If a man walks up and dresses so poorly and acts as if the whole region belongs to him, he must be an astronaut. This view is perfectly logical.Any astronaut, his occupation will make him feel as if everything in the world is controlled by him; as soon as he sets foot on the earth, he will inevitably show among the people a look of helping the poor.As for the vulgarity of his dress style, of course, it is excusable.We can never imagine that a person who wears a space suit for many years and is more adapted to outer space than the civilized world will know how to dress properly.For clothing merchants, he is a rare customer, because a lot of money can be made from him.Tailors and clothing merchants are said to congregate exclusively around the center of the rocket launch site, trying to sell "ground clothing."

It seemed to me that the burly visitor was wearing a suit that had been cut and sewn by a tent-maker named Mal.The shoulder pads were too padded and the shorts were cut out of shape.In this kind of clothes, when a person sits down, two thick hairy thighs will be exposed, and then there is the wrinkled sleeveless shirt, which is so big that it can only be worn on a cow. I kept the idea to myself and bought the astronaut a glass of wine with the last penny I had left. It's an investment, I think, because astronauts are big spenders.During the clink of glasses, I congratulated the astronaut by saying, "Hot Jet!" and he gave me a quick glance.

I made a mistake the first time I dealt with this Tucker Broadbent.He listened to my toast but didn't answer with the terms he should have used, such as "clear course", "safe landing", etc., but just looked me carefully from head to toe, and then whispered to him Said: "It's good that you have this enthusiasm, but you have found the wrong person. I have never traveled to space before." In this case, it is better to speak less.It's true that astronauts don't come to the bar at the Casaminana Hotel very often, it's not to their liking, and besides, it's miles from the center of the rocket launch site.If a guy comes in in ground clothes, sits in a dark corner, and is disgusted by people calling him an astronaut, that's his business, and I don't care.I also chose that secluded corner to sit down, the purpose is to see the excitement without being seen - before this, I borrowed money here and there, and owed a small amount of debt, which is not a big deal, but It's always embarrassing to run into people.I think there must be a reason why he likes this dark place. As for the reason, I'd better not ask.

However, my voice is usually free and unrestrained, and now I can't control it.So, I opened my mouth and said: "Old man, don't do this to me. I'm sure, you are not a person living on the earth, but an astronaut on another planet." Seeing him cautiously The way I raised my glass—a habitual gesture of living in low gravity—I went on to say, "I bet you'd drink more on Mars than on Earth." "Lower your voice!" he interrupted me, without moving his lips. "Why do you think I'm an astronaut? You don't even know me." "I'm sorry," I said, "you can be whoever you like, and I have nothing to do with you. But I have eyes. You gave it away when you walked in."

He lowered his voice and asked, "Why did you reveal your stuff?" "You don't have to worry about that. I doubt anyone else will notice. But I can see things that others don't." I hand him my card, somewhat smugly.You know, there's only one Lorenzo Smythe on earth -- a troupe of one man.Yes, I am the famous Lorenzo - stereo music, recorded or recorded opera, theater, etc. are inseparable from Lorenzo's name.I am "a brilliant artist skilled in pantomime and mime". He looked at my card and stuffed it casually into one of the sleeve pockets--I was really impressed by the way he was doing, and I was very angry, these cards cost me a lot of money, and The characters and patterns on it are all hand-carved, and the imitation is lifelike. "I know what you mean," he said softly, "but is there something wrong with my behavior?"

"Let me do it for you," I said, "I'll walk up to the door like an ordinary person on Earth, and then I'll walk back like you. You see." And so I did it for him , walk back from the door.I was afraid that his eyesight would not be used to the things on the ground, so I deliberately exaggerated the imitation of the movements—two feet slid lightly on the floor, as if walking on an iron plate, leaning forward slightly with the hips Keeping your balance, grab something forward with your hands slightly away from your body. There are many other details that cannot be expressed in words. The key is that when you learn, you have to imagine yourself as an astronaut: the body needs to be flexible, and you always do balance movements unconsciously-you have to experience it yourself.People who live on the ground, under the normal conditions of the earth's gravity, walk on smooth or stable ground, and they will inevitably stumble in their lives, and even trip or slip on cigarette papers from time to time.

Astronauts, however, do not. "Do you understand what I mean?" I asked, sitting down in my original seat. "I guess I get it," he admitted with an exasperated look on his face. "Did I go this way?" "That's how it went." "Hmph... It seems that I have to ask you to take a class and teach me." "Then you will go even worse!" I said to him frankly. He sat there motionless, his eyes fixed on me, as if about to speak, but suddenly changed his mind and stopped.With a wag of his finger, he motioned to the waiter to refill the glass.When the wine was served, he actually treated the guests with money.After drinking, he slid down from his seat in a jerk, the swiftness and cleanliness of his movements exceeded my expectations.

"Wait for me," he said quietly. The glass of wine he invited me to drink was placed in front of me, and I felt that it was too much to refuse.I didn't intend to refuse either, I became interested in him.Even though we only knew each other for ten minutes, I fell in love with him.He can be said to be a burly man, although his appearance is not good, he is not ugly, women will be tempted when they see it, and men will obey him when they see it. He crossed the room with a light and graceful gait, past the table of four Martians seated in the doorway.I don't like Martians, and I don't expect to encounter such a monster: it looks like a tree trunk with a hat like a parasol on the top, but it just wants to enjoy the privileges of Earthlings.The limbs on them are fake, which is disgusting to see.Because that look reminds me of a snake crawling out of a hole.The way they look at people or things is not pleasing either.They can look in all directions at the same time without turning their heads (if they have heads, which they don't actually have).Also, they emit a strange smell, which is unbearable!

I am sure no one will accuse me of being racially biased.I've never given a damn about anyone's colour, race or religion.However, people are always people.And the Martian is actually an object.They don't even look like animals at all to me.I'd rather have a pig by my side one day than see this kind of Martian anomaly, and it just doesn't seem right to me to allow them free access to restaurants and bars reserved for Earthlings.The problem is, people on Earth and Martians have signed a treaty, which is clearly stipulated, so what can I do? The four Martians were not there when I entered, or I would have turned them away.They must not have been there when I walked like an astronaut just now.Now they stood around a table with pedestals at their feet, pretending to be human.I didn't even hear the air conditioner revving, so I don't know when they slipped in.

