Forward the Foundation Chapter 27

22Mr. Bindris, give tongue to Hari Seldon, r separatelying give away his establish to shake the others. I am so glad to be adapted to represent you. It was good of you to agree to hitch me.why non? give tongue to Terep Bindris jovi eachy. I chouse you well. Or, rather, I k at a time of you well.Thats apologysant. I murder it youve perceive of psychohistory, then.Oh yes, what intelligent per tidings hasnt? non that I watch anything round it, of course. And who is this early lady you reserve with you?My granddaughter, Wanda.A precise pretty juvenile wo adult malekind. He beamed. al nearlyways I feel Id be inst in allty in her pass.Wanda give tongue to, I think you exaggerate, sir.No, re e rattlingy. directly, please, nonplus coldcock and tell me what it is I keep do for you. He gestu crimson expansively with his arm, indicating that they be seated on two overstuffed, amply brocaded ch painss in front of the desk at which he sit down. The tops, ilk the o rnate desk, the app t forth ensembleing carved doors which had slid O.K. noiselessly at their arrival signal, and the gleaming obsidian floor of Bindriss enormous glowering-keyice, were of the finest quality. And, although his surroundings were impressive-and imposing-Bindris himself was non. The slight cordial gay would not be taken, at front glance, for i of Trantors cash in hotshots chipsing financial powerskintrs.Were here, sir, at the emperor howeverterflys suggestion.The Emperor?Yes, he could not service us, besides he feeling a while homogeneous you might be capable to do so. The question, of course, is assign.Bindriss organization fell. ascribe? he verbalize. I dont under wear.Well, said Seldon, for close to forty eld, psychohistory has been supported by the government. However, multiplication change and the imperium is no lengthy what it was.Yes, I receipt that.The Emperor lacks the ascribe to support us or, net up if he did draw off down the credits, he couldnt reward the de hu humanityd for funding past the Legislature. He recommends, t accomplishherfore, that I see business mountain who, in the branch run, good-tempered accommodate credits and, in the second place, lowlife simply issue out a credit voucher. in that respect was a longish pause and Bindris last said, The Emperor, Im acrophobic, knows aught rough business. -How many credits do you want?Mr. Bindris, were lecture about an enormous task. Im spill to involve several(prenominal) million.Several millionYes, sir.Bindris frowned. be we talk of the town about a loan here? When do you comport to be able to kick in it certify?Well, Mr. Bindris, I poopt frankly maintain I ever expect to be able to pay it plump for. Im feeling for a gift.Even if I valued to give you the credits-and let me tell you, for rough strange reason I in loyalty much want to do so-I couldnt. The Emperor may become his Legislature, but I get down my Board mem bers. I cant read a gift of that sort without the Boards authorization and theyll never grant it. wherefore not? Your firm is enormously wealthy. A hardly a(prenominal)er million would mean nothing to you.That sounds good, said Bindris, but Im afraid that the firm is in a state of decline regeneratefield now. not sufficiently to bring us into serious trouble, but enough to delineate us unhappy. If the conglomerate is in a state of decay, distinct individual separate of it are decaying, too. We are in no send to hand out a few million. Im truly sorry.Seldon sat thither silently and Bindris seemed unhappy. He agitate his stop at last and said, Look, professor Seldon, I would re totallyy comparable to help you out, peculiarly for the sake of the fresh lady you comport with you. It be ramps cant be d unmatchable. However, were not the totally firm in Trantor. Try others, professor. You may have better luck elsewhere.Well, said Seldon, raising himself to his feet wit h an effort, we shall try.23Wandas eye were fill up with tears, but the emotion they represented was not sorrow but fury.Grandpa, she said, I dont understand it. I simply dont understand it. Weve been to quaternary different firms. Each sensation was ruder and nastier to us than the iodine onward. The fourth maven up obligation kicked us out. And since then, no one entrust let us in.Its no mystery, Wanda, said Seldon gently. When we saw Bindris, he didnt know what we were there for and he was perfectly friendly until I asked for a gift of a few million credits. Then he was a great deal less friendly. I imagine the word went out as to what we cute and each additional cartridge h darkeneder there was less friendliness until now, when people wont receive us at all. Why should they? Theyre not acquittance to give us the credits we need, so why have cartridge h introductory(a) with us?Wandas anger dark on herself. And what did I do? I only if sat there. zero.I wouldnt i magine that, said Seldon. Bindris was affected by you. It seems to me that he rightfully cherished to give me the credits, by and large because of you. You were pushing him and accomplishing something. non nearly enough. Besides, all he cared about was that I was pretty.Not pretty, muttered Seldon. Beautiful. Very beautiful.So what do we do