The Thrall of Hypno Read online

  Security Minister Bell returned the glance of his friend Rhodan. Bell had a glow in his eyes.

  He turned to the members of the conference. The representative of the Asiatic Federation, a corpulent Chinese, glanced sideways at his neighbor, the American emissary from the Western Bloc before he fired his next question:

  "The preparations for the world-wide elections are under way, Mister Bell, but I must honestly confess that I have my doubts about the success of this inspiring undertaking and I'm afraid that the informative programs of your television stations won't change the state of affairs. Our generation is too much imbued with the spirit of nationalism."

  "Do you mean to say," Bell leaned forward and looked questioningly at the Chinese, "that mankind is not interested in an accord?"

  "I've claimed no such thing," the other defended himself against the accusation. "I've merely pointed out some of the difficulties. I'm convinced that my two colleagues will agree with me that these difficulties are prevalent."

  The representative of the Eastern Bloc nodded affirmatively.

  "Despite the rejection of nationalism we've practiced for five decades, it is deeply rooted in the people and it comes to the fore when you need it least. I must admit that there is opposition to the idea of world government in our ranks. The election will simply be ignored by some of these people."

  Bell looked at the American. The elderly delegate cleared his throat and stated:

  "The allies of the Western Bloc used to call themselves the free world. Of course we've refused to stamp out nationalism by force. It was supposed to fade away. There are voices in our countries too that disapprove of a world government because they fear a domineering tutelage from those quarters."

  The two other representatives made signs of agreement which were duly noted with interest by Perry Rhodan who kept in the background. Reginald Bell restrained himself with a shrug of his shoulders.

  "The government heads of the three power blocs have unanimously agreed that only a world government will be able to cope with a future impasse. Irrespective of these problems, every man on Earth will eventually have to come to grips with the fact that we're not the only intelligent inhabitants of the universe. A few light-years away from us flourish realms of stars comprising many solar Systems. Compared to their size and might we're like a single family compared to the power of a big government. Families cannot exist for long on their own and neither can Terra if torn by internecine strife in the cosmic age. The first conqueror who discovers Earth will incorporate it in his empire."

  He stopped speaking. Before his eyes the events of the last four weeks rolled by again. While the little fleet under Major Deringhouse tried to catch the Supermutant who had fled, the preparation for the most important and all-inclusive elections that had ever taken place on Terra had commenced. All mankind was to decide on what to choose—national governments or a world government. For years already artificial satellites provided television reception at every point of the globe. This made possible an unprecedented worldwide propaganda campaign with thorough indoctrination. Day and night, films produced by the New Power were shown all over the world. Robot-controlled simultaneous translation machines spoke the explanatory text.

  These films depicted the attacks from intelligent forces in space on peaceful and unprepared worlds and their destruction. They related again the story of the reptilian Topides who attempted to conquer the Ferronian people in the Vega system. Only with the help of Perry Rhodan had the unfortunate Ferronians been able to repulse the invaders from their world.

  In harsh terms the New Power endeavored to inform all people what would happen to them if they insisted on their narrow-minded attitude.

  Perry Rhodan was almost continually on the road himself, making election trips. He made speeches on television stations all over the world, expounding the great mission of a united mankind that would reach far beyond the Solar system. He reminded his listeners that contact with the Arkonides was imminent and that the existence of Terra was imperiled if that far-advanced race should determine that the Earth's citizens still failed to live up to their destiny. The Arkonides, he stressed, were not prepared to deal as equals with backward people. Earth would just become another colony in their vast empire.

  Reginald Bell did not remember that Rhodan had spoken before so frankly about mankind's destiny but those who could read between the lines began to understand what he failed to mention. The Arkonides, Perry Rhodan implied, were, in spite of their incredible civilization and superb technical achievements, a decadent race. One day they would be compelled to step down and a successor had to be found for the majestic empire of stars. And if Terra by that time...