The paid-for glass in front of me did not appeal much to me either.I just hoped that my host would come back quickly so that I could say goodbye to him politely, and somehow it occurred to me that, just a split second before he hurried out of the bar, he had walked swiftly in that direction. I glanced at it, wondering if the appearance of the Martian had anything to do with his hasty departure.I turned my head and looked around, trying to see again if the Martians were paying attention to our table—but who could tell what the Martians were looking at or thinking?This again makes me feel disgusted.

I just sat there for a few minutes, thinking about it and fiddling with the wine glass.So I didn't feel strange: what happened to my friend who was generous with the word pilot?I had expected that he would continue his hospitality, and treat me to dinner again, or, if we had talked more speculatively, he might be generous enough to lend me a small sum for the time being.As for other hopes - I have to admit - nothing. It's ashaming to say.I called my agent twice recently, and his automated secretary just took notes on me and didn't reply with a single word.Unless I have a coin to put in the door, I have no room to get in that night... See, I've come down to such a state of poverty that I don't even have a place to stay, and I have to make do with a coin-operated door that opens automatically small bedroom for sleeping. I frowned, and fell into painful contemplation, trying to find a way out of the predicament.At this moment, a waiter touched my arm and said, "Sir, please listen to the phone." "Oh, yes, I'll listen. My friend, would you please bring the phone to the table?" "I'm sorry, sir. I can't move that telephone. Payphone number 12 is in the hotel porch. Go and hear it yourself!" "Thanks," I replied sullenly, trying to sound as friendly as I could, since I really didn't have money for a tip.When I went out, I made a big circle to avoid the Martians. It took me a while to understand why he couldn't lift the phone up to the table.Number Twelve is a completely secure telephone room, where speech can neither be seen nor heard, and it is equipped with scramblers to prevent eavesdropping.I couldn’t see the image on the fluorescent screen, and even after I went in and locked the door, the screen was still blurred. It wasn’t until I sat down and pointed my face at the fluorescent screen that the other party could see my image, and the white clouds began to dissipate.I gradually saw my astronaut friend. "Sorry, I was in a hurry just now, so I left without saying goodbye." He said hurriedly, "I want you to come to Room 2106 of the Eisenhower Hotel immediately." He gave no explanation.The Eisenhower Hotel, like the Casa Minana Hotel, was not a place that astronauts liked to come to. I realized that he asked me to go there must be something in it: one does not happen to meet a stranger in a bar and insist on him going to a private room in a hotel-hey, at least not always call a stranger People of the same sex go! "Why did you call me?" I asked. The astronaut's face changed after hearing my question, like someone who is used to giving orders, always demanding absolute obedience from the other party without any objection.I studied his expression with professional curiosity—not quite angry, but a little like a thundercloud before a storm.He controlled his emotions and said calmly, "Okay, Lorenzo, I don't have time to explain to you, do you want to work?" "You mean professional work?" I said slowly.Immediately I was taken aback.I kind of wondered if he'd let me do...well, you know--he's talking about a job.Up to now, despite my bad luck, setbacks, sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, I have always been proud of my profession. "Oh, of course it's professional!" he said immediately. "We need to find a best actor." I was so relieved to hear it, but I didn't let it show on my face.Indeed, in my heart, I really want to do any kind of professional work-even if I don't play any role in the play "Romeo and Juliet", I am willing to play only as a balcony and as a prop-but, I thought to myself, Don't appear too eager. "How long is the employment?" I asked. "My schedule is pretty full." He ignored my words and ignored them. "I can't tell on the phone. Maybe you don't know the tricks of the phone yet. With the right equipment, it's pretty easy to break a scrambler. Any wiretapping-proof line might fail—" You better come to me quickly!" The look on his face was very urgent, so I didn't need to be in a hurry. "Now I'd like to ask," I said unconvinced, "what