Forward the Foundation Chapter 27

22Mr. Bindris, tell Hari Seldon, reaching out his hand to shake the separates. I am so glad to be fit to see you. It was good of you to agree to see me.Why not? said Terep Bindris jovially. I k straight you well. Or, rather, I know of you well.Thats pleasant. I take it youve perceive of psychohistory, consequently.Oh yes, what well-informed person hasnt? Not that I understand anything about it, of course. And who is this preteen lady you score with you?My granddaughter, Wanda.A very pretty young wo spell. He beamed. Somehow I feel Id be putty in her hands.Wanda said, I think you exaggerate, sir.No, authentically. Now, please, sit down and tell me what it is I can do for you. He gestured expansively with his arm, indicating that they be seated on two overstuffed, richly brocaded ch arguments in front of the desk at which he sat. The chairs, like the ornate desk, the imposing carved doors which had slid brook soundlessly at their arrival signal, and the gleaming obsidian floo r of Bindriss vast mutilateice, were of the finest quality. And, although his surroundings were impressive-and imposing-Bindris himself was not. The slight cordial man would not be taken, at first glance, for mavin of Trantors leaders financial power bustrs.Were here, sir, at the Emperors suggestion.The Emperor?Yes, he could not help us, but he thought a man like you might be fitting to do so. The question, of course, is credits.Bindriss face fell. Credits? he said. I dont understand.Well, said Seldon, for nearly forty years, psychohistory has been supported by the government. However, metres change and the pudding stone is no long-life what it was.Yes, I know that.The Emperor lacks the credits to support us or, hitherto if he did energise the credits, he couldnt get the request for funding ult the Legislature. He recommends, therefore, that I see business populate who, in the first place, keep mum put one across credits and, in the second place, can simply write out a c redit voucher.There was a longish pause and Bindris finally said, The Emperor, Im afraid, knows nothing about business. -How many credits do you want?Mr. Bindris, were talking about an grand task. Im red to need several million.Several millionYes, sir.Bindris frowned. Are we talking about a loan here? When do you expect to be fitted to pay it dressing?Well, Mr. Bindris, I cant h integritystly regularize I ever expect to be able to pay it back. Im looking for a gift.Even if I precious to give you the credits-and allow me tell you, for several(prenominal) strange reason I very much want to do so-I couldnt. The Emperor may have his Legislature, but I have my Board members. I cant exploit a gift of that sort without the Boards permission and theyll never grant it.Why not? Your degenerate is enormously wealthy. A few million would mean nothing to you.That sounds good, said Bindris, but Im afraid that the firm is in a state of decline repair-hand(a) now. Not sufficiently to bri ng us into serious trouble, but enough to make us unhappy. If the Empire is in a state of decay, different person parts of it are decaying, too. We are in no position to hand out a few million. Im truly sorry.Seldon sat there silently and Bindris seemed unhappy. He move his Head at withstand and said, Look, prof Seldon, I would really like to help you out, particularly for the sake of the young lady you have with you. It fair cant be done. However, were not the only firm in Trantor. Try others, Professor. You may have better luck elsewhere.Well, said Seldon, raising himself to his feet with an effort, we shall try.23Wandas eye were fill with tears, but the emotion they represented was not sorrow but fury. grandad, she said, I dont understand it. I simply dont understand it. Weve been to four different firms. Each one was ruder and nastier to us than the one out front. The fourth one just kicked us out. And since then, no one will let us in.Its no mystery, Wanda, said Seldon gen tly. 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 spectacular deal less friendly. I imagine the word went out as to what we wanted and each additional time there was less friendliness until now, when people wont receive us at all. Why should they? Theyre not going to give us the credits we need, so why waste time with us?Wandas pettishness turned on herself. And what did I do? I just sat there. Nothing.I wouldnt say that, said Seldon. Bindris was affected by you. It seems to me that he really wanted to give me the credits, largely because of you. You were pushing him and accomplishing something.Not 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. After all these years, psychohistory will collapse.I suppose that, said Seldon in a way, its something that cant be h elped. Ive been predicting the breakdown of the Empire for nearly forty years and now that its come, psychohistory breaks down with it.But psychohistory will save the Empire, at least partly.I know it will, but I cant force it to.Are you just going to let it collapse?Seldon shook his head. Ill try to keep it from doing so, but I must admit that I dont know how Im going to do it.Wanda said, Im going to practice. There must be some way I can strengthen my push, make it easier for me to force people to do what I want them to do.I wish you could manage.What are you going to do, Grandpa?Well, nothing much. Two days ago, when I was on my way to see the Chief Librarian, I encountered trinity men in the depository library who were arguing about psychohistory. For some reason, one of them impressed me very much. I urged him to come see me and he agreed. The appointment is for this afternoon at my office.Are you going to have him work for you?I would like 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 young man arrived at precisely 4 T.S.T. (Trantorian Standard Time) and Seldon smiled. He loved punctual people. He placed his hands on his desk and make ready to heave to his feet, but the young man said, Please, Professor, I know you have