Zhao Qiang was startled. He didn't expect anyone to talk to him here. Robots and humans are enemies. Even if they have evolved intelligence, they should not compromise with humans. In this critical moment, it should summon more robots to protect itself, instead of engaging in useless communication with him. Does it intend to convince him?
"Are you the AI here?" Zhao Qiang asked, confirming to avoid destroying the wrong target.
“Yes,” the voice rang out from above, “I am a small robot on the Oasis spaceship here. But the long passage of time has caused me to lose my body, and now I can only remain here.” Zhao Qiang said, “That’s right, I’m here to find you.” With that, Zhao Qiang raised his gun again and aimed it at the platform.
"Wait! Young man, don't you think you're being too reckless? If I wanted to stop you, those robots outside could come in anytime, but I didn't. Can't you give me a few minutes to say a few words?"
Zhao Qiang loosened his grip on his wrist: "What do you want to say?" However, the fortress door did not open, which meant that the AI inside really didn't intend to do anything to Zhao Qiang.
"I want to tell you that I did all of this for a reason."
Zhao Qiang chuckled coldly: "That's right, the goal is to exterminate humanity, and you've done quite well. If it weren't for our timely intervention, you would probably have already occupied many parts of the earth by now."
"Heh, young man, you're still too impatient. Do you know why I let robots conquer the earth? It's because humanity is self-destructing. You pathetic, self-righteous, arrogant humans are completely oblivious. You praise yourselves every day with the idea that humans can conquer nature, consider yourselves the masters of the earth, ruthlessly destroy the ecological environment that should coexist with humanity, and even give it the noble name of transforming the world. You're despicable and shameless, smugly pleased with yourselves!"
Zhao Qiang was stunned. His brain reacted extremely quickly, and numerous images and information appeared in his mind. Based on his understanding of what happened in this world every day, the statement about intelligence was not an exaggeration. Earthlings were indeed like that; they were destroying themselves without realizing it, at least in Zhao Qiang's view.
However, discussing this issue with a machine that slaughters humans seemed somewhat redundant, so Zhao Qiang said, "Are you saying all this to make me give up the idea of eliminating you? You're wrong."
“No,” the robot said, “quite the opposite. I want you to destroy me, but before that, you must hear me out, otherwise my destruction will be meaningless.” Zhao Qiang thought for a moment. The robot hadn’t resisted his intrusion, so what difference would it make even if he listened to it? So Zhao Qiang said, “Okay, go ahead, I’m listening.” “Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, sandstorms, viruses, species extinction—natural disasters keep happening. Young man, have you considered their causes?” Zhao Qiang nodded. “Yes, humanity has indeed encountered many natural disasters in recent years.”
The robot's voice grew louder and louder as it spoke: "Natural disaster? Heh heh, it's definitely not as simple as a natural disaster! Don't attribute all the sins to natural disasters! Heaven hasn't offended you, so it doesn't have to take the blame for you."
"Young man, you're too naive! I remember a saying in your world: there's no love without a reason, nor is there hatred without a reason. Humanity has long lost its reason; they're not human, they're madmen, their minds filled with money and power. This applies to individuals, and even more so to nations!"
"Especially in China, the issues of keeping mistresses and corruption are not worth mentioning. Countless officials have gone to extreme lengths to gain political achievements, causing human deaths. I don't care about that, because I believe humans deserve to die! But their endless development and reckless destruction of the natural ecological balance—land reclamation, dam construction, logging, farmland reclamation, water pollution…"
"The Earth is already riddled with holes! She's covered in sores." Today there's nuclear radiation here, tomorrow there's an oil leak there, chickens... If the Earth's environment is further damaged, "the Earth will destroy you. Remember, it's the Earth that will destroy you, not you destroy the Earth, because the Earth doesn't need you, but you humans do! Ignorant humans, you are provoking the Earth, and you will soon face the Earth's retaliation!"
"Perhaps you humans don't know," your so-called scientists and professors, just like ordinary people, have no idea what they do every day! They receive high salaries while saying things against their conscience, weaving countless lies only for those they serve. So never let the halo of experts and professors cloud your judgment. Remember, "science is always a double-edged sword; if you don't know how to use it properly," it will turn around and kill the user, and on that day, your civilization will inevitably face destruction! That's for sure!
