A long, eerie sigh came from within, like a chorus of awestruck worshipers at the Second Coming.
Pavel crept toward the light, this time on his stomach. What he saw through a knothole made him forget all about his appetite.
He saw a round metallic object of many bright lights, which began to change color before his startled eye. The object floated in the exact center of the barn. It wobbled slightly, but otherwise did not move. It made no sound. It was a fantastic sight.
There were also people inside the barn. Switching eyes because of the intense light, Pavel saw that they looked human. There seemed to be about ten of them, led by a tall blonde woman in some kind of black uniform. The others were also in black, including one who hobbled on crutches, and another who knelt before the floating object. This man was not in black, and the blonde leader held a gun to his head.
"He says his name is Thad Screiber, and he claims he's a reporter," the blonde said loudly. It was clear she was speaking to the weird object.
When the object replied in an unearthly voice, Pavel felt his flesh crawl a little.
"You have moved the warhead to a safe location, Preparation Group Leader?" the voice demanded unemotionally.
"Two of our people are guarding it now," Amanda Bull said.
"We are then at a dangerous juncture in our plans to dismantle America's nuclear arsenal."
Dismantle America's nuclear arsenal? Pavel thought incredulously. And what was this about a warhead?
"What do we do with this reporter, World Master?" Amanda asked. "He followed us here and could wreck everything. Should I shoot him? I wouldn't mind."
This brought some grumblings of discontent from the others in the group. The reporter swayed a little on his knees. He looked a little green, but that might have been the lights.
"Quiet!" Amanda snapped at the others.
"No, shooting him will accomplish nothing," the strange voice spoke.
Everyone looked relieved, including Thad Screiber. He shut his eyes in relief and so did not see the blue needle of light suddenly stab from the UFO and impale him for a moment in eternity. The beam went completely through him at a downward angle and started a small fire on the ground behind him. Thad Screiber fell back into the tiny flames, and his dead body smothered those flames.
"But demonstrating my power will," the World Master intoned. "Have some of you forgotten the gravity of our work? If so, then consider this: you have participated in the theft of one of your nation's most dangerous and important weapons. In the eyes of your people, you are all traitors. Only by continuing along the path I have marked and creating a new world order can you escape capture and execution. No one must stand in our way."
The barn held a long silence in which beautiful light played along its walls and on the faces of its stunned occupants. Even Amanda Bull was shocked by the stern tone of the World Master. She recovered her composure long enough to say, "Preparation Group Number Two stands ready to fulfill its glorious destiny."
"Excellent," the reedy voice commented. "And your destiny will be glorious, I promise you. In the new world, you will all be giants. Future generations will sing your praises. But first, we must insure that there will be a future for your tiny planet, which is my planet's mission."
"Orders?" Amanda asked stiffly.
"You will transport the Titan warhead to the center of the population area known as Oklahoma City and detonate it."
Amanda swallowed hard. Ethel Sump fainted, and the others looked as if they wanted to. Pavel Zarnitsa felt none too good himself. From what he could piece together, it sounded very much as if World War III was about to be started by a bunch of Americans, on orders from a being from another planet!
And there was no doubt in his mind that if Oklahoma City should be obliterated, America's nuclear finger would swiftly be pointed to Soviet Russia.
Pavel knew he couldn't allow that. He was about to move from where he crouched when the barn doors were flung open and a strident voice announced, "Hail all! The Master of the House of Sinanju brings greetings to the Master of the House of Beetle Goose!"
Chiun, resplendent in his green ceremonial robes, strode boldly into the startled group. Remo, more wary, stood at his side.
Amanda Bull whipped her gun up toward Chiun but Remo cleared the distance between them before a shot could be fired, and suddenly Amanda was staring at her empty gun hand, which stung painfully.
Remo extracted the clip, cleared the chamber, and tossed the weapon aside.
"You won't be needing that," he told her.
"Yes," Chiun called out, "no violence is necessary. We have come in peace. We have come to resume ties with the House of Beetle Goose."
"If you have come here with peaceful intent," the World Master said, "then speak."
"There has been a misunderstanding between our houses, World Master," Chiun said. "I wish a private audience."
"As proof of your peaceful intent, you will allow your companion to be held prisoner during your audience."
"Done," Chiun said. "Remo, return the woman's weapon."
"Chiun, I don't like this. These clowns were just talking about blowing up Oklahoma City."
"Remo!" Chiun said sharply.
Remo reluctantly returned the automatic to Amanda, who quickly rammed home a fresh clip.
"All right, I've got you, buster!" Amanda crowed.
"Good for you," Remo said sourly. He was looking around for the man they had tailed here. Now where could he be?
* * *
Chiun entered the ship of the World Master through a panel, which quickly shut after him. He stood again within the outer chamber, which suddenly filled with a golden light. It was a very peaceful light, Chiun thought.
When the shadow of the World Master crossed the pebbled-glass screen, Chiun bowed low.
"My ancestors smile upon this meeting," Chiun said quietly.
"And mine," returned the World Master.
"I have many questions," Chiun began.
"And your persistence has earned you the right to many answers."
"Many generations ago, one of my ancestors met with one of your people. In the hour of his greatest need, when even life itself was failing, a ring of fire descended from the heavens and a voice was heard."
"Yes, my voice."
Chiun's beard trembled. "Yours?"
"Yes. My life span is greater than you could imagine."
"Truly, then, I stand in the presence of a great Master. For it was you who made my people what they are today."