When China is cheering for triumphal returning of heroes, the news of auspicious omen number return also by way of the report of Yang intermediary overseas edition, as well as nasa, European Space Agency and Russian space agency the public statement of organization, spread over each corner of the world in every way. 就在华国为英雄们的凯旋而欢呼着的时候,祥瑞号返航的消息也经由央媒海外版的报道,以及nasa、欧空局、俄罗斯航天局等多方机构的公开声明,传遍了世界的每一个角落。 Almost is everyone, after hearing this news, the response is surprised without any exception. 几乎是所有人,在听到了这个消息之后,反应都是无一例外的惊讶。 Before then, the North American Media have had in the report to the nasa concerned expert's interview, thinks the auspicious omen number, although has the 25-tonne earth-moon transfer orbit delivery strength, but because the moon landing project is hasty, finally possibly faces with the result of Soviet same failure. 在此之前,北美媒体一直有在报道对nasa有关专家的采访,认为祥瑞号虽然具备25吨级的地月转移轨道运载力,但由于登月计划过于仓促,最终可能面临和苏联人一样失败的结局。 However the reality is similar to slap on the face, not only hit on their faces, destroyed their fantasy. 然而现实就如同一记耳光,不但打在了他们的脸上,同时也打碎了他们的幻想。 The auspicious omen number not only successfully returned to the Jingling City aerospace launch center, and safe and secure brought back to three astronauts and gross weights over one kilogram Moon Soil. 祥瑞号非但成功返回了金陵市航天发射中心,并且平安带回了三名宇航员以及总重量在一公斤以上的月壤。 Even is not willing to acknowledge, they still have to face a fearful reality. 即便不愿意承认,他们也不得不面对一个可怕的现实。 Realizes China that the curve passes another vehicle through the electric propulsion system in the space industry, is pursuing their footsteps at the inconceivable speed. 通过电推进系统在航天领域实现弯道超车的华国,正在以不可思议的速度追赶他们的脚步。 Today is a lunar excursion module and a national flag, what then can be tomorrow? The day after tomorrow? 今天是一座登月舱和一面国旗,那么明天会是什么？后天呢？ Without the comparison , there would be no disparity, although for half a century cannot say that nasa does not have the progress in the research of outer space domain, the footsteps that but develops without doubt were slow. Now China had set foot on Moon, but the lunar space station plan of nasa must wait by 2022 to start, Ares plans is since announced that until now continuously big thunder , little rain, the practical action cannot see. 没有比较就没有差距,半个世纪来虽然不能说nasa在外空间领域的研究就毫无进展,但发展的脚步无疑是慢了许多。如今华国已经踏上了月球,而nasa的月球空间站计划得等到2022年才启动,阿瑞斯计划更是自从公布到现在为止一直雷声大雨点小,一点实际的行动都看不到。 All in native of US hearts that are concerned this matter suppressed the question of full belly, is as for the anger. 所有关切着这件事情的美国人心中都不禁憋了满肚子的疑问,乃至于愤怒。 What their are nasa doing? 他们的nasa到底在干些什么？ In such opinion environment, the North American media, the wind direction starts to transform. 在这样的舆论环境下,北美本土的媒体,风向开始转变。 From to China aerospace taunting of technology, turned to nasa „gets angry him not to struggle”. Especially is headed by the New York Times, in several interviews accepted nasa the expert opinion, however reported, truly hit the face continuously, this they do not have to invite the nasa expert finally, but aimed at nasa the muzzle directly, placed in one line of gunpowder taste full titles the headline of latest edition of newspaper- 从对华国航天的技术的冷嘲热讽,变成了对nasa的“怒其不争”。尤其是以《纽约时报》为首,几次采访中都采纳了nasa的专家的意见,然而报道出来之后确实被连续打脸,以至于这一回他们总算是没有在邀请nasa的专家,而是直接将枪口对准了nasa,将一行火药味儿十足的标题放在了最新一版报纸的头条上- «When China in the moon landing, what our people are doing?» 《当华国在登月的时候,我们的人在干些什么？》 Not come singly but in pairs, when the New York Times by liking being lived to hate to start to nasa criticized greatly, «Los Angeles Times» and Washington Post is also respectively from the different angles, to nasa as not conducting launching an attack, questioned that its every year several times and even dozens times in the China funds, actually to be used where? 无独有偶,就在《纽约时报》由爱生恨地开始对nasa大加攻讦的时候,《洛杉矶时报》和《华盛顿邮报》也是分别从不同的角度,对nasa的不作为进行了发难,质疑其每年数倍乃至数十倍于华国的经费,究竟被用到了什么地方？ But in many media, viewpoint most incisive cnn affairs channel, even appealed that forms an ad hoc survey group, investigates the nasa these years budget lists, and claimed likely exists to have the shocking behind-the-scenes plotting. 