"Chapter 06" - читать интересную книгу автора ((novel) (ebook) - Perry Rhodan 0125 - (117a - 118a) Savior of the Empire [HTML])6/ THE MASTER MIND OF ARKON 3 hours previously the sun had gone behind the horizon but
night had not come to the war planet. The great spaceport was brilliantly
illuminated by countless field lights, revolving search beams and hovering
nuclear "suns". Also the jet flames from departing spaceships gave an
impression of a continuing fireworks display. There was no end to the thundering
and roaring. The sky had taken on a blood-red hue above the main
shipyards, which were the most modern on the planet. There the bellows of the
thermonuclear smelters pushed a continuous river of vaporized metal into the
cooling slag troughs. Arkon 3 never slept. The robot-operated assembly line of
spaceships of every class and description was the nerve-centre of the Imperium. The Terrans and myself were the only ones on this world who
knew what it would look like 6000 years later. At this time the throng of
Arkonide spacemen was seemingly endless. The cities swarmed with troops from
every branch of the service. Although the prime of the Empire had passed, they
could still send 100,000 manned ships into the void. Subordinate races were not
permitted on the war planet. They were best employed on the colonial worlds. Pucky and Ras Tschubai had just returned after reconnoitring
the area. The third teleporter was still busy with our suggestor. Kitai
Ishibashi had the mission of probing the scientist Epetran. I had not been able to make my presentation. Epetran did not
live in one of the great conical palaces but had quartered himself instead in an
officer billet, which would also have been my own way of doing things. My
request was politely but firmly rejected by his subordinates. I was informed
that at present Epetran had no time for recommendations from an officer back
from the fighting front. I was asked to present my suggestions in writing. When I returned, Mercant had only nodded and said that it was
what he had expected. Logically the Arkonides’ greatest scientist would have
other things to do than to get into a discussion with a second-class fleet
captain. According to our conversion table the date back on Earth was
the 13th of February, 2106. We couldn’t wait much longer. Pucky had rolled himself up into a ball on a contour couch,
exhausted from his labours. Even Ras Tschubai had come back breathing heavily.
We guessed that their excursion hadn’t been easy. So we had to wait until
these two had recovered from their exertions. In the meantime I paid the 4 Akon
scientists a visit. Artol of Penoral was monitoring the machine as usual. Two
telepaths of the Corps were keeping him under surveillance. Auris was also in
the cargo hold. For 2 days now she had avoided the Control Central. I inquired
after her health. "Alright, considering the circumstances. When will you
take action?" I couldn’t answer her. We exchanged a few more words, which
enabled me to see that she was uneasy. When I returned to the Control Central very much was going on
there. Tako had returned with Ishibashi. Pucky reported that the robot Brain
already had the appearance of the Regent we knew in our own present day. This
meant that it had practically been completed. "How is the Regent guarded?" asked Quinto. "The security is very tight, sir," answered
Tschubai. "We had to keep on making jumps continuously in order not to be
discovered. Twice we tripped off alarm systems and once I was shot at." "What with?" "A disintegrator, sir." "With a deadly weapon?" "Yes sir. They’re playing for keeps. We saw the
scientific team. About a hundred men are busy checking out the final circuits.
There’s no normal way to get in without showing special passes. They are key
card devices containing each person’s frequency pattern and they are regularly
monitored by the guard stations. Any unauthorized entrance seems to be
impossible. Even though the energy screen isn’t up yet, the Arkonides have
gone to every extreme to tighten the security around the Robot." I looked around. The men’s faces were grim. Mercant tapped
with his fingers on a computer console. "So there’s no other choice," declared Rhodan.
"We have to go in with the teleporters. What do you have to report, Kitai?" His imitation bio-hair, which simulated that of an Arkonide,
was glistening with dampness. "Nothing, sir—or almost nothing. We located
Epetran in the math section. His quarters are close to it. He appeared to be
putting special instructions on program tape." "He’s the one who designed and built Security Circuit
A-1," put in Quinto. "It could be that he’s working on it now," said
the mutant. "I tried to work on him and influence his mind but I don’t
know if I had any luck. epetran has an extremely strong voluntary block. Besides—Tako
claims that he may have seen us in spite of our deflector screens." A cold chill ran through me. When no one else could see
through our disguise, this old scientist was able to. He had an activated brain
with special faculties. Rhodan guessed my fears but sought to dismiss them. "Don’t be a pessimist, my friend! Even Epetran isn’t
omniscient. If he had gotten suspicious we’d know it by now." I couldn’t contradict his argument, yet from moment to
moment I became more apprehensive. I deeply regretted that I had asked Admiral
Aichot for a permit to visit Epetran. According to the circumstances Kitai had
described, it would be better not to meet him. Mercant looked at his watch. "Soon after sunrise you’ll
be getting involved with receptions, sir." I nodded, I already had the invitations. My
"colleagues" wanted to see Captain Tresta. The situation was becoming
intolerable. Quinto was about to say something when the tracking centre put
through a call. "To the Commander: a strange vehicle has stopped in
front of the cruiser." Rhodan stiffened. Heintz hit the alarm button automatically.
