Chapter 2 Chapter 1 The Two and the Mule

Mule...it wasn't until after the fall of the First Base that the constructive nature of the Mule regime finally emerged.He was the first ruler to have a truly vast cosmic space after the First Galactic Empire really fell apart.Although the commercial empire established by the base earlier had the invisible backing of psychohistorical predictions, its structure was too loose, and its internal planets developed in multiple ways.In contrast, the "Xingli Federation" established by Mule is a pan-galactic regime with strict control.Especially during the so-called "finding period"...

—— "Galaxy Encyclopedia" Regarding the mule and the "empire" he built, the "Galaxy Encyclopedia" has actually spent many pages describing it in detail.However, almost the vast majority of them are not closely related to the story, and most of them are rather dull.To put it simply, it mainly explains the various background conditions that led to the rise of the "First Citizen of the Commonwealth" and the various subsequent influences-"First Citizen of the Commonwealth" is the official title of the mule. If it is said that the author of the "Mule" article in the encyclopedia once felt a certain degree of surprise at the fact that mules conquered vast swaths of the Milky Way with bare hands in just five years, then he concealed this emotion very well.However, Mule's expansion came to an abrupt end and entered a five-year "conservative period". If this development surprised the author, he did not reveal it at all between the lines.

Therefore, we had no choice but to abandon the "Galaxy Encyclopedia", continue to follow our old storytelling path, and begin to examine the development of the "Great Fault" between the First and Second Galactic Empires, immediately after the five-year maintenance period. The politics of the "Federation" is quite stable, and the economy can also be said to be prosperous.Under the dictatorship of the mules, there have been rare peaceful years, so few people want to return to the turbulent times of the past.In those worlds that called themselves the "base system" five years ago, there may occasionally be some nostalgic and regretful emotions, but that's all.The leadership of the base system, those who are not of use value are all executed, and those who are still of use value have all "surrendered".

Among the defectors, the one most favored by mules is Han Pridji, who is now a lieutenant general. In the days of the base, Han Pridji was a captain officer of the Intelligence Service and a member of the underground democratic reactionary.After the mule soldiers took down the base without bloodshed, Priggi once had a confrontation with the mule, and even tried to assassinate the mule until he became a "surrender". Han Pridji's surrender was not an ordinary situation, he was fully aware of this.He knew that the reason why his mind had a 180-degree change was because Mule was a mutant with powerful spiritual power and could change the minds of others at will.But Pridji was very satisfied with this and took it for granted.In fact, contentment with the state of surrender is one of the main symptoms of surrender.But for this question, Han Pridji didn't even have the slightest curiosity.

He has just finished his fifth expedition and returned from the galaxy outside the Federation.The seasoned astronaut and intelligence agent had no interest in meeting the first citizen.His stern face, which seemed to be carved out of grainless wood and seemed never to be able to smile, showed nothing of it, though.Anyway, for Mule, any expression or behavioral language is unnecessary, because he can directly see through the inner emotions of others, and drill down to the subtlest part of others' hearts.It seems that some ordinary people are good at observing words and expressions, and can perceive the changes in the other party's emotions from the slight twitch of the eyebrows.

According to regulations, Priggi parked his flying car in the garage used by the Governor, and walked into the square in front of the mansion.He walked for a kilometer along the path marked with arrows, all the way empty and silent.Pliji knew that in the huge square around the mansion, there was not a single guard or soldier, nor any armed personnel. Mules don't need anyone's protection. The mule himself is his own best, all-powerful patron saint. When the mansion towered in front of his eyes, Priji could only hear his own light footsteps.The exterior walls of the building are made of solid metal, shining brilliantly.Among them, the arches are boldly and exaggeratedly designed, unfolding in mid-air in a staggered manner, fully showing the architectural style of the former empire.In the huge open square, this official residence stands proudly, overlooking the crowded city on the horizon.

