第五回 北極朝廷終不改

Chapter 5: The Kingdom is unchanging as the North Star

太空船航速雖快，人在船中卻是一無所覺，四下看去，一切都是靜止的，宇宙彷彿是一幅圖畫。唯一可以感覺到的是太陽變小了，像一盞熾熱的燈泡，燈泡周圍數畝則煥發著圈圈淡淡的極光。這個罩形極光便是太陽風撞擊到磁帆時，輻射線離子化的現象。

Though the spaceship was moving at great speed, it was imperceptible to those on board. All around everything was still. The universe resembled a painting. The only noticeable difference was a sense that the sun had become smaller. It looked like a fiery light bulb. Surrounding this bulb, faint aureoles of polar light twinkled over an area of several square acres. This shield-shaped aureole was a phenomena created by ionized radiation when the solar wind collided with a magnetic sail.

太空船空間並不大，除了客艙以外，只有一個酒吧舞廳，以及敞露在太空下的甲板。甲板之被稱為甲板，仍是沿襲海輪的習慣，事實上是一個標準的露天茶座。這裡最大的特色，是空間的自由性，雅座是暗嵌在甲板下的，隨時可以升起；服務機器為管狀延伸式，可以自動將食物飲料等送到客人面前。如果有旅客要舉辦活動，這裡是最佳地點。最妙的還是走道，在電腦的流動空間安排下，只要有人走動，不論人數多寡，就會出現一條條專用人行道，而且不會妨礙其他活動的進行。

There was not much room on the spaceship. Aside from passenger cabins, there was only a dance hall with a bar, and an open deck with only outer space for cover. The use of the term “deck” was a carry over from days of ocean ships. Actually, it was a characteristic sidewalk café. The most unique feature here was availability of free space. The chairs were installed below the deck surface and could be brought forth as needed. The machines providing service were equipped with extended arms and could place food and drinks before the guests. If any passengers wished to hold a party, this would be the ideal spot. Best above all was the passageway. Thanks to the computer-controlled arrangement of accessible space, whenever people began to move about, no matter how many were present, paths for their own use would open up before them without interfering other activities already in progress.

由於衣紅等人也不喜歡躲在客艙做夢，甲板區便成了她們與文祥交誼的場所。唯一令文祥煩惱的，是那位卡門先生，他只要看到文祥單身一人，找機會就要湊過來。還有那位傳教士約翰，也是不受歡迎的人物，一旦被他纏上了，便是萬劫不復。

Because Yi Hong and her companions didn't like to hide in their cabins and dream, the deck became the place where they could socialize with Wen Xiang. Wen Xiang's only annoyance was Mr. Carmen. Every time when he spied Wen Xiang alone, Carmen would find an excuse to approach him. John the missionary was another unwelcome presence. Anyone he latched on to was doomed.

因此，當文祥與衣紅等人在甲板聊天時，大家會讓他背對著走道坐，以減少一些不必要的麻煩。雖然也有人上前搭訕，只因衣紅的那個堅持，人人知難而退。文祥這才知道，沒有電腦也有好處。

For this reason, when Wen Xiang was talking to Yi Hong and her friends on deck, they would let Wen Xiang sit with his back turned to the passageway to avoid any unnecessary trouble. Though there would be people coming over trying to chat with them, since Yi Hong had insisted that all computers be turned off, they would see they weren't welcome and move on. This was when Wen Xiang realized the advantage of not using the computer.

太空船啟航後的第三天，正當他們在甲板上閒聊時，只見左非右飛也似地滑到眾人面前，對文祥說：「文祥！主控室有人找你！」

As they were talking casually on deck during the 3^rd day of their flight, Zuo Feiyo glided right up to them on his skates and said to Wen Xiang: “Wen Xiang! You’re wanted in the Control Room!”

文祥詫道：「主控室找我，怎麼可能？」

Wen Xiang was surprised. “The Control Room? How could that be?

左非右聳聳肩，說：「我怎麼知道？電腦通知我來叫你的。」

Zuo Feiyo shrugged and said, “How do I know? The computer told me to notify you.”

文祥想起，因為每次到衣紅這裡，都會把文娃關掉。有事要找他，就必須透過第三者了。只是怎麼會是主控室呢？

Suddenly Wen Xiang remembered. This was because every time he was with Yi Hong, he would turn off Wen Wa. If he was needed, it would be necessary to go through a third party. But why the Control Room?

他馬上向眾人告退，打開了電腦。立時就聽到文娃說：「是千奇建議找你的，主控臺發生故障，程控師在處理時突然發狂，自殺未遂。特遣隊到了以後，千奇說你是編碼師，堅持要你過去幫他們調查。」

Right away, he excused himself and turned on his computer. Immediately he heard Wen Wa say, “Creepy suggested we send for you. There has been a malfunction at the control panel. When the programmer was working, he suddenly went berserk and tried to kill himself. When the SWAT team arrived, Creepy told them you were a data coding engineer and insisted that you come over there to help them investigate.”

文祥問：「這與編碼有什麼關係？」

Wen Xiang said, “What does this have to do with data coding?”

文娃說：「他和我們磋商過，這件事極為機密，不僅與你的專業有關，還可能涉及將來的發展，我們也希望你參加。」

Wen Wa said, “He’s discussed it with us and this is a top secret matter. It not only concerns your profession, it could possibly play a role in future development. We hope you’ll give a hand.”

主控室在船首中央，可以由甲板直接下去。文祥一邊走，一邊聽文娃說明經過。事件的發生似乎是個意外，大概在半個鐘頭前，太空船左弦的一片傳感器，突然被「一粒」隕石擊中。這幾乎是不可能的事，因為傳感器的表面積不到一平方公分，外圍還有個保護凹槽，在隕石密度小於億萬分之一的太空中，怎麼可能被擊中？

The Control Room was in the middle of the forward part of the ship and could be reached directly from the deck. As Wen Xiang made his way there, he listened to Wen Wa explain what had happened. The whole incident seemed to be an accident. About half an hour ago, a piece of sensor on the port side was suddenly struck by a "solitary” meteorite. Something like this was almost impossible. The surface of a sensor was less than one cubic centimeter and was recessed for protection. With the density of a meteorite taking up a mere 1/100 millionth of space, how could it possibly have been hit?

事後經電腦推算，在沒有預警的情況下，太空隕石擊中傳感器的機率，是旅行一百萬次，才可能發生一次。由於最初沒有考慮到這種可能性，當傳感器被擊中時，便將之視為一種超強的感應訊號，根據數據分析，遂誤解為一種「太空磁暴」。

Afterward, the computer calculated that in a case of no prior warning, the chances of the sensor of being hit by a meteorite in the space was 1 out of 1 million trips. Initially, this possibility had been ruled out. So when the sensor was actually hit, it was regarded as an outstandingly powerful sensory signal. Based on data analysis, it was mistakenly thought to be some kind of “solar magnetic storm”.

太空磁暴是一種非常嚴重的災害，通常是鄰近有新星誕生，或是白矮星塌陷時，由中心輻射出大量的阿爾發射線，其輻射量往往大於每秒數十萬「雷姆」，超過人體安全劑量約千萬倍。在這種情況下，連太空船都將熔為灰燼，更不用說血肉之軀了。

A solar magnetic storm is a natural disaster of serious proportions. Generally when a new star is created nearby, or a white dwarf collapses, a large quantity of alpha will radiate forth from its core. This radiation energy always the equivalent of thousands “rem” per second, which is about 10 millions times beyond what the human body can tolerate. In these circumstances, even a spaceship would be melted, not to mention flesh and blood.

事不宜遲，電腦立刻下達緊急命令，要在這次經驗中，瞭解事變的原因。遂調集全部電力，把所有可能接收到的有效訊息，傳回地球基地。

This permitted no delay. The computer immediately issued an urgent order demanding to know the reason behind this event. All power was mobilized to receive every possible signal that might possibly contain useful information and transmit it back to the base on Earth.

此時電腦的執行速度是每秒三萬億個週期，已經是短微波的上限，其執行步驟也高達每秒三億個。而程式的執行，除了複雜的常識組合外，最多不會超過一千個步驟。也就是說，在不到萬分之一秒的時間，電腦已經前前後後考慮了近十次。

At this time, the processing speed of the computer was 3,000 billion cycles per second; the top limit for a short microwave. The processing steps could also operate at up to 300 million units per second. Generally speaking, aside from the complicated combinations of "common sense", the processing of a program should not need to exceed 1,000 sequences. In other words, in less than 1/10000 of a second, the computer could thoroughly consider every possibility nearly 10 times.

然而，那個訊號非常蹊蹺，在第一次突然傳入後，就再沒有後繼的訊息。這與電腦所知的不相符合，太空磁暴是一種持續而猛烈的能量變化，而且整艘太空船必然都籠罩在它的威力下，怎麼會就此消聲匿跡了？

However, this signal was very peculiar. After its sudden initial transmission, nothing followed. This did not match the computer information. Solar magnetic storms are an ongoing and violent energy change. For certain the entire spaceship had been immersed by its mighty power. How could it have vanished without a trace?

顯然，這是一次故障，電腦仔細地一再檢查，證明了確實不是磁暴。那又是什麼呢？線路故障？不是，訊號錯誤？不是，一時之間電腦也糊塗了，流程無法執行，臨時產生了「當機」現象。這位程控師生平沒有見過電腦當機，以為自己身在夢中，又不能十分確定，以致神思恍惚、手舞腳蹈，一下子重心不穩，一頭撞向電腦。

Apparently there had been a malfunction. The computer checked again and again and verified that it had not been a magnetic storm. But what was it? Circuit malfunction? No. Signal failure? No. For a moment, the computer was also confused. Procedures could no longer be executed; the computer was temporarily down. In his whole life, the programmer had never seen a computer crash and he wondered if he might be dreaming. However, he was not sure about this, either, and that was why he fell into a trance and began dancing about. He quickly lost his balance and his head crashed into the computer.

船長見狀，大驚失色，一邊啟動維生系統，給程式師療傷；一邊急召特遣隊，研究對策。還好這只是幾秒鐘的事，太空船上的電腦又是分工的，很快就有救援系統，電腦又恢復正常了。可是在人的方面，大家討論了一陣子，還是眾說紛紜，莫衷一是。有人認為是隕石，有人認為是電腦誤動，只有千奇認定是一個特殊訊號，便建議找文祥來看看。

The captain was stunned when he saw what had happened. While he activated the life support system to look after the programmer; he put in an urgent call for the SWAT team to discuss how to handle this. Fortunately, this only lasted a few seconds and with the spaceship computer simultaneously performing several tasks, the backup system was quickly activated. The computer was again back to normal. However, after a short discussion, there was a multitude of opinions from those present and no consensus was reached. Some thought it was a meteorite; others thought it was a computer error. Only Creepy thought it was a unique signal and it was he who suggested asking Wen Xiang to come and have a look.

