Over the vast distances of interplanetary space, THE SECRET OF THE ORB 175
the Orb brain explained, this communication process was far less efficient and only abnormally sensitive human beings, such as Uzcudun or Mulver, could receive its output.
“Why did you plot against me with Group Q and try to prevent my television probe?” Tom asked.
“As you have guessed, our colony or organism is intensely sensitive to electromagnetic signals from outside sources. It disrupts the inner flow of electrical current by which our life processes are carried on. Your activities at Swift Enterprises posed a special threat.”
“And your electromagnetic output has disrupted earth’s radio communications,” Tom reported.
“It was a mistake to invade your solar system,” the Orb brain conceded. “It is clear now that our organism cannot exist side by side with you earth-lings without much interference.”
“Why did you come here?” Bud asked.
“To soak up energy from your sun,” was the reply. “We need an immense supply of raw energy to fuel our life processes. That is why we move about the galaxy from star to star. But do not fear-your sun is one small star among countless millions in our galaxy, and we can easily move on to another. However, you must allow us time to move out of your solar system and promise to launch no more electromagnetic attacks against us while we do so.”
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“We make that promise,” Tom communicated. “But we must also know the antidote to the disease chemical with which our friends were infected.”