by Perry Rhodan
"Nobody is listening who is not concerned with your decision."
"You don't understand me. I suggested we meet so that we can talk alone."
"Meet you?" Rhodan was taken by surprise and hesitated to answer. A thousand thoughts and possibilities crossed his mind. Bell and Deringhouse, who had also entered the radio room, looked at each other. They stood out of sight of the camera so that Cardif could not have seen them even if Rhodan switched it on.
"What's wrong with it?" Cardif asked impatiently. "You think it's some kind of a trick, don't you? But what sense would it make? I came alone to the surface. My allies remained in the safety of the fortress, which is on the high mesa of a mountain. I am certain that you have already ascertained my position with your instruments. Do you believe I would expose myself to such a danger if I didn't trust you?"
"Why should you trust me?"
"But I do. That's why I am asking you to have faith in me too. The more I have thought about my attitude the less I could understand myself. I hated you because I believed you were the murderer of my mother and
"You believed?" Rhodan repeated in astonishment. "What are you trying to say?"
"That I'm beginning to have my doubts and that I would like you to explain it to me. Maybe you can finally make me see your side of the story. I would like to forget the past."
"To be honest, Thomas, your change of mind came rather suddenly. Moreover you have attained your new point of view precisely at the moment of greatest jeopardy. You must admit that such behavior lacks credibility."
"This I must grant you but you have to consider certain other circumstances. I was freed by the priests against my will. I was forced by them to undergo a shock treatment which restored my memory and my former personality. Perhaps they even stoked the flames of my hatred for you and Terra, I don't know. It is precisely the hopelessness of my present situation which has caused me to reexamine my preconceived ideas, leading me to conclusions which you seem to find so surprising."
Rhodan remained suspicious. He could not imagine that such a radical change of mind had taken place in so little time, especially because it appealed so temptingly to his own feelings, buried deep in his heart. Was it really possible that the shock of the treatment which removed the hypno-block could also create such a change of character?
"I don't believe in your professed conversion," Rhodan finally said. But he had trouble speaking the words. How fervently he would have loved to believe his son! "You are trying to lure me into a trap," he said coldly. "Perhaps you are merely trying to gain time in the hope that help will arrive. But it's no use because this planet is effectively blockaded. Not even the might of the Antis can break the ring around you."
"I know that too and that's why a trap would be ill-advised," Cardif pointed out. There was a touch of regret in his voice. "Now that I have struggled with my conscience and at last expressed the desire to talk to you, you rebuff me with your mistrust. If there is anything left in me that is good you will bury it with your lack of faith. How can it ever gain the better of me?"
Rhodan knew that he faced the most difficult decision of his life, a decision which he was compelled to make. But it was at the same time a decision he had longed to make with all the fibers of his heart although he had long given up hope of seeing the day. "I am your father, Thomas," he said, softening a little. "But you are also my deadly enemy. You have caused untold suffering on Earth and many other worlds just to punish me, a single man. You have committed atrocious crimes to seek revenge for a deed which is a figment of your imagination. There are many people who have sentenced you to die and I am one of them. I would like to believe you but I don't know if I can take the responsibility."
"Nobody is above making mistakes and I realize my guilt. I will try to atone for it. I have developed the Liquitiv and I know how it is made. I could even help you to develop an antiserum which counteracts the effects of the drug and might even prevent the fatal end. If you give me the opportunity to work with your best scientists in a good laboratory, I would be certain of success. It would be the only way for me to reduce my guilt. But if you reject my outstretched hand... what am I to do?"
Rhodan turned with a look for help to Deringhouse and Bell. The men met his eyes with expressions full of doubt. Then they firmly shook their heads.
Not unexpectedly, Rhodan suddenly stood alone, forced to arrive at the fateful decision by himself. He feared that the decision would be influenced by his feelings. How could he justify it? Weren't emotional decisions too often contrary to sound reason? His brain told him that the irreconcilable hate of his son could not turn so quickly into remorse or even affection. He desperately sought a way to allay his doubts, finding none. He finally expressed them openly to his son. "I find it difficult to believe you, Thomas, despite the fact that you are my son. If I agree to meet you, it will be only for the purpose of learning your true intentions. I wish to know the reasons for your incredible change of heart. But beware of trying to set a trap for me. My men will be waiting not far away and..."
"I promise to come alone and I expect you to do the same. The plateau is not big enough for a ship to land. An airglider put me down here with a video transceiver. At the moment I am helpless. If you come, we will be completely alone and there is no reason to fear me. I have no weapons."
Rhodan did not take lightly the possibility that Cardif lied and intended to make him walk into a trap but he was already firmly resolved to risk the attempt. But should he do it without covering his back? If he made a wrong step he would endanger all he had accomplished so far. On the other hand he could not afford to miss a chance to win his son back for the sake of Terra. "Alright, I'll be there. I'll walk if it is possible."
"No problem. 100 meters below the plateau is a level plain where a ship can land. From there you can start walking. I have no objections if your ship waits for you there. It's obvious that it can appear over the plateau the moment you men suspect something to be wrong. Nobody can approach the plateau without being noticed by your men."
