Chapter 98: Moving Forward with Burdens_1
Mr. Lin Sen: "I suggest Mr. Hines could seek out Mister Taylor, who has been researching ball lightning and its amazing observer effect.
"Taylor believes that quantum life in Quantum Space and the quantum level of thought in the human brain have a special kind of entanglement effect. You could try this approach, researching methods of thought evolution through this entanglement effect, which might also bring some inspiration to Taylor."
"The door to the quantum microcosmos has been closed by the Trisolarans, but we can still study quantum phenomena on a macroscopic level."
Mr. Hines: "Thank you for the suggestion, it's a very good idea. I will go find Mister Taylor, and I will continue my research.
"Furthermore, I'd like to plead with the PDC, Huizi has been my greatest assistant. Although our purposes are different, we are both doing the same thing; she has contributed a lot to my plan, and I hope she can be treated leniently."
PDC Chairman: "I am sorry, but that's no longer possible. I regret to inform you that your wife has just killed herself. She requested to stay in the meditation room you once used, which you had agreed to before. There was a samurai sword you left in the room, and she used it to commit seppuku."
Mr. Hines closed his eyes. His wife betrayed him, and it was impossible not to harbor feelings of hatred. They had been on the same path but ended differently; however, after so many years, they must have had affection for one another. He also felt an extreme sense of loss and sorrow. Without saying a word, Mr. Hines walked out, trembling, toward the meditation room.
The hearing continued…
PDC Chairman: "Mr. Lin Sen, could you explain the purpose of needing the Thoughtcontrol? Of course, you can also choose not to answer."
Mr. Lin Sen: "Of course I can answer. Essentially, any weapon is evil. From the moment weapons were created, they have been accompanied by bloodshed—from primitive stone tools, ancient swords and knives, modern firearms, to even nuclear weapons. Every time a new weapon appears, it brings tremendous casualties and destruction to the world.
"Yet, it is these weapons that have been the cornerstone of civilization's evolution, representing breakthroughs in human intelligence and courage, and they are where our civilization's hopes lie.
"Now, the concept of weapons needs to be expanded. Controlling thought has also become a weapon. We are becoming increasingly ruthless, and weapons have transitioned from physical harm to inflicting harm on thoughts.
"We must realize that weapons can certainly be very harmful, and if used incorrectly, they could destroy us first. But weapons are also the most important means of protecting ourselves, a guarantee for safeguarding our own lives and defending human rights to exist.
"We need to consider how to use them wisely, rather than restricting their use because of their disadvantages. We are currently facing the greatest crisis in human history. If we cannot get through this, humanity will cease to exist, and nothing will have any meaning.
"The basic physics of humanity has been locked up; existing theories are being rapidly depleted. Perhaps a wave of defeatism will emerge in the near future, which will greatly hinder the establishment of human defense systems. We need to make the utmost effort at our limit, even if it means making a deal with the devil.
"Thoughtcontrol is this devil. Its dangers cannot be exaggerated enough. We must be extremely careful to protect it; it cannot have any mishaps.
"Nobody should attempt to touch it. I suggest it stays with me forever—on one hand, my plan requires it; on the other, I am confident I can protect it well, and no Earth-Trisolaris Organization can escape my eyes. I will certainly not misuse it, which is also a protection for human freedom of thought."
PDC Chairman: "We naturally trust Mr. Lin Sen to protect it well, but can you tell us what you need it for? It's understandable that the public is concerned about the misuse of such a weapon."
Mr. Lin Sen: "Four years ago, I proposed the Escape and Decisive Battle Plan. Fleets venturing into deep space will need to sever all connections with us. Their plight will be even more brutal than hell itself. Conviction might be the only hope they can cling to, the belief in humanity's certain victory.
"There are too few individuals with such intense belief, so I was hoping to, on a voluntary basis, implant the thoughtcontrol of mankind's certain victory into the Deep Space Fleet.
"Humans are undeniably free, both in body and in thought. In war, conventional weapons bring us blood and pain but also teach us the importance of peace. We will cherish peace as dearly as life itself.
"Thoughtcontrol is a weapon to control thought. Only those who have lost their freedom of thought can truly appreciate its value.
"Thoughtcontrol will be used in the Space Force on a limited, voluntary basis. It deprives our warriors of their freedom of thought, and they are like disabled veterans. They sacrifice their freedom for the victory of mankind. They are worthy of respect and should be remembered forever.
"I suggest that the PDC introduces special provisions for the Steel Mark Clan. They will be the first wave to go into battle, and there will continue to be those who follow in their footsteps. We need to acknowledge their sacrifices; they have all given up so much for the continuation of our species. We must be thankful to them.
"Instead of stopping acts of evil like mine, we should learn to be grateful. It is their burden-bearing advance, even to the point of selling their thoughts, that allows us to live in peace!"
The transformation of contradiction can sometimes be simple. The same words if spoken by a common person, would only result in ridicule. But when said by the highly esteemed Mr. Lin Sen, they could instantly change people's perception of thoughtcontrol.
It remains evil, but those who bear that evil deserve even more of our reverence.
PDC Chairman: "Thank you, Mr. Lin Sen. After consulting with the group, the future Deep Space Fleet will be entrusted with the most formidable task in history. We agree to imprint the thoughtcontrol on them, on a voluntary basis, a demon the PDC is willing to carry.
"But we must also maintain constant surveillance over the thoughtcontrol machine—there should not be a single second when it is not under our watch. We are also concerned it might be exploited by those with ulterior motives.
"As for the introduction of special provisions for the Steel Mark Clan, we don't find it necessary. They are the greatest warriors of our time; they would probably prefer that we keep it secret. Their everything is a monument in human history that deserves the contemplation of us all.
"The shortcomings of thoughtcontrol are undeniable. If exploited by malicious individuals, it would be a disaster for our civilized world. We hope to destroy the thoughtcontrol device after we have survived the crisis."
The PDC Chairman knew matters were not so simple, but his aim was to protect the Wallfacers. As long as there was no significant opposition from behind-the-scenes forces within the PDC, it would suffice. Probably the hardest job in the world belonged to the PDC Chairman; they truly were the ones walking a tightrope.
Mr. Lin Sen: "Introducing the special provisions for the Steel Mark Clan was an oversight on my part, and I am grateful to the Chairman for his correction.
"The thoughtcontrol device is subject to everyone's joint surveillance. All operations with it must be recorded and monitored; we need to nip the danger in the bud.
"My revulsion for the thoughtcontrol device is no less than yours. I'm just deeply aware of its importance to us. It is the most effective method to counter defeatism. Gaining something inevitably means losing something; that is the price we have to pay.
"I promise, once we have gotten through the Trisolaran crisis, to immediately destroy the thoughtcontrol device. It is the greatest enemy on our path to freedom."