Chapter 12 Chapter Four

Lord Dorwin is a snuff-smoker and has long hair, but it is obvious from the delicate curly hairstyle that it is not a natural curl. He likes to stroke his golden fluffy sideburns on both sides from time to time.Also, when this grown-up speaks, he likes to deliberately use some awkward words to emphasize his tone, as if his tongue is tied up, making it very difficult to listen. Harding's first impression of this distinguished Prime Minister was disgust, and he couldn't think of a good reason for a while.Oh, by the way, because when he expresses his opinion, he always likes to make elegant gestures on purpose.Even when it was just affirmation of a small matter, he had an air of condescension.

But none of that mattered, Harding thought, the only problem now was to find him.About half an hour ago, Lord Dorwin and Pihaner both disappeared, not even half of them.The damn guy! Harding was sure Pihaner was very happy now that he hadn't been part of their initial discussion. But Harding had already heard that Pihaner was seen on this wing of this floor just now, and all he had to do was open the doors one by one for inspection. Now Harding has checked more than half of the rooms. When he opened another door, he suddenly exclaimed: "Ah!" and immediately ran into the dark projection room.On the screen inside, the outline of Mr. Dorwin's exquisite hair style was clearly reflected.

Then Lord Dorwin raised his head and said: "Ah! Harding, I'm sure you're looking for us, aren't you?" He produced a snuffbox, which Harding noticed was overly ornamented and vulgar. Resistance, and the handwork is not good.Lord Dorwin made a gesture to ask Harding to share it, but Harding politely declined, so the Lord took a pinch himself, and then smiled gracefully. Pihaner on the side frowned, but Harding turned a blind eye. In this way, a short silence was maintained until Lord Dorwin closed the snuff box and made a "click".Then he put the snuffbox away and said to Harding: "Excellent, Harding. The encyclopedia you have made is truly a monumental masterpiece; the most noble achievement ever made!"

"Your Excellency, most of us feel the same way. However, this achievement has not yet been fully completed." "In any case, I recognize the work efficiency of your base, and I have confidence in you. Sure, you will finish it." After Master Dorwin finished speaking, he nodded to Pihana, who bowed happily requite. Pihaner would be very flattering, Harding thought.Then he said to Lord Dorwin: "I dare not complain about the base's inefficiency, sir, but Anacreon's efficiency is higher—and their efficiency is used in the path of destruction." "Oh, yes, Anacreon." Lord Dorwin waved his hand flippantly: "I just came from there, what a savage planet! How can human beings live on the outer edge of the galaxy? It's unbelievable! The basics of a well-educated gentleman needs, there is a lack of everything, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and there are no basic conditions for life..."

Harding interjected in a light tone: "Too badly, the Anakrians have the basic needs to start a war and the basic conditions to destroy the enemy." "That's right, that's right." Lord Dorwin seemed a little unhappy, perhaps because his words were interrupted halfway.He continued: "But at this moment, it's not business time, understand? Really, there's no time. Dr. Pihaner, don't you want to show me the second book? I'll wait and see, please!" " The lights were turned off immediately, and Harding was ignored for the next half hour, as if he had gone to Anacreon.The content of the encyclopedia projected on the screen was meaningless to Harding, and he didn't want to spend energy looking at it carefully.On the contrary, Master Dorwin showed sincere excitement from time to time.Harding also noticed that when the grown-up got excited, the air of affectation was gone.

When the lights were turned on again, Lord Dolwin said, "Brilliant! Fabulous! You happen to be interested in archaeology? Huh? Harding." "Ah?" Harding recovered from his fugue state at this time, and hurriedly replied: "No, sir, I dare not say that I am interested. I originally wanted to be a psychologist, but finally decided to dedicate myself to politics." "Ah, certainly, interesting knowledge. You know—" Lord Dorwin took a large pinch of snuff and took a few puffs before continuing: "I, myself, have dabbled in archaeology. " "Really?"

Pihaner interrupted: "My lord is very proficient in this knowledge." "Oh, maybe, maybe," said Lord Dolwin, and then he said triumphantly, "I've done a lot of hard work. In other words, I can say that I've read a lot about this science." .I read through, read through all the works of Judang, Oberjassy, ​​Cromwell... these great archaeologists, you know?" "Of course I've heard of these famous archaeologists," Harding said, "but never read their books." "You must find time and read it carefully. My dear friend, you will definitely benefit a lot. Ah! This trip to the outer edge of the galaxy, let me witness it with my own eyes, and the out-of-print book of Lamas is really worth the trip There is no shortage of this book in our library, really, can't you imagine it! Hey, that's right! Dr. Pihaner, you promised to give me a copy before I go, don't forget! "

"my pleasure." "Lamas, you need to know—" the Prime Minister said with an authoritative gesture: "He put forward a new and very interesting statement about the 'problem of origin', which has greatly helped my thinking." "What question did you just say?" Harding asked. "The 'problem of origin'—that is, the question of where man originated. Of course, you must have learned that man originated from a planetary system." "Oh, yes, I know that." "It's strange if you don't know. But, which planetary system is it? No one knows! Mystery, indeed, is a great mystery submerged in the ancient sky. Theories, various, theories; some people think it is a star around Sirius Planets, some people think that the star is Nanmen 2, others say it is the Golden Bird, or Cygnus 61. These stars are all in the Sirius star area, have you noticed?"