It sounded reasonable and Rhodan abandoned his misgivings. There was a short pause as the data of the rangefinders came in and Rhodan checked the position. Cardif's transmission originated from a small rocky island in a big ocean. The nearest continent was 500 kilometers a way. What Rhodan did not know, however, was that a huge undersea mountain with peaks rising within 1,000 meters of sea-level was located no less than 100 kilometers from the island.
"I will land on the island in half an hour," Rhodan said. "But I'm warning you, Thomas, one false move and I will react without mercy. This is my last attempt at offering you my hand. Don't forget it!"
"I am waiting for you," was all Cardif replied. Then the picture faded away and the radio officer of the Ironduke switched off the set.
Rhodan slowly walked over to the Command Center. Bell and Deringhouse followed him. Their faces looked anything but optimistic and they made no secret of their opinions.
"How can you be so gullible to trust Cardif even for a minute," Bell rebuffed Rhodan, venting his indignation. "You can't believe in this miracle of his conversion. If the shock of the treatment really reformed him, he noticed it much too late."
Deringhouse shared his opinion. "I can't imagine that it took Cardif so long to see the light if he ever did."
"I don't claim to trust him implicitly," Rhodan replied, studying the chart on the navigation table. The island was already marked on it. "But what kind of an ambush can he set up? It is a lonely island and the Ironduke will be close by. Nobody can get to the plateau without our knowledge. No, I've got to take the chance."
"I guess it is more curiosity than anything else which leads you to try your luck with this manoeuvre." Deringhouse made a stab at analyzing Rhodan's behavior. "I suppose I would have done the same if I were in your shoes, sir."
"Thank you, General!" Rhodan looked at him relieved. "Actually I don't have much of a choice and Thomas Cardif knows it as well as I do. Aside from the fact that h
e is my son, we have to make every attempt to capture the producer of Liquitiv by hook or crook. Well, what are we waiting for? Pass the necessary instructions to the fleet! Top alarm! If the Ironduke comes under attack, we will proceed with the destruction of the planet. I will immediately break off all negotiations with Cardif. Is that clear?"
Deringhouse nodded.
"Then set course for the island!"
As the Ironduke left its orbit, slowed down and entered the atmosphere while Rhodan made his preparations for meeting his son. After a long reflection he decided not to ignore the suspicion of his friends: he put a small needle-ray gun into the pocket of his pants. He was not inclined to expose himself to the tender mercy of his worst enemy in a state of utter defenselessness. Maybe he did him an injustice but again—maybe not.
The island came into view. The huge ship slowly crossed at a low altitude over its single peak which formed a plateau. It was very small, hardly more than 30 meters in diameter, and a large ship did not have enough room to land on it.
In the middle of the plateau stood a lonely figure that looked upward. The face was clearly visible. Thomas Cardif was alone. The bare stone faces of the top and sides allowed nobody to hide.
"If this is a trap," Deringhouse said sceptically, "I'll be curious to see how it works. Cardif alone shouldn't be much of a danger to you, sir."
Rhodan nodded. "That's what I think. Down there is the place to land which Cardif mentioned! It's big and flat enough."
The vessel slowly descended and gently touched ground. Bell accompanied Rhodan to the exit. "I can't get rid of the feeling that something is unkosh. We can't see the backside of the plateau from down here. How can we know what happens there?"
Rhodan stood on the threshold of the hatch. At his feet shimmered the antigrav field which was to let him glide down safely. He said: "I carry a transmitter in my pocket. It emits a constant signal which lets you determine where I am at any time. I also have a mini-radio transceiver so that I can call for help if necessary." He pointed to the tiny multi-purpose set he carried on his wrist. "I wouldn't mind if the Ironduke lifts off in 15 minutes and waits airborne for my orders. Is this good enough for you?"
Bell was reassured. "Yes, I think so. At least it's better than sitting here like a chicken on a roost." He shook Rhodan's hand. "In 15 minutes then. By that time you should have made it to the top. Good luck!"
• • •
The medical scientists at Terrania were jubilant.
For three days and eight hours they had overlooked that the proboscis of the mud borers contained a second gland which produced a secretion. Now they were conducting the first experiments on living but aging cells and nerves. They projected on a huge white screen what the Ara microscope revealed, magnified three million times.
To their great surprise they had found in the second gland a chemically identical secretion. It had not taken them very long after the discovery of the additional gland to prove conclusively that the substance was the same. Nevertheless the scientists were not satisfied and began to test it on cells and nerves.
However the disappointing results were reflected on the screen. The secretion of the second gland was also a rejuvenation agent. It also failed to attack the nerves with a narcotic or toxin that caused incurable addiction and led to premature death.
Even before the demonstration was finished, Prof. Wild had rushed as fast as his legs would carry him to the laboratory where the second gland in the proboscis of the mud borer was dissected.
Dr. A. Hughens, the chief of the department, listened to the agitated professor, unable to refute his suspicion. "Come with me," he impulsively invited Prof. Wild and lead him to the microscopic apparatus.
