[whodathunkit]

Hank is visited by a paramilitary...

...Hank won’t provide that answer and refuses to sell anything to the Institute for any purpose. The paramilitary explains that Hank must obey the law; Hank tells him to arrest him and steal whatever he wants...

So we finally have someone challenging powers that be. Contrast this with the scene where Hank stood up to his mother and her demand to provide employment to his brother.

Hank tells the paramilitary-

"Don't try to send me payment- I won't accept it... ... you have the guns to seize it, go ahead."

At this point I find it important to understand what 'police power' is (it may not be what you assume) and how it is being applied to Rearden. He seems to understand that he can't stop what is happening as he did with his mothers demands.

[Publius]

The police power arrayed against Rearden is pretty much absolute due to the constant state of emergency. But the government fears a negative reaction from the public and seeks the sanction of the victim before making its move. The victim must agree that he deserves to be punished.

It's as much about morality as it is about power. That's Rand's genius.

[woodnboats]

...Hank won’t provide that answer and refuses to sell anything to the Institute for any purpose. The paramilitary explains that Hank must obey the law; Hank tells him to arrest him and steal whatever he wants... Reminds me of Mary Richards' job inteview with Lou Grant: she tells him he's not permitted to ask her age, and he replies, "Wanna call a cop?" Funny, but poignant, especially in the mouth of ultra-lib Ed Asner.