Chapter 12 murder

The source of Paul 2473's troubles came from the ancient book he discovered.The reason why he could recognize it as a book was because once he was in the microarchive room and saw that they were copying some similar valuable ancient books and then destroying the original ones.The book, apparently left over from the distant and obscure past, had never been discovered, and now it made Paul 2473 both curious and terrified. At that time, he was participating in Thursday's long-distance running training on a country road. It was time for a break. Paul 2473 was lying next to an old building on the side of the road, surrounded by overgrown weeds.Bored—he hadn't been interested in Thursday's practice—he looked around, looking for something to amuse himself.

Beside him he saw a dilapidated wall with a crack in it.Along the wall, fallen bricks had created a small cave.It can accommodate those small wild animals living in it. Paul 2473 sprawled on the ground and looked into the dark cave, where he saw a book lying there.Of course, he immediately thought of what to do: he took out the book and handed it to the platoon leader.He will never open this book, because the education he has received since he was a child is that things related to past civilizations are precious but accompanied by danger.So he has no right to do anything with that book, destroy it, or even read it.

Looking around, no one seemed to be paying attention to him.No trace of the platoon leader was found either.The rest of the platoon lay on the ground in the distance.Trembling, Paul reached into the hole and slowly pulled out the book. The book is so small and so light that it seems like it would shatter if touched.Driven by fear and curiosity, he lifted the cover with trembling hands and glanced at the title page.The title of the book is The Logic of Murder. At that moment, Paul 2473 was very disappointed.He could barely recognize the word "logic," but wasn't quite sure what it meant.As for the word "murder," I have no idea what it means.

Since he can't understand the content, then this book is useless to him.But he was a little hesitant: Maybe he could learn from this book what "murder" is?Maybe "Murder" would be fun. "Everyone stand up!" The platoon leader's voice came from a distance. Everyone in the platoon was getting up to assemble when Paul 2473 made a decision. He stuffed the book into his shirt.Then he stood up, stretched himself, and walked to the assembly point. In his cabin, Paul 2473 reads the book during his private few minutes every evening, putting the little book under the afternoon edition of the Progressive News, pretending to be a newspaper reader. He looked like he was reading the little book in order to avoid being spotted by the monitor on the wall, a trick he had been familiar with since he was a student.

It is obviously very dangerous to do so, but he is more and more attracted by the content of this little book, unable to stop.Slowly, he had some experience. Shocked by the new discovery, it turned out that to murder is to take a person's life.This was a concept he had never had before, not even in his dreams. He knew that people don't live long, that old people sometimes get sick and are sent to a hospital or a physiology lab or a clinic and never seen again.Death is usually painless unless the authorities dictate that it should be painful for the sake of scientific research, he always thought so.Therefore, he seldom thinks about death, nor is he afraid of death.

But murder was clearly an existential phenomenon in previous civilizations, when the authorities were responsible for the death of people but opposed individual control over the matter.In real life, however, it is fraught with danger, and murder seems to be very common.This cruel phenomenon shocked Paul 2473 and attracted him to read on. He began to think about the content of the book, and he found that in the past environment, murder, although evil, was understandable.Because in that society, people were free to choose their partners, so some people murdered out of jealousy or revenge.And everyone's necessities of life are not provided by the authorities, so some people also commit murder in order to get rich.

As Paul2473 read on, he learned of a growing variety of motives for killing, both healthy and unhealthy. There is a chapter in the book devoted to various methods of murder.There are also chapters devoted to detecting, apprehending, and punishing murderers. Most startling is the book's conclusion.It emphasizes that: "Murder is a common phenomenon, far exceeding statistics. Many murderers who murder on the spur of the moment are punished by the law. However, many more murderers who are well-planned and prepared in advance successfully succeed." escaped the punishment of the law, resulting in a large number of unsolved cases, the murderer has the upper hand in the contest with the police. Although the statistics vary, the conclusions without exception show that most murders are not solved, nor It means that the vast majority of murderers can get away with it, enjoy their crimes in their old age, and enjoy the fruits of their crimes."

After reading that book, Paul 2473 fell into deep thought.He understood that his situation was very dangerous.New civilizations would never allow such books to be spread, because they would not make humanity aware of its barbaric past.The act of reading this book is a crime in itself, and he also knows the reason why he is not allowed to read this book.If he is discovered, what awaits him is reprimand, demotion and even public humiliation. He hid the book in the mattress and didn't destroy it.The concept of murder obsessed him, and he spent nearly all his spare time thinking about it. He even wanted to tell Carroll 7427.A girl he dated at the entertainment center almost every night, and they often went into the petting cabin together, far more intimate than anyone else.He was experimenting with harmony with Carol 7427, hoping to ration her to him for three years, maybe even five.

