第五章
Betray (I looked it up): to deliver to an enemy by treachery or disloyalty; to be unfaithful in; to seduce and desert...Is this what I'm guilty of· Have I seduced and deserted him· Am I delivering Jonathan over to an enemy· Have I been unfaithful· As I repeat the word over and over to myself, it begins to lose all meaning; it becomes a meaningless sound, a bit of Tiresian or Praxian babble. But then I begin to think of it as a kind of war cry, a sound that echoes back and forth across the terrain of my life and these twenty years of bloodshed. If I am a betrayer, I am also the betrayed. I am the SDFs-1,2, and 3; I am all the councils and all the generals. I am the dead, the War itself.
An excerpt from the journal of Lynn-Minmei
背叛（我查了字典）：1.投敌，出卖；2.不忠实；3.始乱终弃……是这个让我觉得内疚么？我对他始乱终弃了么？我将乔纳森出卖给敌人了么？我不忠实么？我一遍遍对自己重复念着这个词，它渐渐失去了所有意义，只剩下空洞的音节，好似泰雷西亚语或普拉西斯语的喋喋不休。可接着，我开始认为这个词是一种战斗呼号，在我生命的领域里，在这二十年来流血中，来来往往，回音飘荡。如果我是个背叛者，那么我也将被人背叛。我是太空堡垒一、二、三号；我是全体委员和所有将领；我是死神，是战争本身。
——摘自林明美的日记
With Rick and Lisa and all the other men and women who had joined the Sentinels' cause missing and presumed dead, there were precious few people Dr. Lang could trust, let alone seek out for company or old-fashioned good counsel. Things had not been the same between Lang and Harry Penn since Karen left, and of the Plenipotentiary members, only Justine Huxley and Niles Obstat were still receptive. Edwards had influenced the rest to one degree or another, except of course for Exedore, who had become Lang's unofficial ally and close friend. Even Lynn-Minmei had been turned-by what, Lang wouldn't even try to imagine. Lang, however, was well accustomed to isolation; so even when it wasn't self-imposed he could get by. He had been managing to hold his own with the council, in spite of Edwards, and at the same time was overseeing both the mining operations on Fantoma and the repairs to the SDF-3. But the Regent's visit had introduced something new and threatening to the horizon: the possibility of a partnership between Edwards and the Invid. Lang had seen Protoculture shape stranger events these past twenty years, but none so potentially dangerous-to the Expeditionary mission, to Tirol, to the Earth itself.
由于瑞克和丽莎以及投身到哨兵事业的男女们已经失踪并被认为死亡，光是朗博士能信任的人就已经屈指可数，更不用说找到同道或者那种旧式的好参谋了。凯伦离开后，朗和哈里·潘之间的关系已经不复往昔，至于全权大使委员会成员，只有贾丝廷·赫胥黎和奈尔斯·奥博斯坦还能听取他的看法。爱德华兹对其余的人都施加了或多或少的影响力，当然爱克西多除外，他已经成为朗非正式的同盟兼关系密切的好友。即使是林明美也转变了——其原因朗根本不愿去设想。朗，无论怎样，非常适应孤立的状况；所以，即使这份孤立不是他自愿接受的，也总能凑合应对。不论爱德华兹如何动作，之前他在委员会始终设法坚守住了自己的立场，并同时监管着凡托玛的采矿行动和SDF-3的修复工作。但瑞金特的到访带来了新情况与即将来临的威胁：爱德华兹和因维人合作的可能性。二十年来，朗曾见过史前文化塑造出更为奇特的事情，但没有一次比这次更危险——不论是对远征任务，对泰洛，还是对地球自身。
Something within him refused to accept Hunter's death; he knew he wasn't standing alone here, but he had nevertheless been powerless thus far in persuading the council to launch a rescue ship-even now when there were several available with the capability for the required spacefold, some running on Sekiton, some on the recently mined monopole fuels. But it was the Regent's behavior at the introductory summit sessions that finally convinced him to take matters into his own hands. And it was that decision that brought him to Fantoma. He had allowed his godson and apprentice, Scott Bernard, to accompany him, but left Exedore behind on the fortress to safeguard their mutual interests while the Regent's fleet remained anchored in Fantomaspace. The crew of the newly christened prototype dreadnought he had commandeered-the unnamed SDF-7-was one that had been handpicked for the journey after a bit of chicanery by himself and General Reinhardt; they were a capable and loyal lot, commanded by Major John Carpenter, who was being considered as a candidate to head up the first return mission to Earth.
他的内心拒绝接受卡特之死；他知道在这点上自己并不孤独，但目前为止，他在劝说委员会派出搜救船的进展上又是那么无力——即使现在就有几艘船已经具备了所需的折叠能力，其中一些依靠塞基顿运转，另一些则使用新近采出的磁单极矿燃料。但是，瑞金特在高层预备会上的表现让他决定还是自己掌控事态为妙。也正是这个决定让他去凡托玛。他同意自己的教子和学徒斯科特·博纳德随他同行，但把爱克西多留在了堡垒上，好让他在瑞金特的舰队停留在凡托玛空间时，能保卫他俩的共同利益。他所掌控的那艘新的原型无畏舰，刚启航还未来得及命名，称作SDF-7，舰上船员是他和莱因哈特将军用了些手段后，为这次旅程亲手挑出的人选。他们兼具能力和忠诚，由约翰·卡朋特少校指挥，他已被考虑为领导首次回航地球任务的一名候选人。
Lang's reasons for choosing Fantoma could be summed up in one word: Breetai. He was aware of the hostilities that had cropped up between Breetai and Edwards over the issue of the Regent's arrival, and he knew precisely where the Zentraedi's loyalties lay. And where Breetai went, so followed his hundred-strong cadre of sixty-foot biogenetically-engineered warriors-a force to be reckoned with no matter what the council's ultimate decisions might be.
朗选择凡托玛的众多原因可归结为一个词：布里泰。他知晓布里泰和爱德华兹之间在瑞金特来临的问题上显露的敌意，他也清楚地明白那些天顶星人会对谁忠诚。而且不论布里泰去哪里，身后总跟随着一百位六十英尺高的生物工程勇士精英——无论委员会的最终决定将是什么，这都是不容小觑的势力。
No sooner did Lang step from the shuttle that had ferried his party to the surface of the ringed giant than Breetai insisted on escorting him through a tour of the mining complex. It, was obvious that the Zentraedi was taking some pride in his accomplishments, so Lang didn't offer any resistance. But the opportunity to discuss the pressing issues that had brought him here didn't present itself until much later on, and by then Lang was nearly feverish. Breetai had led them to a massive Quonset-style structure that served as the colony's command and control center-the only such building in New Zarkopolis designed to accommodate both giants and Humans in relative comfort. There, Lang reviewed what had been said during the so-called truce talks, and what reported statements had been exchanged between Edwards and the Regent during the subsequent one-on-one sessions. Breetai said little, preferring instead to listen or grunt an occasional exclamation of anger or surprise. But when Lang finished-with an audible sigh-the Zentraedi collapsed his steepled fingers and leaned forward in his chair, gazing intently into the Humans' balcony area.
朗博士一行到达了这颗光环围绕的行星表面，刚从穿梭机踏出，布里泰就坚持要亲自全程护送他参观采矿工厂。很明显这位天顶星人对自己的成就非常自豪，所以朗便没有推辞。但他们一直都没有机会讨论这个让朗博士亲来此地并迫在眉睫的麻烦，直到许久之后，那时朗已接近焦躁状态。布里泰将他们领入殖民区的指挥控制中心，这是一座巨大的大棚房（注：即匡西特式建筑，一种用预制构件搭成的长拱型活动房屋，多用作仓库、兵营或临时建筑），新扎寇波利斯只有它可让巨人和人类都能相对舒适地居留。在那里，朗对所谓的和谈中涉及的内容，以及后续爱德华兹与瑞金特一对一的会谈交流所形成的报告进行了评述。布里泰很少插话，而只是倾听，或者偶尔愤怒或意外地咕哝一声。但当朗结束时，这位天顶星人叹息一声，原本指尖搭在一起的双手摊开，身体从座椅上前倾，专注地凝视着人类所坐的包厢区。
"One part of me wants to blame Admiral Hunter for allowing things to come to this," he told Lang."But if anyone can appreciate the unpredictable nature of these things, I can." Lang didn't have to be reminded of the bizarre reversals the Zentraedi commander had witnessed and suffered through; and in this the scientist and warrior were brothers of a sort."I suggest we take steps to secure our position against Edwards."
“我心里多少想责怪卡特将军，让事态发展到这种地步，”他告诉朗。“但如果有别人能了解这些事态不可预测的本质，那么我也能了解。”并不需要提醒，朗知道这位天顶星军官曾亲历亲见过不同寻常的世事翻转；在这点上，这位科学家和这位勇士好比兄弟。“我建议我们采取行动，来巩固对抗爱德华兹的阵地。”
"Yes, but how·" Lang asked.
“好的，但怎么做才行？”朗问道。
"Just as you have begun," Breetai said, motioning to where Carpenter and his exec were seated."And you must arrange for additional mecha to be sent here..."
“就像你已经开始动手的那些”布里泰一边说，一边对卡朋特那伙人的座位做了个手势。“而且你必须安排送更多的机甲来这里。”
"Disguised as mining devices perhaps."
