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'''Henry "Hank" Rearden''' is one of the [[hero]]es of [[Ayn Rand]]'s [[novel]], ''[[Atlas Shrugged]]''. He was both a businessman and an inventor, and was one of the last "holdouts" in the [[strike]] of the men of the mind that [[John Galt]] called.

'''Henry "Hank" Rearden''' (born 1971) is one of the [[hero]]es of [[Ayn Rand]]'s [[novel]], ''[[Atlas Shrugged]]''. He was both a businessman and an inventor, and was one of the last "holdouts" in the [[strike]] of the men of the mind that [[John Galt]] called.

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== Background ==

== Background ==

Henry Rearden was born in or about 1910—two years before the loss of RMS ''[[Titanic]]''. By the age of 14, he had his first paying job. At 24, during the height of the [[Great Depression]], he was the superintendent of an [[iron]] ore mine. Six years later, he bought it.

Henry Rearden was born in 1971. By the age of 14, he had his first paying job, in an [[iron ore]] mine. At 24, he was its superintendent. Six years later, he bought it when it was about to close.

Five years later, he bought a run-down [[steel]] plant and put his name on it. By then he also owned his own [[coal] mine and thus had complete control of a steel mill and of all the raw materials he would need. Then began a rapid rise to prominence. He little suspected the exaltation—and the pain—that his venture would bring him.

Five years later, he bought a run-down [[steel]] plant near [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] and put his name on it. By then he also owned his own [[coal] mine and thus had complete control of a steel mill and of all the raw materials he would need. Then began a rapid rise to prominence. He little suspected the exaltation—and the pain—that his venture would bring him.

== Rearden Metal ==

== Rearden Metal ==

Henry Rearden was not satisfied with the properties of steel as a metal. He always believed that he could create an [[alloy]] superior to conventional steel. The novel never makes clear what caused him to experiment with alloys of [[copper]] and [[iron]], but he might have gotten the idea from studying the properties of [[bronze]], the alloy of copper and [[tin]] that had been known since antiquity. Rearden sought, in essence, to use iron instead of tin in combination with copper, and was convinced that that combination would be stronger than steel, yet much lighter.

Henry Rearden was not satisfied with the properties of steel as a metal. He always believed that he could create an [[alloy]] superior to conventional steel. The novel never makes clear what caused him to try to make a substitutional alloy of [[copper]] and [[iron]], with interstitial [[carbon]] to harden it. He might have gotten the idea from studying the properties of [[bronze]], the alloy of copper and [[tin]] that had been known since antiquity. Rearden sought, in essence, to use iron instead of tin in combination with copper, and was convinced that that combination, with carbon in its interstices, would be stronger than steel, yet much lighter.

His true motive for finding an alloy stronger and lighter than steel was to create a new type of [[bridge]]. He invented a new type of truss that he knew would require a new metal to build. (He would later discard that design in favor of a truss-arch combination.)

His true motive for finding an alloy stronger and lighter than steel was to create a new type of [[bridge]]. He invented a new type of truss that he knew would require a new metal to build. (He would later discard that design in favor of a truss-arch combination.)

Henry Rearden's family life was not nearly as happy as his business life. His wife was a member of the [[New York City]] "social set," which in the [[alternate history]] of the novel had become highly politically [[liberal]]. (In real life it is probably associated with the magazine known as ''The New Yorker''.) Henry met her after Rearden Steel had become a near-overnight success, and he found himself in New York with a lot of money to spend and a lot of "idle rich" people suddenly wanting to hang on to him. Lillian Rearden was one of them. He married her because she seemed to take an abiding interest in him and his mills. He would later learn that she intended to destroy both.

Henry Rearden's family life was not nearly as happy as his business life. His wife was a member of the [[New York City]] "social set," which in the [[alternate history]] of the novel had become highly politically [[liberal]]. (In real life it is probably associated with the magazine known as ''The New Yorker''.) Henry met her after Rearden Steel had become a near-overnight success, and he found himself in New York with a lot of money to spend and a lot of "idle rich" people suddenly wanting to hang on to him. Lillian Rearden was one of them. He married her because she seemed to take an abiding interest in him and his mills. He would later learn that she intended to destroy both.

Henry had a brother, Philip, who had a number of liberal friends who were very much enamored of what in the novel might be called the "People's State movement" (probably the [[Communist]] movement). Neither person showed him any real consideration or appreciation. Rearden's mother lived in his house, but constantly attacked his dedication to his work and by extension his moral values.

Henry had a brother, Philip, seven years his junior. Philip had a number of liberal friends who were very much enamored of what in the novel might be called the "People's State movement" (probably the [[Communist]] movement) and probably got involved in the push for the [[Constitution]]al convention that "ran away," replacing the [[United States Congress]] with a unicameral Legislature. During that time, Hank had been busy working at, and then buying, his iron ore mine.

The first illustration of Henry Rearden's troubled home life occurred on the day that his workforce poured the first heat of Rearden Metal. That his wife and family would not have known that this was coming seems incredible. Yet when he returned home, his family criticized him for not remembering his wedding anniversary. In fact, he ''had'' remembered his anniversary, because he had ordered a chain-link [[bracelet]] of Rearden Metal made from that first heat that his workers poured that day. Lillian showed little appreciation even for that present, and said of it, {{cquote|Appropriate, isn't it? It's the chain by which he holds us all in bondage.}}

 

 

The first illustration of Henry Rearden's troubled home life occurred on the day (September 2, 2016) that his workforce poured the first heat of Rearden Metal. That his wife and family would not have known that this was coming seems incredible. Yet when he returned home, his family criticized him for not remembering his upcoming wedding anniversary. In fact, he ''had'' remembered his anniversary, because he had ordered a chain-link [[bracelet]] of Rearden Metal made from that first heat that his workers poured that day. Lillian showed little appreciation even for that present, and said of it, {{cquote|Appropriate, isn't it? It's the chain by which he holds us all in bondage.}}

In fact, Lillian Rearden barely tolerated Henry, and let him know it. Between husband and wife, no love was lost.

In fact, Lillian Rearden barely tolerated Henry, and let him know it. Between husband and wife, no love was lost.

News of the order did not help the reputation of Rearden Steel, and for a time it harmed the reputation of Taggart Transcontinental. The reason was nothing more than what today is called [[FUD]] (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt). No one had used anything like Rearden Metal before, so no one expected it to work, and everyone expected a spectacular failure. Dagny Taggart bore the brunt of the criticism, but stubbornly insisted on using the new metal. Henry Rearden couldn't be more pleased that in Dagny Taggart he had a customer who concentrated on what was important, and ignored the voices of mindless fear.

News of the order did not help the reputation of Rearden Steel, and for a time it harmed the reputation of Taggart Transcontinental. The reason was nothing more than what today is called [[FUD]] (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt). No one had used anything like Rearden Metal before, so no one expected it to work, and everyone expected a spectacular failure. Dagny Taggart bore the brunt of the criticism, but stubbornly insisted on using the new metal. Henry Rearden couldn't be more pleased that in Dagny Taggart he had a customer who concentrated on what was important, and ignored the voices of mindless fear.

About a month after she placed the order, Dagny Taggart came to see Rearden with a story that probably struck him as distasteful. Instead of trusting Dagny's judgment and confidence that she could have the Rio Norte Line back in proper repair within a year, Dagny's brother James had lobbied in Washington for passage of a measure called "The Anti-dog-eat-dog Rule," the latest of a number of measures intended to protect less-able businessmen who were under pressure from more-able competitors. Under that new rule, the Phoenix-Durango Railroad was ordered essentially to cease operations within nine months, and Taggart Transcontinental would be the only railroad available in Colorado. The head of the Phoenix-Durango line had accepted the rule without much protest, and then had announced his intention to retire permanently. The Phoenix-Durango Line's best customer, Ellis Wyatt (who had made a fortune extracting [[oil]] from [[shale]]), had come to deliver an ultimatum to Dagny that if his business failed on account of Taggart Transcontinental's faulty transportation, he would make sure that Taggart Transcontinental would not survive either. Now Dagny felt herself in honour bound to get the Rio Norte Line in proper shape within the deadline. However due to personal conflicts with her deadbeat brother, she was compelled to officially (though not actually) resign from Taggart Transcontinental and set up her own company. In defiance of a currently popular defeatist phrase, "Who is John Galt," she named her new company the John Galt Line.