He had almost told her about it the night he finished reading the book.As usual, she stepped into the entertainment center, her figure flattered in a perfectly fitted overalls.As he gazed at her blond hair, bright blue eyes, and snow-white skin, he thought about matching: being in the same room with her, having a heart-to-heart, and discussing something new and interesting, like murder. ok. He pulled her into a corner to avoid the talk group on radiant farming. "Do you want to know a real secret, Carol?" he asked her. She blinked her long eyelashes and blushed, looking curious and shy.

"A secret, Paul?" Her voice was soft. "What kind of secret?" "I broke a rule." "real?" "Very important rules." "Really?!" She looked excited. "I found something very interesting." "Tell me!" She leaned forward, her breath smelling of perfume flakes, which made him intoxicated. "If I tell you, you're either going to denounce me, or you're in as much danger as I am." "I won't tell on you, Paul." "But I don't want to put you in danger." She pouted in disappointment.But it made him happy.It proves that like him, she too is adventurous and curious.Now is not the time, when the match is announced next week, they will be sharing the same room, then he will give her the book to read as well, so the two of them can discuss murder freely , not bound by time.

On that day, Paul 2473 decided that he and Carroll 7427 were very harmonious, and believed that the pairing experiment could also prove this, and the experiment was very scientific. However, the facts disappointed him.On Thursday, after returning from training, he saw the results. A huge notice almost covered the bulletin board, and it read: "Five-year matching form for members of Area 55." He walked to the notice confidently.And the result shocked him: Carroll 7427 was paired with Richard 3833, and his partner was Laura 6356. Gosh, five years!Live with Laura 6356 - the pudgy, dark gray haired girl who only knows how to giggle!They thought he could live in harmony with her?And Richard 3833 that pompous pompous bastard had Carroll 7427 for five years. Paul 2473 angrily contemplates his future.At his current age, he is no longer allowed to go to the caress room.The authorities believe that people of this age can settle down and live a regular life, which is beneficial to society.So this means he can only be with Laura 6356, while Carroll 7427 belongs to Richard 3833. He and Carol 7427 are about to part ways forever!No cozy double room to discuss his amazing book without restraint.All good dreams have come to naught! that book! Thinking of that book, Paul 2473 made a decisive decision to murder. It was the only way out, he firmly believed.How to start?The only thing that could be used as a basis was the book, and he began to analyze the motives, methods and risks according to the content of the book. The motive was obvious: he and his match had to be separated, and each to accept an unsuitable mate. So in this case, how to commit murder?He continued to check. He has two options to choose from, such as killing Carroll 7427, which can prevent her from falling into the hands of Richard 3833, which is what ordinary emotional killers will do.But it also means that he will lose her and cannot avoid the tragic future of living with Laura 6356.So this solution is ruled out by Paul 2473. There is only one option left: kill both Richard 3833 and Laura 6356.It's a bit complicated to implement, but it's the only possible solution. Don't think about how to act, first choose a good weapon.He decided to use a knife, the only weapon he could get his hands on.He can't get guns, poison and other tools at all.As for strangling with one's own strength, it is not feasible, because Richard3833 is much stronger than him, and Laura6356 is not weak, so it is not easy to subdue her.It's much easier to get a knife and sharpen it, by comparison.Moreover, he has studied some physiology and knows which parts of the human body are more deadly. Finally, he calculated the consequences of his actions.Will I be caught?Once arrested, what will be the punishment? At this time, he was suddenly surprised to find that the crime of murder was not defined in the law, and the concept of murder did not exist in the daily ideological indoctrination.The most serious crime in his education was treason.This includes sabotage, riots and subversive activities of all kinds.Next is the sin of sloth, including sabotage, absenteeism from meetings, pleasure-seeking, and drunkenness.Murder and everything that goes with it, such as robbery, deceit, etc., is not listed as a crime, nor is it even mentioned.What an ideal society this is, where there are no factors that induce crime, until Paul 2473 learns the results of his harmony experiment. So now everything is solved easily. Since this civilization does not have the concept of murder, it naturally has no methods and tools to deal with it.The corresponding institutions in the ancient civilization mentioned in that book, including specialized organizations, experienced detectives, scientists proficient in anti-murder investigations, etc., are absent here.So as long as it is planned properly, his murder will be foolproof! Thinking of this, Paul 2473 was very excited, he felt his heart pounding, now he had to start planning, there should be enough time.There is still a week to go before housing assignments are announced and the matchmaking program begins.And he's ready to go into action in two days. Paul 2473 works as an air filtration engineer, which facilitates the implementation of his plan.Because he can walk around in Area 55 without being questioned. All that is waiting now is an opportunity. Thursday is still a routine long-distance running training, which wasted his whole day.On Friday, things changed. He glanced at the list of air filtration problematic locations and found that these locations formed a wonderful route, which allowed him to approach the two victims one after another. It seemed that his opportunity had come. He tucked the sharp knife