On the way to church, Jubal tried to keep Mike on his toes, but Mike didn't quite understand what to watch out for.He listened, but the view outside the window was too tempting, so he thought of a compromise, saving Jubal's words. "Look, boy," Jubal exhorted, "these Fosters are after your money. They also want Martian visitors to join their church, so as to greatly improve their reputation. They will try to convince you. You The attitude must be firm.”
"Feel sorry?"
"Damn it, you didn't listen to me at all."
"Sorry, Jubal."
"Well... let's put it this way. Religion is a consolation to many people. Besides, a religion somewhere may be the ultimate truth. But generally speaking, belief in religion is a form of conceit I was also taught a religion as a child, and that religion assured me that I was better than other people; "Heretics". "Infidels" refer to people like our brother Mahmed. A group of savages who rarely even take a bath, sow corn according to the cycle of the moon, but claim to know the ultimate answer of the universe, so there is Right to despise outsiders! Our hymns are filled with arrogance, and everyone is complacent: how good it is to be with the Almighty, how much he values us, and how everyone else will be punished when the final judgment day comes .we peddled the only genuine—”
"Jubbal!" Jill protested, "he won't understand what you say."
"What? I'm sorry. The family wanted me to be a missionary; now I'm giving away."
"indeed."
"Don't laugh at me, girl. I could have been a good missionary, but I got a fatal disease and read like crazy. A little more self-confidence, plus a lot Plenty of ignorance, I must be a famous evangelist by now. Hell, the place we're going to today has to change its name to Archangel Jubal Chapel."
Jill shivered. "Jubbal, please! I just finished my breakfast."
"I'm serious. A liar knows he's lying, and that limits his reach. A successful shaman believes everything he says - and faith is contagious; Limitations. Too bad I lack the necessary confidence in my infallibility; I'll never be a prophet . . . only a critic—a sexually biased fourth-class prophet." Jubal frowned, "Firth That's what worries me about the Specialists, Jill. I think they're sincere, and Mike's not immune to sincerity."
"What do you think they are planning?"
"Let him convert, and then reach into his money pile."
"I thought no one could do this anymore. Didn't you get it all done?"
"No, I can only make sure that no one touches his money if he doesn't want to. Generally speaking, if he wants to give away large amounts of money, the government will definitely interfere. But sending money to a politically influential church is another matter."
"why?"
Jubal said gloomily, "Honey, religion is a legal void. Churches can do anything other organizations can do—without restrictions. It doesn't pay taxes, doesn't have to keep a public record, and is quite effective against raids, Censorship or control. Also, anything can brand itself as a church. In the past, people have tried to separate 'true' religions from 'cults' that qualify for immunity. It just doesn't work Yes, unless you establish a state religion... But such a remedy is worse than the disease itself. Look at what little remains of the United States Constitution and now the Treaty of Confederation, and you will find that all churches shall have the same Immunities - especially when they can sway a lot of votes. If only Mike converted Foster, wrote a will in favor of the Church, and 'went to heaven' at sunrise one day... Something like that, in a tautological way, is 'as legal as going to church on the Sabbath,'"
"My God! I thought we finally got him safe."
"There is no safety beyond the grave."
"Well... what are you going to do, Jubal?"
"Do nothing. Except be scared."
Mike saved their conversations and didn't bother to have a epiphany.He discerned the content of the conversation.In his own language, the issues they discussed were extremely simple, but in English they were elusive.He translated the all-encompassing concept "You are God" in Martian into broken English, and the result was that even the Mahmed brothers failed to understand.He has been waiting ever since.When the time comes, waiting will naturally bear fruit.His brother Jill was learning his language and he would explain it to her.They will be enlightened together.
Senator Boone greeted them on the tarmac of the chapel. "How are you guys! May the good God bless you with this beautiful baptism. Mr. Smith, glad we met again. And you, doctor." He took out his cigar and looked at Jill, " And this little lady—did we meet at the Secretary-General's residence?"
"Yes, Senator. I'm Jill Boardman."
"I'll just say it. Honey, are you saved?"
"Well, I'm afraid not yet, Senator."
"It's never too late. You are very welcome to join the seekers' activities in the outer hall, and I will find a guardian to guide you. Mr. Smith and the doctor are going into the sanctuary."