That man lived in the mansion—only him.A new aristocratic regime, as well as the entire political structure of the Federation, are all based on his superhuman spiritual talents. As the general approached, the large, sleek, heavy outer door slowly opened.He went in and stepped up a wide ramp, the slide carried him up quickly and soundlessly.Then he came to the most splendid spire of the mansion, before a modest little door behind which was the mule's room. At this moment, the door opened... Baier Chengnis is very young, and Baier Chengnis is not a "recruiter".In more common terms, it means that his emotional structure has not been tampered with by the mule.His emotions and desires, as well as his will and thoughts, are still completely determined by his innate qualities and acquired environment.For this, he himself is very satisfied. He is still under thirty, but he is already quite famous in this capital.He was handsome and shrewd, so he was very popular in society.And because he is smart, yet calm, he is also favored by mules.Of course, he himself feels extremely proud of his achievements in these two areas.

Today, the mule actually summoned him in private, which was the first time in history. He hiked the clean trail toward the clump of aluminum pinnacles.In imperial times, it was once the residence of the Governor of Kalgan, who ruled Kalgan in the name of the Emperor.Later, it became the residence of the Independent Lords, who ruled Kalgan in their own right.Today, it is the official residence of the first citizen of the Federation. Mule uses this as a base to rule the empire he built. Chengnis hummed a little tune casually, he was not at all puzzled by the mule's purpose for summoning him this time.Of course it's about the second base!The ubiquitous ghost, just because Mule had scruples about it, he resolutely ordered the suspension of the endless expansion policy, and adopted a stable and static rule route instead.According to the official statement, it has entered a "conservative period".

At present, there are many rumors circulating in the outside world - no one can stop this kind of thing, such as: the mule is preparing to launch another offensive; the mule has discovered the whereabouts of the second base and is about to launch an attack; the mule has reached an agreement with the second base, Agree to carve up the galaxy; Mule finally believes that the second base does not exist, and will soon bring the entire galaxy into its sphere of influence... Such rumors, which can be heard in the streets and alleys at any time, are not worth listing here.And it's not the first time that rumors have come out, but now it seems to be more specific.This kind of situation that the rain is about to come is really a happy thing for the speculators who are not satisfied with the stable and sluggish peacetime, but hope to make a lot of money in wars, military adventures, and political crises.

Baier Chengnis is one of them.He is not afraid of the mysterious Second Foundation, not even mules.For this, he is often proud of it.Some people didn't like his youthful ambitions, thinking that he was just a frivolous playboy with a little cleverness who dared to openly mock Mule's appearance and his reclusive life.Those people were all watching, probably waiting to see his comeuppance.No one dared to agree with Cheng Nisi, and few dared to laugh.However, the strange thing is that Chengnis has always been safe and sound, which makes his reputation even higher and higher. Chengnis sang a few impromptu lyrics along the tune he was humming.His lyrics are repetitive and monotonous, meaningless: "Second Foundation, a threat to our country, a threat to the universe."

He finally reached the mansion. The huge, smooth and heavy outer door opened slowly.He went in and stepped up a wide ramp, the slide carried him up quickly and soundlessly.Then he came to the most splendid spire of the mansion, before a modest little door behind which was the mule's room. At this moment, the door opened... A mule has no other name, and he has only one title—First Citizen of the Commonwealth.Now, he was looking out through the one-way light-transmitting wall, at the brightly lit city that towered over the horizon. In the fading twilight, the stars burst out one by one.These stars all surrender under his feet. Thinking of this, he smiled, with a hint of sadness in his smile.Because the object of allegiance of the world turned out to be a reclusive person.He was born with an unattractive appearance, which inevitably makes people laugh at first glance.He weighed only one hundred and twenty pounds, but was five feet eight inches tall: his limbs were so scrawny that they seemed to hang