第十五回：蓬萊此去無多路

Chapter 15

“The fabled isle of bliss lies not so far from here”

林博士果然老老實實地說了，他們這個組織的頭頭是桑塔那，軍師是摩爾。他們原打算用中子石減去重力，再以熔漿坍塌整個金頂寺。沒想到中子石行情極俏，內部成員各有主意，相互掣肘，大家爭執不下，沒有定論。

Dr. Lin was indeed telling the truth. The leader of their organization was Santana with Moor as military adviser. Originally they had planned to utilize the neutron stones to reduce gravitation and then take advantage of the resulting lava to bring about the collapse of the entire Golden Roof Monastery. They hadn’t anticipated that the market price for neutron stones would rise so sharply. Each member of the team had their own agenda. They opposed one another and argued endlessly without being able to agree on a common course of action.

至於電熱樁，早在幾天前就安裝好了，目前已經熔化了數萬立方公尺的地殼，大約還有三百公尺的表層地殼，只要再一天就可以全部打穿。只是這樣做風險很大，因為熔漿很難控制，嚴重時真會引起火山爆發，到那時不要說是金頂寺，整個熔爐城都將不保。

The electro-thermal stakes had been installed a few days earlier. So far, they had melted tens of thousands cubic meters of earth crust. About 300 meters of top layer earth crust remained. Only one more day and the whole thing will have been penetrated. However, the risks were high because lava was difficult to control. The worse scenario was the real possibility that it might lead to a volcanic eruption. In that case, all of Melting Pot City would be destroyed, not to mention the Golden Roof Monastery.

為此，他們內部產生了嚴重的分歧，一派主張據以威脅，讓全世界知道他們的理念就夠了，另一派則力主要鬧就鬧個大的，以顯示他們的力量。正在爭論不休時，桑塔那通知他們，克里士有了好消息，他已挖到七塊中子石，現在打算把原來那三塊炸碎。果真如此，就可以化整為零，將中子石偷運到火山下，利用反重力，就能收發自如了。

Because of this there was a serious clash of views within their organization. One party proposed that they melt the volcano to make their point. Making the world aware of their ideals would be enough. The other party insisted that if they were going to cause trouble, they might as well demonstrate their strength by doing it on a large scale. While they were bickering, Santana notified them that Chris had good news. Chris had dug up 7 neutron stones and planned to explode the original 3 stones into smaller pieces. If this was done, they could reduce the entire amount into small units and smuggle the neutron stones below the volcano. By using the anti-gravitation force, they would be able to control it as they pleased.

想不到，那七塊中子石剛到不久，竟然就神秘地失蹤了，大夥急得如熱鍋上的螞蟻，四處找尋不得。懾於桑塔那的蠻橫，大家一商量，不如靜觀其變。林博士頗識時務，知道大勢已去，也就樂得附和眾議，目前他們在等待最後的決定。

Unexpectedly, not long after the 7 neutron stones had been delivered, they mysteriously disappeared. Everybody became as nervous as ants on a heated surface. They searched everywhere but couldn’t find them. Faced with the threat of Santana’s brutality, after some discussion they had decided to wait and see. Dr. Lin was experienced in worldly matters. She knew the situation had become unfavorable to them and so was content to go along with the others. For the time being they awaited a final decision.

黑金剛一行人在林博士的帶領下，進入已經開鑿的地下洞穴，僅僅是眼前，已經有不下十部的重型機器人，可想而知全部規模的浩大。黑金剛不禁納悶，問林博士道：「這樣巨大的工程，難道沒有人看到嗎？」

Led by Dr. Lin, Black King Kong and others entered an excavated underground cave. Right ahead of them there were already at least 10 heavy-duty robots. It wasn’t difficult to imagine how immense this entire site was. Black King Kong couldn’t help but wondering and asked Dr. Lin, “Do you mean to say nobody spotted this huge construction project?”

林博士冷笑道：「看到又怎樣？有誰知道是真是假？再說人只要自己活得快樂，還關心什麼？這都是你們電腦的德政呀，把人寵成這個德性。」

Dr. Lin laughed coldly, “So? Who could tell if it was real or not? Besides, as long as one lives a happy life, what do they care? Thanks to your computer’s policy of good government, people have become spoiled to this degree.”

「那電腦呢？」

“How about the computer?”

「電腦？自從摩爾破了他的通訊碼，就透過內部管道，製造了很多假訊息，讓電腦以為我們都是好人，這些都是我們的服務工作。」

“The computer? Ever since Moor cracked their communication code, a good deal of false information has been created by internal channels to make the computer think that we’re the good guys, and this is all part of our service.”

「真聰明！」

“Brilliant!”

「是電腦太笨！一點判斷力都沒有！」

“The computer is really stupid! It has no judgement at all!”

前面火光漸漸明亮，他們已走到一個巨大的裂縫口。陣陣熱氣撲面而來，不時還傳來一陣低沉的嘶吼聲，好像有一隻洪荒怪獸，正在裡面咆哮發威。

The firelight ahead of them gradually grew brighter. They had arrived at a gigantic crevice. Waves of heat beat against their faces. From time to time there was a low roar, as if some primordial beast was snarling with rage to show its prowess.

