Marta supported Chandler's contention that the job could be done—and in a year. She produced carefully detailed studies of non-conductive metals that she had painstakingly prepared.
Finally it was Kotenko's turn.
"Yes, Dr. Chandler, with his rather remarkable mental resources, has clearly shown that the drill can be produced by modern technology. And I believe that Dr. Neilson—" he smiled at Marta—"can lead the way to a system of non-conductive conduits to pump the heat anywhere it is needed. Only the one hole with its inexhaustible supply of heat will be necessary. On only one point do I disagree with Dr. Chandler."
Paul Chandler was doodling unconcernedly on the edge of his notepad.
"And that," continued Kotenko, "is on the need for the X-factor."
Dr. White demanded the floor and Chandler acknowledged him without looking up from his notepad.
"For years," the Englishman said, "the Russian government has steadfastly refused to agree to the use of the X-factor. I can appreciate their feeling, since it was the X-factor that tipped the scales in favor of the West during World War III."
"Tipped the scales?" Kotenko said. "I was a very young boy, but the sight of the vaporized cities of Russia is burned into my memory."
"I believe I have the floor." Dr. White looked from one face to another as he addressed his remarks to each delegate seated at the conference table. "If we had been free to use the X-factor, we could now have reached the stars with no need to concern ourselves with the time barrier. Instead we are virtually confined to the barren planets of the Solar System. Right here on our own planet, the X-factor could have rebuilt the world almost overnight following the war."
"There is an ancient saying," Kotenko interrupted. "Those who play with fire—"