Before Kraft left, Darren Cross tried to persuade him to stay and discuss shrinking technology, but Kraft brushed him off with a random excuse.
Then, just as he stepped out of Pym Technologies, Hank Pym stopped him. "Please wait, Kraft. There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"If it's about shrinking technology, I don't think we have anything to discuss."
Kraft frowned, thinking the old man had come to bring up some patent issue.
"My World Enlarger uses technology completely different from pym particles."
"Of course. I know."
To his surprise, Hank Pym had no intention of making a bogus claim against him. After first making his goodwill clear, he explained his intentions to Kraft.
"Your technology is more stable than my pym particles. Without a special suit to accompany their use, pym particles can have serious effects on the human body. That's why I shelved the technology."
"Stable, huh..."
Hank Pym's praise made Kraft rub his nose awkwardly.
When it came to stability, gnome tech wasn't actually much better.
"So what did you want to discuss with me, Dr. Pym?"
The two talked as they walked.
"I simply hope you won't accept Cross's invitation to help him research pym particles. Believe me, it won't do anyone any good."
"I wasn't interested in the first place." Kraft shrugged, then pointed out, "But if Dr. Cross dared to hold a presentation ahead of time, I think that means he's close to solving the problem, even if he hasn't completely cracked it yet. So whether I help him shouldn't make much difference, right?"
Hank Pym understood that perfectly well. He didn't even think Kraft could really help Darren Cross solve the problem with pym particles any faster. He was merely taking precautions, trying to minimize the risk of any unexpected developments.