"Member—"
"What's the matter, doctor?"
"If Miss Boardman can't get into the Sanctuary, we'd better go to the Seekers. She's his nurse."
Boon was a little uneasy, "Is he sick?"
Jubal shrugged. "As his doctor, I'd like a nurse with us. Mr. Smith isn't used to this planet yet. Why don't you ask him? Mike, do you want Jill with you?"
"Yes, Jubal."
"But—well, Mr. Smith." Boone took down his cigar again, put his finger to his lips and whistled, "Little angel, this way!"
A teenage boy rushed up immediately.He wore a tunic, leggings, sandals, dove wings, curly blond hair, and a big smile.Jill thinks he's as sweet and lovable as a ginger ale commercial.
Boon ordered: "Fly to the temple office and tell the deacon on duty that I still need a pilgrim badge and have him deliver it to the gate of the sanctuary immediately. The password is Mars."
"'Mars,'" the kid repeated, giving Boon a Scout salute, and leaping sixty feet over everyone's heads.Only then did Jill understand why the robe was bulging, and there was a catapult hidden in it.
"We've got to be careful with those badges," Boon explained. "God knows how many sinners here, trying to sneak in and taste God's favor before they've been cleansed of their sins. We'll have to wait a while for the third one, so let's go first." Just walk around and look around."
They squeezed their way through the crowd into the chapel into a long, high hall.Boone stopped in his tracks. "You see, everything is sold, and the cause of the Lord is no exception. A tourist, whether he attends the aspirant's rites or not—which lasts twenty-four hours a day—must pass here. He will see What? Seeing happiness, seeing opportunities.” Boone waved his hand towards the slot machines lined up on both sides of the wall, “The bar and fast food are at the other end of the hall, and he wouldn’t even be able to drink a glass of water without being flanked by these things. Let me tell you, if he really had to go that far and still have the change in his bag intact, then he would really be a terrific sinner.
"But we didn't just take his money. Let's see—" Boon shoved his shoulder through the crowd, came to a machine, and patted the woman who was playing, "Please move, daughter."
She raised her eyes, and her angry expression suddenly turned into a smile, "Of course, Bishop."
"Bless you. You'll see," Boone continued, throwing in a quarter, "whether or not you get worldly wealth out of it, sinners are rewarded: a blessing, and a scripture As a souvenir."
The machine stopped; three words lined up on the window read: God - Watch - You.
"The reward for this one is three for one," Boone said, taking out the prize money from the trough, "and your scriptures." He tore off a small note and handed it to Jill, "Keep it, little lady, think about it." think."
Jill stole a peek before putting it in her purse: "But the belly of a sinner is full of filth—New Revelation 22:17."
"As you can see," Boone continued, "the rewards are tokens instead of cash, and the exchange counter is behind the bar... Along the way, you will have many opportunities to make some love contributions, donate to charity or What other good work. Sinners may well throw them back into the machine...with a blessing and a verse each time. The cumulative effect is astonishing! True, some of the most devout lambs are right here Started."
"I don't doubt it at all," Jubal agreed.
"Especially when they roll a jackpot. You know, every combination is a blessing. But the jackpot is even more special. It's the three holy eyes! I said, seeing those three eyes lined up, staring Watching them, the blessings of heaven poured down—really got them thinking, and sometimes they passed out. Come on, Mr. Smith—” Boone handed Mike a coin, “shake it shake."
Mike hesitated.Jubal reached for the coin.Damn it, he doesn't want this kid to be caught by a one-armed old thief! "Let me try, Senator." He dropped the coin into the machine.
Mike watched the spinning cylinder as Jubal did so.He noticed an image of an eye on each cylinder and wondered what this "jackpot" was.He knew these words separately, but he couldn't understand them together.He slowed each cylinder down one by one, and stopped where he wanted it, with three eyes just looking out of the window.Little did he realize the commotion that such an approach might cause.
Bells rang, the choir sang "Praise God," and the machine shone brightly and began to spit out a steady stream of coins.Boone looked very happy. "Ah, bless you! Doctor, today belongs to you! Come—toss another coin in to erase the jackpot pattern." He picked up a coin and threw it into the machine.
