Perry Rhodan 0115 by (107) The Emperor & the Monster

Author:(107) The Emperor & the Monster [Emperor, The & Monster, the]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-12-30T02:00:37.104000+00:00

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Thomas Cardif sensed the continuous deterioration of his mind. He could follow the process as clearly as if it were being projected on a screen before him. More and more his primitive instincts were overriding logic and reason. His long, bellowing outburst when the Arkonide ships emerged from hyperspace, his reckless order for an immediate attack which Bell had to struggle hard to talk him out of—all this pointed to the fact that he was losing his powers of judgment. He fought against the encroaching mental disability, forcing himself where he could to act with discernment and to express himself more objectively. Yet every time the fragile veneer of reason was shattered by his more brutal instincts, by the uprooting of his psyche and these despotic fits of temperament. More and more Cardif was becoming the prisoner of a split personality. On the other hand the silent concern of his officers and the serious looks that were being exchanged in the tense atmosphere on board the Ironduke were not conducive to calming his nerves. He was more sensitive than a wounded bull. The most diplomatic criticism was enough to make him lose his head. With burning eyes he watched the viewscreens where it became clearly evident that the Arkonide ships were lining up for an attack. Against the blackness of the outer void they were like so many pearls being carefully threaded onto imaginary strings.

"That force must contain at least 10,000 ships," Bell remarked. It was merely a technical observation but Cardif thought his stocky deputy was trying to give him a warning.

"So what!" he fumed. "They can’t stop me!" He looked down at himself and pulled at his sweater to adjust it. "I want the robots to get me a new uniform jacket immediately," he growled, "and this time I want one that fits! If this self-inflated star king wants to deal with me, I’m going to face him with full dress and rank!"

Bell’s sceptical glance informed him that no one was going to expect Atlan to make the first move in a radio contact. The officers thought it much more likely that the Arkonide admiral was waiting for Rhodan to do the calling.

Maj. Krefenbac passed on the order for a new uniform jacket. So far Cardif had not made any further attempt to replace the First Officer with another man.

Bell took another look at the tracking indicators and seemed to be momentarily relieved. "It doesn’t look as if they’re planning to jump us right away," he said. "They’re holding their present positions."

"A lousy swarm of gnats!" shouted Cardif, burning with hate. He paced rapidly back and forth in front of the hypersensor panels like a caged animal. He had a hunted look. He was now taller than any man on board. A horrible change was becoming apparent in his features. The recognizable outlines of his face were fading in a mass of shapeless flesh. His skin was becoming visibly porous—an effect which became more prominent as he broke out into a sweat.

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