Toward the end of October of 2016, Dagny Taggart came to see Rearden with a story that probably struck him as distasteful. Instead of trusting Dagny's judgment and confidence that she could have the Rio Norte Line back in proper repair within a year, Dagny's brother James had lobbied in Washington for passage of a measure called "The Anti-dog-eat-dog Rule," the latest of a number of measures intended to protect less-able businessmen who were under pressure from more-able competitors. Under that new rule, the Phoenix-Durango Railroad was ordered essentially to cease operations within nine months, and Taggart Transcontinental would be the only railroad available in Colorado. The head of the Phoenix-Durango line had accepted the rule without much protest, and then had announced his intention to retire permanently. The Phoenix-Durango Line's best customer, Ellis Wyatt (who had made a fortune extracting [[oil]] from [[shale]]), had come to deliver an ultimatum to Dagny that if his business failed on account of Taggart Transcontinental's faulty transportation, he would make sure that Taggart Transcontinental would not survive either. Now Dagny felt herself in honour bound to get the Rio Norte Line in proper shape within the deadline.

Rearden's response was to charge her extra for what was now a rush order. Dagny did not complain, and accepted that as a legitimate business cost. In so doing, she won even more of his respect.

Rearden's response was to charge her extra for what was now a rush order. Dagny did not complain, and accepted that as a legitimate business cost. In so doing, she won even more of his respect.

== Francisco d'Anconia ==

== Francisco d'Anconia ==

At about the time of this transaction, Lillian Rearden gave a dinner party at the Rearden home, to celebrate her anniversary. Henry did not appreciate the sort of guests that Lillian invited. They included a syndicated columnist named Bertram Scudder, whose politics Henry detested.

On December 10, 2016, Lillian Rearden gave a dinner party at the Rearden home, to celebrate their anniversary. Henry did not appreciate the sort of guests that Lillian invited. They included a syndicated columnist named Bertram Scudder, whose politics Henry detested.

But the guests also included [[Francisco d'Anconia]], heir of the D'Anconia Copper Company, whom Henry knew only to be a [[playboy]]. Francisco d'Anconia had been in the news lately after his San Sebastian Mines in Mexico had been nationalized, and then turned out to be worthless. Henry couldn't decide whether Francisco d'Anconia was a totally inept businessman or whether he had played a colossal and expensive joke on the People's State of Mexico. Nor did Francisco provide many clues when he introduced himself to Henry. Henry did ask Francisco whether he was looking for any conquests, by which Henry meant conquests of the feminine kind. Francisco answered, {{cquote|Yes—one that will be my greatest and last.}}

But the guests also included [[Francisco d'Anconia]], heir of the D'Anconia Copper Company, whom Henry knew only to be a [[playboy]]. Francisco d'Anconia had been in the news lately after his San Sebastian Mines in Mexico had been nationalized, and then turned out to be worthless. Henry couldn't decide whether Francisco d'Anconia was a totally inept businessman or whether he had played a colossal and expensive joke on the People's State of Mexico. Nor did Francisco provide many clues when he introduced himself to Henry.

Henry Rearden would not learn until much later that Francisco d'Anconia was talking about Henry himself.

Dagny Taggart was another of his dinner guests that evening. Henry was embarrassed to watch Dagny approach Lillian, who was making several empty boasts about her plain-looking bracelet of Rearden Metal. Lillian half-jokingly offered it for sale to any woman who offered a more valuable bracelet—and Dagny took off her own diamond bracelet and derisively challenged Lillian to consider her sale made. Lillian did so, and the bracelets actually changed hands.

Dagny Taggart was another of his dinner guests that evening. Henry was embarrassed to watch Dagny approach Lillian, who was making several empty boasts about her plain-looking bracelet of Rearden Metal. Lillian half-jokingly offered it for sale to any woman who offered a more valuable bracelet—and Dagny took off her own diamond bracelet and derisively challenged Lillian to consider her sale made. Lillian did so, and the bracelets actually changed hands.

== A bridge of Rearden Metal ==

== A bridge of Rearden Metal ==

Some months later, Dagny and Henry traveled separately to [[Colorado]] to survey the Rio Norte Line and its progress. There Henry told Dagny that she was wasting money by ordering new support members of Rearden Metal to prop up a tottering steel bridge. Why not build a new bridge, entirely of Rearden Metal? He then showed her his first rough sketch of such a bridge, based on the new type of truss that he had invented years before. He showed her that such a bridge would actually be less expensive than extra struts for the old bridge.

Dagny and Henry traveled separately to [[Colorado]] to survey the Rio Norte Line and its progress. There Henry told Dagny that she was wasting money by ordering new support members of Rearden Metal to prop up a tottering steel bridge. Why not build a new bridge, entirely of Rearden Metal? He then showed her his first rough sketch of such a bridge, based on the new type of truss that he had invented years before. He showed her that such a bridge would actually be less expensive than extra struts for the old bridge.

If the level of FUD had been high when Dagny was merely proposing to lay rail of Rearden Metal, it now rose to a fever pitch with the news that she would build an entire bridge of the new metal. In fact, the [[State Science Institute]] issued a report essentially damning the Metal with faint praise, as an "unproved" technology. Henry dismissed the report, which seemed to him to have been written by men who had not even tried to work with the Metal. But the board of directors of the [[Taggart Transcontinental Railroad]] took it seriously. So did [[James Taggart]], who fled [[New York City]].

If the level of FUD had been high when Dagny was merely proposing to lay rail of Rearden Metal, it now rose to a fever pitch with the news that she would build an entire bridge of the new metal. In fact, the [[State Science Institute]] issued a report essentially damning the Metal with faint praise, as an "unproved" technology. Henry dismissed the report, which seemed to him to have been written by men who had not even tried to work with the Metal. But the board of directors of the [[Taggart Transcontinental Railroad]] took it seriously. So did [[James Taggart]], who fled [[New York City]].

As the day for the opening of the John Galt Line approached, Dagny Taggart scheduled a press conference to address the still-widespread fears about the new metal. At this conference, Dagny Taggart announced that she personally would ride in the first [[locomotive]] to run on the new rail. Henry then decided that he would ride in that locomotive by her side.

As the day for the opening of the John Galt Line approached, Dagny Taggart scheduled a press conference to address the still-widespread fears about the new metal. At this conference, Dagny Taggart announced that she personally would ride in the first [[locomotive]] to run on the new rail. Henry then decided that he would ride in that locomotive by her side.

The John Galt Line did open, and to much fanfare, with every substantial business in Colorado clamoring to place a cargo on the first train to run on the line. Dagny and Henry rode on the locomotive, as they had said they would. The train ran from one end of the line to the other, including once across the new bridge, entirely without incident.

The John Galt Line did open on July 22, 2017, to much fanfare, with every substantial business in Colorado clamoring to place a cargo on the first train to run on the line. Dagny and Henry rode on the locomotive, as they had said they would. The train ran from one end of the line to the other, including once across the new bridge, entirely without incident.

That evening, they spent the night in Ellis Wyatt's house near his oil-shale fields. There Henry gave in to an impulse he had felt from the moment he met Dagny, though he considered that impulse shameful and dishonorable. He and Dagny began what would be a long and passionate love affair. Henry wasn't even sure that he had the right to feel the things that he felt, especially since he was married to another person. Dagny insisted that they both did.

