Atlas Shrugged – Day 075 – pp. 812-821
But then again, maybe I judge too harshly. Self-interest is the thing that Rand is all about, and Galt is looking out for his interests. OK, maybe he’s not such a liar… Maybe.
Anyway, as they’re saying goodnight, Dagny bursts into a stream of Galt-worship that come dangerously close to blasphemy.
“…my love and my hope to reach you and my wish to be worthy of you on the day when i would stand before you face to face…”
Sounds like a wish of some sort of divine judgment.
She spends her last night in the valley awake, thinking of Galt. The next day he blindfolds her and flies her out.
Rand actually covers that in a matter of about 2 pages – pretty economical for her.
Chapter III – Anti-Greed. (?)
We’ve shifted locations to a plain in Iowa. What’s going on here?
That’s what Dr. Stadler is asking Dr. Ferris.
Apparently the good Dr. S was “kidnapped” and brought here. Kidnapped isn’t really right. More like summoned without any explanation.
And he can’t get a clear one from Dr F who’s deliberately vague.
“We are about to witness an historical event, Dr Stadler. An occasion which will become a milestone on the road of science, civilization, social welfare and political adaptability. . . . The turning point of a new era.”
OK, I’m interested. What could this be?
Much of the rest of this is exposition. He notices that there are grandstands around the place where he’s been brought. A “contraption resembling a portable switchboard…”
“But it was the building that stood on a knoll some thousand feet away that gave Dr. Stadler a vague sense of uneasiness.”
Dr F. is off talking to the press and starts leading them back to Dr S.
“But why should you wast your time on me, when there is the source of today’s achievement, the man who made it all possible, — Dr. Robert Stadler.”
Now that’s a scary position. Being introduced to the press as the creator of something you know nothing about. What’s the deal?
Ah HA! It’s the unveiling of Project X. (Seem to remember that from some chapters back.)
Dr. S, is Project X the greatest achievement in the State Science Institute’s history?
Not knowing what the damn thing is, Dr. S responds in true political fashion.
“Well, gentlemen, the value – and the motive – of any achievement of the State Science Institute are not to be doubted, since it is a nonprofit venture. Need I say more?”
HA!
That sounds about like something out of Congress today.
A couple other ominous guests have shown up. Mr. Thompson (from the Directive 10-289 meeting I think) and good old Wesley Mouch.
Dr. F calls the thing to order.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you have been chosen — in recognition of your distinguished public service and social loyalty — to witness s the unveiling of a scientific achievement of such tremendous importance, such staggering scope, such epoch-making possibilities that up to this moment it has been know only to a very few and only as Project X”
Everyone takes their places. They are passed out binoculars.
Dr S focuses in on that abandoned farm house in the distance.
“It was odd — thought Dr. Stadler, studying the ruins of the farm — that there should be a herd of goats in the midst of such desolation.”
Goats? OK. Now I’m really intrigued. . .