into the belt behind his shirt.Wearing soft, insulated shoes, he walked silently through the clean corridors.His work schedule is tight, but the route is very good.He can spare a minute or two. The first target is Richard 3833.Richard 3833 works in a virus laboratory, in a quiet and remote corner.When Paul 2473 found him, he was hunched over his microscope, fascinated. Paul 2473 greeted softly: "Congratulations, Richard. Carol is a good girl." This is a good place to commit murder, and the possibility of being listened to or watched is very small, because Richard 3833 and Laura 6356 have always been quiet, so they will not be particularly watched.And the guards rarely spy on others during working hours. "Thank you!" said Richard 3833, but his mind was not on Carroll 7427. "Here you are, come and take a look at this little thing." He got off the stool and proudly showed Paul 2473 the results of his work. Paul 2473 glanced at it, and took the opportunity to turn the microscope secretly. "I can't see anything," he said affectively. Richard 3833 hastily leaned over to readjust the microscope, and exposed his broad back to Paul 2473, completely unaware of the approaching danger. Paul 2473 drew the knife from under his shirt and stabbed it, neatly and simply. Richard 3833 snorted, grabbed the table desperately with both hands, and finally swayed and slipped to the ground, eyes full of fear and surprise.Paul 2473 drew the knife, stepped aside, and only after confirming that the victim was motionless on the ground did he carefully wipe the knife clean on Richard 3833's shirt, and then quickly left the laboratory.Throughout the murder process, there were no witnesses. Four minutes later, he came to the Mathematical Computing Center, where Laura 6356 was working, and she was manipulating the large machines.Laura 6356 also works alone, and employees of other types of work are not here. Laura 6356 caught a glimpse of Paul 2473 out of the corner of her eye, but she was busy typing commands into the machine. "Hello, Paul," she said with a giggle.She hadn't paid much attention to him before, but after the pairing plan was announced, she became very gentle towards him. "Don't tell me the house is ready to move in!" she was still joking affectionately. He walked behind her and slowly drew the knife. She thought he was going to touch her, which was strictly prohibited during work, but she didn't resist, and even looked forward to it, so that her fat shoulders began to tremble slightly, waiting for his touch.However, what she waited for was a ruthless sharp blade, which pierced into her back. Laura 6356 fell forward on the control panel, and the machine continued to hum and the lights continued to flash. Paul 2473 drew the knife, wiped it on Laura 6356's blouse, and left here gently with a sense of success. Carroll 7427 and Paul 2473 were both now bereft of partners, he thought happily, as he went on with his work.So it's quite logical that the committee would definitely let them live in the same house and form a new pair.In this way, they can live together for five years, and they can extend it when it expires. How will things develop next? How will the rulers of Area 55 react?These were beyond his grasp, and the book didn't tell him that what was written in it was all about things in ancient civilizations long ago. In those days, murders were a big deal.This is especially true if the victim is very famous or involved in some scandal.Newspapers would report the murder in detail, would follow up the case as it unfolded, and finally, when the murderer was caught, would report on the trial.The entire event could last for weeks, months, or even years. Paul 2473 followed the development of the matter very anxiously. In District 55, the "Progressive News" published that afternoon did not mention the murder at all.At the entertainment center that night, there was nothing out of the ordinary except that Richard3833 and Laura6365 were missing. Paul 2473 saw Carol 7427 there, and he hadn't spoken to her since the announcement of the pairing.He took her aside from his companions and asked her carefully, "Where's Richard?" She shrugged. "I don't know, I didn't see him." He was heartened by her attitude: Richard 3833 was missing and she didn't care at all, as if she didn't know about pairings, as if she didn't care about him at all.Then, when this thing is over, she will gladly accept being with herself. He was with her all evening, happy and content.He continued to speculate for the better that the authorities would be overwhelmed by the matter, would act as if nothing had happened, and would not mention it, so as not to let the general public know that there was such a thing as murder.Of this, he was convinced. This illusory self-confidence was completely punctured until Saturday morning.The reveille that day was particularly sharp, as if some major emergency had occurred, and when the reveille sounded, it was still dark outside the house. The corridor was full of frightened people, everyone was a little shaky when walking, Paul 2473 got dressed and joined the queue in the assembly. "Let's move forward!" The long queue came out of the corridor and into the courtyard.The lights were brightly lit here, and the searchlights on the roof and high walls were suddenly turned on. Under the blinding lights, all the platoons and companies lined up and stood upright. There was deathly silence in the line, no one talked or complained. , The entire yard was shrouded in an atmosphere of fear and depression. Paul 2473 also felt fear and depression. Although he knew there was no need to be afraid, this atmosphere still infected him.This has never happened before, but one thing's for sure, it's by no means a good thing. He began to speculate wildly: what will happen next?Announce that two people were killed?and then?Will they ask criminals to turn themselves in?Or investigate insiders? But soon he calmed down.Obviously, bringing everyone here means they don't know who the murderer is yet.That encouraged him, of