The Robot Brains [with w_cat] | страница 22

350 The Secretary-General called again for order. "Gentlemen, please, the delegate from Great Britain has the floor."

351 It was noisy in the great hall. Delegates jumped from their seats and cried. Everybody accused everybody. The Asian Federacy accused Britain. The United States accused Russia. It seemed that the delegates would begin fighting any moment.

352 At last the British delegate was able to speak.

353 "This is no time for quarrelling among ourselves," he said. "An invasion from space is threatening us-"

There was a great noise again.

354 "- an invasion from space," continued the British delegate. "Our civilization is in danger. We must co-operate-"

355 It was useless. All the delegates were shouting again, and the Secretary-General declared the meeting closed.

356 A man was decapitated in New South Wales, three in Yucatan, four in Quebec. The murders continued in Africa, Pakistan and Denmark. Scientists who did original research were murdered all over the world.

357 And only one man had a contact with the enemy.

358 Christian put down the receiver, walked up to the Brain, stopped in front of him and raised the decapitator.

"Wait," said Waldo.

359 "No, I won't wait," said the captain. "Speak, or I'll shoot."

360 "Don't shoot! I'll answer your questions. We come from-"

361 Suddenly they were not alone. About ten Brains were standing around Christian, grey, dwarf-like figures, each armed with a decapitator.

Waldo laughed.

362 "That's the end, Captain..." He gave a command: "Take him alive - I want him alive!"

363 The next moment Christian was seized by a lot of hands, something heavy struck him on the head, and he fell on the floor.

364 "You interfered and spoiled our plans," said Waldo. "And for this you must die. But it will not be a pleasant death - I've something special for you. I am taking you back with me."

365 He took a belt with a black crystal from one of the Brains and fastened it round Christian's waist.

366 "Very soon all your questions will be answered..."

367 Waldo touched the crystal on Christian's belt, and laughed loudly.

"See you later, Captain Christian!"

368 The cellar disappeared. Christian was in complete darkness. It seemed to him that he was hanging in some empty place, between the stars - only there were no stars.

369 At last Christian saw a bright light and knew that he had arrived.

370 The Old Man and Doctor Fox were standing in the cellar.