The next morning Dr. Cooper was searching for some important charts in his office when he was confronted by Larry Daniken, who was anxious to report the ideas he'd gotten for Mike's shield.
"Don't say anything until you fetch Mike!" Cooper told him.
Larry was headed out the door when Cooper said, "This is fantastic! I can't believe you've come up with something so soon, and I want his opinion before I o.k. anything from you."
Larry rushed to the lab just a few steps away and shortly he and his friend were seated before Cooper's cluttered desk in anticipation of his approval. Cooper had always disliked the small office; he guessed it was because his touch of claustrophobia, and decided to remain standing as he talked. He slipped his glasses out of the pocket of his wrinkled lab coat, and put them on.
"Let's get on with the matter at hand," he said, "What did you come up with?"
And Larry explained everything he had in mind.
"You know, that sounds fantastic, son!" was the reply at last. "There's only one problem....where do you boys propose to find a solar panel? You know how scarce they are, with the recent energy shortages everywhere. I would imagine what's left would cost a fortune."
"I thought you might be able to help in that department," Larry explained. "Maybe make a few phone calls and see if you can come up with any clues where we might find one."
"Sure, I'll help in any way I can, but don't get your hopes up too high. Meanwhile, you two keep your eyes open in the papers. Maybe something will show up. I'm willing to risk some of The Project's funds, but I don't want to be too extravagant. There'd be too many questions as to where the money went. So take it easy. Report to me whatever you find, huh?"
"Of COURSE we will!"
With all agreed the young people went back to work, with Mike teasing Larry about being a genius.
It was two mornings later before Dr. Cooper was able to tell them any news.
"I'm sorry, boys, but I've checked into all the possibilities I know of, and I haven't had any luck with the solar panel search. I don't know what to tell you for any other suggestions. But it looks like we're going to have to start from scratch again, with our ideas."
Larry sighed heavily. Since he was in a terrible mood, the news was the last straw to ruin his day. He stayed standing at the end of the table, looking like he'd lost his best friend. A moment later he looked up and added,