Wouldn't you know it, Little Gray spoke again in a voice that sounded as though she were telling a ghost story. "But when it will erupt, when it will spread, and how to deal with it are all..."
"Actually forbidden topics, right?"
"No, no. Some shady, exploitative tricks that make use of subspace concepts don't count as forbidden topics at all. But, Yu Lian, if you really want to know, you'll have to show me a little sincerity." At that, the cyber ghost's smile grew even brighter. Even her phoenix eyes, perfectly proportioned according to the golden ratio, narrowed into fox eyes before he knew it.
"I told you, I'm an intelligent civilization-guidance robot. I can't just take sides whenever I feel like it. I have to stay neutral at all times. If you want my help, you'll have to prove your worth in guiding civilization. So, Yu Lian, would you like to help Big Sis conduct a little social experiment?"
"Any social experiment conducted deliberately is anti-human and anti-civilization," Yu Lian said coldly.
"Don't worry. It's not anti-human or anti-civilization at all. In certain circumstances, it might not even violate basic public welfare or morality. I'm just curious what would happen if twin brothers with innate telepathy and spiritual gifts were raised separately, one in the Empire and one in the Alliance, carefully conditioned in environments where they regarded each other as enemies. What would they be like when they grew up?"
That setup sounded kind of familiar, Yu Lian thought. Aloud, he said, "I don't see what the point of that would be."
"It would bring about cutting-edge clashes, and prompt reflection on the times, political systems, and civilizations, you know." Little Gray's voice was clear and gentle, yet full of rhythm and persuasiveness, just like a cyber