Chapter 5: Struggle for the Ship
5 太空艇争夺战
17
17
Trevize's first impression was that he was on the set ofa hyperdrama specifically, that of a historical romance of Imperialdays. There was a particular set, with few variations (perhaps only oneexisted and was used by every hyperdrama producer, for all he knew),that represented the great world-girdling planet-city of Trantor inits prime.
崔维兹的第一个观感，是身处于一个超波戏剧的场景，尤其像是以帝国为时代背景的历史传奇剧。那种戏剧有个特定的场景，几乎千篇一律，没有什么变化（据他所知，或许每个超波戏剧制作人都是沿用同一个布景）。那个场景模拟的是全盛时期的川陀，一个伟大的环球大都会。
There were the large spaces, the busy scurry of pedestrians, thesmall vehicles speeding along the lanes reserved for them.
场景中有庞大的空间，有来去匆匆的行人，还有些小型交通工具，沿着它们的专用道路急驰而去。
Trevize looked up, almost expecting to see air-taxis climbing into dimvaulted recesses, but that at least was absent. In fact, as his initialastonishment subsided, it was clear that the building was far smallerthan one would expect on Trantor. It was only a buildingand not part of a complex that stretched unbroken for thousands of milesin every direction.
崔维兹抬起头来，几乎以为会看到计程飞车爬升到幽暗的穹顶洞口，但至少这点只是他的想象。事实上，他惊魂甫定之后，注意到这座建筑显然比川陀上的小得多。这只是一座单一建筑物，并非向四面八方绵延数千英里的建筑群。
The colors were different, too. On the hyperdramas, Trantor wasalways depicted as impossibly garish in coloring and the clothing was,if taken literally, thoroughly impractical and unserviceable. However,all those colors and frills were meant to serve a symbolic purpose forthey indicated the decadence (a view that was obligatory, these days)of the Empire, and of Trantor particularly.
此外，色调也完全不同。在超波戏剧中，川陀的绚丽色彩被夸张到不可能的程度，而人物的服饰若认真考究起来，则完全不实际又不实用。不过，那些五颜六色与褶边穗带都只具有象征性意义，是用来影射帝国——尤其是川陀这座城市——的颓废与堕落（如今，这种观点有绝对的必要）。
If that were so, however, Comporellon was the very reverse of decadent,for the color scheme that Pelorat had remarked upon at the spaceportwas here borne out.
然而，这样说来，康普隆与颓废堕落可说完全背道而驰。裴洛拉特在太空航站对色调所作的评语，在此地可以找到充分佐证。
The walls were in shades of gray, the ceilings white, the clothingof the population in black, gray, and white. Occasionally, there was anall-black costume; even more occasionally, an all-gray; never an all-whitethat Trevize could see. The pattern was always different, however,as though people, deprived of color, still managed, irrepressibly,to find ways of asserting individuality.
墙壁几乎是一片灰色，天花板则是白色的，人们身上的衣服也只有黑、灰、白三色。偶尔可以看到一套全黑的服装，全灰的则更常见，不过崔维兹一直没看到全白的。然而衣服的式样却各有不同，仿佛人们虽然被剥夺了色彩，仍坚持要设法塑造个人的风格。
Faces tended to be expressionless or, if not that, then grim. Womenwore their hair short; men longer, but pulled backward into shortqueues. No one looked at anyone else as he or she passed. Everyone seemedto breathe a purposefulness, as though there was definite businesson each mind and room for nothing else. Men and women dressed alike,with only length of hair and the slight bulge of breast and width ofhip marking the difference.
每个人不是面无表情，便是紧绷着一张脸。女性一律留短发，男性的头发则比较长，不过都往后梳成短辫。路人擦肩而过时，彼此都不会多望一眼。此地见不到悠然或茫然的人，仿佛人人心中都有正事，找不到空位装别的事情。男女的穿着没什么不同，唯一的分别在于头发的长度、胸部的轻微隆起以及臀部的宽度。
The three were guided into an elevator that went down fivelevels. There they emerged and were moved on to a door on which thereappeared in small and unobtrusive lettering, white on gray, "MitzaLizalor, MinTrans."
他们三人被带进一座电梯，一口气下了五层。从电梯出来后，又被带到一扇门前，灰色的门上有一行不显眼的白色小字，写的是“运长：蜜特札·李札乐”。
The Comporellian in the lead touched the lettering, which, after amoment, glowed in response. The door opened and they walked in.
带头的康普隆人在那行字上按了一下，不久之后整行字都亮起来。房门随即打开，一行人便鱼贯而入。
It was a large room and rather empty, the bareness of content serving,perhaps, as a kind of conspicuous consumption of space designed to showthe power of the occupant.
那是个很大的房间，而且相当空荡，没有什么陈设。如此设计或许是故意的，用来突显空间使用的奢侈程度，以展现主人的权威与气派。
Two guards stood against the far wall, faces expressionless andeyes firmly fixed on those entering. A large desk filled the center ofthe room, set perhaps just a little back of center. Behind the deskwas, presumably, Mitza Lizalor, large of body, smooth of face, darkof eyes. Two strong and capable hands with long, square-ended fingersrested on the desk.
远处的墙边站着两名警卫，他们脸上毫无表情，眼睛紧盯着进来的每一个人。房间中央摆着一张大办公桌，位置比正中仅略偏后方。坐在办公桌后面的，想必就是蜜特札·李札乐。此人身材壮硕，黑眼珠，脸上毫无皱纹，强有力的双手放在桌上，手指很长，指尖接近正方形。
The MinTrans (Minister of Transportation, Trevize assumed) had thelapels of the outer garment a broad and dazzling white against thedark gray of the rest of the costume. The double bar of white extendeddiagonally below the lapels, across the garment itself and crossing atthe center of the chest. Trevize could see that although the garment wascut in such a fashion as to obscure the swelling of a woman's breastson either side, the white X called attention to them.
这位运长（崔维兹假定应该是指“运输部长”）一身暗灰色的服装，只有外套的翻领是显眼的白色，并有两道白色线条从翻领向下延伸，在胸前正中交叉，然后继续向下走。崔维兹看得出来，虽然这套服装的剪裁刻意淡化女性胸部曲线，那个白色交叉却具有凸显的作用。
The Minister was undoubtedly a woman. Even if her breasts were ignored,her short hair showed it, and though there was no makeup on her face,her features showed it, too.
这位部长无疑是女性。即使从她的胸部看不出来，她的短发也是明显的标志；她脸上虽然没有化妆，五官也足以显出她的性别。
Her voice, too, was indisputably feminine, a rich contralto.
她的声音也是不折不扣的女性化，仿佛是浑厚的女低音。
She said, "Good afternoon. It is not often that we are honoredby a visit of men from Terminus. And of an unreported woman aswell." Her eyes passed from one to another, then settled on Trevize,who was standing stiffly and frowningly erect. "And one of the men amember of the Council, too."
她说：“午安，我们难得有这个荣幸，接待来自基地的男性访客，再加上一位报告中未曾提到的女子。”她的目光扫过每一个人，最后停在崔维兹身上。崔维兹则眉头深锁，僵直地站在那里。“其中一位男性还是议员。”她补充道。
"A Councilman of the Foundation," said Trevize, trying to makehis voice ring. "Councilman Golan Trevize on a mission from theFoundation."
“是基地的议员。”崔维兹试图使自己的声音听来很有派头，“葛兰·崔维兹议员，正在执行基地的任务。”
"On a mission?" The Minister's eyebrows rose.
“执行任务？”部长扬起眉毛。
"On a mission," repeated Trevize. "Why, then, are we being treated asfelons? Why have we been taken into custody by armed guards and broughthere as prisoners? The Council of the Foundation, I hope you understand,will not be pleased to hear of this."
“执行任务。”崔维兹重复了一遍，“所以，为何把我们当成重犯一样对待？我们为何会被武装人员逮捕，然后像犯人一样被带到这里？我希望你能了解，基地议会绝不会喜欢听到这种事。”
"And in any case," said Bliss, her voice seeming a touch shrill incomparison with that of the older woman, "are we to remain standingindefinitely?"
“姑且不论这些，”宝绮思说，她的声音跟那位较成熟的女性比起来，似乎尖锐了一点，“我们得永远这样站着吗？”
The Minister gazed coolly at Bliss for a long moment, then raised anarm and said, "Three chairs! Now!"
部长神态自若地盯着宝绮思，好一会儿之后，才举起一只手臂。“三张椅子！快！”
A door opened and three men, dressed in the usual somber Comporellianfashion, brought in three chairs at a semitrot. The three people standingbefore the desk sat down.
一道门打开来，出现了三名穿着康普隆典型朴素服装的男子，动作敏捷地搬来三张椅子，原本站在办公桌前的三个人立即坐下。
There, said the Minister, with a wintry smile, "are we comfortable?"
“好，”部长带着冰冷的笑容说，“大家舒服些了吗？”
Trevize thought not. The chairs were uncushioned, cold to the touch,flat of surface and back, making no compromise with the shape of thebody. He said, "Why are we here?"
崔维兹可不那么想，这些椅子都没有衬垫，坐起来冷冰冰的，而且椅面与椅背都是平面，完全没有考虑到人体曲线。他说：“我们为什么会在这里？”
The Minister consulted papers lying on her desk. "I will explainas soon as I am certain of my facts. Your ship is the Far Star out of Terminus. Is that correct, Councilman?"
部长看了看摆在桌上的文件。“我会解释的，但我首先要确定一下，你的太空艇是端点星出厂的远星号。这点是否正确，议员先生？”
It is.
“正确。”
The Minister looked up. "I used your title, Councilman. Will you,as a courtesy, use mine?"
部长抬起头来。“议员先生，我对你说话都加上了头衔。为了礼貌起见，你也能这样做吗？”
"Would Madam Minister be sufficient? Or is there an honorific?"
“部长阁下成不成？或是有别的尊称？”
"No honorific, sir, and you need not double your words. `Minister'is sufficient, or `Madam' if you weary of repetition."
