'Prelude to Foundation Chapter 15 Undercover\r'

'DAVAN-… In the unsett lead snips marking the concluding centuries of the First astronomic conglomerate, the typical sources of unrest arose from the item that political and military leaders jockeyed for â€Å"supreme” superpower (a supremacy that grew much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) worthless(prenominal) with each(prenominal)(prenominal) decade). unaccompanied r arly was thither either(prenominal)thing that could be c al peerlessnessed a common cash in wholenesss chipsment prior to the advent of psycho narrative. In this connection, adept intriguing example involves Davan, of whom little is actu totallyy k come to the forerightn, nonwith rest who whitethorn dupe met with Hari Seldon at cardinalness c lip when…\r\nEncyclopedia Galactica\r\n72.\r\nBoth Hari Seldon and Dors Venabili had squandern rather tardy baths, qualification wont of the well-nighwhat primitive facilities purchas equal to them in the Tisalver ho practis ehold. They had changed their clothing and were in Seldons path when Jirad Tisalver re glum in the stilling. His signal at the door was (or call formed) rather timid. The go did non last long.\r\nSeldon opened the door and utter pleasantly, â€Å" replete(p) evening, get over Tisalver. And sporting brothel trammeler.”\r\nShe was hold show uping right buns her husband, forehead puckered into a puzzled fr let.\r\nTisalver tell tentatively, as though he was un reliable of the situation, â€Å"Are you and brothel keeper of plea accredited Venabili both well?” He n amusinged his head as though exhausting to elicit an affirmative by body language.\r\nâ€Å"Quite well. In and out of Billibotton without anaesthetize and were all swear outed and changed. Thithers no smell left.” Seldon dis straddle his chin as he state it, smiling, tossing the decry over Tisalvers shoulder to his wife. She sniffed loudly, as though scrutiny the matter.\r\nStill tent atively, Tisalver snuff it tongue to, â€Å"I tidy sumstairsstand thither was a stab competitiveness.”\r\nSeldon embossed his eyebrows. â€Å"Is that the story?”\r\nâ€Å"You and the tart against a cytosine thugs, we were cold, and you killed them all. Is that so?” T present was the reluctant buy the farm of deep respect in his voice.\r\nâ€Å"Absolutely non,” Dors shake off in with sudden annoyance. â€Å"Thats ridiculous. What do you infer we be? Mass murderers? And do you think a hundred thugs would remain in place, delay the considerable time it would reappearance me-us-to kill them all? I consider, think about it.”\r\nâ€Å"Thats what theyre sho take ing,” verbalise Casilia Tisalver with shrill firmness. â€Å"We empennaget drive home that select of thing in this ho practise.”\r\nâ€Å"In the first place,” tell Seldon, â€Å"it wasnt in this house. In the second, it wasnt a hundred men, it was ten. In the third, no one was killed. T here(predicate) was well-nigh fracas clog up and forth, after which they left and made representation for us.”\r\nâ€Å"They just made panache. Do you expect me to c onceive that, Ou devilrlders?” demanded Mistress Tisalver belligerently.\r\nSeldon sighed. At the slightest stress, gay macrocosms seemed to divide themselves into unfitting groups. He give tongue to, â€Å"Well, I grant you one of them was neck a little. Not seriously.”\r\nâ€Å"And you werent hurt at all?” verbalise Tisalver. The admiration in his voice was more marked.\r\nâ€Å"Not a scratch,” utter Seldon. â€Å"Mistress Venabili handles 2 knives excellently well.”\r\nâ€Å"I d ar vex forward,” give tongue to Mistress Tisalver, her eyes dropping to Dorss belt, â€Å"and thats non what I destiny to retain firing on here.” Dors utter sternly, â€Å"As long as no one attacks us here, thats what you wont de al here.”\r\nâ€Å" b atomic upshot 18ly on account of you,” say Mistress Tisalver, â€Å"we have trash from the street standing at the door personal manner.”\r\nâ€Å"My love,” verbalize Tisalver soothingly, â€Å" permit us non anger-â€Å"\r\nâ€Å" wherefore?” spat his wife with contempt. â€Å"Are you panic-stricken of her knives? I would deal to see her use them here.”\r\nâ€Å"I have no intention of using them here,” express Dors with a sniff as loud as either that Mistress Tisalver had produced. â€Å"What is this trash from the street youre talking about?”\r\nTisalver verbalize, â€Å"What my wife remembers is that an urchin from Billibotton-at least, judging by his appearance- desirees to see you and we atomic number 18 not accustomed to that divide of thing in this neighborhood. It undermines our standing.” He legaled apologetic.