now, Grandpa? asked Wanda. belatedr on all these geezerhood, psychohistory go out decompose.I suppose that, said Seldon in a way, its something that cant be helped. Ive been predicting the arrestdown of the Empire for nearly forty years and now that its act, psychohistory breaks down with it.But psychohistory result hold the Empire, at least partly.I know it exit, but I cant force it to.Are you full going to let it collapse?Seldon shake his lead. Ill try to keep it from doing so, but I essentialiness admit that I dont know how Im going to do it.Wanda said, Im going to practice. There must be some way I can assure my push, make it easier for me to force people to do what I want them to do.I respect you could manage.What are you going to do, Grandpa?Well, nothing much. both days ago, when I was on my way to see the Chief Librarian, I encountered trey men in the program library who were arguing about psychohistory. For some reason, one of them impressed me actually much. I urged him to come see me and he agreed. The appointment is for this good afternoon at my office.Are you going to have him call on for you?I would same to-if I have enough credits to pay him with. But it cant hurt to talk with him. After all, what can I lose?24The untested man arrived at exactly 4 T.S.T. (Trantorian Standard Time) and Seldon smi lead. He love punctual people. He set his hands on his desk and do ready to be sick to his feet, but the vernal man said, Please, Professor, I know you have a dismal leg. You neednt stand up.Seldon said, Thank you, young man. However, that does not mean that you cannot sit down. Please d o.The young man removed his jacket and sat down.Seldon said, You must forgive me when we met and set up this appointment, I neglected to learn your name-which is?Stettin Palver, said the young man.Ah. Palver Palver The name sounds familiar.It should, Professor. My grandfather boasted frequently of having known you.Your grandfather. Of course. Joramis Palver. He was two years jr. than I was, as I recall. I tried to get him to tie me in psychohistory, but he ref apply. He said there was no misadventure of his ever learning enough maths to make it possible. Too bad How is Joramis, by the way?Palver said solemnly, Im afraid that Joramis has gone(p) the way of old men generally. Hes dead.Seldon winced. Two years younger than he himself was-and dead. An old friend and they had lost touch to such(prenominal)(prenominal) a degree that, when death came, it did so unknowingly.Seldon sat there for a succession and finally muttered, Im sorry.The young man shrugged. He had a good life.And you, young man, where did you have your schooling?Langano University.Seldon frowned. Langano? Stop me if Im defile, but thats not on Trantor, is it?No. I wanted to try a different world. The Universities on Trantor, as you undoubtedly know very well, are all overcrowded. I wanted to find a place where I could study in peace.And what did you study?Nothing much. History. Not the sort of thing that would lead one to a good job.(Another wince, even worse than the first. Dors Venabili had been a historian.)Seldon said, But youre back here on Trantor. Why is that?Credits. Jobs.As an historian?Palver laughed. Not a chance. I run a device that pulls and hauls. Not exactly a professional occupation.Seldon looked at Palver with a twinge of envy. The contours of Palvers arms and dresser were highlighted by the thin fabric of his shirt. He was well muscled. Seldon had never himself been rather that muscular. Seldon said, I presume that when you were at the University, you were on the slugf est team.Who, me? Never. Im a Twister.A Twister Seldons hard drink jumped. Are you from bombardon?Palver said with a certain contempt, You dont have to come from Helicon to be a good Twister.No, thought Seldon, but thats where the best ones come from.However, he said nothing.He did say, though, Well, your grandfather would not join me. How about you?Psychohistory?I collard you talking to the others when I first encountered you and it seemed to me that you were talking quite intelligently about psychohistory. Would you like to join me, then?As I said, Professor, I have a job. push and hauling. Come, come.It pays well.Credits arent everything.Theyre quite a bit. Now you, on the other hand, cant pay me much. Im quite certain that youre short of credits.Why do you say that?Im guessing, in a way, I suppose. But am I wrong?Seldons lips pressed together hard, then he said, No, youre not wrong and I cant pay you much. Im sorry. I suppose that ends our little interview.Wait, wait, wait. P alver held up his hands. Not quite so fast, please. Were still talking about psychohistory. If I work for you, I provide be taught psychohistory, right?Of course.In that case, credits arent everything, after all. Ill make you a deal. You teach me all the psychohistory you can and you pay me whatever you can and Ill get by somehow. How about it?Wonderful, said Seldon joyously. That sounds great. Now, one much thing.Oh?Yes. Ive been attacked twice in novel weeks. The first time my son came to my defense, but he has since gone to Santanni. The second time I made use of my lead-filled locomote stick. It worked, but I was dragged to begin with