“没有别的尊称，阁下，而且你不必多费唇舌，‘部长’就足够了。如果你不喜欢一直重复，偶尔用‘阁下’也行。”
"Then my answer to your question is: It is, Minister."
“那么对于你的问题，我的回答是：正确，部长。”
"The captain of the ship is Golan Trevize, citizen of the Foundationand member of the Council on Terminus a freshman Councilman,actually. And you are Trevize. Am I correct in all this, Councilman?"
“这艘太空艇的艇长是葛兰·崔维兹，基地的公民，端点星议会的一员——事实上，还是新科议员——而你就是崔维兹。我说的这些是否完全正确，议员先生？”
"You are, Minister. And since I am a citizen of theFoundation……"
“你说的都没错，部长。既然我是基地的公民……”
I am not yet done, Councilman. Save your objections till Iam. Accompanying you is Janov Pelorat, scholar, historian, and citizenof the Foundation. And that is you, is it not, Dr. Pelorat?
“我还没说完，议员先生，等我说完你再抗议不迟。与你同行的是詹诺夫·裴洛拉特，学者，历史学家，也是基地的公民。那就是你，对不对，裴洛拉特博士？”
Pelorat could not suppress a slight start as the Minister turnedher keen glance on him. He said, "Yes, it is, my d " He paused,and began again, "Yes, it is, Minister."
当部长锐利的目光转向他时，裴洛拉特不禁有点吃惊。“是的，没错，我亲……”他突然住口，又重说一遍，“是的，没错，部长。”
The Minister clasped her hands stiffly. "There is no mention in thereport that has been forwarded to me of a woman. Is this woman a memberof the ship's complement?"
部长生硬地拍了一下手。“送到我这里来的报告，并未提到有一名女子。这女子是太空艇的固定成员吗？”
"She is, Minister," said Trevize.
“是的，部长。”崔维兹说。
"Then I address myself to the woman. Your name?"
“那么我自己跟这名女子谈谈，你的名字是？”
"I am known as Bliss," said Bliss, sitting erectly and speakingwith calm clarity, "though my full name is longer, madam. Do you wishit all?"
“大家都叫我宝绮思，”宝绮思坐得笔直，以冷静而清晰的口吻说，“不过我的全名很长，阁下，你需要全知道吗？”
"I will be content with Bliss for the moment. Are you a citizen ofthe Foundation, Bliss?"
“我暂时不需要。你是基地的公民吗，宝绮思？”
"I am not, madam."
“我不是，阁下。”
"Of what world are you a citizen, Bliss?"
“你是哪个世界的公民，宝绮思？”
"I have no documents attesting to citizenship with respect to anyworld, madam."
“我没有任何文件，能证明我是哪个世界的公民，阁下。”
"No papers, Bliss?" She made a small mark on the papers beforeher. "That fact is noted. What is it you are doing on board the ship?"
“没有证件，宝绮思？”她在面前的文件上做了一个注记，“这点我记下了。你在这艘太空艇上做什么？”
"I am a passenger, madam."
“我是一名乘客，阁下。”
"Did either Councilman Trevize or Dr. Pelorat ask to see your papersbefore you boarded, Bliss?"
“你登上太空艇之前，崔维兹议员或裴洛拉特博士有没有要求查阅你的证件，宝绮思？”
"No, madam."
“没有，阁下。”
"Did you inform them that you were without papers, Bliss?"
“你曾经主动告诉他们，你没有身份证件吗，宝绮思？”
"No, madam."
“没有，阁下。”
"What is your function on board ship, Bliss? Does your name suityour function?"
“你在太空艇上的职务是什么，宝绮思？你的名字和你的职务相符吗？”
Bliss said proudly, "I am a passenger and have no other function."
宝绮思以傲然的口气说：“我只是乘客，没有其他的职务。”
Trevize broke in. "Why are you badgering this woman, Minister? Whatlaw has she broken?"M
崔维兹插嘴道：“你为什么要为难这女子，部长？她触犯了哪条法律？”
inister Lizalor's eyes shifted from Bliss to Trevize. She said, "Youare an Outworlder, Councilman, and do not know our laws. Nevertheless,you are subject to them if you choose to visit our world. You do notbring your laws with you; that is a general rule of Galactic law,I believe."
李札乐部长将目光从宝绮思转到崔维兹身上。“你是一位外星人士，议员先生，你不清楚我们的法律。然而，如果你决定来我们的世界访问，就得接受这些法律的管辖。你不能随身带着你们的法律，我相信这是银河法的通则。”
"Granted, Minister, but that doesn't tell me which of your laws shehas broken."
“这点我同意，部长。可是光这么说，我还是不知道她犯了你们哪条法律。”
"It is a general rule in the Galaxy, Councilman, that a visitor froma world outside the dominions of the world she is visiting have heridentification papers with her. Many worlds are lax in this respect,valuing tourism, or indifferent to the rule of order. We of Comporellonare not. We are a world of law and rigid in its application. She is aworldless person, and as such, breaks our law."
“议员先生，银河中有一条通则，任何人造访另一个世界，只要这个世界和他的母星属于不同政治领域，他就必须随身携带身份证件。许多世界在这方面睁一只眼闭一只眼，也许是因为重视观光业，或者根本就是漠视法律规章。我们康普隆则不同，我们是个法治的世界，而且严格执行各项法令。她是个没有星籍的人，这就违反了我们的法律。”
Trevize said, "She had no choice in the matter. I was piloting theship, and I brought it down to Comporellon. She had to accompany us,Minister, or do you suggest she should have asked to be jettisonedin space?"
崔维兹说：“这件事她根本没有选择。太空艇由我驾驶，我把太空艇降落到康普隆，她只好跟我们一起来。部长，难道你认为她该请求我将她抛到太空中吗？”
"This merely means that you, too, have broken our law, Councilman."
“这只表示你也触犯了我们的法律，议员先生。”
"No, that is not so, Minister. I am not an Outworlder. I am a citizenof the Foundation, and Comporellon and the worlds subject to it arean Associated Power of the Foundation. As a citizen of the Foundation,I can travel freely here."
“不，事实并非如此，部长。我可不是外星人士，我是基地的公民，而康普隆和它的藩属世界都是基地的联合势力。身为基地公民，我可以在此地自由旅行。”
"Certainly, Councilman, as long as you have documentation to provethat you are indeed a citizen of the Foundation."
“当然可以，议员先生，只要你有证明文件，证明你的确是基地的公民。”
"Which I do, Minister."
“我的确有，部长。”
"Yet even as citizen of the Foundation, you do not have the right tobreak our law by bringing a worldless person with you."
“但即使身为基地公民，你也没有权利触犯我们的法律，而你带着一名无星籍人士同行，便已经触犯我们的法律。”
Trevize hesitated. Clearly, the border guard, Kendray, had notkept faith with him, so there was no point in protecting him. He said,"We were not stopped at the immigration station and I considered thatimplicit permission to bring this woman with me, Minister."
崔维兹迟疑了一下。显然那位海关人员肯德瑞并未信守承诺，所以自己也没有必要再保护他。于是崔维兹说：“我们在入境站没被拦下来，我认为，这就等于默许我可以带这名女子同行，部长。”
"It is true you were not stopped, Councilman. It is true thewoman war not reported by the immigration authorities and was passedthrough. I can suspect, however, that the officials at the entry stationdecided and quite correctly that it was more important to getyour ship to the surface than to worry about a worldless person. Whatthey did was, strictly speaking, an infraction of the rules, and thematter will have to be dealt with in the proper fashion, but I have nodoubt that the decision will be that the infraction was justified. Weare a world of rigid law, Councilman, but we are not rigid beyond thedictates of reason."
“你们的确没遭到拦阻，议员先生。入境当局的确未将这名女子报上来，反而让她一起通关。然而据我猜想，入境站的官员判断——相当正确地判断——让你的太空艇登陆，要比追究一个无星籍人士更重要。严格说来，他们这样做是违法的，这件事我们自然会作适当处置。但我可以肯定，他们的违法行为将获判无罪。我们是个绝对法治的世界，议员先生，但并未严苛到不讲理的程度。”
Trevize said at once, "Then I call upon reason to bend your rigor now,Minister. If, indeed, you received no information from the immigrationstation to the effect that a worldless person was on board ship, then youhad no knowledge that we were breaking any law at the time we landed. Yetit is quite apparent that you were prepared to take us into custodythe moment we landed, and you did, in fact, do so. Why did you do so,when you had no reason to think any law was being broken?"
崔维兹立即接口：“那么，我现在要以子之矛攻子之盾，部长。如果你真的没有从入境站得到太空艇上有个无星籍人士的消息，那么当我们降落时，你还不知道我们是否触犯了任何法律。但很明显的是，在我们降落的那一刻，你已经准备逮捕我们，事实上，你也的确这么做了。在不可能知道我们犯法的情况下，你为什么会采取这种行动？”
The Minister smiled. "I understand your confusion, Councilman. Pleaselet me assure you that whatever knowledge we had gained or had notgained as to the worldless condition of your passenger had nothingto do with your being taken into custody. We are acting on behalf of the Foundation, of which, as you point out, we are an Associated Power."
部长微微一笑。“我能了解你的疑惑，议员先生。我可以向你保证，你们遭到逮捕这件事，和我们当初知不知道你的乘客没有星籍无关。我们如今是在替基地办事，正如你指出的，我们是基地的联合势力。”
Trevize stared at her. "But that's impossible, Minister. It's evenworse. It's ridiculous."
崔维兹瞪着她说：“但这是不可能的事，部长。简直比不可能更糟，根本就是荒谬。”
The Minister's chuckle was like the smooth flow of honey. She said,"I am interested in the way you consider it worse to be ridiculous thanimpossible, Councilman. I agree with you there. Unfortunately for you,however, it is neither. Why should it be?"
部长发出咯咯的笑声，听起来好像一串缓缓流动的蜜汁。“我觉得你这种说法真有意思——比不可能更糟，根本就是荒谬。议员先生，我同意这个说法。然而不幸的是，这两者对你都不适用。你为什么会这样想呢？”
"Because I am an official of the Foundation government, on a missionfor them, and it is absolutely inconceivable that they would wish toarrest me, or that they would even have the power to do so, since I havelegislative immunity."