kind of character do you think I am? A hotel clerk? A fledgling kid's role? Or just want to win some honor on stage? You know I'm Lorenzo!" I raised my head pretending to be disapproving, expressing my anger. "How much are you willing to pay?" "Hey, what the hell, I can't go into details on the phone. How much are you getting now?" "What? Are you asking about my salary as an actor?" "Yes, yes!" "So do you mean how much you get paid for a show, or is it calculated on a weekly basis, or is it paid periodically by contract?" "Hey, it doesn't matter much. How much do you take by the day?" "The minimum remuneration for an evening performance is one hundred gold coins." He simply said that this is the case.Oh, and sometimes I'm forced to pay a pretty big commission.However, the number on my receipt will not be less than what I am entitled to.A person should always have his own standard, or value.The pay is so little that I'd rather starve to death than do it. "Okay, it's settled like this," he said immediately and bluntly, "I'll give you a hundred gold coins in cash as soon as you come. But hurry up!" "Huh?" I suddenly felt a little regretful.I could have asked for two hundred dollars, or even two hundred and fifty dollars. "But I haven't agreed to accept it as far as the deadline." "It's not a big problem! You can talk about it when you get here! Even if you refuse, the hundred yuan in cash will still be given to you. If you accept it—this will be considered a bonus, and we will calculate the salary separately. Don't talk too much, now you can Are you here?" I nodded. "Of course, sir, please be patient." Fortunately, the Eisenhower Hotel is not far from the Casemaina Hotel.At that time, I was so broke that I couldn't even pay for the subway fare.But walking on two feet is also good.Although I have long been unfamiliar with the art of walking, I am still interested in it, and besides, I can have time to think about the problem while walking.I'm no fool, I know there's something wrong with a man who's eager to hand you a lot of money.I'll have to watch carefully, and I'm sure now that this involves activities that are either illegal, or risky, or both.I have never cared too much for the rigmarole of the law, and I agree with Shakespeare that the law often seems like an idiot.But on the whole, I am a man of the law after all, and I have never broken the law, let alone done it well. However, at present I do not have sufficient material to substantiate my doubts.With that in mind, I'll leave it alone.I threw the shawl over my right shoulder and walked into the street. The weather in autumn is warm and pleasant, coupled with the scene of colorful and blooming flowers in the big city, I really feel a little bit elated, which can be said to be a rare relaxation and joy.When I arrived at the hotel, I decided not to go through the main entrance, but took the express elevator from the basement to the 21st floor.At this time, I vaguely felt that in this kind of place, I cannot be recognized by the audience.My astronaut friend invited me in right away. "You spent a lot of time on the road," he said harshly. "Really?" I glanced around for a while, not to contradict him.It's exactly what I expected: it's an expensive, luxuriously furnished room that's just cluttered. I saw used wine glasses piled up everywhere, at least a dozen of them, and there were quite a few coffee cups over there.It is not difficult to see from this sign that many guests have come before me.Another person was lying on the sofa, stretched out lazily, staring at me with wide eyes.According to my preliminary observation, this man is also an astronaut.I glanced at him inquiringly.No one made an introduction for me. "Hey, you're finally here. Now let's get down to business and talk about business!" "Come on! That reminds me," I went on, "that there was some mention of bonuses or advances!" "Well, not bad." He turned to the man lying on the sofa and said, "Jacques, pay him." "Pay for what?" "Pay him!" Now I know which of the two men is the superior--and later I know that wherever Tucker Broadbent is present, he usually directs everything, there can be no doubt about that.The other man stood up immediately after hearing Tucker's words, and counted out a fifty-dollar gold coin and five ten-dollar gold coins, still looking straight at me.I didn't even count the money, but put the money in my pocket at once, and said, "Now I'm at your command, gentlemen." The big man bit his lip. "First of all, I want you to make a solemn oath that you cannot talk about this matter even in your dreams." "If I