\r\nSeldon utter, â€Å"Well, professional Tisalver, well go outsi de, as certain out what its all about, and send him on his business as quickly-â€Å"\r\nâ€Å"No. Wait,” said Dors, annoyed. â€Å"These argon our rooms. We cave in for them. We decide who visits us and who does not. If on that point is a child wish well man outside from Billibotton, he is as yet a pigeon-pea plantite. to a greater extent important, hes a Trantorian. Still more important, hes a citizen of the Empire and a human world. to the highest degree important, by asking to see us, he be get it ons our guest. Therefore, we dupe him in to see us.”\r\nMistress Tisalver didnt move. Tisalver himself seemed uncertain.\r\nDors said, â€Å"Since you say I killed a hundred bullies in Billibotton, you surely do not think I am panic-stricken of a boy or, for that matter, of you devil.” Her right hand dropped nervelessly to her belt.\r\nTisalver said with sudden energy, â€Å"Mistress Venabili, we do not intend to offend you. Of course these rooms be yours and you privy entertain whom eer you wish here.” He stepped back, drag his indignant wife with him, under leaving a burst of solving for which he ability conceivably have to pay afterward. Dors looked after them sternly.\r\nSeldon smiled dryly. â€Å"How unlike you, Dors. I pur vision I was the one who quixotically got into c ar and that you were the calm and interoperable one whose exactly aim was to prevent trouble.”\r\nDors agitate her head. â€Å"I hobot bear to realize a human being spoken of with contempt just because of his group identification-even by other human beings. Its these hefty battalion here who create those hooligans out at that place.”\r\nâ€Å"And other respectable people,” said Seldon, â€Å"who create these respectable people. These mutual animosities are as much(prenominal)(prenominal) a part of humanity-â€Å"\r\nâ€Å" accordinglyce youll have to deal with it in your psychohistory, wont you?”\r\nà ¢â‚¬Å"Most certainly-if in that respect is ever a psychohistory with which to deal with anything at all.-Ah, here beats the urchin under discussion. And its Raych, which roundhow doesnt surprise me.”\r\n73.\r\nRaych entered, face about, all the vogue intimidated. The forefinger of his right hand r from each o destiny for his upper lip as though wondering when he would acquire to feel the first downy hairs there.\r\nHe turned to the clearly outraged Mistress Tisalver and bowed clumsily. â€Å" give thanks ya, Missus. Ya got a lovely place.”\r\nThen, as the door slammed fag him, he turned to Seldon and Dors with an air of easy connoisseurship. â€Å" gracious place, guys.”\r\nâ€Å"Im glad you like it,” said Seldon solemnly. â€Å"How did you k forthwith we were here?”\r\nâ€Å"Followed ya. Howd ya think? Hey, noblewoman”-he turned to Dors-â€Å"you dont repugn like no dame.”\r\nâ€Å"Have you watched many dames fight?” a sked Dors, am utilise.\r\nRaych rubbed his nose, â€Å"No, never seen none whatever. They dont carry knives, except little ones to die kids with. Never scared me.”\r\nâ€Å"Im sure they didnt. What do you do to nurse dames draw their knives?”\r\nâ€Å"Nothin. You just kid more or less a little. You holler, ‘Hey, lady, lemme-‘ ” He theory about it for a moment and said, â€Å"Nothin.”\r\nDors said, â€Å"Well, dont try that on me.”\r\nâ€Å"Ya kiddin? After what ya did to Marron? Hey, lady, whered you date to fight that way?”\r\nâ€Å"On my own world.”\r\nâ€Å"Could ya larn me?”\r\nâ€Å"Is that what you came here to see me about?”\r\nâ€Å"Akchaly, no. I came to bring ya a kind of message.”\r\nâ€Å"From someone who wishings to fight me?”\r\nâ€Å"No one pauperisms to fight ya, lady. Listen, lady, ya got a account at once. Ein truthbody bonks ya. You just walk down anywhere in old Bi llibotton and all the guys put across step excursion and allow ya pass and grin and make sure they dont look cross-eyed at ya. Oh, lady, ya got it made. Thats wherefore he wants to see ya.”\r\nSeldon said, â€Å"Raych, just exactly who wants to see us?”\r\nâ€Å"Guy called Davan.”\r\nâ€Å"And who is he?”\r\nâ€Å"Just a guy. He lives in Billibotton and dont carry no dig.”\r\nâ€Å"And he corset alive, Raych?”\r\nâ€Å"He reads a lot and he dos the guys there when they get in trouble with the govment. They kinda precede him alone. He dont need no knife.”\r\nâ€Å"Why didnt he come himself, past(prenominal)?” said Dors. â€Å"Why did he send you?”\r\nâ€Å"He dont like this place. He says it makes him sick. He says all the people here, they lick the govments-” He paused, looked dubiously at the two Outworlders, and said, â€Å"Anyway, he wont come here. He said theyd let me in cause I was only a kid.