“因为我是基地政府的官员，正在为基地执行任务。他们绝不可能想逮捕我，他们也根本没这个权力，因为我拥有立法者豁免权。”
"Ah, you omit my title, but you are deeply moved and that is perhapsforgivable. Still, I am not asked to arrest you directly. I do so onlythat I may carry out what I am asked to do, Councilman."
“啊，你漏掉了我的头衔，但你实在太激动了，也许情有可原。话说回来，我受托之事并非直接将你逮捕，我这样做只是为了完成我的真正任务，议员先生。”
"Which is, Minister?" said Trevize, trying to keep his emotion undercontrol in the face of this formidable woman.
“什么任务，部长？”崔维兹说。面对这个难缠的女人，他努力控制着自己的情绪。
"Which is to commandeer your ship, Councilman, and return it to theFoundation."
“就是扣押你的太空艇，议员先生，然后把它送还基地。”
"What?"
“什么？”
"Again you omit my title, Councilman. That is very slipshod of youand no way to press your own case. The ship is not yours, I presume. Wasit designed by you, or built by you, or paid for by you?"
“你又漏掉了我的头衔，议员先生。你实在太过懒散，这样对你自己没好处。我想，这艘太空艇并不是你私人的。难道它是你设计的，你建造的？还是你自己出钱买的？”
"Of course not, Minister. It was assigned to me by the Foundationgovernment."
“当然都不是，部长，它是基地政府拨给我使用的。”
"Then, presumably, the Foundation government has the right to cancelthat assignment, Councilman. It is a valuable ship, I imagine."
“那么，基地政府想必有权将它收回，议员先生。我猜，这是一艘很有价值的太空艇。”
Trevize did not answer.
崔维兹没有回答。
The Minister said, "It is a gravitic ship, Councilman. There cannotbe many and even the Foundation must have but a very few. They mustregret having assigned one of those very few to you. Perhaps you canpersuade them to assign you another and less valuable ship that willnevertheless amply, suffice for your mission. But we must havethe ship in which you have arrived."
部长又说：“这是一艘重力太空艇，议员先生。这种太空艇不可能太多，即使基地也只拥有少数几艘，他们一定后悔拨了一艘给你。也许你能说服他们，拨给你另一艘不那么珍贵的，但仍足以应付你的任务需要。不过，我们必须将你驾来的这艘扣下。”
No, Minister, I cannot give up the ship. I cannot believe theFoundation asks it of you.
“不行，部长，我不能放弃这艘太空艇，我也不相信基地要求你这么做。”
The Minister smiled. "Not of me solely, Councilman. Not of Comporellon,specifically. We have reason to believe that the request was sent out toevery one of the many worlds and regions under Foundation jurisdictionor association. From this, I deduce that the Foundation does not knowyour itinerary and is seeking you with a certain angry vigor. From whichI further deduce that you have no mission to deal with Comporellon onbehalf of the Foundation since in that case they would know whereyou were and deal with us specifically. In short, Councilman, you havebeen lying to me."
部长微微一笑。“不是专门要求我，议员先生，也不是特别找上康普隆。我们有理由相信，在基地管辖范围内，以及跟基地结为联合势力的各个世界和星域，全都收到了这项请托。从这一点，我可以推论基地不知道你的行踪，正在气急败坏地到处找你。我还可以更进一步推论，你来到康普隆，根本不是来执行基地的任务——那样的话，他们就应该知道你在哪里，直接找我们帮忙即可。总而言之，议员先生，你一直在对我说谎。”
Trevize said, with a certain difficulty, "I would like to see a copyof request you have received from the Foundation government, Minister. Ientitled, I think, to that."
崔维兹有些心虚地说：“我想看看基地政府给你的那份公函，部长。我想，我应该有这个权利。”
"Certainly, if all this comes to legal action. We take our legal formsvery seriously, Councilman, and your rights will be fully protected,I assure you. It would be better and easier, however, if we come to anagreement here without the publicity and delay of legal action. We wouldprefer that, and, I am certain, so would the Foundation, which cannotwish the Galaxy at large to know of a runaway Legislator. That would putthe Foundation in a ridiculous light, and, by your estimate and mine,that would be worse than impossible."
“如果一切诉诸法律，当然可以。我们对于法律程序极端重视，议员先生，你的权益能够获得完全的保障，我向你保证。然而，如果我们能在这里达成一项协议，不必对外张扬，不让法律行动耽误时间，那将会更理想、更简单。我们比较喜欢这样做，我确信基地也是一样，它绝不愿让全银河都知道有个立法者逃亡，否则基地将处于‘荒谬’的难堪情境，据你我的估计，那要比‘不可能’更糟。”
Trevize was again silent.
崔维兹再度保持沉默。
The Minister waited a moment, then went on, as imperturbable asever. "Come, Councilman, either way, by informal agreement or by legalaction, we intend to have the ship. The penalty for bringing in aworldless passenger will depend on which route we take. Demand the lawand she will represent an additional point against you and you will allsuffer the full punishment for the crime, and that will not be light,I assure you. Come to an agreement, and your passenger can be sent awayby commercial flight to any destination she wishes, and, for that matter,you two can accompany her, if you wish. Or, if the Foundation is willing,we can supply you with one of our own ships, a perfectly adequateone, provided, of course, that the Foundation will replace it with anequivalent ship of their own. Or, if, for any reason, you do not wish toreturn to Foundation-controlled territory, we might be willing to offeryou refuge here and, perhaps, eventual Comporellian citizenship. You see,you have many possibilities of gain if you come to a friendly arrangement,but none at all if you insist on your legal rights."are too eager. You promise what you cannotdo. You cannot offer me refuge in the face of a Foundation request thatI be delivered to them."The Minister said, "Councilman, I never promise what I cannot do. TheFoundation's request is only for the ship. They make no request concerningyou as an individual, or for anyone else on the ship. Their sole requestis for the vessel."Trevize glanced quickly at Bliss, and said, "May I have yourpermission, Minister, to consult with Dr. Pelorat and Miss Bliss for ashort while?"
部长等了一下，又继续以一贯的沉着口气说：“好啦，议员先生，不管走哪条路，非正式的协议或是法律行动，反正那艘太空艇我们要定了。你带来一个没有星籍的乘客，这究竟会使你受到什么惩罚，将取决于我们所采取的途径。若是诉诸法律，她将使你罪加一等，你们都会被判最重的徒刑。我向你保证，刑罚绝对不轻。假如能达成一项协议，我们将以商用太空船，送这位女乘客到她想去的任何目的地，如果你们希望的话，你们两位也可以跟她一起去。或者，假如基地同意，我们可以提供一艘我们自己的太空船给你，绝对足敷你的需要。当然，前提是基地必须偿还我们一艘同型号的太空船。此外，如果由于任何原因，你不希望回到基地控制的疆域，我们或许会愿意提供你政治庇护，最后你还有可能成为康普隆公民。你看，倘若你和我们达成一项友善的协议，将会有很多有利的选择；假使坚持自己的合法权益，你将落得一无所有。”
Trevize said, "Minister, you
崔维兹说：“部长，你太过热心了，你答应了一些自己无法做到的事。基地既然要求你们将我遣返，你就不能为我提供政治庇护。”
部长说：“议员先生，我从来不做无法实现的承诺。基地的要求只是收回那艘太空艇，并未提到要你这个人，或是其上任何人，他们唯一想要的只有那艘航具。”
崔维兹很快瞥了宝绮思一眼，又说：“部长，能否请你允许我跟裴洛拉特博士，以及宝绮思小姐商量一下？”
"Certainly, Councilman. You may have fifteen minutes."
“当然可以，议员先生，你们有十五分钟时间。”
"Privately, Minister."
“私下商量，部长。”
"You will be led to a room and, after fifteen minutes, you will be ledback, Councilman. You will not be interfered with while you are therenor will we attempt to monitor your conversation. You have my word onthat and I keep my word. However, you will be adequately guarded so donot be so foolish as to think of escaping."
“议员先生，会有人带你们到另一个房间，十五分钟之后，再将你们带回来。在那个房间里，不会有人打扰你们，我们也不会监听你们的谈话。我可以对你们作出承诺，而我一向信守诺言。然而，外面会有足够严密的警卫，所以请别愚蠢得妄想逃走。”
"We understand, Minister."
“我们了解，部长。”
"And when you come back, we will expect your free agreement to giveup the ship. Otherwise, the law will take its course, and it will bemuch the worse for all of you, Councilman. Is that understood?"
“而当你们回来的时候，我们希望你能主动同意放弃那艘太空艇。否则，法律程序将随即展开，那样你们的下场会很惨。议员先生，明白了吗？”
"That is understood, Minister," said Trevize, keeping his rage undertight control, since its expression would do him no good at all.
“明白了，部长。”崔维兹极力控制住怒火，因为此时表露怒意对他根本没有好处。
18
18
It was a small room, but it was well lighted. Itcontained a couch and two chairs, and one could hear the soft sound ofa ventilating fan. On the whole, it was clearly more comfortable thanthe Minister's large and sterile office.
这是个小房间，但光线很充足。里面有一张长椅，外加两把椅子，还能听见通风扇的轻微声响。整体而言，比起那个又大又空的部长办公室，这里显然使人觉得更为舒适自在。
A guard had led them there, grave and tall, his hand hovering nearthe butt of his blaster. He remained outside the door as they enteredand said, in a heavy voice, "You have fifteen minutes."
他们由一名警卫带领，来到这个房间。那名警卫身材高大，表情严肃，一只手始终摆在铳柄附近。三个人走进房间后，警卫并未跟进来，他站在门口，以严肃的声音说：“你们有十五分钟。”
He had no sooner said that than the door slid shut, with a thud.
他的话还没说完，房门就“砰”的一声拉上了。
Trevize said, "I can only hope that we can't be overheard."