Mike didn't understand why this happened, so he lined up the three eyes again.The scene just now happened again, but the machine only squeezed out a small pile of coins, and then there was no movement.Boone's eyes widened. "Why, I should—bless you! I shouldn't have come out twice in a row, but I will be in charge of paying you both bonuses." He hastily threw another coin into the machine .
Mike still hadn't figured out why it was called a "jackpot."Three eyes appeared again.
Boone was dumbfounded.Jill squeezed Mike's hand and whispered, "Mike...stop!"
"But, Jill, I want to see—"
"Don't talk, just stop. I'll settle the score with you when we get home!"
Boone paused, "I don't dare to call this a miracle. It probably needs a repairman or something." He yelled, "Little angel, this way!" Then turned around, " By the way, we'd better get this last one out." He tossed another coin.
This time Mike didn't interfere.The wheel slowed down and came to rest on "First - Love - You".A little angel ran up: "Have a nice day. Need help?"
"Three jackpots," Boone told him.
"Three?"
"Can't hear the music? Are you deaf? We're going to the bar now; take the prize there. Get someone to check the machine."
"Yes, my lord bishop."
Boon urged them on. "Got to get you out of here quickly," he said cheerfully, "before the church goes bankrupt. Doctor, are you always so lucky?"
"Always," Jubal replied solemnly.Of course it was the kid who moved, he told himself, but I didn't know... He really hoped this ordeal was over.
Boone led them to a reserved table. "Standing is fine—or would the little lady prefer to sit?"
"No need." (--try calling me "little lady" again, and I'll put Mike on you!)
A bartender came running quickly, "Have a nice day. As usual, my lord?"
"Double. What would you like, Doctor? And Mr. Smith? Don't be shy, you are the Archbishop's guests."
"Brandy, thank you. And a glass of water."
"Brandy," Mike added, repeating the same, "I don't want water, thanks." Water wasn't real, but he still didn't want to drink it in this place.
"That's the way to drink it!" Boone applauded enthusiastically. "That's the way to drink when you're with the Holy Ghost—just kidding. No water, you hear?" He poked Jubal in the ribs." What do you want for the little lady? Coke? Or a glass of milk to make your cheeks extra rosy? How about a real happy day like the grown-ups?"
"Mr.," said Jill carefully, "does your hospitality include a martini?"
"Don't ask! The best martinis in the world - we don't drink them, we give them a gift. A double martini for the little lady. Bless you, boy, move fast. We don't have much time , I will pay tribute to the archangel Fuster later, and then go to the sanctuary to listen to the teachings of the archbishop."
Here comes the wine, and the jackpot prize.With the booze down his throat along with Boone's blessing, the senators fought over the three hundred dollars, insisting that all prize money belonged to Jubal.In the end Jubal solved the problem by stuffing the money into a loving offering basin.
Boone nodded approvingly. "You've been blessed with virtue, Doctor. You still have hope, and we'll save you. One more round, guys?"
Jill hoped with all her heart that someone would agree.Water had been added to the wine, but it still warmed her stomach and made her tolerate its imperfections.It's a pity that no one spoke.Boone led them up a flight of stairs, past a sign: No Seekers nor Sinners Entered—it's about you!
Behind the sign is a door.Boone said towards the door, "Bishop Boone and three pilgrims, the archbishop's guests."
The door opened.They followed him down a winding corridor and into a room.The room was spacious, in a luxurious style that reminded Jill of a funeral home, except that it was filled with cheerful music.The theme is "Jingle Bells" and Congolese drums are added, which makes her want to dance.
The wall opposite the door was glass, but it seemed more transparent than glass.Boone said briskly, "Here we are, folks—the holy place. You don't have to kneel—but if you feel more comfortable kneeling then do. Most pilgrims do. That's him... Exactly the same as when you were called to heaven by God's favor."
Boon pointed at the cigar in his hand, "Doesn't he look natural? It was a miracle that preserved him and made his body incorruptible. That chair is exactly the one he sat on when he wrote the prophecy." Just a... pose is exactly how he was when he went to heaven. No one ever moved him - we built this chapel around him... Of course, the old church had to be demolished first, but we kept the sacred foundation .”