simply say that I promise not to talk about it, then I will swear. What do you say?" The little astronaut was still lying on the sofa.I glanced at him. "I don't think we've met before. My name is Lorenzo." He stared at me, but turned his head away.The friend I met in the bar hastily said: "Names are irrelevant in this kind of matter." "It doesn't matter? My father made me promise three things before he died: first, never mix whiskey with anything but water; second, never ignore anonymous letters; Don't talk to a stranger who doesn't want to give his real name. Good-bye, gentlemen." I said and went straight to the door, and the hundred gold coins in my pocket made me feel warm again. . "Stop!" I stopped.Just listen to him continue, "You're absolutely right. My name is..." "captain!" "Shut up! Jacques! I'm Tucker Broadbent. The man staring at us is Jacques Dabois. We're all astronauts—astronauts, whatever the ton The spaceship, no matter how fast the spaceship is, is nothing to worry about." I nodded. "Lorenzo Smythe," I said modestly, "is a bard and an artist--the letters can be forwarded by the Lambs Club." Actually, I have to take care of it, and don't forget to pay the dues. "Come on, Jacques, don't be sullen all the time, you can smile now. Lorenzo, you agree to keep our matter a secret?" "Keep it secret. It's a gentlemen's agreement." "Whether you accept the job or not, from now on, you have to keep it secret?" "Whether we understand each other or reach an agreement, keep it secret. I am a person, and my weakness is inevitable, but as long as I don't use illegal torture methods to force me, I will never reveal your secrets." "Lorenzo, I am well aware of what a new anesthetic can do to a man's brain. We are not expecting any miracles." "Tuck," said Dobois impatiently, "it's going to be a mistake, we've got to at least..." "Shut up, Jacques. I don't want some hypnotist here and now, Lorenzo, listen, we want you to play a part. Realistically, perfectly, without a single—my Meaning, no one in the universe—would know it ever happened. Can you do the job?" I frowned. "The first question is not 'Can I do it or can't I?' The most important question is 'Do I want to do it?' What's the situation? Tell me!" "Hey, I'll talk about the details later. In a nutshell, it's similar to your normal role as a celebrity. The difference is that you are required to be so perfect that even someone who knows him very well will not recognize him when he looks closely. It's not Just reviewing the parade from the viewing stand, or awarding medals to the Girl Scouts, isn't that easy." There was a sly gleam in his eyes, and he gave me a strange look. "It takes a special talent of an artist worthy of the name." "No!" I immediately objected. "Hey! You don't know anything about this mission yet, so don't rush to express your opinion. If you feel guilty, I can assure you: you will never harm his interests by playing that famous person, and you will never It will not harm the legitimate interests of others. In short, this work must be done!" "no!" "Hey, God, why not? You don't even know how much we're going to pay you!" "I don't intend to pay any reward!" I said firmly. "I'm an actor, not an actor who replaces a real person." "I just can't figure it out. You're so incomprehensible. There's a lot of actors out there for the big bucks!" "That's the kind of people I wouldn't call them colleagues. I'd rather call them whores. I've got to be clear. Can a writer respect a ghostwriter? What if a painter lets someone else write on his work just for the money?" Will you respect such a painter? The spirit of an artist may seem alien to you, sir. But I might as well explain it in your jargon: If you were the one who actually piloted the spaceship and no one else That kind of superb technology, and yet wear a spacesuit to receive public admiration, and even be praised as an astronaut. Would you be willing to do it for a little money? Would you?" Dobois snorted. "How much?" " Broadbent frowned and gave him a sidelong glance. "I think it's perfectly understandable for you to look at it that way and object." "For an artist, sir, honor is what counts. Money is but a means to make art. Or rather, money is a vulgar means." "Well, well said! So you don't do it for the money, so would you do it for any other reason? Would you do it if you thought it must be done, and only you could do it?" "If so, it may be considered! I can't imagine such a situation at present." Dobois jumped up from the couch suddenly. "Hey, Tucker, you can't... you don't have the power to..." "Shut up, Jacques! Make sure he