Chapter 6 Chapter 6 The True Face of the Earth

Trevize felt as if he had taken hallucinogenic drugs, and he didn't know how long it had been. Beside him lay Minister of Transport Mitza Lizale.She was lying on the bed, her head turned to one side, her mouth was open, and she was snoring clearly.Knowing that she was asleep, Trevize was relieved.He hoped that when she woke up, she could clearly remember that she had slept. Trevize was actually sleepy too, but when he felt that he had to stay awake and not let her wake up, he found that he was sound asleep.It was important to let her know that while she was exhausted and unconscious, he was still alive.She will hope that the prodigal son of the base will always be in a state of vitality, but at this moment, it is best not to disappoint her.

In a way, he's done a good job.He guessed right, though Lizale was big and strong, wielded a lot of power, despised all the Complon men she came across, and had no idea about the legends about the sex skills of the base prodigal son (where did she hear that? Trevize felt Wondering about the second father is mixed with fear and fascination—however, she is happy to be conquered by men. This may even be her long-standing desire, but she has never had the opportunity to express this desire and expectation. Trevize's actions were based on this guess. Fortunately, he found that he guessed right. (Trevize, always right, he thought to himself.) Not only did this please the woman, but it also allowed Trevize to take the lead, draining her energy completely without exerting much effort himself.

It wasn't easy, though, with her impressive body (she said she was forty-six, but no less than a twenty-five-year-old athlete), and boundless energy.Her energies are only inferior to her own profligate desires. In fact, if you can tame her, teach her how to control, and in constant practice (but will he survive it?) make her more self-aware of her own abilities, and more importantly, his abilities. And understand better, then maybe it will be a pleasure... The snoring stopped suddenly, she moved slightly, he put his hand on her shoulder and stroked it gently - her eyes opened.Trevize leaned on his elbows, trying to look tireless and energetic.

"I'm glad you're asleep, dear," he said. "You really need rest." She gave him a sleepy smile, and Trevize suddenly felt a little uneasy, thinking she would suggest another visit.But she just tried to turn over, lay on her back on the bed, and said in a soft and satisfied tone: "I read it right from the beginning, you are indeed a master of sex." Trevize tried to appear as humble as possible. "I should be more restrained." "Bullshit, you're doing it right. I was worried that you'd keep having sex and you'd be drained by that young woman. But you've made me believe that's not the case, you're telling the truth, yes wrong?"

"Did I act like I was half full to begin with?" "No, you don't look like it." After she finished speaking, she burst into laughter. "Do you still want to use the Psychic Detector?" She laughed again. "Are you crazy? Would I still be willing to lose you now?" "But you'd better lose it for a while." "What?" She frowned. "If I stay here forever, darling, won't it be long before someone whispers and points? However, if I can leave and carry on my mission, I will naturally come back often When you report for duty, we will naturally catch up behind closed doors—besides, my mission is extremely important."

While thinking about it, she scratched her right buttock casually.Then she said, "I think you're right, I don't like the proposal, but—I think you're right." "And you don't have to worry that I won't come back." Trevize said, "I won't be so stupid as to forget what's waiting for me here." She smiled at him, touched his cheek lightly with her hand, looked into his eyes and said, "Are you happy, my love?" "Happy beyond words, dear." "But you're from the base, you're in the prime of your life, and you happen to be from Terminus, you must be used to all kinds of women with all kinds of skills..."

"I've never met any—any—woman who is anything like you." Trevize said it effortlessly, because it was 100% true after all. Li Zhale said in a smug tone: "Okay, since you said that. But then again, old habits are hard to change. You know, I don't think I can easily believe what a man says without any guarantee. You and yours My friend Pelorat, after I understand and approve your mission, you should be able to go on the road and continue the mission. As for the young woman, I will keep her here. She will be well received, don't be afraid, But I think Dr. Pelorat will miss her, so he will make sure you return to Complon often, even if your enthusiasm for the task may make you want to linger a long time outside."

"But, Li Zale, this is impossible." "Impossible?" Her eyes immediately showed suspicion, "Why is it impossible? What do you need that woman for?" "I told you, it's not about sex, I'm telling the truth. She belongs to Pelorat, and I'm not interested in her. Besides, if she wants to learn the moves you just showed proudly, I'm sure She slowly split into two parts." Li Zale almost laughed, but she restrained her laughter and said in a stern tone: "So, if she stays in Complon, how will it affect you?" "Because she is extremely important to our mission, which is why we must have her with us."