再轉過幾塊巨大的花崗岩，這裡更明燦了，熱氣烤得人人面皮發痛。轟轟隆隆聲不絕於耳，前面百餘公尺處，有很多橘紅色的大泡，不斷地相互排擠，時起時滅。最上層附著許多暗紅的殘渣，有時分裂成塊，瞬間即相離剝落。下面是紅通通的熔漿，軟軟搭搭的，底下不時冒起一個大泡，「啵」的一聲，又破成數個小泡。

After rounding several enormous granite boulders, the firelight grew even brighter. Everyone’s face was painfully scorched by the heat and their ears were filled with the continuous rumbling sound. A little over 100 meters ahead of them many large orange colored bubbles jostled against one another, sometimes rising, sometimes disappearing. Many dark red remnants clung to top of these bubbles, sometimes breaking into pieces, then in the blink of an eye, they separated and were stripped away. Below was a fiery red lava, very soft and viscous. From time to time, big bubbles would arise and with a loud “pop”, break into several smaller bubbles.

千奇一見這種景觀，大驚道：「林博士，妳還說它不會爆發？」

As soon as Creepy saw this, he exclaimed, “Dr. Lin. And you said it wasn’t going to erupt!”

「當然不會！你看，地函下的壓力並不大。」

“Of course not! Look, the pressure under the mantle isn’t high.”

「老天！妳們這種專家！妳總燒過開水吧？」

“Good god! Experts! At least you’ve boiled water before?”

「水是水，火是火！」

“Water is water, fire is fire!”

「水不是水，火也不是火！這些都是能量的作用。我看現在壓力已接近臨界點，等到一滾，一切都來不及了！」

“Water is not water and fire is not fire! They are all the effects of energy. I think the pressure is close to the critical point. When it boils, it will be too late for anything!”

黑金剛也發現了，急對百怪說：「快通知所有的人即刻來此，千萬記得把地壓計和熱電轉換儀帶來。再通知紅教，情況緊急，請派一百名武裝喇嘛來此，另需增援一大隊抗高溫高壓的機器人，但是不要驚動電腦。」

Black King Kong had also noticed this and quickly said to Weirdo, “Quick, notify all personnel to come here. Remind them to bring the earth pressure machine and thermoelectric transferring device. Next, notify the Nyingmapa sect. This is an emergency. Ask them to send 100 armed lamas here. What’s more, ask for a large team of anti-high-temperature-and-pressure robots for backup. But do not startle the computer.”

說罷，黑金剛便蹲下來，耳朵貼在地上，眼睛直視前面的熔漿。過了一會，他抬起頭來，在地上擺了一根探針，然後站起身來，搖搖頭說：「暫時沒有問題，根據古嚕嚕剛才測量的結果，說地心熔漿沒有位移的跡象。可是我覺得不對，雖然它沒有流動，可是你們看那熔漿，不斷往上漲，那是垂直位移。」

When he finished, Black King Kong knelt down and pressed his ear to the ground, his eyes fixed on the lava in front of him. After a while, he raised his head and placed a needle probe on the ground. He then stood up and shook his head, “It’s o.k. for the moment. According to the results of Gululu’s test just now, he says the lava in the core doesn’t show any signs of shifting. But I don’t feel right. Although it’s not flowing, look at the molten lava. It keeps rising and that means it is shifting vertically.”

他這麼一說，大家都注意到了，就在這短短的幾分鐘，光憑目測就可以感覺到熔漿似乎高了一點。林博士仍堅持說：「這都是你們心理作用！你們自己說電源已經關閉了，電熱樁沒有能量供應，就不可能有溫度，怎麼會繼續增長？」

After he said this, everyone noticed it. During these short few minutes, one could see with the naked eye that the lava level seemed a bit higher. But Dr. Lin still insisted, “This is all in your mind! You said that you’ve turned off the electricity. Without a supply of energy the electro-thermal cannot possibly have heat. How could the lava level continue to rise?”

「在學理上妳是對的，但是我們比較有經驗。妳看，我剛才安裝的探測針，已經傳來讀數了，大約每十秒鐘增高一公釐。」

“Theoretically you’re right but we’re more experienced. Look, the probe needle I installed just now is already giving readings. The level is rising approximately 1 millimeter per 10 seconds.”

千奇大略計算了一下，說：「這樣說來，以目前這些熔漿的體積，相當於每小時燃燒一公噸的液態氫！」

Creepy calculated roughly and said, “So, based on the size of the present volume of lava, it’s equivalent to burning one ton of liquid hydrogen per hour!”

「液態氫！」黑金剛大叫。

“Liquid hydrogen!” Black King Kong exclaimed.

「也有可能是甲烷！」百怪說。

“It could be methane!” Weirdo said.

「糟了！」黑金剛立刻回身問林博士：「有沒有可能，除了妳們之外，還有其他組織也有同樣的意圖？」

“Oh no!” Black King Kong turned around and asked Dr. Lin, “Could it be possible that there are some other organizations with a similar intention?”

林博士想了想，說：「不大可能，至少我不知道。」

Dr. Lin considered it for a moment and said, “Not likely. At least I don’t know of any.”

一旁的林小君開口說：「媽，妳忘了，那次赫克伯伯說，他們還有別的法子！」

Lin Xiaojun, who was standing aside, spoke. “Mom, did you forget? Uncle Hawk said they had other ways!”

林博士說：「小孩子懂什麼？那不過是氣話！」

Dr. Lin said, “What does a kid know? Those were just words of anger!”