而在诸多媒体中,观点最为尖锐的cnn时政频道,甚至呼吁成立一个专项调查组,对nasa这些年的预算清单进行核查,并声称其中很可能存在有令人震惊的黑幕。 Suddenly, nasa is also made in a terrible fix by people who the public sentiment is roused to action. 一时间,nasa也是被群情激奋的人们弄得焦头烂额。 In fact, if critical appraisal, US these years is big in the result that the space industry yields, the boundary of its exploration had even arrived at Pluto, but two traveller detectors have visited the domain beyond Solar System. 事实上,如果中肯的评价,美国这些年在航天领域取得的成果并不小,其探索的边界甚至已经到了冥王星,而两架旅行者探测器更是已经踏足了太阳系之外的领域。 However all these achievements, sound do not compare to land the moon by far shock like that. 然而所有的这一切成果,听起来都远远比不上登月那般震撼。 After all the detector flies again far, that is also a detector, was far less than that the human the domain of footsteps beside toward Earth make great strides forward one step, can stimulate the sense of people. 毕竟探测器飞的再远,那也是探测器,远不如人类的脚步往地球之外的领域迈进一步,更能刺激人们的感官。 Facing people that the public sentiment is roused to action, badly battered not only obviously nasa, when a matter enough has affected the national cohesiveness, enough when affects the ballot in voter pocket, not only it was only the technical question, but was the politics. Governs the issue. 面对群情激奋的民众,焦头烂额的显然不只是nasa,当一件事情已经足够影响到国家凝聚力,足够影响到选民口袋里的选票时,它就不单单在只是技术问题了,而是政.治问题。 The authority has promised, will make the US continue to get down greatly. 当局许诺过,会让美国继续伟大下去。 The thing that however these promises need to cash, did not say that casually can deceive. 然而这些诺言都是需要兑现的东西,不是随便说说就能糊弄过去的。 Object or nasa that now the media attack, perhaps but according to the ordinary circumstances, this soon must burn the fire to the White House on...... 现在媒体攻击的对象还是nasa,但按照一般情况来讲,这把火恐怕用不了多久就得烧到白宫头上了…… ...... …… White House. 白宫。 In some conference room. 某间会议室里。 Before previous same that board, besides few new faces, sits with the previous same crowd. 与上一次相同的那张会议桌前,除了寥寥几个生面孔之外,坐着与上次相同的人群。 When the current president walks, everyone stood got up to respect. 当现任总统走进来的时候,所有人都站了起来以示尊敬。 „Ladies, the gentlemen, please sit down.” “女士们,先生们,都请坐。” Arrived on the seat of honor to sit, the president observed the situation board, stared at nasa Chief Casson to look emphatically for two seconds, then took back the line of sight, direct authorities: „I need an explanation.” 走到主位上坐了下来,总统环视了会议桌一圈,又着重盯着nasa局长卡森看了两秒,然后收回了视线,直接了当道:“我需要一个解释。” Casson and deputy director looked at each other in blank dismay, finally the deep breath the one breath, bracing oneself stood to say. 卡森和副局长面面相觑了一眼,最终深呼吸了一口气,硬着头皮站起来说道。 „We whispered China in the determination of space industry...... and technological strength. Their application to the electric propulsion system exceeded our expectation, before then we have not thought in power and working substance enough situation, the electricity pushes can also provide with the chemical rocket suitable thrust force. Facts showed that the electric propulsion system is used in the climb gravity well being also feasible, at present we have united the pppl laboratory and Massachusetts Institute of Technology wait research agency to conduct the improvement to the electric propulsion system......” “我们嘀咕了华国在航天领域的决心……以及技术实力。他们对电推进系统的应用超出了我们的预期,在此之前我们从来没想过在功率与工质足够的情况下,电推也能提供与化学火箭相当的推力。事实证明电推进系统用于爬升重力井也是可行的,目前我们已经联合了pppl实验室、麻省理工大学等等研究机构对电推进系统进行改良……” Knocked the table to break Casson's talking endlessly, the president put out a hand to pinch the forehead, a face did not say patiently. 敲着桌子打断了卡森的喋喋不休,总统伸手捏了捏眉心,一脸不耐烦地说道。 „How long needs?” “需要多久？” Casson gawked slightly, immediately is bitter and astringent smiles. 卡森微微愣了下,随即苦涩一笑。 „This...... does not have the means expectation, before solving thrust force problem, we must first solve the problem of Controlled Nuclear Fusion miniaturization.” “这个……没有办法预期,在解决推力问题之前,我们首先得解决可控聚变小型化的问题。” But before solving problem of Controlled Nuclear Fusion miniaturization, must first solve the Controlled Nuclear Fusion problem. Although the intuition told Casson to be solved the issue of Controlled Nuclear Fusion miniaturization has not possibly imagined is so difficult, at least did not have the Controlled Nuclear Fusion project to be difficult, but analyzes these things not to help matters now. 