Exodus to the Stars by Andreas Brandhorst

Author:Andreas Brandhorst [Brandhorst, Andreas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Science Fiction
Publisher: Perry Rhodan digital
Published: 2015-12-03T05:00:00+00:00

As Levian Paronn stepped into the spotlight in the middle of the studio, Deshan immediately noticed the difference. His face was smooth. The wrinkles that had increasingly been evident over the preceding years no longer existed.

"He looks like he did back then," Mira said lowly. They sat in the background, to the side of the technicians who were moving cables, checking connections, and monitoring instrument displays.

"Perhaps he's been made up for this presentation," Deshan suggested, but doubted it himself.

"He looks exactly like he did in the picture taken in the year 4502," Mira emphasized. "Even though almost forty years have gone by since then."

Paronn and the program host—a man in middle age with thinning hair and a cunning gleam in his eyes—sat down at a semi-circular table while the cameras were rolled into position. Finally one of the technicians gave a signal.

A well-practiced smile appeared on the host's face. "Today we have as our guest Levian Paronn, who is no stranger to our audience." A technician waved and the host's radiant smile disappeared. On a nearby monitor, Deshan saw scenes of Marroar's spaceflight center, Levian Paronn making personal appearances, and the space stations. A voiceover commented on the images and recounted the Spaceflight Solidarity's successes.

The technician waved again and the host's smile reappeared. "Levian Paronn would like to make an important announcement to us."

Paronn appeared in close-up on the screens and Deshan wondered how many viewers asked themselves why the Director of Impetus suddenly looked no older than forty.

"For forty years, I have dedicated my entire effort to the space program of the Great Solidarity," Paronn began, calm and dignified. "In these four decades we have achieved great successes, as you all know. But our strivings have led to a conflict within the Spaceflight Solidarity, for there are different opinions as to which direction the program should take from now on. Now, for forty years we have also heard a voice among us that has warned of hostile beings that will one day come and could bring us more chaos and horror than the Konos. During that time, that voice has won many supporters, and a new Solidarity community has arisen within the old one. They do not wish to be separated, but instead seek to ensure our survival. So that they can reach their goal, the masks must be removed here and now. The hour of truth is upon us."

Levian Paronn stood up and Deshan noticed that the host was no longer smiling. His face showed vague apprehension.

"Please excuse me for a few seconds. I must summon someone." Paronn left his seat at the table and disappeared through a door that led to the rooms adjacent to the studio, among them a small dressing room.

Deshan and Mira exchanged astonished looks.

The host at the table gave the impression of someone sitting on a chair that was growing hotter.

Someone came through the door and entered the studio. Not Levian Paronn but ...

... a figure in black, its face hidden behind a ceremonial mask.

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