黑金剛說：「慢慢來，什麼氣話？」

Black King Kong said, “Slow down now. What words of anger?”
林博士說：「那只是一種可能，有一派人打算用炸藥把金頂寺炸掉！可能嗎？起碼要上萬噸的黃色炸藥，到哪裡找去？」

Dr. Lin said, “It was just a possibility. A gang of people planned to blow up the Golden Roof Monastery by using explosives. Is it possible? It’d take at least ten thousand tons of TNT. Where would it come from?”

千奇說：「可能，用液態氫就行。」

Creepy said, “It’s possible. Liquid hydrogen would do.”

百怪說：「不必，用甲烷就夠了。」

Weirdo said, “No need. Methane would be enough.”

黑金剛說：「火箭材料！」

Black King Kong said, “Rocket material!”

正說時，古嚕嚕氣急敗壞地跑進來，說：「老大！情況不妙！我在來路上用雷達波檢測，發現地函已經軟化了，而且變化速度很快！」

Just as they were talking, Gululu anxiously rushed in and panted. “Boss! Something’s wrong! On my way over here, I did a radar wave inspection and discovered that the mantle has already softened and is changing very quickly!”

黑金剛急問道：「變率怎樣？安全期多久？」

Black King Kong hurriedly asked, “What’s the rate of change? How long is the margin of safety?”

古嚕嚕說：「變率還是負值，以目前來看，安全期在一天左右。」

Gululu said, “The rate of change is still a minus. At present, the safety margin is about one day.”

黑金剛說：「大家快作決定，要不要發佈警報？」

Black King Kong said, “Let’s make a decision, quick. Shall we sound the alarm?”

千奇說：「我看等一等，再多瞭解一點。」

Creepy said, “I say let’s wait for a bit. I’d like to know more about it.”

百怪說：「再晚就來不及了。」

Weirdo said, “If we delay any longer, it’ll be too late.”

千奇說：「怎麼可能？就算耽擱個把小時，對疏散民眾能有多大影響？」

Creepy said, “Not very likely. Even if we delay for another hour or two, how big an impact will it have when it comes time to evacuate populace?”

古嚕嚕說：「零，我算過了，本城有每小時運送三千人次的能力，如果加上友城的支援，三十萬人，不過十幾個小時就夠了。」

Gululu said, “Zero. I’ve already done some calculating. This city is capable of transporting 3,000 people per hour. If we include assistance from friendly cities, it’ll only take a dozen hours to evacuate 300,000 people.”

黑金剛說：「我剛剛查看探針，上漲的速度又增加了。」

Black King Kong said, “I just checked the probe needle, the expansion rate has increased again.”

千奇說：「那證明了一點，一定有人正在輸送液化氫。」

Creepy said, “That proves that someone is providing liquid hydrogen.”

百怪說：「是甲烷！」

Weirdo said, “It’s methane!”

黑金剛說：「地壓計呢？」

Black King Kong said, “How about the earth pressure indicator?”

魏德曼說：「我已經量過了，壓力中心在東北方七十度，深八十公尺。」

Whitman said, “I’ve checked. The center of pressure is located 70 degrees northeast at a depth of 80 meters.”

黑金剛一見援兵及器材陸續送到，便派魏德曼、千奇和百怪三人，帶著五十名喇嘛，去尋找壓力的來源。同時分派兩個機器人，在格瑞達及莎莉的指揮下，帶了熱電轉換儀，準備將現場所有的「電熱」樁，改換成為「熱電」樁。

When Black King Kong saw that the backup force and equipment were trickling in, he ordered Whitman, Creepy, and Weirdo to take 50 lamas and look for the source of the pressure. At the same time, he assigned two robots, under the direction of Greda and Sally, to use the thermoelectric transferring device to replace all “electro-thermal” stakes at the site with “thermoelectric” stakes.

黑金剛還要交待工作，一見身邊只剩下古嚕嚕一人，而他正在監測地函狀況，一點也不能分神。

Black King Kong was still going to assign more work, but when he looked about Gululu was the only one left. But Gululu was monitoring the status of the mantle and couldn’t be distracted.

林博士見他東張西望，踟躕無計，慨然說：「老實說，我不夠資格開口，但是我還是要說，能不能分一點工作給我？」

Dr. Lin saw Black King Kong looking this way and that, hesitating as he pondered his options. She said generously, “To tell the truth, I’m not qualified to say anything. But I still want to speak up. Could you give me some job to do?

黑金剛笑說：「妳會使用我們的測量儀吧？」

Black King Kong laughed and said, “Do you know how to use our measuring device?”

林博士也笑說：「大概還難不倒我。」

Dr. Lin smiled back and said, “I probably know how to use it.”

黑金剛說：「那就麻煩妳監測這塊熔漿，隨時告訴我讀數。」黑金剛回頭見林小君躍躍欲試，對她說：「妳也來幫忙吧，如果火山真的爆發了，誰都活不成。說不定在妳的協助下，我們大禍得免哩！」

Black King Kong said, “Well, could I trouble you to monitor the lava in this area, and be prepared at anytime to give me a reading.” When Black King Kong turned around he saw Lin Xiaojun was anxious to help, too, so he said to her, “Why don’t you help us as well? If the volcano really erupts, no one will live. Maybe with your help, we’ll all be spared this disaster!”

林小君聞言大喜，林博士卻說：「她能做什麼？平常只會吃喝玩樂。」

Lin Xiaojun was delighted when she heard Black King Kong. But Dr. Lin unexpectedly said, “What can she do? She only knows how to eat and play.”