"Okay, so, what exactly is your mission? Now is the time for you to tell me." Trevize hesitated for only a short time. Now he had to tell the truth, and he couldn't make up a lie with the same convincing force. "Listen to me," he said, "Complon may be an ancient world, even one of the oldest worlds, but it is by no means the oldest. Human beings did not originate here, and lived here first." Humans migrated from other worlds: humans may not have originated there, but from another, older world. However, this process of going back will eventually come to an end, and we will definitely go back to the original The world, the cradle of mankind—it is the earth that I am looking for."

He was taken aback by Mitza Lizale's sudden and strong reaction. Her eyes were wide open, her breathing suddenly became rapid, every muscle in her body seemed to be frozen, her arms were raised stiffly, and her index and middle fingers were interlaced. "You named it," she whispered hoarsely. She said nothing more, and she didn't look at him again.Her arms slowly dropped, her legs slowly moved to the edge of the bed, and she sat up with her back to him.Trevize was still lying there, motionless. Something Mann Lee Comp had said rang in his head now, when they were in the empty Seychelle Tourist Center.He still remembers very clearly that when Compo mentioned his ancestral planet, which is where Trevize now stands, he said this: "They have a superstitious fear of the earth, and whenever the word is mentioned Sometimes, they would raise their hands and cross their index and middle fingers, hoping to get rid of bad luck."

It was an afterthought to remember what use those words were. "What should I say, Mitza?" he murmured. She shook her head slightly, stood up, and strode toward a door.After she passed through, the door closed immediately, and after a while, the sound of water came from inside.Now he was naked and embarrassed, and had no choice but to wait.He also wondered if he should shower with her, but was sure it was better not to.He felt as if he was being excluded from the bathroom, and as a result, the urge to take a bath increased immediately. She finally came out and began to choose clothes in silence. He said, "Do you mind if I—" She said nothing, and Trevize interpreted the silence as acquiescence.He wanted to strut into the bathroom and act like a strong man, but he felt awkward, just like when his mother was angry when he didn't obey the rules when he was a child, but the mother didn't punish him, but stopped talking to him, making him Feeling extremely sad and depressed. After entering the small bathroom with smooth walls, he looked around and found that it was empty, with nothing in it.He checked it more carefully, but still couldn't find anything. He opened the door, stuck his head out and said, "I ask you, how do you turn on the shower?" She put the deodorant (at least, Trevize guessed it had a similar effect) aside and strode to the bathroom, still not looking at him, just pointing with her hand.Trevize followed her finger, only to see a light pink dot on the wall, the color was very light, as if the designer didn't want to destroy that kind of color in order to mark a small function. Pure white beauty. Trevize shrugged, leaned towards the wall, and reached out to touch the dot.Presumably that was the action he should do, because in the next moment, fine sprays of water from the canopy hit from all directions.Panting heavily, he quickly touched the dot again, and the splash of water stopped immediately. He opened the door, knowing that he must look even more embarrassed, for he was shaking so badly that he could hardly speak clearly.He asked in a hoarse voice, "How do you turn on the hot water?" Now that she was finally looking him in the eye, his antics apparently made her forget about anger (or fear, or whatever was bothering her), for she burst out laughing, then burst out laughing at him again. "What hot water?" she said, "Do you think we're wasting energy on