文祥走到主控室前，滑門自動開啟，這是一個約有百坪的大艙，正前方是一望無際的太空，左壁上有十來個分割螢幕，將太空中特定的目標，分別放大為倍數不等的影像，顯示在螢幕上。各影像的右下方，還標示著各種數字，使整個面板上的訊息，一目瞭然。

As soon as Wen Xiang arrived at the Control Room, the sliding door automatically opened. It was a large cabin of about 100 ping. The limitless space unrolled directly ahead of them. On the left wall, more than 10 separate screens displayed images of specific targets in space, enlarged to different sizes. In the lower right of each image many numbers were displayed, making it possible to take in all information on the screen at a glance.

在中央的觀察區，有一排五個座位，座位前面則是電腦操控設備，有各種儀表及屏幕，嚴密監控著每一客艙。在操控臺之後，則是電腦室，幾個人圍在門口，地下躺著一個滿身是血的年輕人，正在接受治療。

In the center of the monitoring area, there was a row of 5 seats. Installed right in front of the seats was the computer control apparatus. This contained various control panels and screens enabling every cabin to be closely monitored. Several people were crowded at the door of the computer room, situated behind the control station. Lying on the ground, a young man covered with blood was being treated.

千奇見文祥進來了，便向大家一一介紹。黑金剛仍然手持權杖，先與文祥握手道：「難得千奇開口推薦，我倒要瞧瞧是何方神聖！」

Creepy saw Wen Xiang come in and introduced him to everybody. Black King Kong was still holding his scepter. He was the first to shake Wen Xiang’s hand and said, “It’s so rare for Creepy to recommend any one. I’d like to know who you are!”

文祥連忙說：「是他過獎了，我能力有限，還請多多指教。」

Wen Xiang said hurriedly: “He's exaggerating. I’m just a guy with limited ability. Nice to meet all of you.”

格瑞達早已溜到文祥身後，從頭到腳，又由後至前，仔仔細細地看了個透。她挨著文祥的右肩，一邊死命的聞，一邊興奮地喊：「我願意用十個夜晚打賭，這個人至少一個月之中沒有碰過女人！」

Greda had already slipped back behind Wen Xiang and was thoroughly eyeing him from head to toe, front and back. She stood right next to Wen Xiang’s right shoulder, and sniffed very hard. As she was sniffing, she cried excitedly: “I’d be willing to bet 10 of my nights that this guy hasn’t touched a woman for at least a month.”

文祥正要解釋，卻感到頸邊發癢，鼻內已鑽進一股難以抗拒的香氣。他心慌意亂，來不及察看，手便下意識地往頸子後面一揮，沒想到這一來，一縷金黃雲絲卻將手指纏住。耳聞一聲嬌呼：「哎喲！現在太早了吧！」

As Wen Xiang was trying to explain, he felt a prickling sensation on the back of his neck and an irresistible fragrance found its way into his nose. Startled, he unconsciously brushed the back of his neck without looking. Unexpectedly a strand of golden hair became entwined in his fingers. He heard a soft cry. “My goodness! It’s a bit early for that!”

黑金剛正色道：「格瑞達！正事辦完了再鬧。」

Black King Kong said sternly, “Greda! Knock it off. Wait till our business is finished.”

格瑞達扭動嬌軀，用力向文祥擦擠了一下，說：「待會見！」

Greda twisted her lovely body and rubbed briefly against Wen Xiang and said, “Later.”

古嚕嚕倒很爽快，過來握握手，沒說話就走開了。

For his part, Gululu was very straightforward. He came over, shook Wen Xiang’s hand, and left without saying a word.

莎莉個子不高，古銅色的皮膚，一臉機靈狀，握著文祥的手，用力捏了兩下：

「我是莎莉，咱們慢慢聊。」

Sally was not very tall. Her skin was tanned and she looked very alert. She took Wen Xiang’s hand and squeezed twice, hard. “I’m Sally. Talk to you later.”

魏德曼身材壯碩，足足高出文祥一個頭，他握握手，說聲：「幸會。」便面無表情地走到一旁。

Whitman was a muscular man and a head taller than Wen Xiang. He shook Wen Xiang’s hand and said, “Nice to meet you.” And stood to one side, without any expression on his face.

最後是船長勞倫斯，他非常激動，緊緊握住文祥雙手，熱情地說：「太榮幸了！太榮幸了！我船上有這麼多重要的賓客，實在是榮幸之至！」

The last was Captain Lawrence. He was very excited and he grasped both of Wen Xiang’s hands, saying fervently: “It’s a great honor! Great honor! I have so many important guests on my ship. I’m truly honored!”

文祥被這個場面弄糊塗了，自己怎麼成了重要的人物？他只得禮貌地回答：「我叫文祥，請不要客氣。」

Wen Xiang was confused by all of this. How had he become so important? He could only politely reply, “My name is Wen Xiang. Please, let's drop the formalities.”

千奇說：「文祥先生目前的身份不便透露，還有，這件事解決之後，務請大家保密，否則對未來的任務會有妨害。」

Creepy said, “For the moment, it's not convenient to reveal Mr. Wen Xiang’s identity. Even after the problem is solved, all of you must keep this a secret. Otherwise future missions could be endangered.”

黑金剛也接口說：「我向當局請示過，今天的事件已列入特密專案。所有參加的人員已經到齊，一直要到問題查清了，我們才能歇手。」

When Creepy was finished, Black King Kong spoke up, saying, “I’ve checked with the Bureau. Today’s incident has been classified as top secret. Now that all the participants are here, we can't relax until this problem is taken care of."

格瑞達嬌聲說：「要是查不出來呢？」

Greda asked sweetly, “And what if we can’t?”

黑金剛說：「也要查出來！」

Black King Kong said, “It has to be done, no matter what!”

千奇說：「據我的判斷，問題出在那個超強的訊號上。」他環顧眾人，繼續說：「我認為這是個訊號，基於兩點理由，一是它沒有能量，二是它留下一個波形記錄。」

Creepy said, “In my judgement, I think the problem is caused by that super signal.” He looked around at everyone and continued, “There are two reasons that make me think it’s a signal. One, it has no energy. Two, it left a wave form record.”

百怪說：「別忘了，訊號不可能做定點傳送，怎麼只有一個傳感器接收到？」

Weirdo said, “Don’t forget that signals can’t be transmitted to a specific receiver. How come it was only a single sensor picked it up?”

千奇說：「我向當局查問過，太空船上的傳感器一共有四千多個，每一個都有不同的共振頻率，只有一個與這個訊號的頻率完全符合。只是傳感器接收到的是類比式訊息，但是電腦在接收後，做了處理，把它轉換成數位式。」

Creepy said, “I’ve checked with the Bureau. There are more than 4,000 sensors on the spaceship and each has a different resonance frequency. But there’s only one sensor that matches the signal frequency. It's just that the received signal was an analog. After the computer received the data, it then processed it into digital data.”

格瑞達不耐煩地說：「我們是危機處理專家，誰懂你那套電腦理論？」

Greda spoke impatiently. “We’re specialists at handling emergencies. Who understands all that stuff about computer theory?”

千奇說：「這就是要借重文祥先生之處了，他是這裡唯一能處理類比式訊號的專家，他可以幫我們解決這個疑團。」

Creepy said, “This is why we sent for Mr. Wen Xiang. He is the only expert here who knows how to handle analog signals. He’ll be able to help solve this puzzle.”

格瑞達馬上湊近文祥，一手挽進了文祥的胳肢窩：「唷！好恩人，趕快來救救我吧！我的疑團太多了！」

Greda immediately went over to Wen Xiang and slipped her arm into his. “Oh, my savior! Please help me! There are so many things that puzzle me!”

眾人見慣了，對格瑞達的動作視若無睹，只苦了文祥。那一團軟玉溫香，既令他心癢難搔，又讓他厭煩噁心，推也推不掉，真不知如何是好。

The others were used to Greda’s behavior and didn't pay any attention to her. Only Wen Xiang was troubled. The touch of her warm, scented flesh filled him with a strange desire while at the same time it annoyed and disgusted him. There was no getting rid of her. He didn't know what to do.

百怪搖頭說：「老怪沒有說清楚，數位式有什麼不對？」

Weirdo shook his head. “Old Creepy didn’t make it clear. What’s wrong with having it digitized?”

千奇說：「類比式可稱為無限訊號，在任何頻率範圍內，都有無盡的變化。數位式則僅取開及關兩種訊號，將它固定在某些頻率內。」

Creepy said, “An analog signal is an infinite signal. It can have unlimited permutations within any frequency domain. On the other hand, a digital signal only contains “on” and “off” modes and is fixed within certain frequencies.”

莎莉插口道：「我懂了，千奇的意思是說，電腦把那個原始信息簡化了，所以不知道是什麼。」

Sally interrupted, “I get it. You're saying that because the computer simplified the original data, we can’t tell what it is.”

黑金剛說：「可是，就算是個電波吧，怎麼知道那確實是一個信號呢？」

Black King Kong said, “But even if it was an electrical wave, how can we know for sure it's a signal?”

千奇清了清嗓子，神情凝重地說：「當然，這只是我的假設。老大，你應該還記得，去年我們在太平洋海溝的遭遇吧？不是和今天很相似嗎？唯一不同的是，當時我們沒有人能分析類比式訊號，無法解開那個謎團。」

Creepy cleared his voice and spoke gravely. “Of course. This is only my hypothesis. You remember what happened to us at the Pacific Ocean trench, Boss? Wasn’t that a lot like today’s situation? The only difference is that we didn’t have anybody to analyze analog signals so we never solved that puzzle.”

黑金剛聽千奇提起痛事，臉色由黑轉白，呆楞了半晌。連格瑞達也收歛起輕狂，緊緊依著文祥，一動也不動。

When Black King Kong heard Creepy bring up this painful memory, his dark complexion paled and he was silent for some time. Even Greda restrained her usual rashness and held on closely to Wen Xiang, without moving.

船長一見黑金剛的神色，再看看那幾個方才還趾高氣揚、大言不慚的小組成員，個個面有懼色。想必在那海溝之中，曾發生過慘烈無比的事件。

The Captain saw the expression on Black King Kong's face and then looked at the other Force members, just a moment ago so full of themselves and boasting. Now each face was filled with fear. Something tragic and horrible must have happened at that ocean trench.

一時艙內鴉雀無聲，文祥一是不知究裡，兼以格瑞達的體熱直透靈魂深處，心情不免騷動起來了。他的確是很久沒有接近女性了，平日專心工作，倒還能心平性寧。這兩天與衣紅相處，心中已不時泛起陣陣漣漪，他還不願承認是荷爾蒙作祟。現在美人在懷，就算最初很討厭她妖冶的態度，可是這一剎，見她像一隻受傷的小鳥，依偎戰慄，文祥心中也隨著起伏，早就忘卻身在何地了。

For a moment, the cabin was very quiet. Wen Xiang had no idea what they were talking about. It seemed the warmth of Greda’s body heat penetrated to the depths of his soul and he was becoming aroused. Indeed, it had been a long time since he'd been near a woman. In normal times, he could concentrate on his work and therein find peace of mind. After being with Yi Hong these last couple of days, his heart had often been stirred but he refused to admit it was the doing of hormones. Now he had a beautiful woman in his arms. Though he had initially been annoyed by Greda’s seductive manner, in this instant, Wen Xiang saw her as an injured bird, totally shattered and leaning on him for protection. Wen Xiang’s feelings were aroused; he forgot where he was.

