" Perry Rhodan 0099 - (91) Friend to Mankind" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

"You don’t take any chances with an old man like me, do you, Perry?"

"No," Rhodan replied. "Tuncher also brought a little motorboat for you which you can use to fish on the
lake. Please tell me if there is anything else I can do for you."

They left Khrest’s new home and watched Tuncher and his crew unload the spacejet. The disk-shaped
spaceship had been constructed in secrecy and measured 35 meters in diameter. The sleek lines of its
dome merged into the even surface. The bubble accommodated a small crew and the most modern
equipment of the Solar Fleet. The design of the ship enabled a single pilot to operate it by himself.

Khrest, who was familiar with the gigantic battleships of the Arkonide fleet, did not conceal his
admiration. After the machine had been moored on the ground, he remarked approvingly: "This is another
proof that I’m no longer needed. People who can build such fine products are able to take care of
themselves. The Earthlings have achieved so much in a relatively shortime. Perry, regard me as a symbol
of an epoch which has run its course. Youth will take my place and I will soon be forgotten."

"Mankind will never forget you," Rhodan assured him. "Your departure will leave a gap that cannot be
closed for a long time. Looking at it in this light, you are only too right when you speak of the end of an
epoch."
 They spent the next few hours walking along the shore while the crew of theSolar System was busy
putting the last touches on Khrest’s abode. In their conversation long forgotten events were brought back
to life. Rhodan continued in his attempts to make the scientist return to Earth with him but Khrest’s
decision remained unshakable.

Finally Lt. Tuncher appeared to report that the work was completed and theSolar System was ready to
take off again.

"The crew wants to say goodbye to you," Rhodan said.

They were about 600 meters from the heavy cruiser. Khrest gravely shook his head. "Give the men my
regards and convey my best wishes to them," he said.

Rhodan stood still. His hand touched the Arkonide’s arm and Khrest, who had shared Rhodan’s
company for years and years, felt that the Terranian had trouble finding the right words. "Don’t say
anything," Khrest begged softly. "Just go."

Perry Rhodan took the hand of the old man. They looked once more into each others’ eyes. For a
moment the pressure of their hands intensified. "Thank you, my friend," Rhodan whispered hoarsely.
Then he turned abruptly around and followed Lt. Tuncher.

Khrest stood motionless, following them with his eyes. Rhodan and Tuncher ascended the steep incline
without turning around. Khrest squinted into the low sun behind theSolar System . Next to the mighty
vessel the two men looked like ants. Then they disappeared altogether.

Minutes later the sphere lifted off, borne by its powerful engines and propelled by the thunderous forces
of atomic heat. The ground began to tremble and Khrest’s ears felt a pain.

At the altitude of 2000 meters the ship’s crew chose its own way of saying goodbye to Khrest. A
flaming beam shot from a gun turret and coloured the sky blood-red. A last salute to a great friend of