而在解决可控聚变小型化的问题之前,先得解决可控聚变的问题。虽然直觉告诉卡森解决可控聚变小型化的问题可能没有想象中的那么困难,至少没有可控聚变工程本身困难,但现在分析这些东西都是无济于事的。 After all according to the negotiation result, next year, both sides probably will at least also achieve the technical exchange in the Controlled Nuclear Fusion domain. 毕竟根据谈判结果,至少也得明年,双方才可能在可控聚变领域达成技术上的交换。 Moreover price also big...... 而且代价还不小…… The president complexion said bad: „Without the means anticipation, please stop your to talk nonsense, what my present need is a solution, rather than listens to you to explain your incompetent!” 总统脸色不善地说:“既然没有办法预期,就请停止你的放屁,我现在需要的是一个解决方案,而不是听你解释你们的无能！” One hear of these words, Casson almost does not have an old blood to spurt. 一听这句话,卡森差点没一口老血喷出来。 Shit! 谢特！ It is not you must ask the explanation? 不是你要问解释的吗？ Naturally, although at heart tsukomi such, but he is naturally impossible to say. 当然了,虽然在心里吐槽了这么一句,但他自然是不可能就这么说出来。 Silent a small little while, he coughed lightly , to continue to say. 沉默了一小会儿,他轻咳了一声,继续说道。 „Naturally, we have found out the countermeasure......, and before the conference starts, with our Mr. Vice President has exchanged.” “当然,我们已经想出了应对策略……并且在会议开始之前,已经和我们的副总统先生交流过了。” The president looked at the vice president, saw only sits that thin old person in board vice- selected, with lukewarm fast said to the language that letting the person went wild. 总统将视线投向了副总统,只见坐在会议桌副位上的那个瘦削的老人点了下头,用温吞到让人抓狂的语速说道。 „Before the conference starts, I and Mr. Casson chatted a while, his proposition is quite good, although is somewhat risky.” “在会议开始之前,我和卡森先生聊了一会儿,他的提议相当不错,虽然有些冒险。” Although the vice president in the US political arena is only a mascot, if not politics. Governs the words power of strong person possibly not to compare the governor in New Jersey, but the specific time can also play the role. 虽然在美国政坛里副总统只是个吉祥物,若非政.治强人的话权力可能还比不上新泽西州的州长,但特定时候也是可以发挥作用的。 For example, reorganizes in nsc, and situation in by the vice president personally being been in command. 比如,在nsc重组,并由副总统亲自挂帅的情况下。 Every so often the president does not have the means to look after the space industry thing directly, in most situations conducts coordinated by the president administration office as well as vice president. 很多时候总统没办法直接关照航天领域的事物,大多数情况下都是由总统行政办公室以及副总统本人进行协调。 „Risk?” The president knits the brows, looked that asked to Casson, „anything took risk.” “冒险？”总统皱了皱眉,看向卡森问道,“什么冒险。” Casson deep breath the one breath, the sinking sound said: „My suggestion is, immediately starts Stage 1 that Ares plans, maintains the unit to deliver to sparks/Mars our lives!” 卡森深呼吸了一口气,沉声说道:“我的建议是,立刻启动阿瑞斯计划的第一阶段,将我们的生命维持单元送到火星上！” The president knits the brows: „...... Did this also call the plan? If I have not remembered incorrectly, now the life maintained the unit test work not to end.” 总统皱了皱眉:“……这也叫计划吗？而且如果我没记错的话,现在生命维持单元的测试工作没有结束。” „Is such right, but the time does not allow us to wait again, just as you said that if it does not have the major problem, we should believe that our technical personnel have made best effort,” deep breath the one breath, Casson continued saying that „, if abbreviated some troublesome procedures, quickest we in a half year...... not, only took two months! We can deliver to sparks/Mars it!” “是这样的没错,但时间已经不允许我们再等下去了,正如你所说的,如果它没有大的问题,我们就应该相信我们的技术人员已经尽了最大的努力,”深呼吸了一口气,卡森继续说道,“如果省略掉一些麻烦的手续,最快的话我们在半年……不,只需要两个月！我们就能将它送到火星上！” The voice just fell, before the board, resounded a sound of discussion. 话音刚刚落下,会议桌前响起了一片议论的声音。 Before Casson volume, is braving the sweat. 卡森额前也在冒着汗水。 Because he knows, own proposition suitable risk. 因为他知道,自己的提议相当的冒险。 Or this already, not only takes risk, but is gambling, takes the life of astronaut to work as the gambling stake. 或者说这已经不只是冒险,而是一场赌博,拿着航天员的生命去当赌注。 