船長忍不住打破了岑寂：「各位，那次發生了什麼事？」

Unable to contain himself, the Captain broke the silence. “Gentlemen, what happened that time?”

黑金剛倒吸了一口氣，他看了看眾人，眼裡噙著淚水，緩緩地說：「那是去年的事，我們這個小組本來有十二位成員，那次我們帶了一百多個深水機器人，到太平洋的東加海溝，準備將熱電樁打入深海溝隙的岩漿中，目的是將熱能轉化為電能，以便降低地殼的溫度，阻止板塊的移動。

Black King Kong took a deep breath. He looked around with tears in his eyes and said slowly: “That was last year. There were 12 members on our team. We brought over 100 deep-sea diving robots to the Tonga Trench in the Pacific Ocean. We intended to drive thermoelectric stakes into the lava in the cracks of the Trench. Our purpose was to transform the heat into electricity so the temperature of the earth's crust would be reduced, thereby preventing the plates from shifting.

「我們乘坐的是地熱深水潛艇，多年來，這個工作進行得一直很順利。」黑金剛停頓了一下，凝重地望了格瑞達一眼，然後說：「當然，我說順利，是指當時工作的進行而言。根據電腦的計算，每一根熱電樁的距離、深度，都不能有絲毫的誤差……」

“We were using the geothermal deep-sea submarine. For years, this work had proceeded without a hitch.” Black King Kong stopped, and looked gravely at Greda before continuing. “Of course, by ‘without a hitch’ I meant the progress of the work. According to computer calculations, the distance between each thermoelectric stake, as well as its depth, had to be precise."

格瑞達先是渾身顫抖，又低泣起來，這時已忍不住了。她伏在文祥肩頭，一邊放聲大哭，一邊叫道：「不要說了！是我不對！黑老大，你就饒了我吧！」

Greda’s body first began to tremble and then she lowered her head and wept, now unable to control herself. She leaned on Wen Xiang’s shoulder sobbing and crying, “Stop it! It was all my fault, Boss. Please forgive me!”

黑金剛冷靜地說：「格瑞達，妳搞錯了，那件事與妳無關，是我的錯！」

Black King Kong calmly replied, “Greda, you’re wrong. It had nothing to do with you. I'm the one who made a mistake.”

格瑞達說：「不要安慰我，他明明死在我身邊！」

Greda said, “Don’t try to make me feel better. He died right next to me!”

黑金剛長歎一口氣，淚珠汩汩而下：「今天這件事一定要說個清楚，我也忍得太久了。當時真正瞭解內情的，只有千奇和我兩個人。」黑金剛扳過格瑞達的面龐，誠懇地說：「不錯，格瑞達，那時妳正和弗朗克做愛，但是熱電樁是機器人裝設的，所以根本上那些錯誤都與妳無關。我之所以沒有告訴妳，是因為妳實在太隨便了，這個教訓多少還能約束妳一點。這些年來，妳除了這上頭的毛病，別的表現都很令人激賞，事情已經過去了，妳就忘了吧！」

Black King Kong sighed and the tears rolled down his cheeks. “We’d better get this matter cleared up today. I’ve kept it inside of me for too long. Only Creepy and I know what really happened.” Black King Kong tilted Greada’s face upwards and said earnestly, “That's right, Greda, you were making love with Frank at that moment. But the thermoelectric stakes were installed by the robots so basically those mistakes had nothing to do with you. I didn’t tell you this was because you have such a casual attitude towards sex. Maybe this will be a lesson to you and in the future you'll practice a little restraint. After all these years, except for this one weakness, you’ve impressed me with your work performance. Let bygones be bygones. Forget about it!”

格瑞達聽了，更是傷心，哭得從文祥身上滑到地上，更在地上翻轉不停。

When Greda heard this she was even more heartbroken. She continued to cry and her body slid from Wen Xiang’s grasp to the floor, where she began to roll back and forth.

平日幾個生死置之度外的好漢，這時也都忍不住淌下了英雄淚。

All these brave men, normally so indifferent to death, began to shed tears.

停了一會，黑金剛繼續說：「那時，也是潛艇外突然傳來一個強烈的訊號，由於艇中有最先進的設備，電腦又做了最徹底的檢查，認為只是電路故障。不料，在那以後的幾個小時，所有的機器人都失控了，熱電樁放置錯誤，然後海溝發生爆炸。其他的事，大家都是親身經歷的，就不必多談了。」

Pausing for a moment, Black King Kong continued: “At the time, a strong signal came from outside the submarine. The submarine had the most advanced equipment and after making a thorough inspection the computer determined that it was only circuit malfunction. We never expected that within a few hours, we would lose control of all the robots. They misplaced the thermoelectric stakes and there were explosions in the Trench. As for the rest, well, you experienced it personally. There's no need to say more.”

千奇接口道：「我之所以提起這件事，是發現當時的狀況和目前有幾點雷同， 一是這個超強的訊號，一是這位程控師，他的行為模式和那些失控機器人很相近。此外，還有一點，不知道你們想不想得起來？」千奇停頓了一下，看了眾人一眼，接著說：「我記得那一天是七月七日！」

Creepy spoke next. “I brought this up because the two cases have a few points in common. One is the super-strong signal, the other is the programmer. His behavior was very similar to those out of control robots. And one more thing. I don't know if you guys thought about it?” Creepy stopped for a minute and looked at the crowd, before continuing. “I remember it was July seventh!”

船長眼睛睜得老大，脫口而出：「就是今天！」

The Captain’s eyes widened as he blurted out, “That's today's date!”

千奇點點頭，說：「至於這三點巧合有什麼意義，我就不得而知了。以前我是個電訊工程師，我知道有一種技術，可以將無限的信息壓縮在一個類比的音包中。自從數位革命後，類比訊號就落伍了，直到今天，我才想起。如果這真是個類比訊號，又有這麼強大的脈衝，很可能其中有什麼重要的訊息。」

Creepy nodded and said, “I don’t know if these 3 coincidences mean anything. I used to be a telecommunication engineer. I know there is a technology that can compact unlimited data into an analog voice pack. Ever since the digital revolution, analog signals are out of date. It didn’t occur to me until today. If it’s really an analog signal with an impulse of such magnitude, it might contain information of importance."

文祥總算瞭解了來龍去脈，可是自己對信息絲毫不懂，又能怎樣呢？不得已，他只好坦白地說：「可是我不懂什麼類比訊號呀！」

Wen Xiang finally understood the whole story. But he wasn't at all familiar with the data. Besides, what could he do? He could only frankly say, “But I don’t know a thing about analog signals!”

千奇道：「你不是編碼專家嗎？」

Creepy said, “Aren’t you a data coding expert?”

文祥點點頭。

Wen Xiang nodded.

「你編碼靠什麼訊息？」

“What information do you use for data coding?”

「特性觀察。」

“Observing special features.”

「也就是指自然狀況下的特徵，是吧？」

“That means special features under natural conditions, doesn’t it?”

「是的。」

“Yes.”

「那就是類比訊號！」

“That's just what an analog signal is!”

「可是那些是實物，你現在說的是波訊呀！」

“But those are real objects. You’re talking about a wave signal!”

「你既然能編碼，反過來做就是解碼了！」

“Since you know how to code data, couldn't you decode data by reversing the process.”

文祥這才明白：「你是說，要我解這個波訊的秘碼？」

At this point Wen Xiang understood. “You mean, you want me to decode this wave signal?”

「沒錯！」

“That’s right!”

文祥面有難色，說：「我從來沒有做過。」

Wen Xiang looked uncertain, as he said, “I’ve never done that before.”

「一回生，二回熟，你就勉為其難吧！」

“The first time is always the hardest. It becomes easier the second time. Why don’t you give it a shot!”

這時文娃在文祥耳邊說：「我們已經把訊號還原了，果然是類比式的。我們會以各種頻率展開測試，你只要找出編碼特徵就可以了。」

At this time, Wen Wa spoke in Wen Xiang’s ear: “We’ve restored the signal back to its original form. It IS an analog. We’ll test it with all frequencies. You’ll only have to determine its special coding features.”

文祥便說：「我是根據視訊做分類的，要看得到才行。」

Wen Xiang said, “I classify data by visual contact. I’ll have to see it.”

黑金剛說：「沒問題，我們可以到電腦室去看。」

Black King Kong said, “No problem. We can see it in the computer room.”

這時，那位程控師的情況已經穩定，只是神智仍舊不清。船長先派人把他送回客艙休養，然後將眾人引進電腦室，在千奇分配下，大家開始作業。

At this moment, the condition of the programmer had been stabilized but he was still not fully conscious. The captain first had someone take him back to his cabin so he could recuperate. Then he led everyone into the computer room. Under Creepy's direction, every one went to work.

電腦室的正中央是一個大型螢光幕，千奇先從電腦記憶體中，調出原始記錄，將它投射在螢幕上。從外觀上看，那只是在三分之一秒內產生的一個振幅極大的正弦波，電腦不斷將頻寬放大，漸漸地，波沿開始有了些微的變化。等放大到三萬億周時，已經是電腦時鐘脈衝的頻寬了，這時波形已經有了重複的特徵。

There was a large screen in the middle of the computer room. Creepy first called up the original record from the main memory and had it projected on the screen. Judging from its appearance, it was a sine wave, generated in 1/3 of a second in huge amplitude. The computer continued to enlarge the bandwidth. Slowly, the edge of the wave started to reveal some small changes. When it was enlarged to 3,000 billion cycles, it reached the bandwidth of the clock cycles. At this time, the waveform began to display repetition.

文祥根據波形的重複關係，找出其中的規律，再根據規律，歸納出組碼的方法。他一再地分析波峰到波谷的資料，從頭到尾，找了又找，比了再比。由於資料量太大，儘管有電腦協助，他估計起碼要五六個小時，才能比對完畢。

Based on the repetitions of the waveform, Wen Xiang tried to find a recurring pattern. With that pattern, he would be able to select a coding method. He repeatedly analyzed the information from the peak of the wave to the bottom. From start to finish, he checked and examined the information again and again. Because of the vast quantity of information, even with the assistance of the computer, Wen Xiang estimated that at the very least it would take him 5 to 6 hours to finish cross-checking the data.

黑金剛問：「如果要找到答案，要多久時間？」

Black King Kong asked: “How long will it take to find the answer?”

文祥想了想，說：「如果知道什麼是答案，或許我可以估算。問題在目前的周期是三萬億，大約有一萬億筆資料，如果再放大，資料量會更大。就以一萬億筆資料來說，每比對一個項目，從頭到尾，大約需要十分鐘……」

Wen Xiang considered the question for a moment and said, “If I knew the answer, maybe I could estimate the time. The problem is that the present 3,000 billion cycles consists of 1,000 billion bits of data. If we enlarge it more, the quantity of the data will be even greater. For example, using 1,000 billion bits of data and cross-checking each bit of data from start to finish, would probably take about 10 minutes…”

黑金剛打岔道：「我只問，根據你的經驗，大概要多久？」

Black King Kong interrupted, “Based on your experience, I just want to know approximately how long it will take?”