“或者能假借采矿设备的名义。”
"Exactly. We have our own ship, our own mecha, but we must have our own weapons. New Zarkopolis could become our base of operation. And of course we possess something even more important than firepower..."
“正是。我们有自己的船、自己的机甲，但我们必须还要有自己的武器。新扎寇波利斯可以成为我们的行动基地。而且，当然，我们还拥有比火力更加重要的东西……”
"The ore," Lang completed.
“矿石，”朗补充道。
Breetai nodded. He had his mouth opened to say something more when a Human at the comm console interrupted him."Report from the fortress," the tech announced, straining to hear the communiqu·"A ship has entered the system. Colonel Wolff and some of the Sentinels are said to be aboard."
布里泰点头。他正要张口说话时，在通讯控制台前的一位人类技师打断了他。“堡垒报告，”技师全神贯注地听着通讯内容，告知大家：“一艘飞船进入星系。沃尔夫上校与一些哨兵成员据说在船上。”
"Thank God," Lang said, throwing his head back.
“感谢上帝，”朗扬起头说道。
Breetai wore an enigmatic look. He touched his faceplate in an absent manner and rose from the chair to tower over the "Micronian" balcony.
布里泰露出令人迷惑的表情。他不在意地触摸着自己的面甲，站起身来，一下子高过了“微型人”的包厢。
"The Protoculture is at work again. We call out and it answers."
“史前文化又开始起作用了。它应答了我们的召唤。”
"Yes," Lang directed up to him."And would that we could always predict its response."
“是的，”朗仰面对他说，“若我们能一直预见到它的应答，该有多好。”
Word of the drive module's approach spread to all stations and was relayed down to Tirol's surface. In her canteen in Tiresia, Minmei swooned upon receiving the news. She had returned to the surface only hours before, and now she tried to collect her thoughts before hastening back to the city's shuttle staging area.
驱动模块到来的消息传遍了所有电台，并转接到泰洛地面。明美在泰雷西亚自己的士兵俱乐部里收到了消息，立即晕了头。她仅仅几小时前才返回地面，现在又得在急忙赶回城中的穿梭艇发射架之前理清思绪。
At the same time in his quarters aboard the SDF-3, T. R. Edwards was in the midst of a session with the false Regent.
与此同时，在sdf-3的住所里，T·R·爱德华兹正和假瑞金特的会谈正在进行当中。
"It seems you were a bit premature in reporting the destruction of the Farrago" he said with a malevolent grin. Even the Invid's black, unreadable eyes failed to conceal a sense of shock; but the simulagent quickly rallied.
“看来你那已摧毁法拉戈号的消息发早了。”他说话的时候恶毒一笑。即使因维人那双漆黑难读懂的双眼，也隐藏不住震惊的神色。但替身迅速重振了精神。
"And perhaps the data you supplied was in error," he countered angrily.
“也许你提供的数据本身有误。”他愤怒地回击。
The Invid imposter had taken it upon himself to have one more go at winning Edwards over, despite the Regent's orders to the contrary. He had given careful thought to the Regent's harsh criticisms and was convinced that a follow-up discussion was in order. He now thought he had a clear understanding of the concept of sublety; but like Tesla he was not big on surprises, and the sudden appearance of the Spherisian module had completely undermined his efforts.
之前，这个冒牌的因维人不顾瑞金特的命令，擅自决定再进一步，来赢得爱德华兹的支持。他曾仔细地考虑了瑞金特尖刻的批评，坚信之后会有跟进的会谈。如今，他认为自己已经清晰地理解了“微妙”的含义，但和泰斯拉一样，他对意外惊喜并不热衷，因此史菲利思模块的突然出现破坏了他的努力。
Edwards was waving a forefinger at him."There, there, Your Highness, no call for insults, is there· Just when we were getting along so famously." Then Edwards's face grew serious, his one eye cold."Besides, it's just a couple of our people and one of yours. There were bound to be survivors."
爱德华兹对他伸出一根手指摇晃着：“注意，注意，殿下，没有理由侮辱人，不是吗？我们才相处的很好呢。”之后，爱德华兹的脸变得严肃起来，那只独眼目光冰冷：“此外，那只不过是一两个我们的人，还有一个是你的人。必定是会有幸存者的。”
"One of mine·" the simulagent asked, alarmed.
“还有个我的人？”替身警觉地问着。
"Tesla-isn't that his name· Or didn't you know he was aboard·"
“泰斯拉——是他的名字吗？还是你不知道他也在船上？”
The Invid curled one his sensors."You failed to mention that."
因维人身上一条传感器蜷曲起来：“你没提这点。”
Edwards shrugged."What's the difference· He's alive." And so is Wolff, Edwards thought. He glanced across the desk at the Invid, beginning to tire of the game. Would this Tesla be able to confirm his suspicions· he wondered, making a note to have the returnees monitored at all times."Now, what was it you were saying before·"
爱德华兹耸耸肩：“有什么区别？他还活着。”而且沃尔夫也活着，爱德华兹心想。他望着桌子对面的爱德华兹，对这场游戏开始心生厌倦。这个泰斯拉能肯定他的怀疑么？他想知道，并在心里记下要全时监控回归者们的动向。“那么，你之前想说的是什么？”
The simulagent tore himself from concerns about the possible consequences of encountering Tesla."I-I was about to make you an offer, I think."
替身将自己的思绪从那些面对泰斯拉时可能遭遇的问题里抽离，答道：“我——我正想给你个价码，我这么认为。”
Edwards waited for him to continue, then laughed."Well, go ahead-let's lay our cards on the table."
爱德华兹等了片刻本想让他继续说下去，又大笑道：“好吧，继续——让我们把牌摊到台面上来。”
The simulagent held up a hand."Three planets-yours for the choosing. Free access to all the other worlds I control-a limited partnership-and last, my help in realizing your, dreams, shall we say."
替身举起一只手，说：“三颗星球，随你挑选。其余的我控制的星球，你可自由往来——有限合作关系——最后，怎么说呢，还有在你实现梦想的过程中，我提供帮助。”
Edwards felt his jaw."In exchange for the brain..."
爱德华兹愕然：“用主脑交换……”
"And Tesla..."
“还有泰斯拉……”
"And Tesla."
“还有泰斯拉。”
"And one thing more."
“还有一样。”
Edwards's brow went up.
爱德华兹扬起那条眉毛。
"I want Minmei."
“我要明美。”
Wolff and company stepped out of the module and onto the deck of the SDF-3 docking bay to the sound of cheers-a few, at any rate, from a section led on by Emil Lang, Lord Exedore, and several staff officers. And it was Lang who clasped Wolff's hand and wrist, as if he had never been so happy to see someone. Behind him, Janice was getting the same treatment; Sarna, Burak, and Tesla were all but ignored.
沃尔夫一行跨出模块，踏上SDF-3港区甲板，面前是一片欢呼——至少，一小片由埃米尔·朗、爱克西多勋爵、几位参谋文官带领的队伍发出的欢呼。朗上前握紧沃尔夫的手和手腕，他似乎从没如此兴奋地与人会面。沃尔夫身后的贾妮斯也得到了同样的对待；但莎娜、伯拉克和泰斯拉被忽视了。
"What the hell's going on·" Wolff asked the scientist straightaway."You've got half the Invid fleet out there!"
“究竟发生了什么？”沃尔夫直接向科学家发问。“因维人的舰队有一半都让你们弄来了！”
"There's much to discuss," Lang shouted as press and officers jostled one another to get close."But tell me-the others-Rick and Lisa-"
“说来话长，”朗大声喊道，记者们和军官们推推搡搡涌了过来。“先告诉我——还有其他人——瑞克和丽莎——”
"They're alive," Wolff returned, buffeted about by the crowd."But they won't be much longer if we don't get a rescue ship to Praxis."
“他们还活着，”沃尔夫回答，被人群挤得左右摇晃。“不过要是我们不派艘救援船去普拉西斯的话，他们也坚持不了多久了。”
Lang frowned."Well, we have to see about that."
朗皱着眉头。“好，我们必须考虑的。”
"What do you mean,'see about that'·" Wolff gestured back to the module."We didn't have enough fuel to jump back, but Praxis-"
“你什么意思，‘考虑’？”沃尔夫回身指着模块。“我们没有足够跃迁回去的燃料，但是普拉西斯——”
"Things have changed," Lang told him, just loud enough to be heard."We have to talk."
“局面有变化，”朗告诉他，压低声音仅能让他听到：“我们不得不先谈谈。”
Wolff felt something acidic wash through him. All the while he had been answering Lang's questions, his eyes had been darting around the hold, searching for some sign of Minmei. Now, after seeing a hundred Invid ships anchored in Fantomaspace, and with Lang's portentous whisperings in his ear, he found her, and the sight only served to double his dread. She was standing alongside Edwards, among that unresponsive group, offering him a weak and pathetic smile.
沃尔夫感到一阵酸楚涌上心头。当他回答朗不断提出的问题时，目光始终投向人群，找寻明美的踪迹。现在，当他看到一百艘因维战舰停靠在凡托玛空间，听到朗说出的那些不祥耳语之后，他终于找到了她，但这场面只是让他倍加担忧。她正站在爱德华兹身旁，在那个反映冷漠的人群里，对他微弱又感伤地一笑。
"Come, Colonel," Lang was saying, one hand at Wolff's elbow,"we must hurry."
