Chapter 3 Chapter Two: Official-Business Transactions

On the same night, in Shahorun's bachelor apartment on the 21st floor of the Handing Building, Michael slowly sipped fine wine.Mirell's thin and rickety body took on two major duties in the base.In the mayor's cabinet he was minister of foreign affairs, and to the outside world outside the base, he was the archbishop of the church, director of the holy food, master of the great temple, and countless other prestigious titles. He was just opening his mouth and said: "But he agreed to let you send that merchant away, that's not bad." "It's nothing," Shahorun said, "I can't see any results in front of me. The whole strategy is still quite immature, because we can't foresee the end, we just try to lengthen the rope as much as possible, try our luck, and see if we can get it right." It's all about something."

"True. But Marlowe is a capable man, and what if he won't give in and be taken advantage of?" "It's got to be a gamble. If there's a collaborator, the smart kid will have one; if not, we'll need a smart guy to find out. I'll have Marlowe watched. Your glass is empty." "No thanks, I've had enough." Shahorun filled his wine glass and patiently endured the uneasiness on the other side. No matter what he was thinking about, the archbishop hesitantly came back to his senses, and suddenly asked in an almost fiery tone: "Sha, what are you thinking?"

"I'll tell you, Boss." He opened his sharp lips: "We are in a Sheldon crisis." Miliel stared, and said softly: "How do you know? Sheldon appeared in the reincarnation room again?" "No need, friend. Come on, just reason. Ever since the Galactic Empire gave up its borders and left us to fend for ourselves, we haven't met an opponent with nuclear weapons. Now, for the first time, one has emerged. Even if only this It is enough to see things, let alone more than that. For the first time in seventy years, we are facing a major internal political crisis. The dual crises of internal and external coercion are coming at the same time, it can be said that there is no doubt.”

Myriel narrowed his eyes: "If that's all the reasons are, then it's not enough. There have been two Sheldon crises so far, and each time the base has been severely tested. If there is no danger, it is not a crisis at all." Shahoren did not show his impatience: "Danger is coming. When it comes, idiots know it is coming. The real service to the country is to prevent it from happening. Listen, old man, we follow a plan good history going forward; we know that Sheldon will figure out the probabilities of future history; we know that one day the base will rebuild the Galactic Empire; we know it will take a thousand years or so; certain crises.

"The first crisis came fifty years after the establishment of the base, and another thirty years later, the second time, and that time has been nearly seventy-five years. The time has come, old man, the time has come." Milier touched his nose and hesitated: "Have you decided on a strategy to deal with the crisis?" Shahoran nodded. "And I," Myrell continued, "also have a role in it?" Sha Horun nodded again: "Before fighting against the threat of foreign nuclear weapons, you must first settle down your own home. These merchants——" "Ah!" Michael straightened up, his eyes gradually sharpened.

"It's the peddlers. They're useful, but they're too powerful—and too difficult to control. They're foreigners, but they're not religiously educated. We're letting them know, and we're letting go. The strongest bond." "If it can be proved that someone betrayed?" "Direct action would be simple and effective if it could be done, but it would mean little. Even if none of them betrayed, it would still be a source of social instability. These people cannot be expected to unite with us by blood or patriotism, or even religious Nor does reverence. Since Han Ding's time, the outlying provinces that we have regarded as holy places may slip away under the leadership of laity."

"I know, but solve—" "It must be resolved before the Sheldon crisis becomes more serious. If there are nuclear weapons outside and family changes inside, the stakes are too high." Shahoran put down the empty cup he had been stroking for a long time: "Obviously it is your responsibility." "I?" "I can't. My position is government-appointed and I have no elected background." "The mayor—" "Impossible. His personality is utterly negative, and he can thrive only by practicing Tai Chi. If there is an independent political party that can threaten re-election, he will be led by the nose," he said.

"But, Lao Sha, I lack the ability to handle practical government affairs." "Leave it to me. Who knows? Boss, since Han Ding, academic affairs and government affairs have always been led by different people. Maybe it's time to merge them into one—if you do well."