  The idea was too far out to think it through to the end. Reginald Bell turned to the representative of the Eastern Bloc. "Did you wish to make a comment? Please go ahead!"

  "Our nations believe that the world government will be secretly dominated by Perry Rhodan. They object to living under a dictatorship just when we've begun to liberate ourselves."

  Rhodan smiled mildly, rose up and stepped forward. Then he addressed the man from the Eastern Bloc:

  "Such misgivings can be easily dispelled with a little logic. You know as well as I do that the New Power is militarily in a position to impose the world government against the will of all countries. However, we wouldn't think of using force. Only voluntary adherence to a common goal will make us strong. History has taught us that force breeds counterforce and downfall. Don't entertain the idea that I advocate unconditional pacifism—this wouldn't get us anywhere either. I merely consider both extremes as counterproductive and detrimental."

  "All right," the delegate from the Eastern Bloc replied. "I'm willing to believe you personally but what measures can we take to convince all our people?"

  Rhodan smiled.

  "We can resort to a time-honored custom for this purpose. You can invite me for an official state visit and I'll come with the Arkonide battleship and an army of robots. Don't you think that such a spectacle would be very impressive?"

  "It could be interpreted as an attempt at intimidation, sir."

  "That's just what it's meant to be," Rhodan admitted bluntly. "Those people with closed minds might be persuaded by their own eyes with such a demonstration."

  Reginald Bell suppressed a grin. This diplomatic sparring amused him royally and it was much more entertaining than the fruitless attempts of chasing the Supermutant. He knew better than anybody else the infinite patience Rhodan practiced to refrain from achieving his goal with more energetic means. By taking advantage of the military superiority of the Arkonide weapons he could have conquered the Earth in a few hours. However he was not out to conquer the world, he wanted to win the hearts of all its people. For it is a strange yet wise principle of nature that only a free man can accomplish truly great deeds.

  The representative of the Asiatic Federation smiled cryptically and leaned forward, saying: "Isn't it possible to have a united Earth with sovereign governments of independent power blocs? Peace could be guaranteed by mutual treaties."

  Rhodan smiled back with a trace of coldness. "Is that what you think? We all know from history that treaties are made to be broken. No, this is no solution. We need a competent government that is ready to act at a moment's notice. In a crucial emergency there won't be time to consult legislatures and parliaments. Our planet has to confront intelligent aliens as one formidable undivided unit. World bodies lacking a unified government that reflects basically coordinated thinking, are considered according to interstellar laws as retrogressive and are treated harshly. Would you let this happen to us?"

  The Chinese had listened attentively and shook his head. "As far as I'm concerned I fully share your opinion. I've merely cited the arguments of the dissenters. You stated yourself that contrasting views will have to be reconciled."

  "It's our duty to be fair," Rhodan admitted. "But a weak world government carries its own seed of destruction from the beginning. Besides, I k
eep asking myself in vain, why would a reasonable man object to the harmonious cooperation of mankind?"

  Reginald Bell cleared his throat. "That's simple," he said, "if you know human character. Naturally nobody is going to object to unity and world government as long as he can pull the strings himself. But everybody resists that same collaboration if someone else has the authority, or to phrase it differently, no person wants the other to rule and be relegated to a subordinate position."

  "Not even if it benefits mankind?" Rhodan ruminated.

  "Not even then," Bell insisted.

  The representatives of the three big powers looked terribly disconsolate for awhile.

  • • •

  A short time later an internal conference took place, attended by the closest assistants of Rhodan.

  When Perry Rhodan entered the room he glanced at his assembled co-workers and assured himself that all those invited were present.

  Colonel Freyt, his official deputy, was standing next to the Arkonide Khrest, whose tall figure towered above all the others. The white hair, the high forehead and the reddish albino eyes marked him as a member of the race that ruled an empire 34,000 light-years away—or believed that it still ruled.

