" Perry Rhodan 0012 - (06) The Secret of The Time Vault" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

end. 'Reg, order one fighter squadron to take off and go on ahead. The
Topides don't need to know where we're going to land. I want to conceal the
position of the Stardust II.' 'Where's the ship supposed to touch down?'
asked Bell, after he had carried out Rhodan's command and had passed on the
instructions to Deringhouse. 'On Iridul?' 'No. On Rofus. It's a better base
of operations. I also believe that the danger is greatest for the ninth
planet.' 'Why don't we attack Ferrol directly? We can certainly risk it now
with the Stardust II, don't you think?' 'I have my reasons for not doing it
that way. No sense in establishing our rule by an unnecessary show of
violence. I'll be satisfied when the Topidian lizards scurry off
helter-skelter, convinced that it's useless to offer resistance against us. I
want them to be panic-stricken whenever they think back to their adventure in
the Vega system.' While the small, easily manageable space-fighters left
their hangars and hurried ahead of the giant sphere, flying in close
formation, Haggard and Marshall came aboard the Stardust II. Their Ferronian
allies remained on Iridul for the time being. Rhodan extended a cordial
greeting to his friends. 'I'm anxious to hear further details from you now,'
he said after the first excitement of the reunion had died down somewhat.
'Your radio message was very brief. What happened?' 'Not very much until now,
but the Thort grew restless. He felt deserted, even betrayed. But then I
managed to regain his confidence and he followed my suggestions and assembled
a small battle fleet. With it he succeeded at least to beat off a slight
attack of the Topides that was probably intended to test the Ferrons' strength
and resistance on Rofus. Still, it was quite a morale booster for the Ferrons,
even if it wasn't much of a victory. I'm afraid, however, if ever the Topides
should make any serious attempt тАж' 'It must never come to that,' interrupted
Rhodan. 'The lizards will soon find out that we've returned. Our fighter
squadron received orders to carry out diversionary actions, so that we can
land on Rofus without interference. Do you know if they have an underground
hangar there big enough to shelter the Stardust II?, 'I would think so,'
answered Marshall. 'But - are we going to hide out again? I had hoped we'd let
those reptiles know who's master here.' 'You bet your life we will.' Rhodan
smiled, then glanced quickly in Bell's direction. 'Why do you think we brought
along our mutant corps? Though our friend Reg isn't one of them, he still has
some surprises up his sleeve. Under his guidance our mutants will make life so
unpleasant for the Topides that they'd rather roast in hell than stay here any
longer. Or maybe they'd even prefer freezing to death in deep space.' 'I'm
going to-' began Bell enthusiastically, but Rhodan cut him short. 'Hold your
horses, old pal. Let's wait till we've landed safely on Rofus, then we'll
discuss this matter further. Right now concentrate on evading the Topides.
Watch those detection finders!' 'I won't miss a thing, not even spacebugs,'
kidded Reg, and turned away to devote himself to his task of surveillance. He
no longer paid any attention to Rhodan and Marshall, who resumed their
discussion. 'Any further news?' 'Not really, Rhodan. Except for one thing
that worries me. I shouldn't say "worry", to be honest, but rather that it
makes me wonder.' 'What is it?' 'The Thort,' said Marshall slowly. 'I've
talked a great deal with him and had plenty of opportunity to probe his
thoughts. He's honest, that's true. And he's even grateful for our help. But
there's one area that he's kept secret from us. It has something to do with
the matter transmitter.' 'Hm, murmured Rhodan. 'What's he trying to conceal