Neither man spoke when the door closed behind Ackerson. The silence was long. Finally it was Boeman who moved. He opened the top left drawer of the desk and withdrew a small glass and a bottle. He poured a drink and offered it to the Secretary with a glance of his eyes. The Secretary shook his head. Boeman lifted the tumbler to his lips and poured the liquid down with a quick motion. He made a face as it burned. He poured another, toyed with it before he tossed it down.
"Well, he made it." Boeman said finally, placing the empty glass on the desk. "To the Moon and back—non stop."
"You knew he would, didn't you."
Boeman nodded, staring at the glass.
There was another awkward silence as both men were wrapped in thought.
"Disappointed, Wade?"
"Not disappointed. Disgusted."
"He gave us what we wanted. The appropriations will be easy now."
"I know."
"Then what's wrong? Certainly you can't blame Ackerson fully. He doesn't know the entire story."
"Perhaps that's what's wrong. If I could just tell the full story I might feel better."
"Impossible. Can you imagine the entire nation carrying a load on its back the way you are now?"
Wade laughed bitterly. "It might wake them up."............