â⠂¬Â He grinned. â€Å"They almost didnt, did they? I incriminate that lady there who looked like she was smellin somethin?” He stopped suddenly, abashed, and looked down at himself. â€Å"Ya dont get much chance to wash where I come from.”\r\nâ€Å"Its all right,” said Dors, smiling. â€Å"Where are we supposed to witness, then, if he wont come here? After all-if you dont mind-we dont feel like departure to Billibotton.”\r\nâ€Å"I told ya,” said Raych indignantly. â€Å"Ya get free dominate of Billibotton, I swear. Besides, where he lives no one get out bother ya.”\r\nâ€Å"Where is it?” asked Seldon.\r\nâ€Å"I abide take ya there. It aint far.”\r\nâ€Å"And why does he want to see us?” asked Dors.\r\nâ€Å"Dunno. precisely he says like this-” Raych half-closed his eyes in an confinement to withdraw. ” ‘Tell them I wanna see the man who talked to a Dahlite heatsinker like he was a human bei ng and the woman who beat Marron with knives and didnt kill him when she mighta do so. I think I got it right.”\r\nSeldon smiled. â€Å"I think you did. Is he set up for us now?”\r\nâ€Å"Hes waiting.”\r\nâ€Å"Then well come with you.” He looked at Dors with a trace of question in his eyes.\r\nShe said, â€Å"All right. Im willing. Perhaps it wont be a trap of some sort. Hope springs eternal-â€Å"\r\n74.\r\nThere was a pleasant glow to the evening light when they emerged, a faint violet touch and a pinkish frame in to the simulated sunset clouds that were scudding along. Dahl might have complaints of their treatment by the purple rulers of Trantor, moreover surely there was nonentity unseasonable with the weather the computers spun out for them.\r\nDors said in a low voice, â€Å"We seem to be celebrities. No slip ones mind about that.”\r\nSeldon brought his eyes down from the supposed flip out and was immediately certain of a fair-si zed gang somewhat the flatcar house in which the Tisalvers lived. E trulyone in the crowd stared at them intently. When it was clear that the two Outworlders had become advised of the attention, a low murmur ran through with(predicate) the crowd, which seemed to be on the point of breaking out into applause.\r\nDors said, â€Å" nictitationaneously I tramp see where Mistress Tisalver would find this annoying. I should have been a little more sympathetic.”\r\nThe crowd was, for the most part, poorly dressed and it was not hard to guess that many of the people were from Billibotton. On impulse, Seldon smiled and raised one hand in a mild greeting that was met with applause. One voice, muzzy in the safe anonymity of the crowd called out, â€Å"Can the lady show us some knife tricks?”\r\nWhen Dors called back, â€Å"No, I only draw in anger,” there was instant laughter. One man stepped forward. He was clearly not from Billibotton and bore no obvious mark of b eing a Dahlite. He had only a clear mustache, for one thing, and it was brown, not sour. He said, â€Å"Marlo Tanto of the ‘Trantorian HV News. Can we have you in focus for a bit for our periodical holocast?”\r\nâ€Å"No,” said Dors shortly. â€Å"No interviews.”\r\nThe newsperson did not budge. â€Å"I understand you were in a fight with a great many men in Billibotton-and won.” He smiled. â€Å"Thats news, that is.”\r\nâ€Å"No,” said Dors. â€Å"We met some men in Billibotton, talked to them, and then travel on. Thats all there is to it and thats all youre going to get.”\r\nâ€Å"Whats your name? You dont sound like a Trantorian.”\r\nâ€Å"I have no name.”\r\nâ€Å"And your chums name?”\r\nâ€Å"He has no name.”\r\nThe newsman looked annoyed, â€Å"Look, lady. Youre news and Im just trying to do my job.”\r\nRaych pulled at Dorss sleeve. She leaned down and listened to his earnest whi sper.\r\nShe nodded and straightened up again. â€Å"I dont think youre a newsman, Mr. Tanto. What I think you are is an gallant agent trying to make trouble for Dahl. There was no fight and youre trying to reconcile news concerning one as a way of justifying an lofty expedition into Billibotton. I wouldnt gentle here if I were you. I dont think youre very touristed with these people.”\r\nThe crowd had begun to mutter at Dorss first words. They grew louder now and began to drift, slowly and in a menacing way, in the direction of Tanto. He looked nervously round and began to move away.\r\nDors raised her voice. â€Å"Let him go. Dont anyone touch him. Dont give him any excuse to report violence.”\r\nAnd they parted before him.\r\nRaych said, â€Å"Aw, lady, you shoulda let them rough him up.”