崔维兹说：“我只能希望他们不至于窃听我们的谈话。”
Pelorat said, "She did give us her word, Golan."
裴洛拉特说：“她的确对我们作过承诺，葛兰。”
"You judge others by yourself, Janov. Her so-called `word' will notsuffice. She will break it without hesitation if she wants to."
“你总是以自己的标准判断别人，詹诺夫。她所谓的‘承诺’并不算什么，只要她高兴，她会毫不犹豫地变卦。”
"It doesn't matter," said Bliss. "I can shield this place."
“没关系，”宝绮思说，“我可以把这个地方屏蔽起来。”
"You have a shielding device?" asked Pelorat.
“你身上有屏蔽装置？”裴洛拉特问。
Bliss smiled, with a sudden flash of white teeth. "Gaia's mind is ashielding device, Pel. It's an enormous mind."
宝绮思微微一笑，雪白的牙齿一闪即逝。“盖娅的心灵就是一种屏蔽装置，裴，那可是个硕大的心灵。”
"We are here," said Trevize angrily, "because of the limitations ofthat enormous mind."
“我们会落到这个地步，”崔维兹气呼呼地说，“就是因为那个硕大的心灵有先天性限制。”
"What do you mean?" said Bliss.
“你是什么意思？”宝绮思说。
"When the triple confrontation broke up, you withdrew me from theminds of both the Mayor and that Second Foundationer, Gendibal. Neitherwas to think of me again, except distantly and indifferently. I was tobe left to myself."
“三边聚会结束之后，你们将关于我的记忆，从市长和第二基地的坚迪柏两人心中抽除。他们再也不会特别想起我，顶多有些模糊而毫不重要的印象，我应该可以从此无忧无虑。”
"We had to do that," said Bliss. "You are our most importantresource."
“我们必须这么做，”宝绮思说，“你是我们最重要的资源。”
"Yes. Golan Trevize, the ever-right. But you did not withdraw my shipfrom their minds, did you? Mayor Branno did not ask for me; she had nointerest in me, but she did ask for the ship. She has notforgotten the ship."
“是啊，我是永远正确的葛兰·崔维兹。但你们并未从他们的记忆中，将我的太空艇也除掉，对不对？布拉诺市长没有要我这个人，她对我一点兴趣也没有，可是她却想把太空艇要回去，她没有忘记那艘太空艇。”
Bliss frowned.
宝绮思皱起眉头。
Trevize said, "Think about it. Gaia casually assumed that I included myship; that we were a unit. If Branno didn't think of me, she wouldn'tthink of the ship. The trouble is that Gaia doesn't understandindividuality. It thought of the ship and me as a single organism,and it was wrong to think that."
崔维兹说：“你想想看，盖娅理所当然假设太空艇是我的一部分，我们两者是一体的，只要布拉诺不再想起我，她就不会想到太空艇。问题是盖娅不了解什么叫个体性，它把太空艇和我想成了一个单一生命体，这却是一种错误的想法。”
Bliss said softly, "That is possible."
宝绮思柔声说：“这的确有可能。”
"Well, then," said Trevize flatly, "it's up to you to rectify thatmistake. I must have my gravitic ship and my computer. Nothing elsewill do. Therefore, Bliss, make sure that I keep the ship. You cancontrol minds."
“好了，所以说，”崔维兹断然道，“现在应该由你来纠正这个错误。我一定要保有我的太空艇，还有那台电脑，没有任何东西能取代它们。因此，宝绮思，请确保我不会失去太空艇，反正你可以控制心灵。”
"Yes, Trevize, but we do not exercise that control lightly. Wedid it in connection with the triple confrontation, but do youknow how long that confrontation was planned? Calculated? Weighed?It took literally many years. I cannot simply walk up to awoman and adjust the mind to suit someone's convenience."
“没错，崔维兹，可是我们不会轻易控制任何人。为了促成三边聚会，我们的确动用了这种力量，但你可知道那次聚会花了多少时间筹划、计算、衡量吗？花了许多年，这绝不夸张。我不能为了提供某人方便，就这样走到一个女人面前，开始调整她的心灵。”
"Is this a time……"
“现在难道不是……”
Bliss went on forcefully. "If I began to follow such a course ofaction, where do we stop? I might have influenced the agent's mind atthe entry station and we would have passed through at once. I mighthave influenced the agent's mind in the vehicle, and he would have letus go."
宝绮思继续有力地说：“一旦开始这样的行动，我要做到什么程度为止？当初在入境站，我就可以影响那人的心灵，那我们便能立即通关；困在计程车里的时候，我也可以影响那人的心灵，那么他就会让我们离去。”
"Well, since you mention it, why didn't you do these things?"
“嗯，既然你提起这件事，当时你为什么没那样做？”
"Because we don't know where it would lead. We don't know the sideeffects, which may well turn out to make the situation worse. If I adjustthe Minister's mind now, that will affect her dealings with others withwhom she will come in contact and, since she is a high official in hergovernment, it may affect interstellar relations. Until such time asthe matter is thoroughly worked out, we dare not touch her mind."
“因为我们不知道会导致什么结果，也不知道会有什么后遗症，情况很可能会变得更糟。如果我现在调整那个部长的心灵，将会影响到她今后待人处事的方式。由于她是政府的高级官员，这就有可能影响到星际关系。除非把这些问题完全厘清，否则我们根本不敢碰触她的心灵。”
"Then why are you with us?"
“那你为什么还要跟着我们？”
"Because the time may come when your life is threatened. I must protectyour life at all costs, even at the cost of my Pel or of myself. Yourlife was not threatened at the entry station. It is not threatenednow. You must work this out for yourself, and do so at least until Gaiacan estimate the consequence of some sort of action and take it."
“因为你的生命可能遭到威胁，我必须不计一切代价保护你，甚至牺牲我的裴或我自己也在所不惜。在入境站，你的生命并未受到威胁，而现在也没有。你必须自己设法解决问题，至少，在盖娅估量出某种行动的后果，并真正采取行动之前，你一切都要靠自己。”
Trevize fell into a period of thought. Then he said, "In that case,I have to try something. It may not work."
崔维兹陷入沉思好一阵子，然后说：“这样的话，我必须作些尝试，但也许不会成功。”
The door moved open, thwacking into its socket as noisily as ithad closed.
此时房门突然打开，“啪”的一声滑进门槽，声音和刚才关门时一样响。
The guard said, "Come out."
那警卫说了一句：“出来。”
As they emerged, Pelorat whispered, "What are you going to do,Golan?"
他们走出来的时候，裴洛拉特悄声问道：“你准备怎么做，葛兰？”
Trevize shook his head and whispered, "I'm not entirely sure. I willhave to improvise."
崔维兹摇了摇头，也悄声答道：“我还不完全确定，必须见机行事。”
19
19
Minister Lizalor was still at her desk when they returnedto her office. Her face broke into a grim smile as they walked in.
他们回到部长办公室，李札乐部长仍坐在办公桌后面。看到他们走进来，她脸上立刻现出狞笑。
She said, "I trust, Councilman Trevize, that you have returned totell me that you are giving up this Foundation ship you have."
她说：“我相信，崔维兹议员，你现在准备告诉我，你已经决定放弃这艘基地太空艇。”
"I have come, Minister," said Trevize calmly, "to discuss terms."
“部长，”崔维兹冷静地说，“我是来跟你谈条件的。”
"There are no terms to discuss, Councilman. A trial, if you insiston one, can be arranged very quickly and would be carried through evenmore quickly. I guarantee your conviction even in a perfectly fairtrial since your guilt in bringing in a worldless person is obviousand indisputable. After that, we will be legally justified in seizingthe ship and you three would suffer heavy penalties. Don't force thosepenalties on yourself just to delay us for a day."
“没什么条件可谈，议员先生。如果你坚持，我们很快就能安排一场审判，还能更快地审理终结。我向你保证，即使在一场绝对公正的审判中，你也一定会被定罪，因为你带了一位无星籍的人士入境，这点证据确凿，毫无辩白的余地。将你定罪后，我们就能合法扣押那艘太空艇，而你们三人将受到严厉的惩处。不要只为了拖延一天的时间，而将重刑揽到自己身上。”
"Nevertheless, there are terms to discuss, Minister, because nomatter how quickly you convict us, you cannot seize the ship without myconsent. Any attempt you make to force your way into the ship withoutme will destroy it, and the spaceport with it, and every human beingin the spaceport. This will surely infuriate the Foundation, somethingyou dare not do. Threatening us or mistreating us in order to forceme to open the ship is surely against your law, and if you break yourown law in desperation and subject us to torture or even to a periodof cruel and unusual imprisonment, the Foundation will find out aboutit and they will be even more furious. However much they want the shipthey cannot allow a precedent that would permit the mistreatment ofFoundation citizens. Shall we talk terms?"
“然而，部长，还是有些条件可谈，因为不论你多快将我们定罪，也无法未经我的同意就扣押那艘太空艇。没有我的帮助，无论你用什么方法强行进入，都会令太空艇炸毁，而太空航站和其中每一个人也会跟着陪葬。如此一来必将激怒基地，这是你没有胆量做的事情。要是你为了强迫我打开太空艇，而以威胁或凌虐的手法对付我们，当然就违反了你们的法律。但如果你不顾一切，不惜违法也要让我们受酷刑，甚至将我们关进最不人道的黑牢中，那么基地一定会发现这件事，而且会更加气愤。不管他们多么想把太空艇要回去，也绝不会容许虐待基地公民的先例出现。我们是不是能谈谈条件了？”
"This is all nonsense," said the Minister, scowling. "If necessary,we will call in the Foundation itself. They will know how to open theirown ship, or they will force you to open it."
“真是一派胡言，”部长的脸色变得很阴沉，“如果有必要，我们会向基地求援，他们一定知道如何打开自家制造的太空艇，不然他们也会逼你打开。”
Trevize said, "You do not use my title, Minister, but you areemotionally moved, so that is perhaps forgivable. You know that thevery last thing you will do is call in the Foundation, since you haveno intention of delivering the ship to them."