That evening, they spent the night in Ellis Wyatt's house near his oil-shale fields. There Henry gave in to an impulse he had felt from the moment he met Dagny, though he considered that impulse shameful and dishonorable. He and Dagny began what would be a long and passionate love affair. Henry wasn't even sure that he had the right to feel the things that he felt, especially since he was married to another person. Dagny insisted that they both did.

== A new motor ==

== A new motor ==

Henry and Dagny decided to distract themselves by taking a driving trip. As it happened, they drove to [[Wisconsin]] and the site of the now-defunct [[Twentieth Century Motor Company]]. There, in the ruined and abandoned factory, Dagny made an incredible discovery that she shared with Henry: the partially wrecked prototype of a motor that could draw static [[electricity]] from the atmosphere and use it to do useful work. Dagny knew that this technology could start another [[Industrial Revolution]], because it would have an obvious application in [[railroad]]ing, shipbuilding, and power generation.

In September of 2017, Henry and Dagny decided to distract themselves by taking a driving trip. As it happened, they drove to [[Wisconsin]] and the site of the now-defunct [[Twentieth Century Motor Company]]. There, in the ruined and abandoned factory, Dagny made an incredible discovery that she shared with Henry: the partially wrecked prototype of a motor that could draw static [[electricity]] from the atmosphere and use it to do useful work. Dagny knew that this technology could start another [[Industrial Revolution]], because it would have an obvious application in [[railroad]]ing, shipbuilding, and power generation.

But the prototype that they found was unusable, and the notes left behind were incomplete. Someone had removed or destroyed the critical portion containing the motor's secret.

But the prototype that they found was unusable, and the notes left behind were incomplete. Someone had removed or destroyed the critical portion containing the motor's secret.

Henry and Dagny worked together to try to trace the engineer who had invented the motor. But no one in the old factory town of Starnesville or the nearby and still-functioning town of Rome knew anything about any motor. The story they ''did'' tell concerned a failed bank and a fire sale of the company.

Henry and Dagny worked together to try to trace the engineer who had invented the motor. But no one in the old factory town of Starnesville or the nearby and still-functioning town of Rome knew anything about any motor. The story they ''did'' tell concerned a failed bank and a fire sale of the company.

Henry returned to his mills and let Dagny try to track down the engineer. She did not succeed. As she later explained to him, as far as she could determine, the engineer/inventor had disappeared on the day that the original owner of Twentieth Century Motors, Gerald "Jed" Starnes, Senior, had died and his three children had taken it over and proposed to operate it under a very foolish business plan modeled after [[The Communist Manifesto]]. Furthermore, the disappearance had occurred about eleven years ago, and was probably the first of a rash of disappearances of very talented individuals who had retired (and in some cases, vanished without a trace) without explanation.

Henry returned to his mills and let Dagny try to track down the engineer. She did not succeed. As she later explained to him, as far as she could determine, the engineer/inventor had disappeared on the day that the original owner of Twentieth Century Motors, Gerald "Jed" Starnes, Senior, had died and his three children had taken it over and proposed to operate it under a very foolish business plan modeled after [[The Communist Manifesto]]. Furthermore, the disappearance had occurred about ten years ago, and was probably the first of a rash of disappearances of very talented individuals who had retired (and in some cases, vanished without a trace) without explanation.

== The destruction of Colorado ==

== The destruction of Colorado ==

Soon after that, all hopes of a boom in Colorado were dashed, when the federal government issued a raft of regulations that effectively destroyed all the incentives that Colorado offered. In response, several of the businessmen who had relocated to Colorado now vanished, as tracelessly as had the young inventor of the [[John Galt#The electrostatic motor|electrostatic motor]]. The most spectacular disappearance was that of Ellis Wyatt, who set his oil shale fields on fire ("Wyatt's Torch") and left a big sign near his property line:{{cquote|I am leaving it as I found it. Take over. It's yours.}}

In November of 2017, all hopes of a boom in Colorado were dashed, when the federal government issued a raft of regulations that effectively destroyed all the incentives that Colorado offered. In response, several of the businessmen who had relocated to Colorado now vanished, as tracelessly as had the young inventor of the [[John Galt#The electrostatic motor|electrostatic motor]]. The most spectacular disappearance was that of Ellis Wyatt, who set his oil shale fields on fire ("Wyatt's Torch") and left a big sign near his property line:{{cquote|I am leaving it as I found it. Take over. It's yours.}}

 

== The Wet Nurse ==

== The Wet Nurse ==

== The Project X order ==

== The Project X order ==

Rearden received an order that he decided that he would never fill. It was a peremptory instruction, written in an imperative, authoritarian tone, for him to deliver ten thousand tons of Rearden Metal to the [[State Science Institute]], for use in a project known only as "[[Project X]]."

In or about June of 2018, Rearden received an order that he decided that he would never fill. It was a peremptory instruction, written in an imperative, authoritarian tone, for him to deliver ten thousand tons of Rearden Metal to the [[State Science Institute]], for use in a project known only as "[[Project X]]."

Rearden was not accustomed to receiving business orders that read like expropriations. He said so to the first Washington representative sent to him, a man named [[Cuffy Meigs]], who wore a semi-military-looking tunic and the leather leggings of a traffic policeman. Not long after that, Dr. [[Floyd Ferris]], the Associate Director of the State Science Institute, came to renew the demand. Henry Rearden gave Ferris his refusal as well, in no uncertain terms. He explained that he could state as his reason that he could not provide material for a secret project having a goal that no one would reveal to him, because as the inventor of Rearden Metal he held himself responsible for any use that anyone might make of it. But his actual reason is that he would never supply anything to the State Science Institute for "any project, good or bad, secret or open." Floyd Ferris threatened Henry with some unspecified action. Henry dismissed the threat and said that Ferris could now leave.

Rearden was not accustomed to receiving business orders that read like expropriations. He said so to the first Washington representative sent to him, a man named [[Cuffy Meigs]], who wore a semi-military-looking tunic and the leather leggings of a traffic policeman. Not long after that, Dr. [[Floyd Ferris]], the Associate Director of the State Science Institute, came to renew the demand. Henry Rearden gave Ferris his refusal as well, in no uncertain terms. He explained that he could state as his reason that he could not provide material for a secret project having a goal that no one would reveal to him, because as the inventor of Rearden Metal he held himself responsible for any use that anyone might make of it. But his actual reason is that he would never supply anything to the State Science Institute for "any project, good or bad, secret or open." Floyd Ferris threatened Henry with some unspecified action. Henry dismissed the threat and said that Ferris could now leave.

== The D'Anconia Copper crash ==

== The D'Anconia Copper crash ==

Shortly afterward, Rearden was a guest at the reception following the wedding of James Taggart and Cheryl Brooks Taggart. Francisco d'Anconia saw him there, and gave him a cryptic warning not to buy any of the common stock of D'Anconia Copper, nor have any dealings with D'Anconia Copper for any reason. Rearden was puzzled, but distracted when Francisco announced that he was about to play another of his jokes on James Taggart and his friends. All of them were heavily invested in D'Anconia Copper, and Francisco had deliberately manipulated his stock to draw those men in as investors, and then crash the stock. He loudly protested the dire straits he was in, and the guests took alarm and fled, all except for Dagny, Francisco, and Henry. Henry was appalled at Francisco's behavior, but at the same time took notice that Francisco's business reverses seemed to bring their primary harm to those whom both men despised.

