"002 The Third Power" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

perhaps even only a bullet in the brain."
Pounder sank back into his chair. "You are not only no longer normal, but a
victim of your profession as well," was his diagnosis. "Rhodan certainly knows
that he was guaranteed a good life with us, that we would have given him two
estates if he had only expressed such a desire. Nor are there any ideological
motives. The only remaining alternative is an emergency landing. That is my
opinion. Rhodan will resume communications with us as soon as he is in a
position to do so, just wait and see."
Mercant brushed his hand across his bald head. "IТd much rather rely on the
information of my agents. Major Perkins will hardly leave us in the lurch."
"Perkins? WasnТt that the man who uncovered the plot against the NATO
installation in Australia and then finished off the leaders?"
"ThatТs the man. Just a few hours ago I sent him to Peking to take matters in
hand for himself."
"And you believe"
"Under an alias, with the proper papers. Lucky for us that we have good
commercial relations with the Asiatic Federation."
Just at that moment the visiphone buzzed. Pounder delayed his intended reply and
pressed a button. The small screen lit up, and a face appeared.
"A line from Washington for General Pounder and Mr. Mercant," came the
announcement.
"Both present." General Pounder gasped for breath. "Are you sure that both
parties are wanted?"
"Washington expressly desires that I make the connection when, and only when,
both gentlemen can be reached."
"Then make the connection. Mr. Mercant is in my office. Hurry up."
"Just a moment, sir. Wait just a moment, please."
Pounder looked at Mercant. "What do you have to do with Washington?" He seemed
surprised.
"Quite a lot." Mercant smiled innocently as he moved to where he would see the
visiphone. "There is, for instance, my immediate superior, the President."
Pounder swallowed and stared into the screen.
The face of the operator had disappeared, and another face became bible. It was
the White House Press Secretary. "General Pounder?"
"Speaking." The general nodded briefly. Mercant bent slightly forward to include
himself within the range of the camera. "Mercant is also present."
"Thank you. The reply from the Peking government has arrived. This reply is of
such a strange nature that we have decided to undertake nothing further without
first consulting you. Is your recorder running?"
Pounder pressed a button concealed beneath the rim of his desk. "It is now."
"Well, then, please listen. Our request to Peking was as follows:

СWashington to Peking. Would like immediate permission to send a board of
inquiry to inspect the wreckage of the lunar rocket Stardust, which has
crash-landed in your territory. Inasmuch as this is an exploratory vessel, no
diplomatic obstacles should stand in the way. We expect your consent.Т

"The reply was just received. Here it is :

СPeking to Washington. Consent refused. The government of the Asiatic