loosely from his skinny body.And his thin face was almost completely covered by a three-inch-high big nose. Only his eyes belied his comic appearance, and they were so gentle--a strange kind of tenderness indeed for the greatest conqueror of the galaxy.And the sad look in his eyes never completely disappeared. This is the bustling capital of a bustling world, filled with joy of every kind.He had considered setting his capital at the base, the most powerful opponent he had ever conquered, but it was far away at the outermost edge of the galaxy.Kalgan's position was more modest, and, moreover, there was a long tradition of aristocracy here, which was also more favorable to him from a strategic point of view. However, the traditional joyful atmosphere of this place, coupled with the unprecedented bustling scene, could not calm his mind. People feared him, obeyed him, perhaps even respected him—but at a distance.Who can see him without feeling contemptuous?Of course, those who turn around are exceptions.But of what value is their faux loyalty?It's just plain boring.He can add many titles and titles to himself, and invent all kinds of complicated ceremonies, but doing so will definitely not change any facts.It's best -- or at least "maybe" -- to be a "first citizen" and keep yourself hidden. He felt suddenly a vengeance well up in him, strong and cruel—nowhere in the galaxy was allowed to stand against him.For the past five years, he has been reclusive and hiding in Kalgan because he is concerned about the illusory Second Base and the endless and omnipresent mysterious threats it may pose.He was thirty-four now, not that old—but he felt old.Although he has a powerful spiritual power of mutation, his body is really weak. Every star!Every star within sight—and those invisible to the naked eye—all belong to him! He wants to take revenge on everyone because he is not human; he wants to take revenge on the whole galaxy because the galaxy can't satisfy him. The warning light above his head suddenly flickered slightly.He knew that someone had walked into the mansion, and he could perceive the behavior of that person.At the same time, in this lonely twilight, his mutated sensitivity seemed to become stronger and more acute, making him feel that the person's emotional ups and downs were constantly beating the fibers in his brain. He knew the identity of the comer without any effort, it was Priji. Captain Priji of the former base had never been reused by that corrupt government, he was just a small spy.After he eradicated the base, he began to vigorously promote Pu Liji, first conferring on him the rank of first-level colonel, and then promoting him to a general.Today, General Pridji's activities cover the entire galaxy. This General Priji, who used to be one of the toughest enemies, is now 100% loyal.However, his transformation was not because of any benefits, nor was it to appreciate Mule's kindness, and there was no exchange condition, but it was purely the result of turning around. The mule could sense Han Pridji's unchanging superficial consciousness—loyalty and devotion—very clearly.This layer of consciousness, which he had personally implanted five years ago, controlled every tiny ripple of Priji's emotions.Beneath this surface, there is an old self - stubborn personality, rebellion against the system and idealism.Even the Mule himself, however, is now barely aware of it. The door behind him opened, and he turned around.The original light-transmitting walls immediately became opaque, and the purple glow disappeared, and the room was illuminated by the incandescent light of nuclear bulbs. Han Pridji sat down in the designated place.As the summons was private, he did not bow or kneel to the mule, nor did he use any honorifics.The mule is just the "first citizen" who just needs to be called "Your Excellency". Anyone can sit in front of him, even if his back is turned to him-if anyone dares to do so. All this, to Han Plijji, was a testament to the great man's confidence in his own power, and he was genuinely satisfied with it. The mule said, "I received your report yesterday, and I admit I'm a little disappointed, Pridji." The general's eyebrows came together together: "Yes, I think so too—but I really can't come to any other conclusions. In fact, the Second Base really doesn't exist, Your Excellency." The mule pondered for a while, then shook his head slowly, which was his habitual action: "But Ablin Meath once discovered the evidence, and we must not forget the evidence discovered by Ablin Meath for a moment." The mule had said these words countless times.Priji did not hesitate, and said straightforwardly: "Although Mies is the greatest psychologist