\r\nâ€Å"Bloodthirsty boy,” said Dors, â€Å"take us to this friend of yours.”\r\n75.\r\nThey met the man who called himself Davan in a room behind a dil apidated diner.\r\nFar behind.\r\nRaych led the way, once more showing himself as much at home in the burrows of Billibotton as a mole would be in tunnels underground in Helicon. It was Dors Venabili whose caution first manifested itself.\r\nShe stopped and said, â€Å"Come back, Raych. scarcely where are we going?”\r\nâ€Å"To Davan,” said Raych, looking exasperated. â€Å"I told ya.”\r\nâ€Å"But this is a deserted area. Theres no one living here.” Dors looked about with obvious distaste. The surroundings were exanimate and what light panels there were did not glower [ exactly] did so only dimly.\r\nâ€Å"Its the way Davan likes it,” said Raych. â€Å"Hes eternally ever-changing near, staying here, staying there. Ya know… changing around.”\r\nâ€Å"Why?” demanded Dors.\r\nâ€Å"Its safer, lady.”\r\nâ€Å"From whom?”\r\nâ€Å"From the govment.”\r\nâ€Å"Why would the governing want Davan?”\r\nà ¢â‚¬Å"I dunno, lady. Tell ya what. Ill tell ya where he is and tell ya how to go and ya go on alone-if ya dont want me to take ya.”\r\nSeldon said, â€Å"No, Raych, Im pretty sure well get lost without you. In fact, you had better wait till were through so you can lead us back.”\r\nRaych said at once, â€Å"Whats in it fme? Ya expect me to hang around when I get hungry?”\r\nâ€Å"You hang around and get hungry, Raych, and Ill buy you a big dinner. Anything you like.”\r\nâ€Å"Ya say that now. Mister. How do I know?”\r\nDorss hand flashed and it was retention a knife, blade exposed, â€Å"Youre not calling us liars, are you, Raych?”\r\nRaychs eyes opened wide. He did not seem frightened by the threat. He said, â€Å"Hey, I didnt see that. Do it again.”\r\nâ€Å"Ill do it afterward-if youre still here. other than”-Dors glared at him-â€Å"well report you down.”\r\nâ€Å"Aw, lady, come on,” said Raych. â€Å"Ya ain t gonna track me down. Ya aint that kind. But Ill be here.” He struck a pose. â€Å"Ya got my word.” And he led them onward in silence, though the sound of their shoes was hollow in the fatuous corridors.\r\nDavan looked up when they entered, a wild look that change intensity when he saw Raych.\r\nHe gestured quickly toward the two others-questioningly.\r\nRaych said, â€Å"These are the guys.” And, grinning, he left.\r\nSeldon said, â€Å"I am Hari Seldon. The young lady is Dors Venabili.” He regarded Davan curiously. Davan was swarthy and had the thick b leave out mustache of the Dahlite male, still in addition he had a stubble of beard. He was the first Dahlite whom Seldon had seen who had not been meticulously shaven. Even the bullies of Billibotton had been smooth of cheek and chin. Seldon said, â€Å"What is your name, sir?”\r\nâ€Å"Davan. Raych must have told you.”\r\nâ€Å"Your second name.”\r\nâ€Å"I am only Davan. Were you followed here, Master Seldon?”\r\nâ€Å"No, Im sure we werent. If we had, then by sound or sight, I expect Raych would have known. And if he had not, Mistress Venabili would have.”\r\nDors smiled slightly. â€Å"You have faith in me, Hari.”\r\nâ€Å"More all the time,” he said thoughtfully.\r\nDavan stirred uneasily. â€Å" thus far youve already been found.”\r\nâ€Å"Found?”\r\nâ€Å"Yes, I have perceive of this supposed newsman.”\r\nâ€Å"Already?” Seldon looked faintly surprised. â€Å"But I suspect he really was a newsman… and harmless. We tatted him an royal agent at Raychs suggestion, which was a corking idea. The surrounding crowd grew threatening and we got rid of him.”\r\nâ€Å"No,” said Davan, â€Å"he was what you called him. My people know the man and he does naturalize for the Empire.-But then you do not do as I do. You do not use a sullen name and change your place of abode. You go und er your own names, reservation no effort to remain undercover. You are Hari Seldon, the mathematician.”\r\nâ€Å"Yes, I am,” said Seldon. â€Å"Why should I invent a false name?”\r\nâ€Å"The Empire wants you, does it not?”\r\nSeldon shrugged. â€Å"I stay in places where the Empire cannot reach out to take me.”\r\nâ€Å"Not openly, only if the Empire doesnt have to work openly. I would urge you to disappear… really disappear.”\r\nâ€Å" same(p) you… as you say,” said Seldon looking about with an edge of distaste. The room was as dead as the corridors he had walked through. It was musty through and through and it was overwhelmingly depressing.\r\nâ€Å"Yes,” said Davan. â€Å"You could be useful to us.”\r\nâ€Å"In what way?”\r\nâ€Å"You talked to a young man named Yugo Amaryl.”\r\nâ€Å"Yes, I did.”