The so-called "Observation Facility" was a cylindrical building with four rectangular corridors radiating symmetrically from its sides, its overall shape resembling an old-fashioned rocket about to launch. This style of architecture was quite popular among the Campbell people. The Observation Facility was used for scientific research, and the Campbell people sent strange things they discovered during their endless journeys through space to these comprehensive research centers. The Holy Church Orb and the four ascetic monks obviously qualified as "strange things." Hao Ren and the others got out of the vehicle in front of one of the Observation Facility's corridors, only to discover that the place had far more guards than anywhere else. Many armed little green people—who presumably carried guns—were stationed at the facility entrance, while countless rotating metal towers could be seen on the ground around the facility. The latter were probably some kind of sentry guns or other security devices.
Taram, the planet's governor, personally served as their guide the entire way. "...Ever since those four strange fellows moved in here, we've doubled the number of guards. The four of them keep trying to escape. Although they're no match for high-tech equipment, they have all sorts of strange abilities, so for safety's sake, we can only send in more guards."
The guards at the Observation Facility had already received orders. They were not surprised by the governor's personal visit and quickly completed the authentication and entry procedures. Led by Taram, Hao Ren entered the oddly shaped building. Watching the little green people rushing busily back and forth along the way, he asked, "You've kept them here for several months?"
"Strictly speaking, it isn't 'confinement.'" Taram shook his enormous head, the green of his skin growing deeper. This showed how seriously he took the word. "They aren't criminals, merely