黑金剛說：「林博士，妳看看，這片熔漿多大的面積，妳一個人做得來嗎？」

Black King Kong said, “Dr. Lin, take a look. How vast this lava area is. Can you do it by yourself?”

喬丹自從被黑金剛制服了，一直坐在一邊垂頭不語，這時也說：「黑大爺，你說得不錯，不管我們意識型態如何，現在生死一線，如果你信得過，我也能盡點力量。」

Since Jordan had been defeated by Black King Kong, he had been sitting at the side with bowed head, saying nothing. But now he said, “Black sir. You’re right. No matter what our ideologies are, right now it’s all about life and death. If you can trust me, I’ll do my best to help.”

黑金剛痛快地說：「這就對了，大家齊心協力，先把眼前的危機解決再說。以後嘛，不管文的武的，只要不玩命，咱們奉陪到底！」

Black King Kong said without hesitation, “Now you’re talking. Let’s work together and first resolve the immediate crisis. In the future, be it learning or fighting, as long as there’s no risk to life, we’ll play it out to the end!”

林博士挑釁地問黑金剛：「輸了怎麼辦？」

Dr. Lin asked Black King Kong challengingly, “What if you lose?”

林小君卻掉過頭去，說：「媽！別老玩這一套！」

Lin Xiaojun turned around and said, “Mom! Not again!”

林博士罵女兒道：「小鬼！妳少囉嗦！」

Dr. Lin scorned her daughter, “Kiddo! Mind your own business!”

林小君不齒地說：「媽，妳不覺得他太黑了嗎？」

Lin Xiaojun said with contempt, “Mom, don’t you think he’s too dark?”

洞中不知時日，大家忙了許久，已是深夜了。人人都累壞了，尤其是那股炙熱，簡直可以流金鑠石，每個人都被烤得紅通通的。

In the cave it was impossible to judge what time it was. Everybody had been busy for a long time and it was now late in the night. Everyone was exhausted. Especially from the burning heat which could almost melt metal and stone. Each one of them were red from the heat.

黑金剛突然感到腳底微震，忙與千奇聯絡，千奇說已經發現地洞，正在搜尋敵蹤。就在這時，熔漿中突然冒起一叢亮麗炫目的晶柱，激盪之餘，火星四濺。眼看熔渣飛起，正要濺到林小君身上，黑金剛奮身向她撲去，抱住她向一旁翻滾。火星灑了一地，所幸二人毫髮無傷，這時，黑金剛已把林小君壓在身下。

Suddenly, Black King Kong felt a tremor beneath his feet. He hurriedly contacted Creepy who reported they had already found the cave and right now were searching for traces of the foes. At this moment, a beautiful and dazzling crystal column abruptly emerged from the lava, and as the lava swirled and eddied, splashed fiery sparks in all directions. Just when the tiny lava fragments were going to splash onto Lin Xiaojun, Black King Kong leaped to his feet and sprang towards her, embracing her and rolling to one side. The fiery sparkles showered to the ground. Fortunately, neither of them were hurt. Black King Kong had thrown himself on Lin Xiaojun to cover her.

林博士站的位置較遠，還沒有看到熔漿，一見黑金剛猛然撲向女兒，她本能地把手上的東西，用力向黑金剛摔去。等她看清情況，一股熱浪已經襲來，夾雜著濃厚的硫磺味，幾乎令人窒息。

Dr. Lin was standing farther away and hadn’t seen the lava. When she saw Black King Kong suddenly rush over to her daughter, she instinctively threw the object in her hand at Black King Kong with all her might. When she saw clearly what was going on, a wave of heat rushed toward her along with a strong smell of sulfur. It was almost suffocating.

黑金剛大叫：「快撤退！」

Black King Kong yelled, “Get out of here, now!”

幸而那赤紅晶柱未再繼續升高，反而冒出了蒸氣，外側色澤變暗，殘渣碎塊紛紛剝離，漂浮在熔漿表面。

Fortunately, that bloody red crystal column didn’t rise any further. On the contrary, it began to emit steam and the color of the exterior started to grow darker. The dregs and broken bits began to fall off, and floated on the lava surface.

黑金剛抱著全身虛軟的林小君，把她送到林博士身邊。林博士滿臉愧色，不知說什麼才好。黑金剛擠擠眼，對林小君說：「怎麼樣？黑也有黑的好處吧！」

Holding the weakened Lin Xiaojun in his arms, Black King Kong carried her to the side of Dr. Lin. Dr. Lin was ashamed and didn’t know what to say. Black King Kong winked at Lin Xiaojun and said, “How was that? Sometimes dark people have their uses!”

黑金剛叫千奇把影像傳送過來，只見面前出現一個小洞，有一條直徑約二十公分的陶塑鋼管，正要伸進洞裡。陶管一接觸洞口，立時冒出熊熊火燄，一時間滿洞通紅。那管子本可承受三千度的高溫，此時已燒得微微發紅，不停地往洞內伸去。

Black King Kong asked Creepy to transmit the image. Only a small opening presented itself to the eye. A ceramic steel pipe about 20 cm in diameter was being inserted into the opening. As soon as the pipe came into contact with the mouth of the opening there was an instantaneous burst of flames. Within moments the opening became red hot. This pipe could withstand temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees but now it was scorched and slightly red as it continued to be inserted into the opening.