“来吧，上校，”朗说的时候，一手握着沃尔夫的手肘：“我们必须赶紧。”
Wolff pulled away and craned his neck to catch another sight of Minmei; but Edwards's contingent was already leaving the bay, and she was lost in the crowd.
沃尔夫甩开他的手，伸着脖子想再看一眼明美；但爱德华兹的代表团已经离开了港区，她的踪迹也消失在人群里。
"Listen, Lang, I need a minute," Wolff said, up on his toes now.
“听着，朗，我需要一分钟。”沃尔夫说着，十分热切。
Lang turned around to track Wolff's gaze, then he took hold of him more firmly, more urgently."The council is ready to hear you. Everything hinges on this."
朗顺着沃尔夫的视线四处望着，然后更紧地抓住了他，更加急迫。“委员会已经准备好听取你的汇报了，一切都依此而定。”
"Look, I just wanted to-"
“看，我只是想——”
"I know. I understand," Lang added after a moment."But things have changed, man. Aren't you listening to me· Think about your friends."
“我明白，我理解。”朗说完停了片刻，又补充：“但局势已经改变了，老兄。你没在听我说么？想想你的朋友吧。”
Wolff started to say something rash, but checked himself, slicking back his hair in a gesture of exhaustion."I'm sorry, Lang." He turned and motioned Janice and Sarna forward, then pointed to Burak and Tesla."I want these two placed in lockup." Peripherally, Wolff caught Lang's look."I'll explain," he told him.
沃尔夫本想说些鲁莽的话，但克制住了，疲累地伸手将自己的头发向后捋顺。“对不起，朗。”他转身示意贾妮斯和莎娜向前走，又指着伯拉克和泰斯拉。“我要把这两个人关押起来。”沃尔夫余光瞥见朗的表情，“我会解释的。”他说。
As everyone began to move off, Lang mentioned that the Regent had come to Tirol of his own volition; that he was in fact on the fortress at that very moment.
大伙开始散去了，朗提到，瑞金特按自己的意愿，已经来到泰洛；此时此刻，他实际上就在堡垒里。
Wolff made a surprised sound-but not half the one Tesla uttered at overhearing the statement. Wolff was too wrapped up in Lang's subsequent remarks to hear it, however; but had he turned, he would have seen the look of near rapture on the Invid's suffused face.
沃尔夫惊叹一声——但没有泰斯拉偷听到这话时所发出的一半声音大。不过沃尔夫十分专注地听着朗后续的评论，并没有注意到这点；但要是他回身的话，他一定会发现这个因维人的面孔上正弥漫着狂喜的表情。
The Plenipotentiary Council convened in extraordinary session to listen to Colonel Wolff's report and hear out his requests. Because both Janice and Sarna were "civilians" according to the council's guidelines, Wolff had to face the twelve alone. The session was held in the council's private chambers aboard the fortress, with the usual secretaries and officials in attendance. Representing the RDF were Generals Reinhardt and Edwards. Wolff had yet to learn about Edwards's relationship with Minmei, but he loathed the man nonetheless. Lang had instructed Wolff before the session convened to meet with him afterward in the scientist's quarters."No matter what the outcome," Lang had said. And those words were repeating themselves now as Wolff stood before the council recapping the events of the past four months.
全权大使委员会召集了特别会议来听取沃尔夫上校的报告以及请求。由于根据委员会的准则，贾妮斯和莎娜属于“平民”，所以沃尔夫只能单独面对十二人委员会。会议在堡垒里委员会的专属房间内举行，普通书记员和军官们也都列席。防卫军的代表是莱因哈特将军和爱德华兹将军。沃尔夫还不知道爱德华兹和明美的关系，不过他一直都厌恶这个人。朗在开会前指示沃尔夫会后到朗的住处与他会面。“不管结果怎么样。”朗是那么说的。而现在，当沃尔夫站在委员会面前简述这四个月来的事件时，这句话不停地在他脑海中重复。
"...But it appears that the Praxians abandoned their world for good reason," Wolff was concluding a short time later."Praxis is unstable. Admiral Hunter-"
“……但是，看起来普拉西斯人有理由抛弃她们的星球，”过了一会儿，沃尔夫总结道。“普拉西斯星很不稳定。卡特将军——”
"I would caution Mr. Wolff from using any honorifics," one of the council members said."The council no longer recognizes you as members of the Robotech Defense Force."
“我要提醒沃尔夫先生，注意避免使用任何敬称，”一位委员说道，“委员会已不再将你视作太空堡垒防卫军成员。”
"Some of the council," Niles Obstat objected.
“部分委员而已，”奈尔斯·奥博斯坦反对道。
"Most of us."
“绝大多数委员。”
Wolff scowled at the woman."Then why aren't Janice and Sarna here, if we're all civilians·"
沃尔夫对那个女人怒气冲冲地说：“那为什么贾妮斯和莎娜不在这里，要是我们都是平民的话。”
"Mr. Wolff," Senator Longchamps cut in,"we are just trying to set things straight for the record. You and the Hunters, Sterlings, and Grants are understood to be a part of the Expeditionary mission. The extraterrestrial Sentinels are another matter. And as for Ms. Em, she has never been affiliated with the RDF-or the mission, for that matter, if I'm not putting too fine a point on it."
“沃尔夫先生，”隆尚参议员插话道：“我们只是想澄清事实。我们明白你和卡特夫妇、斯特林夫妇以及格兰特夫妇是远征任务的成员。外星人哨兵则是另一回事。至于安慕女士，她从未隶属于防卫军或者远征任务，就事论事，我的意思很单纯。”
Wolff fought down an explosive urge to tear the man's throat out."I apologize to the council if I may seem impatient," he continued more calmly,"but the fact is that our friends are out there, marooned on a planet that for all I know is just a memory by now! All I'm asking you for is one ship with a skeleton crew."
沃尔夫强压下自己猛烈膨胀、想撕烂此人喉咙的冲动。“如果我看起来很急躁的话，我向委员会致歉。”他用更平静的语气继续说，“但事实是我们的朋友困在那里，在那颗我看来现在已经不复存在，仅是回忆的星球上孤立无援！我向你们的全部请求，只是派一艘船和最基本的船员而已。”
"To do what, Mr. Wolff·" Thurgood Stinson asked."To rescue your friends, to be sure. But what then-continue on your campaign, or return to Tirol·"
“去做什么，沃尔夫先生？”瑟古德·斯廷森问道：“援救你的朋友，当然是了。但之后呢——继续你们的战役，还是返回泰洛？”
Wolff tightened his lips."I don't think I'm qualified to answer that, Senator."
沃尔夫抿紧双唇。“我想我不够资格回答这个问题，参议员。”
"And we're not certain we can spare a ship just now, Mr. Wolff."
“那么我们无法确定现在能够调出一艘船来，沃尔夫先生。”
Justine Huxley broke the uncomfortable silence."I think we're missing the point here." She motioned to Wolff."Friends, is the term the colonel used. I ask you all to disregard for a moment the events of the past four months, and recall our first meeting with the Sentinels, especially the pledges that were exchanged then."
贾丝廷·赫胥黎开口打破了不安的沉寂：“我看我们没抓住重点。”她指着沃尔夫。“朋友，是这位上校所用的词语。我请你们各位暂时都不考虑过去四个月发生的事件，回忆我们和哨兵同盟的首次会面，尤其是当时交换的誓言。”
As the council members grumbled agreement in their individual fashions, Wolff caught Exedore and Lang sending hopeful looks in his direction.
正当委员们以自己的方式咕哝着协商时，沃尔夫看到爱克西多和朗朝他的方向投来了希望的目光。
Then Edwards got to his feet to address the twelve.
这时爱德华兹站起身，对十二人讲话。
"I'd be the first to admit that the Sentinels are both our friends and allies," he began,"but there's an important issue here that's being neglected-the Invid. The Regent's position is very clear: any assistance we render will be considered a further act of war. And he makes no distinction between Humans and XTs in this matter."
“我会第一个承认，哨兵同盟是我们的朋友和盟军，”他开始说：“但有个重要的问题不容忽视——因维人。瑞金特的立场十分明确：我们给他们提供的任何协助，都将被视为战争的进一步举措。而且他在这件事情上，不论对人类或是外星人，都没有区别。”
Wolff's heart sank.
沃尔夫的心沉了下去。
Edwards waited for the room to quiet."I don't think it's necessary for me to remind the council of the presence of the Invid fleet. I'm not saying that if it came right down to mixing it up with them we couldn't come out on top, but the results of an engagement in any case would have disastrous effects on our long-range goal-to repair our ship and return to Earth. I'm sure General Reinhardt and Admiral Forsythe concur in this matter."
爱德华兹等到房间安静下来，才继续说：“我认为自己没有必要提醒委员会，因维人舰队存在的事实。我并不是说，如果立刻决定走进去和他们掺合到一起，今后我们就不能从中走出来，但卷入此事的结果，不论怎样都会对我们的长远目标——修复飞船，返回地球——造成灾难性的损害。我确信莱因哈特将军和福尔塞提将军在这件事情上，认同我的看法。”
Reluctantly, Reinhardt inclined his head, averting Wolff's gaze. Edwards, however, was regarding Wolff.
