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exhaled. ‘Albert, are you mad?! I don’t think the world is ready for this. At least not now, not with things as they are in Germany.’ Mayer rubbed his forehead, and shook his head. ‘No Albert, this is a bad idea.’
    Einstein’s expression suddenly hardened. ‘You
must
let the whole world know of this new carbon technology and its application to propulsion systems. This represents a step-change in human capabilities.’
    Mayer whispered in a harsh tone. ‘Albert, people
are
disappearing, and who knows what the National Socialists would do with this technology? They
cannot
have this… they
must not
have this technology.’
    Einstein sat firmly, with his arms crossed. ‘That is
precisely
why the world should know. It would be dangerous for any one individual, or nation, to keep this a secret. However, think of the future. It is worth the risk: the chance to alter the course of human history for the better.’
    ‘Or to destroy… total annihilation!’ Mayer reeled at the thought of handing his work over to the Nazis, but Einstein was also right. On the one hand, it could do a great deal of good for mankind: creating new lives and futures, spawning commerce and industry. There was more – much more! Mankind
could
literally reach for the stars. However, the alternatives were devastating.
    ‘Albert, what if the technology got into the wrong hands?’
    ‘With this device, and appropriate modifications, it could enhance existing weapons. Rockets could go into space and be used to target anywhere on the planet in an instant.’ Einstein rubbed his chin, choosing his words carefully, ‘… Or used to find new ways to unlock the energy of the atom. You’ve heard the rumours about the heavy elements like uranium… ’ Einstein furrowed his brow and, rubbing his temple, he exhaled, ‘… or something much worse. A new weapon based on the limitless and uncontrolled release of energy from your device itself. An army would be truly invincible. The destruction of one’s enemies would be assured. The owner of your device, with a few adjustments and upgrades, could simply dominate the planet.’
    Mayer gasped. ‘My God, my God! There are plenty of madmen out there with world domination in mind… Stalin… you’ve heard the rumours of mass murder in the Soviet Union. Then, there’s Herr Hitler.’
    ‘Gustav, then we are in agreement. The political situation is too unstable to risk one group, or nation, having exclusive access to this knowledge.’
    ‘But what should I do?’ Mayer conceded. ‘Human nature has a habit of turning ugly; the risks are too high.’
    Einstein shrugged. ‘You have a simple choice my friend: share this knowledge on the international stage so that stewardship of the technology becomes the responsibility of all nations; or admit the idea is just too much for mankind right now and bury it. Hide it away forever.’
    ‘Albert, knowledge can’t be undone… I… I would have to burn my notes, destroy the manuscript. Dispose of everything, so there was no trace or record of my work.’
    ‘Yes, you would,’ Einstein nodded.
    ‘But that would leave only one source of information: me!’ Mayer shuddered at the notion. Would he talk if he was tortured?
    ‘Gustav, going public is the correct course of action. Think of all the good it will bring; it is new science, a frontier. You must publish your manuscript.’
    ‘No, it’s not safe. The Nazis are controlling every printing press in Germany. We would be picked up by the security forces in an instant.’
    ‘Then we should go to a mainstream publisher overseas. Write it up in English and ensure they publish it quickly. It
can
be done.’
    ‘Albert, no! Besides, what makes you think it would be any different elsewhere? We don’t know how long the reach of the Nazis will stretch.’
    ‘We can go to England.’
    ‘What? But how?! I can’t even get to the main street without being questioned or followed!’ Mayer sagged.
    Einstein stood and