bath water? You just turned on warm warm water, and the cold is gone, what more do you want? You are a terminal star raised in a greenhouse ! Go in and wash it for me!" Trevize hesitated, but only for a moment, because he obviously had no other choice. Reluctantly, he touched the pink dot again, this time he was mentally prepared, and he gritted his teeth to endure the cold splash.warm water?He noticed that soap bubbles were starting to form on his body, and he judged that it was the "washing cycle" and guessed that the time would not last long, so he quickly rubbed his whole body up and down. Then came the "flush cycle", ah, so warm - well, maybe not really warm, just not that cold, but very warm for his completely frozen body.Soon the splash of water suddenly stopped—he was about to turn off the water at the time, wondering how Li Zale came out dry, because there was absolutely no towel or other substitutes here.At this time, a sudden gust of air flow appeared, and if it wasn't for the equal wind force in all directions, he would have been blown to this side immediately. It was hot, almost too hot.That's because, Trevize thinks, it takes far less energy to heat the air than to heat water.The hot air quickly evaporated the water droplets on his body, and after a few minutes, he walked out of the bathroom dry, as if he had never touched water in his life. Li Zale seems to have fully recovered. "Do you feel all right?" "Pretty good." In fact, Trevize felt extremely comfortable all over. "The only thing I have to do is to prepare myself for taking cold water, you didn't tell me..." "Flowers in the greenhouse." Li Zale said with a little contempt. He borrowed her deodorant and was about to get dressed, only to realize that she had clean underwear to change into and he didn't.He said, "What shall I call—that world?" "We call it 'the oldest world,'" she said. He said, "How do I know that the name I just said is taboo? Did you tell me?" "Did you ask?" "How do I know what to ask?" "You know now." "I will definitely forget." "You better forget." "What's the difference?" Trevize was furious, "It's just a name, some voices." Li Zale said in a gloomy tone: "Some words cannot be said casually, will you say every word you know anytime and anywhere?" "Some words are indeed very vulgar, some are not suitable for speaking, and some will hurt people on special occasions. What kind of eyes do I use when I said just now?" Li Zale replied: "It is a sad word, a serious word. It represents the world of our ancestors, which no longer exists. It is tragic, and we feel it because it is very close to us. We try not to When it comes to it, if you have to mention it, you don't say its name." "So what's the point of fingers crossed at me? Does it soothe the pain and sorrow?" Li Zale blushed. "It was a reflex action, and I was forced by you. Some people believe that word brings misfortune, even just thinking about it-they use that action to get rid of bad luck." "Do you also believe that crossing your fingers can really get rid of bad luck?" "Don't believe it—well, you might say believe it. I'd feel uneasy if I didn't." She kept looking away from him as she spoke.Then, as if anxious to change the subject, she added: "You brunette, what is the importance of your search for—the world you speak of?" "Let's talk about the oldest world, or are you willing to use this title as a subordinate?" "I don't even want to talk about it, but I've asked you a question." "I believe that her ancestors immigrated from the most ancient world to the current planet." "Same as us." Li Zale said proudly. "But her people have some oral history, which she says is the key to understanding the oldest world. But we must find it before we can study its records." "She's lying." "Perhaps, but we must find out." "Since you have this woman and her unreliable knowledge; since you are going to find the oldest world with her, why do you come to Complon?" "Because I want to find out where the oldest world is. I used to have