a magistrate and accused of assault and battery-Why the attacks? interjected Palver.I am not popular. I have been preaching the Fall of the Empire for so long that, now that it is access, I am blamed for it.I see. Now then, what does all that have to do with the one much thing you mentioned?I want you to be my bodyguard. Youre young, youre s trong, and, most of all, youre a Twister. Youre exactly what I need.I suppose it can be managed, Palver said with a smile.25 mind there, Stettin, Seldon said as the two were victorious an early evening stroll in one of Trantors residential sectors near Streeling. The older man pointed to debris-assorted refuse jettisoned from passing groundcars or dropped by careless pedestrians-strewn along the walk. In the old days, Seldon continued, you would never see pack like this. The security officers were vigilant and municipal maintenance crews provided round-the-clock upkeep of all public areas. But, most important, no one would even think of dumping his crosspatch in such a manner. Trantor was our ingleside we took pride in it. Now-Seldon shook his head sadly, resignedly, and sighed-its- He broke off abruptly.You there, young man Seldon shouted at a ill-kempt fellow who had moments before passed them, going in the opposite direction. He was munching a treat just popped into his mout h the housecoat had been tossed to the ground without so much as a downward glance. Pick that up and dispose of it properly, Seldon admonished as the young man eyed him sullenly.Pick it up yourself, the son snarled and then he morose and walked away.Its another sign of societys breakdown, as predicted by your psychohistory, Professor Seldon, Palver said.Yes, Stettin. All about us the Empire is falling apart, piece by piece. In fact, its already smashed-theres no play back now. Apathy, decay, and greed have all played their parts in destroying the once-glorious Empire. And what will take its place? Why- here(predicate) Seldon broke off at the sight of Palvers face. The younger man seemed to be listening intently-but not to Seldons interpretive program. His head was cocked to one side and his face had a far-off look. It was as if Palver were pains to date some sound quiet to everyone but himself.Suddenly he snapped back to the here and now. With an urgent glance around them, P alver took hold of Seldons arm. Hari, quick, we must get away. Theyre coming And then the still evening was bewildered by the harsh sound of apace approaching footsteps. Seldon and Palver spun around, but it was too late a band of attackers was upon them. This time, however, Hari Seldon was prepared. He nowadays swung his cane in a enormous arc around Palver and himself. At this, the iii attackers-two boys and a little girl, all teenage ruffians-laughed.So, youre not goin to make it easy, are you, old man? snorted the boy who appeared to be the groups ringleader. Why, me and my buddies, well take you out in two seconds flat. Well- All of a sudden, the ringleader was down, the dupe of a perfectly placed Twist-kick to his abdomen. The two ruffians who were still standing readily dropped to a crouch in eagerness for attack. But Palver was quicker. They, too, were felled almost before they k invigorated what hit them.And then it was over-almost as soon as it started. Seldon sto od off to the side, leaning heavily on his cane, shaking at the thought of his designate escape. Palver, panting slimly from exertion, surveyed the scene. The leash attackers were out cold on the deserted paseo under the darkening dome.Come on, lets get out of here quickly Palver urged again, unaccompanied this time it was not the attackers they would be fleeing.Stettin, we cant leave, protested Seldon. He gestured toward the unconscious would-be muggers. Theyre truly nothing more than children. They may be dying. How can we just walk away? Its inhumane-thats what it is-and good-will is exactly what Ive been working all these years to protect. Seldon struck the ground with his cane for vehemence and his eyes gleamed with conviction.Nonsense, retorted Palver. Whats inhumane is the way muggers like that prey on innocent citizens like you. Do you think theyd have given you a second thought? Theyd just as soon stick a knife in your gut to err your last credit-and then kick you as they ran Theyll come to soon enough and walk away to lick their wounds. Or individual will find them and call the cardinal office.But, Hari, you must think. After what happened last time, you stand to lose everything if youre linked to another lacing. Please, Hari, we must run With this, Palver grabbed Seldons arm and Seldon after a List backward glance, allowed himself to be led away.As the footsteps of the rapidly departing Seldon and Palver diminished in the distance, another figure emerged from his hiding place fuck some trees. Chuckling to himself, the sullen-eyed youth muttered,Youre a fine one to tell me whats right and whats wrong, Professor. With that, he spun on his heel and headed off to summon the security officers.26 enjoin I will have decree bellowed Judge Tejan Popjens Lih. The public hearing of Professor Raven Seldon and his young associate, Stettin Palver, had generated a chromaticity and cry among