“I take it you created the invisible barrier around Nestria?” the young inventor queried, hoping to get the Eurasian talking and perhaps learn the purpose of the enemy project.
“Quite correct. A deadly barrier of antimatter particles, as you probably have guessed.” The Cobra’s stony eyes shone proudly as he went on, 119
120 THE ASTEROID PIRATES
“The particles, by the way, were produced in my own atomic laboratory, a thousand feet below us. Who would guess that these mountains hide one of the world’s greatest particle accelerators!”
Tom was impressed. The production of antimatter would require not only powerful equipment but the highest degree of technical skill.
“I’m still puzzled about why you want the asteroid shut in by the barrier,” Tom probed.
The Eurasian’s lips curved into a cunning smile. “Can you think of a better way to take over the asteroid without force?”
“Take over?” Bud exploded. “Listen, mister, Nestria belongs to the U.S.A.!
You haven’t taken it over yet and you’re not going to!”
“Permit me to disagree,” the Black Cobra said. “Swift Enterprises has tried repeatedly to send relief rockets through the barrier-and failed. Missiles launched by your government would be no more effective. Already your base personnel on the asteroid are near starvation. Soon nothing will prevent my landing and claiming Nestria.”
The prospect struck Tom with dismay, but he tried not to let it show in his face.
“That would be piracy-space piracy! You’d never get away with it!” the young inventor snapped.