3 hours previously the sun had gone behind the horizon but night had not come to the war planet. The great spaceport was brilliantly illuminated by countless field lights, revolving search beams and hovering nuclear "suns". Also the jet flames from departing spaceships gave an impression of a continuing fireworks display. There was no end to the thundering and roaring.

The sky had taken on a blood-red hue above the main shipyards, which were the most modern on the planet. There the bellows of the thermonuclear smelters pushed a continuous river of vaporized metal into the cooling slag troughs. Arkon 3 never slept. The robot-operated assembly line of spaceships of every class and description was the nerve-centre of the Imperium.

The Terrans and myself were the only ones on this world who knew what it would look like 6000 years later. At this time the throng of Arkonide spacemen was seemingly endless. The cities swarmed with troops from every branch of the service. Although the prime of the Empire had passed, they could still send 100,000 manned ships into the void. Subordinate races were not permitted on the war planet. They were best employed on the colonial worlds.

Pucky and Ras Tschubai had just returned after reconnoitring the area. The third teleporter was still busy with our suggestor. Kitai Ishibashi had the mission of probing the scientist Epetran.

I had not been able to make my presentation. Epetran did not live in one of the great conical palaces but had quartered himself instead in an officer billet, which would also have been my own way of doing things. My request was politely but firmly rejected by his subordinates. I was informed that at present Epetran had no time for recommendations from an officer back from the fighting front. I was asked to present my suggestions in writing.

When I returned, Mercant had only nodded and said that it was what he had expected. Logically the Arkonides’ greatest scientist would have other things to do than to get into a discussion with a second-class fleet captain.

According to our conversion table the date back on Earth was the 13th of February, 2106. We couldn’t wait much longer.

Pucky had rolled himself up into a ball on a contour couch, exhausted from his labours. Even Ras Tschubai had come back breathing heavily. We guessed that their excursion hadn’t been easy. So we had to wait until these two had recovered from their exertions. In the meantime I paid the 4 Akon scientists a visit.

Artol of Penoral was monitoring the machine as usual. Two telepaths of the Corps were keeping him under surveillance. Auris was also in the cargo hold. For 2 days now she had avoided the Control Central. I inquired after her health.

"Alright, considering the circumstances. When will you take action?"

I couldn’t answer her. We exchanged a few more words, which enabled me to see that she was uneasy.

When I returned to the Control Central very much was going on there. Tako had returned with Ishibashi. Pucky reported that the robot Brain already had the appearance of the Regent we knew in our own present day. This meant that it had practically been completed.

"How is the Regent guarded?" asked Quinto.

"The security is very tight, sir," answered Tschubai. "We had to keep on making jumps continuously in order not to be discovered. Twice we tripped off alarm systems and once I was shot at."

"What with?"

"A disintegrator, sir."

"With a deadly weapon?"

"Yes sir. They’re playing for keeps. We saw the scientific team. About a hundred men are busy checking out the final circuits. There’s no normal way to get in without showing special passes. They are key card devices containing each person’s frequency pattern and they are regularly monitored by the guard stations. Any unauthorized entrance seems to be impossible. Even though the energy screen isn’t up yet, the Arkonides have gone to every extreme to tighten the security around the Robot."

I looked around. The men’s faces were grim. Mercant tapped with his fingers on a computer console.

"So there’s no other choice," declared Rhodan. "We have to go in with the teleporters. What do you have to report, Kitai?"

His imitation bio-hair, which simulated that of an Arkonide, was glistening with dampness. "Nothing, sir—or almost nothing. We located Epetran in the math section. His quarters are close to it. He appeared to be putting special instructions on program tape."

"He’s the one who designed and built Security Circuit A-1," put in Quinto.

"It could be that he’s working on it now," said the mutant. "I tried to work on him and influence his mind but I don’t know if I had any luck. epetran has an extremely strong voluntary block. Besides—Tako claims that he may have seen us in spite of our deflector screens."

A cold chill ran through me. When no one else could see through our disguise, this old scientist was able to. He had an activated brain with special faculties. Rhodan guessed my fears but sought to dismiss them.

"Don’t be a pessimist, my friend! Even Epetran isn’t omniscient. If he had gotten suspicious we’d know it by now."

I couldn’t contradict his argument, yet from moment to moment I became more apprehensive. I deeply regretted that I had asked Admiral Aichot for a permit to visit Epetran. According to the circumstances Kitai had described, it would be better not to meet him.

Mercant looked at his watch. "Soon after sunrise you’ll be getting involved with receptions, sir."