Shortly afterward, Rearden was a guest at the reception following the wedding of James Taggart and Cheryl Brooks Taggart. Francisco d'Anconia saw him there. Henry asked Francisco whether he was looking for any conquests, by which Henry meant conquests of the feminine kind. Francisco answered, {{cquote|Yes—one that will be my greatest and last.}}

 

Francisco also gave him a cryptic warning not to buy any of the common stock of D'Anconia Copper, nor have any dealings with D'Anconia Copper for any reason. Rearden was puzzled, but distracted when Francisco announced that he was about to play another of his jokes on James Taggart and his friends. All of them were heavily invested in D'Anconia Copper, and Francisco had deliberately manipulated his stock to draw those men in as investors, and then crash the stock. He loudly protested the dire straits he was in, and the guests took alarm and fled, all except for Dagny, Francisco, and Henry. Henry was appalled at Francisco's behavior, but at the same time took notice that Francisco's business reverses seemed to bring their primary harm to those whom both men despised.

== The trial ==

== The trial ==

A month later, Henry found himself under indictment for making a "more than fair share" shipment of Rearden Metal to [[Kenneth Dannager]], a coal-mining magnate who had bought his coal fields. Floyd Ferris found out about this, and threatened to have Rearden indicted if he did not fulfill the order for Rearden Metal made by the Project X account. Henry still refused, and the indictments came.

A month later, Henry found himself under indictment for making a "more than fair share" shipment of Rearden Metal to [[Kenneth Dannager]], a coal-mining magnate who had bought his coal fields. Floyd Ferris found out about this, and threatened to have Rearden indicted if he did not fulfill the order for Rearden Metal made by the Project X account. Henry still refused, and the indictments came.

Ken Dannager took that occasion to retire and vanish. Henry faced his trial and defied the court. In essence, he argued lack of subject-matter jurisdiction, and then made remarks to this effect:

Ken Dannager took that occasion to retire and vanish. Henry faced his trial, on the day after [[Thanksgiving Day]] of 2018, and defied the court. In essence, he argued lack of subject-matter jurisdiction, and then made remarks to this effect:

{{cquote|No, I do not wish my attitude to be misunderstood. I shall be glad to state it for the record....I work for nothing but my own profit—which I make by selling a product they need to men willing and able to buy it....I made my money by my own effort, in free exchange and through the voluntary consent of every man I dealt with—the voluntary consent of those who employed me when I started, the voluntary consent of those who work for me now, the voluntary consent of those who buy my product....I refuse to apologize for my ability—I refuse to apologize for my success—I refuse to apologize for my money. If this is evil, make the most of it. If this is what the public finds harmful to its interests, let the public destroy me. This is my code—and I will accept no other.

{{cquote|No, I do not wish my attitude to be misunderstood. I shall be glad to state it for the record....I work for nothing but my own profit—which I make by selling a product they need to men willing and able to buy it....I made my money by my own effort, in free exchange and through the voluntary consent of every man I dealt with—the voluntary consent of those who employed me when I started, the voluntary consent of those who work for me now, the voluntary consent of those who buy my product....I refuse to apologize for my ability—I refuse to apologize for my success—I refuse to apologize for my money. If this is evil, make the most of it. If this is what the public finds harmful to its interests, let the public destroy me. This is my code—and I will accept no other.

Henry Rearden did prepare to produce another order of Rearden Metal for Dagny Taggart. To do this, he arranged to have a shipment of copper from a source that he thought would not betray him. That source was D'Anconia Copper. Henry told Francisco of the deal he had made, and Francisco dumbfounded him by acting horrified, exclaiming that he had warned Henry not to deal with D'Anconia Copper, and physically restraining himself from lifting the telephone in his hotel room. Francisco then begged Henry to remember one thing:{{cquote|I swear to you, by the woman I love, that I am your friend.}}

Henry Rearden did prepare to produce another order of Rearden Metal for Dagny Taggart. To do this, he arranged to have a shipment of copper from a source that he thought would not betray him. That source was D'Anconia Copper. Henry told Francisco of the deal he had made, and Francisco dumbfounded him by acting horrified, exclaiming that he had warned Henry not to deal with D'Anconia Copper, and physically restraining himself from lifting the telephone in his hotel room. Francisco then begged Henry to remember one thing:{{cquote|I swear to you, by the woman I love, that I am your friend.}}

The next day Henry Rearden understood the reason for Francisco's attitude, though that reason raised still another question. The shipment of copper, intended for Rearden Steel, never reached Henry's steel mill. The copper fleet was attacked by the notorious [[pirate]], [[Ragnar Danneskjold]], and sunk to the bottom of the [[Caribbean Sea]], to the last ship (though with all hands evacuated to lifeboats before the ships sank). How Francisco himself could have had anything to do with that, Henry would not learn until later—but at the time, he blamed Francisco for the loss without knowing whether he had good reason.

The next day Henry Rearden understood the reason for Francisco's attitude, though that reason raised still another question. The shipment of copper, intended for Rearden Steel, never reached Henry's steel mill. The copper fleet was attacked by the notorious [[pirate]], [[Ragnar Danneskjöld]], and sunk to the bottom of the [[Caribbean Sea]], to the last ship (though with all hands evacuated to lifeboats before the ships sank). How Francisco himself could have had anything to do with that, Henry would not learn until later—but at the time, he blamed Francisco for the loss without knowing whether he had good reason.

== Directive 10-289 ==

== Directive 10-289 ==

The government was not finished with Henry Rearden. The next atrocious measure to come from the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources was [[Directive 10-289]]. The principal part of that Directive was to attach everyone to their jobs, and to require every business to sell the same amount of goods year after year, no more, and no less. But the part most relevant to Rearden was that anyone who had invented anything spectacular would be asked to make a "voluntary" contribution of that invention to an "intellectual common"—i.e., place it in the [[public domain]]. (This is not quite the same thing as the "open source" movement in [[software]] design, because that is a genuinely voluntary program in which no government is involved—yet.)

The government was not finished with Henry Rearden. The next atrocious measure to come from the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources was [[Directive 10-289]]. The principal part of that Directive was to attach everyone to their jobs, and to require every business to sell the same amount of goods year after year, no more, and no less. But the part most relevant to Rearden was that anyone who had invented anything spectacular would be asked to make a "voluntary" contribution of that invention to an "intellectual common"—i.e., place it in the [[public domain]]. (This is not quite the same thing as the "open source" movement in [[software]] design, because that is a genuinely voluntary program in which no government is involved—yet.)

On the day that the Directive was published, Dagny called Henry and told him that she was quitting. She then gave Henry an address in the Berkshire Mountains where he could meet her, and the two could then disappear together. Henry knew that a Washington representative had made an appointment with him to discuss his signing away his rights to Rearden Metal, as provided for in Point Three of the Directive. Henry's plan was to deliver his refusal personally to the Washington man and then join Dagny.

On May 1, 2019, the day that the Directive was published, Dagny called Henry and told him that she was quitting. She then gave Henry instructions to contact her special assistant, Eddie Willers, for directions to a place where he could meet her, and the two could then disappear together. Henry knew that a Washington representative had made an appointment with him to discuss his signing away his rights to Rearden Metal, as provided for in Point Three of the Directive. Henry's plan was to deliver his refusal personally to the Washington man and then join Dagny.

Tony, the "Wet Nurse," frankly took alarm at the Directive. He urged Rearden not to sign any Gift Certificate, but could not state even to Rearden his grounds for his protest. His philosophy did not allow it. All Tony had was a deeply disquieting sensation that something was very wrong with the way the government was now operating.

Tony, the "Wet Nurse," frankly took alarm at the Directive. He urged Rearden not to sign any Gift Certificate, but could not state even to Rearden his grounds for his protest. His philosophy did not allow it. All Tony had was a deeply disquieting sensation that something was very wrong with the way the government was now operating.

The Washington man who came to see Rearden was [[Floyd Ferris]]. Ferris presented him with copies of hotel registers and other evidence of the driving trip that Henry and Dagny had made to Wisconsin the year before. He realized that someone had betrayed his affair to the governing authorities, and he knew exactly who had done the deed: it was his own wife, who at first had told him that he could have his affair as long as he continued to support her, but lately had demanded that he give it up when she found out that Dagny Taggart was his other woman. He had refused, and had thought that to be the end of it, until now he saw the evidence in the hands of the government. (And in fact, Floyd Ferris boasted that Lillian Rearden had been the informant.)