in the base, once he is compared with Harry Seldon, he can only be regarded as a baby. What he did to Seldon's work back then The research was carried out under your mental control and stimulation. Maybe you pushed him too hard, and he may have made a wrong conclusion. Your Excellency, he must have made a mistake." The mule sighed, a mournful face jutting forward from his thin neck.He said, "If only he had lived a minute longer, he was about to tell you about the whereabouts of the second base. I tell you, he did know. If that's the case, then I don't have to hide at all, I don't have to." Waiting and waiting. So much time has been wasted now, five years just slipped away." Pridji could not feel any resentment against his master's so weak desire, his controlled mind would never allow him to think so.On the contrary, feeling a little apprehensive, he said: "But, sir, what other explanation can be given? I have made five explorations for you, and you have chosen the route yourself, and I promise to take every The asteroids have been rummaged. That was three hundred years ago - it is said that Hari Seldon of the Old Empire established two bases to serve as the nucleus of the new Empire to replace the dying old Empire. After Seldon's death A century later, the First Foundation—the one we all know so well—has become a household name on the outer rim of the galaxy. A hundred and fifty years after Seldon's death, when the Foundation fought its final battle with the Old Empire, its fame It has spread throughout the entire galaxy. It has been three hundred years now, where is the mysterious second base? It has not created a small whirlpool in the galaxy." "Ablin Meath said that it hides itself very well. Only in this way can it cover up its weaknesses and then exert the power of both the enemy and the enemy." "Unless it doesn't exist, it is absolutely impossible to hide it so thoroughly." The mule raised his head, his big eyes were sharp and alert. "No, it does exist." With a bony finger, he suddenly pointed at Pridji: "Our strategy needs to be changed a little bit." Pridji frowned and said, "You plan to do it yourself? I don't agree with that idea." "No, of course not. You'll have to go again—for the last time. But this time with someone else in command." After a while of silence, Puliji asked in an unhappy tone: "Your Excellency, who are you talking to?" "A young man from Karl's place, Baier Chengnis." "Your Excellency, I have never heard of this man." "I know you haven't heard of it. But Jenny's a quick mind and a lot of ambition—and he hasn't come back yet." Pridji's long jaw twitched. "I don't see any advantage in doing that." "It's good, Pridji. Though you're quick-witted, experienced, and have nothing to do with me, you're a convert, and your loyalty is motivated by compulsion, and you can't do it yourself. Lord. You lost something in your conversion, a subtle self-motivation that I can't make up." "Your Excellency, I don't feel that way at all." Pridji said sullenly, "I still clearly remember the days when I was your enemy, and I don't think I am any worse now than I was back then." "Of course not." A smile curled up on the corner of Mule's mouth, "Your judgment on this issue is very impersonal. That Chengnis, well, he is an ambitious guy who only thinks of himself in everything. He is 100% reliable— — not because he is loyal to me, but because he is extremely selfish. He knows that only by clinging to me can he rise. To increase my strength, he will do anything at any cost. Because he believes, so he can Sharing the great sweetness. If he goes with you, he will have more driving power than you-the driving force for his own sake." "In that case," Pridji still resolutely objected, "why don't you just cancel my rotation? If you think this can improve my abilities—now you can definitely trust me." "Pliji, that's impossible. When you are in front of me, or within the range of the weapon, you must firmly maintain the turning state. If I release your control now, the next minute I would be dead." The general's nostrils flared, and he protested, "It makes me sad that you think so." "I didn't mean to hurt you. But if your feelings were allowed to follow their natural motives freely, you can never imagine what it would be like. Everyone hates being controlled, which is why ordinary hypnosis There is absolutely no way a hypnotist can hypnotize an involuntary person. But I can do it because I am not a hypnotist. Take my word for it, Pridji, the hatred you cannot reveal—or even detect—is something I do not want to Facing." Priji lowered his head, and an inexplicable sense of powerlessness swept over him, making his heart feel heavy and gloomy.He