I nodded, I already had the invitations. My "colleagues" wanted to see Captain Tresta. The situation was becoming intolerable. Quinto was about to say something when the tracking centre put through a call.

"To the Commander: a strange vehicle has stopped in front of the cruiser."

Rhodan stiffened. Heintz hit the alarm button automatically. The men who were off duty were awakened from their sleep.

Tracking switched circuits so that we could see what they were looking at. On our viewscreens appeared an unwieldy-looking contraption. It had wide caterpillar chains instead of wheels and was equipped with numerous antennas. Before we could really get a good look at it, the heavy vehicle rolled away. It disappeared behind a battleship, became invisible once more beyond it, then entered an armoured surface lock that led underground.

We looked at each other, nonplussed, until Mercant chuckled heartily. "Could our scientific associates kindly explain what that was supposed to be?" he asked.

Kalup still stared at the viewscreen. His eyes had narrowed so much that they seemed to be lost in the fatty folds of his face. "That was a sensor vehicle," he declared. "No doubt about it. Who guided it to the Sotala? Who wanted to find out what?"

"Find out?" asked Quinto hastily. "What do you mean?"

Kalup didn’t answer. He stomped swiftly toward the exit but as he went out he was heard to mutter something that sounded like "sensor surveillance".

After he had gone I felt that my activator was louder than usual. Even 6023 years before the present time I was already a very old man. Rhodan was still standing in front of the screens.

"It’s useless to try to figure it out," I said, "It seems an impossibility to influence Epetran by any paranormal means. So there’s no point in making his acquaintance. From what Kitai has to say, it could be dangerous. We move into action. We’ll get into the Brain with the help of the mutants, we’ll install the bomb and then get out of here."

"How?" asked Rhodan, now very alert to what I was saying.

"It should be considerably easier to return to the present time-plane of Arkon 3 than it was to enter the era of Tutmor VI. Everyone on board has seen how tight the defences are here. I vote for alternate 2 of our escape plan. We turn off the time converter. When we get back we may have to face a robot attack but the Fleet under Bell’s command can cover our retreat."

"That’s also my opinion," declared Mercant. "But before that there’s a lot to be done. Of course if I had my preferences I would have felt better if we could have handled this thing with Epetran’s help."

"What should I tell the man?" I asked sarcastically. "That I’ve come from the future to save my people?"

He regarded me soberly. "Sir, perhaps that still might not be as crazy as you think."

"Mercant, you’re dreaming!" exclaimed Rhodan.

"No sir, I don’t quite see it that way. This scientist was the first Arkonide to detect the beginnings of the degeneration and to perceive its outcome. Moreover, he’s expert enough to be able to conceive of such a device as the time-phaser. I’m playing with the idea of informing Epetran."

Rhodan bluntly rejected this. When my extra-brain singled me I was astonished that it seconded Mercant’s plan. Nevertheless I was also in favour of dropping the idea of getting any cooperation from Epetran.

Rhodan got up and went over to the main computer, where he began to press the input keys.

I interrupted him. "It would be useless to try to get a logic evaluation. Mr. Mercant, I must also reject your proposition. The bomb can be relied upon to explode as planned. We have no way of knowing what Epetran’s reaction would be and we can’t take the risk of being arrested or maybe even shot in case he sounds an alarm. We move as planned. I’ll install the bomb."

The chief of Intelligence bowed resignedly. The decision was made. Possibly we could be mistaken—no one could say.

The computer made a clicking sound. While I was still waiting for its output a message came through from the duty officer at the ground lock. His face appeared on the intercom screen.

"Lt. Pinch here, sir. A letter has been delivered to you."

"What … ?"

"An oblong envelope, sir. It was brought over by a robot."

Rhodan stopped his computer work. We looked at each other tensely.

"Another invitation?" asked Maj. Heintz. His voice sounded apprehensive.

I shook my head. If that were the case it would not come to me this way. Such matters were customarily handled over the radio. The letter arrived in the Control Central. The envelope was of fluorescent foil and it bore the seal of the Supreme Council. Rhodan’s hand was tense when he handed it to me. I ripped it open and the letter fell out.

"It’s in handwriting!" said Quinto. "Who’s it from?"

I thought that my heart stopped for a moment. The signature and seal were unmistakable. After reading it I lowered the letter and looked at the others. "It’s an invitation, alright! Epetran asks me to visit him since he’s heard from Admiral Aichot that I had some recommendations to make for the improvement of transition techniques."

Rhodan also read the message. "It says other officers familiar with the subject are also welcome … Well, I’ll be! What is he up to?"