崔维兹说：“你漏掉了我的头衔，部长，但你的情绪实在太激动了，所以也许情有可原。你自己明明知道，向基地求援是你最不愿做的一件事，因为你根本不想将太空艇交还他们。”
The smile faded from the Minister's face. "What nonsense is this,Councilman?"
部长脸上的笑容消失了。“你在胡说八道什么，议员先生？”
"The kind of nonsense, Minister, that others, perhaps, ought not tohear. Let my friend and the young woman go to some comfortable hotelroom and obtain the rest they need so badly and let your guards leave,too. They can remain just outside and you can have them leave you ablaster. You are not a small woman and, with a blaster, you have nothingto fear from me. I am unarmed."
“我的胡说八道，部长，也许不宜让第三者听到。请把我的朋友和这位小姐送到一间舒适的套房，他们需要好好休息一下。让你的警卫也离开，他们可以留在门外，你还可以让他们留下一柄手铳。你不是个娇小女子，再握着一柄手铳，你就根本不用怕我，我并未携带任何武器。”
The Minister leaned toward him across the desk. "I have nothing tofear from you in any case."
部长隔着办公桌倾身面对崔维兹。“不论在任何情况下，我都不会怕你。”
Without looking behind her, she beckoned to one of the guards, whoapproached at once and came to a halt at her side with a stamp of hisfeet. said, "Guard, take that one and that one to Suite 5. They are tostay there and to be made comfortable and to be well guarded. You willbe held responsible for any mistreatment they may receive, as well asfor any breach of security."
她头也不回，就向一名警卫做了个手势。那名警卫立刻趋前，在她身边“啪”的一声站定。她说：“警卫，把那个人，还有那个人，带到五号套房，让他们待在那里，好好招待并严加看管。如果他们受到任何不良待遇，或者安全上有什么闪失，你要负全责。”
She stood up, and not all of Trevize's determination to maintain anabsolute composure sufficed to keep him from flinching a little. Shewas tall; quite tall, at least, as Trevize's own 1.85 meters, perhaps acentimeter or so taller. She had a narrow waistline, with the two whitestrips across her chest continuing into an encirclement of her waist,making it look even narrower, There was a massive grace about her andTrevize thought ruefully that her statement that she had nothing tofear from him might well be correct. In a rough-and-tumble, he thought,she would have no trouble pinning his shoulders to the mat.
接着她便站了起来。崔维兹虽然决心保持绝对镇定，仍免不了感到有点胆怯。她个子相当高，至少和一米八五的崔维兹一样高，或许还高出一厘米左右。不过她的腰肢很细，交叉在胸前的两道白条向下延伸，在她的腰际围了一圈，使得原本的纤腰看起来更细。虽然她如此高大，举止却另有一种优雅。崔维兹沮丧地想到，她刚才说根本不怕他，看来八成没错，假如两人扭打起来，他想，她一定能毫不费力地将自己按倒在地。
She said, "Come with me, Councilman. If you are going to talk nonsensethen, for your own sake, the fewer who hear you, the better."
她说：“跟我来吧，议员先生。如果你准备胡说八道一番，那么为了你的面子着想，愈少人听到愈好。”
She led the way in a brisk stride, and Trevize followed, feelingshrunken in her massive shadow, a feeling he had never before had witha woman.
她以轻快的步伐走在前面带路，崔维兹跟在她后面。她的巨大身影带来一种无形压迫感，令他感到整个人缩小一号，以前他跟任何女性在一起，都从来没有这种感觉。
They entered an elevator and, as the door closed behind them, she said,"We are alone now and if you are under the illusion, Councilman, thatYou can use force with me in order to accomplish some imagined purpose,please forget that." The singsong in her voice grew more pronounced as shesaid, with clear amusement, "You look like a reasonably strong specimen,but I assure you I will have no trouble in breaking your arm or yourback, if I must. I am armed, but I will not have to use any weapon."
他们走进一座电梯，当电梯门关上的时候，她说：“现在只剩下我们两个人，议员先生。但如果你有个错觉，以为用武力对付我，就能达到某种幻想中的目的，请赶快打消这个念头。”她又用愈来愈平板的声调，以及明显的调侃语气说，“看来你是个相当强壮的人种，但我向你保证，若有必要，我轻而易举便能折断你的手臂，或是你的脊背。我身上有武器，但我根本不必动用。”
Trevize scratched at his cheek as his eyes drifted first down, thenup her body. "Minister, I can hold my own in a wrestling match with anyman my weight, but I have already decided to forfeit a bout with you. Iknow when I am outclassed."
崔维兹搔着脸颊，目光忽下忽上打量着她。“部长，在摔跤比赛中，我不会输给同量级的任何男人。但我已经决定放弃这一战，因为我明知打不过你。”
"Good," said the Minister, and looked pleased.
“很好。”部长说。她看起来十分高兴。
Trevize said, "Where are we going, Minister?"
崔维兹说：“我们要到哪儿去，部长？”
"Down! Quite far down. Don't be upset, however. In the hyperdramas,this would be a preliminary to taking you to a dungeon, I suppose, butwe have no dungeons on Comporellon only reasonable prisons. Weare going to my private apartment; not as romantic as a dungeon in thebad old Imperial days, but more comfortable."
“下面！很下面！不过你不必惊慌。我想，在超波戏剧中，这是把你带去地牢的第一步。但我们康普隆并没有地牢，只有合乎人道的监狱。我们要去我的私人寓所，虽然比不上帝国黑暗时期的地牢那么刺激，但想必较为舒适。”
Trevize estimated that they were at least fifty meters below thesurface of the planet, when the elevator door slid to one side and theystepped out.
当电梯门向一侧滑开，两人踏出电梯的时候，崔维兹估计他们至少距离行星表面五十米。
20
20
Trevize looked about the apartment with clearsurprise.
崔维兹四下打量这间寓所，显然相当惊讶。
The Minister said grimly, "Do you disapprove of my living quarters,Councilman?"
部长绷着脸说：“你对我的住处不以为然吗，议员先生？”
"No, I have no reason to, Minister. I am merely surprised. I find itunexpected. The impression I had of your world from what little I sawand heard since arriving was that it was an aaaabstemious one,eschewing useless luxury."
“不，我没理由那么想，部长，我只是感到讶异，实在出乎我意料之外。自从我来到你们的世界，根据眼见耳闻所得到的一点点印象，我以为它是个——是个很有节制的世界，戒除了一切无谓的奢侈。”
"So it is, Councilman. Our resources are limited, and our life mustbe as harsh as our climate."
“的确如此，议员先生。我们的资源有限，因此生活必定和此地气候一样不理想。”
"But this, Minister," and Trevize held out both hands as thoughto embrace the room where, for the first time on this world, he sawcolor, where the couches were well cushioned, where the light from theilluminated walls was soft, and where the floor was force-carpeted sothat steps were springy and silent. "This is surely luxury."
“部长，可是这些。”崔维兹伸出双手，仿佛要拥抱整个房间。自从来到这个世界，他现在才真正见到了色彩。这里的长椅铺着厚实的衬垫，墙壁发出柔和的壁光，地板则铺着力场毯，走在上面既有弹性又安静无声。“这些无疑是奢侈的享受。”
"We eschew, as you say, Councilman, useless luxury; ostentatiousluxury; wastefully excessive luxury. This, however, is private luxury,which has its use. I work hard and bear much responsibility. I need aplace where I can forget, for a while, the difficulties of my post."
“正如你刚才所说，议员先生，我们戒除无谓的奢侈、浮夸的奢侈、过度浪费的奢侈。然而这些，则是私人的奢侈，而且自有用处。我的工作繁忙，责任又重，我需要一个地方，能让我暂时忘掉工作上的烦恼。”
Trevize said, "And do all Comporellians live like this when the eyesof others are averted, Minister?"
崔维兹说：“在他人背后，是不是所有的康普隆人都过着这样的生活，部长？”
"It depends on the degree of work and responsibility. Few can affordto, or deserve to, or, thanks to our code of ethics, want to."
“这取决于工作的性质和责任的轻重。这种生活很少有人过得起，或是有资格享受，但多亏我们的伦理规范，也很少有人会有这种欲望。”
But you, Minister, can afford to, deserve to and want to?
“可是你，部长，却过得起、有这个资格，而且想要过这种生活。”
The Minister said, "Rank has its privileges as well as its duties. Andnow sit down, Councilman, and tell me of this madness of yours." Shesat down on the couch, which gave slowly under her solid weight, andpointed to an equally soft chair in which Trevize would be facing herat not too great a distance."
部长说：“随着地位而来的，除了责任还有特权。现在请坐下，议员先生，然后告诉我，你到底有什么疯狂的想法。”她已经坐在一张长椅上，衬垫承受着她扎实的重量，缓缓沉了下去。她指着不远处一张同样柔软的椅子，示意崔维兹坐在那里，以便他能面对着她。
Trevize sat down. "Madness, Minister?"
崔维兹坐了下来。“疯狂，部长？”
The Minister relaxed visibly, leaning her right elbow on apillow. "In private conversation, we need not observe the rules of formaldiscourse too punctiliously. You may call me Lizalor. I will call you,Trevize. Tell me what is on your mind, Trevize, and let us inspectit."
部长显然放松许多，将右手肘倚在一个枕头上。“私下谈话时，我们无需太过拘泥正式晤谈的规范。你可以叫我李札乐，而我叫你崔维兹。告诉我，崔维兹，你到底在打什么主意，我们一起来研究一下。”
Trevize crossed his legs and sat back in his chair. "See here, Lizalor,you gave me the choice of either agreeing to give up the ship voluntarily,or of being subjected to a formal trial. In both cases, you would end upwith the ship. Yet you have been going out of your way to persuademe to adopt the former alternative. You are willing to offer me anothership to replace mine, so that my friends and I might go anywhere wechose. We might even stay here on Comporellon and qualify for citizenship,if we chose. In smaller things, you were willing to allow me fifteenminutes to consult with my friends. You were even willing to bring mehere to your private apartment, while my friends are now, presumably,in comfortable quarters. In short, you are bribing me, Lizalor, ratherdesperately, to grant you the ship without the necessity of a trial."
