" Perry Rhodan 0067 - (59) Interlude on Siliko 5" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

THORA

KIDNAPPED

1/ APPREHENSION



THE 11th HOUR.

1 minute before they were 83 space cadets.

1 minute afterтАФ?

The 83 young aspirants to acceptance as officers were scarcely calm and collected. Yet the closer time
marched to the hour of 11, the more uniform their collective expression became: each strove to suppress
the least outward sign of inner excitement and attempted to project instead the picture of self-composure
and confidence.

In moments, in accordance to the roster and schedule of the Solar EmpireтАЩs Space Academy, the 83
cadets, who averaged 21 years of age, were to enter the тАШGreat HallтАЩ. Here they would receive from the
AcademyтАЩs commanding officer their commissions as lieutenants in the SpacefleetтАФor else be assigned
to a 1-year cram course to prepare for a reexamination.

The hour following 11 oтАЩclock would be an important milestone in their lives. For many of the cadets it
would be a decisive moment for from then on their destiny would be one continuous active mission after
another.

The 11th hour struck.

83 cadets drew themselves up to their finest posture and bearing.

The C.O. was punctual. The large folding door behind the podium rolled back and the Chief of the
Academy entered The Hall accompanied by his staff.

Maj. Wals announced the C.O. to the cadets. The Chief acknowledged the introduction curtly. His
word of thanks sounded completely impersonal. He took 1 step forward ahead of his officers and swept
the anxious men with a single all-encompassing glance. He knew each individual not only by name but
training record, moral qualifications and special accomplishments. During the period of their instruction he
had not only been their Chief, he had striven to observe each man according to his talents and abilities in
order to have him fit in exactly the right place in the spacefleet.

The interstellar fleet demanded men who could inspire 20 or 30 crewmen with their leadership and
insure that they would fulfil their duty to their utmost in the face of the most difficult action.

The chronometer in the Great Hall indicated 11:01 when the Chief began his address. He was not too
fond of words. Dispensing with roll call, he announced only 3 names.

3 faces turned pale.