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

communications section; it seemed better, for the time being, for him to remain in the background.
Rhodan stood up as John Marshall and the stranger entered. The Zalite didn't make too bad an impression but there
was something in his eyes that Rhodan didn't like. His copper-coloured hair was long and slightly wavy. Even here
under the artificial lighting his skin appeared reddish-brown and tanned. He was wearing a type of uniform that bore
gold and silver insignia.
"You requested a parley with me," said Rhodan, opening the discussion.
"I am Hemor, commandant of the small ship that the Zarlt has dispatched to you. I am commissioned to present
certain proposals to you, which I trust you are ready to accept."
Rhodan's brows raised. "That will depend on the nature of the proposals," he replied. In his tone was a challenge,
which did not escape Hemor.
With what appeared to be considerable self-confidence, Hemor began. "You have stolen this spaceship from Arkon.
The entire Empire is hunting for you. Until now, no one knew where you were located."
"But you do."
"Only we!" nodded Hemor with a cold smile. "It was pure chance but the fact is-we know. However, don't let this
be of concern, as we have no intention of making your position known to Arkon. The Zarlt wishes to speak with
you."
"Who is the Zarlt?"
The Zalite couldn't subdue his astonishment. He seemed to have taken it for granted that every intelligence in the
Universe was aware of the Zarlt's identity.
"He is ruler of the Voga system and Vice-Imperator of Arkon, therefore second in command to the Emperor himself.
He is Admiral Demesor and he awaits you now in Tagnor, the capital of Zalit, which is the fourth planet of the Voga
system."
"And what does he want of me?" Rhodan's voice was cool and deliberate. He comported himself as though this
were the most insignificant of occasions, hardly worthy of attention. Inwardly he was anxious to learn what the
Vice-Imperator of the Arkonide Empire was after.
"I am not empowered to discuss the matter-other than trivialities, perhaps. You have questions?"
Rhodan glanced briefly at John Marshall and the telepath nodded to him. "Has the robot brain on Arkon declared me
an enemy of the State?"
Hemor took a few seconds to answer. "Not expressly, but it pursues you with every means at its disposal. Does that
answer your question?"
"Yes, thank you, Second question: What has your Zarlt to do with this? Why doesn't he follow the orders of the
Brain?"
I am not empowered to answer that."
John Marshall in his corner nodded imperceptibly. Rhodan shrugged his shoulders. 'Very well, I'll soon find out.
What happens if I Don't accept the invitation?"
Hemor smiled faintly. "Our entire fleet is on alert. To the present moment, they have been under orders to conduct
you to Zalit, which they will do, provided that a counter-order is not given. This counter-order will not come from
me but from my second in command if I am not back within a certain time. You can see that we have taken all
eventualities into consideration."
Rhodan praised the Zalite's circumspection. "Indeed you have! But I think that further questions would not be of
any use here. I will therefore listen to what your Zarlt has to tell me."
Hemor's face lighted with relief. A load had lifted from his chest. Then he glanced at Thora and Khrest, who had
remained silent until now. "I did not know this ship harboured Arkonides. Nothing of this was ever mentioned."
Khrest made a deprecating gesture. "Does it matter?" he asked, casually.
The door opened and the communications chief entered the command centre. "A fleet is approaching from the
System," he announced. "It consists of at least 200 units, which are falling into attack formation."
Rhodan gave Hemor a questioning look.
The Zalite smiled. "Only a precautionary measure, nothing more. But you will accompany us, if I have understood
you correctly. Am I now permitted to return to my vessel?"
At this moment the figure of Ras Tschubai materialized directly behind Hemor. For a second Ras appeared to be