Chapter 19 Chapter 19 The time limit is approaching

In the hours that followed, there was commotion both inside and outside Fort Deeborn.The turmoil in Chicago itself may have been even worse. At noon, the dean in Huasheng contacted his secretary through the communication wave, but he was never found.The Dean was displeased, and the lower officials of the correctional institution were in fear. The investigation quickly unfolded, and the guards outside the assembly hall determined that the headmaster's secretary left with the prisoners at 10:30 in the morning... No, he didn't leave any instructions.They couldn't tell where he was going, and that was certainly not their place to ask.

The other group of guards also had no instructions and could not explain why.A general anxiety surged and swirled like a vortex. At 2:00 p.m., the first report arrived.Someone saw the special car of the secretary of the dean that morning - no one saw whether the secretary of the dean was in it - some people thought it was driven by him, but it turned out to be just a guess... At half past two, it was already certain that the car had driven into Fort Deborn. At nearly three o'clock, the master finally made a decision and sent someone to call the commander of the fortress. It was a lieutenant who answered the phone.The answer they got was that there is currently no information available about this incident.However, the officers of the imperial army asked them to maintain order temporarily, and further asked them not to spread the news of the disappearance of a member of the ancient order until further notice.

Still, that was enough to lead to the exact opposite of what the empire had hoped for. Forty-eight hours before the insurrection, one of the leading members of the conspiracy fell into the hands of the enemy, and the others involved in the mutiny must not run the risk.This means that there are only two possibilities, either the deeds are revealed, or someone is a traitor.And these two are just two sides of one body, no matter which one is true, it is a dead end. So rumors spread quickly... The crowd in Chicago begins to riot... Professional mass demagogues took to the streets; secret armories were opened and arms were gathered; the crowd marched towards the fort like a long, winding dragon.At six o'clock in the afternoon, another letter reached the commander, this time by personal courier.

At the same time, smaller commotions also took place inside the fortress.Its prologue was extremely dramatic. When the special car drove in, a young officer greeted him, and reached out to ask the head secretary for a pistol. "Leave it to me." He said casually. Schechter said, "Let him take it, Schwartz." The secretary of the dean raised the gun and handed it out, and the gun was immediately taken away by the officer.Only then did Schwartz retract the tendrils of his mind, and at the same time let out a long breath, relaxing his tense nerves. Alvadan was already prepared. When the headmaster's secretary broke free and frantically bounced off like a flattened spring, the archaeologist immediately attacked him, and the heavy punches rained down on him.

The officer shouted an order, and immediately many soldiers came running.When the soldiers roughly grabbed Avadan's shirt collar and dragged him out of the car, the headmaster's secretary was already paralyzed on the seat, with black blood slowly flowing from the corner of his mouth.And Ai Vadan's cheek, which was originally injured, was once again bruised and bruised. He straightened his hair with trembling hands, then stretched out a strong finger, and said in a firm tone: "I accuse this person of conspiring to overthrow the imperial government, and I must meet the commander immediately."

"We'll make arrangements, sir," said the officer politely. "If you don't mind, please come with me—you all come with me." Then, hours passed and nothing happened.They were housed in a separate suite, which was fairly clean inside.For the first time in twelve hours, they had the opportunity to eat. Although they had a lot of preoccupations, they couldn't take care of so much for the time being. Everyone wolfed down the food and wiped out the food.They even had the opportunity to enjoy another necessity of civilized man - bathing. But there were guards standing guard outside the room. A few hours later, Avadan finally lost his temper and yelled, "We just changed cells."

The boring and meaningless work and rest continued in the barracks, completely ignoring their existence.At this time Schwartz was sleeping, and Avadan's eyes fell on him, but Schechter shook his head. "We can't," he said. "It's inhumane. The man is exhausted. Let him sleep." "But there are only thirty-nine hours left." "I know—but wait." At this time, a cold and slightly sarcastic voice sounded: "Which of you claim to be a citizen of the empire?" Alvadan jumped up: "It's me. I..." His voice broke off abruptly as he recognized the speaker.The man showed a stiff smile, and his left arm seemed a little stiff, which was the memory of their last meeting.