reluctantly said, "But how can you trust that person? I mean, trusting him completely is like trusting me, a convert." "Yeah, I also don't think you can trust him completely. That's why you have to act with him, get it, Priggie." The mule buried his body in the tall armchair, leaning against the soft chair Back, it looks like a group of moving toothpicks.Then he added: "If he does find a second base—in case it ever occurs to him that it might be more profitable to deal with them than with me—do you understand?" Pridji's eyes beamed with extreme satisfaction, and he said, "It's much better this way, sir." "Exactly. But you must remember that you must give him as much freedom of action as possible." "of course." "Besides...well...Pliji, that young man is handsome, good-natured, and very likable. Don't be fooled by him. He's actually a dangerous and ruthless character. Don't go against him casually. , unless you're fully prepared. I've said all I need to say." So the mule was alone again.He turned off the light and flipped the switch again, turning the walls transparent again.The sky was still purple, and the city was a blob of light on the horizon. What's the point of all this?So what if he really became the master of all things?Would that make someone like Priji no longer tall, strong and confident?Can it make Baier Chengnis ugly?Can you give yourself a complete makeover? He cursed these doubts in his heart, but what exactly was he pursuing? The warning light above his head suddenly flickered slightly.He knew that someone had walked into the mansion, and he could perceive the behavior of that person.At the same time, although he didn't want to do that, he still felt the slight ups and downs of that person's emotions, constantly beating the fibers in his brain. He knew the identity of the visitor without any effort, it was Chengnis.In Chengnis's mind, the mule could not detect any uniform emotion, there was only a primitive and complex character in a stubborn mind, affected by the chaos of everything in the universe, and never properly molded.Chengnis's mind was surging like a huge wave, with a layer of cautious thoughts on the surface, but it was very weak, and in the vortex in the dark were mean and obscene words.There is a torrent of selfishness at a deeper level, and cruel thoughts splatter everywhere.And on the bottom layer is a bottomless pit made of ambition. The Mule felt like he had access to all these emotions, and could easily hold them back, turn the flow of emotions around, drain them dry, and bring forth a new rush.But what is the use of doing so?Even if he could make Chengnis' curly-haired head full of sincere respect for himself, would he be able to change his ugly appearance, make him no longer curse the day and love the night, and no longer hide in his own empire? In a dark corner? The door behind him opened, and he turned around.The original light-transmitting wall immediately became transparent, and the purple glow disappeared, and the room lit up with the incandescent light of a nuclear bulb. Baier Chengnis sat down briskly, and said, "Your Excellency, this honor is not a surprise to me." The Mule touched his long nose with four fingers, and replied in a displeased tone, "Why, young man?" "I guess it's a hunch. Unless I'm willing to admit it, I've heard those rumours, too." "Rumor? There are dozens of different versions of the rumor, which one are you referring to?" "It's the rumor that the pan-galactic offensive is about to resume. I hope it's true, and if it's true, I might be able to play a proper role in it." "So you think the Second Base does exist?" "What's wrong? That would make it all a lot more interesting." "You also find this an interesting thing?" "Of course, because it's so mysterious! What better subject to train one's imagination, to practice making reasonable conjectures? The supplements of the recent newspapers are full of articles on this subject--perhaps That's how hot it is. A columnist for the Cosmos wrote a weird article about a world ruled purely by the mind -- you know, the Second Foundation -- saying there The spiritual power developed by human beings is powerful enough to rival any known physical science. For example, it can destroy the enemy's starship from a few light-years away, and can drive the planet away from the original track…… "Yes, it is indeed very interesting. But do you have any opinion on this issue? Do you agree with the statement of spiritual power?" "Galaxy is above, I don't believe it! Just think about it, if there are such supermen, how could they stay on their own planet in peace? Impossible, sir, I think the reason why the second base is hidden It is because its strength is