After the tragedy of Columbia, few people have dared to do that! 在哥伦比亚号的惨剧发生之后,已经很少有人敢这么做了！ Really, a look serious middle-aged man stood, is staring at Casson sharp-eyed, says. 果然,一位神色严肃的中年男人站了起来,目光锐利地盯着卡森,开口说道。 „Chief Casson, I whether can guess, your so-called these troublesome procedures, whether is referring to these ‚necessary test link’?” “卡森局长,我是否可以猜测一下,你所谓的那些麻烦的手续,是否是在指那些‘必要的测试环节’？” Facing launching an attack of this president administration office adviser, Casson braces oneself to explain: „Tests the link not to...... we technically be able to guarantee that in fact the life maintains the unit to be able in the electricity-rich situation, stable running at least over two years.” 面对这位总统行政办公室顾问的发难,卡森硬着头皮解释道:“测试环节并非是必须……事实上我们在技术上已经可以确保生命维持单元能够在电力充足的情况下,稳定运行至少两年以上。” That person continues to send: „Are you used to guarantee?” 那人继续发难道:“你用什么来保证？” Casson is at a loss for words, is not knowing how should reply time, the president spoke suddenly. 卡森语塞,正不知道该如何回答的时候,总统忽然发话了。 „Right that he said.” “他说的对。” „Sometimes we should flexible, face one to be good at the flexible opponent particularly, the national space council is not for this reason the establishment?” “有时候我们应该灵活一点,尤其是在面对一个善于变通的对手,国家空间委员会不就是为此而成立的吗？” Hears the president to mention itself, the vice president shows a faint smile, putting out a hand managed the chest front tie. 听到总统提到自己,副总统微微一笑,伸手理了理胸前的领带。 Usually has feeling always very low him, only then can demonstrate in this situation to others own existence feeling. 平时存在感总是很低的他,只有在这种场合能向其它人展示一下自己的存在感。 The words of president cause the sound that many people talked in whispers, previously that person that Chief Casson lashed out at hesitant, but said obstinately. 总统的话引起了不少人窃窃私语的声音,先前向卡森局长发难的那人犹豫了一下,但还是执拗地说道。 „Mr. President, I must remind you, this does not conform to the procedure/program.” “总统先生,我必须提醒您,这不符合程序。” „It is not true, the test and may not in the desert of Arizona, can on the desert of sparks/Mars,” Casson say immediately, „we can first maintain the unit to deliver the life, then long-distance starts it, confirmed that he is whether effective. If possible, we deliver the astronaut to come up again.” “并非如此,测试并不一定得在亚利桑那州的沙漠,也可以在火星的沙漠上,”卡森立刻开口说道,“我们可以先将生命维持单元送上去,然后远程启动它,确认他是否管用。如果可以的话,我们再送宇航员上去。” Although the heart of hearts does not approve this risky approach, but this little while he could not have attended to these. 虽然他内心深处并不认同这种冒险的做法,但这会儿他已经顾不上这些了。 Just like previously he stood in the satellite control room, to such that his secretary said. 正如先前他站在卫星控制室里,对他秘书说的那样。 nasa needs a victory. nasa需要一场胜利。 The US needs a victory! 美国需要一场胜利！ If cannot...... 如果不能…… Is takes the blame and resigns this road to walk in any case. 横竖都是引咎辞职这一条路可走。 Then, he simply does not have other choices. 如此一来,他根本没有其它选择。 „Presses doing that he said that maintains the unit to deliver to sparks/Mars to come up the test the life,” saw that annoying fellow also planned to say anything, the president knocked the board with the fountain pen, „does not have the time to waste to us, after the China person provoked this competition, to us was very every minute precious!” “就按他说的做,将生命维持单元送到火星上去测试,”眼看那个烦人的家伙还打算说些什么,总统用钢笔敲了敲会议桌,“已经没有时间给我们浪费,在华国人挑起了这场竞赛之后,每一分钟对我们来说都很宝贵！” Hinted that person that previously set out to sit with the look, the president the meaningful vision will then go to Chief Casson. 用眼神示意先前起身的那人坐了回去,总统接着将意味深长的目光投向了卡森局长。 „Mr. Casson, I hopes for two months later, can open the champagne with you, celebrates our successes at the banquet of White House. Please do not disappoint me, otherwise no one will sympathize with you!” “卡森先生,我希望两个月后,能和你一起打开香槟,在白宫的宴会上庆祝我们的成功。请你不要让我失望,否则没有人会同情你们！” That meaningful look, making on Casson's forehead seep out several cold sweat. 那意味深长的眼神,让卡森的脑门上渗出了几丝冷汗。 However even so, he braces oneself, according to pledged in the chest front the right hand. 不过即便如此,他还是硬着头皮点,将右手按在胸前发誓。 „I look like you to guarantee.” “我像您保证。” „God station us!” “上帝站在我们这边！”