第一篇 回顾与展望 - the Educator Login page!

downward, carpeted and lined with shouting, cheering multitudes. Together, arm in arm, he and Valentinewalked down the stairs. Tears filled his eyes, tears of relief that at last he had broken free of the End of theWorld. And because of the tears, he didn't notice that every member of the multitude wore Peter's face. He onlyknew that wherever he went in this world, Valentine was with him.***Valentine read the letter that Dr. Lineberry had given her. "Dear Valentine," it said, "We thank you andcommend you for your efforts on behalf of the war effort. You are hereby notified that you have been awardedthe Star of the Order of the League of Humanity, First Class, which is the highest military award that can begiven to a civilian. Unfortunately, IF security forbids us to make this award public until after the successfulconclusion of current operations, but we want you to know that your efforts resulted in complete success.Sincerely, General Shimon Levy, Strategos."When she had read it twice Dr. Lineberry took it from her hands. "I was instructed to let you read it, and thendestroy it." She took a cigarette lighter from a drawer and set the paper afire. It burned brightly in the ashtray."Was it good or bad news?" she asked."I sold my brother," Valentine said, "and they paid me for it.""That's a bit melodramatic, isn't it, Valentine?"Valentine went back to class without answering.That night Demosthenes published a scathing denunctalion of the population limitation laws. People should beallowed to have as many children as they like, and the surplus population should be sent to other worlds, tospread mankind so far across the galaxy that no disaster, no invasion could ever threaten the human race withannihilation. "The most noble title any child can have," Demosthenes wrote, "is Third."For you, Ender, she said to herself as she wrote.第 163 页 共 340 页http://www.en8848.com.cn/ 原 版 英 语 阅 读 网