Wild studied the 1.5 million magnification of the accidentally discovered gland. The longer he examined its structure the more excited he became. The organic structure of the mud borer-gland which had already been detected on Okul was firmly fixed in his memory. "Hughens," he whispered, trying to keep his composure, "this gland can never produce the same excretion. Look for yourself at the left upper third of the specimen!"
He stepped aside and Hughes looked at the incredibly sharp magnification. He had to agree with Professor Wild. But didn't the chemical analysis show that the two substances were identical?
Wild called the projection room. He was appalled by the information he received. They confirmed that the excretion of the second gland was nothing but a rejuvenation agent and chemically identical with the first one.
"I refuse to believe it," Wild roared. "If a million tests show the same result I can only say that our tests are utterly worthless! There must be other methods of investigation!"
5/ PERSONALITY TRANSPLANT
The steaming primeval jungle covered only the lower plain of the island. Nothing grew farther up. Although it was warm enough, there was not enough humidity to support any vegetation. The rocks were swept clean of humus and bone dry.
The ascent to the upper plateau was hardly more than 50 meters. The sphere of the Ironduke with its diameter of 800 meters loomed like a mountain. It was higher than the peak but the cameras mounted on its upper pole were unable to observe what went on, on the other side of the plateau.
Rhodan took his time. He chided himself for being such an incorrigible optimist as to believe that Thomas had finally been won over by virtue. His responsibility for the welfare of Terra was graver than the one he could assume for his son. Yet would it be wise to miss an opportunity to talk things over with his son? Did he really do it only for his own sake? Didn't he have a good chance to free Terra and the Solar Imperium of a terrible predicament by diverting a powerful enemy or making a friend of him?
He walked around a boulder and saw the last stretch of his climb. Cardif's figure was clearly outlined up against the brilliant sky. He was unable to recognize his face because the backlight was too strong. But it was Cardif, there could be no doubt about it.
He ascended the last few meters and faced his son who had walked back to the center of the plateau. The two men looked at each other, studying their faces in silence.
Rhodan was startled. At first he thought he had stepped before a mirror. The man who stood before him was his spitting image. The same lean features, the same hair, although a shade lighter. The eyes looked the same except for the hardly noticeable yellow shimmer. The slim, tall, figure they had in common.
Cardif also scrutinized his vis-a-vis although he did so for completely different reasons. He was satisfied that his dangerous ploy had succeeded so well thus far. His doppelganger Rhodan had come alone to the plateau. The presence of the huge spaceship did not bother him. It would not prevent him from carrying out his plan. And Rhodan looked exactly like himself after the lapse of 50 years.
At this moment the engines of the Ironduke began to roar and the sphere was lifted slowly and majestically up in the air.
"My men believe they have a better view from up above," Rhodan said apologetically. "It does not violate our agreement. I came alone."
Cardif followed the Ironduke with his eyes till it assumed a stationary position at an altitude of 10 kilometers. The glistening sphere was motionlessly suspended in the sky and Rhodan knew that all its cameras were focused on the little plateau so that any danger would be instantly recognized when it occurred. It was a reassuring feeling.
"I have no objections to the presence of the ship," Cardif said, looking into the eyes of Rhodan. "All I asked was that you come alone. Why did you trust me?"
Rhodan was vexed. What did he mean by his question? He replied as calmly as he could. "Much of what you told me could be true. I wanted to convince myself if it really is. If what you said is on the level you can now come with me. You will have the cooperation of our best scientists and we will put our finest laboratories at your disposal. I am willing to forget the past."
"Can you really do that, Perry Rhodan?"
The tone of his voice did not express remorse, Rhodan thought, and became very vigilant. Hi
s instinct warned him but he still failed to see any danger. Where could such danger possibly lurk? Cardif stood unarmed, his hands hanging down, a few steps away. A scornful smile on his lips. He looked confident and much too carefree for a man in his position.
"We will have time to talk about this later, Thomas. I came to accept the hand you have offered me. Why don't you extend it to me?" He stretched out his hand without moving from his spot. "Well, how about it?"
He looked anxiously at his son's face, which had a very strange expression. The heat became unbearable and the air seemed to shimmer on the stony plateau. Cardif's face was suddenly less clear and his outlines became fuzzy behind the veil of hot air. The air became suffocating.
And then, much too late, Rhodan understood. His hand reached into his pocket and pulled the needle-raygun out. He took one leap toward Cardif, who remained motionless and awaited him.
Rhodan bounced against the shimmering air. A protective screen of energy, just as he thought! But the energy screen in the shape of a dome did not surround Cardif but himself. The dome shut him out from his surroundings.
He was lucky that he had realized it in time because a shot from the raygun could have been dangerous to him. The radio waves from his transmitter could no longer reach the Ironduke. But this made no difference because their absence would alert Deringhouse and Bell too.
It was a trap after all. The disappointment was more than Rhodan could bear. But he was still unable to figure out what Cardif wanted to accomplish since he could not remove him from the plateau without jeopardizing himself. But it was not this thought that caused Rhodan to hesitate. What else could he have done?
He had revealed to Cardif that he had a weapon in his possession. This was an unforgivable mistake. He put the raygun back in his pocket in resignation. The energy screen could not be maintained forever.