knows." "It's not necessary to let him know just now, especially here. Besides, you have no right to tell him to the detriment of everyone else. Besides, you don't really know anything about him." "It was a planned adventure." Broadbent turned to me. Dobois grabbed his arm and twisted him around. "What a planned adventure, go to hell! Tucker, I have been following you in the past, and I have followed you in everything, but this time, if you stop talking, I will fight with you. Between the two of us If one suffers, don't think about opening it again!" Broadbent froze in astonishment, and smiled coldly at Dobois. "You want to be brave, don't you, brother?" Dobois watched him furiously, without flinching.Broadbent was a head taller and 20kg heavier.It was then that I found myself liking Dobois for the first time.I often see kittens showing their teeth and claws, or bantam chickens fighting, and I have also seen little people who would rather die standing than live on their knees. I have this feeling at this time, and I am deeply moved by it.Although I don't think Broadbent will kill him, I can fully imagine Dobois being bullied in the future. I'm not going to interfere.Everyone has the right to choose when and how to destroy themselves! I saw the tension between the two of them growing, and Broadbent suddenly laughed and grabbed Dobois by the shoulder. "Well done, Jacques!" He turned to me, and whispered, "Excuse me, please wait a moment, I have to agree with him," One corner of the suite, used as a soundproof room, contained a telephone and an autograph book.Broadbent took Dobois's hand and led him to the corner, where they stood as if arguing over some urgent military matter. The sound insulation equipment in public places like hotels is sometimes not ideal, and sound waves will inevitably spread out.However, the Eisenhower Hotel is a luxurious building, and the quality of its equipment is of course not mentioned, and it will never fail.I could only see their lips moving, but no sound. Their lips do move, I see it.The Broadbent's face was turned out to me, and I glanced at Dobois in a wall mirror.This reminds me of when I was a child performing my best trick - telepathy.My dad always spanked me until I learned the ability to understand what people were saying just by looking at their lips - I used to perform psionic spells in brightly lit halls and with glasses - not now Not much of a problem - I could pick out what they were talking about just by the movement of their lips. Dobois seemed to be saying, "Tuck, you cruel and stupid beast, what you are doing and intending to do is completely illegal and indecent and unsightly. Aren't you To put our money on this guy and end up ruining it? This smug and sinister villain will eventually give away all the secrets." I barely heard Broadbent's answer.This guy actually called me pretentious?True, I did have a little self-admiration for my own genius, but it never showed on my face. I consider myself a very humble person. Broadbent said: "...if the trick turns out to be very clever, it doesn't matter, and it's the only trick in town? Jacques, there's no one else to use but him." .” Dobois said, "Okay then, let Dr. Scodia come and hypnotize him and give him a drink. Even so, the real problem is not to be told to him until he is completely under our control." , to tell him. Especially when we are still on the ground, we must not talk about it.” Broadbent said: "Well, Scodia himself has said to me that neither hypnotism nor narcotics will do anything to get that man to play the part we need. We work together." Dobois sneered at what Broadbent said.He said: "What voluntary cooperation? Open your eyes and see what he looks like. Could a phoenix come out of the crow's nest? Yes, his body length and shape are suitable. His skull is also similar to that leader, but very Maybe it's just a superficial appearance, maybe he looks the same but doesn't look the same. Maybe he will suddenly panic, or fly into a rage, and finally give away the secret. I don't think he can play this role. At best, he is a man. Just a bad actor!" If the immortal opera singer Caluso were accused of falling out of tune, he must have considered it a great insult.However, after hearing the above remarks, I suddenly felt that this insult to me was greater than the insult to Caluso.But I can still deserve it when he says I'm in the tradition of Papich and Booth.I continued to polish my nails, trying to ignore the words and remember only this: Someday, I'll want my friend Dobois to look good.I'm going to make him laugh and cry in 20 seconds.I waited