"In a moment," shrilled the voice, "we will tune in the broadcast direct from Washington so that all personnel can hear history in the making. After the congressional vote, Dr. Hamilton, our director, will honor us with a few words here in the hospital, which he will repeat later for the benefit of the day shift."
There was a ringing tone, growling in volume like the approach of motorskates.
"I told you," Brooks shouted over the noise. "His family has stock in Silvertongue."
"... been informed that a purchase has been completed of full rights to the Barger Radiocompressor. I warn you that this device will be used indiscriminately against the public interest." The voice was strong but unsteady. "Barger engineers have been withdrawn. There are no controls—"
"Too late," said Brooks. "That's Thorpe of Louisiana."
"Bear with me now. I do not doubt that visual interference is already being used to disrupt this session of Congress. Do you understand? I have a blinding headache, brought about externally, I am quite certain. I can no longer read the notes in front of me. If what I say is still sense, I insist I want a vote, immediate vote, to make this thing illegal—illegal, and let the New York City police or the Militia or the Army—the Army...."
In sudden silence, she clung to Brooks' sleeve.
"Ladies and gentlemen," said the piping voice from within the hospital, "the House of Representatives is still far from approaching a vote. We will tune in debate on the Senate floor, being broadcast by another network."
"... alleged that Patent Number 90,732,440B has something to do with national safety. I assure you, gentlemen—ladies and gentlemen—that American business ethics will prevent such dangerous use of technology now as in the past, and that any weapons application will be confined strictly to that sphere where weapons are themselves a safety factor—the sphere of national defense against foreign aggressors.