There was a chair twenty feet away from everyone's eyes, which looked very similar to a throne, and an old man sat on it.He seemed alive... Jill spent summers on a farm as a child, and the man reminded her of goats on a farm: the goatee, the pursed lower lip, the stern, deep-set eyes.Jill just felt numb; Archangel Frost made her uneasy.
Mike asked in Martian language: "My brother, is this an old spirit?"
"I don't know, Mike. They say he is."
"I didn't realize a spiritual elder."
"I told you, I don't know."
"I realize I was wrong."
"Mike! Don't forget what we said earlier!"
"Okay, Jill."
Boon said, "What did he say, little lady? What's your problem, Mr. Smith?"
Jill replied quickly, "No big deal. Senator, can I go out first? I'm dizzy." She glanced at the body.Clouds billowed above his head, and a ray of light cut through the clouds and shone on his face.As the light changed, Frost's face seemed to change, and those eyes seemed bright and alive.
Boone comforted: "It has this effect, it's the first time. You should try to see him from the Seeker's exhibition hall downstairs—looking up at him, the music there is also different. The taste is stronger, more depressing, I remember it like this—to remind them of their sins. And this one was a meditation room for happy thoughts for high priests. Whenever I feel down, I come here to smoke a cigar."
"Member!"
"Oh, of course. Wait outside, dear. You can stay here as long as you like, Mr. Smith."
Jubal said, "Senator, maybe we should go to church?"
They walked out.Jill trembled—she was terrified of what Mike might do to that horrible display.The cultists must eat them alive.
At the entrance to the sanctuary, two guards with spears outstretched blocked their way.Boon scolded, "Come on, come on! These pilgrims are the archbishop's own guests. Where are their badges?"
Someone brought a badge, along with a seat number for a lucky draw."This way, Monsignor," said an usher respectfully, and led them up a wide staircase to a box facing the stage.
Boone expected to sit next to Mike, so he took a step back as he entered the door and said to Jill, "You go first, little lady." But in the end Harshaw outmaneuvered and seated Mike between him and Jill.Boone had to take the seat next to the aisle.
The box is very luxurious, the seat can be adjusted automatically, there is also an ashtray and a turn table for drinks.Their place was above the congregation, less than a hundred feet from the altar.In front of the altar, a young priest was creating an atmosphere.He twisted his body along with the music, clenched his hands into fists, waved his muscular arms back and forth, and his thick bass joined the chorus from time to time, and after each sung, he always raised his voice to exhort everyone:
"Stand up! Ass up! Want the devil to catch you snoozing?"
Everyone held hands and danced the snake dance, walked forward from the aisle on the right, passed the altar, and then circled back from the middle aisle. Countless feet rose and fell with the piston-like movements of the priest and the syncopation of the choir.Bang, bang, um! ...Bang, bang, um!The young and muscular priest kept motivating everyone, and more and more people joined the team.Jill felt the beat, and couldn't help but yearn to join in.The thought made her terribly embarrassed.
"That kid has a lot of promise," said Boone. "I preached with him as a team. Believe me, they'll be sizzling by the time he hands you over. 'Vaporizer' Jackel Pastor Mann! Played left guard for the Rams, you must have seen him."
"I'm afraid not," Jubal confessed. "I don't watch football."
"Really? It's a pity. When the season starts, most of the faithful don't leave after the service. They have lunch in the church and then watch the game together. The wall behind the altar will slide away, and you can see Biggest stereoscopic TV ever. Makes you feel like you are there. The signal is better than yours at home, and watching the game in a crowd is more exciting." He whistled, "Little angel! This way!"
Their usher hurried over, "What's the matter, Your Excellency?"
"Son, you disappeared in a flash, and I didn't have time to order anything."
"I'm sorry, my lord.
"Don't try to go to heaven by being sorry. Be happy, boy. Get some energy and work hard. Same as before, fellas?" He ordered his drink and added, "Get some more of my cigars over— — at the barman's."
"Come on, my lord bishop."
