" Perry Rhodan 0043 - (35) Beware the Microbots" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

constant altitude of 100,000 feet and changed the course as they circled above the planet. The measuring
instruments were designed to record everything without requiring their attendance.

In his morose mood Chaney questioned the wisdom of sending him on this mission that could have been
carried out in an unmanned flight by remote-controlled steering, forgetting that the synchromatic was
incapable of conducting such difficult operations as air battles.

On the other hand this was understandable. In the two hours the flight had already lasted the instruments
registered not even a settlement of the natives let alone the base of an opponent who could have fighter
planes at his disposal.



****



"Damn it, just when IтАЩm beginning to think we get some light, the sun goes down!" Sgt. OтАЩKeefe
narrowed his eyes and stared at the pilot screen where the walls of the valley retreated to both sides and
a high plain spreading out before them was barely visible.

In the background to the right the murky red circle of the sun Thatrel had already half-disappeared
below the horizon.

It was the turn of the carplane in which Lt. Tifflor rode to maintain communications with theTitan . It
was steered by OтАЩKeefe, who lamented the fading light.

"WeтАЩre approaching an unobstructed mountain plain," Tiff reported to the officer on duty. "Request
instructions whether to continue the search during the night."

"The Chief said no," the officer replied. "YouтАЩre to stop at a safe place and wait till dawn."

"Very well, sir!"

Tiff considered it inadvisable to leave the valley. He made OтАЩKeefe move the vehicle to the southern
wall of the valley and take cover beneath the cliffs. The other vehicles followed his lead.

Watches were set up. The hum of the antigrav-motors faded and calm spread inside the carplanes.

Julian Tifflor had picked one of the intermediate watches. Contrary to his custom he was wide-awake
when his predecessor called him to change watches. "Anything unusual?" he whispered.

"No, sir. All quiet."

Tiff slid down from the seat on which he had stretched out and made room for the first guard. He went
up front to the pilot seat and slouched in its soft contours.

The observation screen showed the exit of the mountain valley in the bright shine of the countless stars
radiating from the enormous globular cluster. The light was better than on a night with the full moon
shining on Earth. Tiff was able to see clearly at least 600 feet away.