" Perry Rhodan 0081 - (73) Spaceship of Ancestors" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

Now the Commander smiled wanly. "You can just assume that I decide—that way your conscience
won’t be unduly burdened. You will learn the truth only when you are in my position." He looked at the
clock above the control panel. "And now you must excuse me. I have things to do."

The viewscreen dimmed abruptly before the officer could reply.

The Commander settled behind his desk again and rested his head in his hands as if it had suddenly
grown too heavy. Deep down he could understand the young officer who was designated as his
successor. But regulations prohibited any exceptions on penalty of death by converter. The successor
had to wait until the sign was given; only then could he assume his office to insure that there was always
only one bearer of the secret.

I have to die no matter what,the Commander thought with mounting bitterness.That is just the price I
have to pay—everyone before me paid it, just as all who will come after me.

Nothing could interrupt the chain.

Once again he was startled by the buzzing of the communication device. It was his duty to take notice of
every call, so he rose and went to see whether it was Officer 1 again.

This time it was Officer 2, the speaker of the crew.

"Commander, Ps-5, D-3 and R-75 have requested an interview. When do you wish to see them?"

The Commander considered a moment.

The fact that the doctor and the psychologist wanted a talk was not unusual. That occurred almost once
a week. However, that Repairman-75 wished to speak with him was no normal occurrence. Therefore it
was with a mixture of curiosity and astonishment that the Commander said: "You may grant permission. I
shall await them at the usual hour." Some inner feeling made him add: "I want to see only the three of
them, O-2. You make sure that O-1 is not admitted with them, on no account."

"Understood, sir," the speaker responded and switched off.

The Commander resumed his seat and sank into deep thought. He sensed that trouble was brewing
around him; only he did not yet know which sort of trouble.



****



A few days earlier, shiptime…

The psychologist looked up in astonishment as the door opened and Dr. 3 entered his office
unannounced. They were both about the same age and if their work clothes were not so different, a
stranger would have found it difficult to tell them apart.
"Well now, D-3? A rare visit…?"