文祥硬著頭皮說：「據我看，如果順利，大概要兩天。」

Wen Xiang unflinchingly said, “In my opinion, if everything goes well, it’ll take two days.”

船長一聽，心急如焚：「兩天？那怎麼辦？」

When he heard this, the Captain became very agitated. “Two days? What are we going to do?”

千奇說：「現在一切都正常了，我想暫時不會有事。」

Creepy said, “Now everything is back to normal. I think we’ll be fine for a while.”

船長眼淚都要掉下來了：「你們剛剛還說，一年前連探險船都炸了！我們船上有三百多條生命，如果……豈不……」

The Captain was on the verge of tears. “Just now you said your expedition ship exploded one year ago. There are over 300 lives on this ship. What if…wouldn’t that mean…”

千奇哈哈笑道：「抱歉，我們沒有說明白，那次是熱電樁放錯了，地熱不平衡，結果海溝崩裂，才發生爆炸。原因在於這個信號破壞了電腦的指令，所以機器人亂了方寸。就像剛才那位程式師，在操作時接收到電腦錯亂的指令，以致神智不清。至於太空船，那是一點危險都沒有的，這點我可以保證。」

Creepy laughed. “I’m sorry. We didn’t make it clear. That time the subterranean heat was thrown out of balance because the thermoelectric stakes were misplaced. As a result, the Trench collapsed and caused the explosions. The reason was the signal had interfered with the computer’s command, thereby confusing the robots. It was like the programmer just now. While operating the computer, he received an erroneous command and as a result became confused. As for the spaceship, there’s no danger at all. I can assure you.”

百怪半天沒有作聲，這時卻插上一句：「好說，你憑什麼保證？」

Weirdo had not said anything for quite a while, but now he interrupted: “Oh, really? How can you be sure?”

黑金剛知道百怪專唱反調，立即正色道：「百怪，這不是開玩笑的時候！」

Black King Kong knew Weirdo always made comments to the contrary. Looking stern, he said, “Weirdo, this is no time for joking!”

百怪說：「誰在開玩笑！不管這個信號是什麼，我們研究了半天，有沒有人想過，如果這個傳感器真是因共振才接收到訊號，萬一波相雷同，能量會無限放大。那麼，傳感器有沒有被損害？如果有，誰敢說沒有危險？」

Weirdo said, “Who's joking! Whatever this signal is, we’ve been studying it for quite a while. Did it occur to anyone that the reason this sensor received the signal was because of resonance frequency? If the waves were the same, the energy would be limitlessly amplified. So, has the sensor been damaged? If so, who can say for certain that there’s no danger?”

船長忙說：「這個不必擔心，剛才電腦已經檢查過，說是沒有問題。」

The Captain hurriedly said, “We don’t have to worry about that. The computer checked it just now and it was o.k.”

百怪說：「你這防護罩是採用掃瞄檢查的吧？」

Weirdo said, “Is your protection shield checked by scanning?”

船長說：「當然，不然哪能那樣快？」

The captain answered, “Of course. Otherwise it wouldn’t be so fast.”

船長話剛說完，就聽船上的主機開口說：「百怪說對了，電離罩已嚴重受損。最初我檢查時，因為程式有『蠱錯』，一時未能查明，請原諒。現在的情況是，必須派機器人到艙外修補，本船人員素質不足，尚請特遣隊支援。」

As soon as the captain finished, the ship's main frame spoke up. “Weirdo was right. The ion shield was severely damaged. Forgive me. When I performed the initial check, I didn’t realize there was a “bug" in the program. The present status calls for sending robots out to repair the damage. Our ship personnel are not qualified. We’ll have to ask the SWAT team for assistance.”

黑金剛一聽，知道事態嚴重，忙說：「放心，這事交給我們！」說著，回頭向格瑞達與古嚕嚕說：「你們兩個人就位，一人操縱一台機器人就夠了。」

When Black King Kong heard this he knew the situation was serious, and quickly said, “Don’t worry about it. We’ll take over!” As he was speaking, he turned around and told Greda and Gululu: “You two go to your stations. If each of you operate a single robot that ought to be enough.”

兩人領命，即時走到控制台上，面前出現了一個立體螢幕。不一會，太空艙的模型影像也浮在螢幕上。就在此時，兩個蜘蛛式的機器人，也已漫步在太空船外殼上。

The two proceeded to the control panel, as ordered. A 3-D screen appeared before them. Within moments a spaceship image appeared on the screen. At that moment, two spider-like robots were walking slowly outside of the spaceship.

黑金剛又對莎莉說：「你操縱鏡頭，要穩一點。」莎莉早已就位，把搖捍一拉，太空船的影像放大，船身不斷轉動，片刻之後，眼前蜚晶漾銀。再向前移，船體竟有一個精光耀目的小洞，正如爆炸了的彈藥，高速噴發著五彩光芒。

Black King Kong said to Sally, “You control the cameras. Keep steady.” Sally had already taken her position. She pulled the control handle, enlarging the spaceship's image. The body of the ship continued to turn. In a minute, glowing sparks and sliver light appeared. As the camera moved forward, unexpectedly, a bright and eye-catching small hole on the ship's body came into view. It looked just like an exploding bomb, spouting variegated lights at high speed.

電腦主機說：「我檢查過，大約損失了五萬千瓦的能量，及時修補應該不會有問題。情況比較嚴重的是，傳感器後方正對著舞廳，目前廳內有近百位賓客，必須即時疏散。我已經廣播，說在各人客艙中播映特別節目，希望大家即時散去，但效果不彰。」

The computer main frame spoke. “I’ve checked. We’ve lost about 50,000 kilowatts of energy. It shouldn’t be a problem if we can get it fixed in time. A more serious problem lies behind the sensor, somewhere in the dance hall. There are about 100 passengers in the hall right now. They must be evacuated immediately. I’ve already announced that special programs are being broadcast in each individual cabin and requested everyone to leave right away. But it didn’t work.”

船長一聽，兩腳一軟，竟然癱在地上。 黑金剛連忙將他扶起，說：「這不是摔跤的時候，來，我陪你去處理。」同時又向千奇說：「這邊交給你了。」

Hearing this, the Captain went weak in the knees and he collapsed on the floor. Black King Kong pulled him up and said, “This is no time to collapse. Come on, we’ll go take care of this together.” At the same time, he turned to Creepy and said: “You take over here.”

黑金剛不管船長願不願意，粗壯的胳膊往船長身上一架，船長一腳懸空，跌跌撞撞地跟著黑金剛走出來。黑金剛一面走，一面說：「振作點，沒有什麼好怕的。」

Black King Kong did not care whether or not the Captain was willing. His muscular arms hoisted the captain up so that his feet were dangling in the air. Staggering, he exited with Black King Kong. Black King Kong spoke to him as they walked, saying, “Pull yourself together. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

船長早已全身顫抖，連話都說不清楚了：「我有個……美滿的家庭，我……我……不能死！」

The Captain was trembling so badly he couldn't speak clearly. “I have a…wonderful family. I…I mustn't die!”

黑金剛不耐煩地說：「你不會死的！只要你好好走，否則我把你丟了不管！」

Black King Kong impatiently told him, “You’re not going to die! Walk, or I’ll dump you right here.”

船長努力掙扎著說：「我好好走，請你不要丟……下我！」

Struggling to do his best, the Captain said, “I’ll walk. Please don’t…leave me!”

兩個人大步走過迴廊，船長一路哀吟：「我怎麼能死呢？我太太是選美冠軍……我兒子是……我……我不能死，請你救救我！」

The two of them walked down the corridor with large strides. The Captain whined all the way, “How can I die? My wife was a beauty queen…my son is… I…I can’t die. Please save me!”

黑金剛氣得用力捉住船長的雙手，搖晃著說：「混蛋！你怎麼配做太空船長？」

Black King Kong was furious and fiercely seized the Captain’s hands, and shaking him exclaimed, “Idiot! You don’t deserve to be a spaceship captain!”

船長吞吞吐吐地說：「我根本不想來……是我爸爸……他……他說這裡很安全……他要競選議長……」

The Captain was stumbling over his words: “I didn’t want to come in the first place…it’s my father… he…he said it’d be safe… he wanted to campaign for the House Speaker…”

黑金剛咬著牙，罵道：「窩囊廢！你聽著，待會由我來開口。你必須給我站直，否則客人一慌，不僅是你，大家都是死路一條！」

Black King Kong gritted his teeth and barked. “Listen to me, you coward! When we get there I’ll do the talking. You must stand up straight. Otherwise, if the passengers panic, not just you, everyone of us will die!”

船長聽了，只是拼命點頭。當下黑金剛挾持著船長，轉個彎，走到舞廳門口。正好有個立式機器人舉著酒盤走過，黑金剛一把拉了過來，把酒盤丟到地上，將機器人的手臂塞到船長脅下，這才讓他站得又穩又直。

When he heard this, the Captain nodded enthusiastically. At that instant, Black King Kong was holding up the Captain as they turned a corner and approached the dance hall door. It just so happened that an upright robot was passing by with a tray of liquor. Black King Kong pulled him over, tossed the tray to the floor, and rammed the robot's arms under the Captain's armpits. Only then did the Captain stand up, firm and straight.

大廳中一片昏黑，水燈閃爍，樂聲震耳。幾百年來，不論什麼事物，都起了巨大的變化，只有這種最古老的娛樂，始終一以貫之。

The dance hall was dark. The water lamps were glistening and the music assaulted the ears. In recent centuries everything in the world had undergone a dramatic change. Only this most ancient form of entertainment had remained unchanged.

黑金剛拉著船長和機器人，走到控制台上，關了音樂，打開大燈。一片錯愕聲隨之而起，但見男男女女個個衣衫不整，有的互相依偎，也有在地上互擁翻滾。人人眼光呆滯，動作遲緩，神智不清。

Dragging the Captain and the robot, Black King Kong stepped onto the control platform. He turned off the music and switched on the overhead light. The sound of disbelief and confusion followed. All the men and women present were sloppily dressed. Some were cuddling together, some were hugging and rolling on the floor. Everyone had a vacant look in their eyes, and their movements were slow, their minds unclear.

黑金剛一看，場中大約有六七十人。這類喜好池中運動的人，常常使用一些助興劑，稍一不慎，驚動之下，就會失神喪魄，什麼情況都可能發生。他心裡早有準備，高聲對大家說：「各位貴賓，快樂丸夠不夠？」

Black King Kong took one look and estimated that there were about 60 to 70 people in the hall. Those who liked dance floor exercise often used "uppers". If not careful, when shocked, they would lose their minds and anything could happen. Black King Kong was already prepared for this, and he said aloud: “My dear guests, do you have enough ecstasy pills?”

「不夠！」有人喊著。

“No!” Someone shouted.