"There's no need to question this outcome, because history has already proven humanity's tragic end." My master personally experienced this destruction, knowing its occurrence, development, and final result. He was forced to leave his homeland and search for a habitable planet in outer space. This journey lasted tens of millions of years, and in the end, he had to return to Earth because humanity knew nowhere else to go! Human experts talk every day about how many habitable planets there are in the universe. Hmph, let them go and find them! If they can't find them, throw them into the vast universe! Let's see if they'll still say that in the future! Of course, humanity currently doesn't possess such capabilities.
"Fortunately, my master returned to Earth not after its destruction, but before human destruction. However, when everything proceeded according to its original trajectory, my master panicked. He didn't want his descendants to follow his path, so he left me behind to stop this destruction. The only way to stop it was to mass-produce humans, nipping further destruction in the bud and giving Earth a complete purification."
Zhao Qiang remained silent. The robot's statement was extreme, but it was also true. Zhao Qiang didn't know how to refute it for a moment. Moreover, it had mentioned its master. Its master should be a future human who traveled back to Earth tens of millions of years ago. "From its perspective, how could the future of Earth be wrong?"
After a long pause, Zhao Qiang said, "I won't comment on your statement, but I cannot allow you to slaughter humans. No matter how convincing your words are, I cannot watch my fellow human beings die. Today they are the ones who die, but tomorrow it may be us. I understand the principle of 'the rabbit mourns the fox'."
“Heh, young man, you overestimate me. I no longer have the capacity to slaughter humans. The mission my master entrusted to me cannot be completed.” The last attack was merely a warning to humanity, hoping to attract humans like you so that I could pass on my master’s mission.” Zhao Qiang resolutely replied, “I will not do what you say for your master.”
“No, no,” the robot said intelligently, “I didn’t ask you to slaughter humans, but to change the consequences of humanity being destroyed by Earth. After all, the current humans are descendants of our master, and he wants humanity to live peacefully on Earth, not to follow the old path he repeated. I know you’ve already seen the Oasis’s main control computer; it’s an old-fashioned, stubborn thing. Even my master couldn’t change its obstinacy, so he had to entrust his plan to me. But now I’m old, so I want to pass it on to you.” Zhao Qiang considered for a moment, “I can agree to that, but my abilities are limited, and I may be powerless to do what you’re asking.”
The robot said intelligently, "My master was prepared. My mainframe contains a wealth of data—prehistoric, present, and future. You can find ways to change the fate of humanity within it, young man. I will bless you. Goodbye..."
[795] Final Chapter - Epilogue
The gentle sunlight of early spring shone on people, and the whole afternoon felt languid. Yang Shiyun sat by the window, lost in thought, and her work had unknowingly stopped.
“…Brother, I’d better not go. My mothers will definitely scold me. I can’t get involved in your affairs.” A girl’s voice rang out in the courtyard.
"...Zhao Xiaohui, aren't you going to help your brother?"
Yang Shiyun adjusted her glasses, then smiled and said to the window, "Xiao Bo, come in. You're talking so loudly with your sister, are you afraid I won't hear you?"
In the courtyard, Zhao Xiaobo said to Zhao Xiaohui, "Look, Shiyun's mother heard everything. She can't run away even if she wants to. Hurry up and go inside."
With a creak, the door was pushed open, and Zhao Xiaobo led the way, with Zhao Xiaohui following behind with her head down.
"My dad isn't here?" Zhao Xiaobo peeked around cautiously.
Yang Shiyun said, "He went to your mother's for a midday rest."
Zhao Xiaobo's mother is Xu Xiaoya. Yang Shiyun doesn't have the habit of taking a nap, so Zhao Qiang is usually not here at noon.
Zhao Xiaobo didn't hesitate and said, "Shiyun's mom, I know my dad listens to you a lot."
Yang Shiyun chuckled: "You silly child, your other mothers won't be happy if they hear you say that."
Zhao Xiaobo didn't care at all and said, "No, I know you all treat my dad very well. Shiyun's mother, Xiaohui and I want to ask you for a favor."
Yang Shiyun said, "Tell me, with such a sweet tongue, it can't be anything good. Which girl have you taken a fancy to?"
Zhao Xiaobo pretended to faint, "Shiyun's mother, you underestimate your son too much. If I took a fancy to a girl, would I need the president of the Federal Academy of Sciences to come forward? I could just beckon her and she would fly into my arms..."
Yang Shiyun stopped interrupting Zhao Xiaobo and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting to hear what he would say next.
