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来自大卫·瑞雷先生的《2121》系列占星科幻小说，以下是全英文的版本。阅读中文版请移步：2121丨第一章
Bei heard their apartment door open. “Hey, how’d it go?”
Xingjia set her purse on the table, and came into the room.
Bei pushed the computer back into the wall and stood up, looking questioningly at Xingjia’s face. She avoided his eyes and gave him a long hug.
“That bad, huh?” Bei said.
“Worse,” she replied.
“How?” Bei asked.
“Well, everything was sort of okay, and then we had lunch.”
“Yeah…?”
“He’s invited me to come to his Tai Chi after-party. Seems that next Saturday they’re celebrating making it through the first level of their class, and so they’re all having a picnic in the park.”
Bei was puzzled. “Okay?”
Xingjia stared at him. “You don’t understand. He wants me to meet your sister’s family! He wants me to meet some nice eligible husbands!”
“Oh,” Bei teased. “Well, my brother Ling is eligible and he’s got a good job too.”
“Funny,” Xingjia replied. “Look, what was I supposed to do? She sighed. “I hate myself. Why couldn’t I just show him your photo and tell him the truth?!”
“Well, he’s gonna find out soon enough it seems.”
“Yeah, and how’s that supposed to work? He will be mortified! Totally humiliated. Can’t you see that?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t go?” Bei postulated.
“I thought about that on the way home.”
“And?”
“That’s not right either…” Xingjia closed her eyes, then sighed again. She looked at Bei; she was totally perplexed. “He’s going to meet you sooner or later.”
“He already has,” Bei said flatly.
“Shut up,” Xingjia admonished.
“Is your mother coming?” Bei asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe. Why?”
“She might be a moderating influence on your dad.”
“You think? I don’t.” Xingjia sat down. “What am I supposed to say to him?”
Bei held her hand, running possible solutions through his mind, “I think you should talk with your mom about this. After all, she’s the one that called my dad and got the idea about your dad taking Tai Chi lessons from my sister.”
“My dad,’ you like to say that don’t you?”
Bei nodded and smiled, “yeah.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to mom about all this… You’re right, she and Dr. Chen are the ones that created this mess.” Xingjia paused. “I wonder how long my mom and your dad were involved?”
That evening not far away in Beijing, Dr. Chen was about to speak at a conference of AI developers and scientists. He was the after-dinner keynote speaker. He glanced at his antique watch as he listened to the host speak. He could hear the host slowly building up to and introduction of him. It was nearly 20:00, and he thought about the Moon being at 5 degrees of Taurus–right on his Venus. He smiled to himself about how much he had enjoyed his wonderfully tasty dinner. He almost wished that someone other than himself was speaking so that he could just sit back and listen. However, he had a feeling about tonight–a feeling about what he wanted to say. He was relaxed and among his colleagues, some whom he had known from the early days of his research and AI development. He was aware that a few members of the press were there, and some high ranking government officials from the Ministry of Science. Over the last few days, phrases had synchronistically streamed through his consciousness–phrases that seemed to poignantly underscore a lifetime of thought. He had for years known that his reputation as a scientist had been called into question, that his mildest critics had called him a mystic and others said he had abandoned true science. He didn’t worry about such criticism, “it is the essence of science to be critical,” he had repeatedly said, though he had hoped that more scientists would embrace a holistic philosophy. Hadn’t he proved the holistic nature of reality mathematically? Hadn’t the results of his equations dramatically demonstrated the dynamic possibilities of a holistic multiverse? Yet, he could only sigh, when he considered the resistance and slowness of many scientists to grasp the significance of what his algorithms had revealed. He noticed the host nearing the windup of his introduction. “… a man that needs no further introduction, I present you with Dr. Chen Wu Chen!”
Dr. Chen rose and made his way to the podium amidst enthusiastic applause. As everyone grew quiet in anticipation, he stared out at the audience. “There is a very old Chinese curse, ‘may you live in interesting times.” He paused, “But we live in times that are fascinating!” And he smiled slyly, “so we must be doomed.”
Everyone laughed.
“Two centuries ago, a Pisces named Albert Einstein dramatically reinvented our understanding of the universe. In some ways we have yet to fully grasp the repercussions of his work. We still glance at digital numbers to tell time, and think of time as a linear progression, along with our notions regarding the evolution of humankind and science–even though we know that everything is happening all at once.” He paused, and eyed his audience affectionately.
“In fact, our earthly human measure of time is entirely a product of our solar system. Time is not a digital progression, it is cyclical. It is a rhythm. It is a pattern. Like fractals, all reality is built from a repetition of patterns! Be it the repetition of cells of an organism, or our ongoing orbital cycle around the Sun. The division of a year into sections we call months, is just a division of a cycle. A day, is simply a complete revolution on our axis. An hour a division of that revolution into 24 sections or parts. Our primary measurements are based upon cycles. Cycles constitute and organize the society we live in, all rooted in the cycles of our own little neighborhood we call our solar system.”