「好！劑量再加一倍。」他話才出口，效果立見，躺在地上的一個一個站了起來，努力地集中精神聽著。

“O.k! I’ll double the dose.” As soon as he finished, the effect was immediately visible. One by one, those lying on the floor got up and tried their best to pay attention.

「各位！逍遙丸用過沒有？」

“Ladies and gentlemen! Have you tried the carefree pills?”

「什麼逍遙丸？」

“What are carefree pills?”

「最新發明，不過，僅限於在客艙裡使用。有興趣的人，請趕快回房，總共只有十盒，發完為止。」

“The latest invention. But it is restricted and passengers may only use them in their quarters. Those of you who are interested, please return to your rooms right away. There’re only ten boxes. Once they're gone there won't be anymore.”

眾人一聽，精神立振，紛紛轉向門口，一個個迫不及待要趕回房去。

Hearing this, gave a lift to the crowd’s spirit. They all turned to the door, eager to hurry back to their rooms.

卡門帶著一位女友，特意走到船長面前，準備炫耀一番。一見船長失魂落魄的德性，不禁大吃一驚，那位女士更是驚訝得尖叫了一聲。

Carmen took a girl and deliberately walked over to the Captain. He wanted to show her off. But when he saw the terrified look on the Captain’s face he was stunned. The lady with him was so surprised she gave a sharp cry.

卡門問船長說：「你怎麼啦？那個黑人是誰？」

Carmen asked the Captain: “What’s wrong with you? And who is this Black fellow?”

船長還在發抖，一句話也說不出來。黑金剛本來就一肚子火，這時忍不住對卡門大聲吼道：「少囉嗦！快給我回房去！」

The Captain was still shaking and couldn't utter a word. Black King Kong was angry to begin with and at this couldn't keep from shouting at Carmen: “Shut up! Get back to your room!”

卡門一見船長被一個機器人架著，便猜他是受到了挾持，立刻高聲喊道：「綁架！綁架！船長被綁架了！」

When Carmen saw the Captain was being supported by a robot he thought the captain was being kidnapped. He immediately began to yell, “Kidnap! Kidnap! The captain is being kidnapped.”

他這一喊，那位女士更是尖叫不止。原本四散的舞客，不問青紅皂白，也跟著嘶喊，有的飛步跑開，有人則站在一邊狂呼：「救命！救命！」

His shout set his woman friend to screaming. Without understanding what was happening, guests throughout the dance hall joined in the uproar. Some fled as quickly as they could; some stood to the side shouting with panic: “Help! Help!”

這時，柔美的廣播聲又響起了：「各位來賓，請不要驚慌，本船沒有發生綁架事件，請各位安靜地回到客艙中。」

At this moment, the mellow broadcasting voice sounded again: “Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. There has been no kidnapping on this ship. Please return quietly to your rooms.”

原來根據二○二四協定，凡是人類自發性或無危險性的行為，電腦都不能干涉，只好從旁勸導。

According the 2024 agreement, computers could not intervene in any self-inflicted or harmless human behavior. They could only give advice.

但是此刻人心已經慌亂，理智失去了效用。尤其是在太空船上，一死，就是死無葬生之地。而一想到死，那種莫可名狀的恐懼，就如泰山崩頂一般，嘩啦一聲，連整個宇宙都翻轉了過來。每個人腳上立時增加了幾十匹馬力的動能，心臟有如十衝程引擎，口中咆哮著，人人見門就奪，遇路就搶。

However at this point, everyone was terrified and reason was no longer effective, especially since they were aboard the spaceship. If they died, they would die without proper burial. And when they thought of death, an indescribable fear overwhelmed them, like the roar of a great mountain collapsing. Their whole universe was turned up side down. Every one's feet suddenly seemed to generate several dozen horsepower, and every heart was pounding like a 10-stroke engine. They were shouting and struggling for every exit, pushing aside others in their rush to escape.

一個影響一個，一群影響一堆，在遠處，光是聽到這種騷亂的聲音，就足夠讓人心臟跳到口中來。再一看每個人豕突狼奔的狂態，再冷靜的人，都會不知所措。於是一個跟著一個，四處胡衝亂跑。

One person influenced another, and the crowd became a mob. From a distance, just hearing this chaotic noise was enough to make a person's heart leap into their throat. Looking around, everyone there was running about like frightened animals. Even a person of cool judgement would be unsure what to do. One after another people began charging in all directions.

甲板頂層原也聚集了不少人，當第一個人逃上來時，大家不過是看熱鬧。等第二、第三個……一個個慌不擇路、鬼哭狼嚎地跑上來時，就像爐火上燒開的沸水一樣，只要一開就不可收拾。還沒有人來得及問發生了什麼事，兩腳的反應已經不可遏止，人人開始忘命地狂奔。這艘太空船前後不過一百公尺，頂層甲板就像一個小小的田徑場，大家跑來跑去，只不過是在走道上繞圈圈吧了！

Many people were gathered on the top deck. When the first person rushed top side, people merely glanced over to see what was going on. Then a second person, and a third…..all of them charging aimlessly, came boiling up like water on a stove, wailing and howling like banshees. Once it started, there was no stopping. Before anyone was able to ask what had happened, their feet reacted first. People began running for dear life. This spaceship was only 100 meters long. The upper deck was like a small track field. Though everyone was running back and forth, they were merely running in circles along the passageways.

衣紅和左非右正在下棋，褲白則和風不懼廝殺。最初，他們使用了隔音障，沒有聽到外面的騷亂。等到風不懼無意間抬頭一望，外面已是人仰馬翻、鳥散魚潰了。他推推褲白，指指人群。褲白一見，馬上大叫：「衣姐，快看！」

Yi Hong was playing chess with Zuo Feiyo, while Ku Bai was challenging Feng Buju. Because they had been using the sound block they didn't hear the turbulence outside. When Feng Buju happened to raise his head and saw this frantic and chaotic sight, he nudged Ku Bai and pointed at the crowd. Ku Bai took one look and shouted, “Yi, quick, take a look!”

衣紅正在考慮一個劫子，懶得理他，說：「我知道！這是個連環劫！」

Yi Hong was thinking about her next move and ignored him. She said, “I see it! It’s going to be a slaughter!”

左非右笑著說：「我看妳麻煩大了！投降吧！」

Zuo Feiyo laughed, “I think you’re in big trouble! Better give up!”

衣紅瞪他一眼，說：「只有我叫你投降的份！」

Yi Hong stared at him and said, “I’m the one who's going to make you give up!”

褲白還要說，風不懼忙止住他，納悶地說：「你看這是賽跑嗎？」

Ku Bai wanted to say more, but Feng Buju stopped him. Puzzled, he asked: “Do you think they’re racing?”

褲白說：「我們賽跑時不作興說話，你看他們又笑又叫的！」

Ku Bai said, “We don't talk when we're racing. Look at them, they’re laughing and screaming!”

風不懼突然一驚，連忙取消隔音障，大吼道：「不是笑！是哭！衣紅！衣紅！」

Feng Buju suddenly shivered and quickly canceled the sound block. He yelled: “They’re not laughing! They’re crying! Yi Hong! Yi Hong!”

他這一叫不打緊，外頭同時傳來人喊馬嘶的聲音，讓四個人一下子驚呆了。

Feng Buju's shout was nothing, but just at that moment the outside uproar reached their ears, and the 4 or them were dumbfounded.

褲白睜大了眼睛，不由自主地站了起來，拔腿就想逃。風不懼用力拉住他，大呼：「別慌，先看清楚再說！」

Ku Bai’s eyes widened and without realizing it he stood up, ready to run away. Feng Buju forced him to stay, and yelled, “Don’t panic, wait until we know what’s going on!”

衣紅倒很鎮定，但也緊張得手心冒汗，說：「這該應了師父的話了吧？」

By comparison Yi Hong appeared very calm. But all the same her palms were sweating from nervousness. She said, “This should be proof of what the master predicted.”

風不懼說：「未必，那件事應在火星上。」

Feng Buju said, “Not necessarily. It's supposed to happen on Mars.”

褲白求饒說：「風哥，咱們快走吧！」

Ku Bai was pleading. “Feng, let’s get out of here!”

風不懼說：「往哪裡走？你不是發誓要保護衣姐的嗎？」他又指著人群說：「你看，這些人又跑回來了。」

Feng Buju said, “Where can we go? Didn’t you swear to protect Yi?” He pointed to the crowd and said, “Look, they’re coming back.”

果然，那些人早已不分東南西北，只是本能地跑著。有一位女士顯然已經體力不支，倒在地上，眾人視若無睹，毫不顧惜，一個一個就從她身上踐踏過去。

Indeed. Those people had long since lost their sense of direction and it was merely instinct that was making them run. One lady was apparently exhausted and fell to the deck. The crowd didn't seem to notice her and without hesitation, one after another they stepped upon her as they fled.

風不懼立刻衝上前去，把她抱了過來。又有一位摔倒了，左非右也衝上前去，將那人救了過來。頃刻之間，已經救了七八位，東倒西歪的躺了一地。

Feng Buju immediately rushed up. He picked her up and placed her on the deck near them. Then another person fell, and Zuo Feiyo rushed over to rescue him. In a short time, they had saved 7 or 8 people, who now lay at various angles about the deck.

衣紅見其中有一人神智較為清楚，便問他道：「發生了什麼事？」

Yi Hong saw that one of them looked more alert and asked, “What’s going on?”

「我不知道。」那人滿臉迷惘地說。

“I don’t know.” The man had a puzzled look on his face.

一連問了好幾個人，沒有一個人知道為什麼要逃，但是都很擔心自己已經死了。

After that, they asked several more people, but no one knew why they were running. However, they all worried that they were already dead.

左非右又抱了一位女士過來，那女士稍稍喘過氣，睜開眼睛一看，嚇得尖叫不已：「見鬼了！我見鬼了！我死了！我死了！」

Zuo Feiyo restrained another woman. After that lady began to regain her breath, she opened her eyes. She was so frightened at what she saw that she began screaming, “Ghost! Ghost! I’m dead! I’m dead!”

左非右也嚇了一跳，雙手一鬆，女士跌在地上，手忙腳亂地爬了起來，東西不辨，登時飛也似的狂奔而去。

Startled, Zuo Feiyo released his grasp and the woman fell to the deck. She scrambled up from the deck, and without even looking where she was going, wildly rushed off.

左非右此刻沒有化妝，果真如鬼魅一般，眾人見了，莫不心驚膽顫。

Zuo Feiyo didn’t have his make-up on at this time and he truly looked like a phantom ghost. When the crowd saw him, everyone was frightened out of their wits.

這些事都只發生在公共場合中，到頭來，也不過是一百多個人的情緒，大大地宣洩了一番。不久，電離罩修妥了，船長的勇氣回來了，旅客的神智也恢復了。

These incidents only happened in the communal area. In the final analysis, it amounted to nothing more than some 100 people letting off steam. Not long afterwards, the ion shield was repaired, whereupon the Captain's courage returned and the passengers recovered their mental stability.