莱因哈特不情愿地往前探了探头，避开了沃尔夫的直视。爱德华兹则不管四下如何迎望着沃尔夫。
"The timing couldn't be worse, Wolff. I'm sorry. Perhaps if we wait until the truce is signed-say, six months or so-"
“现在是最糟糕的时机，沃尔夫，我很抱歉。也许，如果我们等到和约签订——比如说，六个月之后——”
"They don't have six months!" Wolff shouted. He looked to the council."One ship! One goddamned-"
“他们没有六个月的时间了！”沃尔夫大喊。他朝委员会望去。“一艘船！只要一艘该死的——”
"The council will take these things into consideration and render its judgment in a few days, Mr. Wolff," the senator bit out, his face flushed.
“委员会将考虑这些因素，并将在几天内提出裁决，沃尔夫先生。”主持参议员从牙缝中挤出这句话，面色通红。
"But-"
“但是——”
"In a few days, Wolff."
“几天之内，沃尔夫。”
The senator's gavel went down.
参议员的小槌落下，敲在桌上。
"It is fate at work!" Tesla roared jubilantly."Do you see, Burak-does it escape you how we came to be here, how we were meant to be here·"
“是命运之手！”泰斯拉兴高采烈地呼喊着。“看到了吗，伯拉克——你难道忘记了我们如何经历这一切来到这里，我们如何注定要来到这里的吗？”
Burak screwed up his devil's face and gestured to their surroundings."Here· Meant to be here·"
伯拉克板起那张魔鬼般的脸庞，指着他们周围说：“这里？注定来到这里？”
Tesla made a dismissive motion."In this ship at this particular time," he emphasized."With the Regent close enough to touch." His hands flexed around an invisible throat.
泰斯拉轻蔑地大手一挥。“来到这艘船上，在这个特定的时间，”他强调地说：“瑞金特又近在眼前。”他的双手摆了个姿势，仿佛掐住了谁的脖子。
The two conspirators were sequestered in the fortress's confinement area, opposite one another in separate laser-barred cells. Burak was sullen-faced, perched on the edge of an aluminum-framed bunk studying his hands, while across the corridor Tesla paced back and forth.
两个共谋者被关押在堡垒的禁闭区，分处在两个相望的牢房，被激光栅栏封住。伯拉克面色阴沉，靠在铝框的床铺边上，翻看着自己的双手，而此时走廊对面的泰斯拉则在来回踱步。
"We must find a way out of here," the Invid said, coming to a halt."I must...talk to him, convince him-" He whirled to face Burak."You don't think they would keep my presence from him a secret, do you·"
“我们必须得找个法子出去，”因维人说完，停顿了一下。“我必须……同他谈，劝服他——”他转身面对伯拉克。“你觉得他们不会向他隐瞒我在这儿吧，会吗？”
Burak shrugged.
伯拉克耸了耸肩。
"I cannot take the chance," he muttered, back in motion once more."Burak, do you still wish to see your planet freed from its curse·"
“我不能贸然行动，”他喃喃自语，又一次激动起来。“伯拉克，你还希望自己的星球从诅咒中解脱吗？”
"You know I do, Tesla. But how can I help you now· They've even taken your fruits from my care."
“你明知我希望的，泰斯拉。但我现在怎么帮你？他们甚至把我看管的果子都拿走了。”
"Never mind the fruits." Tesla cautiously pushed his hand into the lasers' field, and winced at the resultant burn."Just do as I ask when the moment arrives. We have not come this far to be cheated out of our victory."
“别介意果子了。”泰斯拉小心地把一只手塞到激光场域里，烫伤后缩了回去。“当时机到来，你就按我说的做。我们历尽艰辛，谁也不能阻止我们成功。”
Betrayal of a different sort had Minmei in tears in Edwards's quarters. The general was lying on the bed, his back against the headboard, hands clasped behind his head. Minmei was well within reach in a chair by the bed, but otherwise remote. He had found her waiting for him upon his return from the council chambers, still ruffled from her impulsive flight to the fortress, her eyes red-rimmed and swollen. He didn't need to ask; so instead, he had fixed himself a drink, kicked off his boots, and settled himself on the bed while she cried.
在爱德华兹的寓所，明美因自己另一种形式的背叛而流泪。将军躺在床上，背靠床头板，头枕在交叠的双手上。明美近在床边触手可及的椅子上，却又十分遥远。他发现她在等他从委员会会议室回来，冲动地飞回堡垒后她心神不安，眼睛又红又肿。他无需多问，而是给自己倒了杯酒，踢掉靴子，躺倒床上，任她在一边哭泣。
"He's alive," Edwards said now, reaching for the drink."Isn't that what counts·"
“他活着，”爱德华兹开口了，伸手去拿酒杯。“是这个原因吗？”
She lifted her face from her hands to stare at him."That's the problem."
她抬起一直埋在手里的面孔，瞪着他：“就是这个问题。”
"Oh, you wish he was dead."
“噢，你希望他死了才好。”
Minmei sobbed and shook her head."You bastard," she told him.
明美啜泣着摇头：“你这个混蛋，”她对他说。
Edwards laughed derisively and took a long pull from the glass, determined not to give in to her."What do you want from me, Minmei·"
爱德华兹嘲讽地大笑，从杯中长饮一口，决心不对她屈服。“你想从我这儿得到什么，明美？”
She wiped her eyes and glared at him."Is it too much to expect some support·"
她擦擦眼睛，怒视着他：“期望得到一些支持，也算过份吗？”
"You don't need my support. You're feeling guilty because Wolff was stupid enough to think you'd just sit around and pine for him. And I suppose I don't count anymore-I was just a shoulder to cry on."
“你不需要我的支持。你觉得内疚，因为沃尔夫傻得以为你会干坐着为他憔悴。而且我看我也没什么价值了——我不过是个哭的时候能靠着的肩膀。”
"Stop it, T.R.-please." Minmei kneeled by the bed, resting her cheek on his thigh."What am I going to say to him·"
“别说了，T·R——求求你。”明美跪在床边，脸颊伏在他的大腿上。“我该对他说什么？”
Edwards made a harsh sound and pulled himself away from her sharply. He got up off the opposite side of the bed and walked to the center of the room, turning on her."I don't have time for this kind of nonsense. Tell him whatever you want. Just quit whining about it."
爱德华兹刺耳地一哼，猛地甩开了她。他从床另一侧下来，走到房间中央，回身看着她，说：“我没时间想这些荒唐事。你想告诉他什么就说什么。别再哭哭啼啼就行。”
He kept his back to her while he freshened his drink; but he could hear her slipping into her shoes and moving toward the door."And tell him I said 'Hi,'" he managed before the door closed.
他背对着她斟酒；但他能听见她穿上鞋朝门口走去。“给他捎上我的问候。”他赶在门关上前说了一句。
His hand was shaking as he downed the second drink; he was about to head for the shower when his com tone sounded. It was Major Benson.
他喝下第二杯后，手有些抖；他正准备去洗淋浴时，通讯器响起。是本森少校。
"Some interesting conversation down in confinement," Edwards's adjutant reported."Seems there's no love lost between Tesla and the Regent. He's pretty anxious to talk to his commander in chief, but it sounds to me like he's got murder on his mind."
“禁闭室有些有趣的对话，”爱德华兹的副官报告：“似乎泰斯拉与瑞金特之间有仇恨。他很急切地盼望同他的总司令谈话，但听起来我觉得他心存杀机。”
Edwards's head went back in surprise."An unexpected development."
爱德华兹诧异地抬头。“事态意外发展。”
"He's got some kind of deal going with that other alien. Can't make too much sense of it. Some payback after Tesla sets himself up as number one."
“他同另外那个外星人有交易。还弄不太清。当泰斯拉当上头号人物之后的某种回报。”
While Benson continued to fill in the scant details, Edwards concluded that an assassination might prove an advantageous event. He didn't believe the Invid fleet would go to guns over the death of an imposter-there was simply too much at stake-and by allowing the murder, Edwards would be sending a clear message to the real Regent. More than that, Edwards could lay the blame for a complete diplomatic breakdown on Wolff, and by extension, the rest of the Sentinels.
当本森继续补充那些并不充足的细节时，爱德华兹推断出这场暗杀将是有利事件。他相信因维舰队在替身死亡后不会开战——危机关头赌注太大——而且，通过纵容谋杀，爱德华兹会向真正的瑞金特送出清楚的讯息。更重要的是，爱德华兹能归咎到沃尔夫身上，彻底名正言顺地击垮他，并连带到其余的哨兵成员。
"Anything else from other quarters·" He heard Benson laugh shortly.
“别的地方有其它消息吗？”问完后，他听到本森大笑。
"You'll love this. I think Lang is going to offer Wolff the SDF-7. Of course Wolff would have to make it look like he pirated the thing..."
“你会喜欢这条的。我想朗准备将SDF-7交给沃尔夫。当然，沃尔夫会不得不装成是自己劫持的。”
Edwards mulled it over. A murder, the theft of a ship, an escape...and the council's okay to hunt the assassins down-a chance to finish the job the Invid had begun.
