" Perry Rhodan 0014 - (08) The Galactic Riddle" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

was said to possess it. The trail was obviously leading them here. And now it
ended abruptly in empty space. "There is only one answer to this," observed
Rhodan thoughtfully. "This planet, that once revolved around Vega, left the
system unknown ages ago. That means the whole planet, including its
inhabitants." "You've got to be kidding!" Bell protested gingerly. The idea
was too much for him to swallow even though he had quite a fantastic
imagination himself. "You can't remove a whole planet and put it someplace
else just like that!" "You will be amazed, buddy," Rhodan predicted
patiently. Then he pointed to the mapped out constellation. This makes it
quite clear that we have lost the track. It ends right here in the empty gap
between the ninth and 10th planets. The race of the immortals left without a
trace. They want to keep their secret, at least that's what it looks like. But
in reality they are willing to share it with a race which is their equal. We
have evidence of this. The matter-transmitters of the Ferrons, which they
neither constructed nor understand, are the beginning of a new trail. The
immortals deliberately wanted to arouse the curiosity of a superior intellect,
and only people who are capable of fifth-dimensional thought will be able to
grasp the mode of operation of the matter-transmitters. That they made the
first condition: the secret of eternal life is only for those with the
capacity to understand the fifth dimension." "As if we could do that."
mumbled Bell in disgust. "Our positronic brain can accomplish it for us,"
retorted Rhodan. "It has already shown us the way to the vault under the Red
Palace." The government building of the Ferrons was located in the metropolis
of Thorta, named after the ruler, the Thort. In the cellar was a vault,
secured with a time lock, which contained the construction plans of the
matter-transmitters. Rhodan had managed to remove these plans from the vault
with the help of his Mutant Corps. "That vault," continued Rhodan, "will lead
us to the way. It will probably require a chase through the universe and
thousands of years to find the missing planet. Already 10,000 years ago the
immortal people decided to leave this system. I am convinced that we will soon
find a new clue. The immortals wish to be found some day, but only by the
right individuals." "And that means us?" Khrest expressed doubt with a wan
smile. "If we find them-yes," said Rhodan softly. The quest for the planet
of everlasting life had entered a critical stage. The massive spacesphere had
once more flown around the 10th planet of the Vega, system and scouted for
signs of present or past life. It merely confirmed the original
observation-planet number 10 was a lifeless and almost sterile world, which
resembled the surface of Mars and exhibited similar conditions. The spaceship
returned to Ferrol and landed on the outskirts of the capital on the airfield
of Rhodan's base. As soon as the huge sphere came to rest on the rocky ground,
the protective dome of energy which guarded the base against assaults formed
again. Perry Rhodan recapitulated in a short briefing the results of their
efforts up to date. "It is certain the 10th planet of the Vega system was the
home of the immortal race, provided of course that they did not originate
from, another world and settled down here later. Furthermore it is certain the
current planet number 10 was-at their time-number 11 and that the initial
planet of eternal life left this area. If we try to contemplate the advanced
technology of a civilization which had discovered the secret of constant cell
rejuvenation it no longer strikes us as unbelievable that they had the
capability of transporting a whole planet anywhere they chose. We do not know