by Perry Rhodan
Drog's eyes became glassy and he stared into the distance with a peculiar look as he underwent Noir's 'treatment'. He remained motionlessly in his corner and seemed unable to move.
"For whom are you building the compensator-detector?" Noir asked.
The answer came like a pistol crack: "For the Regent of Arkon."
"Who invented the detector?"
"One of our scientists. I don't know his name."
There couldn't be the slightest doubt that he spoke the truth.
"How many do you intend to produce?"
"The new detector is slated for installation in every ship of the Imperium so that all transitions can be observed. The main purpose is to discover Terra, the home planet of Perry Rhodan."
"Is this the reason for the secrecy about the construction project?"
"Yes, the main reason. The device consists of so many minute and sensitive details that only the Swoons can manufacture it. Later on we're planning to move the fabrication to one of the Springers' planets."
Noir glanced quickly at Markas before he put his next question to the Springer: "With consent of the Swoons?"
"We're going to take as many of them with us as necessary."
"Did the Regent give you this order?"
Without hesitation Drog answered: "No. This is my own idea. My clan will acquire the monopoly by destroying the drawings at the appropriate time."
"And what about the inventor and his original documents?"
Drog smiled as if he had a pleasant dream. "We'll make sure that the inventor won't live very long after the first detector has been tested. If it turns out to be a success, the inventor, whose name I don't know, will die and his plans will be destroyed by us. Nobody will be in a position to take retaliatory action against us or they won't get the detectors because we'll be the only ones who can make them."
Noir looked at Pucky. "A fine mess," the mouse-beaver sighed. "A regular conspiracy against Arkon, no less. Well, we're going to fix his flagon, as Bell might say. This is all I want to know. Just you wait till I get back. It won't take me long."
Noir and Markas nodded. The Swoon had already picked up the gesture. He was a very fast learner.
Pucky dematerialized and first jumped to the surface. Then he concentrated on the Command Center of the Drusus and landed to his own surprise right in the lap of Bell who happened to be sitting next to Sikerman on a couch.
"Stop yelling at me!" Pucky implored his startled friend and slid down to the floor, the briefcase squeezed under his short arm. "Where can I find the boss?"
Rhodan had already heard Pucky. His thought impulse reached Pucky before Bell could answer him. "Okay, fatso," Pucky consoled him and waddled to the door. "He's expecting me."
Then he disappeared. Bell stared at the closed door and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "One of these days," he mumbled under his breath, full of misgivings, "he's going to give me a heart attack, I swear.
• • •
Hubert Gorlat, the red-haired Captain of the Security Service went to work at the Defense Agency of the Drusus. Rhodan and Pucky stood by as he spread out the drawings one by one and copied them. So as not to disturb Gorlat, Pucky gave his report about Drog to Rhodan by telepathy.
It took about five minutes before Rhodan suddenly asked loudly: "If I understood you right, Drog wants to abduct the Swoon specialists from their planet and keep them on a foreign world where they'll be forced to build the compensator-detectors?"
"Yes, that's what Drog said under the influence of Noir."
"Then it must be true." Rhodan paused for a moment and added: "When you take the drawings back and pick up Noir, please bring that little Swoon with you. I think Markas is his name."
"Gladly, boss. You promised him and Waff to take them to Terra."
A smile crossed Rhodan's face as he said to Pucky with an almost tender gaze: "You really like the Swoons, don't you?"
Pucky beamed: "I love them, Perry. They're not only small and gay, but also very intelligent and gracious. I'd be happy if I didn't have to leave Waff and Markas behind. I'm sure they'd like to accompany us."
"I've got a very interesting proposition to make to them. No, Pucky, it's no use trying to find out what it is. I'm not going to tell you now. As soon as you return with Noir and Markas, I'll satisfy your curiosity.
He glanced at Gorlat, who switched off his copier, and asked: "Finished, Captain? I'd like to examine the plans with Khrest and Atlan. A good idea occurred to me." He took Drog's drawings and folded them so that they fitted again in the Springer's briefcase and handed it to Pucky. Patting the mouse-beaver on the shoulder, he said: "Hurry up, Pucky! I expect you in Khrest's cabin. And don't forget to bring Markas."