The men who were off duty were awakened from their sleep. Tracking switched circuits so that we could see what they
were looking at. On our viewscreens appeared an unwieldy-looking contraption. It
had wide caterpillar chains instead of wheels and was equipped with numerous
antennas. Before we could really get a good look at it, the heavy vehicle rolled
away. It disappeared behind a battleship, became invisible once more beyond it,
then entered an armoured surface lock that led underground. We looked at each other, nonplussed, until Mercant chuckled
heartily. "Could our scientific associates kindly explain what that was
supposed to be?" he asked. Kalup still stared at the viewscreen. His eyes had narrowed
so much that they seemed to be lost in the fatty folds of his face. "That
was a sensor vehicle," he declared. "No doubt about it. Who guided it
to the Sotala? Who wanted to find out what?" "Find out?" asked Quinto hastily. "What do you
mean?" Kalup didn’t answer. He stomped swiftly toward the exit but
as he went out he was heard to mutter something that sounded like "sensor
surveillance". After he had gone I felt that my activator was louder than
usual. Even 6023 years before the present time I was already a very old man.
Rhodan was still standing in front of the screens. "It’s useless to try to figure it out," I said,
"It seems an impossibility to influence Epetran by any paranormal means. So
there’s no point in making his acquaintance. From what Kitai has to say, it
could be dangerous. We move into action. We’ll get into the Brain with the
help of the mutants, we’ll install the bomb and then get out of here." "How?" asked Rhodan, now very alert to what I was
saying. "It should be considerably easier to return to the
present time-plane of Arkon 3 than it was to enter the era of Tutmor VI.
Everyone on board has seen how tight the defences are here. I vote for alternate
2 of our escape plan. We turn off the time converter. When we get back we may
have to face a robot attack but the Fleet under Bell’s command can cover our
retreat." "That’s also my opinion," declared Mercant.
"But before that there’s a lot to be done. Of course if I had my
preferences I would have felt better if we could have handled this thing with
Epetran’s help." "What should I tell the man?" I asked
sarcastically. "That I’ve come from the future to save my people?" He regarded me soberly. "Sir, perhaps that still might
not be as crazy as you think." "Mercant, you’re dreaming!" exclaimed Rhodan. "No sir, I don’t quite see it that way. This scientist
was the first Arkonide to detect the beginnings of the degeneration and to
perceive its outcome. Moreover, he’s expert enough to be able to conceive of
such a device as the time-phaser. I’m playing with the idea of informing
Epetran." Rhodan bluntly rejected this. When my extra-brain singled me
I was astonished that it seconded Mercant’s plan. Nevertheless I was also in
favour of dropping the idea of getting any cooperation from Epetran. Rhodan got up and went over to the main computer, where he
began to press the input keys. I interrupted him. "It would be useless to try to get a
logic evaluation. Mr. Mercant, I must also reject your proposition. The bomb can
be relied upon to explode as planned. We have no way of knowing what Epetran’s
reaction would be and we can’t take the risk of being arrested or maybe even
shot in case he sounds an alarm. We move as planned. I’ll install the
bomb." The chief of Intelligence bowed resignedly. The decision was
made. Possibly we could be mistaken—no one could say. The computer made a clicking sound. While I was still waiting
for its output a message came through from the duty officer at the ground lock.