Paula whispered behind him, "Bell, that's the officer, the one who went to the department store." "The one whose arm he broke," added the officer sharply. "My name is Lieutenant Colaudie. Yes, you are that man. So you are from the world of Sirius, right? And you Hanging out with them. Galaxy, how can a person degenerate to such a degree! And this girl is still sticking to you." He waited for a while, then said slowly and unhurriedly: "Mother Earth!" Ai Fadan was furious, and then calmed down.He can't—yet can't— He said in a barely condescending voice: "May I see the Colonel, Lieutenant?"

"Colonel, I'm afraid I'm not on duty right now." "You mean he's not here?" "I didn't say that. He can still be found—if it's urgent enough." "Exactly...can I see the duty officer?" "At this moment, I am the duty officer." "Then contact the colonel quickly." The lieutenant shook his head slowly: "Unless I'm sure the situation is really serious, I can't do that at all." Avadan was trembling with anxiety: "For the sake of the Milky Way, stop being evasive! This is a matter of life and death."

"Really?" Lieutenant Colaudie waved a command stick, pretending to be chic, "You can beg me to see you." "Okay...okay, I'm waiting." "I mean—you can plead." "Can you receive me, Lieutenant?" There was no smile on the lieutenant's face: "I mean, I beg! In front of this girl, humbly beg." Alvardan swallowed, and started to back away.Paula's hand grabbed his sleeve, and she said, "Please, Belle, you mustn't make him angry." So, the archaeologist roared in a hoarse voice: "Bel Avadan of the Sirius sector, humbly beg the officer on duty to receive him."