爱德华兹仔细地考虑着。谋杀、盗船、逃跑……还有委员会同意追捕杀手——这是完成因维人开创的未竟事业的大好机会。
Edwards smiled down on the intercom."I'll get back to you," he told Benson.
爱德华兹低头朝对讲机微笑着。“我会再打给你的。”他对本森说。
《沙丘》六部曲合集
《波西杰克逊》系列合集
《猎魔人》合集
An excerpt from the journal of Lynn-Minmei
背叛（我查了字典）：1.投敌，出卖；2.不忠实；3.始乱终弃……是这个让我觉得内疚么？我对他始乱终弃了么？我将乔纳森出卖给敌人了么？我不忠实么？我一遍遍对自己重复念着这个词，它渐渐失去了所有意义，只剩下空洞的音节，好似泰雷西亚语或普拉西斯语的喋喋不休。可接着，我开始认为这个词是一种战斗呼号，在我生命的领域里，在这二十年来流血中，来来往往，回音飘荡。如果我是个背叛者，那么我也将被人背叛。我是太空堡垒一、二、三号；我是全体委员和所有将领；我是死神，是战争本身。
——摘自林明美的日记
With Rick and Lisa and all the other men and women who had joined the Sentinels' cause missing and presumed dead, there were precious few people Dr. Lang could trust, let alone seek out for company or old-fashioned good counsel. Things had not been the same between Lang and Harry Penn since Karen left, and of the Plenipotentiary members, only Justine Huxley and Niles Obstat were still receptive. Edwards had influenced the rest to one degree or another, except of course for Exedore, who had become Lang's unofficial ally and close friend. Even Lynn-Minmei had been turned-by what, Lang wouldn't even try to imagine. Lang, however, was well accustomed to isolation; so even when it wasn't self-imposed he could get by. He had been managing to hold his own with the council, in spite of Edwards, and at the same time was overseeing both the mining operations on Fantoma and the repairs to the SDF-3. But the Regent's visit had introduced something new and threatening to the horizon: the possibility of a partnership between Edwards and the Invid. Lang had seen Protoculture shape stranger events these past twenty years, but none so potentially dangerous-to the Expeditionary mission, to Tirol, to the Earth itself.
由于瑞克和丽莎以及投身到哨兵事业的男女们已经失踪并被认为死亡，光是朗博士能信任的人就已经屈指可数，更不用说找到同道或者那种旧式的好参谋了。凯伦离开后，朗和哈里·潘之间的关系已经不复往昔，至于全权大使委员会成员，只有贾丝廷·赫胥黎和奈尔斯·奥博斯坦还能听取他的看法。爱德华兹对其余的人都施加了或多或少的影响力，当然爱克西多除外，他已经成为朗非正式的同盟兼关系密切的好友。即使是林明美也转变了——其原因朗根本不愿去设想。朗，无论怎样，非常适应孤立的状况；所以，即使这份孤立不是他自愿接受的，也总能凑合应对。不论爱德华兹如何动作，之前他在委员会始终设法坚守住了自己的立场，并同时监管着凡托玛的采矿行动和SDF-3的修复工作。但瑞金特的到访带来了新情况与即将来临的威胁：爱德华兹和因维人合作的可能性。二十年来，朗曾见过史前文化塑造出更为奇特的事情，但没有一次比这次更危险——不论是对远征任务，对泰洛，还是对地球自身。
Something within him refused to accept Hunter's death; he knew he wasn't standing alone here, but he had nevertheless been powerless thus far in persuading the council to launch a rescue ship-even now when there were several available with the capability for the required spacefold, some running on Sekiton, some on the recently mined monopole fuels. But it was the Regent's behavior at the introductory summit sessions that finally convinced him to take matters into his own hands. And it was that decision that brought him to Fantoma. He had allowed his godson and apprentice, Scott Bernard, to accompany him, but left Exedore behind on the fortress to safeguard their mutual interests while the Regent's fleet remained anchored in Fantomaspace. The crew of the newly christened prototype dreadnought he had commandeered-the unnamed SDF-7-was one that had been handpicked for the journey after a bit of chicanery by himself and General Reinhardt; they were a capable and loyal lot, commanded by Major John Carpenter, who was being considered as a candidate to head up the first return mission to Earth.
他的内心拒绝接受卡特之死；他知道在这点上自己并不孤独，但目前为止，他在劝说委员会派出搜救船的进展上又是那么无力——即使现在就有几艘船已经具备了所需的折叠能力，其中一些依靠塞基顿运转，另一些则使用新近采出的磁单极矿燃料。但是，瑞金特在高层预备会上的表现让他决定还是自己掌控事态为妙。也正是这个决定让他去凡托玛。他同意自己的教子和学徒斯科特·博纳德随他同行，但把爱克西多留在了堡垒上，好让他在瑞金特的舰队停留在凡托玛空间时，能保卫他俩的共同利益。他所掌控的那艘新的原型无畏舰，刚启航还未来得及命名，称作SDF-7，舰上船员是他和莱因哈特将军用了些手段后，为这次旅程亲手挑出的人选。他们兼具能力和忠诚，由约翰·卡朋特少校指挥，他已被考虑为领导首次回航地球任务的一名候选人。
Lang's reasons for choosing Fantoma could be summed up in one word: Breetai. He was aware of the hostilities that had cropped up between Breetai and Edwards over the issue of the Regent's arrival, and he knew precisely where the Zentraedi's loyalties lay. And where Breetai went, so followed his hundred-strong cadre of sixty-foot biogenetically-engineered warriors-a force to be reckoned with no matter what the council's ultimate decisions might be.
朗选择凡托玛的众多原因可归结为一个词：布里泰。他知晓布里泰和爱德华兹之间在瑞金特来临的问题上显露的敌意，他也清楚地明白那些天顶星人会对谁忠诚。而且不论布里泰去哪里，身后总跟随着一百位六十英尺高的生物工程勇士精英——无论委员会的最终决定将是什么，这都是不容小觑的势力。
No sooner did Lang step from the shuttle that had ferried his party to the surface of the ringed giant than Breetai insisted on escorting him through a tour of the mining complex. It, was obvious that the Zentraedi was taking some pride in his accomplishments, so Lang didn't offer any resistance. But the opportunity to discuss the pressing issues that had brought him here didn't present itself until much later on, and by then Lang was nearly feverish. Breetai had led them to a massive Quonset-style structure that served as the colony's command and control center-the only such building in New Zarkopolis designed to accommodate both giants and Humans in relative comfort. There, Lang reviewed what had been said during the so-called truce talks, and what reported statements had been exchanged between Edwards and the Regent during the subsequent one-on-one sessions. Breetai said little, preferring instead to listen or grunt an occasional exclamation of anger or surprise. But when Lang finished-with an audible sigh-the Zentraedi collapsed his steepled fingers and leaned forward in his chair, gazing intently into the Humans' balcony area.
朗博士一行到达了这颗光环围绕的行星表面，刚从穿梭机踏出，布里泰就坚持要亲自全程护送他参观采矿工厂。很明显这位天顶星人对自己的成就非常自豪，所以朗便没有推辞。但他们一直都没有机会讨论这个让朗博士亲来此地并迫在眉睫的麻烦，直到许久之后，那时朗已接近焦躁状态。布里泰将他们领入殖民区的指挥控制中心，这是一座巨大的大棚房（注：即匡西特式建筑，一种用预制构件搭成的长拱型活动房屋，多用作仓库、兵营或临时建筑），新扎寇波利斯只有它可让巨人和人类都能相对舒适地居留。在那里，朗对所谓的和谈中涉及的内容，以及后续爱德华兹与瑞金特一对一的会谈交流所形成的报告进行了评述。布里泰很少插话，而只是倾听，或者偶尔愤怒或意外地咕哝一声。但当朗结束时，这位天顶星人叹息一声，原本指尖搭在一起的双手摊开，身体从座椅上前倾，专注地凝视着人类所坐的包厢区。
"One part of me wants to blame Admiral Hunter for allowing things to come to this," he told Lang."But if anyone can appreciate the unpredictable nature of these things, I can." Lang didn't have to be reminded of the bizarre reversals the Zentraedi commander had witnessed and suffered through; and in this the scientist and warrior were brothers of a sort."I suggest we take steps to secure our position against Edwards."
“我心里多少想责怪卡特将军，让事态发展到这种地步，”他告诉朗。“但如果有别人能了解这些事态不可预测的本质，那么我也能了解。”并不需要提醒，朗知道这位天顶星军官曾亲历亲见过不同寻常的世事翻转；在这点上，这位科学家和这位勇士好比兄弟。“我建议我们采取行动，来巩固对抗爱德华兹的阵地。”
"Yes, but how·" Lang asked.
“好的，但怎么做才行？”朗问道。
"Just as you have begun," Breetai said, motioning to where Carpenter and his exec were seated."And you must arrange for additional mecha to be sent here..."
“就像你已经开始动手的那些”布里泰一边说，一边对卡朋特那伙人的座位做了个手势。“而且你必须安排送更多的机甲来这里。”
"Disguised as mining devices perhaps."
“或者能假借采矿设备的名义。”
"Exactly. We have our own ship, our own mecha, but we must have our own weapons. New Zarkopolis could become our base of operation. And of course we possess something even more important than firepower..."