The Washington man who came to see Rearden, on May 15, 2019, was [[Floyd Ferris]]. Ferris presented him with copies of hotel registers and other evidence of the driving trip that Henry and Dagny had made to Wisconsin two years before. He realized that someone had betrayed his affair to the governing authorities, and he knew exactly who had done the deed: it was his own wife, who at first had told him that he could have his affair as long as he continued to support her, but lately had demanded that he give it up when she found out that Dagny Taggart was his other woman. He had refused, and had thought that to be the end of it, until now he saw the evidence in the hands of the government. (And in fact, Floyd Ferris boasted that Lillian Rearden had been the informant.)

Henry signed the release. That evening he went to see a [[divorce]] attorney and told him to initiate divorce proceedings as soon as possible, and in such a way as not to pay Lillian any [[alimony]]. But he did not join Dagny at her mountain retreat.

Henry signed the release. That evening he went to see a [[divorce]] attorney and told him to initiate divorce proceedings as soon as possible, and in such a way as not to pay Lillian any [[alimony]]. But he did not join Dagny at her mountain retreat.

== Ragnar Danneskjold ==

== Ragnar Danneskjold ==

One day later, he heard a rumor that Orren Boyle's Associated Steel company had tried to make their own heat of Rearden Metal in one of their factories on the coast of [[Maine]]. A disembodied voice claiming to be that of [[Ragnar Danneskjold]] gave Boyle's men ten minutes' warning to evacuate. Then a barrage of shellfire leveled the plant to the ground. Henry at first thought no more about it.

One day later, he heard a rumor that Orren Boyle's Associated Steel company had tried to make their own heat of Rearden Metal in one of their factories on the coast of [[Maine]]. A disembodied voice claiming to be that of [[Ragnar Danneskjöld]] gave Boyle's men ten minutes' warning to evacuate. Then a barrage of shellfire leveled the plant to the ground. Henry at first thought no more about it.

Then one night, as he was walking to his new home, a tall man appeared suddenly out of the shadows and asked to speak to him. He said that he was returning a small portion of what he called "the money that was taken from you [Henry] by force." He handed Henry a [[gold]] bar and asked him either to save the gold for the future, or spend it strictly on his own comfort and pleasure, so that the gold would not benefit anyone but him. He explained that what prompted him to give him the gold was the action of the government in forcing Henry to sign away his invention. And then he identified himself: he was none other than Ragnar Danneskjold.

Then one night, as he was walking to his new home, a tall man appeared suddenly out of the shadows and asked to speak to him. He said that he was returning a small portion of what he called "the money that was taken from you [Henry] by force." He handed Henry a [[gold]] bar and asked him either to save the gold for the future, or spend it strictly on his own comfort and pleasure, so that the gold would not benefit anyone but him. He explained that what prompted him to give him the gold was the action of the government in forcing Henry to sign away his invention. And then he identified himself: he was none other than Ragnar Danneskjöld.

Henry was shocked, of course. To him, Ragnar Danneskjold was a [[pirate]], no better than, say, the infamous [[Jean Lafitte]]. Danneskjold explained to him that he was after what he called "loot carriers," which were ships carrying "humanitarian" cargoes commissioned (or as Danneskjold saw it, bought with stolen money) by the Bureau of Global Relief. Danneskjold would sell these cargoes to smugglers, demand payment in gold, and deposit this gold in a bank that he identified as the Mulligan Bank. This puzzled Henry, because Henry knew that the Mulligan Bank of Chicago had been liquidated about eight years ago after the owner, Michael "Midas" Mulligan, had lost a lawsuit and been ordered to make a loan that he had earlier refused to make.

Henry was shocked, of course. To him, Ragnar Danneskjöld was a [[pirate]], no better than, say, the infamous [[Jean Lafitte]]. Danneskjöld explained to him that he was after what he called "loot carriers," which were ships carrying "humanitarian" cargoes commissioned (or as Danneskjöld saw it, bought with stolen money) by the Bureau of Global Relief. Danneskjöld would sell these cargoes to smugglers, demand payment in gold, and deposit this gold in a bank that he identified as the Mulligan Bank. This puzzled Henry, because Henry knew that the Mulligan Bank of Chicago had been liquidated about eight years ago after the owner, Michael "Midas" Mulligan, had lost a lawsuit and been ordered to make a loan that he had earlier refused to make.

In summary, the gold that Henry now held in his hand, was part of the proceeds of Ragnar Danneskjold's [[privateer]]ing activities. At first, Henry was inclined to refuse it. He said that if the time had now come that he could only be defended by a pirate, then he did not wish to be defended any longer.

In summary, the gold that Henry now held in his hand, was part of the proceeds of Ragnar Danneskjöld's [[privateer]]ing activities. At first, Henry was inclined to refuse it. He said that if the time had now come that he could only be defended by a pirate, then he did not wish to be defended any longer.

But when a highway-patrol cruiser pulled up to the two men, and the patrolmen asked Henry whether he was in any difficulty, Henry said that he wasn't, and identified Danneskjold as his bodyguard. But more to the point, Henry found out later that he had, instinctively and even unwittingly, placed his hand on the gun he carried in his shoulder holster, and had been quite prepared to draw it and use it on the patrolmen, had they attempted to arrest Danneskjold.

But when a highway-patrol cruiser pulled up to the two men, and the patrolmen asked Henry whether he was in any difficulty, Henry said that he wasn't, and identified Danneskjöld as his bodyguard. But more to the point, Henry found out later that he had, instinctively and even unwittingly, placed his hand on the gun he carried in his shoulder holster, and had been quite prepared to draw it and use it on the patrolmen, had they attempted to arrest Danneskjöld.

Danneskjold thanked Henry profusely and said that the two would meet again, and that sooner than the privateer had hoped. Then he vanished into the shadows. Henry picked up the gold bar, that he had dropped to the ground, and walked on.

Danneskjöld thanked Henry profusely and said that the two would meet again, and that sooner than the privateer had hoped. Then he vanished into the shadows. Henry picked up the gold bar, that he had dropped to the ground, and walked on.

== The confrontation with Francisco ==

== The confrontation with Francisco ==

== "Brother, you asked for it!" ==

== "Brother, you asked for it!" ==

On September 2 of that year, Francisco d'Anconia was in the news again, in an electrifying manner. The People's State of [[Chile]] had prepared a bill of [[nationalization]] for the whole of the D'Anconia Copper Company. But on the very day that the parliament was to convene, and indeed in perfect synchrony with the speaker's gavel, all of Francisco d'Anconia's remaining properties were blown up. Francisco d'Anconia himself had now vanished without a trace.

On September 2, 2019, Francisco d'Anconia was in the news again, in an electrifying manner. The People's State of [[Chile]] had prepared a bill of [[nationalization]] for the whole of the D'Anconia Copper Company. But on the very day that the parliament was to convene, and indeed in perfect synchrony with the speaker's gavel, all of Francisco d'Anconia's remaining properties were blown up. Francisco d'Anconia himself had now vanished without a trace.

Henry knew that the loss of the last reliable source of copper would now force him to obtain it by unlawful means in order to make Rearden Metal. (He was now running at capacity, after the Washington men told him that all the old restrictions on his output were of no moment.) But he still felt good about what Francisco d'Anconia had done. He and Dagny discussed this over dinner in the Wayne-Falkland Hotel, where Francisco had been accustomed to stay. On that occasion, Henry told Dagny that he had once met Ragnar Danneskjold. Dagny said that Danneskjold had told ''her'' about that meeting. Henry then observed, "Well. I have met one of their agents." Dagny then said that he had met two of them. That could only mean that the other agent was Francisco d'Anconia.

