Ghost World by John Russell Fearn

Author:John Russell Fearn [Fearn, John Russell]
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Sci-Fi Short
Published: 2010-03-07T17:34:59.531000+00:00

CHAPTER IV

THE Amazon changed the course of the spaceship and swung its nose toward the “civilized” planet; then she began a search for and presently found a television transmitter-receiver. At first, when they turned it on, they got only flashing pictures and a continuous high-pitched shriek in the sound system. Then finally the picture they were fishing for became steady, and the shriek disappeared into a deep bass hum of power.

There was a man on the screen, attired in light and easy clothing. After a fashion he was not at all bad looking. At the moment he was staring in bewilderment into his own screen, evidently seeing a picture of the Amazon’s and Abna’s faces, with a view of spaceship control-room behind them. Suddenly he spoke, in the urgent gibberish. The Amazon cut him short and moved forward so that only she was visible on the screen.

“Find somebody who understands my language,” she said, slowly and deliberately, and hoped that she would be understood. To her surprise the man gave a quick reply.

“I understand your language perfectly, as do many others here. Are you not the Golden Amazon?”

“I am,” the Amazon assented. “I have an urgent message for your governing body, or ruler, or whatever he is. Let me converse with him.”

The operator nodded, got up from his chair and went out of the picture. The Amazon glanced at tike others.

“Take control of this vessel, Abna, while I talk,” she ordered. “Bring it to a halt above the ‘civilized’

planet. If you can’t arrange a hover, then keep on going very slowly in a circuit of the globe. Stay at about 1,000 feet so we can be seen.”

Abna nodded and turned to the controls. Viona and Mexone stood together, watching the television screen. Presently there appeared on it a white-haired, patriarchal-looking man with sad dark eyes. He studied the screen bearing the image of the Amazon’s face, and then spoke in a soft, pleasing voice.

“I am President Semna, the recognized ruler of the major country of this planet. I understand you are the Golden Amazon of far-distant Earth.”

“You understand correctly.” The Amazon was polite, but frigid. She was trying to decide in her own mind whether she liked this man with the tired dark eyes or not. It surprised her to discover that she had no feelings of resentment toward him. His personality projected itself as kindly and tolerant, which was a decided surprise.

“I have a proposition to put to you, President Semna,” the Amazon continued. “In fact, it’s more than a proposition: It’s an ultimatum. I dislike forcing it upon you, but I’m afraid the blame that makes it necessary lies with Commander Agos Thar, who, I understand, is your scientific adviser as well as being an important number in your military force.”

President Semna gave a tired smile. “You have designated Agos Thar correctly, Amazon. He is also a despot—or have you gathered that already?”

“That is exactly what I’ve gathered,” the Amazon assented, “though I must confess to surprise at hearing you admit the fact.

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