崔维兹双腿交叉，往椅背上一靠。“听我说，李札乐，你给我两个选择，一是自愿放弃那艘太空艇，二是接受一场正式审判，两者都会使你得到那艘太空艇。但你又想尽办法说服我接受第一种选择，还愿意拿另一艘太空船来交换，让我和朋友们得以继续我们的旅程。如果我们愿意，甚至能留在康普隆，并归化为公民。而在一些小事上，你愿意给我十五分钟的时间，让我和我的朋友商量对策。你甚至愿意把我带到你的私人寓所，而我的朋友，此刻想必正在舒适的套房中休息。总而言之，李札乐，你拼命想收买我，希望我会自动将太空艇交给你，而不必动用审判。”
"Come, Trevize, are you in no mood to give me credit for humaneimpulses?"
“得了吧，崔维兹，难道你一点也不觉得我是基于人道？”
"None."
“绝不。”
"Or the thought that voluntary surrender would be quicker and moreconvenient than a trial would be?"
“或是我认为让你主动屈服，会比一场审判更迅速、更方便？”
"No! I would offer a different suggestion."
“不！我认为另有原因。”
"Which is?"
“什么原因？”
"A trial has one thing in its strong disfavor; it is a publicaffair. You have several times referred to this world's rigorous legalsystem, and I suspect it would be difficult to arrange a trial withoutits being fully recorded. If were so, the Foundation would know of itand you would have to hand the ship to it once the trial was over."
“审判有个很大的缺点，它是个公开事件。你曾经好几次提到，这个世界拥有严格的司法体系，所以我猜想，你很难安排一场不留记录的审判。而只要有记录，基地就会知道这件事，一旦审判结束，你就必须将太空艇交还基地。”
"Of course," said Lizalor, without expression. "It is the Foundationowns the ship."
“当然如此，”李札乐面无表情地说，“太空艇是属于基地的。”
"But," said Trevize, "a private agreement with me would not haveto be placed on formal record. You could have the ship and, since theFoundation would not know of the matter they don't even know thatwe are on this world Comporellon could keep the ship. That, I amsure, is what you intend to do."
“可是，”崔维兹说，“如果和我私下达成协议，就不必在正式记录中提到这件事。你可以从我手中接过那艘太空艇，而由于基地根本不知情——甚至不知道我们在这个世界——康普隆就能将太空艇留下。我很肯定，这才是你们真正的意图。”
"Why should we do that?" She was still without expression. "Are wenot part of the Foundation Confederation?"
“我们为什么要这样做？”她脸上依然没有任何表情，“难道我们不是基地邦联的一部分？”
"Not quite. Your status is that of an Associated Power. In any map onwhich the member worlds of the Federation are shown in red, Comporellonand its dependent worlds would show up as a patch of pale pink."
“不完全是，你们的身份是联合势力。在银河地图中，基地的成员世界如果以红色表示，康普隆和它的藩属世界则是一片淡粉红色。”
"Even so, as an Associated Power, we would surely co-operate withthe Foundation."
“即使如此，身为联合势力，我们当然会跟基地合作。”
"Would you? Might not Comporellon be dreaming of total independence;even leadership? You are an old world. Almost all worlds claim to beolder than they are, but Comporellon is an old world."
“你们会吗？康普隆难道不曾梦想完全独立的地位，甚至领导权？你们是个古老的世界，几乎所有的世界都故意拉长自己的历史，但康普隆的确是个古老的世界。”
Minister Lizalor allowed a cold smile to cross her face. "The oldest,if some of our enthusiasts are to be believed."
李札乐部长脸上闪过一丝冷笑。“甚至是最古老的，若是我们相信某些狂热分子的主张。”
"Might there not have been a time when Comporellon was indeed the leading world of a relatively small group of worlds? Might you not stilldream of recovering that lost position of power?"
“有没有可能曾有一段时期，康普隆的确是一小群世界的领导者？你们难道不会梦想重拾失落的权柄吗？”
"Do you think we dream of so impossible a goal? I called it madnessbefore I knew your thoughts, and it is certainly madness now thatI do."
“你认为我们有这么不切实际的梦想吗？在我知道你的想法之前，我将你的怀疑称为疯狂；现在我知道了，证明我的说法一点都没错。”
"Dreams may be impossible, yet still be dreamed. Terminus, locatedat the very edge of the Galaxy and with a five-century history that isbriefer than that of any other world, virtually rules the Galaxy. Andshall Comporellon not? Eh?" Trevize was smiling.
“梦想或许不可能实现，却仍然有人怀抱着梦想。端点星坐落于银河极外缘，仅仅拥有五个世纪的历史，比任何世界的历史都要短，如今却统领整个银河。康普隆难道没有这种梦想吗？嗯？”崔维兹露出微笑。
Lizalor remained grave. "Terminus reached that position, we are givento understand, by the working out of Hari Seldon's Plan."
李札乐仍然保持严肃的神情。“据我们了解，端点星能达到今天的地位，是哈里·谢顿的计划付诸实现的结果。”
"That is the psychological buttress of its superiority and it willhold only as long, perhaps, as people believe it. It may be that theComporellian government does not believe it. Even so, Terminus also enjoysa technological buttress. Terminus's hegemony over the Galaxy undoubtedlyrests on its advanced technology of which the gravitic ship you areso anxious to have is an example. No other world but Terminus disposesof gravitic ships. If Comporellon could have one, and could learn itsworkings in detail, it would be bound to have taken a giant technologicalstep forward. I don't think it would be sufficient to help you overcome Terminus's lead, but your government might think so."
“那是一种心理支柱，让大家相信端点星是无敌的。它恐怕只存在于人们的信仰中，而康普隆政府可能就不相信。话说回来，端点星还拥有一根科技支柱，它能称霸银河，无疑是靠先进的科技做后盾——你们急于得到的重力太空艇，就是个很好的例子。除了端点星，没有任何世界会制造重力太空艇，康普隆若能得到一艘，并从中学到详尽的运作原理，你们的科技一定会向前跨出一大步。我并不相信这就足以使你们赶上端点星，但你们的政府可能就是这么想。”
Lizalor said, "You can't be serious in this. Any government that keptthe ship in the face of the Foundation's desire to have it would surelyexperience the Foundation's wrath, and history shows that the Foundationcan be quite uncomfortably wrathful."
李札乐说：“你这话是在说笑。既然基地希望收回那艘太空艇，任何政府若想保有它，都注定会触怒基地。而历史告诉我们，触怒基地绝对不是好玩的事。”
Trevize said, "The Foundation's wrath would only be exerted if theFoundation knew there was something to be wrathful about."
崔维兹说：“除非基地发现了值得发怒的事，否则怎么可能被触怒呢？”
"In that case; Trevize if we assume your analysis of thesituation is something other than mad would it not be to yourbenefit to give us the ship and drive a hard bargain? We would paywell for the chance of having it quietly, according to your line ofargument."
“这样的话，崔维兹——让我们假设，你对这个状况的分析并非全然疯狂——如果你将太空艇交给我们，趁机敲我们一笔竹杠，不是对你很有利吗？根据你的论点，若有可能神不知鬼不觉地得到太空艇，我们会愿意付出极高的代价。”
"Could you then rely on my not reporting the matter to theFoundation?"
“你们指望我在事后不会向基地报告？”
"Certainly. Since you would have to report your own part in it."
“当然。假如你要报告，自己也会受牵连。”
"I could report having acted under duress."
“我可以辩称当时受到威胁。”
"Yes. Unless your good sense told you that your Mayor would neverbelieve that. Come, make a deal."
“是啊，不过你的常识告诉你，你们的市长绝不会相信你的说法。来吧，咱们做个交易。”
Trevize shook his head. "I will not, Madam Lizalor. The ship ismine and it must stay mine. As I have told you, it will blow up withextraordinary power if you attempt to force an entry. I assure you I amtelling you the truth. Don't rely on its being a bluff."
崔维兹摇了摇头。“我不要，李札乐部长，那艘太空艇是我的，我绝不会让给别人。我已经跟你讲过，如果你们试图硬闯进去，会引发威力强大的爆炸。我向你保证我说的是实话，别指望这只是虚声恫吓。”
" You could open it, and reinstruct the computer."
“可以由你将它打开，重新设定电脑。”
Undoubtedly, but I won't do that.
“这点毋庸置疑，但我不会那样做。”
Lizalor drew a heavy sigh. "You know we could make you change yourmind if not by what we could do to you, then by what we could doto your friend, Dr. Pelorat, or to the young woman."
李札乐深深吸了一口气。“你知道的，我们有办法令你改变心意。如果不是直接对付你，也能对你的朋友裴洛拉特博士，或是那个年轻女子下手。”
"Torture, Minister? Is that your law?"
“严刑拷打吗，部长？这就是你们的法律？”
"No, Councilman. But we might not have to do anything so crude. Thereis always the Psychic Probe."
“不，议员先生。但我们也许不必那么残酷，心灵探测器总是屡试不爽。”
For the first time since entering the Minister's apartment, Trevizefelt an inner chill.
进了部长的寓所之后，崔维兹首度感到一阵心寒。
"You can't do that either. The use of the Psychic Probe for anythingbut medical purposes is outlawed throughout the Galaxy."
“你同样不能那么做。将心灵探测器用在非医疗用途上，不论在银河哪个角落，都是一种非法行为。”
"But if we are driven to desperation "
“但我们如果逼不得已——”
"I am willing to chance that," said Trevize calmly, "for it woulddo you no good. My determination to retain my ship is so deep that thePsychic Probe would destroy my mind before it twisted it into givingit to you." ( That was a bluff, he thought, and the chillinside him deepened.) "And even if you were so skillful as to persuademe without destroying my mind and if I were to open the ship and disarmit and hand it over to you, it would still do you no good. The ship'scomputer is even more advanced than the ship is, and it is designedsomehow I don't know how to work at its full potential onlywith me. It is what I might call a one-person computer."