course, now it looks like there is an investigation going on, asking all kinds of questions, checking where you are.These need to be dealt with carefully, but the most important thing is that if the authorities do not know who the murderer is, as long as they respond calmly and gracefully, they will always be kept in the dark. But the trumpet remained silent, leaving only such a group of people in shock.Perhaps this is a way for the authorities to use fear to bring the killers to their knees. Half an hour passed, and it was still dark, but no one dared to leave the team, and there was no sound of conversation, not even coughing or stomping. The only sound was the howling of the cold wind. The light from the searchlight was very dazzling, which made Paul 2473 very uncomfortable.He wanted to close his eyes, but as soon as he closed them, his body began to shake, as if he was about to fall.It would be troublesome if he fell, and it would be the center of attention, so he could only endure it as best he could, while imagining something beautiful to relieve the pain and stress. This kind of torture will eventually end. It is impossible for the tens of thousands of members of the entire Area 55 to stand here forever just because two people were killed.People die every day and young people from the farm fill their places, and sooner or later everything will be back to normal. He began to look forward to the days when he returned to normal...Living in the same room with Carol 7427...Having a company to talk to...It is okay to whisper...No longer being with the terrible loneliness...Not even being affected Surveillance, because the pair can have some privacy. "One company! Turn right! Walk together!" Accompanied by the sound of neat footsteps, a group of one hundred people left the yard. Listening to the password, Paul 2473 could guess where they went.That should be the entertainment center next to the dormitory.Because all major events, all inspections, are carried out in the entertainment center.That's good, at least it's what he's familiar with.If Yilian those people were ordered to walk out of the gate, he might be even more disturbed. A few minutes... More than ten minutes passed, the lights became more and more dazzling, but the sky was still not bright.Paul 2473 was in Erlian, his legs were a little out of control, and he began to feel numb, accompanied by slight pain.His head began to dizzy, and the lights flickered in front of his eyes.He tried to close his eyes tightly, but the strong light had no effect. "Second Company!" He was very happy when he finally heard the password and could walk around.That's right, it was indeed an entertainment center. Two guards opened the door, and the entire company walked into the empty entertainment center. There are also a lot of lights here, but it is much better than outside. There are buzzing voices inside. The company walked to the top and lined up in a single file, and they didn't have to stand at attention anymore, but they still tensed up because they were too much. Fearing for a long time, I can only continue to remain silent, not daring to speak. Then, the single file began to pass through a small gate.Paul 2473 was ranked twentieth. He calculated that the people in front would pass through that door one by one every thirty seconds or so.It didn't seem like a big deal, and he became more relaxed, even looking forward to his turn, calm because such a large-scale behavior showed the desperation and helplessness of the authorities. Then, looking over the shoulder of the person in front of him, he saw that the door led to a room with nothing but a nurse and a table full of needles.He was so relieved that he almost cried with joy. Turns out they were just getting an injection, maybe a vaccine or something.It had nothing to do with the two trivial murders he committed. When it was his turn to get the injection, he didn't feel the slightest pain in his arm.Compared with the torture in the yard and the mental depression, this is simply insignificant. The feeling after the injection was very strange, his head felt light and light, as if he was about to faint.No, he couldn't faint at this moment of victory, he wanted to cheer himself up.But at this moment, he seemed to have completely lost himself, and could only mechanically follow the orders of the guards and walk into the next room.There was a man in a white coat in this room, his piercing eyes staring at him made him uncomfortable, as if he was sitting on pins and needles. "Did you stab two people to death yesterday?" the man began to question. He really wanted to answer no, but he couldn't pronounce the word no matter what. It seemed that someone else possessed him and forced him to tell the truth. It seemed that the injection was the reason. "Yes." he replied. So he was put on public trial, which was to warn all members of Area 55 to make an example. The trial was over and the decision of punishment was announced: he was placed in a glass cage at one end of the courtyard, where his body was tied upright, and a hundred wires were inserted in various parts of his body, all of which led to a On the control panel, corresponding to their own buttons, all members of Area 55 can come and torture him at will, just need to press a few buttons before coming to the cage, which is very easy for them, and they are more than happy to do it , to express their love and support for the new civilization.But for Paul 2473, it was indeed like endless hell. These non-fatal pains made his life worse than death, so he could only endure it forever. The radio in the yard, repeating his crime every day, warned everyone why he was being treated this way: "Paul 2473," announced the radio in a melodious tone, "recklessly destroyed two state property, Richard 3833 and Laura 6356, committed the crime of destroying state property, which is an act of treason." However, that was not the only thing that made him desperate, because it was Carroll 7427 who came to the cage most often and liked to press the buttons the most.