the populace of Trantor. Here was the man who had predict ed the Fall of the Empire, the decay of acculturation, who exhorted others to harken back to the golden age of civility and order-here was he who, according to an eyewitness, had ordered the brutal beating of three young Trantorians for no manifest provocation. Ah yes, it promised to be a dramatic hearing, one which would lead, no doubt, to an even more spectacular trial.The judge pressed a refer set into a recessed instrument panel on her bench and a arduous gong resounded through the packed courtroom. I will have order, she repeated to the now-hushed throng. If need be, the courtroom will be cleared. That is a warning. It will not be repeated.The judge cut an imposing figure in her scarlet robe. Originally from the Outer universe of Lystena, Lihs complexion had a slight disconsolate cast, which glowering darker when she became exercised, practically purple when she was rightfully angry. It was rumored that, for all her years on the bench, in spite of her reputation as a top judicial mind, notwithstanding her position as one of the most venerable interpreters of empurpled police, Lih was ever so slightly vain about the colorful fashion she gave, the way in which the bright red robes set off her soft peacock blue skin.Nevertheless, Lih had a reputation for coming down hard on those who brooked Imperial law she was one of the few judges go away who upheld the civil code without wavering.I have hear of you, Professor Seldon, and your theories about our threatening destruction. And I have spoken with the magistrate who latterly perceive another case in which you were involved, one in which you struck a man with your lead-filled cane. In that instance, too, you claimed to be the victim of assault. Your reasoning stemmed, I consider, from a previous unreported incident in which you and your son allegedly were assaulted by eight hoodlums. You were able to convince my esteemed colleague, Professor Seldon of your plea of self-defense, even though an eyewitness testified otherwise. This time, Professor, you will have to be much more convincing.The three hoodlums who were bringing charges against Seldon and Palver snickered in their sit at the plaintiffs table. They presented a much different appearance today than they had the evening of the attack. The young men were sporting clean slapdash unisuits the young lady was wearing a crisply pleated tunic. All in all, if one didnt look (or listen) too closely, the three presented a reassuring picture of Trantorian youth.Seldons lawyer, Civ Novker (who was representing Palver as well), approached the bench. Your Honor, my leaf node is an upstanding member of the Trantorian community. He is a former First Minister of stellar(a) repute. He is a personal liberty of our Emperor Agis XIV. What possible benefit could Professor Seldon derive from attacking innocent young people? He is one of the most vocal proponents of stimulating the intellectual creativeness of Trantorian youth-hi s Psychohistory Project employs numerous student volunteers he is a beloved member of the Streeling University faculty.Further- Here Novker paused, sweeping his contemplate around the packed courtroom, as if to say, Wait till you hear this-youll be ashamed that you ever for a second doubted the veracity of my clients claims, Professor Seldon is one of the very few private individuals officially allied with the prestigious Galactic depository library. He has been granted unlimited use of Library facilities for work on what he calls the cyclopedia Galactica, a veritable paean to Imperial civilization.I ask you, how can this man even be questioned in such a matter?With a display of his arm, Novker gestured toward Seldon who was session at the defendants table with Stettin Palver, spirit decidedly uncomfortable. Haris cheeks were flushed from the unaccustomed extolment (after all, lately his name was the subject of quizzical snickers rather than flowery plaudits) and his hand sho ok slightly on the carved move of his trusty cane.Judge Lih gazed down at Seldon clearly unimpressed. What benefit, indeed, Counselor. I have been request myself that very question. Ive lain make these past nights, rack my brains for a plausible reason. Why should a man of Professor Seldons stature entrust unprovoked assault and battery when he himself is one of our most outspoken critics of the supposed breakdown of civil order?And then it dawned on me. Perhaps, in his frustration at not being believed, Professor Seldon feels he must prove to the worlds that his predictions of doom and gloom really are coming to pass. After all, here is a man who has spent his complete career foretelling the Fall of the Empire and all he can really point to are a few burned-out bulbs in the dome, an occasional microbe in public transport, a calculate cut here or there-nothing very dramatic. But an attack-or two or three-now, that would be something.Lih sat back and folded her hands in front of her, a satisfied normal on her face. Seldon stood, leaning heavily on the table for support. With great effort, he approached the bench, beckon off his lawyer, walking headlong into the steely gaze of the judge.Your Honor, please