a friend who was a Qaedian like me, but his ancestors came from Complon. He once told me with certainty that a lot of history about the oldest world is in Complon is a household name." "Did he really say that? Did he tell you any history about it?" "Yes," Trevize said truthfully again, "he said that the oldest world is dead and full of radioactivity. He doesn't know why, but he thinks it may be the result of a nuclear explosion, maybe in a war .” "No!" Li Zhale roared. "No—was there no war at all? Or was the oldest world free of radioactivity?" "It's radioactive, but not because of the war." "So how did it become radioactive? It couldn't have been radioactive in the first place, or there wouldn't have been any life at all - yet the human species originated in the oldest world." Li Zale seemed to be hesitating, she stood upright, breathing calmly, almost panting."That's a punishment. It's one of those worlds that uses robots — do you know what a robot is?" she said. "Know." "They used robots, and they were punished. Every world that had robots was punished, and none of them exist anymore." "Who punished them, Li Zale?" "It's 'The Punisher', it's the power of history, and I'm not sure." She looked away from him again, her expression a little uneasy.Then, she lowered her voice and said, "Go ask someone else." "I wish I could ask someone else, too, but who should I ask? Has anyone in Complon studied the history of Primordial?" "Yes, they are not welcomed by us, I mean not by ordinary Complonians. But the base—your base, insists on their so-called academic freedom." "I think it's a good hold," Trevize said. "Anything that is forced to be implemented by external force is not good." Li Zale retorted. Trevize shrugged.There seemed to be no point in debating such a subject, so he said: "My friend, Dr. Lorat, is a great historian of the ancient world. I am sure he would like to see a fellow Complon, and you can arrange Li Zale?" She nodded. "There's a historian named Vasil Deniado who lives at the university in this city. He doesn't hold classes, but he may be able to tell you anything you want to know." "Why didn't he start class?" "It's not that the government forbids it, it's just that students don't take his courses." "I think," Trevize tried to avoid sarcasm, "that the government encourages students not to take his class." "Why would a student want to take his class? He's a skeptic, and there are people like that everywhere, you know. There's always someone who likes to go against the grain, and they're very arrogant, thinking that only Your own opinion is right, and most other people are wrong." "Isn't that the case many times?" "Never!" Li Zale roared angrily, her tone was very firm, indicating that there was obviously no need to discuss this issue any further. "Even if he clings to his skepticism, the answer he tells you is bound to be exactly the same as any Complonian would say." "What's the same?" "That is, if you want to search for the most ancient world, you will definitely return without success." In the suite assigned to them, Pelorat listened carefully to Trevize's narration, his long, serious face remained expressionless.Finally he said: "Vashir Deniado? I don't recall hearing that name, but if it were on a spaceship, I might be able to find his papers in my library." "Are you sure you haven't heard of this person? Think about it!" Trevize said. "At this moment, I really can't recall ever hearing that name." Pelorat said very cautiously: "But anyway, my dear brother, a scholar with a slight reputation in the galaxy, I have never heard of or Those who have heard it but can’t remember it, at least they have raped hundreds of them.” "Having said that, he can't be a first-rate scholar, otherwise you must have heard of it." "Study Earth—" "Practice talking about the oldest world, Janov, or you'll make things more complicated." "The study of the most ancient world," Pelorat continued, "is not a popular field in academia, so first-rate scholars, even