Lieutenant Colaudie said, "It depends." He took a step towards Avardan, then quickly reached out his palm and slapped Avardan hard on the bandage on the cheek. Alvadan gasped for breath and suppressed a scream. The lieutenant said again: "You were angry last time, will you be angry this time?" Alvadan didn't say anything. The lieutenant finally said, "I'm allowed to see you." Four soldiers came in at once, escorted Avadan out two times in front and two behind, while Lieutenant Colaudie led the way. Now, only Schechter and Paula are left with the sleeping Schwartz."I didn't hear his voice again, did you?" Schechter said. Paula shook her head. "I haven't heard either. It's been a while. But, Father, what do you think he'll do to Bell?" "Can he?" said the old man in a quiet tone. "You forget that he is not really one of us. He is a citizen of the Empire and cannot be easily violated... I guess you are in love with him, are you? " "Oh, much love, Father. It's a silly thing, I know." "Of course it's a stupid thing." Schechter smiled wryly, "He's a gentleman, I didn't say he wasn't. But what can he do? Can he live in this world with us? Can he take you home? ? Introducing an Earth woman to his friends? His family?" She cried: "I know, but maybe there will be nothing soon." Schechter stood up again, as if the words just reminded him.He added: "I can't hear his voice anymore." He was referring to the voice of the Dean's secretary.Boches had been placed in the next room, and had been pacing up and down like a caged animal, the ominous footsteps sounding quite real, but now gone. It was a trifle, but by now the body and mind of the Patriarch's Secretary concentrated and symbolized all the evil forces that were about to spread disease and destruction to every inhabited star system.So Schechter whispered to Schwartz: "Get up." Schwartz woke up immediately: "What's going on?" He hardly felt like he had rested.The weariness had penetrated so deep that it had penetrated his body and emerged like jagged teeth on the other side. "Where's Boches?" Schechter urged. "Oh—oh, yes." Schwartz looked around wildly before remembering that his eyes were not the clearest sense.So he sent out the tendrils of the mind again, and let them extend in a meandering way, trying to detect a mind they were very familiar with. He finally found it, but avoided physical contact with it.Although he had spent a lot of hard work on that soul, he didn't gain any affection for those sick and mean thoughts, and he didn't want to get close to them at all. Schwartz murmured, "He's on another floor, talking to someone." "With whom?" "I haven't touched that person's mind. Wait a minute—let me listen, maybe the secretary of the dean will—he has, and he calls the other colonel." Schechter and Paula glanced at each other quickly. "It can't be a mutiny, can it?" Paula whispered, "I mean, of course the imperial officers wouldn't collude with the earthlings who rebelled against the emperor, right?" "I don't know," Schechter said sadly. "I'm willing to believe anything these days." Lieutenant Colaudie gave a knowing smile.He sat behind a desk holding a pistol, and four soldiers stood behind him.He spoke with absolute authority, because that was the case. "I don't like Earthboys," he said, "I never liked them, they're the scum of the galaxy. They're diseased, superstitious, lazy; they're depraved and stupid. But, by the stars, most of them know the measure. "In a way, I can understand them. They're born that way, and there's nothing they can do about it. Of course, if I were the Emperor, I wouldn't put up with what the Emperor endures—I mean, their damned conventions And tradition. But that's all right, someday we'll learn..." Avadan finally broke out: "Listen to me now, I didn't come here to listen..." "You'll listen, because I haven't finished. I'm about to say, what I don't understand is the minds of some ground fans. A man—presumably a real man—can demean himself so much with I have no respect for him when they mingle and cling to their women. He's worse than them..." "Then, you and your poor, dirty excuses go to space!" said Alvadan fiercely. "Do you know that a plot to overthrow the empire is going on? Do you know how critical the situation is? How much time you delay Every minute will endanger the safety of the entire galaxy's population of 10 trillion..." "Oh, I don't know, Dr. Alvardan. It's a doctor, isn't it? I must never forget your title. You know, I have a theory myself: you're one of them. You were probably born in the Sirius sector , but you have a black heart like the people on Earth, and you use your identity as a citizen of the galaxy to help them achieve their goals. You kidnapped their official, the ancient man. After all, this is a good thing in itself, and I don't care to cut his throat for you. But now many Earthlings are looking for him, and they have sent a letter to the fort." "Really? They've already done it? Then why are we still talking nonsense here? I have to see the Colonel..." "Are you expecting a riot, or trouble of any kind? Perhaps you even planned it as a first step in a premeditated mutiny, huh?" "Are you crazy? Why would I do that?" "Okay, then, if we release that ancient man, you don't mind?" "You can't do that." Alvardan stood up suddenly, and for a moment, he seemed to want to jump over the table and throw himself at the opponent. But the pistol was in the hands of Lieutenant Colaudie: "Oh, can't we? Now listen to me, I have a little purpose of my own. I slapped you and made you kneel in front of those fellow earthlings I'll let you sit here again and listen to me teach you what a lowly worm you are. And now, I really want to have an excuse so that I can blow off one of your arms in retaliation for the harm you have done to me .You try to move again." Alvadan froze. Lieutenant Colaudie laughed and put the pistol aside: "What a pity, I have to leave you with the colonel, who will see you at five fifteen." "You knew—you always knew." Frustration ripped his throat to rough sandpaper. "of course." "If we waste this time, Lieutenant Colaudie, and thus delay the precious opportunity, then you and I will not have long to live." His tone was cold, making