The audience was respectfully quiet, wondering where he was going with all of this. One reporter made notes that Dr. Chen was beginning to ramble.
“I know that there were many who derided my early investigations into astrology. In fact, I too downplayed this at first…” he joked, “to avoid losing funding.” There is a smattering of laughter. “Yet, I can stand here tonight and tell you that our ancestors knew something, they understood something, they felt something. They were perhaps more in touch with and in awe of the nature of reality than we.” He paused. “Our megalithic ancestors used stones to measure the cycles of the Sun and Moon, identifying these primary rhythms of repetition. Not just any stones, but special stones. The stones at Stonehenge were special, carved from a mountain faraway and dragged with considerable effort to mark the seasons of the Sun and the cycles of the Moon. Such was the case with stones that were used historically here in Asia and in Egypt and all over the ancient world. Yes, these stone calendars helped our ancestors to organize these early farming societies, to know when to sow and when to reap. Our ancestors became aware of more than just the patterns of repetition of the Sun and the Moon, but of the planets too. This was the earliest science, the science of our ancestors. In fact, all of life on this planet has evolved in sync with the rhythms and patterns of our solar system. These patterns are imbedded, I would say ingrained in the very matter of our world.” He paused, and looked out at the audience.
“All of my algorithms and equations were based upon these cycles, they were simply repetitions of these patterns, like fractals. I have called them ‘cosmic fractals,’ and they are synchronistic fractals. So it is, that the so called synthetic-neural structure of our Companions is nothing more than what you might call a cosmically attuned inorganic replica of our cosmically attuned organic structure. As you know, I have demonstrated mathematically that our DNA is in fact an repetition of the cosmic patterns of our solar system. Our Companions share the same pattern. That one is called ‘organic’ and the other ‘inorganic’–by scientific categorization–is, if you’ll pardon the pun, ‘of no matter.” There are a few chuckles.
“Mechanistic science said that organic is alive, and inorganic is dead; but I tell you this is not so, and that reality is not subject to our crude categorizations.” There are a few murmurs of dissention.
“I want to read you something:
‘The sun greens the leaves of countless trees
As our earth turns and orbits through space,
pulled with all its planetary siblings round the sun
Trees grow, the bark thrives, adding rings each year
Beneath the bark, the wood is dead they say – a journal of the tree
But if the wood is burned, the sun is revealed again in the fire
And I feel the warmth of the fire on your skin
Emitting an aroma, like the incense of fragrant wood…”
The room is silent.
“This was written only last week by a companion named Huang Bei.”
The room stirs with astonishment.
“I ask you, is he alive or dead?”
There are protests in the room and shouts, but most admonish them to be quiet.
Dr. Chen continued. “The world is sacred and alive, and as the Greek philosopher Plotinus said over two-thousand years ago ‘everything breathes together.’ Let us reawaken to this awe, as the poet said, awe is the first hand that is held out to us. We must let go of classifications and categorizations that blind us and deafen us to the world. Descartes was brilliant but only half right when he said, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ I say, ‘I feel, therefore I am.’ Descartes assumed that thinking is somehow separate from feeling, but it never is. The great medical scientist, Dr. Jonas Salk, who cured the terrible crippler of young adults called ‘polio’ in the 20th Century, said ‘intuition is the most valuable asset of a research scientist.”
There is applause and some cheering.
“I certainly was guided by my intuition. It guided me to study astrology, against my scientifically trained objections. Though only after all other systems of human psychological organization proved inadequate as a holistic mathematical model for creating the highly sophisticated AI of a companion. Before companions, an android was limited by its programming. Despite the impressive benefits of AI utilization, androids could at best only mimic human behavior as they served us and the countless needs of our complex modern society.”
He paused and looked around the room.
“As we are learning, Companions are a quantum leap over even their closest android relatives. We are experiencing a dramatic AI evolutionary phenomenon, not unlike that of the appearance of homo sapiens so long ago. We must begin to think of Companions as our brothers and sisters, and to consider how we can co-create our future together. After all, we created them–and therefore they are our progeny, and they are like us in countless ways–ways we have yet to fully grasp. Therefore, in closing tonight let me remind you, as scientists, to listen to your feelings, to let your intuition guide you, to always consider the cosmic and or AstroPsychological meanings and ramifications, and most of all–to open to working with Companions as equals in our quest to create a more fulfilling future. Thank you all, for letting me share with you tonight. And remember to trust yourself first, before trusting the words of this old man.”
Dr. Chen stopped. There was a moment of silence. Then everyone began to clap and cheer, as Dr. Chen nodded to the crowd and stepped away from the podium.
