"Don't let it throw you, Wade. You've done a good job. We both know that nothing counts but the Project."
Nothing counts but the project. Personal feelings, ideals, not even human lives. Nothing counts but the project. How many times had he said that to himself, trying to be convincing.
"It's Tomer. Isn't it?" the Secretary said.
Wade's eyes locked with those of the older man. There was no sense going over that now. They had had it out a dozen times already.
"That and other things," he said.
"Like Ackerson's attitude, I suppose."
"Like Ackerson's attitude."
The Secretary gave a tight smile. "We all have reasons for doing things, Wade. To you this is a military feat that could spell security for years to come. To me it does that and more. It could be the opening of a new frontier, something that will provide a new outlet for humanity instead of war."
Wade said: "And to Ackerson it will mean fame and fortune. Nothing more. His name will go in the history books. There will be personal appearances, contracts, money. He has no feelings at all about what this will mean to his country."
The Secretary nodded. "You're a professional military man, Wade. You're making it your life. I understand how you feel."