"002 The Third Power" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

"What?" Pounder’s face resembled an overripe tomato. "What do you mean, on
purpose? Rhodan, you’re not trying to tell me that"
"I’m not trying to tell you anything, at least not what you seem to believe.
I’ll try to explain."
"I’d like to know what there is to explain," Pounder roared. "Destroy the
Stardust at once, with the automatic destruct system, and surrender to the
forces of the Asiatic Federation. Is that understood?"
An icy glint became visible in Perry eyes. "I understand you perfectly sir; but
I will not follow your instructions."
"You will not what?" Pounder presented a frightening sight. His face had turned
a shade darker still. Reg ducked down involuntarily, as though afraid that the
head on the screen would suddenly burst. "Major Rhodan, I am ordering you"
"May I inform you, sir, that I am no longer a major and therefore no longer
under your command," Perry said calmly. "As you see, I have removed my insignia
of rank. If you will permit me, I shall explain everything once and for all."
Professor Lehmann’s face abruptly appeared beside Pounder’s. There was curiosity
in his expression. "Rhodan, are remains of an atmosphere present in the moon
craters and perhaps traces of?"
"Silence!" shouted the general, and shoved the scientist aside. "Speak up,
Rhodan." He stroked his chin. "And you’d better be convincing, because your
words will decide whether or not we’ll have a war on our hands within the next
ten hours. The Asiatic Federation is absolutely convinced that the Stardust is a
strategic outpost of the United States, established very much on purpose. Unless
this ‘strategic outpost’ has been given up by tomorrow, diplomatic relations
will be severed. I don’t need to tell you what that will mean."
"Has it gone so far already?" Perry whispered, fear in his voice. "Then, indeed,
every second is precious. Now, listen carefully, General. We landed as planned
on the moon and discovered there the remnants of an extraterrestrial
civilization. What it is in cannot tell you in detail now, but a few indications
will be sufficient for Professor Lehmann’s peace of mind. The moon has never
been inhabited, but long ago the exploratory vessel of an interstellar race
landed there. It is untouched and contains an arsenal of weapons with which one
could destroy not only Earth, but our entire solar system. Death rays and force
fields, gravity neutralizers and antineutron screens that can prevent any
nuclear reaction and, what’s more, hand weapons of an effectiveness that you can
hardly imagine. You will realize, General, that we could scarcely hand such
tremendously powerful weapons over to any nation on Earth."
Suddenly Pounder’s voice turned cold sober.
"But you are in Asiatic Federation territory. You landed there, and since this
conversation is being monitored, all the world knows now what you’ve found on
the moon. Expeditions will begin, and a race will determine who gains possession
of ultimate power. It would have been better if you had remained silent."
"I want the world to know Perry replied. "And no one will land on the moon
unless I so desire. Don’t worry, General. Neither the Asiatics nor the Russians
nor you will obtain those weapons. These weapons are in my hands. I shall take
care that no one starts the war that will destroy us all."
"You?"
In this one word were hidden such contempt and disbelief that Perry turned red
with rage. He stepped forward and glared coldly at the general "Yes, I. Please
understand the politics have failed. For decades you have tried to prevent the