“我愿意赌一赌，”崔维兹冷静地说，“因为那样做对你们没好处。我的护艇决心如此坚定，在心灵探测器扭转我的意志之前，我的大脑就会受到严重损伤。”这只是在唬人，他想，同时内心的寒意更甚，“即使你们技术高超，能够令我回心转意，而不伤及我的大脑，我又真的打开了太空艇，并解除它的武装，将它双手奉上，你们仍然得不到任何好处。那上面的电脑甚至比太空艇本身更先进，它设计得——我也不知道如何做到的——唯有跟我配合才能充分发挥潜能，它是我所谓的‘私人电脑’。”
"Suppose, then, you retained your ship, and remained its pilot. Wouldyou consider piloting it for us as an honored Comporelliancitizen? A large salary. Considerable luxury. Your friends, too."
“那么，假如让你保有那艘太空艇，由你继续担任驾驶员，你愿考虑为我们驾驶吗？你将成为康普隆的荣誉公民，领取巨额薪资，享受极豪奢的生活，而你的朋友也一样。”
"No."
“不行。”
"What is it you suggest? That we simply let you and your friendslaunch your ship and go off into the Galaxy? I warn you that before weallow you to do this, we might simply inform the Foundation that youare here with your ship, and leave all to them."
“那么你有什么建议？我们就这样看着你和你的朋友驾驶太空艇升空，飞回银河中？我要警告你，在被迫放弃之前，我们也许会索性通知基地，说你和你的太空艇都在这里，将一切交给他们处理。”
"And lose the ship yourself?"
“让你们自己也得不到？”
"If we must lose it, perhaps we would rather lose it to the Foundationthan to an impudent Outworlder."
“如果一定得不到，或许我们宁愿将它交还基地，也不愿让一个傲慢无耻的外星人士捡便宜。”
"Then let me suggest a compromise of my own."
“那么我来建议一个我自己的折中方案。”
A compromise? Well, I will listen. Proceed.T
“折中方案？好，我洗耳恭听，说吧。”
revize said carefully, "I am on an important mission. It began withFoundation support. That support seems to have been suspended, but themission remains important. Let me have Comporellian support instead andif I complete the mission successfully, Comporellon will benefit." `
于是崔维兹谨慎地说：“我正在执行一项重要任务，这项任务最初由基地资助。如今资助似乎暂时中止，但任务的重要性并未消失。希望康普隆能继续资助我，我若顺利完成任务，康普隆将因此受惠。”
Lizalor wore a dubious expression. "And you will not return the shipto the Foundation?"
李札乐现出半信半疑的表情。“事后你不打算把太空艇还给基地？”
"I have never planned to do that. The Foundation would not be searchingfor the ship so desperately if they thought there was anyintention of my casually returning it to them."
“我从未计划那样做。假如基地认为我还有可能想到归还这件事，就不会那么拼命寻找这艘太空艇。”
"That is not quite the same thing as saying that you will give theship to us."
“但这并不表示你会把太空艇交给我们。”
"Once I have completed the mission, the ship may be of no furtheruse to me. In that case, I would not object to Comporellon having it."
“一旦我完成任务，太空艇可能对我就没用了。在那种情况下，我不会反对由康普隆接收。”
The two looked at each other in silence for a few moments.
两人默默对望了好一阵子。
Lizalor said, "You use the conditional. The ship `may be.' That isof no value to us."
然后李札乐说：“你用的是条件句，太空艇‘可能’怎样怎样，这种话对我们没什么意义。”
"I could make wild promises, but of what value would that be toyou? The fact that my promises are cautious and limited should show youthat they are at least sincere."
“我大可信口开河，但那样做对你们又有什么意义？我的承诺既谨慎又有限，至少显示我是诚心诚意的。”
"Clever," said Lizalor, nodding. "I like that. Well, what is yourmission and how might it benefit Comporellon?"
“真聪明，”李札乐点了点头，“我喜欢你这番话。好吧，说说你的任务是什么，又如何能使康普隆受惠？”
Trevize said, "No, no, it is your turn. Will you support me if I showyou that the mission is of importance to Comporellon?"
崔维兹说：“不，不，该轮到你表态了。我若能证明这项任务对康普隆很重要，你可愿意支持我？”
Minister Lizalor rose from the couch, a tall, overpoweringpresence. "I am hungry, Councilman Trevize, and I will get no further onan empty stomach. I will offer you something to eat and drink inmoderation. After that, we will finish the matter."
李札乐部长从长椅中站起来，又变成一个气势迫人的高大身躯。“我饿了，崔维兹议员，空着肚子我没法再谈下去。我要招待你一些吃的喝的，但不会太丰盛。吃完之后，我们再来谈出个结果。”
And it seemed to Trevize that there was a rather carnivorous lookof anticipation about her at that moment, so that he tightened his lipswith just a bit of unease.
此时，崔维兹觉得她脸上露出一种饥渴的期待，因此他紧闭嘴巴，心里多少有点不自在。
21
21
The meal might have been a nourishing one, but it wasnot one to delight the palate. The main course consisted of boiled beefin a mustardy sauce, resting on a foundation of a leafy vegetable Trevizedid not recognize. Nor did he like it for it had a bitter-salty tastehe did not enjoy. He found out later it was a form of seaweed.
这一餐或许相当营养，但并不怎么可口。主菜包括一客炖牛肉，上面浇着芥末酱，下面铺了一层青叶蔬菜。崔维兹认不出那是什么蔬菜，也不喜欢那种又苦又咸的味道，后来他才弄明白，原来那是一种海草。
There was, afterward, a piece of fruit that tasted something likean apple tainted by peach (not bad, actually) and a hot, dark beveragethat was bitter enough for Trevize to leave half behind and ask if hemight have some cold water instead. The portions were all small, but,under the circumstances, Trevize did not mind.
主菜之后是一道水果，吃起来像是带点桃子味的苹果（味道还真不错），此外还有一杯深色的热饮，但由于实在太苦了，崔维兹只喝了一半，就询问能否换杯冷开水。每样食物的分量都很少，不过此时此刻，崔维兹也不会在意。
The meal had been private, with no servants in view. The Minister hadherself heated and served the food, and herself cleared away the dishesand cutlery.
这一餐完全自理，没有任何仆佣服务，部长亲自下厨，亲自上菜，饭后还亲自将碗盘刀叉收拾干净。
"I hope you found the meal pleasant," said Lizalor, as they left thedining room.
“我希望你吃得愉快。”他们离开餐厅时，李札乐这么说。
"Quite pleasant," said Trevize, without enthusiasm.
“相当愉快。”崔维兹并不热络地答道。
The Minister again took her seat on the couch. "Let us return then,"she said, "to our earlier discussion. You had mentioned that Comporellonmight resent the Foundation's lead in technology and its overlordship ofthe Galaxy. In a way that's true, but that aspect of the situation wouldinterest only those who are interested in interstellar politics, and theyare comparatively few. What is much more to the point is that the averageComporellian is horrified at the immorality of the Foundation. Thereis immorality in most worlds, but it seems most marked in Terminus. Iwould say that any anti-Terminus animus that exists on this world isrooted in that, rather than in more abstract matters."
部长又在长椅上坐下来。“我们回到原先的话题吧，”她说，“你刚才提到，康普隆可能憎恶基地在科技上的领导地位，以及在银河中的政治霸权。就某方面而言，这的确是事实，可是相较之下，只有少数热衷星际政治的人，才对这方面的问题感兴趣。更贴切的说法是，一般康普隆人对基地的道德沦丧相当反感。虽然许多世界都有道德沦丧的情形，但端点星似乎最为恶名昭彰。我敢说，这个世界的反端点星敌意即根源于此，而不是那些更抽象的问题。”
"Immorality?" said Trevize, puzzled. "Whatever the faults ofthe Foundation you have to admit it runs its part of the Galaxy withreasonable efficiency and fiscal honesty. Civil rights are, by and large,respected and "
“道德沦丧？”崔维兹不解地问道，“不管基地有什么缺失，你都必须承认，在它管辖的那一部分银河，行政相当有效率，财政也很清廉。一般说来，民权普遍受到尊重，而且……”
"Councilman Trevize, I speak of sexual morality."
“崔维兹议员，我是指两性间的道德。”
"In that case, I certainly don't understand you. We are a thoroughlymoral society, sexually speaking. Women are well represented in everyfacet of social life. Our Mayor is a woman and nearly half the Councilconsists of……"
“这样的话，我就更不了解你的意思了。就这方面而言，我们是个绝对道德的社会，不论在社会哪个层面，都有许多女性成员。我们的市长就是女性，而且议会里将近半数……”
The Minister allowed a look of exasperation to fleet across herface. "Councilman, are you mocking me? Surely you know what sexualmorality meant. Is, or is not, marriage a sacrament upon Terminus?"
部长脸上闪过一丝怒容。“议员先生，你在逗我吗？你当然知道两性间的道德是指什么，在端点星上，婚姻究竟算不算一件神圣的事？”
"What do you mean by sacrament?"
“你所谓的神圣是什么意思？”
"Is there a formal marriage ceremony binding a couple together?"
“有没有正式的结婚仪式，将一男一女结合在一起？”
"Certainly, if people wish it. Such a ceremony simplifies tax problemsand inheritance."
“当然有，只要当事人希望这样做。这种仪式有助于简化税务和继承的问题。”
"But divorce can take place."
“但离婚也是允许的？”
"Of course. It would certainly be sexually immoral to keep peopletied to, each other, when……"
“当然可以。如果硬要将两个人永远绑在一起，那才是不道德呢。当夫妻两人……”
"Are there no religious restrictions?"
“难道没有宗教上的约束吗？”
"Religious? There are people who make a philosophy out of ancientcults, but what has that to do with marriage?"
“宗教？的确有人根据古代祭仪创出一套哲学，可是这和婚姻又有什么关系？”
"Councilman, here on Comporellon, every aspect of sex is stronglycontrolled. It may not take place out of marriage. Its expression islimited even within marriage. We are sadly shocked at those worlds, atTerminus, particularly, where sex seems to be considered a mere socialpleasure of no great importance to be indulged in when, how, and withwhom one pleases without regard to the values of religion."