“正是。我们有自己的船、自己的机甲，但我们必须还要有自己的武器。新扎寇波利斯可以成为我们的行动基地。而且，当然，我们还拥有比火力更加重要的东西……”
"The ore," Lang completed.
“矿石，”朗补充道。
Breetai nodded. He had his mouth opened to say something more when a Human at the comm console interrupted him."Report from the fortress," the tech announced, straining to hear the communiqu·"A ship has entered the system. Colonel Wolff and some of the Sentinels are said to be aboard."
布里泰点头。他正要张口说话时，在通讯控制台前的一位人类技师打断了他。“堡垒报告，”技师全神贯注地听着通讯内容，告知大家：“一艘飞船进入星系。沃尔夫上校与一些哨兵成员据说在船上。”
"Thank God," Lang said, throwing his head back.
“感谢上帝，”朗扬起头说道。
Breetai wore an enigmatic look. He touched his faceplate in an absent manner and rose from the chair to tower over the "Micronian" balcony.
布里泰露出令人迷惑的表情。他不在意地触摸着自己的面甲，站起身来，一下子高过了“微型人”的包厢。
"The Protoculture is at work again. We call out and it answers."
“史前文化又开始起作用了。它应答了我们的召唤。”
"Yes," Lang directed up to him."And would that we could always predict its response."
“是的，”朗仰面对他说，“若我们能一直预见到它的应答，该有多好。”
Word of the drive module's approach spread to all stations and was relayed down to Tirol's surface. In her canteen in Tiresia, Minmei swooned upon receiving the news. She had returned to the surface only hours before, and now she tried to collect her thoughts before hastening back to the city's shuttle staging area.
驱动模块到来的消息传遍了所有电台，并转接到泰洛地面。明美在泰雷西亚自己的士兵俱乐部里收到了消息，立即晕了头。她仅仅几小时前才返回地面，现在又得在急忙赶回城中的穿梭艇发射架之前理清思绪。
At the same time in his quarters aboard the SDF-3, T. R. Edwards was in the midst of a session with the false Regent.
与此同时，在sdf-3的住所里，T·R·爱德华兹正和假瑞金特的会谈正在进行当中。
"It seems you were a bit premature in reporting the destruction of the Farrago" he said with a malevolent grin. Even the Invid's black, unreadable eyes failed to conceal a sense of shock; but the simulagent quickly rallied.
“看来你那已摧毁法拉戈号的消息发早了。”他说话的时候恶毒一笑。即使因维人那双漆黑难读懂的双眼，也隐藏不住震惊的神色。但替身迅速重振了精神。
"And perhaps the data you supplied was in error," he countered angrily.
“也许你提供的数据本身有误。”他愤怒地回击。
The Invid imposter had taken it upon himself to have one more go at winning Edwards over, despite the Regent's orders to the contrary. He had given careful thought to the Regent's harsh criticisms and was convinced that a follow-up discussion was in order. He now thought he had a clear understanding of the concept of sublety; but like Tesla he was not big on surprises, and the sudden appearance of the Spherisian module had completely undermined his efforts.
之前，这个冒牌的因维人不顾瑞金特的命令，擅自决定再进一步，来赢得爱德华兹的支持。他曾仔细地考虑了瑞金特尖刻的批评，坚信之后会有跟进的会谈。如今，他认为自己已经清晰地理解了“微妙”的含义，但和泰斯拉一样，他对意外惊喜并不热衷，因此史菲利思模块的突然出现破坏了他的努力。
Edwards was waving a forefinger at him."There, there, Your Highness, no call for insults, is there· Just when we were getting along so famously." Then Edwards's face grew serious, his one eye cold."Besides, it's just a couple of our people and one of yours. There were bound to be survivors."
爱德华兹对他伸出一根手指摇晃着：“注意，注意，殿下，没有理由侮辱人，不是吗？我们才相处的很好呢。”之后，爱德华兹的脸变得严肃起来，那只独眼目光冰冷：“此外，那只不过是一两个我们的人，还有一个是你的人。必定是会有幸存者的。”
"One of mine·" the simulagent asked, alarmed.
“还有个我的人？”替身警觉地问着。
"Tesla-isn't that his name· Or didn't you know he was aboard·"
“泰斯拉——是他的名字吗？还是你不知道他也在船上？”
The Invid curled one his sensors."You failed to mention that."
因维人身上一条传感器蜷曲起来：“你没提这点。”
Edwards shrugged."What's the difference· He's alive." And so is Wolff, Edwards thought. He glanced across the desk at the Invid, beginning to tire of the game. Would this Tesla be able to confirm his suspicions· he wondered, making a note to have the returnees monitored at all times."Now, what was it you were saying before·"
爱德华兹耸耸肩：“有什么区别？他还活着。”而且沃尔夫也活着，爱德华兹心想。他望着桌子对面的爱德华兹，对这场游戏开始心生厌倦。这个泰斯拉能肯定他的怀疑么？他想知道，并在心里记下要全时监控回归者们的动向。“那么，你之前想说的是什么？”
The simulagent tore himself from concerns about the possible consequences of encountering Tesla."I-I was about to make you an offer, I think."
替身将自己的思绪从那些面对泰斯拉时可能遭遇的问题里抽离，答道：“我——我正想给你个价码，我这么认为。”
Edwards waited for him to continue, then laughed."Well, go ahead-let's lay our cards on the table."
爱德华兹等了片刻本想让他继续说下去，又大笑道：“好吧，继续——让我们把牌摊到台面上来。”
The simulagent held up a hand."Three planets-yours for the choosing. Free access to all the other worlds I control-a limited partnership-and last, my help in realizing your, dreams, shall we say."
替身举起一只手，说：“三颗星球，随你挑选。其余的我控制的星球，你可自由往来——有限合作关系——最后，怎么说呢，还有在你实现梦想的过程中，我提供帮助。”
Edwards felt his jaw."In exchange for the brain..."
爱德华兹愕然：“用主脑交换……”
"And Tesla..."
“还有泰斯拉……”
"And Tesla."
“还有泰斯拉。”
"And one thing more."
“还有一样。”
Edwards's brow went up.
爱德华兹扬起那条眉毛。
"I want Minmei."
“我要明美。”
Wolff and company stepped out of the module and onto the deck of the SDF-3 docking bay to the sound of cheers-a few, at any rate, from a section led on by Emil Lang, Lord Exedore, and several staff officers. And it was Lang who clasped Wolff's hand and wrist, as if he had never been so happy to see someone. Behind him, Janice was getting the same treatment; Sarna, Burak, and Tesla were all but ignored.
沃尔夫一行跨出模块，踏上SDF-3港区甲板，面前是一片欢呼——至少，一小片由埃米尔·朗、爱克西多勋爵、几位参谋文官带领的队伍发出的欢呼。朗上前握紧沃尔夫的手和手腕，他似乎从没如此兴奋地与人会面。沃尔夫身后的贾妮斯也得到了同样的对待；但莎娜、伯拉克和泰斯拉被忽视了。
"What the hell's going on·" Wolff asked the scientist straightaway."You've got half the Invid fleet out there!"
“究竟发生了什么？”沃尔夫直接向科学家发问。“因维人的舰队有一半都让你们弄来了！”
"There's much to discuss," Lang shouted as press and officers jostled one another to get close."But tell me-the others-Rick and Lisa-"
“说来话长，”朗大声喊道，记者们和军官们推推搡搡涌了过来。“先告诉我——还有其他人——瑞克和丽莎——”
"They're alive," Wolff returned, buffeted about by the crowd."But they won't be much longer if we don't get a rescue ship to Praxis."
“他们还活着，”沃尔夫回答，被人群挤得左右摇晃。“不过要是我们不派艘救援船去普拉西斯的话，他们也坚持不了多久了。”
Lang frowned."Well, we have to see about that."
朗皱着眉头。“好，我们必须考虑的。”
"What do you mean,'see about that'·" Wolff gestured back to the module."We didn't have enough fuel to jump back, but Praxis-"
“你什么意思，‘考虑’？”沃尔夫回身指着模块。“我们没有足够跃迁回去的燃料，但是普拉西斯——”
"Things have changed," Lang told him, just loud enough to be heard."We have to talk."
“局面有变化，”朗告诉他，压低声音仅能让他听到：“我们不得不先谈谈。”
Wolff felt something acidic wash through him. All the while he had been answering Lang's questions, his eyes had been darting around the hold, searching for some sign of Minmei. Now, after seeing a hundred Invid ships anchored in Fantomaspace, and with Lang's portentous whisperings in his ear, he found her, and the sight only served to double his dread. She was standing alongside Edwards, among that unresponsive group, offering him a weak and pathetic smile.
沃尔夫感到一阵酸楚涌上心头。当他回答朗不断提出的问题时，目光始终投向人群，找寻明美的踪迹。现在，当他看到一百艘因维战舰停靠在凡托玛空间，听到朗说出的那些不祥耳语之后，他终于找到了她，但这场面只是让他倍加担忧。她正站在爱德华兹身旁，在那个反映冷漠的人群里，对他微弱又感伤地一笑。
"Come, Colonel," Lang was saying, one hand at Wolff's elbow,"we must hurry."
