Second Foundation 13. Lady

Arcadia felt triumphant. How life had changed since Pelleas Anthor had stuck his crackers wait up against her window and altogether because she had the visual sense and courage to do what needed to be d unrivaled.Here she was on Kalgan. She had been to the great fundamental Theater the largest in the wandflower and learnn in person some of the singing stars who were famed hitherto in the distant Foundation. She had shopped alone on her own a far ingesting the develop Path, fashion c fancy of the gayest world in Space. And she had give birth her own selections because Homir bonnie didnt experience what of entirely timething about it at all. The saleswomen raised no objections at all to long, shiny dresses with those plumb sweeps that made her consider so pontifical and Foundation money went a long, long way. Homir had given her a ten-c rose-cheekedit bill and when she changed it to Kalganian Kalganids, it made a terribly thick sheaf.She had flat had her hair re done sort of half-short in back, with both glistening curls everywhere each temple. And it was tough so that it looked goldier than ever it in effect(p) shone. yet this, this was best of all. To be sure, the castling of skipper Stettin wasnt as grand and lavish as the theaters, or as mysterious and historic as the old castle of the mule of which, so far they had only if glimpsed the lonely(prenominal) towers in their air flight crossways the planet but, imagine, a real Lord. She was enraptured in the glory of it.And non only that. She was actually face to face with his Mistress. Arcadia capitalized the record allow in her mind, because she k newly the role such(prenominal) women had play in annals knew their glamour and power. In fact, she had often thought of being an all-powerful and glittering creature, herself, but somehow mistresses werent in fashion at the Foundation unsloped and then and besides, her father probably wouldnt permit her, if it came to tha t.Of course, the skirt Callia didnt quite come up to Arcadias notion of the part. For one thing, she was rather plump, and didnt look at all wicked and dangerous. only if sort of faded and near-sighted. Her voice was high, too, rather of throaty, and-Callia give tongue to, Would you give feel for more tea, child?Ill go an early(a) cup, thank you, your grace, or was it your loftiness?Arcadia continued with a connoisseurs condescension, Those are agreeable pearls you are wearing, my lady. (On the whole, my lady awaited best.)Oh? Do you look at so? Callia seemed vaguely pleased. She removed them and permit them swing milkily to and fro. Would you like them? You can dedicate them, if you like.Oh, my-You really mean- She found them in her hand, then, funky them mournfully, she said, Father wouldnt like it.He wouldnt like the pearls? that theyre quite nice pearls.He wouldnt like my taking them, I mean. Youre not ruminated to take expensive presents from other people, he sa ys.You arent? and I mean, this was a present to me from Poo from the commencement exercise Citizen. Was that wrong, do you suppose?Arcadia reddened. I didnt mean- notwithstanding Callia had tired of the subject. She allow the pearls slide to the ground and said, You were breathing out to certify me about the Foundation. Please do so right now.And Arcadia was suddenly at a loss. What does one say about a world dull to tears. To her, the Foundation was a suburban town, a comfor card house, the concern necessities of education, the uninte stay investing eternities of a quiet life. She said, uncertainly, Its just like you view in the book-films, I suppose.Oh, do you view book-films? They give me such a headache when I try. exclusively do you know I everlastingly love video stories about your Traders such big, inhu world men. Its ever so exciting. Is your friend, Mr. Munn, one of them? He doesnt seem nearly savage enough. Most of the Traders had beards and big bass voices, an d were so domineering with women dont you think so?Arcadia smiled, glassily. Thats just part of story, my lady. I mean, when the Foundation was Young, the Traders were the pioneers get-up-and-go back the frontiers and bringing civilization to the rest of the Galaxy. We learned all about that in school. But that time has passed. We dont fork everywhere Traders whatever more just corporations and things.Really? What a shame. Then what does Mr. Munn do? I mean, if hes not a Trader.Uncle Homirs a librarian.Callia put a hand to her lips and tittered. You mean he takes care of book-films. Oh, my It seems like such a silly thing for a grown man to do.Hes a very good librarian, my lady. It is an moving in that is very highly regarded at the Foundation. She put down the miniscule, iridescent teacup upon the milky-metaled table surface.Her hostess was all concern. But my expert child. Im sure I didnt mean to come apart you. He must be a very in suck up outigent man. I could see it in his eyes as curtly as I looked at him. They were so so intelligent. And he must be brave, too, to desire to see the scuffs palace.Brave? Arcadias indwelling awareness twitched. This was what she was waiting for. spellbind Intrigue With great indifference, she asked, staring idly at her thumbtip Why must one be brave to wish to see the Mules palace?Didnt you know? Her eyes were round, and her voice sank. Theres a curse on it. When he died, the Mule directed that no one ever bring in it until the conglomerate of the Galaxy is established. nonexistence on Kalgan would dare even to enter the grounds.Arcadia absorbed that. But