacket. Lois appeared from the general vicinity of the kitchen. "Did you see Winstead?" He nodded. "Yeah, I saw him. He obviously doesn't want any part of the project." "Oh. Dr. Raymond called, from the labs. He wanted to know if you were back yet. I told him you'd call as soon as you came home." Harker picked up the phone, yanked down on the long-distance switch, and punched out Raymond's number. He waited, hoping Raymond himself would pick up and not Klaus or Barchet or someone like that. Raymond did. He looked inquisitively out of the screen and Harker told him exactly what Winstead had said. When he had finished the flat, weary recital, he added, "I'm going to Washington on Monday. But if Thurman gives me the brush-off, we may be in trouble." Raymond grinned with unconvincing heartiness. "We'll get through somehow, Jim. Have faith." "I sincerely wish I could," Harker said.