His face appeared on the intercom screen. "Lt. Pinch here, sir. A letter has been delivered to
you." "What … ?" "An oblong envelope, sir. It was brought over by a
robot." Rhodan stopped his computer work. We looked at each other
tensely. "Another invitation?" asked Maj. Heintz. His voice
sounded apprehensive. I shook my head. If that were the case it would not come to
me this way. Such matters were customarily handled over the radio. The letter
arrived in the Control Central. The envelope was of fluorescent foil and it bore
the seal of the Supreme Council. Rhodan’s hand was tense when he handed it to
me. I ripped it open and the letter fell out. "It’s in handwriting!" said Quinto. "Who’s
it from?" I thought that my heart stopped for a moment. The signature
and seal were unmistakable. After reading it I lowered the letter and looked at
the others. "It’s an invitation, alright! Epetran asks me to visit him
since he’s heard from Admiral Aichot that I had some recommendations to make
for the improvement of transition techniques." Rhodan also read the message. "It says other officers
familiar with the subject are also welcome … Well, I’ll be! What is he up
to?" "Danger!" signalled my extra-brain. Almost against my will I declared: "The invitation can’t
be avoided. When Epetran makes a request it’s the same as an order. Who will
go with me?" Rhodan called his service robot to him. "My extra
uniform—fast!" he ordered. Within 30 minutes a vehicle was waiting for us at the cruiser’s
ground lock. "So he took it for granted that we’d be ready in half
an hour," observed Rhodan grimly. "Alright, let’s go. No, Kitai, I’m
sorry, we won’t be taking you with us. Anyway, if this scientist is equipped
with an activated brain your efforts will be useless." Our suggestor mutant remained behind. We descended in the
antigrav and climbed into the robotcar. It was emblazoned with the escutcheon of
the Supreme Council. The third man in our team was John Marshall , who was to
attempt to read the scholar’s mind. Officially he was joining us as Chief
Engineer of the Sotala. We started off, not knowing what awaited us in Epetran’s
quarters. Certainly he wasn’t thinking of any gala reception. Apparently the
interview was to be a very sober one. Arkonides of Epetran’s rank had been
very clear thinkers. They were only interested in facts. It was said especially
of the chief scientist of the Supreme Council that he very seldom took part in
noisy festivities although he stood well in the Imperator’s favour. We drove into the control zone close to the main construction
site. Long hangar-like structures loomed before us. Apparently Epetran didn’t
consider it unusual to be requesting a visit from us in the middle of the night.
He was one of those Arkonides who believed that soldiers should be ready at any
hour to serve the Empire. Rhodan was uneasy when no inspections occurred. We were
allowed to pass through the energy barriers without hindrance. My extra-brain
remained silent. My skull felt as if it were held in an iron band. We knew that
Epetran had been the greatest man in Arkonide history. It was quite an ordeal to
be facing such a personality. "Captain Tresta?" queried an officer of the guard.
He belonged to the famous elite troops of the Tentons. "That I am," I confirmed, introducing Rhodan and
Marshall as officers "Telater and Aday". "His Eminence is expecting you. Your visit will be
limited to one hour." He saluted, I nodded, and the car moved on a bit farther. We
got out in front of a tower-like structure. We had arrived. * * * * Marshal’s face had blanched conspicuously. I caught a
signal from him and understood. It was dangerous to attempt to probe Epetran’s
mind. It was almost as if the telepath were trying to tell me that the scientist
may have detected the paramental interference. However, if this was true the great man did not reveal it in
any way. He was a tall Arkonide with snow-white hair that hung down to his
shoulders. I had never seen a man with such a high forehead nor such a
benevolent expression. For a moment, as we came in, this kindly look darkened. I
felt as if the Supreme Council had secretly condemned us to death. Then—quite
strangely —his threatening aspect vanished. My presentation took 2 hours. His questions fairly exhausted
my technical knowledge. Within the first few minutes he had understood how the
transition computations had to be processed in order to accelerate succeeding
hyperjumps and make them more accurate in terms of the navigational course.
Arkonide history has it that shortly before his death he had introduced
considerable improvements in this regard. If I wasn’t entirely mistaken, we
the "yet unborn" had provided the impetus. Even Rhodan and Marshall did some talking. In fact Perry had
gone so far as to allude to the possibility of linear spacedrive. This seemed to
fascinate Epetran still more. He regarded Rhodan closely as if he were seeking
to penetrate his thoughts. His deep voice trembled with an inner excitement when
he questioned us. We found ourselves in a laboratory where the equipment
appeared to be dedicated to computer programming. We were fairly surrounded by
instruments and consoles. It was quite clear that Epetran had not been planning
a gala reception. When Rhodan finally stopped giving hints and reassumed his
regular role, to my great relief the old man’s quiet smile returned. He wore
the uniform of the practical working scientist. Only the symbol of the Supreme
Council indicated his high position. "I thank you, Major Telater," he said. "Your
statements have been very interesting. But I believe it would be more
advantageous to us to first try your commander’s recommendations for improving
our existing propulsion system. You will be hearing from me. How long will you
be staying on Arkon 3?" I assumed he was addressing me. "In any case until my
cruiser has been overhauled, Your Excellency. After that I expect to receive new
orders." He nodded thoughtfully. "Are you satisfied with the
fighting power of your ship?" "It could be better, Your Eminence." The old man frowned as if piqued for the moment. "The Sotala’s
armaments are the very best." "Which soon may not be enough, Excellency. The enemies
of the Imperium are not asleep. I beg you to let me be frank with you." "Of course, as you wish. But I know of no race in the
galaxy that would be capable of defeating our fleet." "‘I was thinking about developing intelligences. No
one knows what the future will bring." He rose to his feet by way of dismissing us. But his last
words had the heaviest impact on me. "When we are no more, the Imperium
will find powerful friends. Then it will all depend on taking the right
steps." We left. The old man gazed after us from amidst his machines.