his voice sound very scary, "but you will be better than I'm going to die early because I'm going to spend my last few minutes smashing your skull to pieces and squeezing your brains out." "I'll be waiting for you, Earth fans, teach anytime!" The Commander of Fort Deborne has served the Empire for many years, becoming more sophisticated and sophisticated with each passing year.In the peaceful years of the past few generations, few officers had the opportunity to obtain "honors", and the colonel was no exception, he had no military exploits.But the long climb from a midshipman has taken him to every corner of the galaxy.So even serving as a garrison commander on a neurotic world like Earth was just another chore for him.He does not seek merit, but seeks to be innocent, so he always compromises—even when necessary, he is willing to make a solemn apology to an earth woman. When Alvadan entered, he seemed tired.His shirt collar was open, and the short military uniform with the glittering golden "Starship and Sun" logo was casually hung on the back of the chair.When he looked at Alvadan with serious eyes, he absently pressed the knuckles of his right hand and crackled. "A very messy affair, it all happened," he said, "very messy. I'm impressed with you, young man. You're Bel Avardan of Byron, and that was quite embarrassing. You are also leading the matter. Can't you make less trouble?" "It's not just me that's in trouble this time, Colonel, it's the whole galaxy in trouble." "Yes, I know," said the Colonel impatiently, "or at least I know you claim to be. I have been reported that your identification card is no longer with you." "The papers were taken, but the Everest authorities know me. The administrator himself can prove my identity, and I hope he will have an answer for you before sunset." "We will arrange it." The colonel crossed his arms and swayed his upper body back and forth against the back of the chair. "Please tell me what you think." "I have learned of a dangerous conspiracy. A small group of earthlings are preparing to overthrow the imperial government by force. If the relevant authorities are not notified immediately, they may not only destroy the government, but also cause great harm to the empire." "You are exaggerating, young man, to make such frivolous and far-fetched claims. The people of Earth are capable of disturbing riots, of laying siege to this fortress, and of causing considerable destruction, I am willing to admit. But it never occurred to me that they were capable of driving the Imperial Army off the planet, let alone destroying the Imperial Government. I'll hear the details of the - um - plot, though." "Unfortunately, because of the seriousness of the situation, I feel compelled to report the details to the Administrator himself. Therefore, if you don't mind, I request that he be contacted immediately." "Well... let's not act too hastily. Do you know that the person you brought in is the secretary of the Earth Patriarch, one of their ancients, a very important person in their eyes?" "It's clear!" "You say, however, that he was the chief instigator of the conspiracy you mentioned." "He is." "What about your evidence?" "I said I couldn't discuss this with anyone but the Administrator, and I'm sure you know what I mean." The colonel frowned, examining his nails: "Do you doubt my ability to handle this incident?" "Absolutely not, sir. It's just that this is a special case, and only the administrator has the power to take decisive action." "What do you mean by decisive action?" "It is necessary to bomb a certain building on the earth within thirty hours and completely destroy it. Otherwise, most of the empire—or even the lives of all residents will be taken away." "What building?" asked the colonel in a sleepy tone. Alvardan immediately asked back, "Can I contact the administrator, please?" The two stalemate for a while, and then the colonel said in a strong tone: "You can understand that if you forcibly kidnap a person on Earth, it is enough for you to be tried and punished by the Earth authorities. Usually, the government will protect the citizens of the empire in principle, so Will insist on a galactic tribunal. However, matters on Earth are very sensitive, and I have been strictly instructed not to take any chances where conflict can be avoided. Therefore, unless you answer my questions, I will be compelled to You and your companions are handed over to the local police." "But that would be a death sentence for us. You yourself! . . . Colonel, I am a citizen of the Reich, and I ask for an audience with the administration . . . " The buzzer on the desk suddenly interrupted the conversation, and the colonel turned around and pressed a switch: "What's the matter?" "Sir," came a clear voice, "the fort has been surrounded by a large group of natives who believe they have arms." "Was there any violence?" "No, sir." There was no expression on the colonel's face, which was at least the basic training of a professional soldier. "Artillery and aviation units on standby - all personnel in combat positions, remember not to fire except in self-defense. Understand?" "Understood, sir. An earthling holding a truce flag asks to see you." "Send him in, and at the same time send the headmaster's secretary here." Now, the colonel glared at the archaeologist with stern eyes: "I believe you also understand how terrible the disaster you have caused." "I demand to be present at this meeting," Alvardan exclaimed, almost incoherent with anger, "and besides, I ask you to explain why you kept me locked up here for hours while you yourself talked to a local Secret talk of traitors. I tell you, I know you met him before you met me, and I wasn't kept in the dark." "Are you making any accusations, sir?" demanded the colonel, his own voice rising. "If so, be frank." "I did not make any accusations. But I want to remind you that in the future you will be responsible for your actions today. And in the future, if you have a future, you will likely be identified as the destroyer of your own people because of your stubbornness." "Quiet! In any case, I don't need to be responsible to you. From now on, we will do as I want. Do you understand?"