far weaker than we imagined." "In this way, it will be easy for me to explain my thoughts to you. Would you like to lead an expedition to find the second base?" For a moment, this sudden situation seemed to overwhelm Chengnis, because all developments happened a beat faster than he expected.His tongue was obviously frozen, and he couldn't speak for a long time. The mule asked in a tone of no emotion: "How is it?" Chengnis's forehead was wrinkled into several folds: "Of course, but where can I find it? Do you have any information?" "General Pridji will go with you..." "Then I won't lead the team?" "You decide for yourself when I'm done. Listen, you're not from the Foundation, you were born and bred in Kalgon, right? Well, then, your knowledge of Seldon's plans may be vague. When the First Galactic Empire At the beginning of the decline, Hari Seldon and a group of psychohistorians analyzed future historical developments using certain mathematical tools—those mathematics have been completely lost in this degenerate age—then they set up two bases, They are respectively placed at the two ends of the galaxy. According to their calculations, with the gradual evolution of the economic and social background, these two bases will develop into the Second Empire. Hari Seldon predicts that all this can be completed within a thousand years, and Without these two bases, it would take 30,000 years for the Second Empire to emerge. However, I am not in his calculations, because I am a mutant, and psychohistory can only deal with the average of the masses. reaction, so it is impossible to predict my appearance. Do you understand what I said?" "I quite understand, sir, but what has all this to do with me?" "You'll see that in a moment. For I intend to unify the galaxy now—to complete Seldon's Millennium Plan seven hundred years ahead of schedule. Under my rule, the First Foundation—the world of the physical scientists—is now The prosperity is still there. Backed by the prosperity and stability of the Federation, they have developed nuclear weapons capable of sweeping the entire galaxy—perhaps with the exception of the Second Base, so I must learn more about it. General Pridji firmly believes that it does not exist, but I know that's not the case." Cheng Nis asked in a cautious tone: "Your Excellency, how did you know?" Mule's tone was suddenly full of anger: "Because many minds under my control are now being disturbed by external forces. It's very subtle! It's subtle! But I'm still aware of it. This kind of disturbance keeps increasing, often in the Critical moments happen to important people. So all these years, I have to be careful not to act rashly. Now do you know why?" "In this respect, you have a unique advantage. General Pridji is my most capable man, so he is not safe. Of course, he does not know this himself. But you are not a convert, so you can It's easy to be found out right away that you're working for me. You can keep the Second Foundation under wraps for longer than any of my men—maybe just long enough, you understand?" "Well—yes. But, sir, allow me to ask you one more question—how exactly were your men disturbed? If you let me know, if there is any change in General Priggi, I may ask you Can feel it. Have they stopped coming back? Have they lost their allegiance to you?" "No, I said that the interference is very subtle and more troublesome than you think. Because the change is so difficult to see, sometimes I have to wait and see before taking action, because I can't be sure whether a change in an important person is a real change. The result of interference, or just a common anomaly. Their loyalty has not changed, but their creativity and wisdom have been greatly reduced. On the surface, each of them is completely normal, but all of them have become waste. In the past year, just Six people have had this change, six of my best men." One corner of his mouth rose slightly, and he said, "They are now assigned to run the training center. I sincerely hope that nothing will happen that requires them to do anything. A decisive emergency." "What if, sir... what if it's the Second Foundation? What if it's another one, like yourself—another mutant?" "The other party's plan is too cautious and far-sighted. If there is only one person, his actions will not be so calm. No, that is the action taken by a certain world, and you will be me to deal with it weapons." Chengnis' eyes lit up: "I am very happy to have this opportunity." But the mule caught the other party's sudden surge of emotion: "Obviously, you have an idea, and you want to make a world-class contribution, so that you are eligible for the greatest reward—maybe, even make you my successor!" That's