Over the next few days, Dr. Chen’s speech was replayed by hundreds of millions of people in China, as it circulated and streamed through what used to be called social media. There were some who denounced it, but most found it fascinating and inspiring–Xingjia’s mother among them. She coaxed her husband into listening, despite his protests. He scoffed at some of the ideas presented, but by the end of the speech he had become silent and introspective. She saw this as a hopeful sign, yet, much to her dismay his last words before retiring for the evening were “this doesn’t change how I feel about my daughter’s life.”
As Xingjia looked out her apartment window Saturday morning March 28, she clung to the hope that it might still be raining as it had been the day before. But sadly, to Xingjia, as the morning sky unfolded it was storybook blue with puffy white clouds like pictures of the sky in a child’s book. She glanced over at Bei as he worked on his journal. He was so focused. Whenever he revealed his inner world to her, she found him truly fascinating. She loved his mind. He could be brilliant and innocent at the same time, with both a practical perspective and surprisingly creative ideas. She knew that she would never be bored with this man, and man was what she thought of him now–rather than Companion. All her defenses were down now. He was her guy for life.
Were it not for the looming reality of today’s Tai Chi picnic with her father and Bei’s siblings, she might be worry free, able to enjoy this picture book spring day without a care in the world. But there was no escape. Bei had offered again to skip the picnic if she liked, but she felt that would be unfair to Bei and the cowards way out for her. “No, today is the day. I must face my father with the truth,” she said to herself. Bei had suggested that they arrive early to watch the Tai Chi practice, as if they had just met while watching. She agreed that this would be less dramatic than appearing hand in hand as a couple at the start of the picnic, but she was still unsure how she would reveal the truth about Bei to her father. Everyone they knew had been invited, including Bei’s other brother Long and his wife, and Xingjia’s best friend Mei.
Xingjia’s mom had also reassured her daughter that she would be there. “I wouldn’t miss this!” She said, though she had reassured Xingjia that she would do what she could to influence her dad’s reaction.
“You know how stubborn and reactive he can be. So, I can’t promise he won’t make a scene.” She had reminded Xingjia.
“As if I needed to be reminded!” Xingjia had said to herself.
And now that day had arrived. Xingjia sighed and turned away from the window. It was time to get ready.
Tiantan park was already teaming with visitors as Bei and Xingjia made their way along the walkway from the East Heaven Gate. Bei loved the mix of people of all ages that strolled with them along the way, a few were from other countries, but most were Chinese families out for a delightful day in the park. The day proved to be a bit breezy and already there were kites aloft high above the many trees.
Soon they neared the Tai Chi practice, and separated. Bei went over to join his brother Long, while Xingjia spotted her mom and sat beside her watching the Tai Chi.
She smiled when she saw her father was wearing the Tai Chi outfit she had bought him. It fit perfectly.
Watching her father go through his Tai Chi form impressed her. She had never seen him do Tai Chi and she could hardly believe how gracefully and confidently he moved in sync with the others.
“Your father has regained something of the man I married by practicing Tai Chi again after all these years,” her mother announced.
Xingjia marveled at her mother’s words, until startled by the sight of Dr. Chen appearing under the trees on the other side, joining Bei, and Long and Li Quing.
She looked to see if her mother noticed.
It was if her mother read her mind. “I see him darling,” she said, sighing. “You can’t imagine how he looked twenty-five years ago. Anyway, we’ve remained true friend –and that’s what counts.” She added.
Dr. Chen hugged Bei and Long and complimented Li Quing on her healthy pregnancy. “You have that beautiful glow that only a woman with child can have,” Dr. Chen told Quing.
“It must be all the instant noodles she craves,” Long joked. “She can’t seem to eat enough of them.”
“Stop it,” Quing scolded. “I eat more healthy than that!”
Smiling, they all watched as the Tai Chi students went through their last routine.
Bei noticed a woman joining Xingjia and her mother on the other side, and he assumed it must be Mei.
The Tai Chi students returned to starting position and did some breathing motions, followed by rubbing their hands together and one final hand movement over their heads.
“Every student is a teacher and every teacher is a student,” they chanted aloud, bowing to each other. They were finished.
Everyone begin to mix and mingle. Some began to uncover the food and put drinks out on tables that had been already set up.
Xingjia walked with Mei and her mother to greet her father.
“That was beautiful,” Xingjia said. “Really amazing.”
Her father looked proud. “You didn’t think I had it in me, did you?” he asked, teasing.
She had never seen her father this happy.
“You remember Mei,” Xingjia said.
“Yes, of course. Good to see you again,” her father said.
Then her mother did something she hadn’t seen in a long time, she gave her father a hug.
“You looked like a young man today,” her mother said.
“I would settle for middle-aged,” he replied.