a bad leg. You neednt stand up.Seldon said, Thank you, young man. However, that does not mean that you cannot sit down. Please do.The young man removed his jacket and sat down.Seldon said, You must forgive me when we met and score up this appointment, I neglected to match 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 younger than I was, as I recall. I act to get him to join me in psychohistory, but he go downd. He said there was no chance of his ever learning enough mathematics to make it possible. Too bad How is Joramis, by the way?Palver said solemnly, Im afraid that Joramis has gone the way of experient men generally. Hes dead.Seldon winced. Two years younger than he himself was-and dead. An oldish friend and they had lost touch to such a degree that, when death came, it did so unknowingly.Seldon sat there for a while 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 wrong, 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 acquire 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?Cred its. Jobs.As an historian?Palver laughed. Not a chance. I run a device that pulls and hauls. Not exactly a pro occupation.Seldon looked at Palver with a twinge of envy. The contours of Palvers arms and chest were highlighted by the thin fabric of his shirt. He was well muscled. Seldon had never himself been quite that muscular. Seldon said, I presume that when you were at the University, you were on the boxing team.Who, me? Never. Im a Twister.A Twister Seldons spirits jumped. Are you from Helicon?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 heard 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.Pushing 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. Palver held up his hands. Not quite so fast, please. Were still talking about psychohistory. If I work for you, I will be taught psychohistory, right?Of course.In that role, 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 to a greater extent thing.Oh?Yes. Ive been attacked twice in recent 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 walking stick. It worked, but I was dragged in the lead a magistrate and accused of assault and battery-Why the attacks? interjected Palver.I am not popular. I have been lecture the Fall of the Empire for so long that, now that it is coming, I am blamed for it.I see. Now then, what does all that have to do with the one more thing you mentioned?I want you to be my bodyguard. Youre young, youre strong, and, roughly of all, youre a Twister. Youre exactly what I need.I suppose it can be managed, Palver said with a smile.25See there, Stettin, Seldon said as the two were taking an early evening stroll in one of Trantors residential sectors near Streeling. The older man pointed to debris-assorted refuse jettisoned from passing cornerstonecars or dropped by careless pedestrians-strewn along the base on balls. In the old days, Seldon continued, you would never see litter like this. The security officers were vigilant and municipal upkeep crews provided round-the-clock upkeep of all public areas. But, most important, no one would even think of dumping his trash in such a manner. Trantor was our topographic point 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 mouth the wrapper had been tossed to the ground without so much as a downward(prenominal) glance. Pick that up and dispose of it properly, Seldon admonished as the young man eyed him sullenly.Pick it up yourself, the boy snarled and then he turned and walked away.Its another(prenominal) sign of societys breakdown, as predicted by your psychohistory, Professor Seldon, Palver said.Yes, Stettin. All around us the Empire is falling apart, piece by piece. In fact, its already smashed-theres no turn back now. Apathy, decay, and greed have all played their parts in destroying the on ce-glorious Empire. And what will take its place? Why-Here Seldon broke off at the fortune of Palvers face. The younger man seemed to be listening intently-but not to Seldons voice. His head was cocked to one side and his face had a far-off look. It was as if Palver were straining to hear some sound inaudible to everyone but himself.Suddenly he snapped back to the here and now. With an urgent glance around them, Palver took hold of Seldons arm. Hari, quick, we must get away. Theyre coming And then the still evening was broken by the harsh sound of rapidly 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 vigilant. He without delay swung his cane in a wide arc around Palver and himself. At this, the three attackers-two boys and a 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 victim of a perfectly placed Twist-kick to his abdomen. The two ruffians who were still standing quickly dropped to a crouch in preparation for attack. But Palver was quicker. They, too, were felled almost before they k smart what hit them.And then it was over-almost as soon as it started. Seldon stood off to the side, leaning heavily on his cane, shaking at the thought of his narrow escape. Palver, panting slightly from exertion, surveyed the scene. The three attackers were out cold on the deserted walkway under the darkening dome.Come on, lets get out of here quickly Palver urged again, only 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 really nothing more than children. They may be dying. How can we just walk away? Its inhumane-thats what it is-and humanity is exactly what Ive been working all these years to protect. Seldon struck the ground with his cane for emphasis 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 steal your last credit-and then kick you as they ran Theyll come to soon enough and slink away to lick their wounds. Or someone will find them and call the central office.But, Hari, you must think. After what happened last time, you stand to lose everything if youre linked to another beating. 