Chapter 4 Chapter Four

The huge dome of the Salo University Observatory protrudes high on the tree-covered slope of the Observatory Hill. It is very spectacular, and it is particularly dazzling when it is illuminated by the afternoon sun.The little red sun of Dovim has fallen below the horizon, but Onas is still hanging high in the western sky. Trey and Patru, forming a diagonal to Onas in the eastern sky, send out a strong The light shines on the huge dome of the observatory. In the urban area of ​​Salo five kilometers away, Benny 25, a tall and capable young man, walks briskly in the small suite shared with Resta 717, collecting papers and books.Resta lay comfortably with his legs spread out on the old green cushions of the small three-seater sofa, frowning, looking up at him.

"Where are you going, Benny?" "Go to the Observatory". "Isn't it still early? I usually go there after Onas goes down the mountain, and there are still a few hours before that time." "I have an appointment today, Resta". She cast a warm and seductive look at him. Both of them are graduate students, both in their twenties and eight years old, and both are assistant professors.He is engaged in astronomy, she is engaged in biology, and they have only been a contract couple for seven months.The relationship is still gluey, inseparable.But problems have arisen.He goes to work late, usually when there is less sun in the sky; but she is under the golden sunlight of Onas, the brightest and brightest day.

Lately, he's been spending more and more time at the observatory because they're rarely awake at the same time.Beanie knew it was hard on her, and it was hard on himself.Besides, his work on the orbit of Kargesh has been in need of manpower.Research has reached a more difficult stage, both challenging and worrying.If only Resta could wait patiently for a few weeks, a month, two months, or a little longer. "Can't you stay longer tonight?" she asked. His heart is heavy.Resta made a "come and play for a while" expression to him, which was hard to refuse, and he really didn't want to refuse.But Yermot and Fano must be waiting for him.

"I told you. I have a..." "...A date, isn't it? Well, I have it too, and that's with you." "I?" "Yesterday you said you had some free time this afternoon. I've been looking forward to this time, you know? I made this time on purpose... and got my lab work done in the morning, actually, that is……" That's too bad, Beanie thought.He did remember talking about it, forgetting all about the meeting with the two young students. She was angry, but still with a smile on her face, she restrained herself, and she played the trick poorly.Beanie wanted to forget about Fano and Yermot, and rushed to her immediately.But if he did, he might be an hour late, maybe two, and that wouldn't be fair to them.

Yet, he himself had to admit, he was dying to know whether their calculations matched his. To be honest, this matter made him very difficult: on the one hand, there was Resta's strong request, and on the other hand, there was a strong desire to solve major scientific problems.He was supposed to be on time for his appointment, but he did promise a 'date' with Resta, which messed him up... It wasn't just an obligation, it was fun. "Look," he said, going to the sofa and taking Lesta's hand, "I can't do two things at the same time, can I? When I told you about that yesterday, Fano and Yermott were going to be at the observatory. Forgot about the meeting with me. How about we make a deal, and when I go there to finish things, I will sneak back quietly, just for a few hours, what do you think?"

"In the evening you'll be taking pictures of those asteroids again," she said, pursing her lips, this time without a smile. "Damn it! But I can ask Tierlando or Hicconen or someone else to do it for me. When Onas goes down, he'll be back, I promise you. "ensure?" He shook her hand hard and made a face at her with a playful smile. "I'm sure I mean what I say this time. You can bet me if you don't believe me. You won't be angry, will you?" "This……" "I will finish dealing with Fano and Yermot as soon as possible."

"You'd better..." she said, as he was sorting out the files again, "what's the matter with Fano and Yermott? Is it really that important?" "Laboratory work, research on gravitation." "I don't think it's as important as you say." "Hope it turns out it doesn't matter to anyone," Beanie replied, "but I've got to make it clear." "I also hope to understand what you're talking about." He glanced at his watch and took a deep breath.He thought he could only stay for a minute or two at most. "Don't you know that lately I've been researching how Kargash revolves around Onas?"

"have no idea." "Well, listen. A few weeks ago I suddenly discovered an anomaly. My orbital data did not agree with the laws of gravity. I double-checked it, and it was still the same, so I did a third, The fourth time. Whatever method is used, it is the same as the first time." "Ah, Beanie, I'm very sorry about that. I know that you're trying so hard to prove your conclusions wrong..." "What if it turns out to be true?" "But you said..." "At this point, I don't know if my calculations are right or wrong. As far as I can tell, it's correct, but this result seems unacceptable. I've checked it over and over and it's the same. After many investigations and double-checks, it has been proved that I have not made a calculation error. But the conclusion now is an unbelievable conclusion. The only explanation is that this matter began with a stupid assumption, and nothing I have done since then has failed to escape this. A strange circle, no matter what method is used to test, the conclusions drawn are wrong. Maybe a fundamental problem has been ignored in the basic stage of assumption. If the data obtained for a certain planet is wrong, the calculated orbit The parameters are just wrong, no matter how precise the other calculations are. Do you see what I mean?"

"Understood." "So, I gave the problem to Fano and Yermott, without telling them the real reason, and asked them to calculate it from the beginning. They are both excellent, and I have no doubts about their calculation ability. If they come to the same conclusion as mine, even if I completely rule out the reasoning error caused by me, and draw it from another angle, I will admit that my calculation is correct." "Their calculations can't be right, Beanie. Didn't you say your discovery was contrary to the law of gravitation?" "What if the law of gravitation is also wrong, Lesta?"

"What? What did you say?" She looked at him with wide eyes, expressing great bewilderment. "You see the crux of the matter, don't you?" Beanie asked. "That's why I'm eager to know the results of Fano and Yermott?" "No," she said, "I don't understand at all!" "I'll tell you later, I promise you." "Benny..." She was a little disappointed. "I have to go and be back as soon as possible. I promise you, Lesta, I mean what I say!"