Kotenko was still studying his cigar as Chandler left.
The X-factor capsule arrived under an international guard with the blessings of slightly over half of the member nations. Kotenko didn't resign, but his friendliness vanished.
That same day, Marta broke in on Chandler and, to the consternation of his secretary, hugged him.
"We've done it!" she cried.
"Here, here, take it easy." He held her at arm's length. "All right, what have we done?"
"Remember the things you said to me about slowing down the molecular activity of metals?"
Chandler nodded.
"Well," she continued, "we've just had a major breakthrough in the metallurgical lab, once you showed us the way. We can practically remove all of the heat conductivity. In less than a month we can start manufacture of the conduits."
Chandler smiled. The last obstacle was over.