但是風波並未就此平息，一個民間團體－－人性至尊會的四名成員，以及一些剛才被嚇得喪魂落魄的旅客，在孔は咎的率領下，來找船長興師問罪。

However, the trouble was not over. Led by Kong Wujiu, 4 members of a private organization – Humanity Is Most Revered - accompanied by other travelers who had just lost their wits in the recent incident, came to demand an explanation from the Captain.

船長請他們到會客室中，先送上精美的茶點，並一再地道歉，承認作業有疏失。眾人並不領情，一個個都要求賠償。

The Captain invited them into the reception room and brought them some exquisite snacks, all the while apologizing and admitting that the situation had been handled carelessly. The group was not at all impressed. Each one of them demanded compensation.

船長說：「你們什麼都有了，生命也沒有受到威脅，還要賠償什麼？」

The Captain said, “You have everything you need and your lives were not threatened. What more can you ask for?”

孔は咎說：「你這是什麼話？我們心理受到這樣重大的傷害，你怎麼能說生命沒有受到威脅？」

Kong Wujiu said, “What’re you talking about? We were all psychologically traumatized. How can you say our lives were not threatened?”

船長打圓場說：「就算看了一場災難影片，而且是身歷實境的，多有趣！」

The Captain tried to sooth them. “Just pretend you watched a disaster movie in Personal Experience Reality. Think how much fun you had!”

孔は咎怒不可遏：「莫名其妙！你這是侮辱人！」

Kong Wujiu burst out angrily, “What kind of talk is this? This is an insult!”

另一位旅客也拍著桌子，說：「你們這些官僚，都該殺頭！」

Another traveler pounded the table and said, “All you bureaucrats should be shot!

「你嘴巴乾淨點！在我的船上，我有管轄權！」船長也被激怒了。

“Hey, watch your mouth! This ship is under my jurisdiction!” The Captain was also becoming angry.

拍桌子那位站起身來，質問船長道：「你知道我是誰？」

The one who pounded the table stood up and demanded, “Do you know who I am?”

船長也站了起來，大聲說：「我當然知道你是誰！要不要看看你的錄影？」

The Captain stood up, too. He said aloud: “Of course I know who you are! Would you care to see a video recording of yourself just now?”

那旅客一聽，變了臉色：「你怎麼能給我錄影？我有隱私權！」

When the heard passenger heard this, his face changed. “How could you tape me? I have right to privacy.”

船長說：「剛才你逃命的樣子，可是新聞！」

The Captain said, “The way you were running for your life is newsworthy!”

旅客說：「那是你們的錯！」

The passenger said, “But that was your fault!”

船長說：「在調查完成以前，你不能血口噴人！」

The captain answered, “Before the investigation is conducted, you can’t go around making reckless accusations!”

孔は咎忙站起來，把兩人隔開，說：「我們只要求賠償。」

Kong Wujiu hurriedly stood up and pulled the two of them apart. “We just want to be compensated.”

船長說：「你說明白一點好了，賠償什麼？」

The Captain said, “Why don’t you come to the point? What kind of compensation?”

孔は咎說：「這趟旅費不算。」

Kong Wujiu said, “Don't charge us for this trip.”

船長冷冷地說：「這不是我的權責範圍，你找電腦當局申請去。」

The Captain said coldly: “That is out of my power. You’ll have to take it up with the Bureau.”

孔は咎哼了一聲，說：「不要用這種話來搪塞！我知道這次一定是電腦的錯誤，你想他們會認錯嗎？」

Kong Wujiu grunted and said, “Don’t try to get rid of us by using that lame excuse. I know for sure that this incident was caused by computer error. Do you think they'll admit it?”

船長說：「那你要怎樣？」

The captain said, “So? What is it you want?”

孔は咎挺直胸膛，提高音量：「我當然有辦法！我認識人類議會的重要人士。」

Kong Wujiu stuck out his chest and raised his voice. “Of course I have my methods! I know some important people on the Human Council.”

船長一聽，哈哈大笑說：「好極了，請吧，家父就是本屆的議會代表！」

Hearing this, the Captain laughed aloud. “Wonderful. Be my guest. My father is one of the representatives on the Council.”

孔は咎的腰又挺不直了，半信半疑地說：「真的？是哪一位？」

Kong Wujiu was crest-fallen. Suspiciously he asked, “Really? Which one?”

船長說：「老實說，一直到剛才，我還在懷疑要我這種花瓶船長做什麼？謝謝你，我終於瞭解了一句名言：『有什麼樣的人民，就有什麼樣的政府！』」

The Captain said, “To tell the truth, until now I’d been wondering why they wanted an decorative captain like me. Thanks to you, I finally understand the old adage: ‘The quality of a nation's citizens is mirrored in their government."

孔は咎討了個沒趣，氣呼呼地離開會客室，正與同行諸人商量，下一步要採取什麼行動時，忽然接到電腦的通話聲。他打開留言告示，見對方是紀來之，立刻開啟了雙向屏立體影音系統。

Humiliated, Kong Wujiu left the room, steaming. Just as he was discussing with his companions what to do next, he received a communication signal from the computer. He checked his message box and found that the caller was Ji Laizhi. He immediately activated his 3-D Audiovisual Interactive System.

雙向屏影音系統是一種雙向通訊設備，不僅能顯示，而且能透過傳輸系統，將環境訊息與對方的環境相整合。因為傳輸的無線電波是以光速進行的，光速每秒為三十萬公里，因此，每隔三萬公里，通訊的兩造就有○˙一秒的電訊落差。在屏幕右下方有一顯時器，登錄因通訊距離所造成的電波延誤落差時間。

The 3-D Audiovisual Interactive System is a 2-way communication device. Not only can it display images, it also integrates the environment data of both receiver and caller. Wireless electrical waves are transmitted at the speed of light, which is 300,000 kilometers per second. Therefore, for every 30,000 kilometers, there is a 0.1 second delay during interchange between two parties. At the lower right corner of the display screen, is a timer. It indicates the length of delay as the electric waves span the distance between the two communicating parties.

這時，太空船已經遠離月球，屏幕右下顯示：「電訊落差：八六˙四秒」，表示通訊雙方約有八十六秒的落差。也就是說，雖然說話時語音是連續的，但是雙方對話的間隔，一來一往卻要等上兩分多鐘。有經驗的通訊者會充分利用這種落差，把八十六秒用完，這樣對話就能前後銜接。

By this time, the spaceship was already far away from the Moon. The lower right corner of the screen showed: “Communication Gap: 86.4 sec”. This meant there was about an 86-second difference between two communicating locations. In other words, even though the speaker would not be interrupted while he spoke, an exchange of dialogue between two parties would take more than two minutes. Experienced communicators would take advantage of this opportunity to use up the full 86 seconds. In this way there would be no break in their conversation.

只見紀來之站在一個會議廳中，後面或站或坐的，有數十個人。透過雙向屏，兩邊環境已經融合為一，就像個大型會議場。紀來之一見孔は咎身邊還有幾個人，高興地說：「好極了，你們都在，我這邊已談妥了，再過十分鐘，我們將與地球、火星各分會連線。你們快點準備，如果有新人參加，要鼓勵他們多多發言。」

Ji Laizhi was standing in a conference room. Dozens of people were either standing or sitting behind him. By means of this Interactive System, both environments were blended into one and the area resembled a large conference hall. Ji Laizhi saw other people standing next to Kong Wujiu, he said cheerfully, “Wonderful; you’re all here. We’ve come to a consensus on this side. In ten minutes, we’ll connect with our branches on Earth and Mars. Get ready. If there are any newcomers, encourage them to speak up.”

孔は咎大喜，一個字一個字地說：「我們成績不太理想，只吸收了六個人。不過，還有幾位正在接洽中，我們會繼續努力的。」

Kong Wujiu grinned. Speaking slowly, one word at a time, he said, “We’re not doing too well here. We only have 6 new people. However, we’re still talking to some others. We’ll keep trying.”

等了一分多鐘，屏幕上的紀來之才說「才十多天，不錯了，十分鐘後見。」

After more than a minute, the screen image of Ji Laizhi said, “It’s only been a dozen or so days. Not bad. See you in 10 minutes.”

孔は咎略一思索，對旁邊一個小個子說：「你負責把人找齊，我們在頂層甲板上召開會議，讓大家見識見識。」

Kong Wujiu thought for a while, and turned to speak to a smaller man next to him: “You be in charge of getting everyone together. We’ll have a meeting on the top deck so the others can learn a little something.”

頂層甲板上已有三十多位旅客，孔は咎一到，先選了一個人少的角落。再按照程序，向電腦當局申請，要在那裡舉行「開放性會議」。

There were over 30 travelers on the top deck. When Kong Wujiu arrived, he chose a less crowded corner. Then, as required by the rules, he applied to the Computer Authority Bureau for permission to hold an “open meeting” right there.

立刻，一個莊嚴的會堂出現了，這是一個環形的會場，正中央是以月球基地為主的分割螢幕，左側是地球各分會，一共有十幾處。右側則是太空船上的臨時會場，以及火星三個分會會場。

Immediately, a magnificent meeting hall in circular shape appeared. In the middle of the hall there was a divided screen, with the center screen featuring their Moon base. On the left of the screen, over 10 meeting sites on Earth were shown. Displayed on the right, were the temporary meeting site on the spaceship and 3 meeting sites on Mars.

這種會場最大的特色是，每當有人發言，其立體影像便即時出現在環形中心處，即聚焦所在。若發言者超過一人（這種情形非常普遍），聚焦屏幕便自動分割，並且隨著人數的增加而縮小比例。據統計，聚焦中心如果超過四個人，就很難引起觀眾的注意。因此，一般大型會議經常有發言人數的限制，這次聚焦屏上也書明：三分鐘一人。

The most unique feature in this kind of meeting hall was that when someone was speaking, his 3-D image would immediately be projected in the center of the circular hall, where the focus was. If there was more than one speaker (it happened all the time), the center of focus would automatically divide itself, and each image would shrink in size as additional people spoke up. According to statistics, if the center of focus exceeded 4 people, it would be difficult to hold the crowd’s attention. Therefore, during large meetings, the number of speakers was usually limited. On this occasion, the words: "One speaker every 3 minutes", appeared on the screen.

會堂一出現，果然吸引了全場的目光。會堂中央掛有一行四個大字，寫的是漢字：「以詩會友」，但是每個人的私用電腦，都及時傳譯成母語。在這行漢字之下，還有一行註腳：「以中國古詩會友，請不要拘泥於翻譯系統的解釋，謝謝。」

When the meeting hall materialized, it indeed drew the attention of those present. In the middle of the hall, 4 Chinese characters read: “Meeting Friends through Poetry”. Every personal computer immediately translated these words into that person's own mother tongue. Under this line of Chinese characters, there was a footnote which read: “Meeting friends through ancient Chinese poetry. Don't get bogged down by interpretations made by the translation system. Thank you.”

