A2-04 Recommending Wade

You make a decision that shocks everyone.

You walk to the podium of the United Nations General Assembly, face the globally broadcast cameras, and announce your withdrawal.

"After careful deliberation," your voice is steady though your heart trembles, "I believe I am not the best candidate for Swordholder."

The hall erupts in uproar.

"The essence of deterrence is not goodwill but credibility. The Trisolarans need to see a person sitting in that chair whom they absolutely believe will press the button. I have looked into my own heart — I am not certain that in that moment, facing the mutual destruction of two civilizations, I could make that decision."

"But there is someone who can."

You take a deep breath.

"I recommend Thomas Wade."

The hall's noise gives way to silence.

Wade — the cold, unsettling former intelligence director — sits in his corner, expressionless. But you see his eyes narrow slightly. It isn't surprise — more like confirmation.

Your withdrawal triggers an enormous storm of public opinion.

People don't understand why you would recommend a "monster." Comments flood social media like a deluge —

"Cheng Xin must have been coerced." "With someone like Wade as Swordholder, how are we any different from being ruled by the Trisolarans?" "She's lost her mind. Wade would actually press the button — he's not deterring, he's waiting for an excuse to press it."

But there are a few other voices —

"Maybe this is right. Deterrence requires fear, not love." "A Swordholder who won't press the button is more dangerous than having no Swordholder at all."

The vote proceeds. But because you — the leading candidate in the polls — publicly endorse Wade, the race shifts subtly.

The final result: Wade wins by a narrow margin.

On handover day, you watch on the screen as Wade walks into the underground bunker. His stride is steady, without hesitation. Luo Ji stands. The two men lock eyes for a second — two pairs of equally cold eyes.

Luo Ji nods and turns to leave.

Wade sits down. His hand settles naturally beside the button.

Like a hunter returning to his post.

You feel relief. And at the same time, an indescribable sense of loss — you did the "right" thing, but this "rightness" unsettles you. Wade is a man you never want to trust. Yet you have placed the fate of all humanity in his hands.

Because the universe does not spare someone simply for being kind.