"Danger!" signalled my extra-brain.

Almost against my will I declared: "The invitation can’t be avoided. When Epetran makes a request it’s the same as an order. Who will go with me?"

Rhodan called his service robot to him. "My extra uniform—fast!" he ordered.

Within 30 minutes a vehicle was waiting for us at the cruiser’s ground lock.

"So he took it for granted that we’d be ready in half an hour," observed Rhodan grimly. "Alright, let’s go. No, Kitai, I’m sorry, we won’t be taking you with us. Anyway, if this scientist is equipped with an activated brain your efforts will be useless."

Our suggestor mutant remained behind. We descended in the antigrav and climbed into the robotcar. It was emblazoned with the escutcheon of the Supreme Council. The third man in our team was John Marshall , who was to attempt to read the scholar’s mind. Officially he was joining us as Chief Engineer of the Sotala.

We started off, not knowing what awaited us in Epetran’s quarters. Certainly he wasn’t thinking of any gala reception. Apparently the interview was to be a very sober one. Arkonides of Epetran’s rank had been very clear thinkers. They were only interested in facts. It was said especially of the chief scientist of the Supreme Council that he very seldom took part in noisy festivities although he stood well in the Imperator’s favour.

We drove into the control zone close to the main construction site. Long hangar-like structures loomed before us. Apparently Epetran didn’t consider it unusual to be requesting a visit from us in the middle of the night. He was one of those Arkonides who believed that soldiers should be ready at any hour to serve the Empire.

Rhodan was uneasy when no inspections occurred. We were allowed to pass through the energy barriers without hindrance. My extra-brain remained silent. My skull felt as if it were held in an iron band. We knew that Epetran had been the greatest man in Arkonide history. It was quite an ordeal to be facing such a personality.

"Captain Tresta?" queried an officer of the guard. He belonged to the famous elite troops of the Tentons.

"That I am," I confirmed, introducing Rhodan and Marshall as officers "Telater and Aday".

"His Eminence is expecting you. Your visit will be limited to one hour."

He saluted, I nodded, and the car moved on a bit farther. We got out in front of a tower-like structure. We had arrived.

* * * *

Marshal’s face had blanched conspicuously. I caught a signal from him and understood. It was dangerous to attempt to probe Epetran’s mind. It was almost as if the telepath were trying to tell me that the scientist may have detected the paramental interference.

However, if this was true the great man did not reveal it in any way. He was a tall Arkonide with snow-white hair that hung down to his shoulders. I had never seen a man with such a high forehead nor such a benevolent expression. For a moment, as we came in, this kindly look darkened. I felt as if the Supreme Council had secretly condemned us to death. Then—quite strangely —his threatening aspect vanished.

My presentation took 2 hours. His questions fairly exhausted my technical knowledge. Within the first few minutes he had understood how the transition computations had to be processed in order to accelerate succeeding hyperjumps and make them more accurate in terms of the navigational course. Arkonide history has it that shortly before his death he had introduced considerable improvements in this regard. If I wasn’t entirely mistaken, we the "yet unborn" had provided the impetus.

Even Rhodan and Marshall did some talking. In fact Perry had gone so far as to allude to the possibility of linear spacedrive. This seemed to fascinate Epetran still more. He regarded Rhodan closely as if he were seeking to penetrate his thoughts. His deep voice trembled with an inner excitement when he questioned us.

We found ourselves in a laboratory where the equipment appeared to be dedicated to computer programming. We were fairly surrounded by instruments and consoles. It was quite clear that Epetran had not been planning a gala reception.

When Rhodan finally stopped giving hints and reassumed his regular role, to my great relief the old man’s quiet smile returned. He wore the uniform of the practical working scientist. Only the symbol of the Supreme Council indicated his high position.

"I thank you, Major Telater," he said. "Your statements have been very interesting. But I believe it would be more advantageous to us to first try your commander’s recommendations for improving our existing propulsion system. You will be hearing from me. How long will you be staying on Arkon 3?"

I assumed he was addressing me. "In any case until my cruiser has been overhauled, Your Excellency. After that I expect to receive new orders."

He nodded thoughtfully. "Are you satisfied with the fighting power of your ship?"

"It could be better, Your Eminence."

The old man frowned as if piqued for the moment. "The Sotala’s armaments are the very best."

"Which soon may not be enough, Excellency. The enemies of the Imperium are not asleep. I beg you to let me be frank with you."

"Of course, as you wish. But I know of no race in the galaxy that would be capable of defeating our fleet."