語文翻譯系統在研發之初，本是各行其是，沒有一定的規範。「自然語言」開發成功後，發明 人為顧及全人類的利益，曾宣佈放棄專利，以期與大家共享。孰料人心貪婪，人智愚昧，一些業者為了私利，便擅自篡改，作踐發明人的善意。

During the initial period of developing the language translation system, every one did as they saw fit and there were no certain rules. Following the development of the “natural language”, in consideration of mankind’s well being, the inventor relinquished his copyright so that the public could share his invention. However, he didn't anticipate that people would be so greedy and that human intelligence was so dim. In the interest of selfish profit, some businessmen altered the program as they pleased, thereby greatly abusing the goodwill of the inventor.

直到二○一六年，世界人文基金會成立，在發明人授權下，全力尋求人工智慧最理想的實施方案。由於利益實難擺平，經過六、七年的折衝，在語文傳譯系統上，終於選定了美國柏克萊大學的範本。

It was not until 2016 that the World Humanity Foundation was established. Under the inventor’s authorization, the foundation used all its resources to find the most effective way to implement Artificial Intelligence. However, an equitable sharing of profits was difficult. After 6 or 7 years of discussion regarding a system of language communication and translation, a model created by UC Berkeley in the U.S. was selected.

經過多年的應用改進，這套範本在對話上效果甚佳。但在詩歌上則讓人不敢恭維，所以才會出現前述的註腳。

After years of improvement, this model eventually proved excellent when applied to conversation. However, when it came to poetry it was unacceptable. That accounts for the appearance of the above footnote.

文祥等人還在電腦室處理那個訊號，突然聽到擴音器廣播：

As Wen Xiang and others were sorting out the signal in the computer room, a voice announced over the loud speaker:

「各位旅客，甲板上現在舉行以詩會友大會，歡迎大家踴躍參加。」

“All travelers, attention please. There will be a meeting of the ‘making friends through poetry’ club. Everyone is welcome to attend.”

千奇說：「怎麼樣？我蠻喜歡詩文的，去看看吧！」

Creepy said, “How about that? I kind of like poetry. Why don’t we go take a look?”

文祥說：「這些工作怎麼辦？」

Wen Xiang said, “How about this work?”

千奇說：「這是電腦的拿手好戲，他們會用各種排列組合，尋找其中的規律。」

Creepy said, “The computer is good at this. They know how to use all kinds of sequences and combinations to spot a pattern.”

文祥向電腦交待清楚了，便與千奇、百怪二人走上甲板，這時會議才剛剛開始。

Wen Xiang turned the task over to the computer and then went on the deck with Creepy and Weirdo. The meeting was just getting started.

在雙向屏右下方，通訊落差已增至八七˙六秒，而且每過五十秒，就會增加一個小數點的落差。然而對這種類型的會議而言，通訊落差完全不是問題，這表示任何一方都有足夠的時間，一方面思考，一方面等待別人提出意見。

At the lower right of the screen, the communication gap had increased to 7.6 seconds. One decimal point difference would be added every 50 seconds. However, the communication gap in this kind of conference did not present a problem. It meant that every party had enough time to organize their thoughts while waiting for others to express their opinions.

整個會場看上去約有數千人，聚焦屏上，有一個白髮蒼蒼的老者，正在朗誦一首詩，是唐人孟浩然的〈宿業師山房待丁大不至〉：

There appeared to be more than a thousand people at the meeting. In the center focus, an old man was reciting a poem. The poem was called: “Staying at the mountain cottage of the Buddhist master Ye, waiting in Vain for my friend Ding Da”. The poet was Meng Haoran of the Tang Dynasty.

「夕陽度西嶺，群壑倏已暝，松月生夜涼，風泉滿清聽。

樵人歸欲盡，煙鳥棲初定，之子期宿來，孤琴候蘿徑。」

The setting sun has moved beyond the western peaks

Plunging valleys abruptly into darkness.

Moonlight through pine-trees endows the night with cold

The sound of wind and water comes clearly to my ears.

Nearly all the woodcutters have returned

In the mist birds have chosen roosts for the night

Tonight's the appointed night, I wait for your return

Alone on the forest path accompanied by my lute.

這首詩如果就文字表面看來，指的是一個人在黃昏晚色、松月風泉中，等候良朋的到來。可是，對有心人士而言，其中隱含的意思就可能天南地北，互無交集了。

Literally, this poem refers to someone waiting in the dusk for his good friend. The moon could be seen among the pine-trees and the sound of wind and water could be heard. However, for those with an axe to grind, the hidden meaning could be anything imaginable and totally unrelated to other interpretations

比如說，滿足於當前環境的人，會把夕陽晚景當作美麗安祥的註腳；而心懷不滿者，則認為是黑暗到來的前奏。松月加夜涼，可以代表瀟灑自在，也可以象徵痛苦悽涼。風泉清聽，是一種享受，又何嘗不是噪音？尤其對一些人來說，正是忠言逆耳，良藥苦口！

For example, those who were satisfied with the present situation, would perceive the images of evening as a footnote to beauty and peace. For those who were discontent, it might be viewed as a prologue to the coming darkness. The moon seen among the pine-trees and the chill of the evening could represent emancipation and freedom, but at the same time, they might symbolize pain and bleakness. The pure sound of wind and water was a joy, but at the same time, wasn't it also noise? The words might strike some as being offensive; a harsh, but effective nostrum.

上半段只是介紹情景發生的因素，下半段就闡明宗旨了。樵人之歸，煙鳥之定，當然指的是必然的結果，既然要等待必然的結果，也就是良朋的到來，就需要大家共商大計，至於是什麼大計呢？那更是人見人殊了。

The first half of the poem merely introduces the reasons behind the scene. The second half points out the purpose of the poem. “The woodcutters have returned” and “birds have chosen roosts for the night ” indicates an inevitable consequence. Since one was waiting for an inevitable consequence, the coming of his good friend in the poem, everyone would be required to join the discussion and then draw up a master plan. As for what that plan might be, everyone would interpret it differently.

老者吟唱完畢，鞠躬退下，全場響起一陣掌聲。但聞場中人頭搖晃，有人獨自低吟，也有人交頭接耳，相互討論。

When the old man finished, he bowed and retreated. Applause filled the hall. In the crowd, some heads swayed in time to the words; some recited the poem in a low voice; some discussed it in whispers with others.

屏幕上又出現了一位老者，只聽他吟道：

Another old man appeared on the screen. He recited:

「在下楚人斯輿，送上韋應物之〈滁州西澗〉，希笑納。

“I’m Si Yu from the area of Chu. I shall offer a poem by Wei Yingwu: “The west stream at Chuzhou”. Thank you.

獨憐幽草澗邊生，上有黃鸝深樹鳴。

春潮帶雨晚來急，野渡無人舟自橫。」

I pity the grass concealed along the stream

While golden orioles above sing in richly foliaged trees

Spring wind brings fierce nighttime rain

Unmanned rural ferries drift sideways in the stream.

這首古詩言簡意賅，是說：我很同情那些寄生在澗邊的水草，就像苟且偷生的百姓。我也知道樹上有高鳴的黃鸝，唱著入雲的高調。可是，黑夜的春雨狂暴急劇，在自然的威力下，那些沒有人照料的渡船，難免會被沖離岸邊，橫在江中。

This poem was simple and to the point. It said: I pity the grass growing at the water's edge. It resembles ordinary people hanging on to life. I know golden orioles trill in the trees, their melody reaching the clouds. However, the sudden fury of last night's spring rainstorm, moved those untended ferryboats away from shore, leaving them crossways in the middle of the stream.

這位老者顯然是在替自己辯護，意指世事一任自然，何必多管！

This old man obviously had a point to make. He meant to say, let everything live as yet live. Why bother!

這一來，台下哄然一陣騷亂，有人拍掌，有人叫罵。馬上有個二十來歲的妙齡女郎按鈕要求回應，當然，在這個時代，實在無法用外表判斷任何人的年齡。只是在這種場合，年齡代表了功力的高低，一個二十出頭的女孩，能有多少閱歷，是很令人質疑的。

This roused a commotion in the crowd. Some clapped their hands while others snorted with contempt. Right away a girl in her twenties pushed the button and asked to speak. Of course in this day and age it was impossible to tell how old anybody was by their appearance. But in this kind of meeting, age represented one's level of capability. What experience could a girl in her early 20s have? It was questionable.

「司天琴，上海人，今年七十有三。」她才說完，立即引來哄堂大笑。司天琴也笑了笑，繼續說：「我送上一首韓翃的〈寒食〉，以就教斯輿先生。」

“Si Tianqin from Shanghai. I’m 73 years old.” As soon as she finished, the crowd roared with laughter. Si Tianqin chuckled and continued: “I wish to offer, for Mr. Si Yu’s reference, ‘On the day of Han Shi (the Day of No Fire)’ by Han Hong”.

「春城無處不飛花，寒食東風御柳斜。

日暮漢宮傳蠟燭，輕煙散入五侯家。」

Spring flowers are blown about every corner of the city

On the day of "Han Shi", an east wind bends the willows

At sundown, the Palace distributes candles

Their thin smoke fills the homes of the Five Dukes.

這首詩的意思很曖昧，可以罵人上樑不正下樑歪，也可以說是回應斯輿的「野渡無人舟自橫」。當然，此詩本來是以景喻事，用正常的表象，暗罵看不見真相的人。春天哪裡沒有花？是正面的，假如到處飛花，也就表示春天到了，春到了就發春，這可不是好話。寒食節在清明前，本為紀念有氣節的介之推，不料宮苑中的楊柳被吹歪了。吹歪了是種現象，但在聯想上與介之推未免格格不入。晚上漢宮裡傳蠟燭，輕煙竟然散佈到五個被封為侯的宦官家中。韓翃是唐朝人，他指漢宮是暗罵唐皇，皇宮裡燈火通明，皇帝只顧與宦官同樂。沒有寫出來的是不顧民間疾苦，看不見是無知，知而不顧則是無德。

The meaning of this poem was ambiguous. It could be blaming those in high office who set bad examples for others, or it could be the response to Si Yu’s “Unmanned rural ferries drift sideways in the stream”. Of course, this poem employed images as metaphors. It used an every-day exterior phenomenon to mock those people who could not see the truth. Flowers were everywhere during springtime. This is a positive description. However, if petals were flying everywhere, it meant that spring had arrived. So, as soon as spring arrives, it brings with it spring fever, and this was a negative comment. "The Day of No Fire" was the day before Tomb Sweeping Day. It was to commemorate Jie Zhitui, a man of great moral integrity. However, the palace willows slanting in the wind is an image. It didn't fit the image associated with Jie Zhitui. At night, candles were passed out in the Han Palace. The faint smoke of candles unexpectedly floated over to the 5 eunuchs who had been knighted as Lords. Han Hong lived during the Tang Dynasty. His reference to the Han Palace was an indirect criticism of the Tang Emperor. The Palace was brightly lit and the Emperor was being entertained by the eunuchs. What was not indicated in the poem was the indifference to the suffering of the populace. Inability to see is ignorance. If one did see but remained indifferent, it was immoral.