“来吧，上校，”朗说的时候，一手握着沃尔夫的手肘：“我们必须赶紧。”
Wolff pulled away and craned his neck to catch another sight of Minmei; but Edwards's contingent was already leaving the bay, and she was lost in the crowd.
沃尔夫甩开他的手，伸着脖子想再看一眼明美；但爱德华兹的代表团已经离开了港区，她的踪迹也消失在人群里。
"Listen, Lang, I need a minute," Wolff said, up on his toes now.
“听着，朗，我需要一分钟。”沃尔夫说着，十分热切。
Lang turned around to track Wolff's gaze, then he took hold of him more firmly, more urgently."The council is ready to hear you. Everything hinges on this."
朗顺着沃尔夫的视线四处望着，然后更紧地抓住了他，更加急迫。“委员会已经准备好听取你的汇报了，一切都依此而定。”
"Look, I just wanted to-"
“看，我只是想——”
"I know. I understand," Lang added after a moment."But things have changed, man. Aren't you listening to me· Think about your friends."
“我明白，我理解。”朗说完停了片刻，又补充：“但局势已经改变了，老兄。你没在听我说么？想想你的朋友吧。”
Wolff started to say something rash, but checked himself, slicking back his hair in a gesture of exhaustion."I'm sorry, Lang." He turned and motioned Janice and Sarna forward, then pointed to Burak and Tesla."I want these two placed in lockup." Peripherally, Wolff caught Lang's look."I'll explain," he told him.
沃尔夫本想说些鲁莽的话，但克制住了，疲累地伸手将自己的头发向后捋顺。“对不起，朗。”他转身示意贾妮斯和莎娜向前走，又指着伯拉克和泰斯拉。“我要把这两个人关押起来。”沃尔夫余光瞥见朗的表情，“我会解释的。”他说。
As everyone began to move off, Lang mentioned that the Regent had come to Tirol of his own volition; that he was in fact on the fortress at that very moment.
大伙开始散去了，朗提到，瑞金特按自己的意愿，已经来到泰洛；此时此刻，他实际上就在堡垒里。
Wolff made a surprised sound-but not half the one Tesla uttered at overhearing the statement. Wolff was too wrapped up in Lang's subsequent remarks to hear it, however; but had he turned, he would have seen the look of near rapture on the Invid's suffused face.
沃尔夫惊叹一声——但没有泰斯拉偷听到这话时所发出的一半声音大。不过沃尔夫十分专注地听着朗后续的评论，并没有注意到这点；但要是他回身的话，他一定会发现这个因维人的面孔上正弥漫着狂喜的表情。
The Plenipotentiary Council convened in extraordinary session to listen to Colonel Wolff's report and hear out his requests. Because both Janice and Sarna were "civilians" according to the council's guidelines, Wolff had to face the twelve alone. The session was held in the council's private chambers aboard the fortress, with the usual secretaries and officials in attendance. Representing the RDF were Generals Reinhardt and Edwards. Wolff had yet to learn about Edwards's relationship with Minmei, but he loathed the man nonetheless. Lang had instructed Wolff before the session convened to meet with him afterward in the scientist's quarters."No matter what the outcome," Lang had said. And those words were repeating themselves now as Wolff stood before the council recapping the events of the past four months.
全权大使委员会召集了特别会议来听取沃尔夫上校的报告以及请求。由于根据委员会的准则，贾妮斯和莎娜属于“平民”，所以沃尔夫只能单独面对十二人委员会。会议在堡垒里委员会的专属房间内举行，普通书记员和军官们也都列席。防卫军的代表是莱因哈特将军和爱德华兹将军。沃尔夫还不知道爱德华兹和明美的关系，不过他一直都厌恶这个人。朗在开会前指示沃尔夫会后到朗的住处与他会面。“不管结果怎么样。”朗是那么说的。而现在，当沃尔夫站在委员会面前简述这四个月来的事件时，这句话不停地在他脑海中重复。
"...But it appears that the Praxians abandoned their world for good reason," Wolff was concluding a short time later."Praxis is unstable. Admiral Hunter-"
“……但是，看起来普拉西斯人有理由抛弃她们的星球，”过了一会儿，沃尔夫总结道。“普拉西斯星很不稳定。卡特将军——”
"I would caution Mr. Wolff from using any honorifics," one of the council members said."The council no longer recognizes you as members of the Robotech Defense Force."
“我要提醒沃尔夫先生，注意避免使用任何敬称，”一位委员说道，“委员会已不再将你视作太空堡垒防卫军成员。”
"Some of the council," Niles Obstat objected.
“部分委员而已，”奈尔斯·奥博斯坦反对道。
"Most of us."
“绝大多数委员。”
Wolff scowled at the woman."Then why aren't Janice and Sarna here, if we're all civilians·"
沃尔夫对那个女人怒气冲冲地说：“那为什么贾妮斯和莎娜不在这里，要是我们都是平民的话。”
"Mr. Wolff," Senator Longchamps cut in,"we are just trying to set things straight for the record. You and the Hunters, Sterlings, and Grants are understood to be a part of the Expeditionary mission. The extraterrestrial Sentinels are another matter. And as for Ms. Em, she has never been affiliated with the RDF-or the mission, for that matter, if I'm not putting too fine a point on it."
“沃尔夫先生，”隆尚参议员插话道：“我们只是想澄清事实。我们明白你和卡特夫妇、斯特林夫妇以及格兰特夫妇是远征任务的成员。外星人哨兵则是另一回事。至于安慕女士，她从未隶属于防卫军或者远征任务，就事论事，我的意思很单纯。”
Wolff fought down an explosive urge to tear the man's throat out."I apologize to the council if I may seem impatient," he continued more calmly,"but the fact is that our friends are out there, marooned on a planet that for all I know is just a memory by now! All I'm asking you for is one ship with a skeleton crew."
沃尔夫强压下自己猛烈膨胀、想撕烂此人喉咙的冲动。“如果我看起来很急躁的话，我向委员会致歉。”他用更平静的语气继续说，“但事实是我们的朋友困在那里，在那颗我看来现在已经不复存在，仅是回忆的星球上孤立无援！我向你们的全部请求，只是派一艘船和最基本的船员而已。”
"To do what, Mr. Wolff·" Thurgood Stinson asked."To rescue your friends, to be sure. But what then-continue on your campaign, or return to Tirol·"
“去做什么，沃尔夫先生？”瑟古德·斯廷森问道：“援救你的朋友，当然是了。但之后呢——继续你们的战役，还是返回泰洛？”
Wolff tightened his lips."I don't think I'm qualified to answer that, Senator."
沃尔夫抿紧双唇。“我想我不够资格回答这个问题，参议员。”
"And we're not certain we can spare a ship just now, Mr. Wolff."
“那么我们无法确定现在能够调出一艘船来，沃尔夫先生。”
Justine Huxley broke the uncomfortable silence."I think we're missing the point here." She motioned to Wolff."Friends, is the term the colonel used. I ask you all to disregard for a moment the events of the past four months, and recall our first meeting with the Sentinels, especially the pledges that were exchanged then."
贾丝廷·赫胥黎开口打破了不安的沉寂：“我看我们没抓住重点。”她指着沃尔夫。“朋友，是这位上校所用的词语。我请你们各位暂时都不考虑过去四个月发生的事件，回忆我们和哨兵同盟的首次会面，尤其是当时交换的誓言。”
As the council members grumbled agreement in their individual fashions, Wolff caught Exedore and Lang sending hopeful looks in his direction.
正当委员们以自己的方式咕哝着协商时，沃尔夫看到爱克西多和朗朝他的方向投来了希望的目光。
Then Edwards got to his feet to address the twelve.
这时爱德华兹站起身，对十二人讲话。
"I'd be the first to admit that the Sentinels are both our friends and allies," he began,"but there's an important issue here that's being neglected-the Invid. The Regent's position is very clear: any assistance we render will be considered a further act of war. And he makes no distinction between Humans and XTs in this matter."
“我会第一个承认，哨兵同盟是我们的朋友和盟军，”他开始说：“但有个重要的问题不容忽视——因维人。瑞金特的立场十分明确：我们给他们提供的任何协助，都将被视为战争的进一步举措。而且他在这件事情上，不论对人类或是外星人，都没有区别。”
Wolff's heart sank.
沃尔夫的心沉了下去。
Edwards waited for the room to quiet."I don't think it's necessary for me to remind the council of the presence of the Invid fleet. I'm not saying that if it came right down to mixing it up with them we couldn't come out on top, but the results of an engagement in any case would have disastrous effects on our long-range goal-to repair our ship and return to Earth. I'm sure General Reinhardt and Admiral Forsythe concur in this matter."
爱德华兹等到房间安静下来，才继续说：“我认为自己没有必要提醒委员会，因维人舰队存在的事实。我并不是说，如果立刻决定走进去和他们掺合到一起，今后我们就不能从中走出来，但卷入此事的结果，不论怎样都会对我们的长远目标——修复飞船，返回地球——造成灾难性的损害。我确信莱因哈特将军和福尔塞提将军在这件事情上，认同我的看法。”
Reluctantly, Reinhardt inclined his head, averting Wolff's gaze. Edwards, however, was regarding Wolff.