Marshall walked out first and I followed him but then I missed Rhodan. When I
turned to look back I saw him standing there tall and straight in the lab room.
Epetran’s gaze and his seemed to be locked together. Marshall stifled a sigh
as we heard Perry’s departing words. "Most assuredly the Imperium will find friends one day,
Your Eminence. And they will remember you and your genius." He saluted and
finally came out into the corridor. The sliding door closed behind us. "Was that necessary?" I snapped at him angrily
"Even without that I have a feeling he saw through us." "I do, too," he answered, impressed. "Let him
make of my words what he will." "Caution!" whispered the telepath. Farther ahead 2 soldiers of the guard appeared. My hand
touched the butt of my service weapon. But all they had to tell us was that we
had gone way over our visiting limit. They emphasized that it wasn’t proper to
prolong an interview with a man like Epetran with persistent questions. I was reminded of the hospitality of my race. I had the
impression that the old man would not have let himself in for such a lengthy
discussion, nevertheless, unless he had wished it so. Unquestioningly he would
have dismissed us the minute he ceased to be interested. I made my apologies to
the guard officer, who gruffly passed us through. A half hour later we again entered the Control Central of the
Sotala. "No unusual events, sir," reported Maj. Heintz. Outside the sun was rising. I wondered if Epetran ever slept.
Rhodan checked his watch. According to our conversion table the date must be
February 14. "Tomorrow at 12 noon—our time—the bomb will
explode," he said with unusual emphasis. "Pucky and Ras Tschubai,
stand by for action. Marshall, your face is still grey. What’s wrong?" The telepath was almost apathetic when he spoke but his words
shattered our self-confidence. "Presumably Epetran knows who we are and
where we come from. Just after we entered his lab we were monitored by
paramental means. For half a minute there, you and Atlan were unconscious. I was
able to resist it. But I don’t know if Epetran succeeded in breaking through
your mental screens. I don’t think it was possible with Atlan. How about you,
sir?" Rhodan sat down. He stared almost dumbfounded at the chief of
the Mutant Corps. "Unconscious, you say? You sure you’re not
mistaken?" "By no means, sir. I was awake. You and Atlan were
asleep with your eyes open. Probably the results are coming through now from his
para-probe. I urgently advise you to conceal the bomb in the Brain at once —and
to leave this time plane." I glanced involuntarily at the viewscreens. Outside the
spaceships of my people were taking off and landing. Personnel vehicles were
crossing the area back and forth. No one approached the Sotala. Rhodan turned on the P.A. microphone. "All hands! Red
alert is in effect. It’s possible that we may be attacked, in which case the
time converter will be shut off. If we should unexpectedly enter our own time
reference we will be close to the Regent and his robot fleet. Open fire without
waiting for orders. Com Central: prepare a distress call to the Fleet. Stand by
for emergency takeoff. That is all, thank you … " He turned off the switch. The ordnance experts appeared with
Terran combat suits. They were far superior to the equivalent products of
Epetran’s epoch. The energy screens were stronger and the deflector projectors
were much more advanced. Pucky and Ras Tschubai reported. We were ready to make our
jump. Two weapons technicians brought us the bomb. The uranium timer was already
operating. The half life radiation clock would give the ignition impulse
in 6023 years. Mercant was getting nervous. "I don’t think it’s
wise for the leaders of both imperiums to place their lives in danger. Since we
left our own time on February 10th we don’t know if you were still alive on
February 14—meaning today." "Mercant, don’t get me al confused," Rhodan
snapped at him edgily. Obviously his sense of humour had failed him at the
moment. "By the same token I could just as well claim I’ve never lived.
That would be the case if something were to happen to us now, wouldn’t
it?" Mercant turned to look helplessly at Kalup. The scientist
said nothing. He was busy studying the micro sound-tape of Epetran’s
conversation. "He sounds like an oracle," Kalup said finally.
