Forward the Foundation Chapter 27

22Mr. Bindris, tell Hari Seldon, reaching surface his hand to flutter the separates. I am so glad to be able to imbibe you. It was devout of you to agree to see me.Why non? say Terep Bindris jovi all toldy. I inhabit you well. Or, quite, I sacrifice a go at it of you well.Thats pleasant. I take it youve identifyd of psychohistory, accordingly.Oh yes, what tidy person hasnt? non that I understand anything about it, of course. And who is this novel madam you cook with you?My granddaughter, Wanda.A very pretty junior wo world. He beamed. mosthow I feel Id be putty in her hands.Wanda said, I see you exaggerate, sir.No, truly. instantly, please, sit trim and tell me what it is I open fire do for you. He gestu passing expansively with his arm, indicating that they be seated on two overstuffed, richly raised(a) chairs in front of the desk at which he sit. The chairs, resembling the ornate desk, the lofty carved doors which had slid rear noiselessly at their arrival signal, and the gleaming obsidian write up of Bindriss vast office, 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 prime(prenominal) glance, for superstar of Trantors leading financial powerbrokers.Were here, sir, at the emperors suggestion.The Emperor?Yes, he could not help us, further he thought a man like you might be able to do so. The question, of course, is credits.Bindriss introduce fell. impute? he said. I dont understand.Well, said Seldon, for nearly forty aged age, psychohistory has been support by the govern manpowert. However, cartridge clips change and the Empire is no longer what it was.Yes, I know that.The Emperor lacks the credits to support us or, even if he did devote the credits, he couldnt birth the request for funding past the Legislature. He recom handsds, thitherfore, that I see businesspeople who, in the first place, let off de fecate credits and, in the stake place, can exclusively write out a credit voucher.There was a longish pause and Bindris at last said, The Emperor, Im afraid, knows nothing about business. -How many credits do you want?Mr. Bindris, were lecture about an enormous task. Im demeanor out to need several iodin million million.Several millionYes, sir.Bindris frowned. Are we talking about a loan here? When do you expect to be able to net in pay back it tail end?Well, Mr. Bindris, I cant frankly say I ever expect to be able to pay it stick out. Im looking for a induct.Even if I wanted to give you the credits-and let me tell you, for some strange reason I very very frequently want to do so-I couldnt. The Emperor may obtain his Legislature, yet I have my Board genus Phalluss. I cant fabricate a gift of that ramify without the Boards permission and theyll never grant it.Why not? Your unwavering is hugely wealthy. A some million would esteem nothing to you.That sounds go od, said Bindris, notwithstanding Im afraid that the firm is in a state of decline compensate now. Not sufficiently to bring us into serious trouble, but nice to specify us unhappy. If the Empire is in a state of decay, divers(prenominal) individual parts of it argon decaying, too. We are in no slope to hand out a few million. Im truly sorry.Seldon sat there silently and Bindris seemed unhappy. He agitate his Head at last 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 plainly cant be d unmatched. However, were not the only firm in Trantor. Try others, prof. You may have better luck elsewhere.Well, said Seldon, raising himself to his feet with an effort, we shall try.23Wandas eye were filled with tears, but the emotion they delineate was not sorrow but fury.Grandpa, she said, I dont understand it. I simply dont understand it. Weve been to four different firms. Each champion was ruder and nas tier to us than the mavin in the first place. The fourth one barely kicked us out. And since wherefore, no one go out 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 colossal deal less friendly. I imagine the word went out as to what we wanted and each additional time there was less favor 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 anger off-key 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 complete. Be human faces, all he cared about was that I was pretty.Not pretty, muttered Seldon. Beautiful. actual ly beautiful.So what do we do now, Grandpa? asked Wanda. After all these geezerhood, psychohistory provide afford.I suppose that, said Seldon in a way, its something that cant be helped. Ive been predicting the sectionalisation of the Empire for nearly forty years and now that its puzzle, psychohistory breaks down with it. only if psychohistory bequeath 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 notch. Ill try to keep it from doing so, but I must conduct 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 privation 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 triad men in the Library who were arguing about psychohistory. For some reason, one of them af fect me very much. I urged him to come see me and he agreed. The ap meridianment is for this afternoon at my office.Are you going to have him browse for you?I would like to-if I have teeming credits to pay him with. But it cant brook to talk with him. After all, what can I dawdle?24The young man arrived at precisely 4 T.S.T. (Trantorian Standard Time) and Seldon smiled. He love punctual people. He placed his hands on his desk and made quick 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 set up this appointment, I neglected to get a line your name-which is?Stettin Palver, said the young man.Ah. Palver Palver The name sounds familiar.It should, prof. 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 assay 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 quondam(a) men generally. Hes dead.Seldon winced. Two years younger than he himself was-and dead. An old friend and they had lost touch to much(prenominal) 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 take a place where I could study in peace.And what did you stud y?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 chest were highlighted by the thin fabric of his shirt. He was well muscled. Seldon had never himself been sooner that muscular. Seldon said, I presume that when you were at the University, you were on the boxing team.Who, me? Never. Im a cruller.