Henry knew that the loss of the last reliable source of copper would now force him to obtain it by unlawful means in order to make Rearden Metal. (He was now running at capacity, after the Washington men told him that all the old restrictions on his output were of no moment.) But he still felt good about what Francisco d'Anconia had done. He and Dagny discussed this over dinner in the Wayne-Falkland Hotel, where Francisco had been accustomed to stay. On that occasion, Henry told Dagny that he had once met Ragnar Danneskjold. Dagny said that Danneskjold had told ''her'' about that meeting. Henry then observed, "Well. I have met one of their agents." Dagny then said that he had met two of them. That could only mean that the other agent was Francisco d'Anconia.

== The job applications ==

== The job applications ==

On September 7, Rearden took a call from a Washington man (probably Tinky Holloway), telling him that Washington had granted him a certificate of "essential need" for the delivery of oil-based fuels. The only reason the Washington man gave for calling was that the State of California had slapped a surtax of fifty percent on all businesses, and all the California oil companies had folded on the strength of that.

On September 7, 2019, Rearden took a call from a Washington man (probably Tinky Holloway), telling him that Washington had granted him a certificate of "essential need" for the delivery of oil-based fuels. The only reason the Washington man gave for calling was that the State of California had slapped a surtax of fifty percent on all businesses, and all the California oil companies had folded on the strength of that.

That evening, Henry caught his brother Philip lurking in the mills. Philip startled Henry by applying to him for a job. Henry couldn't begin to understand why his brother, who knew nothing about the steel business, would want a job in Henry's mills. Philip acted as though he were in a position to demand a job from Henry. Naturally Henry refused. Nor was Henry impressed when Philip made a political threat against him.

That evening, Henry caught his brother Philip lurking in the mills. Philip startled Henry by applying to him for a job. Henry couldn't begin to understand why his brother, who knew nothing about the steel business, would want a job in Henry's mills. Philip acted as though he were in a position to demand a job from Henry. Naturally Henry refused. Nor was Henry impressed when Philip made a political threat against him.

== "Do something" ==

== "Do something" ==

On October 20, the steelworkers' union local of Rearden Steel demanded a raise in wages. But Henry found it out only from the newspapers. The union did not bother to go to Rearden; they made their demand to the Unification Board.

On October 20, 2019, the steelworkers' union local of Rearden Steel demanded a raise in wages. But Henry found it out only from the newspapers. The union did not bother to go to Rearden; they made their demand to the Unification Board.

On October 23, Henry heard that the Board had rejected the raise. Two days later a campaign of vilification of Rearden began in all the news organs. Editorialists kept harping on a "fear" of "an outbreak of violence." On October 28, and again on October 30, random acts of vandalism did occur in the mill.

On October 23, 2019, Henry heard that the Board had rejected the raise. Two days later a campaign of vilification of Rearden began in all the news organs. Editorialists kept harping on a "fear" of "an outbreak of violence." On October 28, and again on October 30, random acts of vandalism did occur in the mill.

On October 31, the [[Internal Revenue Service]] placed a lien on all of Henry's accounts, for the settlement of a [[tax]] debt that Henry knew that he did not actually owe. On November 1, Tinky Holloway called Rearden. He apologized profusely for the tax-lien mixup, and then said that Henry could "straighten it all out" by coming to meet Holloway and several other Washington men at the Wayne-Falkland Hotel in New York, on the evening of November 4. Henry agreed to the appointment, mostly out of morbid curiosity.

On October 31, 2019, the [[Internal Revenue Service]] placed a lien on all of Henry's accounts, for the settlement of a [[tax]] debt that Henry knew that he did not actually owe. On November 1, Tinky Holloway called Rearden. He apologized profusely for the tax-lien mixup, and then said that Henry could "straighten it all out" by coming to meet Holloway and several other Washington men at the Wayne-Falkland Hotel in New York, on the evening of November 4. Henry agreed to the appointment, mostly out of morbid curiosity.

On the morning of November 4, Henry received a summons to his old family home.  (He had moved out after Floyd Ferris had collected his signature on the patent release.) There, his mother, his now ex-wife, and brother were begging him to give his personal guarantee to pay their grocery bill. Henry asked them whether they would have him defraud the grocer into thinking that he actually owned the millions of dollars attributed to him, given that all his assets were under a tax lien.

On the morning of November 4, Henry received a summons to his old family home.  (He had moved out after Floyd Ferris had collected his signature on the patent release.) There, his mother, his now ex-wife, and brother were begging him to give his personal guarantee to pay their grocery bill. Henry asked them whether they would have him defraud the grocer into thinking that he actually owned the millions of dollars attributed to him, given that all his assets were under a tax lien.

The mills superintendent assured Henry that the rioters were beaten and on the run, and told his side of how the riots had started. It was much as Henry could have expected from Tony's account. But the superintendent provided a further detail: that their new furnace foreman, one Frank Adams, who had started working for Rearden Steel back in September, had organized the defense of the plant and had been the man who rescued Rearden from the violent rioters.

The mills superintendent assured Henry that the rioters were beaten and on the run, and told his side of how the riots had started. It was much as Henry could have expected from Tony's account. But the superintendent provided a further detail: that their new furnace foreman, one Frank Adams, who had started working for Rearden Steel back in September, had organized the defense of the plant and had been the man who rescued Rearden from the violent rioters.

Henry asked to be left alone in his office. He now had many things to think about, including his family, the Washington officials with their "unification" plans, and now the riot. He was now ready to give up his steel company, because in no sense could he say that he owned it any longer.

Henry asked to be left alone in his office. He now had many things to think about, including his family, the Washington officials with their "unification" plans, and now the riot. He was now ready to give up his steel company, because the very meaning of his mills had ceased to exist.

At that moment, a man knocked on his door. Henry told him to enter. The door opened, and Henry saw a man whom he recognized as the new furnace foreman. That man was in fact Francisco d'Anconia.

At that moment, a man knocked on his door. Henry told him to enter. The door opened, and Henry saw a man whom he recognized as the new furnace foreman. That man was in fact Francisco d'Anconia.

The two men talked for about an hour, during which Francisco told Henry the details of the great strike, and the man who led it.

The two men talked for about an hour, during which Francisco told Henry the details of the great strike, and the man who led it.

=== Taking leave ===

=== Taking leave ===

One can infer the details of Henry Rearden's leavetaking only from later accounts. With the aid of another of his recent hires—actually one of Francisco d'Anconia's men—Henry went back to his apartment, packed a valise, and cleaned out his safe. The only thing of real value that he had was, of course, the gold bar that Ragnar Danneskjold had handed him. Francisco probably assured him that that was all that he would need, but in any event Ragnar Danneskjold had already told him that he had an account in Midas Mulligan's bank, located in the secret community that Dagny had visited, and that this account held an amount of money equal to his [[income tax]] payments for the previous twelve years.

One can infer the details of Henry Rearden's leavetaking only from later accounts. With the aid of another of his recent hires—actually one of Francisco d'Anconia's men—Henry went back to his apartment, packed a valise, and cleaned out his safe. The only thing of real value that he had was, of course, the gold bar that Ragnar Danneskjöld had handed him. Francisco probably assured him that that was all that he would need, but in any event Ragnar Danneskjöld had already told him that he had an account in Midas Mulligan's bank, located in the secret community that Dagny had visited, and that this account held an amount of money equal to his [[income tax]] payments for the previous twelve years.