“议员先生，在康普隆上，凡是和性有关的事物，都会受到严格控制。非但绝对不能有婚外性行为，即使夫妻之间，性的体现也受到重重限制。我们感到极其震惊，有些世界——尤其是端点星——似乎把性当作无伤大雅的单纯社交娱乐，不论什么时间、什么方式、什么对象，只要高兴即可放纵一番，一点也不顾及宗教上的意义。”
Trevize shrugged. "I'm sorry, but I can't undertake to reform theGalaxy, or even Terminus and what has this to do with the matterof my ship?"
崔维兹耸了耸肩。“我很遗憾，但我无法着手改造银河，甚至对端点星也无能为力。可是，这又和我的太空艇有何相干？”
"I'm talking about public opinion in the matter of your ship and howit limits my ability to compromise the matter. The people of Comporellonwould be horrified if they found you had taken a young and attractivewoman on board to serve the lustful urges of you and your companion. It is out consideration for the safety of the three of you that I have beenurging you to accept peaceful surrender in place of a public trial."
“我是在讲公众对太空艇这个事件的意见，以及舆论如何限制了我的妥协程度。假如康普隆民众发现，你在太空艇上藏了一个年轻迷人的女子，用来供你和你的伙伴发泄性欲，将会引起他们强烈的反感。我考虑到你们三人的安全，才力劝你接受和平的妥协方案，以免受到公开审判。”
Trevize said, "I see you have used the meal to think of a new typeof persuasion by threat. Am I now to fear a lynch mob?"
崔维兹说：“我想你是利用刚才的用餐时间，想出这个新的威胁劝诱方式。我现在是不是应该害怕暴民对我动用私刑？”
"I merely point out dangers. Will you be able to deny that thewoman you have taken on board ship is anything other than a sexualconvenience?"
“我只是指出潜在的危险。难道你能否认，那名同行的女子并非专供发泄性欲之用？”
"Of course I can deny it. Bliss is the companion of my friend,Dr. Pelorat. He has no other competing companion. You may not definetheir state as marriage, but I believe that in Pelorat's mind, and inthe woman's, too, there is a marriage between them."
“我当然否认。宝绮思是我的朋友裴洛拉特博士的伴侣，没有别人跟他分享。你也许不会将他们的关系定义为婚姻，但我相信在裴洛拉特心目中，以及在那女子心目中，他俩的确有着婚姻关系。”
"Are you telling me you are not involved yourself?"
“你是在告诉我，你自己没有介入其中？”
"Certainly not," said Trevize. "What do you take me for?"
“当然没有，”崔维兹说，“你把我当成什么了？”
"I cannot tell. I do not know your notions of morality."
“我无法判断，我不了解你的道德观。”
"Then let me explain that my notions of morality tell me that I don'ttrifle with my friend's possessions or his companionships."
“那么让我来解释一下，我的道德观告诉我，自己不该觊觎朋友的财产，或是玩弄他的伴侣。”
"You are not even tempted?"
“你甚至不受诱惑？”
"I can't control the fact of temptation, but there's no chance of mygiving in to it."
“我无法控制诱惑的浮现，可是想要我屈服，却绝无可能。”
"No chance at all? Perhaps you are not interested in women."
“绝无可能？或许是你对女人没兴趣。”
"Don't you believe that. I am interested."
“你可别那么想，我当然有兴趣。”
"How long has it been since you have had sex with a woman?"
“距离你上次跟女人发生性关系，已经多久了？”
"Months. Not at all since I left Terminus."
“几个月吧，我离开端点星之后，就从来没有过。”
"Surely you don't enjoy that."
“你一定不喜欢这样。”
"I certainly don't," said Trevize, with strong feeling, "but thesituation is such that I have no choice."
“当然不喜欢，”崔维兹的情绪十分激动，“可是情非得已，我毫无选择余地。”
"Surely your friend, Pelorat, noting your suffering, would be willingto share his woman."
“你的朋友裴洛拉特看到你这么苦，一定愿意把他的女人和你分享。”
"I show him no evidence of suffering, but if I did, he would not bewilling to share Bliss. Nor, I think, would the woman consent. She isnot attracted to me."
“我没有在他面前表现出来，但我即使让他知道，他也不会愿意和我分享宝绮思。我想那女子也不会同意，况且我对她并没有吸引力。”
"Do you say that because you have tested the matter?"
“你这么说，是因为你曾经尝试过？”
"I have not tested it. I make the judgment without feeling the needto test it. In any case, I don't particularly like her."
“我没有尝试过，我觉得不需要尝试就能下这个判断。总之，我并不特别喜欢她。”
"Astonishing! She is what a man would consider attractive."
“真是难以置信！男人应该公认她是迷人的女性。”
"Physically, she is attractive. Nevertheless, she doesnot appeal to me. For one thing, she is too young, too child-like insome ways."
“就肉体而言，她确实迷人，然而她并不合我的口味。原因之一是她太年轻，有些地方太孩子气。”
"Do you prefer women of maturity, then?"
“那么，你比较喜欢成熟的女人？”
Trevize paused. Was there a trap here? He said cautiously, "I am oldenough to value some women of maturity. And what has this to do withmy ship?"
崔维兹顿了一下，这是个陷阱吗？他小心翼翼地答道：“我的年纪够大了，足以欣赏一些成熟的女人。这跟我的太空艇又有什么关系？”
Lizalor said, "For a moment, forget your ship. I am forty-sixyears old, and I am not married. I have somehow been too busy tomarry."
李札乐说：“暂且忘掉你的太空艇。我今年四十六岁，一直单身；我太忙了，始终没有时间结婚。”
"In that case, by the rules of your society, you must have remainedcontinent all your life. Is that why you asked how long it had been sinceI have had sex? Are you asking my advice in the matter? If so,I say it is not food and drink. It is uncomfortable to do without sex,but not impossible."
“这样说来，照你们的社会规范，你必定一直过着禁欲的生活。你问我多久没有性生活了，难道就是这个原因吗？你是不是要我提供这方面的意见？如果真是这样，我会说这种事不像饮食，没有性生活的确令人不舒服，但是不会活不下去。”
The Minister smiled and there was again that carnivorous look inher eyes. "Don't mistake me, Trevize. Rank has its privileges and it ispossible to be discreet. I am not altogether an abstainer. Nevertheless,Comporellian men are unsatisfying. I accept the fact that morality isan absolute good, but it does tend to burden the men of this world withguilt, so that they become unadventurous, unenterprising, slow to begin,quick to conclude, and, in general, unskilled."
部长微微一笑，再度露出饥渴的眼神。“别误会我，崔维兹。地位自然会带来特权，而且我可以小心行事，所以我并非全然的禁欲者。然而，康普隆的男性无法令我满足。我承认道德是绝对的美德，但它确实令这个世界的男性产生了罪恶感。他们失去了冒险犯难、勇往直前的精神，来得慢，去得快，而且普遍缺乏技巧。”
Trevize said, very cautiously, "There is nothing I can do about that,either."
崔维兹非常谨慎地说：“这点我也帮不上任何忙。”
"Are you implying that the fault may be mine? That I amuninspiring?"
“你在暗示这可能是我的错？我无法挑起他们的欲望？”
Trevize raised a hand. "I don't say that aaaall."
崔维兹举起一只手。“我完全没有这个意思。”
"In that case, how would you react, given theopportunity? You, a man from an immoral world, who must have had a vastvariety of sexual experiences of all kinds, who is under the pressureof several months of enforced abstinence even though in the constantpresence of a young and charming woman. How would you reactin the presence of a woman such as myself; who is the mature type youprofess to like?"
“这样说来，如果给你机会，你将如何反应？你，一个来自荒淫世界的男人，一定有过各式各样的性经验。而且你已经被迫禁欲好几个月，却有个年轻迷人的女子不断出现在你面前。面对着一个像我这样的女人，她正是你自称喜欢的那种成熟典型，你会有什么样的反应？”
Trevize said, "I would behave with the respect and decency appropriateto your rank and importance."
崔维兹说：“我会循规蹈矩，对你敬爱有加，这才配得上你的地位和尊贵。”
"Don't be a fool!" said the Minister. Her hand went to the rightside of her waist. The strip of white that encircled it came looseand unwound from her chest and neck. The bodice of her black gown hungnoticeably looser.
“别傻了！”部长说。她一只手挪到右侧腰际，解开了束腰的白色带子，再将那条带子从胸前与颈部扯下，这时，她的黑色上装明显地松开了。
Trevize sat frozen. Had this been in her mind since when? Orwas it a bribe to accomplish what threats had not?
崔维兹僵坐在那里。她这个念头，是从——什么时候开始的？或者，这是她在各种威胁都失败之后，另一种收买自己的手段？
The bodice flipped down, along with its sturdy reinforcement aaathebreasts. The Minister sat there, with a look of proud disdain on herface, and bare from the waist up. Her breasts were a smaller version ofthe woman herself massive, firm, and overpoweringly impressive.
她的上装已经连同坚硬的束胸一起落下。这位部长就这样坐着，腰部以上完全赤裸，脸上带着骄傲无比的神情。她的胸部可说是她本人的缩影——硕大，坚挺，散发出令人无法抗拒的魅力。
"Well?" she said.
“怎么样？”她说。
Trevize said, in all honesty, "Magnificent!"
崔维兹老老实实地答道：“太壮观了！”
"And what will you do about it?"
“那你打算怎么做？”
"What does morality dictate on Comporellon, Madam Lizalor?"
“根据康普隆的道德观，我该怎么做，李札乐女士？”
"What is that to a man of Terminus? What does your morality dictate? And begin. My chest is cold and wisheswarmth."
“那对端点星的男人有什么意义？你们的道德观又会叫你怎么做？开始吧，我的胸部很冷，渴望得到温暖。”
Trevize stood up and began to disrobe.
崔维兹站起来，随即开始宽衣。