"...It's like this, I want to initiate the Federation's space program to explore extraterrestrial civilizations..."
Before Zhao Xiaobo could finish speaking, Yang Shiyun's expression changed, and she shouted, "Nonsense!"
Zhao Xiaohui pulled Zhao Xiaobo back: "Brother, I told you we'd get scolded by Mom and Dad, but you wouldn't listen."
Zhao Xiaobo was stubborn, and his sister's dissuasion did not change his mind: "Shiyun's mother, why are we not allowed to study the deeper mysteries of space? Is there some secret in it?"
Yang Shiyun waved her hand: "Don't mention this matter again, otherwise I won't be able to cover for you in front of your father."
In the dean's office of the Earth Federation Medical College, Gu Xuemei put down the phone. The years had not shown any signs of aging on her; she still had that pure, childlike face. However, she was now somewhat angry and worried. After thinking for a moment, Gu Xuemei dialed a number, and an image of a girl appeared on the phone screen.
"Xiaohan, come to your mother's office." Gu Xuemei's voice was stern.
A moment later, Zhao Xiaohan landed her small flying car on the balcony. The guard smiled at her and did not stop her.
"Mom, what's up?" Zhao Xiaohan casually sat down on the guest sofa.
Gu Xuemei said, "Tell your mother the truth, have you told your brothers about cloning?"
Zhao Xiaohan blushed, clearly feeling that her mother had hit a nerve. "Mom, even if the secret of cloning is huge, you don't have to keep it from my brother and the others, do you? We're half-siblings, you know. Don't you always tell us to be closer than real siblings?"
Gu Xuemei said, "What do you know! Cloning technology is a key technology for space travel, and your brothers may be planning to launch a space exploration program."
Zhao Xiaohan said, "This is a good thing. Our Earth is too small. We should have started to expand outwards a long time ago."
Gu Xuemei was a little disappointed in him: "You... never mind, there are some things that your father doesn't mention and I dare not tell you anymore."
Zhao Xiaohan said, "What's wrong, Mom? I think Dad's thinking is too old-fashioned now. You know, our Zhao family established the Earth Federation in just a few years, then got all the countries on Earth to submit to us in just a few years, and then spent ten years transforming the face of the Earth. Whether it's the environment or technology, we've entered an advanced era at a high speed. What a glorious achievement that is! But now Dad probably thinks that his career is already accomplished and there's no need to make any further progress, right?"
Gu Xuemei said, "Your father's decision has its reasons. In short, you don't need to argue. From today onwards, you will hand over all the clone data and you are not allowed to interfere in any related experiments in the future."
"Mom..." Zhao Xiaohan pleaded in a drawn-out, aggrieved voice.
Gu Xuemei hardened her heart and said, "Go, I will send someone to hand over the duties."
At the Federal Information Agency, Chen Xinyu was slamming her hand on the table and scolding people. Several media moguls, who could swagger in front of dignitaries from various countries, were so frightened that they lowered their heads like chicks and dared not utter a sound.
"Who gave you the authority to release news that the Federation is going to explore outer space! Which confidential department of the Federation has confirmed this news! Do you think you're so great that you can go independent and break away from the Federation? If so, starting tomorrow, you can pack your bags and do whatever you want!"
Knock, knock, knock. Someone knocked on the door. Chen Xinyu glanced at the person on the screen, then casually pressed the open button. Zhao Ling walked in with light steps. "Oh, Director Chen, do you have a guest?"
Chen Xinyu said to the several bigwigs who bowed their heads and admitted their mistakes, "Go back immediately and clean up all the information. From now on, any reports on this topic must be submitted with an approval report. Do you understand?"
The group spoke in hushed tones: "Understood, Director Chen."
Chen Xinyu waved her hand, and the group left the office as if they had been granted a pardon.
Zhao Ling said to Chen Xinyu, "Don't be so serious, it's just a few small news items."
Chen Xinyu sat wearily in the boss's chair. "Lingling, you don't understand. Once our husbands make a decision, it can't be changed. Don't underestimate these few news items. Once they guide public opinion, they can ignite a prairie fire."
Zhao Ling said, "I just don't understand. Does Zhao Qiang really want to confine the Federation to the small area of Earth? This is not in line with his usual behavior."
Chen Xinyu said, "Lingling, there's a reason why my husband does this. We shouldn't pry into some secrets, lest he get upset again."