Henry was, of course, in no shape to drive. Francisco knew that. So Francisco's assistant drove Rearden in his automobile to the Reading Airport, where he kept his aircraft. John Galt himself greeted him there and announced that he would be Rearden's pilot for a long night flight. When Henry met Galt for the first time, he had two words to say:{{cquote|Thank you.}}

Henry was, of course, in no shape to drive. Francisco knew that. So Francisco's assistant drove Rearden in his automobile to the Reading Airport, where he kept his aircraft. John Galt himself greeted him there and announced that he would be Rearden's pilot for a long night flight. When Henry met Galt for the first time, he had two words to say:{{cquote|Thank you.}}

Rearden was no doubt surprised, but only for a moment, to find Galt flying toward the very mountains where Dagny had disappeared last summer. Galt then headed for that same weird valley, the one that receded as the plane got close. And then Rearden saw something that staggered his imagination: after Galt made a brief radio call, the craggy valley ''disappeared,'' revealing the lights of a thriving village and what were obvious landing lights of a single runway. So instead of a crash landing, Galt piloted them to a very safe landing. No doubt Rearden observed that if ''this'' was an example of what John Galt's physics could do, he would gladly have paid a hundred dollars to take his lecture course.

Rearden was no doubt surprised, but only for a moment, to find Galt flying toward the very mountains where Dagny had disappeared last summer. Galt then headed for that same weird valley, the one that receded as the plane got close. And then Rearden saw something that staggered his imagination: after Galt made a brief radio call, the craggy valley ''disappeared,'' revealing the lights of a thriving village and what were obvious landing lights of a single runway. So instead of a crash landing, Galt piloted them to a very safe landing. No doubt Rearden observed that if ''this'' was an example of what John Galt's physics could do, he would gladly have paid a hundred dollars to take his lecture course.

Rearden no doubt asked the obvious question, "What is this place?" To which Galt probably replied, "That depends on whom you ask. I call it Mulligan's Valley. Most of the residents here call it [[Galt's Gulch]]. A mutual acquaintance of ours, who is still in the outer world, calls it Atlantis—I think Francisco suggested that name without knowing it. But the important thing is that you may now call it home."

Rearden no doubt asked the obvious question, "What is this place?" (He might or might not have remembered the old tourist-trap town of Ouray, Colorado, that had gone bust for the second time in its history early in the twenty-first century.) To which Galt probably replied, "That depends on whom you ask. I call it Mulligan's Valley. Most of the residents here call it [[Galt's Gulch]]. A mutual acquaintance of ours, who is still in the outer world, calls it Atlantis—I think Francisco suggested that name without knowing it. But the important thing is that you may now call it home."

Rearden spent his first night in a room in Galt's small cabin in the valley, a room that Galt, with no trace of irony, called "the torture chamber," or "the anteroom." Cryptic messages and signatures covered its walls. Rearden recognized nearly all of them: [[Ellis Wyatt]], [[Ken Danagger]], [[Lawrence Hammond]], and many others. When Rearden woke up next morning, he likely planned to leave no message of his own—but would have wanted to leave one anyway. Its likely content: "Free at last."

Rearden spent his first night in a room in Galt's small cabin in the valley, a room that Galt, with no trace of irony, called "the torture chamber," or "the anteroom." Cryptic messages and signatures covered its walls. Rearden recognized nearly all of them: [[Ellis Wyatt]], [[Ken Danagger]], [[Lawrence Hammond]], and many others. When Rearden woke up next morning, he likely planned to leave no message of his own—but would have wanted to leave one anyway. Its likely content: "Free at last."

Henry spent half that evening taking orders for Rearden Metal from [[Ellis Wyatt]], Stockton, [[Lawrence Hammond]], and many others. He planned to settle his employees (those who had followed him) in the valley, a process that involved building individual houses for them all. (Galt's Gulch did not have a dedicated homebuilder, but the Rearden workforce could probably build houses for themselves readily enough.) Then he plunged into an effort to rebuild Rearden Steel, knowing that his old plant was now shut down and would soon be in no condition to operate, with government men to try to run it. His estimate of Galt's physics proved correct; the John Galt lecture course proved to be the best practical education he had ever had.

Henry spent half that evening taking orders for Rearden Metal from [[Ellis Wyatt]], Stockton, [[Lawrence Hammond]], and many others. He planned to settle his employees (those who had followed him) in the valley, a process that involved building individual houses for them all. (Galt's Gulch did not have a dedicated homebuilder, but the Rearden workforce could probably build houses for themselves readily enough.) Then he plunged into an effort to rebuild Rearden Steel, knowing that his old plant was now shut down and would soon be in no condition to operate, with government men to try to run it. His estimate of Galt's physics proved correct; the John Galt lecture course proved to be the best practical education he had ever had.

Rearden had his own house built within a week. The first person to call on him, for a highly informal "housewarming," was Ragnar Danneskjold. He arrived on or about November 12, with his last cargo of gold. He reminded Rearden of the last time they had met. Ragnar was furious to learn that Rearden had suffered an injury on the night of his evacuation. Rearden sardonically reminded Ragnar of the risks that Ragnar himself had taken on his and many other men's behalf for twelve years.

Rearden had his own house built within a week. The first person to call on him, for a highly informal "housewarming," was Ragnar Danneskjöld. He arrived on or about November 12, with his last cargo of gold. He reminded Rearden of the last time they had met. Ragnar was furious to learn that Rearden had suffered an injury on the night of his evacuation. Rearden sardonically reminded Ragnar of the risks that Ragnar himself had taken on his and many other men's behalf for twelve years.

But Ragnar also brought a piece of intelligence that would be of immense consequence to the valley residents: [[Mr. Thompson]] was planning to make a speech to the country on "the world crisis" on November 22.

But Ragnar also brought a piece of intelligence that would be of immense consequence to the valley residents: [[Mr. Thompson]] was planning to make a speech to the country on "the world crisis" on November 22, 2019.

== The decline and shutdown of Rearden Steel ==

== The decline and shutdown of Rearden Steel ==

The next manager came from the Cuffy Meigs faction. He demanded discipline at the point of a gun. And then, weeks later, he vanished to an undisclosed location. The government auditors found that he had sold most of the cranes, the conveyors, the supplies of refractory brick, the emergency generator, and the carpet from Rearden's old office to various racketeers in [[Europe]] and Latin America.

The next manager came from the Cuffy Meigs faction. He demanded discipline at the point of a gun. And then, weeks later, he vanished to an undisclosed location. The government auditors found that he had sold most of the cranes, the conveyors, the supplies of refractory brick, the emergency generator, and the carpet from Rearden's old office to various racketeers in [[Europe]] and Latin America.

After that, discipline broke down completely. Older workers and newer workers would fight one another over trivial causes. And then, on the night of January 22, some worker, whose name is unrecorded, set fire to a building and declared that he did it "to avenge Hank Rearden."

After that, discipline broke down completely. Older workers and newer workers would fight one another over trivial causes. And then, on the night of January 22, 2020 some worker, whose name is unrecorded, set fire to a building and declared that he did it "to avenge Hank Rearden."

== The rebirth of Rearden Steel ==

== The rebirth of Rearden Steel ==

Came November 22, and Mr. Thompson did not make any speech. John Galt did. For three hours, on voice only, Galt explained the strike and the philosophy behind it.

Came November 22, and Mr. Thompson did not make any speech. John Galt did. For three hours, on voice only, Galt explained the strike and the philosophy behind it.

The next day, Galt left the valley for New York City. Francisco d'Anconia and Ragnar Danneskjold tried to talk him out of it, but to no avail. Rearden knew better than to try. He knew why Galt was going back to the outer world: Dagny.

The next day, Galt left the valley for New York City. Francisco d'Anconia and Ragnar Danneskjöld tried to talk him out of it, but to no avail. Rearden knew better than to try. He knew why Galt was going back to the outer world: Dagny.

Months passed with no news, except for the steady gazette of news about the decline of Rearden Steel, and the fire that closed it for good on January 22. Then, in the middle of February, John Galt was arrested. Somehow Dagny had been involved. Henry was probably not inclined to believe that Dagny would deliberately betray John Galt to the authorities. Surely she was acting at Galt's own suggestion, so that she would not come to harm. (Henry would probably hear the truth of the matter from Galt himself later on.)

