" Perry Rhodan 0063 - (55) The Micro-Techs" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

guests. Did you come on behalf of the RegentтАж?"

This was the first probing question. Rhodan replied via the translator, which had clearly transmitted the
words of the Swoon. "The Regent presents his compliments to the esteemed Swoons. The Imperium is
happy to count the Swoons among its best friends."

The Swoons swallowed the flattery with the naturalness that was characteristic for them in this respect.
The yellow face in front of Rhodan beamed. "We do no more than our duty if we put our valuable
services at the disposal of a common cause," the little fellow assured him, full of pride and
self-confidence. "Perhaps the Imperium has another bid for us. WeтАЩll be glad to give it our usual
attentionтАж"

"The reason for our visit is rather unpleasant," Rhodan interrupted the speaker. "WeтАЩre in pursuit of an
enemy of the Imperium. Our information indicates that he fled to Swoofon. Furthermore this world is
threatened by an invasion against which there is no defence unless we succeed in finding a new weapon.
IтАЩd like to speak to the government chief of Swoofon."

"There are many of those," came the surprising answer. "Unfortunately our nations and tribes have not
yet been able to agree on who is, worthy of speaking for all of us. Our negotiations for unificationтАж"

The same old story, Rhodan thought. The Swoons had not yet mastered space travel nor ventured on
expansion into the Galaxy. They lived for their work, traded with the Springers and the other races of the
Imperium, earned a lot of money and refrained from interfering in foreign policy.

"тАжand therefore we must ask your indulgence and to confer with the representatives of Swoofon. We
speak for 10 million Swoons."

"Very well. Then I must ask you to cooperate with my instructions. All ships on the spaceport of
Swatran are forbidden to leave unless we give our permission to do so. Furthermore, I wish to talk to the
Arkonide Administrator. His residence is in Swatran, if IтАЩm not mistaken."

"It was until today," the little Swoon explained. "Unfortunately he suddenly departed when you
appeared. We wanted to consult with him because we were anxious to learn the reasons for the arrival of
an Arkonide fleet but he was gone from his office and nobody seems to know where he is."

This was very interesting news. What was ArkonтАЩs deputy on Swoofon afraid of that he took it on the
lam? Did he make any unsavoury deals with the Springers to line his own pockets? Did he fear an
exposure by him, Rhodan?

Meanwhile Bell sat down on the ground. Several Swoons sauntered around his legs and studied him with
bold curiosity. He could have swept them aside with one move of his hand. However when he looked
into their droll faces he was almost touched by compassion. He admired their finely shaped fingers which
extruded from the ends of their arms without transition. The little creatures really looked like ripe
cucumbers that had suddenly sprung to life. Bell felt as though he were living in a fairyland where he had
to play the role of a good giant.

Pucky experienced very similar emotions. He sat on the ground and probed the thoughts of the Swoons
surrounding him. He drew their special attention and fondness. As far as Pucky could make out, they
considered him to be a pet of the Arkonides but he didnтАЩt resent it in the least because he liked and
respected animals no less than humans.