"When you read between the lines you can conclude almost anything. Wait
till I get the analysis. At first try I can’t prove anything." "Request denied. We’re teleporting. The bomb must be
placed in the Brain. Ready, Atlan?" I nodded. We had decided to dispense with our pressure
helmets. Breathable air would be available where we were going. Once more I pointed out to the teleporters the remote power
room where I wanted to operate. I was familiar with it from my days as
Imperator, since at that time I had free access to the Brain. Then we jumped. 6/ THE MASTER MIND OF ARKON 3 hours previously the sun had gone behind the horizon but
night had not come to the war planet. The great spaceport was brilliantly
illuminated by countless field lights, revolving search beams and hovering
nuclear "suns". Also the jet flames from departing spaceships gave an
impression of a continuing fireworks display. There was no end to the thundering
and roaring. The sky had taken on a blood-red hue above the main
shipyards, which were the most modern on the planet. There the bellows of the
thermonuclear smelters pushed a continuous river of vaporized metal into the
cooling slag troughs. Arkon 3 never slept. The robot-operated assembly line of
spaceships of every class and description was the nerve-centre of the Imperium. The Terrans and myself were the only ones on this world who
knew what it would look like 6000 years later. At this time the throng of
Arkonide spacemen was seemingly endless. The cities swarmed with troops from
every branch of the service. Although the prime of the Empire had passed, they
could still send 100,000 manned ships into the void. Subordinate races were not
permitted on the war planet. They were best employed on the colonial worlds. Pucky and Ras Tschubai had just returned after reconnoitring
the area. The third teleporter was still busy with our suggestor. Kitai
Ishibashi had the mission of probing the scientist Epetran. I had not been able to make my presentation. Epetran did not
live in one of the great conical palaces but had quartered himself instead in an
officer billet, which would also have been my own way of doing things. My
request was politely but firmly rejected by his subordinates. I was informed
that at present Epetran had no time for recommendations from an officer back
from the fighting front. I was asked to present my suggestions in writing. When I returned, Mercant had only nodded and said that it was
what he had expected. Logically the Arkonides’ greatest scientist would have
other things to do than to get into a discussion with a second-class fleet
captain. According to our conversion table the date back on Earth was
the 13th of February, 2106. We couldn’t wait much longer. Pucky had rolled himself up into a ball on a contour couch,
exhausted from his labours. Even Ras Tschubai had come back breathing heavily.
We guessed that their excursion hadn’t been easy. So we had to wait until
these two had recovered from their exertions. In the meantime I paid the 4 Akon
scientists a visit. Artol of Penoral was monitoring the machine as usual. Two
telepaths of the Corps were keeping him under surveillance. Auris was also in
the cargo hold. For 2 days now she had avoided the Control Central. I inquired
after her health. "Alright, considering the circumstances. When will you
take action?" I couldn’t answer her. We exchanged a few more words, which
enabled me to see that she was uneasy. When I returned to the Control Central very much was going on
there. Tako had returned with Ishibashi. Pucky reported that the robot Brain
already had the appearance of the Regent we knew in our own present day. This
meant that it had practically been completed. "How is the Regent guarded?" asked Quinto. "The security is very tight, sir," answered
Tschubai. "We had to keep on making jumps continuously in order not to be
discovered. Twice we tripped off alarm systems and once I was shot at." "What with?" "A disintegrator, sir." "With a deadly weapon?" "Yes sir. They’re playing for keeps. We saw the
scientific team. About a hundred men are busy checking out the final circuits.
There’s no normal way to get in without showing special passes. They are key
card devices containing each person’s frequency pattern and they are regularly
monitored by the guard stations. Any unauthorized entrance seems to be
impossible. Even though the energy screen isn’t up yet, the Arkonides have
gone to every extreme to tighten the security around the Robot." I looked around. The men’s faces were grim. Mercant tapped
with his fingers on a computer console. "So there’s no other choice," declared Rhodan.
"We have to go in with the teleporters. What do you have to report, Kitai?" His imitation bio-hair, which simulated that of an Arkonide,
was glistening with dampness. "Nothing, sir—or almost nothing. We located
Epetran in the math section. His quarters are close to it. He appeared to be
putting special instructions on program tape." "He’s the one who designed and built Security Circuit
A-1," put in Quinto. "It could be that he’s working on it now," said
the mutant. "I tried to work on him and influence his mind but I don’t
know if I had any luck. epetran has an extremely strong voluntary block. Besides—Tako
claims that he may have seen us in spite of our deflector screens." A cold chill ran through me. When no one else could see
through our disguise, this old scientist was able to. He had an activated brain
with special faculties. Rhodan guessed my fears but sought to dismiss them. "Don’t be a pessimist, my friend! Even Epetran isn’t
omniscient. If he had gotten suspicious we’d know it by now." I couldn’t contradict his argument, yet from moment to
moment I became more apprehensive. I deeply regretted that I had asked Admiral
Aichot for a permit to visit Epetran. According to the circumstances Kitai had
described, it would be better not to meet him. Mercant looked at his watch. "Soon after sunrise you’ll
be getting involved with receptions, sir." I nodded, I already had the invitations. My
"colleagues" wanted to see Captain Tresta. The situation was becoming
intolerable. Quinto was about to say something when the tracking centre put
through a call. "To the Commander: a strange vehicle has stopped in
front of the cruiser." Rhodan stiffened. Heintz hit the alarm button automatically.
