"(novel) (ebook) - Perry Rhodan 0023 - (16) Secret Barrier X" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

3/ "Worse than Pirates"


Gen. Tomisenkow had shifted his headquarters 30 miles to the east. It was situated on a high plateau with a sparse growth of trees overlooking the surrounding woods. In this manner he was in a favourable position to repulse any assault by the deserted rebel groups. He could have hidden his soldiers better in the forest but it was not his foremost concern to remain undetected. Everyone knew that he was in the area and they also knew that his troops outnumbered his adversaries. With such superiority he was not afraid of open confrontations.
Small tents and plastic shelters were pitched between the bushes growing no higher than the size of a man. The camp was cordoned off by a tight chain of guards.
Every six hours new passwords were issued to keep the rebels from smuggling into the compound. The patrol stalking the telepath consisted of only 12 men and was not required to use the password as Tomisenkow knew all of them personally.
Sgt. Kolzow saw a white piece of cloth appear suddenly from the ground.
"Password!"
"Lt. Tanjew of the shock troops. I must speak to the General.
"Hands up! You may pass!"
A man jumped up and approached with raised arms.
"All right, Lieutenant. Go to the round bush over there. The General's tent is behind on the left. Anything new?"
"I didn't hear your last question, Kolzow. I have to talk to the General, not to you."
Lt. Tanjew made the impression of a good soldier who had been in action for days without interruption, which was, indeed, the fact. He was at once admitted to Tomisenkow and saluted smartly.
"My men are holding up pretty well," Tomisenkow thought with satisfaction. He greeted Tanjew with a smile that didn't reveal his curiosity. "So you're still alive, Lieutenant. What do you have to tell me?"
"One of their men has reached the shore, sir!"
"Who?"
"As you know, sir, a battle has taken place south of the mesa between the rebels four days ago. We've determined that at least three members of the New Power were involved in that clash."
"I know, Lieutenant!" Tomisenkow interrupted. "I thought you were going to bring me news.
"One of those men started to march alone to the east and we followed him according to your orders."
"You were supposed to kill him or take him prisoner. What happened?"
Lt. Tanjew hesitated. "We've not yet succeeded in catching him, sir. It's not easy to catch a single man when he's been warned."
"Who could have warned him? There are hardly any people on Venus."
"Private Lwow made a mistake. He rushed ahead on his own. I don't like to place the blame on a dead man but..."
"Lwow is dead?"
"Yes, sir! We found his body on the shore."
"Then Rhodan's man was the better one again. Is it asking too much of you to execute such a simple operation with 12 men against one when you have all the strategical advantages?" The expression of benevolence had completely faded from Tomisenkow's face. "Why did you come back, Lieutenant? To report your failure?"
"I'd like to request reinforcements, sir. We've come to the ocean and to be on the safe side we'll have to patrol at least five or six miles along the coast. I deem it necessary that each team consist of no less than three men. We need greater numerical superiority because we always turn out to be lacking in strength."
"What do you mean by this contradiction?"
Tanjew hemmed again.
"Sir, you know the rumours among the men..."
"The fairy tale of the giant and sorcerer, eh?" Tomisenkow said bitingly. "Are you serious about these fantasies from the comics? If your commandos are so naive and gullible, I'll replace your platoon with grownup men, Lieutenant."
"As you wish, sir. We'll do our duty. However, I consider the reinforcements an absolute necessity."
"Because of those five miles along the coast?"
"Yes, sir!" Tanjew replied respectfully.
"Very well, I'll let you have them."
Tomisenkow wrote an order.
"Take this to Col. Popolzak and select the men you want. Next time I see you, I expect to get a good report. Thank you!"
"Thank you, sir! One more question. Do we still have to observe radio silence? A radio message would be advisable in an emergency."
"You may leave, Lieutenant. I'm the one who will decide that. The radio silence must be maintained. I've got my reasons for it."

* * *

One hour later, Lt. Tanjew left the headquarters with 25 soldiers.