Months passed with no news, except for the steady gazette of news about the decline of Rearden Steel, and the fire that closed it for good on January 22. Then, on February 22, John Galt was arrested. Somehow Dagny had been involved. Henry was probably not inclined to believe that Dagny would deliberately betray John Galt to the authorities. Surely she was acting at Galt's own suggestion, so that she would not come to harm. (Henry would probably hear the truth of the matter from Galt himself later on.)

The news of Galt's arrest electrified, astounded, and angered every man in the valley. By now, [[Ragnar Danneskjold]] had hidden his old pirate vessel and had mustered out his crew to build their own homes in the valley. Now, Danneskjold organized a militia to attempt to rescue Galt. The valley had planes enough to transport half the men, and so Danneskjold took off for New York City with a sizeable air force, and half the male population of the valley as commandoes. Hank Rearden served as Danneskjold's aide, while Francisco served as his "G-2," or chief of intelligence.

The news of Galt's arrest electrified, astounded, and angered every man in the valley. By now, [[Ragnar Danneskjöld]] had hidden his old pirate vessel and had mustered out his crew to build their own homes in the valley. Now, Danneskjöld organized a militia to attempt to rescue Galt. The valley had planes enough to transport half the men, and so Danneskjöld took off for New York City with a sizeable air force, and half the male population of the valley as commandoes. Hank Rearden served as Danneskjöld's aide, while Francisco served as his "G-2," or chief of intelligence.

On Danneskjold's orders, the militia thoroughly invested Manhattan Island and took up stations and billets surrounding the Wayne-Falkland Hotel. Everyone knew that the authorities were holding John Galt there. But they did not storm the hotel, for fear that the authorities would kill Galt before they could get close.

On Danneskjöld's orders, the militia thoroughly invested Manhattan Island and took up stations and billets surrounding the Wayne-Falkland Hotel. Everyone knew that the authorities were holding John Galt there. But they did not storm the hotel, for fear that the authorities would kill Galt before they could get close.

When the authorities announced the drafting of "The John Galt Plan for Peace and Prosperity," Francisco guessed that the time would soon come for them to make their move. He had reached Dagny and instructed her to watch the men now holding Galt and to call Francisco at once if anything threatened him.

When the authorities announced the drafting of "The John Galt Plan for Peace and Prosperity," Francisco guessed that the time would soon come for them to make their move. He had reached Dagny and instructed her to watch the men now holding Galt and to call Francisco at once if anything threatened him.

That news caused a panic throughout the city of New York, in which residents fled the city with all their belongings lashed to their automobile roofs. In the middle of this panic, Francisco picked Dagny up, and she, Francisco, Rearden, and Danneskjold got away in Francisco's aircraft.

That news caused a panic throughout the city of New York, in which residents fled the city with all their belongings lashed to their automobile roofs. In the middle of this panic, Francisco picked Dagny up, and she, Francisco, Rearden, and Danneskjold got away in Francisco's aircraft.

The council of war that the Galt's Gulch Committee of Safety (now consisting of Dagny Taggart, Francisco d'Anconia, Ragnar Danneskjold, and Henry Rearden) now held was tense. An assault on the State Science Institute would be easier, but not by much, than an assault on the Wayne-Falkland would have been. In the end, the Committee decided to go in as a four-person spearhead and attempt the rescue alone. Danneskjold ordered his infantry to stay behind in reserve. He placed Ellis Wyatt in command, with orders to post guards throughout the trees that surrounded the Institute campus, and to storm the building that housed "Project F" if the four did not make it out. Then the four went in to attempt the rescue.

The council of war that the Galt's Gulch Committee of Safety (now consisting of Dagny Taggart, Francisco d'Anconia, Ragnar Danneskjöld, and Henry Rearden) now held was tense. An assault on the State Science Institute would be easier, but not by much, than an assault on the Wayne-Falkland would have been. In the end, the Committee decided to go in as a four-person spearhead and attempt the rescue alone. Danneskjold ordered his infantry to stay behind in reserve. He placed Ellis Wyatt in command, with orders to post guards throughout the trees that surrounded the Institute campus, and to storm the building that housed "Project F" if the four did not make it out. Then the four went in to attempt the rescue.

 

 

 

Now Rearden walked up the stairwell to the middle door to the largest of the laboratories on the top floor. He knew he was taking his life in his hands by confronting nine armed guards. But the specimens he and the others had dealt with were not made of very stern stuff, so he was confident that he could handle them, with his three friends to help him. And so he entered the laboratory and bluffed the guards with a tale that John Galt had "made a deal" to "bring us all back." But the guards called his bluff, and the chief of the guards shot him in the arm. Fortunately, the wound was not serious—and then Francisco burst in at the door to his left, to shoot the chief in the arm. Another guard dropped his weapon and tried to flee out the third door, only to run into Dagny. The angry chief had the bad sense to seize a gun with his left hand and fire another round—whereupon Ragnar Danneskjöld literally crashed through the window and shot dead the first guard at whom he could take aim. Ragnar's name was sufficient; one of the chief's own men shot the chief dead, and the others surrendered.

They got in with surprising ease. Henry Rearden was in fact the only casualty; he suffered a flesh wound. But of the sixteen-member garrison, the rescuers killed five and incapacitated the rest. They released Galt from the electroshock device to which the government men had strapped him, and hustled him out as fast as they could move (though Danneskjold took time to destroy the torture apparatus). They took off and headed back to the valley for the last time.

In all, five guards met their deaths. Then the four rescuers raced down a flight of stairs leading to the cellar, where the real "business" of Project F took place: the torture. They discovered Galt in that room, bound to a mattress and helpless, but none the worse for wear. They released him from the electroshock device and hustled him out as fast as they could move (though Danneskjöld took time to destroy the torture apparatus). They took off and headed back to the valley for the last time. Shortly after take-off, Galt and Rearden repeated, faithfully in reverse, the "thank-you" dialogue they had engaged in the year before.

== Final unraveling ==

== Final unraveling ==

As the aircraft carrying Henry, Dagny, Francisco, and John Galt, with Ragnar Danneskjold in the cockpit, overflew the New York region, the entire Eastern Seaboard was blacked out. Power had failed, and Henry and the others realized that the society of the "looters" had finally collapsed.

As the aircraft carrying Henry, Dagny, Francisco, and John Galt, with Ragnar Danneskjöld in the cockpit, overflew the New York region, the entire Eastern Seaboard was blacked out. Power had failed, and Henry and the others realized that the society of the "looters" had finally collapsed.

Now Henry could concentrate on building the New Rearden Steel. Almost at once he received an order of rail made of Rearden Metal, and a further order of Rearden Metal to build a frame for the first electrostatic [[locomotive]] designed and built by John Galt. And so Francisco d'Anconia would now be able to ship his copper ore to the valley floor on a narrow-gauge railroad that became the New Taggart Transcontinental.

Now Henry could concentrate on building the New Rearden Steel. Almost at once he received an order of rail made of Rearden Metal, and a further order of Rearden Metal to build a frame for the first electrostatic [[locomotive]] designed and built by John Galt. And so Francisco d'Anconia would now be able to ship his copper ore to the valley floor on a narrow-gauge railroad that became the New Taggart Transcontinental.

With the arrival of springtime, John Galt announced that the strike was effectively settled, because the outside society was no longer effective. Henry Rearden now made plans to re-establish Rearden Steel on the outside and to supply rail for the first railroad between New York City and [[Philadelphia]].

Springtime comes late to the Uncompahgre River valley where Galt's Gulch is located. Upon its arrival, John Galt announced that the strike was effectively settled, because the outside society was no longer effective. Henry Rearden now made plans to re-establish Rearden Steel on the outside and to supply rail for the first railroad between New York City and [[Philadelphia]].

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