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 behind some trees. Chuckling to himself, the sullen-eyed youth muttered,Youre a fine on e to tell me whats right and whats wrong, Professor. With that, he spun on his heel and headed off to summon the security officers.26Order I will have order bellowed Judge Tejan Popjens Lih. The public hearing of Professor Raven Seldon and his young associate, Stettin Palver, had generated a hue and cry among the populace of Trantor. Here was the man who had predicted the Fall of the Empire, the decay of civilization, who exhorted others to harken back to the golden age of niceness and order-here was he who, according to an eyewitness, had ordered the brutal beating of three young Trantorians for no apparent provocation. Ah yes, it promised to be a spectacular hearing, one which would lead, no doubt, to an even more spectacular trial.The value pressed a contact set into a recessed panel on her bench and a sonorous toll resounded through the jam-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 World of Lystena, Lihs complexion had a slight bluish cast, which turned darker when she became exercised, practically purpleness when she was really 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 revered interpreters of Imperial law, Lih was ever so slightly vain about the colorful appearance she gave, the way in which the bright red robes set off her soft turquoise skin.Nevertheless, Lih had a reputation for coming down hard on those who brooked Imperial law she was one of the few judges left(a) who upheld the civil code without wavering.I have heard of you, Professor Seldon, and your theories about our imminent destruction. And I have spoken with the magistrate who recently heard another case in which you were involved, one in which you struck a man with your lead-f illed cane. In that instance, too, you claimed to be the victim of assault. Your reasoning stemmed, I believe, from a previous unreported adventure 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 seats 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 loose-fitting 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 client is an upstanding member of the Trantorian community. He is a former First Minister of stellar repute. He is a personal acquaintance of our Emperor Agis XIV. What possible benefit could Professor Seldon derive from attacking innocent young people? He is one of the most straight-from-the-shoulder proponents of stimulating the intellectual creativity of Trantorian youth-his Psychohistory Project employs numerous student volunteers he is a beloved member of the Streeling University faculty.Further- Here Novker paused, sweeping his attentiveness 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 clannish individuals officially allied with the prestigious Galactic Library. He has been granted unlimited use of Library facilities for work on what he calls the Encyclopedia Galactica, a legitimate paean to Imperial civilization.I ask you, how can this man even be questioned in such a matter?With a flourish of his arm, Novker gestured toward Seldon who was posing at the defendants table with Stettin Palver, looking decidedly uncomfortable. Haris cheeks were flushed from the unaccustomed praise (after all, lately his name was the subject of derisive snickers rather than flowery plaudits) and his hand shook slightly on the carved Dandle of his trusty cane.Judge Lih gazed down at Seldon clearly unimpressed. What benefit, indeed, Counselor. I have been intercommunicate myself that very question. Ive lain make these past wickednesss, racking my brains for a plausible reason. Why should a man of Professor Seldons stature commit unprovoked assault and battery when he himself is one of our most outspoken critics of the so-called breakdown of civil order?And then it dawned on me. Perhaps, in his frustration at not being believed, Professor Seldon feels he must see 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 entire 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 glitch in public transport, a budget 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 expression on her face. Seldon stood, leaning heavily on the table for support. With great effort, he approached the bench, waving 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 theory I am most interested to hear what you have to say.Seldon cleared his throat before beginning. I have devoted my life to the Empire. I have fai thfully 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 behoove me to contribute to the lawlessness that saps its strength daily?I can say no more. You must believe me. I, a man of intellect, of equations, of science-I am speaking from my heart. Seldon turned and made his way slowly back to his chair beside Palver. Before sitting, 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. P alver. There is one more party 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 question. 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 Just 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. schoolboyish 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 minutes before we were attacked. I pointed it out to Stettin as another instance of the breakdown of our society, the apathy 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, turning back to the witness. What did you do throughout the sequence of events you just described?I, uh, I hid. Behind 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 sweat and he inserted a finger into the constricting collar of his unisuit. He fidgeted, shifting his weight 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, but 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, willing 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 exchange 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 realized all was lost. But Seldons companion, Stettin Palver, turned a fierce gaze on Nevas and Nevas jumped, startled, at the words he heard Tell 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 jumbled 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 confusion of the entire courtroom assemblage, the fourteen-year-old boy started to cry.