莱因哈特不情愿地往前探了探头，避开了沃尔夫的直视。爱德华兹则不管四下如何迎望着沃尔夫。
"The timing couldn't be worse, Wolff. I'm sorry. Perhaps if we wait until the truce is signed-say, six months or so-"
“现在是最糟糕的时机，沃尔夫，我很抱歉。也许，如果我们等到和约签订——比如说，六个月之后——”
"They don't have six months!" Wolff shouted. He looked to the council."One ship! One goddamned-"
“他们没有六个月的时间了！”沃尔夫大喊。他朝委员会望去。“一艘船！只要一艘该死的——”
"The council will take these things into consideration and render its judgment in a few days, Mr. Wolff," the senator bit out, his face flushed.
“委员会将考虑这些因素，并将在几天内提出裁决，沃尔夫先生。”主持参议员从牙缝中挤出这句话，面色通红。
"But-"
“但是——”
"In a few days, Wolff."
“几天之内，沃尔夫。”
The senator's gavel went down.
参议员的小槌落下，敲在桌上。
"It is fate at work!" Tesla roared jubilantly."Do you see, Burak-does it escape you how we came to be here, how we were meant to be here·"
“是命运之手！”泰斯拉兴高采烈地呼喊着。“看到了吗，伯拉克——你难道忘记了我们如何经历这一切来到这里，我们如何注定要来到这里的吗？”
Burak screwed up his devil's face and gestured to their surroundings."Here· Meant to be here·"
伯拉克板起那张魔鬼般的脸庞，指着他们周围说：“这里？注定来到这里？”
Tesla made a dismissive motion."In this ship at this particular time," he emphasized."With the Regent close enough to touch." His hands flexed around an invisible throat.
泰斯拉轻蔑地大手一挥。“来到这艘船上，在这个特定的时间，”他强调地说：“瑞金特又近在眼前。”他的双手摆了个姿势，仿佛掐住了谁的脖子。
The two conspirators were sequestered in the fortress's confinement area, opposite one another in separate laser-barred cells. Burak was sullen-faced, perched on the edge of an aluminum-framed bunk studying his hands, while across the corridor Tesla paced back and forth.
两个共谋者被关押在堡垒的禁闭区，分处在两个相望的牢房，被激光栅栏封住。伯拉克面色阴沉，靠在铝框的床铺边上，翻看着自己的双手，而此时走廊对面的泰斯拉则在来回踱步。
"We must find a way out of here," the Invid said, coming to a halt."I must...talk to him, convince him-" He whirled to face Burak."You don't think they would keep my presence from him a secret, do you·"
“我们必须得找个法子出去，”因维人说完，停顿了一下。“我必须……同他谈，劝服他——”他转身面对伯拉克。“你觉得他们不会向他隐瞒我在这儿吧，会吗？”
Burak shrugged.
伯拉克耸了耸肩。
"I cannot take the chance," he muttered, back in motion once more."Burak, do you still wish to see your planet freed from its curse·"
“我不能贸然行动，”他喃喃自语，又一次激动起来。“伯拉克，你还希望自己的星球从诅咒中解脱吗？”
"You know I do, Tesla. But how can I help you now· They've even taken your fruits from my care."
“你明知我希望的，泰斯拉。但我现在怎么帮你？他们甚至把我看管的果子都拿走了。”
"Never mind the fruits." Tesla cautiously pushed his hand into the lasers' field, and winced at the resultant burn."Just do as I ask when the moment arrives. We have not come this far to be cheated out of our victory."
“别介意果子了。”泰斯拉小心地把一只手塞到激光场域里，烫伤后缩了回去。“当时机到来，你就按我说的做。我们历尽艰辛，谁也不能阻止我们成功。”
Betrayal of a different sort had Minmei in tears in Edwards's quarters. The general was lying on the bed, his back against the headboard, hands clasped behind his head. Minmei was well within reach in a chair by the bed, but otherwise remote. He had found her waiting for him upon his return from the council chambers, still ruffled from her impulsive flight to the fortress, her eyes red-rimmed and swollen. He didn't need to ask; so instead, he had fixed himself a drink, kicked off his boots, and settled himself on the bed while she cried.
在爱德华兹的寓所，明美因自己另一种形式的背叛而流泪。将军躺在床上，背靠床头板，头枕在交叠的双手上。明美近在床边触手可及的椅子上，却又十分遥远。他发现她在等他从委员会会议室回来，冲动地飞回堡垒后她心神不安，眼睛又红又肿。他无需多问，而是给自己倒了杯酒，踢掉靴子，躺倒床上，任她在一边哭泣。
"He's alive," Edwards said now, reaching for the drink."Isn't that what counts·"
“他活着，”爱德华兹开口了，伸手去拿酒杯。“是这个原因吗？”
She lifted her face from her hands to stare at him."That's the problem."
她抬起一直埋在手里的面孔，瞪着他：“就是这个问题。”
"Oh, you wish he was dead."
“噢，你希望他死了才好。”
Minmei sobbed and shook her head."You bastard," she told him.
明美啜泣着摇头：“你这个混蛋，”她对他说。
Edwards laughed derisively and took a long pull from the glass, determined not to give in to her."What do you want from me, Minmei·"
爱德华兹嘲讽地大笑，从杯中长饮一口，决心不对她屈服。“你想从我这儿得到什么，明美？”
She wiped her eyes and glared at him."Is it too much to expect some support·"
她擦擦眼睛，怒视着他：“期望得到一些支持，也算过份吗？”
"You don't need my support. You're feeling guilty because Wolff was stupid enough to think you'd just sit around and pine for him. And I suppose I don't count anymore-I was just a shoulder to cry on."
“你不需要我的支持。你觉得内疚，因为沃尔夫傻得以为你会干坐着为他憔悴。而且我看我也没什么价值了——我不过是个哭的时候能靠着的肩膀。”
"Stop it, T.R.-please." Minmei kneeled by the bed, resting her cheek on his thigh."What am I going to say to him·"
“别说了，T·R——求求你。”明美跪在床边，脸颊伏在他的大腿上。“我该对他说什么？”
Edwards made a harsh sound and pulled himself away from her sharply. He got up off the opposite side of the bed and walked to the center of the room, turning on her."I don't have time for this kind of nonsense. Tell him whatever you want. Just quit whining about it."
爱德华兹刺耳地一哼，猛地甩开了她。他从床另一侧下来，走到房间中央，回身看着她，说：“我没时间想这些荒唐事。你想告诉他什么就说什么。别再哭哭啼啼就行。”
He kept his back to her while he freshened his drink; but he could hear her slipping into her shoes and moving toward the door."And tell him I said 'Hi,'" he managed before the door closed.
他背对着她斟酒；但他能听见她穿上鞋朝门口走去。“给他捎上我的问候。”他赶在门关上前说了一句。
His hand was shaking as he downed the second drink; he was about to head for the shower when his com tone sounded. It was Major Benson.
他喝下第二杯后，手有些抖；他正准备去洗淋浴时，通讯器响起。是本森少校。
"Some interesting conversation down in confinement," Edwards's adjutant reported."Seems there's no love lost between Tesla and the Regent. He's pretty anxious to talk to his commander in chief, but it sounds to me like he's got murder on his mind."
“禁闭室有些有趣的对话，”爱德华兹的副官报告：“似乎泰斯拉与瑞金特之间有仇恨。他很急切地盼望同他的总司令谈话，但听起来我觉得他心存杀机。”
Edwards's head went back in surprise."An unexpected development."
爱德华兹诧异地抬头。“事态意外发展。”
"He's got some kind of deal going with that other alien. Can't make too much sense of it. Some payback after Tesla sets himself up as number one."
“他同另外那个外星人有交易。还弄不太清。当泰斯拉当上头号人物之后的某种回报。”
While Benson continued to fill in the scant details, Edwards concluded that an assassination might prove an advantageous event. He didn't believe the Invid fleet would go to guns over the death of an imposter-there was simply too much at stake-and by allowing the murder, Edwards would be sending a clear message to the real Regent. More than that, Edwards could lay the blame for a complete diplomatic breakdown on Wolff, and by extension, the rest of the Sentinels.
当本森继续补充那些并不充足的细节时，爱德华兹推断出这场暗杀将是有利事件。他相信因维舰队在替身死亡后不会开战——危机关头赌注太大——而且，通过纵容谋杀，爱德华兹会向真正的瑞金特送出清楚的讯息。更重要的是，爱德华兹能归咎到沃尔夫身上，彻底名正言顺地击垮他，并连带到其余的哨兵成员。
"Anything else from other quarters·" He heard Benson laugh shortly.
“别的地方有其它消息吗？”问完后，他听到本森大笑。
"You'll love this. I think Lang is going to offer Wolff the SDF-7. Of course Wolff would have to make it look like he pirated the thing..."
“你会喜欢这条的。我想朗准备将SDF-7交给沃尔夫。当然，沃尔夫会不得不装成是自己劫持的。”
Edwards mulled it over. A murder, the theft of a ship, an escape...and the council's okay to hunt the assassins down-a chance to finish the job the Invid had begun.
爱德华兹仔细地考虑着。谋杀、盗船、逃跑……还有委员会同意追捕杀手——这是完成因维人开创的未竟事业的大好机会。
Edwards smiled down on the intercom."I'll get back to you," he told Benson.
爱德华兹低头朝对讲机微笑着。“我会再打给你的。”他对本森说。