for a while, then stood up and walked towards the soundproof room.When they saw that I was trying to get in, they immediately stopped talking.I said softly, "It's all right, gentlemen, I've changed my mind." After hearing my words, Dobois showed a look of relief. "You don't like doing the job?" "I mean to say that I accept your assignment. You don't need to explain. My friend at Broadbent has assured me that this work will not disturb my conscience. I trust him. Since he is with I said that he needed me just to be an actor, and I didn't care about the details and specific affairs of the stage manager. In this way, I will accept it." Dobois blushed a little, but refrained from speaking.I expected Broadbent to express satisfaction and relief; in fact he did not.He seemed morose and a little morose. "Well," he said, agreeing, "let's get down to business! Lorenzo, we have no idea how long we'll need you. A few days at most, I think. During this time, You just show up once or twice. About an hour each time." "As long as I have enough time to study how to play the role you want me to play, other problems will be fine. But you have to say how many days? I have to inform our agent." "Ho! That's no good! You can't do that." "Well, I won't give notice. So how long is it going to take? Up to a week?" "Not more than a week. If it's that long, we're screwed." "Oh?!" "It's okay. What do you think of the one hundred gold coins a day? Are you satisfied?" I hesitated.Thinking of his eagerness to see me just now, he agreed to meet my minimum requirements in one breath, and now I think I should also be polite.Put money aside for now. "Let's not talk about it now. No doubt you will pay me in proportion to my acting ability. I can trust you in that." "Okay, let's not talk about it for now." Broadbent turned around impatiently. "Jacques, call the launch site first. Then talk to Langston. Tell him that Project Madigras is in operation. Keep in touch with him. Lorenzo..." He gestured for me to follow him into the bathroom .He opened a small box and asked, "Can you get such a fake?" What he took out was really a "fake product". It turned out to be a kind of cosmetic product that non-professional actors would use, but the price was very expensive.This kind of cosmetics is specially placed on the counter to sell to those who are vain and want to be actors.I looked at the box with a little distaste. "Sir, do you mean that I start acting right away? Not even giving time for study and research?" "Hey, no, no, that's not it! I want you to make up your face so you won't be recognized when you leave here, that's all. The possibility isn't out of the question, don't you think?" I replied bluntly: "Celebrities are afraid of being recognized by others in public. This kind of mental burden is unavoidable." But I choked on the following sentence and did not dare to say it.That is: there must be many people who will recognize me as the famous Lorenzo in public. "Yeah, that's why I asked you to make up your face so that no one would recognize it." He walked away immediately after speaking. Sighing, I inspected the children's toys he had handed me—things that, in his opinion, were undoubtedly my professional supplies: oil paint for clown makeup, glue for stinking wigs, And crepe down that looked like it had been folded from the rug in Aunt Margot's living room.However, not even an ounce of silicon fake meat can be found, and there are no electric brushes in sight.In short, modern cosmetics are lacking in everything.But as long as a true artist, relying on his own genius, can also perform miracles with a burnt matchstick, or some odds and ends picked up in the kitchen.So I adjusted the light to the appropriate brightness and started to do creative art ideas to see how to make myself up. There are several methods that can be used to prevent a face that is very familiar to everyone and who is recognizable at a glance.One of the easiest ways is to try to create an illusion.Put a uniform on a man, and his face probably won't attract much attention—if you imagine, can you recall what the face of a policeman you recently met was like?Would you recognize him the next time you saw him in civilian clothes?According to the same principle, another method can be adopted, which is to use makeup to make the face distinctive and attract attention.Such as putting a big nose or rosacea on a person, destroying his normal appearance.这样一来，普通人看了就会给迷住，至少会把注意力集中到特殊化装的部位，而讲究礼貌的人看了就会扭过头去。但这两种人都不会注意你的脸。 可我决定不采用这种原始的化装术。因为，照我推断，我的雇主只希望我不被人注意就可以了，而不是要人家记住我有一副怪相，从而认不出我的真面目。要真的做到这一点也并不容易；谁都可以出头露面，可要做到不叫人家注意，则要有一套真本领。