On that, we have an agreement.

[Val turns one of the cookies over to look at the back of it. Then he dunks it into his glass brandy and holds it there, to let it soften.]

Research is best served by minds that will not stake claim to it. Of course, the invention of this device will be breathtaking. We should expect some infamy for it. And yet I hate the thought of someone grasping at its plans and smearing them with foolish greed. If we raise the funds by donations, we might remain the projects sole parents.