"Bless you, child. Wait"
"The serpentine procession was about to pass below them; Boon stuck his head out, clasped his hands to his mouth, and said, over the din of the chapel, "Dawn!Hi Dawn! A woman looked up, and Boone beckoned her over. She smiled. "Another whiskey sour."fly. "
The woman quickly appeared in front of them, and the wine was not slow.Boone drew a chair from the back for her. "Guys, meet Miss Dawn Arden. My dear, the little lady in the corner is Miss Boardman, and next to me is the very famous Dr. Jubal Harshaw"
"Really? Doctor, I think your story is wonderful!"
"Oh, that's true! I always put a roll of your tape on before I go to bed, and use it to hypnotize me, almost every night."
"For a writer, that's the ultimate compliment," Jubal replies solemnly.
"Come on, Dawn," Boone interjected, "the young man sitting between them is... Valentine Michael Smith, a visitor from Mars."
Her eyes widened, "Oh my gosh!"
Boon laughed loudly and said, "Bless you, boy! I've finally got you down this time, right?"
"Are you really a visitor from Mars?"
"Yes, Miss Dawn Arden."
"Just call me Dawn. Oh, my God!"
Boon patted her hand, "How can you doubt what the bishop said? Don't you know it's a sin? Darling, would you like to guide the visitors from Mars to the light?"
"Oh, so willing!" (Of course you will, you crafty bitch! Jill cursed inwardly.) She's been whining since Miss Dawn came.The woman was wearing a long-sleeved, high-necked, opaque dress—which covered nothing.The fabric was the same color as her brown skin, and Jill dared to say that there was only skin under it--and Miss Arden herself, of course, and she was rich in content under the clothes. Compared with most of the women in the hall, Dawn His clothes are so dignified that they show off, and many women are almost out of their clothes.
It seemed to Jill that Miss Arden had just gotten out of bed and was anxious to get back up again.with Mike.Don't rub on him, bitch!
Boon said, "I'll tell the Archbishop, dear. Now go back to lead the dance, our carburetor needs you."
"Yes, Your Excellency. Nice to meet you, doctor, and you, Miss Boardman. Hope to see you again, Mr. Smith. I will pray for you." She walked away with great dignity.
"What a girl, really," said Boone cheerfully. "Have you seen her act, Doctor?"
"I don't think so. What does she do?"
"You do not know?"
"No."
"Didn't you hear her name? That's Dwayne Arden - the most expensive stripper in all of Baja California. That's her. She's performing with rainbow lights and when she's down to her shoes Well, the light only shines on her face, and you can't see anything else. It works very well. It's very spiritual. Look at that lovely face, can you believe that she was a very immoral woman in the past?"
"It's unbelievable."
"True. Ask her, and she'll tell you. Ah, why not come to the Purification of the Seekers—I'll tell you when she's on duty. Her confession gives other women the courage to confess Her own sin. She doesn't hide anything. It's good for her because she knows it's helping others. Very dedicated - every Saturday night after the last show, fly over every Saturday night, and give the Lord the next day Day school. She teaches a youth happiness class. Since she took over, the number has tripled."
"I believe," agreed Jubal, "how old are those lucky 'young men'?"
Boone laughed. "Don't try to fool me, you old bastard. Someone must have told you the motto of Dawn's Ministry: 'Be young and never be too old.'"
"No, really not."
"You have to see the light and go through the purification ritual before you can join. This is the only true church, the church of the pilgrims, not like those satanic traps that pretend to be churches and lure the credulous into idolatry and other evils Okay. It's all evil, filthy abysses. We're not like that, you can't just walk in and kill the hours and get out of the rain - you've got to get saved first. In fact - oh, oh, camera cue, now It's about to start." In every corner of the hall, lights were flickering, "Vaporizer got the atmosphere just right. Now you just wait and see!"
The snake dance is constantly absorbing new members, and the few people who didn't participate are also beating the beat and jumping around.Ushers hurried here and there to lift up fallen people, some of them (mostly women) writhing and foaming at the mouth.The usher threw these people on the altar and let them flop about like fish on a chopping board.Boone pointed his cigar at a bony, red-haired woman of about forty, her clothes torn in places. "See that woman? For a whole year, she was possessed by the Holy Spirit every time she came to church. Sometimes the Archangel Frost would speak to us through her mouth...in those days, it would take four muscular assistant deacons To hold her down. Could go to heaven any minute, she's ready. Anyone want a refill? Once the cameras are on and moving around, bar service slows down."