"‘I was thinking about developing intelligences. No one knows what the future will bring."

He rose to his feet by way of dismissing us. But his last words had the heaviest impact on me. "When we are no more, the Imperium will find powerful friends. Then it will all depend on taking the right steps."

We left. The old man gazed after us from amidst his machines. Marshall walked out first and I followed him but then I missed Rhodan. When I turned to look back I saw him standing there tall and straight in the lab room. Epetran’s gaze and his seemed to be locked together. Marshall stifled a sigh as we heard Perry’s departing words.

"Most assuredly the Imperium will find friends one day, Your Eminence. And they will remember you and your genius." He saluted and finally came out into the corridor. The sliding door closed behind us.

"Was that necessary?" I snapped at him angrily "Even without that I have a feeling he saw through us."

"I do, too," he answered, impressed. "Let him make of my words what he will."

"Caution!" whispered the telepath.

Farther ahead 2 soldiers of the guard appeared. My hand touched the butt of my service weapon. But all they had to tell us was that we had gone way over our visiting limit. They emphasized that it wasn’t proper to prolong an interview with a man like Epetran with persistent questions.

I was reminded of the hospitality of my race. I had the impression that the old man would not have let himself in for such a lengthy discussion, nevertheless, unless he had wished it so. Unquestioningly he would have dismissed us the minute he ceased to be interested. I made my apologies to the guard officer, who gruffly passed us through.

A half hour later we again entered the Control Central of the Sotala.

"No unusual events, sir," reported Maj. Heintz.

Outside the sun was rising. I wondered if Epetran ever slept. Rhodan checked his watch. According to our conversion table the date must be February 14.

"Tomorrow at 12 noon—our time—the bomb will explode," he said with unusual emphasis. "Pucky and Ras Tschubai, stand by for action. Marshall, your face is still grey. What’s wrong?"

The telepath was almost apathetic when he spoke but his words shattered our self-confidence. "Presumably Epetran knows who we are and where we come from. Just after we entered his lab we were monitored by paramental means. For half a minute there, you and Atlan were unconscious. I was able to resist it. But I don’t know if Epetran succeeded in breaking through your mental screens. I don’t think it was possible with Atlan. How about you, sir?"

Rhodan sat down. He stared almost dumbfounded at the chief of the Mutant Corps. "Unconscious, you say? You sure you’re not mistaken?"

"By no means, sir. I was awake. You and Atlan were asleep with your eyes open. Probably the results are coming through now from his para-probe. I urgently advise you to conceal the bomb in the Brain at once —and to leave this time plane."

I glanced involuntarily at the viewscreens. Outside the spaceships of my people were taking off and landing. Personnel vehicles were crossing the area back and forth. No one approached the Sotala.

Rhodan turned on the P.A. microphone. "All hands! Red alert is in effect. It’s possible that we may be attacked, in which case the time converter will be shut off. If we should unexpectedly enter our own time reference we will be close to the Regent and his robot fleet. Open fire without waiting for orders. Com Central: prepare a distress call to the Fleet. Stand by for emergency takeoff. That is all, thank you … "

He turned off the switch. The ordnance experts appeared with Terran combat suits. They were far superior to the equivalent products of Epetran’s epoch. The energy screens were stronger and the deflector projectors were much more advanced.

Pucky and Ras Tschubai reported. We were ready to make our jump. Two weapons technicians brought us the bomb. The uranium timer was already operating.

The half life radiation clock would give the ignition impulse in 6023 years.

Mercant was getting nervous. "I don’t think it’s wise for the leaders of both imperiums to place their lives in danger. Since we left our own time on February 10th we don’t know if you were still alive on February 14—meaning today."

"Mercant, don’t get me al confused," Rhodan snapped at him edgily. Obviously his sense of humour had failed him at the moment. "By the same token I could just as well claim I’ve never lived. That would be the case if something were to happen to us now, wouldn’t it?"

Mercant turned to look helplessly at Kalup. The scientist said nothing. He was busy studying the micro sound-tape of Epetran’s conversation.

"He sounds like an oracle," Kalup said finally. "When you read between the lines you can conclude almost anything. Wait till I get the analysis. At first try I can’t prove anything."

"Request denied. We’re teleporting. The bomb must be placed in the Brain. Ready, Atlan?"

I nodded. We had decided to dispense with our pressure helmets. Breathable air would be available where we were going.

Once more I pointed out to the teleporters the remote power room where I wanted to operate. I was familiar with it from my days as Imperator, since at that time I had free access to the Brain.

Then we jumped.