thats superstition-Dont say that, Callia was distressed. Poochie evermore says that. He says its useful to say it isnt though, in order to maintain his hold over the people. But I notice hes neer gone in himself. And neither did Thallos, who was First Citizen sooner Poochie. A thought smitten her and she was all curiosity again But wherefore does Mr. Munn want to see the Palace?And it was here that Arcadias careful plan could be put into action. She knew well from the books she had read that a rulers mistress was the real power back the throne, that she was the very well-spring of influence. Therefore, if Uncle Homir failed with Lord Stettin and she was sure he would she must retrieve that failure with Lady Callia. To be sure, Lady Callia was something of a puzzle. She didnt seem at all bright. But, well, all history proved-She said, Theres a sympathy, my lady but result you keep it in confidence? fall into place my heart, said Callia, making the appropriate gesture on the soft, billowing whiteness of her breast.Arcadias thoughts unploughed a sentence ahead of her terminology. Uncle Homir is a great authority on the Mule, you know. Hes write books and books about it, and he thinks that all of galactic history has been changed since the Mule conquered the Foundation. Oh, my.He thinks the Seldon excogitate-Callia clapp ed her hands. I know about the Seldon Plan. The videos about the Traders were always all about the Seldon Plan. It was supposed to enclothe to have the Foundation win all the time. Science had something to do with it, though I could never quite see how. I always get so unsatiated when I have to listen to explanations. But you go right ahead, my dear. Its different when you explain. You actualize everything seem so clear.Arcadia continued, Well, dont you see then that when the Foundation was defeated by the Mule, the Seldon Plan didnt work and it hasnt worked since. So who will wee-wee the blurb Empire?The Second Empire?Yes, one must be organise some day, but how? Thats the problem, you see. And theres the Second Foundation.The Second Foundation? She was quite completely lost.Yes, theyre the planners of history that are following in the footsteps of Seldon. They stop the Mule because he was premature, but now, they whitethorn be supporting Kalgan.Why?Because Kalgan may now of fer the best run a risk of being the nucleus for a new Empire.Dimly, Lady Callia seemed to grasp that. You mean Poochie is going to make a new Empire.We cant tell for sure. Uncle Homir thinks so, but hell have to see the Mules records to find out.Its all very complicated, said Lady Callia, doubtfully.Arcadia gave up. She had done her best.***Lord Stettin was in a more-or-less savage humor. The session with the nance from the Foundation had been quite unrewarding. It had been worse it had been embarrassing. To be absolute ruler of twenty-seven worlds, have the best of the Galaxys greatest military machine, owner of the universes or so vaulting ambition and go forth to con escape nonsense with an antiquarian.DamnationHe was to enchant the customs of Kalgan, was he? To allow the Mules palace to be ransacked so that a fool could write another(prenominal) book? The cause of science The sacredness of knowledge large(p) Galaxy Were these catchwords to be thrown in his face in all distressfulness? Besides and his flesh prickled slightly there was the matter of the curse. He didnt believe in it no intelligent man could. But if he was going to defy it, it would have to be for a better reason than any the fool had advanced.What do you want? he snapped, and Lady Callia cringed visibly in the doorway.Are you busy?Yes. I am busy.But theres nobody here, Poochie. Couldnt I even speak to you for a minute?Oh, Galaxy What do you want? at a time hurry.Her words stumbled. The little girl told me they were going into the Mules palace. I thought we could go with her. It must be gorgeous inside.She told you that, did she? Well, she isnt and we arent. Now go tend your own business. Ive had about enough of you.But, Poochie, why not? Arent you going to let them? The little girl said that you were going to make an EmpireI dont care what she said- What was that? He strode to Callia, and caught her firmly above the elbow, so that his fingers sank deeply into the soft flesh, Wh at did she tell you?Youre hurting me. I cant remember what she said, if youre going to look at me like that.He released her, and she stood there for a moment, rubbing vainly at the red marks. She whimpered, The little girl made me cry not to tell.Thats too bad. Tell me NowWell, she said the Seldon Plan was changed and that there was another Foundation somewheres that was arranging to have you make an Empire. Thats all. She said Mr. Munn was a very grave scientist and that the Mules palace would have proof of all that. Thats every bit of what she said. Are you uncivilized?But Stettin did not answer. He left the room, hurriedly, with Callias cowlike eyes staring mournfully after him. Two orders were sent out over the official seal of the First Citizen before the hour was up. One had the effect of send five hundred ships of the line into plaza on what were officially to be termed as war games. The other had the effect of throwing a single man into confusion.Homir Munn ceased his pr eparations to leave when that bet on order reached him. It was, of course, official permission to enter the palace of the Mule. He read and reread it with anything but joy.But Arcadia was delighted. She knew what had happened.Or, at any rate, she thought she did.