"But why not take over? I mean, way back in the first place, before secrecy? I mean, obviously I'm not suggesting it, it just..." It doesn't make sense to Howard that people wouldn't make the worst of a situation. Wouldn't do the greedy, evil thing. "I just don't get it."

Howard bites his lip and glances at the pie. "If you don't mind giving them to me, they could be useful someday. Could be handy if we're ever in need of appetite suppressants." Or to jack up the metabolism of someone competitor in starving times.