\r\nâ€Å"Amaryl tells me that you can shout the future.”\r\nSeldon sighed heavi ly. He was tired of standing in this release room. Davan was sitting on a cushion and there were other cushions available, however they did not look clean. Nor did he wish to lean against the mildew-streaked wall.\r\nHe said, â€Å"Either you misunderstood Amaryl or Amaryl misunderstood me. What I have through is to parent that it is possible to choose first conditions from which historical forecasting does not descend into chaotic conditions, but can become pretendable within limits. However, what those starting conditions might be I do not know, nor am I sure that those conditions can be found by any one person-or by any number of people-in a finite continuance of time. Do you understand me?”\r\nâ€Å"No.”\r\nSeldon sighed again. â€Å"Then let me try once more. It is possible to predict the future, but it whitethorn be impossible to find out how to take advantage of that possibility. Do you understand?”\r\nDavan looked at Seldon darkly, then at Dors. â€Å"Then you cant predict the future.”\r\nâ€Å" at one time you have the point, Master Davan.”\r\nâ€Å"Just call me Davan. But you may be able to learn to predict the future someday.”\r\nâ€Å"That is conceivable.”\r\nâ€Å"Then thats why the Empire wants you.”\r\nâ€Å"No,” Seldon raised his finger didactically. â€Å"Its my idea that that is why the Empire is not making an overwhelming effort to get me. They might like to have me if I can be picked up without trouble, but they know that right now I know nothing and that it is therefore not worth upsetting the delicate peace of Trantor by interfering with the local rights of this vault of heaven or that. Thats the reason out I can move about under my own name with reasonable security.”\r\nFor a moment, Davan hide his head in his hands and muttered, â€Å"This is madness.” Then he looked up wearily and said to Dors, â€Å"Are you Master Seldons wife?”\r\nDors said calmly, â€Å"I am his friend and protector.”\r\nâ€Å"How well do you know him?”\r\nâ€Å"We have been unneurotic for some months.”\r\nâ€Å"No more?”\r\nâ€Å"No more.”\r\nâ€Å"Would it be your opinion he is speaking the truth?”\r\nâ€Å"I know he is, but what reason would you have to trust me if you do not trust him? If Hari is, for some reason, lying to you, might I not be lying to you equally in order to represent him?”\r\nDavan looked from one to the other helplessly. Then he said, â€Å"Would you, in any case, help us?”\r\nâ€Å"Who are ‘us and in what way do you need help?”\r\nDavan said, â€Å"You see the situation here in Dahl. We are oppressed. You must know that and, from your treatment of Yugo Amaryl, I cannot believe you lack sympathy for us.”\r\nâ€Å"We are fully sympathetic.”\r\nâ€Å"And you must know the source of the oppression.”\r\nâ€Å"You are going to tell me that i ts the Imperial government, I suppose, and I dare say it plays its part. On the other hand, I notice that there is a middle class in Dahl that despises the heatsinkers and a criminal class that terrorizes the rest of the celestial sphere.”\r\nDavans lips tightened, but he remained unmoved. â€Å"Quite true. Quite true. But the Empire encourages it as a matter of principle. Dahl has the potential for making serious trouble. If the heatsinkers should go on relate, Trantor would experience a severe energy shortage almost at once… with all that that implies. However, Dahls own upper classes will spend money to hire the hoodlums of Billibotton-and of other places-to fight the heatsinkers and break the strike. It has happened before. The Empire allows some Dahlites to prosper-comparatively-in order to modify them into Imperialist lackeys, while it refuses to enforce the arms-control laws effectively copious to weaken the criminal element.\r\nâ€Å"The Imperial government does this everywhere-and not in Dahl alone. They cant exert force to chitchat their will, as in the old days when they rule with brutal directness. Nowadays, Trantor has grown so complex and so easily disturbed that the Imperial forces must keep their hands off-â€Å"\r\nâ€Å"A form of degeneration,” said Seldon, memory board Hummins complaints.\r\nâ€Å"What?” said Davan.\r\nâ€Å"Nothing,” said Seldon. â€Å"Go on.”\r\nâ€Å"The Imperial forces must keep their hands off, but they find that they can do much even so. Each sector is encouraged to be suspicious of its neighbors. Within each sector, economic and social classes are encouraged to net income a kind of war with each other. The extend is that all over Trantor it is impossible for the people to take united action. Everywhere, the people would rather fight each other than make a common stand against the central tyranny and the Empire rules without having to exert force.”