Flash Gordon 2 - The Plague of Sound Read Free Page B

to his study, won’t you?”
    The study was a large room with a high, domed ceiling. The floors and walls were made of the same pale-yellow pseudowood. There were three fat red-plastic chairs and a small green desk in the room, all of the currently popular floating style. Minister Minnig was sitting in the chair nearest the desk, a glass of blue brandy cupped in his left hand.
    “Ah, good evening, Gordon,” he said in his high voice. “So good of you to come.”
    The girl stepped back out into the hall and the room’s pale-yellow door shut on Flash.
    He crossed the room. “Dr. Zarkov indicated you had some information to give us, Mr. Minister, about the possible cause of the plague of sound.”
    The lean man stood up. “Let me get you a drink first, Gordon.”
    “No, thanks.”
    The minister moved to a blank yellow wall, tapped it. A panel slid open and a small, well-stocked bar emerged. He placed his glass on a round green spot and a tiny silver arm lifted up a brandy bottle, poured, and recapped the bottle. “I suppose I wouldn’t drink at all,” said the minister, with a faint smile, “if I didn’t get a kick out of seeing this apparatus work.”
    Flash watched him return to his chair. “You have some idea of who may be behind this thing?”
    After sniffing at the brandy and then sipping it, Minnig said, “I hope you’ll forgive me, Gordon. In the heat of the meeting yesterday, I’m afraid I jumped to some illogical conclusions.”
    Flash came up close to the other man. “Even a hunch might help,” he said. “You know Zarkov and I won’t act on anything you tell us without checking it out thoroughly.”
    “Yes, Gordon, I do realize that.” He was looking not at Flash but up at the dome of the ceiling. “In the hours since I blurted out what I did to Dr. Zarkov, however, I’ve had some second thoughts. I’ve also, I must admit, discussed the matter with Glenna. Since my wife . . . well, my daughter is my most trusted confidante.” He lowered his eyes, smiling faintly. “Though I hope you won’t tell the president I consult a young girl when I’m in doubt.”
    Flash turned away from him. He began walking slowly around the room. Stopping, he faced Minnig and asked, “You’re sure it’s just discretion?”
    “What do you mean, Gordon?”
    “You’re not afraid, are you? Has someone put pressure on you?”
    Minister Minnig rose up out of his floating chair. “I fought to build this territory to what it is today, Gordon. And I’m not just using figures of speech; I mean I fought in the streets against the junta which had been oppressing the country for almost a decade. In the years since we overthrew it and set up a democracy I’ve done battle with a good many people, both verbal and physical battles.” With a frown, he sat again.
    Flash said, “Maybe they threatened your daughter and not you.”
    Shaking his head, Minnig said, “I assure you, Gordon, such is not the case. I know you’re disappointed, naturally, at coming here and not learning what you hoped. But you have my word: it is second thought and not cowardice which prompts me to remain silent. Silent for now, at any rate.”
    “Why did you send for me tonight then?” Flash asked him. “You really haven’t anything to tell me.”
    “I believe in meeting a man face to face.” With his free hand, he gestured at the blank walls. “Despite all the electronic means of communication I’ve got, Gordon, I’m still old-fashioned enough to like to look a man in the eye.” He paused to sip again at his brandy. “I must admit also that I’ve heard a good deal about you, Gordon, about your—what shall I call them?—exploits. The things you’ve done on Earth, on Mongo, and all throughout this infinite universe of ours. As an erstwhile man of action myself, I admire you.”
    Flash said, “Okay, thanks. But I wish you’d give me some facts instead of admiration.”
    “I’m sorry, I can’t,” replied Minnig. “Perhaps, when