First appeared in Playboy. Reprinted by the editors of Playboy. Jack Dann, and Gardner Dozois.
Summary:
Dr. Grew is headed to a conference to speak, but ends up in a conversation with two other bright minds about Grew's theory that people could become several times more productive if they could get rid of the obstacles that arise when people become more productive--things like conferences themselves.
Studying this material overnight, Larry Resnick dies, having fallen from the balcony.
Discussion and Analysis with Spoilers:
Presumably this idea was spawned by Fred Hoyle, astronomer and SF writer, who presumably said the universe conspires against human productivity.
Pohl makes the conspiracy literal, as opposed to figurative or jocular version that Hoyle proposes.
What makes the story compelling is its ambiguity. We are probably meant to think that it is the universe conspiring against us. But it is also possible (even more probable) that we ourselves are responsible. But a third, sinister possibility exists that the person who hired Grew is the person who murdered Larry Resnick and is trapping Dr. Grew in a position that keeps him from accomplishing much in the field. And they would also be the recipients of other researchers in the field. These other possibilities make it a more fascinating story.
The name Grew suggests not only growth (perhaps former growth) but also a shiver/shudder due to fear or cold.
Lazlo brings to mind Victor Lazlo of Casablanca, who is both a friend and an enemy. Ramos suggests branches.
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