\r\nâ€Å"An d what,” said Dors, â€Å"do you think can be done about it?”\r\nâ€Å"Ive been trying for years to build a timbre of solidarity among the peoples of Trantor.”\r\nâ€Å"I can only suppose,” said Seldon dryly, â€Å"that you are finding this an impossibly difficult and generally thankless task.”\r\nâ€Å"You suppose correctly,” said Davan, â€Å"but the troupe is growing strengtheneder. Many of our knifers are coming to the realization that knives are best when they are not used on each other. Those who attacked you in the corridors of Billibotton are examples of the unconverted. However, those who alimentation you now, who are ready to defend you against the agent you thought was a newsman, are my people. I live here among them. It is not an attractive way of life, but I am safe here. We have adherents in coterminous sectors and we spread daily.”\r\nâ€Å"But where do we come in?” asked Dors.\r\nâ€Å"For one thing,† said Davan, â€Å"both of you are Outworlders, scholars. We need people like you among our leaders. Our greatest strength is worn from the poor and the uneducated because they suffer the most, but they can lead the least. A person like one of you two is worth a hundred of them.”\r\nâ€Å"Thats an odd estimate from someone who wishes to rescue the oppressed,” said Seldon.\r\nâ€Å"I dont mean as people,” said Davan hastily. â€Å"I mean as far as leadership is concerned. The troupe must have among its leaders men and women of reason power.”\r\nâ€Å"People like us, you mean, are needed to give your party a veneer of respectability.”\r\nDavan said, â€Å"You can always put something noble in a haughty fashion if you try. But you, Master Seldon, are more than respectable, more than intellectual. Even if you wont admit to being able to penetrate the mists of the future-â€Å"\r\nâ€Å"Please, Davan,” said Seldon, â€Å"dont be poetic an d dont use the conditional. Its not a matter of admitting. I cant prognosticate the future. Those are not mists that block the view but chrome steel barriers.”\r\nâ€Å"Let me finish. Even if you cant in truth predict with-what do you call it?-psychohistorical accuracy, youve studied history and you may have a certain transcendent feeling for consequences. Now, isnt that so?”\r\nSeldon shook his head. â€Å"I may have a certain intuitive brain for mathematical likelihood, but how far I can translate that into anything of historical significance is quite uncertain. Actually, I have not studied history. I wish I had. I feel the loss corkingly.”\r\nDors said evenly, â€Å"I am the historian, Davan, and I can say a few things if you wish.”\r\nâ€Å"Please do,” said Davan, making it half a courtesy, half a challenge.\r\nâ€Å"For one thing, there have been many revolutions in Galactic history that have overthrown tyrannies, sometimes on individual( a) planets, sometimes in groups of them, occasionally in the Empire itself or in the pre-Imperial regional governments. Often, this has only meant a change in tyranny. In other words, one ruling class is re hardened by another-sometimes by one that is more efficient and therefore still more capable of maintaining itself-while the poor and downtrodden remain poor and downtrodden or become even worse off.”\r\nDavan, listening intently, said, â€Å"Im aware of that. We all are. Perhaps we can learn from the onetime(prenominal) and know better what to avoid. Besides, the tyranny that now exists is actual. That which may exist in the future is merely potential. If we are always to draw back from change with the thought that the change may be for the worse, then there is no hope at all of ever escaping injustice.”\r\nDors said, â€Å"A second point you must remember is that even if you have right on your side, even if justice thunders condemnation, it is usually the tyranny in earthly concern that has the balance of force on its side. There is nothing your knife handlers can do in the way of rioting and demonstrating that will have any invariable effect as long as, in the extremity, there is an army equipped with kinetic, chemical, and neurological weapons that is willing to use them against your people. You can get all the downtrodden and even all the respectables on your side, but you must somehow win over the security forces and the Imperial army or at least seriously weaken their devotion to the rulers.”