permit me to say a few words in my defense.Of course, Professor Seldon. After all, this is not a trial, only a hearing to air all allegations, facts, and theories pertinent to the** case before deciding whether or not to go ahead with a trial. I have merely expressed a guess I am most elicit to hear what you have to say.Seldon cleared his pharynx before beginning. I have given up my life to the Empire. I have dependably served the Emperors. My science of psychohistory, rather than being a harbinger of destruction, is intended to be used as an agent for rejuvenation. With it we can be prepared for whatever course civilization takes. If, as I believe, the Empire continues to break down, psychohistory will help us put into place building blocks for a new and better civilization founded on all that is good from the old. I love our worlds, our peoples, our Empire-what would it behove me to contribute to the lawlessness that saps its strength perfunctory?I can say no more. You must believe me. I, a man of intellect, of equations, of science-I am speaking from my tenderness. Seldon turned and made his way slowly back to his chair beside Palver. Before sit down, his eyes sought Wanda, sitting in the spectators gallery. She smiled wanly and winked at him.From the heart or not, Professor Seldon, this decision will require much thought on my part. We have heard from your accusers we have heard from you and Mr. Palver. There is one more fellowship whose testimony I need. Id like to hear from rial Nevas, who has come forward as an eyewitness to this incident.As Nevas approached the bench, Seldon and Palver looked at each other in alarm. It was the boy whom Hari had admonished just before the attack.Lih was asking the youth a questio n. Would you describe, Mr. Nevas, exactly what you witnessed on the night in question?Well, started Nevas, fixing Seldon with his sullen stare, I was walkin along, mindin my own business, when I saw those two,-he turned and pointed at Seldon and Palver-on the other side of the walkway, comin toward me. And then I saw those three kids. (Another point of the finger, this time toward the three sitting at the plaintiffs table.) The two older guys were walkin behind the kids. They didnt see me, though, on account of I was on the other side of the walkway and besides, they were concentratin on their victims. Then wham retributive like that, that old guy swings at em with his stick, then the younger guy jumps em and kicks em and before you know it, theyre all down on the ground. Then the old guy and his pal, they just took off, just like that. I couldnt believe it.Thats a lie Seldon exploded. Young man, youre playing with our lives here Nevas only stared back at Seldon impassively.Judge, Seldon implored, cant you see that he is lying? I remember this fellow. I scolded him for littering just legal proceeding before we were attacked. I pointed it out to Stettin as another instance of the breakdown of our society, the stolidity of the citizenry, the-Enough, Professor Seldon, commanded the judge. Another outburst like that and I will have you ejected from this courtroom. Now, Mr. Nevas, she said, bend back to the witness. What did you do throughout the sequence of events you just described?I, uh, I hid. shag some trees. I hid. I was afraid theyd come after me if they saw me, so I hid. And when they were gone, well, I ran and called the security officers.Nevas had started to exertion and he inserted a finger into the tapering collar of his unisuit. He fidgeted, shifting his system of weights from one foot to the other as he stood on the raised speakers platform. He was uncomfortably aware of the crowds eyes upon him he tried to avoid looking into the audience, bu t each time he did, he found himself drawn to the **toady gaze of a pretty blond girl sitting in the first row. It was as if she was asking him a question, pressing him for an answer, unforced him to **peak.Mr. Nevas, what do you have to say about Professor Seldons allegation that he and Mr. Palver did see you prior to the attack, that the professor actually change words with you?Well, uh, no, you see, it was just like I said I was walkin along and- And now Nevas looked over at Seldons table. Seldon looked at the young man sadly, as if he effected all was lost. But Seldons companion, Stettin Palver, turned a fierce gaze on Nevas and Nevas jumped, startled, at the words he heard certify the truth It was as if Palver had spoken, but Palvers lips hadnt moved. And then, confused, Nevas snapped his head in the direction of the blond girl he thought he heard her speak-Tell the truth-but her lips were still as well.Mr. Nevas, Mr. Nevas, the judges voice broke in on the youths undergro und thoughts. Mr. Nevas, if Professor Seldon and Mr. Palver were walking toward you, behind the three plaintiffs, how is it that you noticed Seldon and Palver first? That is how you put it in your statement, is it not?Nevas glanced around the courtroom wildly. He couldnt seem to escape the eyes, all the eyes screaming at him to Tell the truth Looking over at Hari Seldon, Rial Nevas said simply, Im sorry and, to the amazement of the broad(a) courtroom assemblage, the fourteen-year-old boy started to cry.