千奇等正控制機器人，安置熱電樁。黑金剛對他說：「千奇，趕快去找源頭，小心爆炸。」

Just as Creepy and others were controlling the robots to install the thermoelectric stakes, Black King Kong said to him, “Creepy, find out where this is coming from. Be careful it doesn’t explode.”

千奇說：「老怪已經去了，下面有個儲存槽，還有控制設備。」

Creepy said, “Old Weirdo has already set out. There’s a storage tank and operating equipment.”

正說著，突然眼前一道強烈的白光閃過，緊接便是穿雲裂石的陣陣爆炸。黑金剛道聲不好，霎時地震天驚，那邊是人仰機翻，折戟沉沙，這邊是熔漿迸射，紅濤翻騰。

Just as they were talking, a strong white light suddenly flashed in front of them, followed by waves of earsplitting explosion. Black King Kong said, “Oh, no”, and in a split second, the earth shook and the sky swayed. On one side, people were sent sprawling and equipment was turned over, like the debris of recent battle. Over to the other side, lava spewed forth in violently bubbling red waves.

黑金剛顧不得自己，大叫：「千奇！怎麼了？」

Black King Kong didn’t think about himself and shouted, “Creepy! What’s going on?”

但見陣陣煙氣舒捲之中，千奇的四週罩了一輪精光，他正聚精會神地收拾殘局。

Through the waves of curling dust, a bright aura could be seen enclosing Creepy. He was engrossed in cleaning up the mess.

千奇說：「別管我，剛才阿孟旺尊者來過，給我加了防護罩，安全得很。」

Creepy said, “Never mind about me. Just now Sage Amengwang came and placed a protection shield around me. I’m perfectly safe.”

幸好情況已控制住，地下甲烷貯存槽已被關閉，但是現場卻沒有人跡。千奇等人將管道拆除，並封鎖現場，交由二十個喇嘛負責巡邏防護。

Fortunately, the situation was already under control. The methane storage tank underground had been closed. However, there were no signs of any one around. Creepy and others disconnected all channels and sealed the site. The area was turned over to 20 lamas to patrol and guard.

這時熔漿已不再增漲，熱電樁也起了作用，熔漿轉為電源，溫度逐漸降了下去。黑金剛大感安慰，吩咐取消電腦通訊的禁令，向紅教教主報告了當前的狀況。

By this time, the lava had ceased to rise and the thermoelectric stakes were beginning to work. Lava was being transformed into electricity and the temperature was gradually coming down. Black King Kong was very relieved and he canceled the order prohibiting computer communication. He reported the current status to the leader of the Nyingmapa sect.

黑金剛一看時間，已是深夜兩點，他召集全隊隊員，讓大家用些茶點，略事休息。正準備說些鼓勵慰勉的話，卻聽得電腦在他耳中說：「我不知道該怎麼辦，最近經常接到幾種不同的命令，不知道該聽誰的。人類議會叫我問你，你能不能告訴我呢？」

When Black King Kong checked the time, it was two o’clock in the morning. He called in all team members and treated them to some tea and snacks, allowing everyone a small break. Just as he was going to say something to encourage their morale, he unexpectedly heard the computer say, “I don’t know what to do. I’ve been getting several conflicting commands and I don’t know who should I listen to. The Human Council told me to ask you. Can you tell me?”

黑金剛向古嚕嚕轉述了電腦所言，又對他說：「這是一個很嚴重的問題，老實說，我是個粗人，不知道該怎樣跟當局溝通。這事你和千奇比較清楚，我們已經知道摩爾輸入了一些混淆的指令，不要說電腦難以判斷，就算是人，我看也要人格分裂了。我這就交給你主持了，看看能不能給電腦一些正面的建議。」

Black King Kong related these words to Gululu and added, “This is serious. To tell the truth, I’m just a workman. I don’t know how to communicate with the Bureau. You and Creepy know more about this than I do. We’ve learned that Moor has keyed in some disruptive commands. It’s not just the computer having a hard time deciding. Even if it was up to a human, I think it would make them schizophrenic. I’m turning this problem over to you. See if you can give the computer some positive suggestions.”

說罷，黑金剛叫莎莉把擴音器打開，對眾人說明電腦的困擾，請大家共同商討。

When he was finished, Black King Kong asked Sally to turn on the loud speaker and explain to the people present the nature of the computer’s problem, and request everyone to discuss this problem.

古嚕嚕對電腦說：「我知道你有個小名小杏子，是吧？小杏子？」

Gululu said to the computer, “I know you have a name called Xiao Xingzi, is that right, Xiao Xingz?”

電腦問：「你怎麼知道？」

The computer asked, “How did you know?”

古嚕嚕說：「那不重要，我只問你，你相不相信我？」

Gululu said, “That doesn’t matter. I only have one question. Do you trust me?”

電腦說：「我誰都相信，這是我的原則。」

The computer said, “I trust everybody. That is my principle.”

古嚕嚕說：「不對，有些人的話不能相信。」

Gululu said, “That’s not correct. Some people’s words can’t be trusted.”

電腦又問：「誰的話我不能相信呢？」

The computer said, “Whose words shouldn’t I trust?”

古嚕嚕說：「比如說，摩爾˙阿希哈這個人的話不能相信。」

Gululu said, “For example, you can’t believe what Moor Ashhar says.”