Pucky grinned impishly, showing his incisor. "I'd sooner forget my tail," he assured him. Then he concentrated himself and disappeared.
The last thing Rhodan saw of him was his furry brown beavertail and he believed the little fellow that he would bring Markas back just as sure as his tail.
• • •
A little later—at the same time as Drog headed for the administration building with the coveted briefcase and tried to figure out how he had spent the last two hours—a critical conference took place aboard the Drusus.
Khrest, the host, sat at the head of the table and listened quietly to the words of the immortal Atlan, who held the copies of the drawings in his hands. In addition to Rhodan, Bell, Pucky and the two Swoons, Chief Engineer Gunter Forster and Chief Mathematician Dr. Ali el Jagat attended the meeting.
"The principle of the detector is easy to understand," Atlan expounded, "if you know the basic features of the structure compensator from which it was evolved. It'll be no more difficult to design its correlating instrument, the absorber. This absorber will assimilate all impulses from the compensator, making it impossible for the detector to register anything and thus rendering it superfluous."
Rhodan gazed intently at Atlan. He knew that he could fully depend on his new ally but he didn't know whether he might overestimate his ability. "Are you absolutely sure that the construction doesn't tax our capability?"
Atlan nodded and pointed to Jagat and Forster. "Ask these two experts. They'll confirm what I just told you. However there is one matter which bears closer consideration: the detector is to be manufactured on Swoofon where they can build those microscopically small parts. The absorber will have to be made of similar small parts. This is the only weak point in my assessment."
Rhodan replied with a smile: "Thank you, Atlan. We'll consider this point later. As you state, we can assume that we'll not run an undue risk if the Springers equip their search ships with these detectors in three or four months. By then we'll be in a good position. As our absorber will have been developed with the assistance of the Swoons."
"Theoretically yes... "
"Very good!" Rhodan looked at Pucky who had the two Swoons sitting on his lap and seemed to have forgotten what was going on around him. "Now may I ask Markas to answer a few questions? Pucky, will you please put him on the table?"
Markas shuffled back and back, a little undecided, till he settled at the right place near the translator. Engrossed, Waff watched him from Pucky's lap, over the edge of the table.
"What would you like to know, sir?" the Swoon asked. "I'll be glad to answer all your questions."
Rhodan leaned forward and looked into the bright, clear eyes of the Swoon. He could read an honest affection in them and he was deeply touched by the warm feeling. These little, funny-looking beings were blessed with a good and decent character that was rarely to be found among human beings. How foolish it would have been to spoil the friendship with these lovable creatures if he had made no effort to treat them as equal, intelligent beings. Rhodan suddenly began to understand Pucky's fondness toward them.
"You've expressed the wish to know the world I call home, Markas," Rhodan began. "I'd be happy to fulfil your wish and at the same time I'd like to submit a proposition to you. I hope you'll gi
ve it your careful consideration but I wouldn't hold it against you if you fail to accept it. I want you to take your time before you make a decision."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I'd like to suggest to you that 10- or 20,000 Swoons leave your planet with you and Waff and accompany us to Terra. We're in great need of such capable and clever microtechnicians like you. I offer you for your cooperation any work and living conditions you might desire in a community of your own. We intend to reward you with salaries and a generous bonus equal to those our highest paid experts in the field receive. Your people would have to sign on for five years and we obligate ourselves to bring everybody back to this planet who wants to return after that time. There's only one condition on which I have to insist: all Swoons must be taken on a blind flight to Terra so that none of them can learn the galactic position of our planet."
Everybody in the room listened in fascination to Rhodan. Khrest's face expressed satisfaction as if he had expected something along this line. Atlan smiled and also seemed to be pleased that Rhodan had conceived a wise plan. Pucky stroked the little Waff on his lap and cast a taunting look at Bell, who preferred to ignore him.
