"(novel) (ebook) - Perry Rhodan 0002 - (1b) The Third Power" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

In Peking Major Perkins had left the stratoliner and proceeded to a first class hotel. Within a few moments of his arrival he had already received from a contact the address of a reputable firm in the employ of the Asiatic Federation government. He sought out the manager, and a meeting was arranged.

Agent PerkinТs papers were in the name of Alfons Hochheimer, mining engineer. According to the passport he had lived in the Asiatic Federation for more than ten years and had worked several times for the official government agencies in the exploitation of mineral resources.In the reception room of the business firm,

equipped, Perkins noted, with the most modern conveniences, a Chinese in European clothing approached him, an inscrutable smile playing about his lips.

"Mr. Hochheimer, I presume? My name is Yen-Fu. What can I do for you?"

"I understand that you participate in the development of economically uninteresting areas," replied Perkins. "Working for other enterprises, I have already had occasion to explore many parts of the Gobi Desert with radar sounding. I know a place where uranium might be found, if one digs deeply enough."

Yen-Fu smiled more intensely. "Gobi? Uranium? I believe you are in error. There is no uranium in the Gobi Desert. We have sent several expeditions there already, but no success could be achieved in that respect."

Now it was Perkins who smiled in an inscrutable fashion. "Your people did not have access to my research instruments, Mr. Yen-Fu. Have you ever heard of the radar sensor of Professor Gottfried Spielmann?"

The Chinese shook his head. "To be honest, no."

Perkins was not at all surprised, he had just invented the name. "How unfortunate! Spielmann is one of the most impressive figures on the scientific scene in the Western world. Thanks to his invention, the United States and her allies have located the great uranium deposits along the Amazon River. I myself have one of his latest models."

Despite his continued smile, some mistrust became evident in the face of the Chinese. "Are you not American?"

"No, I am German, but IТve been residing in the Asiatic Federation for ten years. Here, my papers. I hope they will establish my loyalty."Yen-Fu examined the exquisitely skilful forgeries with great care but could detect no irregularities. Hesitating slightly, he returned them. "And do you know where in the desert uranium can be found?"

Perkins nodded. "Enough to supply twenty power stations for a hundred years. Of course," he added with a sly smile, "one can also do other things with it."

"Wait a moment. Please."

Perkins waited but not for long. Soon he was speaking with the president of the firm, then with official representatives of the government, and finally with the pilot of the plane that was to bring this ad hoc commission into the supposed uranium area.

"This radar sensor, do you have it with you?" inquired Yen-Fu with interest. "Is it possible to read the results directly on it?"

Perkins thought of the cleverly constructed metal box that contained no more than a battery and some cables inside and a few dials and several buttons outside. He nodded.

"But of course! Do you think I would come to you without the necessary equipment? When shall we start?"

"In one hour, if you like. We are still expecting confirmation from the proper authorities."

If only everything goes well, Perkins thought, although no one could do anything to him. His papers were probably more authentic than those of the Chinese. NeverthelessЕIn the little cafe across the street, Perkins quickly drank a bottle of lemonade and gave a few coins to a beggar who, in a loud, high voice, lamented his misery and bewailed having to feed seven small children.The man in rags thanked him for the coins with many bows and in between the many bows suddenly whispered, "O father of justice, heavenly paragon of human pity, thanks be to you for your kindness! (Hey, fellow, donТt you recognize your old friends any more?) My children will offer up prayers to our ancestors for you. (Why did Mercant have to send you of all people?) May the goddess of fertility bless you, my lord, for having given such riches to an undeserving beggar! (By the way, the government official on the plane is one of our men. Go easy on him.) Permit me to kiss your feet."Perkins briefly winked at the beggar, then turned away with a gesture of displeasure. He tossed a coin on the table and left the cafe.



It was a jaunty little jet. Aboard, besides the pilot, were a representative of the government, a chief engineer, and Perkins. The small cabin showed evidence of some luxury and thus indicated that it also served in a private capacity. Interchangeable skid runners and pontoons enabled it to land on uneven ground or on water.

The jet engine roared, but the noise almost entirely lost itself in flight.

Peking sank below them. The jet flew straight westward. Fertile valleys receded quickly into the east. The first mountain ranges appeared, then brown arid deserts.

The government official bent forward and tapped the shoulder of the engineer, who was sitting next to Perkins. "Where is this region located, Lan-Yu?"

"East of Suchou, near the Koshun salt lake, near where the American moon rocket is supposed to have crashlanded."