not a problem, man. But, you know, you'll be punished the hardest if you don't. My emotional control isn't limited to inducing loyalty." There was a slight smile on the corner of his mouth, looking eerie, and Chengnis jumped out of the chair in fright. At that moment, just for a moment, Chengnis felt an incomparable grief attacking him, which also rushed down with physical pain, which made his heart almost unbearable.However, all of this disappeared without a trace in the next instant, and there was no sign left except for a fierce anger. The mule said again, "It's no use getting angry... Yes, you've covered it up now, haven't you? But I still know it. So you keep it in my mind--like the feeling just now, I can make you feel better." It got stronger and lasted longer. I have executed traitors with emotional control, and I assure you, there is no more brutal way to die." He paused, then said, "I'm done." So the mule became alone again.He turned off the light and flipped the switch again, turning the walls transparent again.The sky has been enveloped in darkness, and the rising "galactic lens" sparkles in the velvety depths of space. This nebulous nebula was made up of countless stars, so numerous that they seemed to fuse together into one great glowing cloud. All these stars will belong to him... Now it's just a step away.He can rest tonight. The Second Foundation's "Executive Council" is meeting, and to us they are just many different voices.The actual context of the meeting, and the identities of the attendees, are irrelevant at this point. Strictly speaking, we can't even try to recreate any scene of the meeting-unless we want to completely sacrifice even the minimum understanding that can be expected. The characters we describe are psychologists—and not just psychologists, we should say, scientists inclined toward the study of psychology.What this means is that their basic ideas about psychological science are fundamentally at odds with everything we know about psychology.Scientists trained in the empirical tradition of physical science have only a vague relationship between what they think of as "psychology" and "second-base psychology." It’s like trying to explain the concept of color to a blind person — especially since the author is as blind as the reader these days. It should be stated at this point that all the minds participating in the assembly were fully aware of each other's work--not only the general theories, but also the effects of these theories applied over time to particular individuals.Communication in the language we are familiar with is completely unnecessary for them. Even a few words are tantamount to lengthy and redundant nonsense.A gesture, a breath, a subtle change in facial expression, or even a meaningful pause, all contain rich and incomparable information. After making such a statement, we can translate a small segment of the meeting into an extremely special combination of languages.This is to accommodate readers who have been influenced by physical science since childhood. Even if it is possible to lose the subtle charm, it is the only way. In this meeting, one of the "voices" dominates the room.This "voice" is owned by an attendee whose title is "Chief Speaker". He said: "What stopped the mule's frenzy in the first place is now quite obvious and certain. I dare not say that this result should be... well, it should be due to our control of the situation. He obviously almost found us. Because he relied on a so-called 'psychologist' from the First Foundation, and also artificially increased the brain power of the man. When the psychologist was about to inform the mule of his discovery, luckily he was shot dead in time Yes. The incident that led to his killing, compared to all the calculations under "Phase Three", can be said to be a completely accidental factor—please continue to explain below." 于是“第五发言者”开始发言，他的声音非常有特色。这位发言者以严厉的口气说：“我们对那个情况的处理绝对是个错误。当然，如果面对强大的攻击，我们根本没有招架的余地，尤其是面对骡——一个具有强大精神力量的异人——所率领和主导的攻击。在他征服了第一基地，开始称霸银河不久之后，正确地说，是在半年之后，他就来到了川陀。在他到达川陀后，半年之内很可能就会找来此地，而他的胜算极大——正确地说，是千分之九百六十三，误差为正、负万分之五。我们花了无数的时间，分析当初使他中止的那些力量。当然，我们知道他最初的动机究竟是什么，他具有天下无双的异禀，身体却是先天畸形，这种内在的矛盾我们都能看得很清楚。然而，惟有在事后，我们才能借由洞察'相位三'，确定骡在面对一个对他有真正感情的人，表现出反常行动的可能性。” “既然他的反常行动，取决于另外那人能否在适当时机出现，就这方面而言，整个事件只是一个偶然。我们的特务很早就发现，那人只是一个普通的女子。由于感情作祟，骡对那名女子过于信赖，因此没有控制她的心灵——而这只是因为她喜欢他。” “那个事件——对于想要了解详情的人，可以到'中央图书馆'，去查阅对整个事件所做的数学分析——它对我们是一个警告，因为我们制止骡的方法，其实是极不合章法的。所以今天我们才会面临整个谢顿计划灰飞烟灭的危险。我的发言到此为止。” 首席发言者等了一下，好让在座众人都能完全领会刚才那番话中的含意。然后他才接着说：“因此，目前的情况极不稳定。谢顿原本的计划已被扭曲，几乎到了无法挽回的地步。我在此必须强调，在这个事件中，由于我们极度欠缺先见之明，轻举妄动的结果让我们铸成了大错。我们目前所面临的危机，是整个计划彻底瓦解，再也无法恢复原状。时间不会停下来等我们的，我认为，我们只剩下最后一条路——而这个办法也相当危险。就某种意义而言，我们必须主动让骡找到我们。” 他再顿了一下，看了看众人的反应，才又说了一句：“我再重复一次——就某种意义而言，必须如此。”