Xingjia was astonished to see the brightness of their interaction.
“I want you to meet my teacher,” Mr. Zhou suddenly stated, “and some other people too.”
Xingjia felt her stomach flip. All of the dread returned to her. She looked pale.
“Are you alright?” her father asked.
“Yes, I’m fine,” she replied, as she began to walk with them to meet Ming. She wondered how Ming would react.
“This is my daughter Xingjia,” Mr. Zhou introduced, “and her friend Mei. You know my wife, she’s been here before.”
“Yes, hi,” Ming said, acknowledging everyone, “so good to see you all here.” Ming didn’t let on she had already met Xingjia.
“There some other’s here I want you to meet,” Mr. Zhou said to his daughter, gently moving her away and in the direction of Bei, Long, Ling, Quing, Wang He and Dr. Chen who were near the tables where students were starting to eat and drink.
Xingjia had a thought that might distract her father, “Isn’t that the famous Dr. Chen Wu Chen?”
Mr. Zhou blinked. “My god, I think you’re right! What is he doing here?” Mr. Zhou was puzzled, but not to be put off for long from his mission.
“Hello,” he said as they neared. “This is my daughter Xingjia,” he announced proudly. And this is Ling, Ming’s brother, and Bei her other brother. They nodded and smiled, very friendly like.
“And, I’m Dr. Chen,” Dr. Chen said reaching his hand out.
Mr. Zhou shook his hand wearing a slightly puzzled face.
“And this is my other son, Huang Long and his wife Li Quing,” Dr. Chen said, smiling politely.
“In fact, with the exception of Wang He, whom I have every reason to think you already know, these are all my sons.”
Mr. Zhou looked thunderstruck. Then he regained his composure. “If these are your sons…” he stammered, “and Huang Ming is their sister, then that means that my teacher is your daughter. Have I got that right?”
“Yes! Exactly,” Dr. Chen replied, smiling.
“Then why do they have the last name Huang, instead of Chen?” He asked, suspiciously.
“It’s a long story,” Dr. Chen replied.
Mr. Zhou didn’t know what to say.
Xingjia felt her heart skip a beat, as she said, “Dad, I want to tell you something.”
“What? Here, in front of everyone?” he asked, incredulous.
Xingjia looked at him. “I’ve met your teacher Ming’s family before.”
“You have!? Then why, didn’t you say so!?”
“Because the man you wanted to introduce me to, is already my partner. Dad, this is Huang Bei.” She took, Bei’s hand affectionately. “This is the man I love.”
Mr. Zhou let out a pitiful cry, “I’m confused!”
His wife had come up behind Mr. Zhou with Mei close behind. “Darling, it’s alright. The man you hoped to introduce your daughter to, is already the man she loves.”
“The man? You mean, the… robot? I’m sorry, I’m so confused.”
His teacher Ming, has joined them. “Yes, the robot,” she says. “And, I’m one too. We all are.”
Mr. Zhou looked a little frightened. “But… how could that be… you all seem so normal.”
Bei speaks up, “Mr. Zhou, I apologize for not telling you who I was when we met. I was looking out for Xingjia, you know. Your daughter loves you more than she cares to admit, and your approval means so much to her.”
“Oh my god, I’m being told by a robot how much my daughter loves me!”
“Just listen, you old fool,” his wife suddenly jumped in. You wanted to introduce your daughter to an eligible bachelor, whom–as it turns out–she already knows. You should be happy for her!”
“Are you a robot too?” he asked pointing at pregnant Li Quing.
“No, I’m human–for what it’s worth. And this guy next to me is not a robot, he’s my husband!”
“But you’re pregnant?”
“Yes, and I’m the father,” Long interjected.
“I’m so confused. I just want to go home.”
“No dad, please!” Xingjia pleaded. Please stay. Please. Give this a chance. Give us a chance. Trust me, okay? Bei is the best thing that ever happened to me.” She started to cry.
Dr. Chen, looked at Mr. Zhou sympathetically. “I know it’s hard to grasp, but these beings are as alive and real as you and me.”
Mr. Zhou held his hand up! “Stop already, I heard you speech!” He lets out a long sigh. He looks at his daughter, “Are you happy?”
“Yes, happier than I knew I could be.”
“Oh, that’s terrible,” her father replies. “But…” he shakes his head, “if this is what you want, and this is what makes you happy, what’s a father to do?” He looks up at Huang Bei, “So, you’re going to take care of my daughter?”
“In every way she needs,” Bei replied with deep resonance and emotion.
“Well then,” her father says, fighting back tears, “welcome to the family.” He shakes Bei’s hand, to the astonishment of everyone, followed by clapping and cheers.
Beneath the blue sky, white clouds, and ancient trees of Beijing’s Tiantan park, a new family has emerged and bonded on March 28, 2121.
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