The men who were off duty were awakened from their sleep. Tracking switched circuits so that we could see what they
were looking at. On our viewscreens appeared an unwieldy-looking contraption. It
had wide caterpillar chains instead of wheels and was equipped with numerous
antennas. Before we could really get a good look at it, the heavy vehicle rolled
away. It disappeared behind a battleship, became invisible once more beyond it,
then entered an armoured surface lock that led underground. We looked at each other, nonplussed, until Mercant chuckled
heartily. "Could our scientific associates kindly explain what that was
supposed to be?" he asked. Kalup still stared at the viewscreen. His eyes had narrowed
so much that they seemed to be lost in the fatty folds of his face. "That
was a sensor vehicle," he declared. "No doubt about it. Who guided it
to the Sotala? Who wanted to find out what?" "Find out?" asked Quinto hastily. "What do you
mean?" Kalup didn’t answer. He stomped swiftly toward the exit but
as he went out he was heard to mutter something that sounded like "sensor
surveillance". After he had gone I felt that my activator was louder than
usual. Even 6023 years before the present time I was already a very old man.
Rhodan was still standing in front of the screens. "It’s useless to try to figure it out," I said,
"It seems an impossibility to influence Epetran by any paranormal means. So
there’s no point in making his acquaintance. From what Kitai has to say, it
could be dangerous. We move into action. We’ll get into the Brain with the
help of the mutants, we’ll install the bomb and then get out of here." "How?" asked Rhodan, now very alert to what I was
saying. "It should be considerably easier to return to the
present time-plane of Arkon 3 than it was to enter the era of Tutmor VI.
Everyone on board has seen how tight the defences are here. I vote for alternate
2 of our escape plan. We turn off the time converter. When we get back we may
have to face a robot attack but the Fleet under Bell’s command can cover our
retreat." "That’s also my opinion," declared Mercant.
"But before that there’s a lot to be done. Of course if I had my
preferences I would have felt better if we could have handled this thing with
Epetran’s help." "What should I tell the man?" I asked
sarcastically. "That I’ve come from the future to save my people?" He regarded me soberly. "Sir, perhaps that still might
not be as crazy as you think." "Mercant, you’re dreaming!" exclaimed Rhodan. "No sir, I don’t quite see it that way. This scientist
was the first Arkonide to detect the beginnings of the degeneration and to
perceive its outcome. Moreover, he’s expert enough to be able to conceive of
such a device as the time-phaser. I’m playing with the idea of informing
Epetran." Rhodan bluntly rejected this. When my extra-brain singled me
I was astonished that it seconded Mercant’s plan. Nevertheless I was also in
favour of dropping the idea of getting any cooperation from Epetran. Rhodan got up and went over to the main computer, where he
began to press the input keys. I interrupted him. "It would be useless to try to get a
logic evaluation. Mr. Mercant, I must also reject your proposition. The bomb can
be relied upon to explode as planned. We have no way of knowing what Epetran’s
reaction would be and we can’t take the risk of being arrested or maybe even
shot in case he sounds an alarm. We move as planned. I’ll install the
bomb." The chief of Intelligence bowed resignedly. The decision was
made. Possibly we could be mistaken—no one could say. The computer made a clicking sound. While I was still waiting
for its output a message came through from the duty officer at the ground lock.