\r\nDavan said, â€Å"Trantor is a multigovernmental world. Each sector has its own rulers and some of them are themselves anti-Imperial. If we can have a strong sector on our side, that would change the situation, would it not? We would then not be merely ragamuffins fighting with knives and stones.”\r\nâ€Å"Does that mean you do have a strong sector on your side or merely that it is your ambitiousness to have one?”\r\nDav an was silent.\r\nDors said, â€Å"I shall assume that you are thinking of the Mayor of Wye. If the Mayor is in the idea to make use of popular discontent as a way of improving the chance of toppling the Emperor, doesnt it strike you that the end the Mayor would have in view would be that of succeeding to the Imperial throne? Why should the Mayor risk his present not-inconsiderable position for anything less? Merely for the blessings of justice and the decent treatment of people, concerning whom he can have little interest?”\r\nâ€Å"You mean,” said Davan, â€Å"that any powerful leader who is willing to help us may then betray us.”\r\nâ€Å"It is a situation that is all too common in Galactic history.”\r\nâ€Å"If we are ready for that, might we not betray him?”\r\nâ€Å"You mean, make use of him and then, at some crucial moment, subvert the leader of his forces-or a leader, at any rate-and have him assassinated?”\r\nâ€Å"Not perhaps ex actly like that, but some way of getting rid of him might exist if that should prove necessary.”\r\nâ€Å"Then we have a revolutionary bm in which the principal players must be ready to betray each other, with each simply waiting for the opportunity. It sounds like a recipe for chaos.”\r\nâ€Å"You will not help us, then?” said Davan.\r\nSeldon, who had been listening to the deputize between Davan and Dors with a puzzled frown on his face, said, â€Å"We cant put it that simply. We would like to help you. We are on your side. It seems to me that no sane man wants to uphold an Imperial system that maintains itself by fostering mutual annoyance and suspicions. Even when it seems to work, it can only be set forth as meta-stable; that is, as too apt to root into instability in one direction or another. But the question is: How can we help? If I had psychohistory, if I could tell what is most likely to happen, or if I could tell what action of a number of pick possibilities is most likely to bring on an apparently happy consequence, then I would put my abilities at your disposal.-But I dont have it. I can help you best by trying to rail psychohistory.”\r\nâ€Å"And how long will that take?”\r\nSeldon shrugged. â€Å"I cannot say.”\r\nâ€Å"How can you ask us to wait indefinitely?”\r\nâ€Å"What alternative do I have, since I am nugatory to you as I am? But I will say this: I have until very recently been quite convinced that the development of psychohistory was short impossible. Now I am not so certain of that.”\r\nâ€Å"You mean you have a solution in mind?”\r\nâ€Å"No, merely an intuitive feeling that a solution might be possible. I have not been able to pin down what has occurred to make me have that feeling. It may be an illusion, but I am trying. Let me continue to try.-Perhaps [then well] meet again.”\r\nâ€Å"Or perhaps,” said Davan, â€Å"if you return to where you are no w staying, you will eventually find yourself in an Imperial trap. You may think that the Empire will leave you alone while you struggle with psychohistory, but I am certain the Emperor and his toady Demerzel are in no mood to wait forever, any more than I am.”\r\nâ€Å"It will do them no good to hasten,” said Seldon calmly, â€Å"since I am not on their side, as I am on yours.-Come, Dors.”\r\nThey turned and left Davan, sitting alone in his squalid room, and found Raych waiting for them outside.\r\n76.\r\nRaych was eating, licking his fingers, and crumpling the dish antenna in which the food-whatever it was-had been. A strong smell of onions pervaded the air-different somehow, yeast-based perhaps.\r\nDors, retreating a little from the odor, said, â€Å"Where did you get the food from, Raych?”\r\nâ€Å"Davans guys. They brought it to me. Davans okay.”\r\nâ€Å"Then we dont have to buy you dinner, do we?” said Seldon, conscious of his own empt y stomach.\r\nâ€Å"Ya owe me somethin,” said Raych, looking covetously in Dorss direction. â€Å"How about the ladys knife? One of em.”\r\nâ€Å"No knife,” said Dors. â€Å"You get us back safely and Ill give you vanadium credits.”\r\nâ€Å"Cant get no knife for five credits,” grumbled Raych.\r\nâ€Å"Youre not getting anything but five credits,” said Dors.\r\nâ€Å"Youre a ill-gotten dame, lady,” said Raych.\r\nâ€Å"Im a lousy dame with a quick knife, Raych, so get moving.”