"As far as I'm concerned, sir," Markas answered, "I'll be happy to consent. I'm convinced that Waff will join me. What kind of specialists would you require?"
"If possible I'd like to have experts from each branch of science which would enable the Swoon colony on Terra to produce all the things you manufacture on Swoofon. I'm sure you'll know how to make the best selection, Markas."
"Leave it to me, sir," Markas said. "How much time do I have to put the workforce together?"
Rhodan raised his eyebrows. "Not very long, I'm afraid; the sooner I can leave the better. I don't want the Regent to get any ideas that I intend to stay here permanently. Besides, we must start the construction of the absorber without delay. Make sure to bring all the scientists necessary for this job."
Markas glanced at Waff. "If Waff comes with me, sir, we can get it done a lot quicker."
"Why don't you take him with you, Markas?" Rhodan suggested. "One more thing. Not one Swoon can be permitted to remain behind with the knowledge that anyone has left Swoofon with us. This means that you'll be able to ask only those friends of yours who are absolutely certain to accept your invitation. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, sir. The task is not as difficult as you might think. There's a Research Center for Applied Technology east of Gorla. It serves as a training institute for our future specialists and employs our best scientists as teachers. Its workshops are equipped with all the special tools that exist on Swoofon. If it were possible to transfer the entire university with its 20,000 teachers and students to Terra we could build anything we do here, from miniature TV sets to compact hyper-propulsion systems."
Rhodan's face lit up. "Thank you, Markas. This could be the answer to our problem. Will you be able to persuade all the members of the Research Center? What happens if they refuse?"
Markas replied with a thin smile. "Nobody will raise objections, sir. You can take my word for it. When can I leave?"
Rhodan looked at Pucky. "Go with Markas and Waff. Who else would you like to accompany you? Anne Sloane?"
Anne Sloane was a telekin like the mouse-beaver. Pucky, who had already grasped what Rhodan intended to do, shook his head. "Nobody, Perry, It can't be done with telekinetics or teleportation by itself. I'm the only one in the Mutant Corps who can combine both. You can see what I mean. I'll handle it all by myself when the time comes. You can trust me."
He kept Waff on his arm and got up. Then he carefully picked up Markas with his other hand. "I'll report back as soon as possible. So long!"
A second later only a slight flickering of the air indicated where he and the two Swoon had stood. Bell stared at the empty spot. "I don't get it," he admitted grudgingly. "What's going on now? What does he want to do by combining teleportation and telekinetics?"
Rhodan smiled at Khrest and, Atlan as he replied: "Well, Reggie, life would be simpler if you were a mind reader, wouldn't it? But I don't want to keep you in suspense. Now listen and I'll explain it all to you... "
Bell was all ears.
6/ 20,000 DIE
The commanders of the 40 Guppies were more than a little surprised when they received a radio call from the Drusus two hours later:
TO THE COMMANDERS OF ALL G-SHIPS! ALL UNITS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF G-33 WILL RETURN UNDER THEIR OWN POWER TO EARTH. MAKE SEVERAL TRANSITION JUMPS PROTECTED BY YOUR COMPENSATORS. EXERT EXTREME CAUTION! G-33 REPORT TO ME AT ONCE. RHODAN.
The Drusus received several inquiries about the order but Stern, who meanwhile had taken charge of the radio communications again, cleared up all doubts. The blockade of Swoofon was indeed lifted and the Guppies were not to return to the Drusus. Those stationed on the Titan and Gen. Pounder were called back to their ships which were ordered to leave the stellar system as soon as the auxiliary ships were aboard.
It amounted to an orderly retreat, although the strategy could be more fittingly described as a tactical chess move. However this was to be considered as an official secret.
Mike Tompetch, a stout straw-blond American, was the commander of Guppy 33. 10 minutes after receiving the radio call he cautiously steered his spherical ship in to the wide open hatch and docked in the hangar. These berths for the auxiliary ships circled the huge Drusus like a ring and they were able to accommodate 40 of the Guppies which had a diameter of 60 meters.