His face appeared on the intercom screen. "Lt. Pinch here, sir. A letter has been delivered to
you." "What … ?" "An oblong envelope, sir. It was brought over by a
robot." Rhodan stopped his computer work. We looked at each other
tensely. "Another invitation?" asked Maj. Heintz. His voice
sounded apprehensive. I shook my head. If that were the case it would not come to
me this way. Such matters were customarily handled over the radio. The letter
arrived in the Control Central. The envelope was of fluorescent foil and it bore
the seal of the Supreme Council. Rhodan’s hand was tense when he handed it to
me. I ripped it open and the letter fell out. "It’s in handwriting!" said Quinto. "Who’s
it from?" I thought that my heart stopped for a moment. The signature
and seal were unmistakable. After reading it I lowered the letter and looked at
the others. "It’s an invitation, alright! Epetran asks me to visit him
since he’s heard from Admiral Aichot that I had some recommendations to make
for the improvement of transition techniques." Rhodan also read the message. "It says other officers
familiar with the subject are also welcome … Well, I’ll be! What is he up
to?" "Danger!" signalled my extra-brain. Almost against my will I declared: "The invitation can’t
be avoided. When Epetran makes a request it’s the same as an order. Who will
go with me?" Rhodan called his service robot to him. "My extra
uniform—fast!" he ordered. Within 30 minutes a vehicle was waiting for us at the cruiser’s
ground lock. "So he took it for granted that we’d be ready in half
an hour," observed Rhodan grimly. "Alright, let’s go. No, Kitai, I’m
sorry, we won’t be taking you with us. Anyway, if this scientist is equipped
with an activated brain your efforts will be useless." Our suggestor mutant remained behind. We descended in the
antigrav and climbed into the robotcar. It was emblazoned with the escutcheon of
the Supreme Council. The third man in our team was John Marshall , who was to
attempt to read the scholar’s mind. Officially he was joining us as Chief
Engineer of the Sotala. We started off, not knowing what awaited us in Epetran’s
quarters. Certainly he wasn’t thinking of any gala reception. Apparently the
interview was to be a very sober one. Arkonides of Epetran’s rank had been
very clear thinkers. They were only interested in facts. It was said especially
of the chief scientist of the Supreme Council that he very seldom took part in
noisy festivities although he stood well in the Imperator’s favour. We drove into the control zone close to the main construction
site. Long hangar-like structures loomed before us. Apparently Epetran didn’t
consider it unusual to be requesting a visit from us in the middle of the night.
He was one of those Arkonides who believed that soldiers should be ready at any
hour to serve the Empire. Rhodan was uneasy when no inspections occurred. We were
allowed to pass through the energy barriers without hindrance. My extra-brain
remained silent. My skull felt as if it were held in an iron band. We knew that
Epetran had been the greatest man in Arkonide history. It was quite an ordeal to
be facing such a personality. "Captain Tresta?" queried an officer of the guard.
He belonged to the famous elite troops of the Tentons. "That I am," I confirmed, introducing Rhodan and
Marshall as officers "Telater and Aday". "His Eminence is expecting you. Your visit will be
limited to one hour." He saluted, I nodded, and the car moved on a bit farther. We
got out in front of a tower-like structure. We had arrived. * * * * Marshal’s face had blanched conspicuously. I caught a
signal from him and understood. It was dangerous to attempt to probe Epetran’s
mind. It was almost as if the telepath were trying to tell me that the scientist
may have detected the paramental interference. However, if this was true the great man did not reveal it in
any way. He was a tall Arkonide with snow-white hair that hung down to his
shoulders. I had never seen a man with such a high forehead nor such a
benevolent expression. For a moment, as we came in, this kindly look darkened. I
felt as if the Supreme Council had secretly condemned us to death. Then—quite
strangely —his threatening aspect vanished. My presentation took 2 hours. His questions fairly exhausted
my technical knowledge. Within the first few minutes he had understood how the
transition computations had to be processed in order to accelerate succeeding
hyperjumps and make them more accurate in terms of the navigational course.
Arkonide history has it that shortly before his death he had introduced
considerable improvements in this regard. If I wasn’t entirely mistaken, we
the "yet unborn" had provided the impetus. Even Rhodan and Marshall did some talking. In fact Perry had
gone so far as to allude to the possibility of linear spacedrive. This seemed to
fascinate Epetran still more. He regarded Rhodan closely as if he were seeking
to penetrate his thoughts. His deep voice trembled with an inner excitement when
he questioned us. We found ourselves in a laboratory where the equipment
appeared to be dedicated to computer programming. We were fairly surrounded by
instruments and consoles. It was quite clear that Epetran had not been planning
a gala reception. When Rhodan finally stopped giving hints and reassumed his
regular role, to my great relief the old man’s quiet smile returned. He wore
the uniform of the practical working scientist. Only the symbol of the Supreme
Council indicated his high position. "I thank you, Major Telater," he said. "Your
statements have been very interesting. But I believe it would be more
advantageous to us to first try your commander’s recommendations for improving
our existing propulsion system. You will be hearing from me. How long will you
be staying on Arkon 3?" I assumed he was addressing me. "In any case until my
cruiser has been overhauled, Your Excellency. After that I expect to receive new
orders." He nodded thoughtfully. "Are you satisfied with the
fighting power of your ship?" "It could be better, Your Eminence." The old man frowned as if piqued for the moment. "The Sotala’s
armaments are the very best." "Which soon may not be enough, Excellency. The enemies
of the Imperium are not asleep. I beg you to let me be frank with you." "Of course, as you wish. But I know of no race in the
galaxy that would be capable of defeating our fleet." "‘I was thinking about developing intelligences. No
one knows what the future will bring." He rose to his feet by way of dismissing us. But his last
words had the heaviest impact on me. "When we are no more, the Imperium
will find powerful friends. Then it will all depend on taking the right
steps." We left. The old man gazed after us from amidst his machines.