\r\nâ€Å"All right. Dont get all perspired.” Raych waved his hand. â€Å"This way.”\r\nIt was back through the empty corridors, but this time Dors, looking this way and that, stopped. â€Å"Hold on, Raych. Were being followed.”\r\nRaych looked exasperated. â€Å"Ya aint supposed to go out em.”\r\nSeldon said, bending his head to one side, â€Å"I dont hear anything.”\r\nâ€Å"I do,” said Dors. â€Å"Now, Raych , I dont want any fooling around. You tell me right now whats going on or Ill rap your head so that you wont see straight for a week. I mean it.”\r\nRaych held up one arm defensively. â€Å"You try it, you lousy dame. You try it. Its Davans guys. Theyre just taking care of us, in case any knifers come along.”\r\nâ€Å"Davans guys?”\r\nâ€Å"Yeah. Theyre goin along the swear out corridors.”\r\nDorss right hand shot out and seized Raych by the scruff of his upper garment. She upraised and he dangled, shouting, â€Å"Hey, lady. Hey!”\r\nSeldon said, â€Å"Dors! Dont be hard on him.”\r\nâ€Å"Ill be harder still if I think hes lying. Youre my charge, Hari, not he.”\r\nâ€Å"Im not lyin,” said Raych, struggling. â€Å"Im not.”\r\nâ€Å"Im sure he isnt,” said Seldon.\r\nâ€Å"Well, well see. Raych, tell them to come out where we can see them.” She let him drop and dusted her hands.\r\nâ€Å"Youre some kind of n ut, lady,” said Raych aggrievedly. Then he raised his voice. â€Å"Yay, Davan! Come out here, some of ya guys!”\r\nThere was a wait and then, from an unlit opening along the corridor, two dark-mustached men came out, one with a scar lead the length of his cheek. Each held the sheath of a knife in his hand, blade withdrawn.\r\nâ€Å"How many more of you are there?” asked Dors harshly.\r\nâ€Å"A few,” said one of the newcomers. â€Å"Orders. Were guarding you. Davan wants you safe.”\r\nâ€Å" convey you. Try to be even quieter. Raych, keep on moving.”\r\nRaych said sulkily, â€Å"Ya roughed me up when I was telling the truth.”\r\nâ€Å"Youre right,” said Dors. â€Å"At least, I think youre right… and I apologize.”\r\nâ€Å"Im not sure I should accept,” said Raych, trying to stand tall. â€Å"But awright, just this once.” He moved on.\r\nWhen they reached the walkway, the unseen corps of guards vanished . At least, even Dorss keen ears could hear them no more. By now, though, they were moving into the respectable part of the sector.\r\nDors said thoughtfully, â€Å"I dont think we have clothes that would fit you, Raych.”\r\nRaych said, â€Å"Why do ya want clothes to fit me, Missus?” (Respectability seemed to invade Raych once they were out of the corridors.) â€Å"I got clothes.”\r\nâ€Å"I thought youd like to come into our place and take a bath.”\r\nRaych said, â€Å"What for? Ill wash one o these days. And Ill put on my other shirt.” He looked up at Dors shrewdly. â€Å"Youre sorry ya roughed me up. Right? Ya tryin to make up?”\r\nDors smiled. â€Å"Yes. Sort of.”\r\nRaych waved a hand in lordly fashion. â€Å"Thats all right. Ya didnt hurt. Listen. Youre strong for a lady. Ya lifted me up like I was nothin.”\r\nâ€Å"I was annoyed, Raych. I have to be concerned about Master Seldon.”\r\nâ€Å"Ya sort of his bodygua rd?” Raych looked at Seldon inquiringly. â€Å"Ya got a lady for a bodyguard?”\r\nâ€Å"I cant help it,” said Seldon smiling wryly. â€Å"She insists. And she certainly knows her job.”\r\nDors said, â€Å"Think again, Raych. Are you sure you wont have a bath? A sharp warm bath.”\r\nRaych said, â€Å"I got no chance. Ya think that lady is gonna let me in the house again?”\r\nDors looked up and saw Casilia Tisalver outside the front door of the apartment complex, staring first at the Outworld woman and then at the slum-bred boy. It would have been impossible to tell in which case her expression was angrier.\r\nRaych said, â€Å"Well, so long, Mister and Missus. I dont know if shell let either of ya in the house.” He placed his hands in his pocket and swaggered off in a fine affectation of carefree indifference.\r\nSeldon said, â€Å"Good evening, Mistress Tisalver. Its rather late, isnt it?”\r\nâ€Å"Its very late,” she re plied. â€Å"There was a near riot today outside this very complex because of that newsman you exhorted the street vermin at.”\r\nâ€Å"We didnt push anyone on anyone,” said Dors.\r\nâ€Å"I was there,” said Mistress Tisalver intransigently. â€Å"I saw it.” She stepped aside to let them enter, but delayed long enough to make her hesitation quite plain.\r\nâ€Å"She acts as though that was the last straw,” said Dors as she and Seldon made their way up to their rooms.\r\nâ€Å"So? What can she do about it?” asked Seldon.\r\nâ€Å"I wonder,” said Dors.\r\n'