Lt. Tompetch was a little stiff-legged as he climbed down the ramp after dismissing his crew from the G-33. He apparently expected no other immediate assignment. The men returned to their regular stations. The Drusus needed them badly in the absence of the contingents on the other Guppies.
On his way to the antigravitor Tompetch ran into Reginald Bell. Tompetch hailed him and fired a few questions: "Perhaps you can tell me what this is all about? Don't they trust me to find my way back to Earth like all the other Guppies sent on that little jaunt... ?"
"Keep your shirt on," Bell admonished with a broad grin. "Your old tub needs a lot of fixing, doesn't it?"
Tompetch was stunned for a second. "Old tub? What do you mean by that? It's no older than the others. I admit the collision with the asteroid didn't help it much but all damaged parts have been replaced. At any rate, we could have flown back to Earth without trouble."
"It really has nothing to do with it, lieutenant," Bell suddenly assumed an official attitude. "I've orders to inform you that you'll no longer fly the G-33. If you have any personal effects on board, please remove them at once. This goes for your men too."
Tompetch looked flabbergasted. "I'm not supposed to fly my ship any more? But why?"
"The boss is going to explain the matter to you, lieutenant. First you must see to it that your stuff is taken out of the ship. I've assigned a few technicians who will help you to strip it of all valuable instruments. Please report to Rhodan when you're finished. See you later, lieutenant."
Tompetch stared at him in disbelief. He scratched his straw-blond hair and uttered a deep sigh. Then he went back to the hangar and switched on the intercom to call his crew back in order to comply with Bell's instructions although he didn't have the foggiest notion of the reason.
Two hours later he stood before Rhodan and reported that the job was done as ordered and that the G-33 was nothing but an empty shell with a propulsion engine. His fervent hope for an explanation was bitterly disappointed when Rhodan merely acknowledged: "Fine, Lt. Tompetch. Now report to Lt.-Maj. Sikerman for your next assignment. Well, the G-33 is now ready for the scrap pile, right? We want to do away with it."
Tompetch left. At the door to the corridor he briefly turned around and saw the laughing face of Bell, which did nothing to enlighten him, either.
As soon as the door was closed, Bell remarked: "His curiosity is going to kill him, Perry. I feel a little sorry for him."
"Really," Rhodan answered with a smile, "you should feel sorry fo
r yourself. You've got a lot of work to do. Take all the men you need to clean everything out of our hangars and make the necessary preparations. I want to take off in five hours."
Bell went slowly to the door. "Provided Pucky is ready by that time?" he questioned.
"He will be!" Rhodan said with emphasis, pointing to the tiny radio set on his wrist.
Bell realized that he was almost as much in the dark as Tompetch. With a gesture of resignation he left Rhodan alone.
• • •
As long as there's life, there will be accidents and catastrophes. This is an indisputable law of nature. Swoofon had its share of such mishaps too but they were rare and relatively harmless most of the time.
Nevertheless Pucky had to proceed very carefully. He studied the map. "Well, there's only a single railway line connecting the Research Institute with the surface and the other cities. This is in our favor."
Waff sat on the table and looked over Pucky's arm, confirming his findings.
"You say there's only one train running per day, Waff? Fine and candy! It left an hour ago and we've got a whole day before another one comes. Where is Markas?"
"He's making his appeal to the faculty and students of the optical department," Waff informed him. "None of them will choose to stay here."
"How many have so far declined to come with us?"
"Less than a thousand. What'll happen to them?"
Pucky shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, nothing much. They'll forget Markas' invitation, that's all. Noir'll take care of that. Then I'll take them to Gorla and they'll rack their brains trying to figure out how they got there. I'm beginning to realize now that I won't be able to tackle the whole job alone. I'll have to get some help. Wait here, I'll be back in a minute."
Waff skipped to the edge of the table and jumped to the floor. He watched Pucky concentrate and disappear. The Swoon was already used to the phenomenon and it didn't consternate him as it did the first time