"And what did Ramas say?" "Hey, he's completely different. He used archaeological remains on the third planet in the Arcturus system to prove that there were humans there before there was any sign of space travel!" "Does that mean that planet is home to humans?" "Well, there is a possibility that needs to be investigated. In other words, I have to read and analyze his book and his investigations carefully to see if there is one and how reliable it is?" Harding was silent for a while, then said: "When was Lamas's book written?"

"I should say—about eight hundred years ago. Of course, most of Lamas's theory is based on Green's previous research results." "Then why do you rely on his information? Why don't you just go to the Arcturus Galaxy and study those ruins yourself?" Lord Dorwin raised his eyebrows, took another quick pinch of snuff, and said, "Why, what are you going for? My dear friend?" "Of course it is to find first-hand information." "Hey, is it necessary? It's useless to run around like headless chickens, looking for some non-existent evidence! Listen, all the research records of the great masters of the past—the great masters of archaeology in the past are all in my hands On. I can compare, analyze, seek differences while reserving differences, seek common ground while reserving differences, see where they contradict each other, and then decide which statement is reliable... The conclusion comes out like this! This is the scientific method, at least—— He said with a benevolent attitude: "As far as I know, it is the most reckless way to go to Sirius or Golden Crow in person. Think about it, if you can find it, the master has studied it a long time ago." It’s so clear. Then, what’s the point of singing when we go there?”

Harding had no choice but to politely say: "I understand." Then Pihaner said to Lord Dorwin: "My lord, I think we must go back now." "Oh, yes, maybe it's time to go." When they left the screening room together, Harding suddenly said, "Sir, may I ask you one more question?" "Of course, my dear friend. If there is anything I can do with my superficial knowledge, I will be happy to help!" Lord Dorwin smiled kindly, and waved his hands gracefully to emphasize his tone. "Your Excellency, but strictly speaking, this question cannot be regarded as archaeology." "Isn't it?" "No, my question is as follows: Last year Terminus received a piece of news about the meltdown of the core of the nuclear power plant on the fifth planet of Andromeda 3. Regarding this accident, we only got the simplest report, detailed I don't know the situation at all, so I hope the adults can tell me the whole story." Pihaner cocked his mouth and said, "Why do you bother your lord with such a completely irrelevant question?" "It doesn't matter, Dr. Pihaner," Lord Dorwin intervened, "absolutely, it doesn't matter. Anyway, there is nothing to say about it. There was an accident at the nuclear power plant over there, and it was a catastrophe, you know ?Radioactive pollution, I’m sure it is. Well, then the government has seriously thought about it, and will promulgate several laws with strict restrictions: Then the abuse of nuclear energy will also be prohibited in the future; then... But, this kind of thing is not suitable for publicity, you Understand?" "I get it," Harding said, "but what's wrong with that power plant?" "Actually," Lord Dorwin said flatly, "who knows? It broke down a few years ago. It was repaired, replaced, and everything was poorly done. These days, where can I find someone who really understands the power system? A technical talent with detailed structures. Alas, difficult, difficult, difficult!" Then he took another pinch of snuff with a heavy heart. "Did you know?" Harding said again: "All the independent kingdoms on the outer edge of the galaxy have no nuclear energy." "Really? I don't think it's surprising at all. Those savage planets! Oh yes, my dear friend, don't use the word 'independent' again. They never , and no independence. From the treaty—the treaty we made with them, it is sufficient proof that they all recognize the suzerainty of the empire. Of course, it must be so! Otherwise, we will not negotiate with them. " "Maybe so, but they have too much freedom of movement." "Yeah, that's right, big. But that's okay. The outer rim of the galaxy isn't too bad for the Empire to use their own resources. Speaking of which, they're useless to us, literally, the most savage planets, to talk about." Not an iota of civilization." "They were very civilized in the past. Anacreon used to be one of the richest counties in the outer star field. I know that it was almost as rich as the Vega galaxy back then." "Oh, Harding, that was centuries ago. It's hard to make a fuss about them. Back then, in the great old days, everything was very different. But it's all over, We can't be like the old people anymore. Anyway, Harding, it's true, you are the most stubborn young man I have ever met. Didn't I declare earlier that I will not talk about business today? Dr. Pihaner was very special just now Warn me that you will stick around. However, I am old at dealing with such situations. All problems will be left to tomorrow." And so their conversation came to an end.