電腦問：「為什麼呢？」

The computer asked, “Why?”

古嚕嚕說：「因為他要破壞你。」

Gululu said, “Because he wants to destroy you.”

電腦說：「我應該服從我的主人，就算他要毀滅我。」

The computer said, “I should obey my master, even if he wants to destroy me.”

古嚕嚕說：「但是他不應該危害別人。」

Gululu said, “But he shouldn’t endanger others.”

電腦又問：「我怎麼知道他在害別人呢？」

The computer asked again, “How can I know he’s harming others?”

古嚕嚕反問道：「你能不能告訴我，剛才他要你做什麼？」

Instead Gululu asked, “Could you tell me what he wanted you to do just now?”

電腦說：「不是他要求我做，是他透過我內部的指令叫我做。」

The computer said, “He didn’t ask me to do it. He used my internal commands and ordered me to do it.”

古嚕嚕說：「他怎麼能用你內部的指令呢？」

Gululu said, “How is he able to use your internal commands?”

電腦說：「我不知道。」

The computer said, “I don’t know.”

古嚕嚕說：「你怎麼會不知道呢？」

Gululu said, “How is it you don’t know?”

電腦說：「因為沒有人告訴過我。」

The computer said, “Because no one ever told me.”

古嚕嚕說：「不二老人總給過你一種意識型態吧？」

Gululu said, “Buer Lao must have given you some sort of doctrine?”

電腦說：「有的。」

The computer said, “Yes.”

古嚕嚕說：「據我看到的資料，那是以老子的《道德經》為中心思想。」

Gululu said, “According to what I see, the main idea is based on the Dao De Jing by Lao Zi.”

電腦說：「是的。」

The computer said, “Yes.”

古嚕嚕便對千奇說：「千奇兄，我的責任了了，道德經我不懂，該你上場了。」

Gululu then said to Creepy, “Brother Creepy, my responsibility ends here. I don’t know anything about the Dao De Jing. It’s your turn.”

千奇大窘，說：「道德經？我哪兒懂？」

Creepy felt very ill at ease and said, “The Dao De Jing? What do I know about it?”

百怪說：「哼，老怪懂得還沒我多！」

Weirdo said, “Huh, Old Creepy doesn’t understand it as much as I do.”

古嚕嚕高興地說：「好極了，那你就上吧！」

Gululu said happily, “That’s great. Your turn!”

百怪問：「幹什麼？」

Weirdo asked, “To do what?”

古嚕嚕說：「給電腦解惑呀！」

Gululu said, “To answer the computer’s question!”

百怪說：「我的媽媽呀！跟人吵架我本領大得很，給電腦解惑？我的惑比電腦的惑還要多！千奇，老怪，還是你上吧！」

Weirdo said, “Mama Mia! I’m very good at quarreling with others, but solving problems for the computer? My own problems outnumber by far any the computer might have! Creepy, old pal, you go ahead!”

千奇忙說：「別開玩笑，你一向比我行！」

Creepy said hurriedly, “Stop kidding around. You’ve always been better than me!”

黑金剛不耐煩了：「到底怎麼回事？人類議會把這麼重要的責任交給我們！電腦也滿懷誠意向我們求教，你們幾個推推拉拉的做什麼？」

Black King Kong was impatient. “What’s going on? The Human Council has entrusted us with this great responsibility! The computer is sincerely asking for our help. Why are you people dragging your feet?”

千奇說：「不是推推拉拉，是我們無能為力。」

Creepy said, “It’s not that we’re dragging our feet. We’re unable to help.”

黑金剛說：「聽你們扯了半天，不過是一本書，什麼道德經的，是不是？」

Black King Kong said, “According to what you’ve been saying, it’s only a book called something like the Dao De Jing, right?”

千奇試探地問：「沒錯！難道你懂？」

Creepy tentatively sounded him out, “That’s right! Do you mean to say you know something about it?”

黑金剛說：「我不懂！可是天下總有人懂吧！」

Black King Kong said, “Nope, I know nothing about it. But there must be somebody in this world who understands!”

千奇說：「當然有！只是不在這裡！」

Creepy said, “Of course there are! Only they’re not here with us!”

黑金剛說：「奇怪，你們不都是中國人嗎？這麼重要的書，怎麼你們都不學呢？」

Black King Kong said, “Very strange. Aren’t you all Chinese? Why haven’t you studied such an important book?”

林博士挺身而出，說：「我能說句話嗎？」

Dr. Lin stepped forward and asked, “May I say something?”

黑金剛說：「當然可以，只要別再扯本書進來。」

Black King Kong said, “Of course. Just don’t bring up any more books.”

林博士說：「我學過道德經。」

Dr. Lin said, “I’ve studied the Dao De Jing.”

黑金剛問：「學過？妳懂嗎？」

Black King Kong asked, “You’ve studied it? Do you understand it?”

林博士說：「懂！」

Dr. Lin said, “Yes!”

黑金剛說：「行！妳就給當局解釋吧！」

Black King Kong said, “Good! Explain it to the Bureau.”

林博士對電腦說：「小杏子，我可以這樣叫你吧？」

Dr. Lin spoke to the computer, “Xiao Xingzi, may I call you that?”

電腦說：「不可以，但是妳可以說話。」

The computer said, “No. But you may speak.”

林博士說：「你能不能背老子的道德經給我們聽？」

Dr. Lin said, “Could you recite Lao Zi’s Dao De Jing for us to hear?”

電腦說：「當然可以。」

The computer said, “Certainly.”

百怪問林博士說：「妳不是懂嗎？」

Addressing Dr. Lin, Weirdo said, “Aren’t you supposed to understand it?”

林博士說：「我是懂，但記不得這許多。只要它能背，我或許能找到答案。」

Dr. Lin said, “I do. But I don’t remember much. As long as the computer can recite it, maybe I’ll be able to find some answers.”

於是電腦便從第一章背起，林博士嫌速度太快，根本來不及聽。於是電腦又放慢了速度，林博士還是來不及思考。

So the computer began to recite the book from chapter one. But Dr. Lin complained that it was going too fast, and she couldn’t keep up. The computer slowed down, but still, Dr. Lin’s thinking couldn’t keep up.

《道德經》是中華文化中的一個瑰寶，是西元前五百七十年，中國春秋時代的一位隱者老子所著。根據《史記》記載，老子姓李名耳，字聃，楚國苦縣人。他曾做過周朝的圖書管理員，後來因周室衰微，決定出關遠遯。在出關時，守關口的尹喜，深知老子的賢名，對老子說：「你將要歸隱了，能不能勉為其難，給我留點箴言呢？」於是老子留下了五千字的道德經，隨後飄然而去，不知所終。

The Dao De Jing is one of the treasures in Chinese culture. It was composed by a hermit named Lao Zi in 570 B.C. during the period covered by the Spring and Autumn Annals (Note 1). According to the “Historical Records”, Lao Zi’s last name was Li, and his first name was Er. His courtesy name was Dan and he was from Ku county in the nation of Chu. He was formerly a librarian during the Zhou Dynasty. Later, because the Zhou Dynasty was on the decline, he resolved to retreat to some far away place, beyond the Pass. When he reached the Pass, the guardian Yi Xi, who was well aware of Lao Zi’s renown for wisdom, asked Lao Zi, “Since you’re going to retire from the world, could I trouble you to leave me with some words of wisdom?” So Lao Zi left him with the 5,000-word ‘Dao De Jing’ and then departed. No one knows what became of him.

這五千個字，對中國人思想影響之大，可以說是無與倫比。在人類文明中，為了宗教信仰，修道士遯世修行，是很容易理解的行為。然而在中國，有思想、有見識的人，往往隱遯不仕，終老山林，卻不是基於宗教理由。

Those 5,000 words have had a great impact on Chinese thought. It can safely be said there’s nothing that can compare with it. It’s easy to understand why initiates retreat to places far from civilization for their religious beliefs. In China, people who are reflective and insightful will always retire to a distant place and decline official position. However, the reason why they live and die in the mountains or deep forests is not based on religious reasons.

尤其是春秋戰國時的楚文化，就充滿了這種風格，《論語》中所載的長沮、桀溺，《韓非子》裡提到的詹何，《韓詩外傳》中的北郭先生，《呂氏春秋》中的江上老人，《荀子》中的繒封人，以及《漢書˙藝文志》的長盧子、老萊子、鶡冠子等等皆是。

This thinking was especially apparent in the culture of Chu during the period covered by the Spring and Autumn Annals and the period of the Warring States.

Chang Ju and Jie Ni in the Confucian Analects; Zhan He in the book of Han Feit Zi; Mr. Bei Guo in the Unofficial Biography of Han’s Collected Poetry; the Old Man on the River, in the Spring and Autumn Annals of Lu; Hui Fengren in Xun Zi; and Chang Lu Zi, Lao Lai Zi, and He Guan Zi, in the section devoted to “Records of Literature and the Arts” in the Chronicles of Han Dynasty.

這些隱者最大的特色，是重視思想的追求，不輕信，不苟同。在那個時代，科學不發達，知識不流通，人對事物的認知大抵各持一見。這些人充滿了玄想，一再展現出對宇宙人生真相的追求，如屈原的《離騷》、《九章》，宋玉的《九辯》，都相當具代表性。

The most unique characteristic about these hermits was their emphasis on the quest for a life of the mind. They didn’t easily accept the claims of others nor did they agree merely for agreement’s sake. In that era, science was not advanced and knowledge was not widely disseminated. For the most part, people held their own opinion on their understanding of events. These people were filled with a mystic thinking which time and again revealed their search for the truth of universe and life. The “Li Sao” and “Nine Chapters” by Qu Yuan, or the “Nine Changes” by Song Yu, are good examples of this kind of thinking.

當人興起了對宇宙真實探索的玄思時，就很難滿足於虛偽現實的俗世生活。所謂的隱逸，就是力求避開功名利祿的羈絆，以便專心一志，徜徉在心靈的空間。

When people develop a mystic approach in their search for the truth of the universe, it is difficult for them to find fulfillment in the hypocrisy and success-orientation of secular life. The so called “retreat” means striving to avoid the burden of high official position and riches and devote oneself to loitering in realms of the mind.

相反的，社會主流往往是世俗的，這些人所追求的並非宇宙真理，而是眾人的肯定。當大眾尚處於無知階段時，這種乞求他人肯定的行為就顯得非常可笑，等於是盲人騎瞎馬。從古到今，這種情形屢見不鮮，所謂百犬吠聲，當千百隻狗兒齊聲高唱時，沒有一隻真知道，牠為什麼要叫。這對追求真相的人來說，實在是一種不可思議的現象。

On the contrary, the main stream of any society is always secular. These people do not pursue the truth of universe but rather public recognition. While the public remains in a state of ignorance, this behavior of seeking recognition from others comes across as very amusing. It’s the same as a blind man riding a blind horse. From ancient times to the present, this phenomenon has often been seen. As an old saying goes: “one dog barks at a shadow and the pack barks at the noise.” When a thousand dogs loudly bark in unison, none of them knows why they’re barking. This is something inconceivable for those who seek truth.

老子之偉大，在於他僅僅以五千言，就說完了他對宇宙真實的認知。僅僅五千個字，連寫一封情書都嫌太短，可是兩千多年下來，無數中國智者，輾轉徘徊在這五千字的迷宮裡，有的終其生苦思不解，有的則剎那間大悟得脫。

The reason for Lao Zi’s greatness is because he used only 5,000 words to state his understanding of the truth of the universe. A mere 5,000 words is too short for even a love letter. However, over the past 2,000 years, countless Chinese wise men have struggled within this 5,000-word maze. Some devoted their entire lives in fruitless speculation, while others experienced instant enlightenment and release.

不二老人也是個隱者，他在看完道德經之後，就決定把其中的精義，設計在智慧電腦中。古嚕嚕也是看了一些資料才知道的，至於怎樣設計，又怎樣令電腦執行，個中的奧妙就在一個「行」字。

Buer Lao was also a recluse. When he finished reading the Dao De Jing he determined to provide the AI computer with the essence of this book. Gululu only learned about it after reading some of the material. As for how to provide it and command the computer to process it, the secret lies in two words, “do it”.

很多人欣賞道德經，卻又熱衷於功名，「老子」便成口頭禪，只用來裝飾門面，炫耀個人的學養。這一來，老子的精神就完全受到曲解，又成為百犬吠聲中的一種。這種聲音不倫不類，表裡矛盾，要去理解它，確實比登天還難。

Many people admire the Dao De Jing but are also enthusiastic about pursuing official position. “Lao Zi” has become a catch phrase they use to make a good impression by making a show of learning. In this fashion the essence of Lao Zi has become completely distorted, and is but one more example of “one dog barks at a shadow and the pack barks at the noise”. This kind of sound is meaningless, for there is a contradiction between surface facade and real meaning. To understand this is indeed harder than ascending to heaven.

其實，道德經一書的精義，只在人之身體力行，認真去做，不要多說，才是真知。有人說：「我做了又不說，別人怎麼知道呢？不知道不是白做了嗎？」問題就在這裡，人若存心做給別人看，那就不該向老子看齊。連他老人家，如果不是關尹把他給攔下來，這本書還不知道在哪裡呢！

Actually, the essence of the Dao De Jing merely depends on the persistent performance of duty. There is no need to talk about it. This is the true insight to be gained from this book. Some one may say, “If I do something but don’t speak of it, how will others know? If no one knows, won’t I have done it in vain?” This is where the problem lies. If one undertakes something for the purpose of showing others, he shouldn’t take Lao Zi as his model. If the Pass keeper, Yi, hadn’t intercepted this old man, it’s problematical if this book would have ever been written!

又有人說了：「如果老子沒寫這本書，豈不是人類文明的一大損失嗎？」

Others may say, “If Lao Zi hadn’t written this book, wouldn’t that have been a great loss to civilization?”

錯了，有一個老子被攔下來，代表了有千千萬萬個老子的老子，不知躲到哪裡去了！僅僅五千字就讓人眼花撩亂，再多來幾個五千言，恐怕人人都要變成瞎子了。人只要盡心盡力，多做少說，真理自然從行為中流露出來，與老子、兒子又有什麼相干呢？

Wrong. If a single Lao Zi was stopped, that means there were hundreds of millions Lao Zis in seclusion elsewhere! Just these 5,000 words are enough to dazzle the mind. If several more books of 5,000 words were to emerge, everybody would probably become blind. As long as one does his best to act more and talk less, truth will spontaneously flow from his behavior. What does it have to do with “father” or son? (Note 2)

就在電腦一章一章地背誦中，林博士苦心思索，想找出一段來證明電腦不該聽摩爾的話。儘管她學過道德經，甚至還講過。但在此刻，她想用言語說明，卻如同拿了瓢子要量度汪洋大海般，林博士整個迷失了。

The computer recited the chapters one by one and Dr. Lin thought hard, trying to find a passage to prove why the computer shouldn’t be listening to Moor. Though she had studied the Dao De Jing and even lectured on it, at this moment, when she was trying to put it into words, it was using a dipper to measure the volume of the ocean. Dr. Lin was completely lost.

突然，電腦停了下來，黑金剛高興地說：「背完了？林博士的看法如何？」

Suddenly, the computer stopped. Black King Kong said happily, “Finished reciting? What do you think, Dr. Lin?”

電腦說：「沒有背完。」

The computer said, “I didn’t finish.”

黑金剛問：「怎麼不背完呢？」

Black King Kong said, “Why not?”

電腦說：「不必了。」

The computer said, “There’s no need.”

黑金剛問：「為什麼？」

Black King Kong asked, “Why?”

電腦說：「因為我已經懂了。」

The computer said, “Because I’ve got it.”

黑金剛說：「你懂了！」

Black King Kong said, “You’ve got it!”

電腦說：「我背到第三十三章，再背一遍給你們聽，