" Perry Rhodan 0116 - (108) Duel Under the Double Sun" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

understand that it was no light matter to keep on challenging the Arkonide Imperium.

They did not make threats, you fool!тАФretorted my logic sector.It was only the sick one!

I struggled for my self-composure. It was with mixed feelings that I looked forward to the imminent
conference.




2/ THE TWISTED TYRANT



The little man with the golden crown of hair could hardly conceal his consternation. Allan D. Mercant,
Solar Marshal and Chief of Intelligence, pressed his fingers together so tightly that his knuckles crackled
audibly.

We were in the command wardroom adjacent to the Control Central of the light cruiserAtlantis .
Reginald Bell remained silent. After my announcement he had quickly exchanged glances with John
Marshall, who was Chief of the Mutant Corps. Professor Eric Manoli pushed the film cassette to one
side indecisively. In his capacity as physician he had given me a report on Perry RhodanтАЩs condition.

Mercant cleared his throat. In his close-fitting uniform he appeared to be more unpretentious than usual
but the impression was deceptive. Mercant was unquestionably one of the most dangerous men in the
Solar Imperium.

"Have I understood you correctly, sir? You have promised the Akons 1000 ships?тАФ1,000 modern
spaceships?" His blue eyes turned to me questioningly.

"I had no other alternative. PerryтАЩs threats were the same as an indirect declaration of war. ThereтАЩs not a
Terran left in the Imperium and you know my difficulties. ItтАЩs not only a matter of counteracting RhodanтАЩs
actions. Beyond that IтАЩve been forced to keep a lot of turmoil under control within the realm itself. That is
only possible with an effective fleet."

"Sir, I believe you have approximately 100,000 robot units at your disposal."

I waved a hand impatiently. Mercant knew his argument was not applicable. "RobotunitsтАФthatтАЩs just the
point! My opponents have long since learned how to handle ships that are positronically controlled. I
need elite organic crews."

Bell came into the discussion. His broad face was expressionless. "LetтАЩs drop that part of the subject,"
he said decisively. His gaze seemed very pensive as he turned to me. "Atlan, under certain conditions
would you be willing to break off your alliance with the Akons?"

"What conditions?"

John Marshall finally sat down. He had avoided any attempts to probe the contents of my mind. Nor
would he have succeeded because after the Terran cruiser landed I had built up my paramental
monoscreen.