Mike had his glass filled.Jill was extremely disgusted by the sight in front of him, but Mike didn't feel this way at all.He was very disturbed when he found out that the "elder spirit" was just rotten food, but now, he has put that matter aside, and is deeply immersed in the madness underneath.Such a strong smell of Mars not only made him homesick, but also made him feel as if he was at home, full of warmth.Of course, the details here are completely different from those on Mars, thousands of miles away, but he had an epiphany of a growing intimacy as real as the water ritual, both in quantity and intensity, outside his own nest Never encountered before.He waited desperately for someone to ask him to join the dance.The desire to merge with them made his feet tingle.
He spotted Miss Dawn Arden in the crowd.Perhaps she would invite him.He didn't need her size or stature to recognize her, even though she was exactly the same height and almost the same build as Brother Jill.But Miss Dawn Arden has her own face, her pain, sorrow and growth are all engraved under her kind smile.Perhaps one day, Miss Dawn Arden would be willing to share the eaux-de-vie with him?The Bishop of Boone put him on his guard, and he was glad Jubal didn't let them sit next to each other.But he was sorry that Miss Dwayne Arden had been sent away.
Miss Dawn Arden did not look up, and the procession took her elsewhere.
The man on the podium raised his arms; the great cave was quieter.Suddenly, "We're happy!"
"why?"
"God...loves us!"
"How do you know?"
"Foster told us!"
He got down on his knees and raised one fist, "Let's hear the lion roar!"
Everyone was roaring, howling, and screaming together, and he used his fist as a baton, raising the volume, lowering the volume, reducing it to a low roar that was barely audible, and then urged it to gradually increase, and the box followed. It trembled.Mike wallowed in it, the ecstasy so painful he feared he'd have to shrink.But Jill said it couldn't be done, except in his own room.He tried hard to control, letting the surging emotions overflow him.
The man on the podium rose to his feet. "Our first hymn," he said brightly, "is sponsored by Manna Bakery, makers of Angel Bread. It's the bread of love, on every wrapper All with the smiling face of an archangel and a valuable coupon that can be redeemed at any New Revelation church near your home. Brothers and sisters, Manna Bakery will be launching an unprecedented pre-equinox starting tomorrow Markdown promotion. Tomorrow, send your kid to school with a box full of Archangel Frost cookies, each blessed and wrapped with a fitting scripture - and praying for each piece he sends A miracle can lead a sinner's child to the light.
"Now, let us practice everyone's favorite sage, "Onward, Children of Foster!", and let us all—"
"Go ahead, Foster's children--men!
Crush your enemies...
Faith is our shield and armor—armor!
Knock them down, row after row—!
"Second quarter!"
"Speak not to sinners—and!
God is on our side! "
Mike was so overjoyed that he didn't even try to epitomize the lyrics.He had an epiphany that words were not the essence; what he saw was a growing closeness.The Snake Dance went on, people moving and singing along with the choir.
The hymn was followed by an announcement, a message from heaven, another advertisement, and the announcement of the seat number lottery.This was followed by a second hymn, "Lift Up the Face of Joy," sponsored exclusively by the Dartbaum Home for Infants and Toddlers.Dartbaum offers brand sponsorship, much more than a merchandising offering—every baby and toddler home it has to its name is run by a redeemed sister.
The priest came to the front of the platform and put his hands over his ears.Then the crowd chanted: "We... want... Digby!"
"Who?"
"We--want--Dig--by!"
"Louder! Let him hear you!"
"We--want--dig--bee!" Boom, boom, boom, boom! "We—want—dig—bee!" Boom, boom, boom, boom—
It just kept roaring and jumping for a moment, until the whole building shook.Jubal leaned over to Boone, "Another time, and you're going to do the same damage.
"Don't worry about it," Boon replied, smoking his cigar. "Fortified. Faith-backed. It's designed to wobble. It works."
The lights dimmed and the curtain parted.A blinding light revealed Archbishop Digby, smiling, waving his hands clasped above his head.