  Thora and Bell stood close by. Thora was also very tall and had the same hair and eyes as Khrest. She was an exquisite beauty. She spoke softly to Bell but fell silent the moment Rhodan entered the room. She paid no further attention to Bell but followed every movement of Rhodan with her inquisitive eyes.

  John Marshall took part as representative of the Mutant Corps. The Australian telepath had no trouble reading the thoughts of everybody in the room but didn't care to take the trouble. He belonged to the generation whose parents were exposed to the effects of the early atomic explosions. Now there was one mutant per million people. However only rarely had the changes been for the better.

  In one corner Dr. Manoli and Dr. Haggard argued about the best method for the prevention of space sickness, which still occurred occasionally. Their discussion ended as soon as they noticed Rhodan coming in.

  Reginald Bell excused himself from Thora and walked toward Rhodan. He planted himself three steps in front of Rhodan and reported: "Top echelon of New Power present for routine consultation, sir."

  Rhodan smiled indulgently. "Thank you, Bell. In future you may save yourself that 'sir.' Good evening, friends. I thank you for coming. We want to make it short. On my part, I don't have much to tell. The negotiations with the three world powers have yet to produce positive results. I'm afraid it'll be a long time before we can expect them to reach concrete conclusions. That's about the extent of my report."

  Thora cast a glance at Khrest but the Arkonide shook his head almost unnoticeably. John Marshall, the telepath, smiled knowingly. Thora wanted to ask Rhodan again when he intended at last to take Khrest and her back to Arkon. This question had become a routine—just like Rhodan's negative answer.

  Colonel Freyt caught Rhodan's questioning look. He stepped in front of. Khrest, with whom he had been standing, and said: "We had maintained visual contact with Good Hope VII through the relay station ship Z-45 although we had no personal contact with Major Deringhouse. Yesterday we observed nine interceptors flying in battle formation with the Guppy VII toward Mars. At this point we lost our visual contact as the Z-45 couldn't dare to get closer."

  This was certainly disconcerting news. Rhodan asked Colonel Freyt: "Have you instructed the Z-45 to watch the situation closely?"

  "Of course, sir. I'm expecting a report any moment. The radio officer in charge has orders to inform me as soon as we receive it."

  "All right, Freyt. I'm afraid our trouble with the Supermutant is far from over. It's too bad I have to conduct the negotiations with the governments myself and have to prepare and supervise the world elections. Otherwise I could pay more attention to the action against the Supermutant. Perhaps Bell can attend to this matter in my place if the situation calls for it."

  Bell's face looked resentful and he warded the suggestion off with a gesture. "Perhaps you remember, Perry, that five weeks ago I roamed the universe for days to track down that Supermutant. If I was unable to find him then, I won't have a better chance now."

  "You're making two mistakes," Rhodan pointed out. "In the first place there are never two identical situations—one of the factors involved has already changed. Secondly, as long as the Supermutant is alive he presents a menace to mankind such as the world has never known before. Unless we manage to eliminate this threat once and for all, our very existence will always be in jeopardy. For this you may in good conscience sacrifice a few days for an unpromising search. Unfortunately I can't leave the Earth for the moment."

  "When do you want me to start?" Bell asked exasperatedly. Rhodan failed to understand his friend's dislike for this trip into space. Normally Bell was the first one to volunteer in cases like this. Rhodan made a mental note to ask Bell for an explanation of his behavior at a more appropriate occasion.

  "It's not that urgent," Rhodan answered. "Let's wait first for Deringhouse's report. His instructions were to break off the search in one week if he's had no luck with it." He changed the subject and turned to John Marshall. "What's new in your department?"

  The telepath came a few steps closer. "The training of the eleven new mutants is making progress. The poor devils don't know what's happening to them. The Supermutant robbed them of their own will and dominated their mind completely. Now they're free and can fully develop their capabilities. As far as I can determine now, the Mutant Corps has gained some new and important talents."

  "I'm going to look into this further," Rhodan promised before he turned to Khrest. "I hope it hasn't taken too much time to suit you. I expect very soon to be able to fulfill the promise I gave you but at the moment I've got to solve some important problems here that can't be put off. May I count on your indulgence?"