因此，我需要化装出一张平淡无奇的脸相，让人看了印象淡薄，记不住。可惜的是，我天生一副贵族相，而且特别突出，也太英武俊秀。这对扮演剧中人物的演员来说，是个非常令人遗憾的缺陷。 我父亲时常这样说：“嘿，拉里，你长得太帅啦！要是你的懒散劲儿不改，加上不务正业，混上15年，最多只能扮演个少年角色；而不幸的是你却误以为自己早已成了一名演员，最后只能落得在剧院大厅里卖糖果杂物的境地。要记住'愚蠢'和'漂亮'正是娱乐圈最要命的两个严重缺点。可这两点你一应俱全。” 我父亲讲过这番话，总是越说越有气，多半是讲完就解开皮带把我狠抽一顿。这样打得我不得不开动脑筋。我父亲是个很讲究实际的心理学家。他认为，用皮带抽打屁股上的肌肉，可以把小孩子脑袋里过剩的血抽掉。尽管这种怪理论不见得站得住脚，可实践证明，对小孩子真的十分有效。不过15岁时，我已经能倒转身子四脚朝天，头顶一根松驰的钢丝，一页页、一行行地把莎士比亚和肖伯纳的警句倒背如流，或者，只需点燃一支烟，就能把观众的注意力吸引过来，真的练成了一身本事。 正当我全神贯注地进行这种艺术构思时，博罗德本特把头伸了进来。“真是活见鬼！”他厉声叫道，“怎么你还不动手化装？” 我冷冷地盯了他一眼：“我猜你是要我使出绝招的，对不对？那样你就得有耐性，急不得。你设想一下，一个第一流的厨师在飞奔的马背上能做出一客风味独特的菜来吗？” “什么马不马的，见鬼去吧！”他抬手看了一眼手腕上的手表。“你顶多还有六分钟。要是在六分钟之内你完不成任务，那我们只能冒险了。” Hey!六分钟！有充分时间当然更好，不过问题不大。我过去在《休伊·郎之被刺》一剧中充当过我父亲的替角，学过点儿快速化装以适应换演不同角色的本事。就是那出戏，要求在七分钟之内快速化装换演十五个角色。我曾经试过，速度之快，比我父亲还快九分钟。 “你给我呆在原来的地方吧！”我怒气冲冲地顶了他一句。“我立刻就来！” 然后我把自己化装成《无门之屋》一剧中的杀人犯本尼·格雷。这个剧中人物相貌无大特征，化装起来很方便。只轻快抹上几笔，在我的双颊从鼻子到嘴角画上几条皱纹，显出无精打采的样子，只要画成像我的松垂的眼泡皮一样也就可以了。涂的油彩都是法克特牌5号灰黄色， 从开始到结束，化装用了不到20秒钟。化这样装我闭着眼都能干。因为《无门之屋》一剧光是灌制唱片前就上演了29场。 化完了装，我就把脸转向博罗德本特，他惊讶得几乎喘不过气来：“天呀！我简直无法相信！” 我只顾一本正经地装扮着本尼·格雷。听了他说的话，我根本不作回答，脸上也不露笑容。博罗德本特是个外行，完全是个土包子，他以为化装少不了擦香粉、涂油彩。其实，化这种装根本用不着油彩，可为了敷衍他，我用了一点点。 他仍旧两眼盯着我瞧。“喂，”他低声说，“你可以给我也化个装吗？能快速化一下装吗？” 我刚要开口说不，便突然噎住了。我意识到这对我的职业是个考验，其中颇多妙处，很令人向往，也十分值得回味。我想了一下，要是他在五岁时被我父亲狠狠地训练一下，调教一番，必定大有出息。不过当时我没有说出口。 “你只要求不被人家认出来就可以了，是吗？”我问道。 “是的，是的！你能给我脸上涂抹一下，或装上一只假鼻子，或者想些什么其他办法？行吗？” I shook my head. “不论我怎样给你化装，只能使你看上去像个化了装准备参加变戏法或参加文娱演出的小孩。你不会演戏！更何况到了你这种年纪，再学也学不会了。我还是不碰你那尊容为好。” “嘿，可是我这鹰钩鼻……” “听我说，我敢断定，你那高贵的鹰钩鼻不论怎么涂抹，只能是越化装越突出。一个熟悉你的人一看就会说：'嘿，瞧那个高个子，他叫我想起了博罗德本特。当然，那家伙不会是塔克，但是看上去很有点像他'？嗯，把你化装成这样，你称心吗？” “嘿，我想我愿意。只要他肯定那不是我就成。人家以为我是在……那就好，只要人家以为我现在不在地球上就好！” “肯定会说那不是你，因为我要使你改变走路的样子。这是你最吸引人的特征。即使你学过而又走得不人像样，人家也看不出那就是你，而会认为那必定是另外一个身材魁梧、双肩宽阔的壮汉，只是看上去有点像你罢了。” “好吧，你就做给我看，该怎样走法。” “不，你休想学会。不过，我会叫人照我要你走的样子走的。” “怎样走？” “很简单，我要在你的鞋子里的脚趾部位放进一把小石子。这样你走起来就非得靠脚跟不可，你的身子也得挺得笔直。这样你就无法像宇航员那样，走起路来低头弯腰、蹑手蹑脚、偷偷摸摸，嗯……我还得在你们的肩胛骨两侧绑上绷带，使你保持胸部挺起的姿势。这不就解决问题了吗！” “你以为我改变了走路的样子，他们就认不出我了吗？” “当然认不出来！一个熟人不会明白为什么他会断定那不是你。但是一般说来，先入为主总是下意识的，这会消除他们的怀疑。嗬，得啦！我给你稍微化装一番，好叫你放心一点儿。其实这样做没什么必要！” 这之后，我们一起回到了那间套房的起居室。当然，我仍旧扮演着本尼·格雷。我一旦上了装，进入了某个角色，那非得花上九牛二虎之力才能使我跳出来，恢复原有的神态面貌。多波伊斯正在电话机旁忙得团团转，他猛抬起头，看见了我，一低头，急匆匆走出隔音室，查问道：“他是谁？那个戏子在哪里？” 他先望望我，又转过头去，似乎不想回头再看一眼。本来嘛，我扮的角色是个无足轻重的小人物，不值得一看。 “你说的是哪个戏子？”我以本尼·格雷那种平淡而毫无感情色彩的腔调回答说，多波伊斯听了，立即转过身来盯住我。他瞟了我一眼，又转过身去，然后又突然扭过头来，盯住我的衣服看。博罗德本特禁不住大笑起来，一把抓住他的肩膀。 “你不是说他不会演戏吗？”他声色俱厉地补充说，“现衣这套把戏你懂了没有，雅克？” “懂了！”多波伊斯掉过头来看我，脸上露出困惑的神情。不多一会儿工夫，他又扭过头去。 “好，我们在四分钟之内非得离开这儿不可。罗伦佐，我们现在得看看你究竟能以多么快的速度把我化装好，” 塔克先脱掉一只靴子，然后甩掉上衣，又把衬衫拉了起来，让我把带子捆住他的双肩。 这时，门灯突然闪亮起来，电铃响了。他们一下子被吓得呆住了，“雅克，这时会有人来？” “可能是兰斯顿来了。他曾说过，他打算在我们离开之前来一次。”多波伊斯说着便朝门口走去。 “可能不是他！可能是……”我还没来得及听同罗德本特说出到底是谁，多波伊斯已经把门打开了。突然，只见一个火星人出现在门口，那形状就像一株十分可怕的毒菌。 顷刻之间，也许是由于极度的反感，我除了这个人星人之外，什么也没看见。我没看见火星人身后还站着一个地球人，也没注意到火星人的假上肢旁正吊着一根护身杖一样的武器。 只见那火星人轻飘飘地进了门，它身后那个地球人也跟了进来。The door was open.忽然，火星人吱吱喳喳叫着说：“你们好，先生们。这是准备上哪儿去啊？” 一种对异国人的自然恐惧感涌上心头，我愣住了，有些茫然不知听措。塔克由于还没把衣服穿整齐而行动受到限制，但是小个子雅克·多波伊斯立刻采取了行动。他表现出一种纯朴的英雄主义气概，我看了不禁为之十分感动，并一下子就把他认作了我心爱的兄弟，甚至当他死时，我仍旧怀有这种亲切的感情……只见他纵身扑向那恨护身杖——正好对准它冲了过去——看来他并设想躲避那种武器。 一颗子弹扫穿了他的腹部。多波伊斯应声倒下，中枪处伤口大得足够放下一只拳头：他肯定被打死了。可是他仍抓住那根护身杖不放。火星人的那只假上肢像一块乳脂糖一样给拉长了，啪地一下子断了，折断的地方离这个怪物的脖子只有几英寸距离。可怜的雅克，他死时两手还抱着那根护身杖。 那个跟着这个臭气冲天的怪物进屋的地球人，不得不走到旁边去装子弹——殊不知，他这就犯了个大错误。他本该先朝塔克·博罗德本特开枪，然后再对付我，可是他却对准雅克放了一枪。这一枪放过，他就再也没机会开第二枪了。因为塔克出手迅速，对着他的脸打了一枪。直到这时我才发现塔克身上带着武器。 火星人被解除了武器，尽管失去了武器，它却并未表现出想逃走的神态。塔克跳起来，冲到它跟前说：“啊，林克林伊尔，你好？” “你好，塔克·博罗德本特船长。”火星人以一种短促而又刺耳的声调说。接着又补充了一句：“你会通知我的老家吗？” “我会告诉你们本部的，林克林伊尔。” “多谢了，博罗德本特船长。” 塔克伸出一只皮包骨头的瘦长手指，朝最靠近他的那只眼睛捅了进去，一直戳到他的指关节紧贴火星人脑壳的地方。然后，他拔出手指，只见手指上沾满了许多浓水。火星人怪物的假上肢一阵痉孪，骤然缩进了它的躯体，但是那只僵死的手肢仍旧一动不动地垂在原处。 塔克急忙冲进浴室。我听到他在用水冲洗。我站在原来的地方，吓得愣住了，一时痴呆得不知所措。当时我的样子准是跟死去的林克林伊尔没什么两样。 塔克·博罗德本特从浴室里走出来，用他的衬衫擦着手，并边擦边说：“我们得把这擦干净。时间紧急。”他说得十分轻巧，仿佛那不是血，而是不小心泼在地上的酒似的。 我前言不搭后语地表达了自己的想法：我不想卷入凶杀，我们应该打电话叫警察来。在他们到场之前我得溜走。塔克应该知道该怎样处理这桩假戏真做的怪事，我可不想再扮演什么角色了，我准备插翅飞出窗口，一走了之。 可塔克听了我的话，根本不把它当一口事，毫不理睬。；“罗伦佐，别慌。时间已经不多，情况紧急，快帮我把尸体拖进浴室！” “咳，天哪！老兄，干脆把门锁上，溜掉再说吧！也许他们永远也不会怀疑到我的身上。” “可能不会，”他同意我的想法，并说，“因为他们想不到我们会在现场。不过他们肯定会看到是林克林伊尔杀死了雅克，这可不行，我们不能让他们产生这种想法。尤其不能是现在！” "Hey!" “要知道，如果新闻报道说，一个火星人杀死了一个地球人，这一传开去，我们可受不了。别说啦，赶快帮我的忙，干吧！” 我不再吭声，只得帮他拖尸体。我一想起本尼，格雷这个角色，心神反倒镇定下来：这角色本就是个臭名昭著的精神变态狂，他虐待成性，时常以肢解尸体为乐事。既然我已把自己化装成这个角色，就算在做戏也罢。我们把两具尸体拖进浴室。塔克用缴获的那根护身杖把林克林伊尔切割成一块块小块，以便毁灭罪证。他的动作十分小心，一刀刀干净利落，但是我实在帮不上他的忙。我觉得一个死掉的火星人比活的火星人更加臭不可闻，我只觉得恶心。 地下暗牢就在浴室靠浴缸那边的挡板后边。那块地方要不是上面有放射形的三叶装饰作标记，实在是很难察党的。我们拼命把塔克处理过的林克林伊尔尸体碎块，一块块地往下塞。我鼓足了勇气勉强帮着干，然后，塔克使用护身杖继续切割那个地球人尸体，并把血水排掉。这活儿更脏，更叫人恶心，而且他不得不在浴缸里干活。我几乎晕了过去。 一个人的血简直多得惊人。我们打开水龙头，一直让自来水冲洗着，可还是很难冲洗干净。塔克在处理他的朋友雅克的尸体时，似乎笨手笨脚，只见他双目热泪盈眶，模糊了视线，于是我只得把他推开，免得他把自己的手指砍掉。而我竟真的扮演起本尼·格雷的角色，大干起来。 我们干完以后，发现没有留下任何痕迹表明这套客房里曾有一只怪物和两个地球人来过，便站起身小心翼翼地冲洗浴虹。这时只见塔克已站在门口，显出平时那种镇定自若的姿态，“我已经检查过，地板已洗刷干净，”他郑重其事他说。“我想，一个犯罪学专家通过精密设备或者有可能使一切再现原形——不过，我估计不会有人怀疑到我们头上。