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Geothermal Heating

The initial presentation of Professor Robin's theory of geothermal heating met with some skepticism from the Fourth Estate.

Columnist Lily of the Organza Chronicle: "stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

The Times, as expected, was more urbane: "Professor Robin's radical Theory of Geothermal Heat has no more foundation than a mousse."

The scientific community was no more receptive.

Robin was thrown out of the premier societies and pointedly ignored at the icebreakers that open all major meetings. The last straw came when Professor Philip, Chair of the Earth Science Department, had this to say: "Robin, do you mean to tell me that you think the interior is a greater source of heat than the sun?! Poppycock! The Theory of Solar Heat is the central doctrine of thermodynamics. It enjoys almost universal support and its predictions have been proven right countless times."

Naturally, the gauntlet had to be taken up. After all, the matter involved considerations beyond mere science.

*

Robin stopped to mop his brow. The drilling was going well, and they should penetrate the base of the crust today. If his theory was correct, they would soon bring up samples of the hot mantle.

A shadow interposed itself between him and the sun. It was Cynthia's parasol. "Robin," she said, "on a day like today it is difficult to believe that heat comes from within rather than above."

"Dearest Cynthia," he replied, "I have never claimed that we are provided with no radiant heat..." he swallowed. "I wish you would not tease about such things, given the attitude your father has displayed towards my suggestion of an alliance between us."

With an expression of contrition she stood on tiptoe to kiss his forehead. "You know I have never doubted the brilliance of your theories. And I would love you anyway, even if you were quite wrong about all of them."

Prof. Michael strolled up, hands in pockets. “Ready for the radiance of fact to shrivel your hypothesis like a raisin?”

"Au contraire!" Robin retorted hotly, but he was interrupted by a shout from the driller:

"New sample -- it looks different!" They hurried over to the rig. The newest core barrel lay on the plank table, having just been sawn open. Steam rose from the core.

"Lighter color, more porosity... what are those dark blobs I wonder," Robin mused.

Cynthia reached over and plucked one out. She popped it in her mouth. “Mmm, blueberry.” She licked her lips appreciatively.

"Observe the steam, Michael." Robin gestured towards the core. "Clearly the temperature of the interior is much greater than that here on the surface. You have the unenviable pleasure of witnessing my vindication!"

Professor Michael gave a short laugh. "Vindication? You have proved yourself wrong. Although I have to admit some chagrin myself, as a proponent of the notion of solar heating. The Bakists were right after all -- the ultimate source of heat clearly was the Oven."