They roared back like lions, and he blew kisses.As the archbishop walked toward the pulpit, he stopped in front of a woman who was possessed by the Holy Spirit and was still writhing slowly.He picked her up, kissed her lightly, put her down gently, and moved on—stopping in front of the bony red-haired woman.He stretched an arm behind him, and someone handed him a microphone.
He lifted her by the shoulder with his other arm and brought the microphone to her lips.
Mike couldn't understand her.Doesn't seem to be English.
The archbishop interpreted for everyone; every time the froth paused, he inserted swiftly into English.
"Archangel Frost is with us—
"He's pleased with you. Kiss the sister on your right—
"Archangel Frost loves you. Kiss your sister on your left—
"He has a message for one of you."
The woman said something again; Digby hesitated. "What? Louder, I beg you." She muttered a few times, then screamed.
Digby looked up and said with a smile, "The message is to a pilgrim from another planet—Valentine Michael Smith, visitor from Mars! Where are you, Valentine Michael! Stand up!"
Jill tried to stop Mike, but Jubal whispered, "Let's not fight him. Let him stand up. Wave, Mike. Sit down." Mike did as he was told, and to his surprise, everyone started Shouting "Mars come-guest!...Mars come-guer!"
The sermon seemed to be aimed at him too, but he couldn't understand a bit of it.All the words are in English, but they seem to be put together in the wrong way, with so much noise around, so much applause, and countless high-pitched "Hallelujah!", "Happy day!", he was confused Got to get dizzy.
The sermon is over.Digby let the young priest continue the service, and left the chapel himself; Boon stood up. "Come on, boys. We're going to sneak out before the others."
Mike followed, holding Jill's hand all the way.Soon they entered a finely vaulted tunnel, leaving the clamor behind.Jubal asked: "Can this road reach the tarmac? I asked the driver to wait."
"Eh?" Boon replied, "yes, it's a straight walk. But we still have to see the Archbishop..."
"What?" Jubal objected. "No, it's late, we should go."
Boone's eyes widened. "Doctor, the archbishop is waiting for you. You must pay your respects. You are his guests."
Jubal had to surrender, "Then—there won't be many people, right? The kid is already too excited."