those who delve into ancient history, are unwilling to get involved. Or, let us change It is said that those scholars who have penetrated this field cannot use a world that everyone is not interested in to make a name for themselves in the academic world and become recognized first-class scholars, even if they deserve it-for example, no one Think I'm top-notch, I'm pretty sure of that." Bao Qisi said softly: "In my mind, it is Pei." "Yes, of course it is different in your mind, my dear," Pelorat smiled faintly, "but your judgment is not based on my academic achievements." According to the time indicated by the clock, it is almost nightfall.Trevize was beginning to feel a little impatient again, which he always felt when Bliss flirted with Pelorat. He said: "I will try to arrange to meet this Daniado together tomorrow, but if he knows as little as that minister, we will be running for nothing." "He may be able to lead us to someone who will be more helpful to us," said Pelorat. "I don't believe it. The world's attitude toward the Earth—I think I'd better practice using oblique terms—the world's attitude toward the oldest world is ignorant and superstitious." He turned his face away, and said: "It's been a rough day, though, and we should get ready for dinner—if we can accept their mediocre cooking—and then get ready for sleep. Have you two learned how to use the shower?" "My dear companion," said Pelorat, "we were treated with great hospitality, and learned the use of various equipment, most of which we did not need." Bliss said, "Let me ask you, Trevize, what's up with the spaceship?" "How about what?" "Is the Complon government going to confiscate it?" "No, I don't think they will." "Oh, that's delightful. Why wouldn't they?" "Because I convinced the minister to change his mind." "It's unbelievable, I don't think she's particularly persuasive," Pelorat said. "I don't know about that, but her psychic texture shows that she's attracted to Trevize," Bliss said. Trevize suddenly glared at Baoqisi angrily. "Did you do that, Bliss?" "What do you mean, Trevize?" "I mean disturbing her..." "I didn't interfere with her. However, when I noticed that she was attracted to you, I couldn't help breaking a psychic restraint or two. It's a trivial thing, and those restraints may break themselves; and make sure she Being kind to you seems like a big deal." "Goodwill? More than that! She did soften, yes, but after we slept." Pelorat said: "Of course you are not serious, old friend..." "Why not?" Trevize said angrily. "She may not be young anymore, but I assure you, she's well-versed in it, and she's not a novice. To cover up something for her. That was her royal will - thanks to Bliss, because Bliss broke the restraint of her mind - and in that case I couldn't refuse, even if I thought I should , I wouldn't do that, and I don't want to say no. Come on, Janov, don't act like a puritan, I haven't had this opportunity in months, and you have—" he said Qisi waved her hand in the direction. "Believe me, Grenn," Pelorat said awkwardly, "if you interpret my expression as a Puritan reaction, then you've misunderstood me, and I don't object at all." Bao Qisi said: "But she is a standard Puritan. I just wanted her to be warm to you. I didn't expect her to have sexual impulses at all." Trevize said: "But that's exactly what you're bringing about, meddling little Baoqis. In public, the Minister may have to play the Puritan, and that only seems to make her more lustful." "And if you scratch her itch, she will betray the base..." "Anyway, she was going to do that, she wanted that spaceship—" Trevize stopped suddenly, and then lowered his voice, "Have we been bugged?" Baoqisi said, "No!" "are you sure?" "Definitely. It is absolutely impossible to intrude into Gaia's mind in any unauthorized way without Gaia being aware of it." "That's good. Complon wants this precious spaceship—to augment their fleet." "The base will definitely not allow it." "Complon does not intend to let the base