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?Psychohi story?I perceive 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 touch unneurotic 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 windlessness talking about psychohistory. If I work for you, I will be taught psychohistory, right?Of course.In that case, credits arent everything, after all. Ill make you a deal. You give instruction me all the psychohistory you can and you pay me whatever you can and Ill get by somehow. How ab out it?Wonderful, said Seldon joyously. That sounds expectant. Now, one more thing.Oh?Yes. Ive been attacked twice in new 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 before 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 feeler, 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, most of all, youre a Twister. Youre exactly what I need.I suppose it can be managed, Palver said with a smile.25 assemble there, Stettin, Seldon said as the two were taking an early evening perambulation in one of Trantors residential sectors near Streeling. The older man pointed to debris-assorted refuse jettisoned from passing grou ndcars or dropped by careless pedestrians-strewn on the pass. In the old days, Seldon continued, you would never see litter 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 sound off of dumping his trash in such a manner. Trantor was our home 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 glance. Pick that up and shake off of it properly, Seldon admonished as the young man eyed him backbreakingly.Pick it up yourself, the son snarled and then he turned and walked away.Its another sign of societys breakdown, as predicted by your psychohistory, professor Sel don, Palver said.Yes, Stettin. All around us the Empire is go apart, piece by piece. In fact, its already smashed-theres no turning 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 Seldon broke off at the battle array 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 get a line 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 gravelly 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 prepared. He immediately swung his cane in a wide arc aro und Palver and himself. At this, the three attackers-two boys and a girl, all puerile 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 apace dropped to a crouch in preparation for attack. But Palver was quicker. They, too, were felled almost before they knew what hit them.And then it was over-almost as soon as it started. Seldon stood off to the side, atilt heavily on his cane, shaking at the thought of his narrow escape. Palver, blow 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 right away Palver urged again, only this time it was not the attackers they would be fleeing.Stettin, we c ant leave, protested Seldon. He gestured toward the unconscious manque 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 soft on(p) 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 slide 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 lashing. Please, Hari, we must run With this, Palver grabbed Seldons arm and Seldon after a List backward glance, allowed himself to be l ed away.As the footsteps of the rapidly departing Seldon and Palver lessen in the distance, another figure emerged from his hiding place throne 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 couch I will have order bellowed Judge Tejan Popjens Lih. The public sense of hearing of Professor Raven Seldon and his young associate, Stettin Palver, had generated a hue and cry among the rabble of Trantor. Here was the man who had predicted the Fall of the Empire, the decay of purification, who exhorted others to harken back to the sumptuous age of civility 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 big hearing, one which would lead, no doubt, to an even more spectacular trial.The judge pressed a contact set into a recessed panel on her bench and a sonorous gong resounded through the packed motor inn. 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 stroke 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 purple 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 empurpled law, Lih was ever so slightly egotistical 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 who upheld the civil code without waveri ng.I have heard of you, Professor Seldon, and your theories about our imminent destruction. And I have spoken with the magistrate who latterly heard 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 believe, 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 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 on e 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 vocal proponents of stimulating the intellectual creativity of Trantorian youth-his Psychohistory Project employs many student volunteers he is a beloved member of the Streeling University faculty.Further- Here Novker paused, move his gaze 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 esteemed Galactic Library. He has been granted unlimited use of Library facilities for work on what he calls the Encyclopedia Galactica, a veritable paean to Imperial purification.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 sitting at the defendants table with Stettin Palver, looking decidedly uncomfortable. Haris cheeks were flushed from the unaccustomed praise (after all, late 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 asking myself that very question. Ive lain make these past nights, 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. Perhap s, 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 built-in 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 cheerful 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 t rial. I have notwithstanding expressed a theory I am most kindle to hear what you have to say.Seldon cleared his throat before beginning. I have devoted my life to the Empire. I have faithfully 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 change 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 smil ed 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 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 m e, 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. spring chicken 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 numbness 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 jus t draw?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 labor and he inserted a finger into the constricting collar of his unisuit. He fidgeted, change 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 light-haired 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 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 loo ked at the young man sadly, as if he realized all was lost. But Seldons companion, Stettin Palver, turned a boisterous gaze on Nevas and Nevas jumped, startled, at the words he heard give out 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 sandy 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 amazement of the entire courtroom assemblage, the fourteen-year-old boy started to cry.