"Only the Archbishop." Boon led them into an elevator, and a moment later they were in a drawing room in Digby's private suite.
A door opened and Digby hurried in.他已经脱掉法衣，换上了一件飘逸的长袍。他微笑着说：“抱歉让你们久等了，伙计们，讲道之后我得冲个澡。揍撒旦一顿得流多少汗，你们想都想不到。那么，这位就是火星来客了？上帝保佑你，孩子。欢迎来到主的家。天使长弗斯特希望你不要拘束。他守护着你呢。”
迈克没有回答。朱巴尔则对迪格比的五短身材感到吃惊。在台上垫高了鞋子？或者是灯光效果？除了照弗斯特样子留的山羊胡须，这人活像个二手车推销员：脸上随时挂着笑容，举止亲切又随和。但他还让朱巴尔想起某个熟人——对了！西蒙·麦格斯“教授”，贝基·维赛那位短命老公。朱巴尔对教士立刻多了些好感。西蒙可是他认识的最可爱的无赖之一——
迪格比把自己的魅力转向吉尔，“不用下跪，女儿；我们只是私下聚聚的朋友。”他对吉尔的背景竟然相当了解，让吉尔吃了一惊。迪格比还真诚地说，“我对你的职业有深深的敬意，女儿。用天使长弗斯特的圣言来说，上帝命令我们照料身体，好让灵魂不为肉身所困，自由地寻找光明。我知道你还不是我们中的一员……但你的服务是受主祝佑的。我们同行在通往天堂的路上。”他转向朱巴尔，“你也一样，医生。天使长弗斯特告诉我们，主命令我们要快乐……有多少次，我精疲力竭，于是放下牧羊人的手杖，让你的故事伴我快快乐乐地放松一个小时……当我再次站起来时已经神清气爽，准备好继续战斗。”
“唔，谢谢你，主教。”
“这是我的真心话。我在天堂査过了你的记录——那，那，无需介怀；我知道你不信上帝。但在上帝的伟大计划中，即使撒旦也有他的位置。只是对你而言，还没到虔信的时候。尽管自己哀伤、悲叹、痛苦，你却把快乐带给了其他人。这在主的账簿上不会没有显示。哦，请放松些。我带你们来并非为了争论神学。我们从不争论，只是静候你们看见光明，然后欢迎你们。今天我们只要一起快快乐乐地共度一个钟头就好。”
朱巴尔不得不承认，这个油腔滑调的骗子还真是个好主人；酒、咖啡和食物都没的说。迈克有些神经质，特别是当迪格比把他领到一旁单独交谈的时候。never mind.该死的，这孩子总得学学怎么跟人打交道。
布恩把吉尔带到房间另一头，向她展示一个盒子里盛放的弗斯特的圣物；朱巴尔一面往烤面包上抹鹅肝酱，一面饶有兴趣地望着他们。一扇门咔的一声响，他四下瞅了瞅，发现迪格比和迈克都不见了。“他们去哪儿了，议员？”
“呃？你说什么，医生？”
“迪格比大主教和史密斯先生。他们在哪儿？”
布恩似乎这才发现那扇紧闭的门。“哦，他们刚刚进去待一会儿。那是一间为单独接见准备的休息室。你刚才不是去过了吗？大主教领你参观的时候？”
“唔，没错。”那间屋子里有张讲台，上头放着把椅子——应该说“宝座”，朱巴尔窃笑着纠正自己——还有一张跪垫。不知道谁会坐上宝座，谁只好拿跪垫凑合？如果那位夸夸其谈的大主教妄想跟迈克争论宗教问题，他可要大吃一惊了，“希望他们不要待太久。”
“我看不会。很可能是史密斯先生想私下谈谈。这样吧，我让你们的车到电梯旁边的出口等着。那是大主教的私人出入口，能省下整整十分钟呢。”
“你想得太周到了。”
“所以，如果史密斯先生心里有什么东西需要忏悔，咱们不用催他。我这就出去打电话。”布恩离开了房间。
吉尔道：“朱巴尔，我不喜欢这样。我觉得他们是故意的，把我们拖住，好让迪格比跟迈克单独相处。”
“再明显不过了。”
“他们凭什么这么干！我要冲进去，告诉迈克该走了。”
“随你便，”朱巴尔回答道，“你活像只孵蛋的母鸡。要是迪格比想说服迈克皈依，迈克会反过来说服他的。你很难撼动迈克的想法。”
“我还是不喜欢。”
“放松。吃点东西吧。”
"I'm not hungry."
“要是我拒绝一顿白食，作家行会准得把我扔出门去。”他在黄油面包上放一片弗吉尼亚火腿，又堆上好些别的东西，垒出一座不规则的巴比伦神塔，然后大快朵颐起来。
十分钟之后，布恩还没回来。吉尔尖声道：“朱巴尔，我要把迈克弄出来！”
“去吧。”她大步走到门前。“他上了锁！”
“我猜他多半会这么干。”
“我们怎么办？把门砸了？”
朱巴尔仔细瞧了瞧。“唔，给我把攻城槌，外加二十个壮汉，我或许会考虑试试看。吉尔，就算是保险库，安上这门也会自豪的。”
"what should we do?"
“要是你愿意，使劲敲吧。我去看看布恩干吗去了。”朱巴尔把脑袋探进走廊里，正好看见布恩回来。
“抱歉，”布恩道，“小天使老半天才找着你们的司机。原来他在一间快乐屋里吃午饭呢。”
“议员，”朱巴尔说，“我们得走了。能否请你通知迪格比主教—声？”
布恩似乎有些困扰。“如果你坚持的话，我可以打个电话。但我不能在单独会见时就这么走进去。”
“那就打电话吧。”
门开了，迈克把布恩从尴尬的境地里解救出来。吉尔瞥见他的脸，不由尖叫起来，“迈克！你没事吧？”
"Yes, Jill."
“我去告诉大主教你们要走了。”布恩说着走进小房间，又立刻退了出来，“他已经走了。”他宣布，“屋子里有条暗道通向他的书房。”布恩笑道，“大主教离开时从不打招呼，这点倒挺像猫和厨子。开个玩笑。他说'再见'两个字不能增加快乐。别见怪。”
“不会不会。谢谢你，这次的经历实在有趣。不，不用麻烦了；我们能找着出去的路。”
Notes:
Notes: