Chapter 20 sacrifice

Jason could only think about Edward.Lawton is coming soon, and forgot to tell me that the foundation has another guest: Romes, the current vice president of the United States.The general election is approaching, and Romesi is leading the way. The gates are heavily guarded, and a helicopter is parked on the helipad on the roof of the Foundation Center.It can be seen that it is the specification of Red Alert.This was the case when President Gulen came to visit last month.I know the guard at the gate, he calls me Doctor.I check his cholesterol level every month.He secretly told me that it was Lo Mais who came this time.

As soon as I walked in the door of the clinic, I heard the radio calling me.Molly wasn't here today, and sitting at the counter was a temp named Lucinda.The radio called me to Jason's office.Four guards walked me to his office and left.It was just the two of us in the office.I was very afraid that he would ask me to give him medicine again.After giving him an injection last night, he seems to be completely back to normal today, but only temporarily.He stood up and walked towards me, spreading his hands as if to show off to me that his hands were no longer shaking.He said: Xiaotai, look, this is all thanks to you.

You're welcome.However, I still want to remind you again that I can't guarantee that there will be no problems. I know.Just get through the day.Edward will be there at noon. Don't forget about the Vice President. Ramesh came early in the morning.This person is an early bird.He's been in meetings with our Mars ambassador for hours.Later, I will take him around the park, shake hands and smile with everyone.By the way, speaking of this, are you free now? Wan Nuowen wants to chat with you. If no one clings to him to talk about national affairs, of course I can chat with him.If the polls are to be believed, Lomez could be the winner in next week's presidential election, and a landslide victory at that.Long before Van Noven arrived on Earth, Xiaojie had already started to work hard on Luo Maisi.Ramesh is very interested in Van Novin.Will your father go with you to inspect the park?

Yes, but only because it would be embarrassing not to let him go. Did you notice something was wrong? There are many things that are wrong. Is your body okay? feel good.But you, the doctor, only count if you say so.Tyler, I just need to stay up for a few more hours.it should be no problem? His pulse was beating a little fast, but that was normal.The symptoms of sclerosis were effectively controlled.The drugs might have caused him to become agitated or unconscious, but that didn't seem to be apparent at the moment.In fact, he looked radiant and emotionally stable, as if he had a sane space in his head, cheerful and calm.He locked himself in.

So, I went to Wan Nuowen.Wan Nuowen was not in the room.He had been moved to the little executive restaurant.It had been cordoned off, surrounded by a swarm of tall security officers, each with a coil tucked behind their ear.When I passed the warming table, Van Novin looked up and saw me.The group of security people came around to block me, and he waved them away. He was sitting in front of a glass-topped table, and I went to sit across from him.On his plate was an overcooked salmon steak.With his fork he turned the fish fillets to and fro to find a place to eat.He smiled at me, a serene smile.I sat on the chair and shrunk my body as much as possible, making myself look about his height.I thought to myself, why doesn't anyone help him find a chair that can be raised?

However, the food here seemed to be to his liking.During his time at the Foundation, he gained a lot of weight.His suit, which had been custom-made months ago, had already strained his midriff, and the matching vest was unbuttoned.His cheeks had rounded too, but they were just as wrinkled, with shallow furrows in the dark skin. I said: I heard that someone came to see you. Wanowen nodded.This is not the first time.I met with President Gulen several times in Washington, and Vice President Romes twice.Some people say that this election will send him to the presidency. It was not because he was particularly beloved by the people.

"I'm not qualified to criticize this presidential candidate," Vanovan said.However, the question he asked was interesting. He seemed to be intimidated by the Vice President, and I was a little worried for him.When he wanted to play Santa Claus, of course he had a kind face.His vice president has done quite impressively.But he was the most unpopular figure in Congress for most of his life because he served as the party whip for three presidents.It's not that easy to think about him. Van Novin laughed.Tyler, do you think I'm still in kindergarten?Are you worried that I will be used by your vice president?

I'm not saying you're naive, actually That's right, I'm still a rookie here, and I really can't fully understand the mysteries of your political circle.However, I am much older than Lomeis, and I have been a political leader myself. real? Been there for three years.He said.From his expression, it can be seen that he is quite proud.I am the Minister of Agriculture of Bingfeng Guangdong. oh. The Icewind Cantonese government's jurisdiction covers most of the Kyrio Roche Delta.However, my position is not the same as that of your President of the United States.The Department of Agriculture has no nukes to splurge on.However, I did find a few corrupt government officials.They falsify the inspection reports of the crops, falsely report the weight, and sell their difference to the market for overproduction.

So this is a means of collecting kickbacks? The same can be said. So, it is inevitable that there will be corruption in your five major republics? Wan Nuowen blinked sharply, showing a kind of surprise that spread like ripples across his entire face.of course.How could there be no corruption?Why do so many people on Earth believe that Martians will not be corrupt?If I were from some other part of the planet today, like France, Russia, Texas, then probably no one would be surprised when I talked about bribery, counterfeiting, theft. Probably not.However, Mars is different from those places.

Yeah?Since you work in the Foundation, you must have met a few people who went to Mars, the first generation of Martians.You know what, it's a weird feeling being with you.Those men and women are the ancient ancestors of our Martians, and you are their contemporary.Are they such divine beings?Why do you think their descendants will never sin? That's not it.but But this false fantasy is almost ubiquitous.Not even the books you gave me, the ones written before time whirled Have you read those books? Yes, I couldn't wait to finish watching it, it was very enjoyable.Thank you for that.But even those novels, those Martians

Some characters probably look a bit like saints He said: It feels very far away and very intelligent.It may seem fragile, but it is actually very powerful.people of ancient times.To us, Tyler, you earthlings are the people of ancient times.An ancient race, an ancient planet.I can't help but feel a little ironic. I thought for a moment, and then said: But, is it possible that Wells' novel His Martians barely appear in the novel.Martians are abstract, ruthless and evil, without intelligence but intelligent.However, you seem to have a saying that angels and devils are twin brothers.I don't know if I used the wrong idiom But those more contemporary novels Those stories are very beautiful.And, at least the protagonists of the story are human.But what I think is really brilliant is the Martian landscape in the story, don't you think?However, even those landscapes can be changed arbitrarily, and unexpected fates can be hidden behind each sand dune. bradbury course The Mars he writes about is not Mars either.However, I think the Ohio described in his story is more like Mars. I know what you mean.You are human too, and Mars is not heaven.I agree with that, but it doesn't mean you won't be used by Lomys as his campaign tool. I hope you understand that I am fully aware of this possibility.More correctly, I think it is inevitable.Obviously they're going to use me for political gain.But in this way, the power fell into my hands instead.I have the right to decide whether to agree or not, to cooperate obediently or to die rather than surrender.I have the right to decide to tell the truth. He grinned again, showing a set of perfectly straight teeth, white and gleaming.Or not telling the truth. How does this whole plan work for you? He spread his hands.Martians also like to do this action as much as Earthlings.No good.I am a saint from Mars.However, I would love to see the replica launched into space. Purely for the pursuit of knowledge? Although my intentions are very noble, I must admit that at least I can understand the mystery of time gyrations a little bit At the same time, it also challenges hypothetical intelligent creatures He started blinking again.Whatever the sanctity of hypothetical intelligent beings, I sincerely hope they don't take our actions as a challenge. In case they think it's a challenge how could be? If they think it's a challenge, they'll also think it's an Earthling, not a Martian. Wan Nuowen blinked his eyes several times, and then gradually smiled again, with a look of affection and approval in his eyes.Dr. Dupre, I didn't expect you to have a lot of mind. Yeah, it's not like a Martian. It's really not like that. So, does Ramesh take you for an angel incarnate? This is probably only he himself knows.The last few words he said to me were as follows: At this point, Van Novin's Oxford accent suddenly disappeared.He began to imitate Preston.Luo Maisi's tone was imitated vividly, as fierce and cold as the seaside in winter.Ambassador Van Novin, it is an honor to speak with you.Your bluntness is refreshing even for a Washington veteran. What an astonishing imitation.It's hard to imagine that the person who imitated rarely spoke English in the past year.I told Van Novin I was surprised. Wan Nuowen said: I am a bookworm, and I have been reading English since I was a child.Reading is one thing, speaking is another.However, I do have a bit of a flair for languages.That's why they sent me to Earth.Tyler, can you do me one more favor?Can you bring some more novels for me to read? I'm afraid you've read all the Martian science fiction novels. Not a Martian novel.Any novel will do.Any novel, as long as it is important to you, meaningful to you, and enjoyable to read, no matter what kind of novel it is. There must be a large number of literature professors who will be happy to give you a list of books. I think so too.But it's you I'm looking for. I am not an expert.I just like to read books, but I read very casually, and most of them are contemporary books. That's even better.In fact, I am often alone, not as busy as you think.My room was very comfortable to live in, but I couldn't leave it without careful arrangements.I can't go out to eat, I can't go to the movies, I can't go to the bar to drink and chat with people.I could have asked the guards to help me find books, but if the novels they find are all the ones approved by the committee, then I don't want to read them.A book that tells the truth is like a good friend. This is by far the most like Vanovan is complaining about his situation in the Foundation, his situation on Earth.He said that he was quite happy during the day, and although he was homesick, he was still quite excited by the freshness of the strange world.For him, Earth will always be a strange world.But at night, before going to bed, he would fantasize about walking by the lake on Mars, watching groups of waterfowl skimming over the rippling lake, circling and soaring.In my imagination, it is always in the misty afternoon when the ancient sand and dust all over the sky come with the wind from the desert of Noah, dyeing the sky into a grayish-yellow halo.He said he was alone in dreams, in ethereal reveries.But he knew someone was waiting for him at the next rocky bay.Maybe it was a friend, maybe it was a stranger, maybe it was his lost family.But he knew that they would greet him eagerly, take his hand closer and closer, and finally hug each other.However, that was just a dream. He said to me: When I read those books, I seem to be able to hear their voices echoing in my heart. I promised to bring him some more books, but I have things to do now.There was a commotion at the cordon at the entrance of the restaurant, and a security officer came over.He said: They invite you upstairs. Van Novin no longer eats.He started to get up from his chair.I told him to talk to him next time. The security personnel turned to me and said: And you.They want the two of you to go there together. ☆ The security personnel hurriedly urged us and took us to the conference room next to Jason's office.Xiaojie and several department heads of the foundation were already waiting there.Across from them sat the government delegation, including Edward.Lawton, and Preston, who is likely to be the next president.Ramesh.Everyone's complexion is not very good-looking. I looked at Edward.Lawton.I haven't seen him since my mom's funeral.His haggard appearance has already begun to make people wonder if he is sick, as if something important in his body has been lost.The cuffs of his white shirt were starched, and the skin on his wrists was yellow and bony.His hair was thin and loose, carelessly combed.But his eyes are flexible.Whenever Edward was angry, his eyes were always bright. As for Lomys, he just looked a little impatient.The purpose of Luo Maisi's visit to the foundation was to take a photo with Wan Nuowen.The photos will be released publicly after Van Novin's official White House appearance.In addition, he will also discuss the strategy of the clone project with Wan Nuowen.He was ready to approve the plan.And Edward's trip is to restore his reputation.He tried his best to break into the vice president's pre-election tour, and so far he refused to give up. During the one-hour trip of the Foundation, Edward kept raising questions and ridiculing.Edward picked on almost every sentence explained by the heads of various departments under Jason in a warning tone.Especially when the delegation bypassed the newly built culture tank laboratory, Edward opened fire.Jenna, Director of the Cryonics Department.Willie told me afterwards that whenever Edward raised a question, Jason would calmly refute it one by one, as if he had already played it in the sand table beforehand.As a result, Edward added fuel to the fire and became furious.Jenna said he looked almost like crazy Lear berating crooked Martians. When Wan Nuowen and I came in, the war was not over yet.Leaning forward against the conference table, Edward said: This is my bottom line.This project has no precedent, it has not been tested, and it uses technology beyond our understanding and beyond our grasp. Jason smiled.The person he was facing was an elder he respected, but also a crazy and angry elder, and he was embarrassing that elder.His smile was oddly polite under the circumstances.He said: "Obviously nothing we do is completely risk-free, but At this time, we came in.There were some people present who had not met Van Novin.They looked at themselves, then at Vanovan, like frightened lambs.Ramesh cleared his throat and said: Everyone, I'm sorry, now I have to have a private chat with Jason and the two who just came in, can I trouble you?Just a few minutes. All the people obediently lined up and walked out, including Edward.However, his expression didn't look frustrated, but a little smug. The door is closed.The air in the conference room condensed into a soft dead silence, falling on everyone like snowflakes in early winter.Ramesh asked Jason without saying hello to us first: I know you warned me earlier that there might be shots fired.But I know it's not easy to deal with. I don't want Edward to be out after being out.Maybe not.However, he has no way of dealing us a real blow unless Unless there is no factual basis for what Edward said.I can guarantee this, he is just aiming at nothing. Do you think he's too old to be useful? He wasn't so confused yet.However, is there any problem with his judgment?I think there is a problem. However, you also know that his attacking troops are divided into two groups. This is the first time I've sat so close to a president, or rather, a future president.Ramesh hadn't been elected yet, but he was just one administrative step away from entering the White House.Now the vice president, Lomesh looked a little stern, a little dour.Compared with the Texas energy of President Gulen, he is as majestic as the mountainous Maine.He looked fit for a state funeral.During the campaign, he tried hard to smile a lot, but his smile was still stiff.Some political caricatures like to exaggerate the way he frowns and his lower lip protrudes, as if he's just swallowed a curse word back.His eyes were as cold as winter on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The soldiers are divided into two groups.What you're saying is that my father is implying that there is something wrong with my health. Ramesh sighed.To be honest, your father's criticism doesn't carry much weight when it comes to whether the replica project is feasible.His point is trivial, and that's about it.But, yes, I must admit that what he told me today was a bit troubling.He turned to look at me.That's why I'm coming to you, Dr. Dupre. At this moment, Jason was staring at me.He spoke carefully, trying to keep his tone as neutral as possible.Edward seems to have serious charges against me.What did he say he said?He says I have a fatal lesion on my brain? An incurable form of neurodegeneration interfered with Jason's mobility, rendering him unable to oversee the Foundation's operations, Romes said.Dr. Dupre, what do you think? I think Jason himself can explain this problem. Xiaojie said: I have explained it, and I have explained my multiple sclerosis condition to Vice President Romes. This bug is not the real problem, Jay is hinting at me.I cleared my throat and said: There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there is a lot of room for improvement beyond controlling the disease.Currently, multiple sclerosis patients live about as long and function as any other person.Maybe Xiaojie is not willing to talk about his illness, that is his right.Still, MS is really nothing to be ashamed of. At this moment, Xiaojie stared at me sternly.I don't understand what he means.Ramesh said: Thank you.His tone was cold, thank you for the data you provided.Besides, do you know a Dr. Mustang, David.Mustang? I froze for a moment speechless.That hidden and dangerous moment is like the sharp steel teeth of a bear trap, and the slightest hesitation will lead to doom. I quickly said: yes.It may be a little slow to answer, just a moment. Dr. Mustang is a neurologist, right? Yes. Have you consulted him before? I have consulted many specialist physicians.It's part of a doctor's job. I ask this because Edward told me that you called Mustang to research Jason's condition and said it was a severe neurological disorder. I finally understood why Xiaojie stared at me fiercely just now.Someone leaked information to Edward.Very close people.But that's not me. I dare not think about who that person might be.No matter which patient has symptoms of multiple sclerosis, I will go to consult.The Foundation clinic I manage is doing pretty well, however, we don't have enough diagnostic equipment here.Mustang can use relatively complete equipment in the hospital. I think Lomesh can see that I'm dodging the question, but he throws the hot potato back at Jay.Is everything Dr. Dupre said true? of course it's true. do you trust him He is my personal physician and of course I trust him. I'll just say it, don't mind me.I hope you are in good health, but I don't care what's wrong with you.What I care about is whether you have the ability to be my backer, meet my needs, and complete this plan.can you do it As long as there is funding, Mr. President, absolutely fine. Ambassador Wan Nuowen, what do you think?Do you feel risky?Do you have any concerns or questions about the future of the foundation? Wan Nuowen raised his mouth, showing a seven-point Martian smile.I don't have any concerns.I trust Jason 100%.Lawton.In addition, I also trust Dr. Dupre, who is also my personal physician. Jason and I were taken aback by his last sentence, but it seemed to satisfy Romes.He shrugged.It's alright, sorry to bring this up.Jason, I hope you stay healthy.I just asked a question in a bad tone, please don't mind.However, Edward has already made a move, so I have to deal with it. Xiaojie said: I understand this.But Edward Don't worry about your father. I don't want to see him lose face too much. He'll be out quietly, without alarming anyone.I think that is the inevitable end.If he still refused to let it go and wanted to make things worse, Romes shrugged.In this case, I am afraid that someone else will have to question whether there is a problem with his mind. Jason said: "Of course, we all hope that it doesn't have to go to this point. ☆ I spent the next hour in the clinic.Molly hadn't come all morning, and Lucinda was doing the registration.I thanked her and told her to rest in the afternoon.I want to make a few calls, but I don't want to use the Foundation's phone system. I'll wait over there.Later, after Lomesh's helicopter flew away and his entourage left the gate, I started clearing my desk and thinking about what to do next.My hands seem to be shaking a bit, it's not MS, maybe it's anger.Extreme anger, pain.I just want to diagnose pain, not experience it myself.I flipped through the table of contents of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, trying to bury the pain in it. I passed the counter and was about to go out when Jason walked in through the door. He said: I want to thank you, but fortunately you have supported me this time.I think this means that you did not tell Edward about Mustang. Xiaojie, I won't do such a thing. I believe.But someone still went to inform.Here comes the problem.How many people know about my visit to a neurologist? You, me, Mustang, and the people in Mustang's office Mustang didn't know that Edward was looking for trouble, and neither did the employees in his office.Edward must have found out about Mustang from people around us.If it's not you, it's not me I knew who he was going to talk about: Molly. We can't wrong her without evidence. Of course you would.You are the one sleeping with her.I went to Mustang, did you make a record? Not in the office. What about at home? have. Did you show it to her? of course not. Maybe she peeked at those records and you didn't find out. I guess so.I thought to myself, absolutely. She's not here, so there's no way to ask her.Did she call in sick? I shrugged.She didn't call at all.Lucinda tried to contact her, but her calls went unanswered. He sighed.I don't really blame you, but Taylor, you have to admit that your judgment is really questionable in this matter. I will handle it.I said. I know you are hot.You feel hurt and angry.I don't want you to go out in a huff and do something stupid and make things worse.However, I want you to think about where you stand in this plan and which side you are on. I know which side I'm on.I said. ☆ I called Molly from the car, but she still didn't answer.I drove to her house.The weather is mild.The building she lived in was not high, the exterior walls were plastered, and the lawn sprinklers sprayed water mist, making the whole building look gray.The soil in the garden wafts a fungus smell into my car. I was circling the guest parking lot when I suddenly saw Molly standing in the back of a battered white moving company trailer, busy stacking boxes.The trailer was attached to the back of her three-year-old Ford.I parked the car in front of her.When she saw me, she seemed to say something.I couldn't hear it clearly, but from the shape of her mouth, it seemed that she was saying something terrible!She didn't flinch when I got out of the car, though. She said: You can't stop here!You are blocking the exit. where are you going Molly placed a cardboard box on the corrugated floor of the trailer.On the carton it says plate.She said: Look what I am doing. She was wearing brown slacks, a denim shirt, and a handkerchief tied in her hair.As soon as I approached her, she took three steps back, obviously frightened. I will not hurt you.I said. What do you want to do? I want to know who bought you. I do not know what you're talking about. Did Edward look for you himself, or one of his men? Shit.she says.She was calculating how far she was from the car door.Tyler, let me go.what on earth do you want?Why are you asking this? Did you volunteer to come to the door yourself, or did he call you first?When did this thing start, Molly?Did you sleep with me to gather information, or did you just do it after your first date with me? screw you. How much did he pay you?I want to know how much I am worth? screw you.so what?I'm not Don't tell me you're not in it for the money.I mean, don't tell me what principle you are for. Money is the principle.She wiped her trousers with her hands to remove the dust.She seemed less frightened and began to pose a little aggressively. Jasmine, what do you want to buy with the money? what do i want to buyThere is only one thing in this world that is important, and everyone wants to buy it.That is a good death.Die crisply, die painfully.One morning the sun will come out and it will get hotter and hotter until the whole sky is full of fire.Tyler, I'm sorry, but I want to live in a more comfortable place until the end of the world comes.Alone somewhere.I will try to make the place as comfortable as possible.When the morning of the end of the world comes, I hope that I can have a bottle of expensive medicine to let myself go to the end comfortably.I hope I'm asleep when people start screaming.Really, Taylor.This is what I want.That's the only thing I really, really want in this world.And, I want to thank you for making my dreams come true.She frowned angrily, but a tear came out of her eye and ran down her cheek.Please move your car. I said: A comfortable house, a bottle of pills?You betrayed me for so little money? No one can take care of me, only I can take care of myself. As sad as it sounds, I thought we could take care of each other. That means I have to trust you.To put it bluntly, look at you, you've spent your whole life waiting for an answer, for a savior, or hanging in the air forever. Molly, I'm just trying to be rational. oh i know.If rationality were a knife, my blood would have been drained long ago.Poor rational Taylor.But I already guessed what you were thinking.You are taking revenge, right?You wear the clothes of a saint every day, and pretend to be a saint.The world has let you down, so you're out for revenge.The world doesn't give you what you want, so you don't want to give the world anything.You can only give the world a little sympathy and give the world aspirin. jasmine Don't tell me you love me because I know it's bullshit.You have no idea what love is and what it looks like to be loved.Thank you for picking me, but you could pick anyone.Believe it or not, Tyler, no matter who you pick, the results will be equally discouraging. I turned and walked back to my car, a little uneasy.Not because I was shocked by Jasmine's betrayal, but because this is how we ended up.The intimacy between us was completely wiped out overnight, like stocks after a stock market crash.Then I turned back to Molly.What about you, Molly?I know you're asking for information for money.But, did you sleep with me just to inquire about information? She said: I slept with you because I was lonely. Are you still lonely now? I am always lonely. I drove away.