"Well," said Channing in a resigned voice, "about all we can do is to do our best and hope we are smart enough to outguess 'em. That's your job, Cartright. A long time ago I. C. made their decision concerning the executive branch of this company, and they elected to run the joint with technical men. The business aspects and all are under the control of men who know what they're fighting. We hire business men, just like business men hire engineers, and for the opposite purpose. You're the best we could get, you know that. If those guys get Venus Equilateral, they'll get you too. But if you do your best and fail, we can't shoot you in the back for it. We'll all go down together. So keep pitching, and remember that we're behind you all the way!"
"Can we float a bit of a loan?"
"Sure, if it's needed. I'd prefer Interplanetary Transport if they'll do business with us. We've been in the way of helping them out a couple of million dollar losses; they might be anxious to reciprocate."
"O.K., I have your power of attorney anyway. If I get in a real crack, I'll scream for I. T. to help. Right?"
"Right."
Cartright left, and as he closed the door, Channing's face took on a deep, long look. He was worried. He put his head between his hands and thought himself into a tight circle from which he could not escape. He did not hear Walt Franks enter behind Arden and Christine.
"Hey!" said Walt. "Why the gloom? I bear glad tidings!"
Channing looked up. "Spill," he said with a glum smile. "I could use some glad tidings right now."
"The lab just reported that that hunk of copper wire was impure. Got a couple of traces of other metals in it. They've been concocting other samples with more and less of the impurities, and Wes has been trying them as they were ready. We've got the detector working to the point where Freddy has taken the Relay Girl out for a run around the Station at about five hundred miles and Wes is still getting responses!"