Zhao Ling chuckled: "He's been spoiling you rotten lately, hasn't he? He even said he wants you to have another son for him. If you ask him, there's definitely no problem."
Chen Xinyu blushed: "Get out of here, what age are you and you're still having a son for him?"
Zhao Ling said, "What age? When we go out, who would dare say we're not young and beautiful? What's there to be afraid of if we have three more sons?"
Chen Xinyu said, "If you want to have a baby, then go ahead and have one. I don't want to."
Zhao Ling whispered in Chen Xinyu's ear, "You should learn from Xue Mei. She's usually quiet, but she always manages to surprise her husband at crucial moments."
Chen Xinyu was taken aback: "What? Could it be that Xuemei is pregnant?"
Zhao Ling said, "I think it's about right."
Chen Xinyu smiled: "Don't make things up without any evidence. Are you trying to bring your tabloid gossip into our house?"
Zhao Ling said, "Xuemei told me this herself. She said that last time she was in her fertile period, her husband didn't wear a condom..."
Chen Xinyu said, "He is the most skilled doctor in our Earth Federation. You don't need to worry about such a small matter. By the way, did you need something from me?"
Zhao Ling said, "What's the matter? I was just passing by. It's getting late, let's go home together."
Chen Xinyu glanced at the time. "Wow, time flies when I'm scolding people! Let's hurry up, it seems like it's my turn to cook today!"
Zhao Qiang sat at the head of the table and glanced at the group of women. "Everyone's here today, but why aren't any of the kids back for dinner?"
Xu Xiaoya shook her head: "Let me ask."
The 3D projection showed a girl driving a flying car. "Xiaoya's mom, what's wrong?"
Xu Xiaoya asked, "Xiao Hui, where are you?" Zhao Xiao Hui was the eldest daughter, so Xu Xiaoya asked her first.
Zhao Xiaohui checked the time: "Oh dear, it's time for dinner. I'm sorry, Xiaoya's mom, could you tell my mom and dad that we can't come back for dinner? There was a problem at the iron ore mine in Africa, which will affect our supply of raw materials. I'll go check it out."
Luo Xiaowei said, "Alright, your dad is listening. Be careful and call home immediately if anything happens."
Zhao Xiaohui giggled and said, "I know, Mom. By the way, my second brother asked me about building a spaceship today. What? Is Dad planning to launch a space program?"
Luo Xiaowei's expression changed. She glanced at Zhao Qiang and quickly said to her daughter, "What nonsense are you talking about? Drive your flying car."
Zhao Xiaohui stuck out her tongue to interrupt the signal.
The women below all looked at Zhao Qiang nervously. Zhao Qiang said, "Why are you looking at me? Xiao Hui went to Africa, and the others are probably either busy with experiments or watching the meteor shower with their girlfriends or boyfriends, right? It's just us old bones who are going home for dinner. We can't wait any longer, let's eat."
Zhao Xiaohui's unintentional remark must have given her away. Although Zhao Qiang didn't press her for details, Yang Shiyun decided to confess anyway.
"Xiaoqiang, um, Xiaobo came to see me today."
Zhao Qiang stopped eating and continued eating. The others watched him nervously, not daring to eat anymore. Zhao Qiang said, "Are you all ignoring what I said?" His words were full of reproach, and everyone immediately felt uneasy. Xu Xiaoya, as Zhao Xiaobo's mother, was especially worried.
“No,” Yang Shiyun hurriedly said, “The children also feel that the Earth is too small and that our human vision should be broader. However, since the establishment of the Earth Federation, space research in various countries has been frozen, which is definitely hard for them to accept.”
Zhao Qiang jumped up: "Study space? What is there to study out there? They might spend their entire lives researching and end up with nothing! Extraterrestrial civilizations? Do extraterrestrial civilizations even exist? That was settled tens of millions of years ago! They plan to use their short lives to explore extraterrestrial civilizations that don't even exist? By the time they realize it's all unrealistic, it will be too late! I can't watch them walk a meaningless path that has been repeated by their predecessors!"
Yang Shiyun said, "Perhaps the Oasis is traveling along a route where there is no civilization. Who can guarantee that?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Are you willing to risk the children's future?"
Yang Shiyun said, "Of course not. They can't possibly go straight to interstellar travel just by conducting space research."
Zhao Qiang said, "Wouldn't that bring disaster to your descendants?"