  Khrest smiled benevolently but caught Thora's demanding glance. He nodded to her and said: "I've full understanding for your dilemma, Rhodan. It is better for you to take up relations with our Imperium after Terra is unified but we can't wait forever. It's perfectly possible for you to take us to Arkon now."

  "It's not only the contact with the Arkonides that concerns me," Rhodan stated calmly, "and you know it as well as Thora. But consider the facts. We know that your Imperium isn't what it was 10,000 years ago. It's deteriorating and racked by revolutions. Whole solar systems are rising up against the Arkonides and are marauding and plundering throughout the universe. Two of these races have already found their way to Terra by accident. Fortunately we were able to repulse diem. When we arrive at Arkon, the entire Imperium will learn the position of the Earth. A regular invasion of this rich but defenseless world would follow and we wouldn't be able to cope with so many enemies. This is the sole reason I haven't kept my promise to you so far."

  "I can see your point," Khrest admitted, "but we've lived voluntarily for ten years in exile, we've given you every conceivable help and you've benefited from our knowledge and experience. Don't you think that your debt should be paid some time?"

  "I fully agree with you," Rhodan replied. "You must trust me that I'm willing to repay you. I'll be glad to pay you back with interest."

  "Interest?" Khrest wondered.

  "Yes, interest," Rhodan nodded and smiled. "Your realm is now going through a critical period. When we return to Arkon we'll not only have the Stardust but an armada of powerful battleships as well. I'll put this fleet at your disposal and promise you to restore order in the Imperium. As I see it, we can hardly expect diplomatic skills to save your nation. This leaves only reliance on a vivid demonstration of power. Your race is too old and decadent for such a show of force. Therefore, we Earthlings are going to come to your assistance and I believe that we can thus make up for our obligations.

  Khrest looked at Thora. The beautiful Arkonide woman said hesitantly: "All right, Rhodan. We'll take your word for it. As soon as the world government has been established...
"

  "There's something else," Rhodan interrupted. "Let's not forget the Supermutant. Ten such monsters can conquer a solar system. Even one can imperil it seriously. He'll have to be put out of action first before..."

  "We're willing to go along with you in this matter too," Khrest smiled. "I admit that the mutants are a phenomenon that is unknown to our world in this form. We've in our Imperium some lesser races whose lack of regular limbs is compensated for by their telekinetic capability. Nobody possesses both, as occurs on Earth. I regard this fact as a threat to the existing order."

  "It would be better to regard it as a boon to the Imperium," Rhodan stated and looked up as the door opened and a man in the uniform of the radio personnel entered, holding a note in his hand. He stood at attention when he saw Rhodan.

  "I've a message for Colonel Freyt," he announced, saluting. "As it seemed to be important I brought it right away."

  "Give it to me," Colonel Freyt demanded. While he cursorily glanced at the message he knitted his brow. Although the news gave him no cause for grave concern, it appeared to make him thoughtful.

  "What is it?" Rhodan asked impatiently. "Did you hear from Deringhouse?"

  Freyt looked up. "Yes, I heard from him, although not the way I expected to. This message was sent by the relay ship Z-45 as urgent. Guppy VII returned from Mars and passed the Z-45 at close range without answering repeated calls. Major Deringhouse failed to react to mandatory light signals. Without slowing down he flew past the Z-45 on direct course to Terra. Guppy VII streaked by the Moon a few seconds ago and is approaching the government territory of the New Power in parabolic flight trajectory."

  Rhodan narrowed his eyes. "Have we tried to make contact with him?"

  Freyt nodded. "Major Deringhouse doesn't answer, sir. Evidently he didn't switch to reception."

  "This is against regulations," Rhodan said apprehensively. He exchanged a quick glance with Bell whose eyes brightened with concern. "It's emergency status. Bell, inform the fleet to be ready for take-off!"