know." Baoqisi sighed. "This is another farce played by your isolated body. The minister was going to betray the base for the sake of Compron, but in return for a good time, he immediately prepared to betray Compron. As for Trevize, he was willing to betray himself. The flesh of yours, used to lure ministers into treason. Your galaxy is in a state of anarchy, nothing but chaos." Trevize said coldly: "You are wrong, miss..." "When I spoke just now, I was not a lady, I am Gaia, I am all Gaia." "Then you are wrong, Gaia. I did not sell my body, I gave it willingly, I enjoyed it, and I didn't hurt anyone. As for the result, in my point of view, it is actually a happy ending. I am willing to accept All of this. If Complon wants that spaceship out of selfishness, who can say who is right? Although it is a spaceship based on a base, the base has been allocated to me as a way to find the earth. Use, until I finish this task, it belongs to me, I think the base has no right to violate this agreement. As for Complon, it doesn't like to be at the mercy of the base, and dreams of being independent; stand in its position , the pursuit of independence and the deception of the base are justified, because this is not an act of treason, but an act of patriotism. Who can tell?" "Exactly, who can tell? In a galaxy of anarchy, how to distinguish between reasonable and irrational behavior? How to judge right from wrong, good from evil, righteous from guilty, useful from useless?" Minister How do you explain betraying her own government and allowing you to keep the spaceship? Is it because she is dissatisfied with this suffocating world and longs for personal independence? Is she a traitor, or is she loyal to herself and pursuing autonomy? woman?" "Honestly," Trevize said, "she was willing to let me keep the spaceship. I dare not say that it was just to thank me for the joy I brought her. I believe that after I told her that I was looking for the oldest world, she was very happy." Make this decision. It was a world of ill omens to her, and the three of us, and the spaceship that carried us, became ominous because of this exploration. I had an idea that she Thinking that the capture of that spaceship had spelled doom for herself and her world, she may now be filled with fear. Perhaps she felt that if we left with the spaceship and continued our mission, the doom would be brought to an end. It would be a patriotic act to stay away from Complon." "If it's what you say—although I doubt it, Trevize—then superstition is the driving force behind the action. Do you think this is a good sign?" "I neither praise nor condemn such things. In the absence of knowledge, superstition will always guide people's actions. The whole base believes in the Seldon Plan, although none of us can understand it, explain its details , or use it to make predictions. Is it not also a superstition that we blindly follow this plan out of ignorance and belief?" "Yes, it might be." "And Gaia is the same, you believe that I made the right choice - Gaia should merge the entire galaxy into one super-large organism, but you don't know why my choice is correct and how safe it is to follow my decision. You are willing Acting on ignorance and belief, and I tried to find evidence to help you break through this dilemma, you are not happy. Isn't this superstition?" "I think he has you refuted this time, Bliss," said Pelorat. Bao Qisi said: "No, there are only two results in this search, either nothing is found, or evidence to support his decision." Trevize added: "And your confidence is only supported by ignorance and belief. In other words, it is superstition!" Vasil Daniado is a small clam with a small nose and small eyes. When he looks at people, he doesn't lift his head, but just rolls his eyes upwards.This countenance, combined with the fleeting smile that often flickers across his face, makes him seem like he's been quietly laughing at the world. His research room is long and narrow, and it is full of tapes, which looks