让我们赶快离开这里。我们无论如何也要争取早到12分钟左右。快！” 我还来不及问清楚到什么地方去，或去干什么以及诸如此类的问题，“好吧，让我在你的靴予里塞进一些碎石子之类的东西吧！” 他摇了摇头说：“这样一来，我们就走得慢了。眼下最重要的是速度，而不是怕被人认出来。” “现在我只有听你摆布了。”我只得跟他走到门口。他突然停住脚步说：“这里有可能碰上其他人，如果碰上了，先开枪再说——别无选择。”他手里拿着那根护身杖，用披肩把它遮盖了起来。 “要是万一碰上火星人呢？” “不管是地球人还是火星人，或者两者同时都遭遇，你只管开枪就是！” “塔克，林克林伊尔是不是在麦那纳旅馆看到的那四个火星人之一？” “当然就是！要不，你扣我为什么要兜那么大圈子把你从那儿找到这儿未呢？他们跟我们一样，也同样会盯你的梢，或者盯我的梢。你把他认出来没有？” “老天爷，没有！看上去这些怪物长相都一样。” “他们看我们也都长得一个样。这四个火星人是林克林伊尔和他的孪生兄弟，另外两个不是直系亲属的人，但他们都是从林克林伊尔一脉上来的。不过，眼下你还是别开口。要是你看到一个火星人，就马上开枪！喂，那支枪你拿了没有？” “嗯，当然拿了，嘿，塔克，我实在不懂这究竟是怎么一同事。不过，只要是这帮畜牲反对你，我就站在你一边。这种火星人我就是看不上眼。” 听了我这番话，他竟大为震惊。“你真不知道自己在胡说些什么。我们绝不是要跟火星人开战，这四个是叛徒！” "Oh?!" “火星人大多数是好的，甚至可以说他们都是好的。嗯，就是林克林伊尔，在许多方面也可以说算不上是坏人。我曾经跟他下过好几盘棋呢！” “什么！照这样说来，我倒是……” “住口吧！现在你已经陷得很深啦，休想打退堂鼓，撒手不干。听着，立刻跑步前进！目标——快速升降机。我来掩护撤退。” 我一声也没吭。陷得很深？的确，我卷进去已是不容置疑的了！ 我们一到备用地下室，就马上奔向快速升降机。这是一种密闭式小座舱，只能乘两个人。 我们奔到时正好空着。塔克立即把我推了进去。我没来得及注意他调拨的控制密码，不过当我感受到胸部所受的气压在减缓，并看到一眨一眨的指示灯——杰弗逊空间宇航站——全速前进时，我就不怎么觉得惊讶了。 不管开到哪一站，现在我反正全不在乎了。只要离开艾森豪威尔宾馆越远越好。我们挤在这座密封舱里有好几分钟。这段时间尽管不长，却已足够我盘算出一项计划了。虽说这项计划可能不怎么成熟，就像公文上时常标明的那样，可能随时得更改，但毕竟是个计划，那就是：逃走。 然而，那天早晨我早该看到我的打算是很难实行的。在我们现在这个文明和高度发达的社会里，一个人要是没有钱，就会像一个初生婴儿那样，一步也动不了。但是，眼下我口袋里装着一百元金币，那就可以到处闲逛，自由自在。对于塔克·博罗德本特，我本来就不承担什么义务。我差点儿把命送掉，完全是由于他的缘故，而不是我的缘故。他还逼我掩盖罪状，使我成了一名逃犯，不过，我们暂时利益一致，至少已经躲过了警察，现在只要把博罗德本特这条尾巴甩掉就成了。我可以把所有这一些事忘得一干二净，当作一场恶梦，不去理会它，也就罢了。即使这案子被发现了，看来我也不至于会被人家牵连进去——幸亏，一个绅士平时总是戴着手套——我只有在化装和后来清洗那间阴森可怖的房间时，才脱掉过手套。 我对博罗德本特的计划丝毫不感兴趣。只有一阵子，我像年轻人一样感情冲动，以为塔克准备跟火星人开战。我真想干出一番惊天动地的事业来。后来，我对塔克的这种同情和支持态度就完全没有了。因为我发觉，他总体上还是很喜欢火星人的。他要我扮演那个角色，这种事我说什么也不干。让塔克·博罗德本特见鬼去吧！我的人生目的无非是赚点钱维持生活，并献身于艺术。他要我做的事，类似描写警察和窃贼那种戏，根本引不起我的兴趣，充其量这种戏顶多是出蹩脚戏。 杰弗逊宇航站以乎为我暗中的计划提供了一线希望。这个宇航站人流涌动，熙熙攘攘，一片忙乱。快速升降机就像蜘蛛网那样综横交错，密布在站的内外，在这种情况下，只要塔克一不留神，我就可以溜之大吉，奔上去欧马哈的大路。到了欧马哈，我就可以隐蔽起来几个星期，然后再与我的经纪代理人联系，搞清那时是不是还有人在打听我的情况。 这时，塔克坚持要我们俩一起爬出密封舱。要不是这样，我本想先出来，啪地一下把门关死，立刻逃走，然而落空了，我只得装作对四周事物不感兴趣，紧跟在塔克身后。我们又乘上电动带，到地下第一层大厅去。到了那里，又一起走出电动带，我立即发现自己正好站在法一美航空公司服务处和美国太空宇航公司办事处之间。塔克穿过候船室，径直向戴安娜①有限公司走去。我估计，他是打算买去月球的飞船票。我真不懂，我身上既没有护照，又没有牛痘检疫证，他怎么能把我弄上飞船。 【①戴安娜指罗马神话中的月亮女神。 】 但是，我已经领教过，他是个足智多谋的家伙。我脑子里急速盘算着，心想，一个人在数钱的时候，至少有几秒钟要集中注意力，不会注意其他事情，我正好利用他拿出皮夹付钱的时机，躲进家具里去，藏起来。 可是，这时我们正好走过了戴安娜公司服务处，走进了一条拱道，只见入口处挂着“私人舱位”牌子。拱道的那一头不拥挤，两边墙上也没有门窗。我真是懊恼极了。我早该在那繁忙不堪的大厅里就溜走，可大好时机已经错过了。我犹豫起来，突然明白这可能是就要上飞船了。 “我们是不是马上登船？” "certainly!" “塔克，你疯了。我什么证件都没有，甚至往月球去的旅游卡都没有！” “要那些证件干吗？你用不着那些玩意儿！” “嘿，亏你还是宇航员！他们会在'移民出境处'拦住我，盘问我的。我可混不过去。” 一只差不多跟猫一样大小的手，一把抓住了我的胳膊。“别浪费时间了。你又不是正式离境，要办什么移民出境手续？再说，我也不是正式入境，为什么要办这种手续呢？老兄，快跑！” 我身材不算小，长得也挺结实；可我觉得好像有个机器人交通警把我从危险区突然拉了出去。我看到有块牌于写着“男厕所”，便拼命吵着要飞船停下。 “塔克，请停半分钟，我要解手！” 他既不减速，也不放我走。 “喂，我有肾病，知道吗？” “罗伦佐老兄，我看得出，你这是害怕的缘故。我来告诉你我们的计划吧！你看到前边那个警察吗？”只见拱道尽头处的私人舱位站上，有个和平卫士身靠柜台站着，“我发现自己的良心突然受到谴责，感到内疚。我觉得有必要去坦白交代：就说你是怎样杀死到我们宾馆房间去的火星人和两个当地居民的……你又是怎样用枪逼着我帮你处理掉尸体，你看怎样……” "Are you crazy?" “不错，我心里内疚，悔恨，真的快要发疯啦，老兄！” “但是，这威胁不了我。你是找不到我什么罪证的。” “是吗？我想，我交代的内容要比你可能为自己辩护的话听上去更容易叫人相信。这事的来龙去脉我是一清二楚，而你却不一定说得清楚。我对你了解得很透彻，因为早在我们找你谈这次交易之前就把你反复研究过了：而你对我却一点儿也不了解。你什么也讲不清楚。譬如说……” 于是，他提到了几件事，触到了我的隐私。我可以发誓，这些事连我自己都早已忘得一干二净。可他竟然知道得那么详细。我确实曾经专门为无子女参加的演出会表演过几个节目，这些节目有点儿低级趣味，跟我艺术家传统是绝不相称的。但是一个人总得吃饭呀！至于旅馆帐单，也是实在没办法。要是我有钱，早就付清了，不是有心欺骗。不过，话说回来，在迈阿密海滩住了旅馆赖帐逃债，跟在其他地方犯案抢劫差不多，同样要受法律制裁。 还有在西雅图发生的那桩事。唉，总之我不得不承认说，塔克确实掌握了我的不少材料。but.他对问题的看法跟我不同……我不能同意。 “好吧，”他接着又说，“那我们就去找你们的警察。我敢以七与二之比跟你打赌，看谁能先交保释放。” 说完，我们就迈步朝警察那里走去。结果从他身边经过，并未停下来。只见那警察正在跟一位站在栏杆后面的女职员谈话。那两个人连头都没有抬一抬。接着，塔克拿出两张票予，一张是通行证——维修通行证；另一张印着舱位K——127的船票。他把那两张票子塞进自动检票器。机器作了扫描，接着显示了一张透明画，指示我们搭乘上层密封舱，舱号K一127。门自动打开，放我们进去，随即锁上，耳边传来预先录制的声音：“请留神脚下，当心辐射警板。宇航站公司对进了门的乘客不管出了什么事都是概不负责的，” 塔克在密封舱内按了一个完全不同的号码，它立刻旋转过来，择道滑行起来。于是我们便在发射场中心的地下开始起飞了。这对我来说已经无所谓了，反正我现在什么也不在乎了，只好听天由命。 当我们走出小密封舱时，才发现又回到原来的地方。只见我的前边有一架梯子，直通上面的钢制天花板。塔克用手肘推了我一下，说：“往上走！”到了顶部，我们看到舷窗上有个洞孔，上边有块指示牌，写着“辐射危险——最适度——13秒”，显然是不久前用粉笔写上去的。我立刻停住脚步。尽管我对子孙后代的繁衍并不感到有什么兴趣，可我不是傻瓜。塔克这时咧嘴笑了起来，说道：“你穿上铅制的裤子没有？打开洞门，立刻钻进去吧！就顺着梯子一直爬进飞船。如果你不磨磨蹭蹭，就能提前三秒仲进船。” 我估计自己提前五秒钟就进了飞船。我只爬了10英尺左右就看到了阳光，接着就爬进了飞船中的一根长管子。说实在活，我爬梯子时一步跨了三级。 这艘火箭飞船明摆着是微型飞船，控制室显得十分狭窄。我没向窗外望上一眼。我乘过飞船， 而且不止一次。 我乘过两艘飞船：登月艇“福音号”和它的姐妹艇“百列号”。想当年，我不加思索就接受了月球要我去参加联合演出的聘约——那时我们剧团的经理有一种看法，就是类似变戏法、走钢丝、玩杂耍等等固定剧目，要是搬到只有地球引力六分之一的月球上去演出，一定非常精彩；这种看法本身当然不错，只是这位经理不给我们排练时间来适应低引力。于是我不得不从遇难旅行者法案上动脑筋，找讥会钻了个空于又溜了回来，只可丢惜弃了一套演出服装。 在飞船控制室里有两个人，一个躺在一张加速卧椅上（室内共有三张这种卧椅）；手中拨弄着调节控制盘：另一个手里拿着一把旋凿，做着莫名其妙的动作。躺在卧椅上的那个人看了我一眼，一声没吭；另一个却转过身来，越过我向另外一叫人问道：“雅克出了什么事？”说话时满面愁容。 塔克差不多可以说是从我身后的舱口中飘进来的。只听他厉声说：“没有时间了！雅克留下的空缺位置，有没有补足重量？” “补足了！” “雷特，飞船准备好起飞没有？跟指挥塔接通了吗？” 躺在椅子上的那个人慢吞吞地回答说：“我每隔两分钟计算一次。现在我们跟指挥塔的线路畅通。还有40……嗯47秒。” “你给我从椅子上滚下来！给我滚！那种滴塔声我可抓住了！” 雷特慢悠悠地从椅子上站了起来，让塔克躺了下去。另一个人把我推到了副驾驶员位置上，并在我胸部绑上了一根安全带。然后转过身，下了太平舱口。雷特跟着那人钻了出去，他的头和肩一出舱口，身子就停住了。“票子，请拿出来！”他得意洋洋他说。 “嘿，老天爷！”塔克松了安全带，伸手摸口袋，接着便拿出了原来我们用来偷乘飞船的那两张通行证，塞给他看。 “谢谢，”雷特答道。“祝你们一路平安！再见。”他神速而又稳健地一转身就不见了。只听见气塞“膨”地一声关上了，震得我耳鸣起来，连耳膜都震得砰砰颤动。塔克根本没回答雷特的话，也没说声再见。他眼睛只顾盯着计算机控制盘，微微地