Marshall walked out first and I followed him but then I missed Rhodan. When I
turned to look back I saw him standing there tall and straight in the lab room.
Epetran’s gaze and his seemed to be locked together. Marshall stifled a sigh
as we heard Perry’s departing words. "Most assuredly the Imperium will find friends one day,
Your Eminence. And they will remember you and your genius." He saluted and
finally came out into the corridor. The sliding door closed behind us. "Was that necessary?" I snapped at him angrily
"Even without that I have a feeling he saw through us." "I do, too," he answered, impressed. "Let him
make of my words what he will." "Caution!" whispered the telepath. Farther ahead 2 soldiers of the guard appeared. My hand
touched the butt of my service weapon. But all they had to tell us was that we
had gone way over our visiting limit. They emphasized that it wasn’t proper to
prolong an interview with a man like Epetran with persistent questions. I was reminded of the hospitality of my race. I had the
impression that the old man would not have let himself in for such a lengthy
discussion, nevertheless, unless he had wished it so. Unquestioningly he would
have dismissed us the minute he ceased to be interested. I made my apologies to
the guard officer, who gruffly passed us through. A half hour later we again entered the Control Central of the
Sotala. "No unusual events, sir," reported Maj. Heintz. Outside the sun was rising. I wondered if Epetran ever slept.
Rhodan checked his watch. According to our conversion table the date must be
February 14. "Tomorrow at 12 noon—our time—the bomb will
explode," he said with unusual emphasis. "Pucky and Ras Tschubai,
stand by for action. Marshall, your face is still grey. What’s wrong?" The telepath was almost apathetic when he spoke but his words
shattered our self-confidence. "Presumably Epetran knows who we are and
where we come from. Just after we entered his lab we were monitored by
paramental means. For half a minute there, you and Atlan were unconscious. I was
able to resist it. But I don’t know if Epetran succeeded in breaking through
your mental screens. I don’t think it was possible with Atlan. How about you,
sir?" Rhodan sat down. He stared almost dumbfounded at the chief of
the Mutant Corps. "Unconscious, you say? You sure you’re not
mistaken?" "By no means, sir. I was awake. You and Atlan were
asleep with your eyes open. Probably the results are coming through now from his
para-probe. I urgently advise you to conceal the bomb in the Brain at once —and
to leave this time plane." I glanced involuntarily at the viewscreens. Outside the
spaceships of my people were taking off and landing. Personnel vehicles were
crossing the area back and forth. No one approached the Sotala. Rhodan turned on the P.A. microphone. "All hands! Red
alert is in effect. It’s possible that we may be attacked, in which case the
time converter will be shut off. If we should unexpectedly enter our own time
reference we will be close to the Regent and his robot fleet. Open fire without
waiting for orders. Com Central: prepare a distress call to the Fleet. Stand by
for emergency takeoff. That is all, thank you … " He turned off the switch. The ordnance experts appeared with
Terran combat suits. They were far superior to the equivalent products of
Epetran’s epoch. The energy screens were stronger and the deflector projectors
were much more advanced. Pucky and Ras Tschubai reported. We were ready to make our
jump. Two weapons technicians brought us the bomb. The uranium timer was already
operating. The half life radiation clock would give the ignition impulse
in 6023 years. Mercant was getting nervous. "I don’t think it’s
wise for the leaders of both imperiums to place their lives in danger. Since we
left our own time on February 10th we don’t know if you were still alive on
February 14—meaning today." "Mercant, don’t get me al confused," Rhodan
snapped at him edgily. Obviously his sense of humour had failed him at the
moment. "By the same token I could just as well claim I’ve never lived.
That would be the case if something were to happen to us now, wouldn’t
it?" Mercant turned to look helplessly at Kalup. The scientist
said nothing. He was busy studying the micro sound-tape of Epetran’s
conversation. "He sounds like an oracle," Kalup said finally.
"When you read between the lines you can conclude almost anything. Wait
till I get the analysis. At first try I can’t prove anything." "Request denied. We’re teleporting. The bomb must be
placed in the Brain. Ready, Atlan?" I nodded. We had decided to dispense with our pressure
helmets. Breathable air would be available where we were going. Once more I pointed out to the teleporters the remote power
room where I wanted to operate. I was familiar with it from my days as
Imperator, since at that time I had free access to the Brain. Then we jumped. |
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