"Harry Harrison - Planet Of No Return" - читать интересную книгу автора (Harrison Harry)

"Enlarge the image."

The moving speck swelled and became a thin metallic dart with swept-back
wings. "What is its speed?" Brion asked, and a display appeared on the screen.
"Mach 2.6. An advanced supersonic design, product of a highly developed
technological culture. At that speed it will have limited fuel. If we can keep
it in sight, we might be able to see where it lands

Lea finished the sentence for him. "And we also may stand a good chance of
finding out just what is happening on this planet."

"Exactly ..."

The image of the aircraft on the screen tilted upon one wing and dived
sharply; the computer spoke in the same instant.

D-Day Minus One

51

"There is a digital radio broadcast emanating from the displayed plane. I am
recording."

The image on the screen disappeared in a sudden explosion of flame. "What
caused that blowup?" Brion said.

"A surface to air missile. I detected its course just before the explosion."

Brion nodded grimly. "That aircraft must have detected it as well, that's why
it took the sudden evasive action."

"And that broadcast—is it possible that the crew of the plane sent it out?"

"Yes, of course! If it was a scout ship it was in that particular area for
some reason. When it was fired

52

PLANET OF NO RETURN

D-Day Minus One

53

upon they took evasive action while reporting back to their base. And unless I
am mistaken—here comes the response now." Brion pointed to the track suddenly
displayed on the screen. "A ballistic missile, probably targeted on the ground
defense missile site below. The war is still going on. So we know two more
places where we don't want to go."