messy.In fact, it's not really that messy, but because the tapes are not neatly arranged on the shelf, like several rows of jagged teeth.The three chairs on which he had seated the three visitors were not of the same set, and had been dusted recently, but had not been thoroughly cleaned. He said: "Janov Pelorat, Glen Trevize, and Bliss—I don't know your last name yet, ma'am." She replied: "Everyone usually calls me Baoqisi." After speaking, she sat down. "Oh, that's enough," Daniado said, winking at her. "You are so charming, even if you don't have a name at all, no one will take offense." After everyone sat down, Deniado said again: "I have long admired your name, Dr. Pelorat, although we have never communicated. You are from the base, right? From the terminal star?" "Yes, Dr. Deniado." "And you, Senator Trevize, I heard that you were recently expelled from Parliament and exiled, but I have never understood why." "I have not been expelled, my lord, I am still a member of Parliament, though I do not know when I will resume my duties. And I am not really exiled, but accepted a task, we hope to give The question you ask is related to this task." "Happy to help," Deniado said. "Where's this fascinating lady? Is she from Terminus, too?" Trevize interjected immediately, "She's from somewhere else, Doctor." "Ah, 'elsewhere', what a strange world that seems to be devoted to the most extraordinary of human beings. However, you two are from Terminus, the capital of the base, and this is a young and attractive lady, and no one has ever known Mitza Lizale has a crush on these two kinds of people, how could she recommend me to you so enthusiastically?" "I think," said Trevize, "to get rid of us. The sooner you help us, you know, the sooner we'll leave Complon." Denia gave Trevize another look, interested (wink and smile again), before saying, "Of course, a lively young man like you, no matter where he came from, can easily Attracted her. She played the role of the Bingbing Saintess well, but not perfectly." "I don't know that at all." Trevize replied stiffly. "You'd better not know, at least in public. But I'm a skeptic, and my occupational disease prevents me from taking things lightly. Tell me, Mr. Congressman, what is your mission? Let me see myself Can you help me?" Trevize said: "Dr. Pelorat is our spokesperson in this respect." "I have no objection," Deniado said. "Dr. Pelorat?" Pelorat said: "To put it in the simplest way, dear doctor, I have spent all my adult years delving into a special world, trying to gain insight into the basic core of all relevant knowledge, and this world is human beings. The birthplace of this species. Then I was sent into space with my buddy Glenn Trevize - but actually, I didn't know him at all. Our mission was to find, as much as possible, to find that - uh ——The Oldest World, I believe that is what you call it.” "Oldest World?" Deniado said, "I think you mean Earth." Pelorat's jaw loosened, and he stammered, "In my impression... I mean, I was told that none of you..." He looked at Trevize, obviously not knowing what to do. So Trevize interjected: "Minister Li Zale once told me that that name cannot be used in Complon." "You mean she did this?" Deniado drooped the corners of his mouth and wrinkled his nose. Then he stretched out his arms forward and crossed his index and middle fingers. "Yes," Trevize said, "that's exactly what I meant." Daniya retracted his hand and laughed a few times. "Stupid, gentlemen. We do this gesture just as a habit. People in remote areas may take it seriously, but most people take it seriously. When Complon people are angry or frightened, they will casually call out 'Earth', I've never seen an exception, is the most common swear word we have here." "Foul words?" Pelorat said softly. "Or sigh, whatever you like." "However," Trevize said, "the minister seemed rather flustered when I used that word." "Oh, by the way, she's a mountain woman." "What does that mean, sir?" "It literally means that Mitza Lizale