The Thinking Machine Affair - Bernard Joel. Страница 18

He steered the kayak into the inky black manmade underground tunnel and reflected that it was similar to the underwater channel entrance to U.N.C.L.E. Headquarters. As soon as the kayak passed the door, it automatically shut.

He was alarmed that this entrance door was operated by electronic eyes, knowing this could have set off an alarm. To bypass concealed alarm devices along the underground channel, he switched on his electronic diversion device, which temporarily put out of action any alarm network.

His eyes grew accustomed to the darkness and he was able to see the straight walls and roof of the tunnel, his nostrils conscious of a musty smell.

Some five hundred yards or so on, the channel ended in some steps rising to a platform.

Napoleon fastened the kayak to the rowing boat left by the two THRUSH agents, and noted a powerful small motorboat moored alongside it. He climbed the stone steps to the platform; this opened into a long corridor that veered to the right. He moved silently along the dark passage and noted that it descended slightly. He kept his electronic diversion device working continuously to ensure that no alarm system betrayed him, but wondered as he went on how long it would be before concealed steel arms, or something or someone, emerged from the walls to hold him in an iron grip. As if responding to his thoughts, a tubular steel net dropped from the ceiling, pressing his arms against his body, thus making any movement impossible.

"Welcome to THRUSH Headquarters, Mr. Solo," a voice said as blazing lights flooded the passage.

It took a few moments for his temporarily blinded eyes to adjust before he could see what was obviously a THRUSH officer and guards.

"Had you advised us that you wanted to visit us, we would have told you where to find our main entrance, which is much more respectable," the Chief Organizing Officer smiled.

"I didn't want to trespass on your kindness," Napoleon said wryly.

"We'll take these uncomfortable things off you and show you the way to our more civilized quarters," the THRUSH executive said.

Two guards removed the steel net from Solo; at the same time they removed his gun and emptied his pockets. When Napoleon held out his arms for handcuffing, the officer said:

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Solo. We don't copy U.N.C.L.E. methods."

Beside the THRUSH executive, and flanked by guards at the front and rear, Napoleon continued along the brightly-lit concrete passageway until they reached the end. A wall moved automatically aside to let them enter a square room where an elevator was ready for the next stage.

"We'll have a little chat, Mr. Solo, which, I trust, will be fruitful," the Chief Organizing Officer said as they stepped into the elevator. "I have long wanted an opportunity to meet you."

"So have I." Napoleon forced another smile.

He realized that he could do no more at present than play cat and mouse, but the knowledge that the guards had not, as yet, discovered some of the emergency tools concealed in his tie, suit lining, shoes and cufflinks, gave him hope that he was not as yet altogether helpless.

As they stepped from the elevator and turned left, the head of the Special Tasks Department emerged from one of the doors along the corridor. Seeing Napoleon, he drew his gun.

"Put it away," the Chief Organizing Officer said coolly. "We don't want Mr. Solo dead. We have better plans for him." And, as he led Napoleon into his office, he explained: "It would be foolish to kill you, Mr. Solo. Murder is such a messy business. I prefer everything to be nice and smooth."

"Oh, I do so agree with you," concurred Napoleon heartily.

They entered the THRUSH executive's office and as the officer seated himself at the desk, he invited Solo to make himself comfortable.

"Now, don't let's mince words," he said. "We are preparing to dispose of U.N.C.L.E. and I intend to let you play a considerable part in its destruction."

"That sounds most interesting," Napoleon said.

"It is much more than interesting, Mr. Solo; it is at long last the beginning of a new world—a THRUSH world. The actual execution of our 'Operation U.N.C.L.E. Headquarters' is now almost only a mere formality."

"Do go on—I find this fascinating."

"Cynicism won't get you far, Mr. Solo," the THRUSH executive snarled abruptly. "Nothing can save U.N.C.L.E. from being wiped out. And, to make extra sure, we now have Professor Novak's apparatus. He is already working on the extension of its operating radius."

"It could take ages before he finds the solution," Napoleon cut in.

"We are ready for such an eventuality. Our own scientists and technicians have solved some of the shortcomings of Professor Novak's thought-transference apparatus, and if he and his daughter, supported by our own experts, cannot achieve unlimited distance within the next twenty-four hours, we shall nevertheless use Professor Novak's thought-transference apparatus for the successful conditioning of the brains of all U.N.C.L.E. personnel to surrender unconditionally."

"How are you so certain you can do it?" Napoleon enquired.

"Our agent has installed specially constructed electronic beam receivers onto the entire internal communications systems at U.N.C.L.E. Headquarters. These receivers can pick up the beam from our transmitter, which will be linked with Professor Novak's apparatus, and then our thought orders can be beamed over the internal communications systems to every U.N.C.L.E. officer, beginning with Alexander Waverly and Illya Kuryakin down to the least important clerk and messenger. Brilliant, isn't it?"

"How do you know your agent has, in fact, carried out your plan?" Napoleon asked.

"That's no secret, either," the THRUSH executive boasted. "When our agent fixed the last electronic beam receiver on the internal communications systems at U.N.C.L.E. Headquarters, he was, unfortunately, detected and caught. In accordance with his instructions for such an eventuality, he took a special drug which killed him temporarily. Your Mr. Waverly, or someone at U.N Headquarters, had the body removed to some funeral directors in New York. One of our agents claimed the body, flew it here, and it arrived safely last night. The dead agent was revived and reported that he had successfully carried out his task. So you see, Mr. Solo, we know for sure that everything is set for action."

"Why tell me all this?"

"Because I want you to be in the picture. You see, Mr. Solo, you are going to play an important part in our operation."

"Oh?"

"You are going to tell your Alexander Waverly that you are with us, that we hold all the trumps, and that the time for unconditional surrender has come. You are to tell him that all U.N.C.L.E. files and secret gadgets, including weapons, must be destroyed forthwith and that he and the entire U.N.C.L.E. staff are to surrender to us. You will convince him that we are always ready to recruit personnel with ability and brains and that Waverly, Kuryakin and the rest of the U.N.C.L.E. team will find excellent opportunities with THRUSH."

"And if I refuse?"

"But, my dear Mr. Solo, are you in a position to refuse? Do you think I would have taken the trouble to get you here if I thought I couldn't use you? You have no alternative but to do as I say."

"And if I refuse, you'll kill me..."

"I told you earlier that I don't favor that sort of thing. I prefer smoother methods."

"How can you force me to do something I am determined not to do?"