以一位女士，用這麼細膩的手法，繞著彎罵那些醉生夢死的人。一時人心大快，場中到處有人叫好。

A woman who was able to use this delicate, oblique method to mock those people who led a happy-go-lucky life aroused great cheers, and cries of “bravo” were heard everywhere in the crowd.

停了半晌，一直沒有人再出場。文祥乘機問千奇道：「我詩文的程度不夠，剛才那首我不知道是在捧誰？」

After a long pause, no one else stepped forward. Wen Xiang took the opportunity to ask Creepy, “I don't understand poetry very well. I don’t know who was being flattered by the poem, just now.”

百怪搶著說：「在罵先前那位老先生。」

Weirdo cut in and said, “She was mocking the old man ahead of her.”

千奇說：「錯！是在罵我們。」

Creepy said, “Wrong! She was mocking us!”

百怪說：「我們又沒有得罪她。」

Weirdo said, “We didn’t do anything to offend her.”

千奇說：「漢宮指電腦，我們是五侯，五侯是我們這些宦官。」

Creepy said, “The Han Palace refers to the computer. We’re the Five Lords. The Five Lords refers to us eunuchs.”

百怪還要說，又有一位女士出場了，不僅年輕貌美，還是位白種人：

Weirdo wanted to say more, but at this point, a woman emerged. She was not only young and beautiful she was Caucasian.

「我叫瑪莉露絲，漢學還不夠精通，但也想來湊湊熱鬧，孟浩然的〈春曉〉說：春眠不覺曉，處處聞啼鳥。夜來風雨聲，花落知多少？謝謝！」

“My name is Mary Ruth. My Chinese isn't very good but I thought I’d like to join the fun by reciting Meng Haoran's ‘Spring Morning’:

Spring sleep, I am oblivious of dawn

Everywhere the sound of birds in song

In the roar and moan of last night's wind

How many petals tumbled to the ground?

Thank you!”

她退下了，全場響起一片掌聲，歷久不衰。

As she stepped down, the entire audience responded with lengthy applause.

這首詩很明顯，意在請教各位，吵吵嚷嚷的，到底發生了什麼事呢？

This poem was obvious. It was asking all of us what happened to cause so much noise and wrangling.

立刻就有人上台了，又是一位女士，出人意料之外的，是一位老婦人。她一出現，全場立刻又是掌聲一片，畢竟能以真相示人的，總是值得尊敬。

Immediately, someone got up on stage. It was another woman. Unexpectedly, she was an old woman. As soon as she appeared, the crowd applauded her loudly. After all, anyone who dared appear in their true aspect deserved some respect.

「老婦姓甄名不朽，今年八十又有九；有勞瑪莉問落花，在此特選詩一首。詩是李商隱的〈隋宮〉，時代是當今的人類。

“Zhen Buxiu is my name

I’m eighty plus nine

Thanks, Mary, for bringing up the fallen blossoms

I’ve chosen to present a poem, ‘The Sui Palace’, by Li Shangyin. It applies to the present state of Man.

乘興南遊不戒嚴，九重誰省諫書函？

春風舉國裁宮錦，半作障泥半作帆。」

On impulse the Emperor set off on carefree tour south

In the palace who was left to mind memorials to the throne?

In spring the entire nation styled elegant brocades

Half for royal saddle blankets, half for imperial sails.

這首詩描述一段歷史，如果把當今比作隋朝，意思就再明顯不過了。詩名隋宮，是隋煬帝在江都所興建，供娛樂消遣的行宮。行宮既建，皇帝當然淫樂不休。賢良之士，紛紛進諫，皆遭誅殺。以致流風所及，全國人民不事生產，只顧玩樂。

This poem describes a period in history. If the Sui Dynasty was a metaphor for the present, then the meaning of the poem is very obvious. The title of the poem, “the Sui Palace”, refers to a vacation palace built by Emperor Yang at Jiangdu for his pleasure and leisure. Once the palace was completed of course the Emperor gave himself over to endless sensual pleasure. Many good and virtuous men remonstrated with the Emperor and as a result every one of them was executed. As a consequence, it became popular throughout the nation to no longer engage in productive work, but to only seek pleasure.

接著，又有一位男士，慷慨激昂地高唱杜牧的〈泊秦淮〉：

Soon, another man enthusiastically recited “At anchor on the Qin Huai River” by Du Mu.

「煙籠寒水月籠沙，夜泊秦淮近酒家。

商女不知亡國恨，隔江猶唱後庭花。」

Mist blankets the cold water, moonlight shrouds the sand

Moored at night not far from drinking tavern.

Women who sell their favors care not of kingdoms lost

Across the water they still sing their songs of levity.

也有人不同意，用無名氏的〈雜詩〉，建議少找麻煩：

Some one else didn't agree, and used “Poem Fragment” by Wumingshi as a suggestion that people stop making trouble.

「近寒食雨草萋萋，著麥苗風柳映堤。

等是有家歸未得，杜鵑休向耳邊啼。」

Spring draws near, grass greened from rain

Sprouting wheat and willow, rustle in the wind

Those with families would go home, if they only could

Cuckoo bird cease your cry, bidding us return

更有人提出另類看法，說這樣做有什麼用呢？他引用的是陳陶的〈隴西行〉。

Someone else presented an alternative view asking what use would that be? He then proceeded to recite the “Traveling west of Shanxi” by Chen Tao.

「誓掃匈奴不顧身，五千貂錦喪胡塵。

可憐無定河邊骨，猶是深閨夢裡人。」

Vowing to expel the Huns, indifferent to danger

Five thousand elite troops felled on heathen soil

Sadly, though their bones lie strewn by the Wuding river

Their women dream of them at night.

文祥半懂不懂，千奇與百怪則爭論不休，會議進行了一個多鐘頭。最後千奇說：「不必擔心這些人，不管他們說什麼，又有幾個人真懂呢？老實說，真要反對電腦統治，大可站出來，痛快地說『不』就是。」

Wen Xiang understood only vaguely and Creepy and Weirdo kept on arguing. The meeting went on for over an hour. At last Creepy said, “Don’t worry about these people. No matter what they say, how many of them really understand? To tell the truth, if one is opposed to computer rule, he can step forward and simply say ‘no’.”

百怪說：「誰敢說？人類社會時興秋後算帳，電腦記憶力又強，可怕！」

Weirdo said, “Who would dare? Mankind is inclined to squaring accounts. The computer has a powerful memory. Very scary!”

「問題在，電腦犯了什麼重大的錯誤呢？只要說得出來，錯一定都在人自己。」

“The problem is what great mistake has the computer made? If you can name one, for certain it will turn out to be the fault of Man.”

「老怪又錯了。」百怪永遠有反面意見：「人哪裡有錯？若能認錯，還有問題嗎？當然是電腦錯！」

“Old Creepy is wrong again.” Weirdo always had a different view. “How can Man make a mistake? If they could admit it, would any problems remain? Of course the fault lies with the computer.”

文祥接口道：「這點我倒不大同意，有了錯誤當然會承認的，我看是不知道吧！」

Wen Xiang added his opinion. “I don’t agree. If one makes an error, of course they will admit it. I think it's a matter of not knowing.”

百怪說：「老弟，這個你就不懂了，今天這個時代，你想犯錯還不太容易。但在電腦接管以前，犯了錯是要受處罰的。我當年待的一個小地方，小得連地圖上都找不到，但是人人自以為有天那麼大。任何人犯了錯，都有個公式可解：第一步是招待記者，否認加保留法律追訴權；第二步是含糊主題，讓人看得霧煞煞；第三步則是反咬對手，抹黑大家，威脅一起同歸於盡。長時期的習慣已經養成，如今要他們不推卸責任，難也！難也！」

Weirdo said, “Buddy, you don’t understand. In this day and age, it’s not easy to make a mistake. Before the computer took over, one would be punished if he made a mistake. I once lived in a small place. It was so small that you couldn’t find it on the map. But people there had egos as wide as the sky. There was a formula for everyone who made a mistake: First, they would hold a press conference, denied they had done anything wrong and reserve the right to sue. Second, they would obscure the main issue in order to confuse people. Third, they would attack their adversaries, smear them and threaten to drag them down with them. Old habits die hard. Now you ask them to NOT dodge responsibility? Hard, very hard!”

千奇反駁道：「你說的是那個黑暗時期，今天不管任何人做了什麼，電腦都有記錄，證據齊全，誰賴得掉？」

Creepy objected, saying, “You're talking about the dark ages. Today, no matter what you do, the computer will keep a record. With such detailed evidence who can get away with anything?”

百怪兩眼一翻：「違心論！不相信咱們可以求證一下。」

Weirdo rolled up his eyes. “You’re saying the opposite of what you believe! If you don’t believe me, let’s find some proof.”

千奇問：「怎麼求證？」

Creepy asked, “How?”

百怪對文祥說：「老弟！你老實說，我和老怪兩個人，誰是誰非？」

Weirdo turned to Wen Xiang and said, “Buddy! Tell us the truth. Who is right? Creepy or me?”

文祥一下子楞住了：「這與是非有關嗎？」

Wen Xiang was surprised by this question. “Does it have anything to do with right and wrong?”

百怪說：「當然，我認為他錯了，他卻不肯承認！」

Weirdo said, “Of course. I think he was wrong but he won't admit it!”

千奇說：「奇怪！我哪裡錯了？」

Creepy said, “Oh? And how am I wrong?”

百怪說：「你看！這不是是非嗎？」

Weirdo said, “See? Isn’t this a matter of right and wrong?”

文祥說：「我看不出你們誰是誰非。」

Wen Xiang said, “I can’t tell which of you is right or wrong.”

百怪說：「不然是你不願說誰是誰非。」

Weirdo said, “Otherwise, you're unwilling to say who is right and who is wrong.”

文祥急了，說：「我真的不知道。」

Anxiously, Wen Xiang replied, “I really don’t know.”

百怪便對千奇說：「老怪，你就認錯吧！你賴不掉的！」

Weirdo said to Creepy: “Old Creepy. Why don’t you just admit it? You can’t get away with it, you know.”

千奇說：「笑話！你告訴我，我錯在哪裡？」

Creepy said, “What a joke! Tell me, where am I wrong?”

百怪笑道：「老實說，我也不知道！我更不知道的是，怎麼會有那種老不死的，把對錯看得黑白分明！」

Weirdo laughed. “To tell the truth, I don’t know either! And what's more, I don't understand why there are old fools who think the difference between right and wrong is as clear cut as black and white!”

千奇一把抓住百怪，狠狠地說：「好哇！現在可有證據了，快認錯！」

Creepy grabbed Weirdo with one hand and said fiercely, “All right! Now we have proof. Admit that you’re wrong!”

百怪一臉茫然：「我哪裡錯了？」

Weirdo was confused. “Where am I wrong?”

千奇說：「你罵我『老不死』！」

Creepy said: “You called me an ‘old fool’!”

百怪回想一下，果然犯了口忌。他馬上打自己一個嘴巴，說：「我的確錯了，錯在得意忘形！」

Weirdo reflected for a moment. He had said something he shouldn't have said. He slapped himself in the face and said: “I was definitely wrong. I was so busy showing off I forgot myself!”