comes from the Central Mountain Range, where the children are brought up in the so-called good old-fashioned tradition. That is to say, no matter how good the education they receive later, they will never be able to get rid of crossing their fingers habit." "Then the word Earth doesn't bother you at all, does it, Doctor?" asked Bliss. "Not at all, my dear lady, I am a skeptic." Trevize said, "I know what 'skeptic' means in Galactic Standard, but how do you use it?" "Exactly how you use it, Mr MP. I only accept ideas that I have to accept when the evidence is reasonably solid, but I remain skeptical until further evidence emerges. This attitude makes us unpopular." "Why?" Trevize said. "We're not welcome anywhere. In what world would anyone not prefer a safe, familiar, age-old belief—no matter how illogical—in favor of a chilling sense of uncertainty? Think about it, you And how to believe in Seldon's plans for which there is no evidence." "That's right," Trevize said, examining his fingertips. "I gave that example yesterday, too." Pelorat said, "May I go back to the original subject, man? What are the various statements about the Earth that a skeptic would accept?" 丹尼亚多说：“非常少。我们可以假设，人类这个物种的确发源于单一行星。假如说这么相近的物种，相近到能偶配的秤谌，竟然发源自数个世界上，那是极端不可能的情形，甚至不会是在两颗行星上独立发展的。我们可以姑且将这个起源世界称为地球。在我们这里，一般人都相信地球存在于银河的这个角落，因为这里的世界特别古老，而最初的殖民世界想必比较接近地球。” “地球除了是起源行星外，还有没有其他独一无二的特色？”裴洛拉特急切地问道。 “你心里是否有什么特定的答案？”丹尼亚多带着一闪即逝的笑容说。 “我想到了地球的卫星，有些人称之为月球。它应该颇不寻常，对不对？” “这是个诱导性的问题，裴洛拉特博士，你可能正将一些想法灌输给我。” “我没说月球有什么不寻常。” “当然是它的大小，我说对了吗？没错，我想我说对了。所有关于地球的传说，都提到它拥有一大堆的物种，以及一颗巨大的卫星，直径约在三千到三千五百公里之间。一大堆的生命型态不难理解；如果我们所知的演化过程是正确的，生物演化自然会导致这种结果。但一颗巨大的卫星则较难令人接受，在银河中，没有其他住人世界具有这样的卫星，大型卫星总是伴随着不宜住人也无人居住的气态巨行星。因此，身为一名怀疑论者，我不愿意接受月球的存在。” 裴洛拉特说：“如果拥有几百万种物种，是地球独一无二的特色，难道它不能也是唯一拥有巨大卫星的可住人行星吗？一个唯一性可能导致另一个唯一陆。” 丹尼亚多微微一笑。“地球上存在的数百万种物种，如何能无中生有地创造一颗巨大的卫星，这我可真不明白。” “但是将因果颠倒过来就有可能，也许一颗巨大的卫星有助于创造几百万种物种。” “我也看不出有这个可能。” 崔维兹说：“有关地球具有放射性的故事，又是怎么一回事？” “那是个普遍的说法，大家也都普遍栢信。” “可是，”崔维兹说：“地球生养万物已有数十亿年的历史，当初它不可能具有那么强的放射性，否则根本不会有生命出现。它是如何变得带有放射性的？一场核战吗？” “那是最普通的解释，崔维兹议员。” “从你说这句话的态度，我猜你自己并不相信。” “没有证据显示曾发生过这样的战争。普通的说法，甚至为人普遍接受的说法，并不等于证据。” “还有可能发生什么其他变故？” “没有证据显示发生过任何事，放射性也许和巨大的卫星一样，纯粹只是杜撰出来的传说。” 裴洛拉特说：“有关地球的历史，哪些故事是一般人所接受的？在我的职业生涯中，我搜集了大量有关人类起源的传说，其中许多都提到一个叫作地球的世界，或者用的是很接近的名称。但我没有搜集到康普隆上的传说，只发现有些资料中，模糊地提到班伯利这个名字。然而即使康普隆的所有传说都有这号人物，他也可能根本是杜撰出来的。” “这没什么好奇怪。我们通常不对外宣扬我们的传说，你能找到有关班伯利的参考资料，已经令我十分惊讶——这又是另外一个迷信。” “可是你不迷信，谈一谈应该没什么顾忌，是吗？” “说得对。”这位矮小的历史学家将眼珠向上扬，看了裴洛拉特一眼。“我要是这么做，一定会使我不受欢迎的秤谌暴增，甚至可能带来危险。不过你们三人很快就会离开康普隆，而我相信你们绝不会指名道姓引用我的话。” “我们以人格向你担保。”裴洛拉特立刻说。 “那么以下就是理论上整个历史的摘要，其中超自然理论和软化的成分都已剔除——过去曾有一段无限久远的时间，地球是唯一拥有人类的世界，然后，大约在两万到两万五千年前，人类发明了超空间跃迁，进而发展出星际旅行，开始向其他行星殖民。 “那些行星上的殖民者大量使用机器人。早在超空间旅行出现前，地球上就发明了机器人，而……对啦，你们知不知道机器人是什么？” “知道，”崔维兹说：“我们被问过不只一次，我们知道机器人是什么。” “在完全机器人化的社会中，那些殖民者发展出高等科技和超凡的寿命，因而开始鄙视他们的祖星。根据更戏剧性的说法，他们开始支配并压迫地球。 “最后，地球送出另一批殖民者，这些人都将机器人视为禁忌。康普隆是这些新殖民者最早建立的世界之一，此地的爱国分子坚持它是最早建立的世界，可是没有任何证据支持这点，因此一个怀疑论者无法接受。后来，第一批殖民者灭绝了，接着——” 崔维兹插嘴道：“第一批殖民者为什么会灭绝呢，丹尼亚多博士？” “为什么？在我们的浪漫主义者想像之中，他们是由于罪孽深着，遭到惩罚者的惩罚。至于袍为何等那么久，则没人追究。伹我们不必求助于这些神话，也很容易解释这件事。一个完全倚赖机器人的社会，由于极度单调无趣，或者说得更玄一点，失去了生存的意志，终究会变得孱弱、衰颓、没落而奄奄一息。 “而舍弃机器人的第二波殖民者，则渐渐站稳脚跟，进而接掌整个银河。伹地球却变得带有放射性，因此渐渐退出银河舞台。对于这一点，通常的解释是地球上也有机器人，因为第一波殖民运动促进了机器人的发展。” 宝绮思听到这里，显得有点不耐烦了。“好吧，丹尼亚多博士，不论地球有没有放射性，也下论有过多少波星际殖民运动，关键问题其实很简单——地球究竟在哪里？它的座标是什么？” 丹尼亚多说：“这个问题的答案是：我不知道——不过嘛，吃中饭的时候到了，我可以叫人将午餐送来这里，我们就能一面用餐，一面讨论地球，随便你们想讨论多久都行。” “你不知道？”崔维兹说，他的声调与音量同时提高。 “事实上，据我所知，没有任何人知道。” “但这是不可能的事。” “议员先生，”丹尼亚多轻叹了一声，“如果你硬要说事实是不可能的，那是你的权利，可是这样说对你一点帮助都没有。” 送来的午餐是许多松软、外层裹着面皮的丸子，颜色有很多种，里面包着各式各样的馅。 丹尼亚多首先拿起一样东西，摊开之后原来是一双透明的薄手套。他戴上手套，客人们也都有样学样。 宝绮思说：“请问这里面包了些什么？” 丹尼亚多说：“粉红色的里面包着辛辣鱼浆，那是康普隆的一大美食；这些黄色包的是清淡的干酪；而绿色的则是什锦蔬菜。你们一定要趁热吃，待会儿还有热杏仁派以及饭后饮料，我推荐你们暍热苹果酒。这里气候寒冷，我们习惯将食物加热，甚至甜点也不例外。” “你吃得不错嘛。”裴洛拉特说。 “并不尽然，”丹尼亚多答道：“现在是因为在招待客人。我自己一个人的时候，吃得非常简单。我身上没有多少肉需要养，你们也许已经注意到了。” 崔维兹咬了一口粉红色丸子，发觉的确有很着的鱼腥味，外面裹的那层辣面皮配上鱼肉相当可口。可是他也想到，这个味道再加上鱼腥味，将会整天挥之不去，他或许还得带着这些味道入梦。 咬了一口之后，他发现面皮立即合上，把里面的馅着新包起来，根本不会有任何汁液溅漏。他突然觉得纳闷，不知道那副手套有什么作用。即使不戴手套，也不必担心双手会弄湿或变黏，因此他断定那是种卫生习惯。在不方便洗手的时候，可以用手套代替，演变到现在，即使已经洗过手，习惯上还是必须戴上手套。（昨天，当他与李札乐一同进餐时，她并未使用这种手套——可能由于她是来自山区的缘故。） 他说：“午餐时间谈正事会不会不礼貌？”