"(novel) (ebook) - Perry Rhodan 0040 - (32) Challenge of the Unknown" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

deceleration, it should intercept us in about a half hour."
"Thank you," said Rhodan, noticing his screen coming on. "Monitor for any incoming signal from them and advise
me at once."
Again he turned his attention to the videoscreens, on which the universe gradually emerged. In such a glittering star
field it was difficult to resolve the ship optically. Bell switched on the vernier finder, which utilized a principle
similar to radar. It was then only a matter of a few seconds to find the alien ship. After an adjustment of the
magnification, it finally stood out clearly discernible on the vernier screen. It was in fact only 300 feet long, torpedo
shaped and at its widest spot about 75 feet in diameter. A row of lighted portholes seemed to indicate that no great
emphasis was being placed on secrecy. This was also corroborated by the line of its course. it steered directly toward
the Titan.
Bell's eyes narrowed. "It seems we have ourselves some company. Do you think they take us for an Empire ship?
"Word must have gotten around about the theft by now," reasoned Rhodan. He established connection with the
Ganymede which hovered only a mile and a quarter away. Lieutenant Marten answered. Rhodan asked him to
inform Col. Freyt immediately and call him to the intercom.
Without disconnecting, he turned to Bell. "The alien commander knows very well whom he is facing and that's why
I'm surprised at his behaviour. To say the least, it's a bit reckless."
"I'm really waiting for this fellow!" enthused Reg.
Col. Freyt appeared on the screen. 'We've already sighted him," he said, obviously referring to the alien. "He comes
from the System, a Zalite if I'm not mistaken."
"Most likely a Zalite," Rhodan acknowledged. "In any case have the Ganymede ready to defend itself. We don't
know what weapons the Zalites have at their disposal. Don't wait for my command if you are threatened. Destroy
the alien only in self-defence. Understood?"
"Understood. Only in self-defence."
Rhodan snapped off the connection. He could depend on Freyt. He plugged the ship's intercom into the Mutant
Corps' quarters. John Marshall answered.
"This is Control," said Rhodan. "Marshall, I want you and the Corps to stand by for a sortie. Send Ralph Marten and
Pucky up here, on the double. Also, alert Ras Tschubai and Tako Kakuta for second standby. Over and out."
The last two named were the teleporters who by the power of will could transfer themselves to any desired location.
On the other hand, Ralph Marten possessed another faculty which offered a most undetectable method of
reconnaissance: he was the remote optical spy of the Corps. He was capable of shutting out his own personal ego
and of seeing and hearing through the eyes and ears of other beings. Without any cognizance of the person
concerned, Marten's mind could dwell in him and utilize the whole physical vehicle of his unsuspecting host.
"Why Ralph Marten?' Bell asked curiously. "Surely you don't intend to pay the alien an indirect visit?"
"Why not?" retorted Rhodan, as in that moment the subject of conversation stepped into the control room with
Pucky. The mouse-beaver cast Bell a pleasant look, waddled to the seat next to him and clambered into it. Ralph
Marten waited politely at the door until Rhodan signalled him to sit down next to him.
"An alien spaceship is approaching the Titan," Perry explained, since Marten was not a telepath. "I'd like to know
who's on board and what's on their minds. Pucky, haven't you picked up any of their vibes yet?"
"Yes, but very strange ones," the mouse-beaver deliberated calmly. "I can't make anything out of them."
"No usable thought patterns?"
"Only a few, but they're being blanketed by a stronger mental impulse that I can't fathom. Do you want me to pop
over there? The distance has narrowed down and the ship is approaching now at only about 1600 feet per second."
"How did you know that?"
Pucky grinned. "It says so on your vernier panel."
Rhodan was red-faced for having asked an unnecessary question but it could happen even to him. In the past few
minutes he hadn't been watching the alien ship.
"Marten, I'd like you to try on one of those aliens for size. Slip into one of them and take a peep at what goes on
over there. Better pick out somebody unimportant. Meanwhile, Pucky will keep his feelers out and maybe we can
finally come up with some kind of identification. I can't really believe they've sent us a shipload of nuts."
Ralph Marten leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes. Seconds later he seemed to be in rigor mortis. His