Second Foundation 13. Lady

Arcadia felt triumphant. How life had changed since Pelleas Anthor had stuck his silly face up against her window and e genuinely(prenominal) because she had the vision and courageousness to do what needed to be done.Here she was on Kalgan. She had been to the great Central Theater the largest in the Galaxy and sit one acrossn in person some of the singing stars who were known even in the distant Foundation. She had shopped all on her own along the Flowered Path, mode center of the gayest world in Space. And she had made her own selections because Homir plainly didnt know any thing about it at all. The saleswomen raised no objections at all to long, shiny dresses with those vertical sweeps that made her hear so tall and Foundation bills went a long, long way. Homir had given her a ten-credit bill and when she changed it to Kalganian Kalganids, it made a terribly thick sheaf.She had even had her hair redone sort of half-short in back, with two shine curls over each temp le. And it was treated so that it looked goldier than incessantly it just shone.But this, this was best of all. To be sure, the Palace of Lord Stettin wasnt as grand and lavish as the theaters, or as mysterious and historical as the old palace of the scuff of which, so far they had only glimpsed the lonely towers in their air feather across the planet but, imagine, a real Lord. She was rapt in the glory of it.And not only that. She was actually face to face with his Mistress. Arcadia capitalized the word in her mind, because she k sunrise(prenominal) the persona such women had played in history 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 just then and besides, her father probably wouldnt let her, if it came to that.Of course, the bird 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. just sort of faded and near-sighted. Her voice was high, too, instead of throaty, and-Callia said, Would you identical more tea, child?Ill have another cup, thank you, your grace, or was it your highness?Arcadia continued with a connoisseurs condescension, Those are lovely pearls you are wearing, my lady. (On the whole, my lady protrudemed best.)Oh? Do you think so? Callia seemed vaguely pleased. She removed them and let them swing milkily to and fro. Would you deal them? You can have them, if you like.Oh, my-You really mean- She found them in her hand, then, repelling them mournfully, she said, Father wouldnt like it.He wouldnt like the pearls? But theyre quite nice pearls.He wouldnt like my taking them, I mean. Youre not jobd to take expensive presents from other people, he puts.You arent? But I mean, this was a present to me from Poo from the First Citizen. Was that wrong, do you suppose?Arcadia reddened. I didnt mean-But Callia had tired of the subject. She let the pearls slide to the ground and said, You were spillage to tell 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 dodge house, the annoying necessities of education, the uninteresting 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. But do you know I always love video stories about your Traders such big, brute(a) men. Its always 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, and were so domineering with women dont you think so?Arcadia smiled, glassily. Thats just part of history, my lady. I mean, when the Foundation was Young, the Traders were the pioneers pushing back the frontiers and bringing culture to the re st of the Galaxy. We learned all about that in school. But that time has passed. We dont have Traders any 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 occupation that is very highly regarded at the Foundation. She put down the little, iridescent teacup upon the milky-metaled table surface.Her hostess was all concern. But my dear child. Im sure I didnt mean to offend you. He essential be a very intelligent man. I could see it in his eyes as soon as I looked at him. They were so so intelligent. And he must be merry, too, to want to see the Mules palace.Brave? Arcadias internal awareness twitched. This was what she was waiting for. Intrigue Intrigue With great indifference, she asked, staring idly at her thu mbtip 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 enter it until the Empire of the Galaxy is established. Nobody on Kalgan would dare even to enter the grounds.Arcadia absorbed that. But thats superstition-Dont say that, Callia was distressed. Poochie always says that. He says its useful to say it isnt though, in hallow to maintain his hold over the people. But I notice hes never gone in himself. And neither did Thallos, who was First Citizen before Poochie. A thought struck her and she was all curiosity again But why 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 patterns mistress was the real power behind the throne, that she was the very well-spring of influence. Therefore, if Uncle Homir failed with Lord Stettin and she was sure he wo uld 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 reason, my lady but will you keep it in authorization?Cross my heart, said Callia, making the appropriate gesture on the soft, billowing whiteness of her breast.Arcadias thoughts kept a sentence ahead of her words. Uncle Homir is a great means on the Mule, you know. Hes written 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 Plan-Callia clapped her hands. I know about the Seldon Plan. The videos about the Traders were always all about the Seldon Plan. It was supposed to arrange 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 restless when I have to listen to explanations. But you go right ahead, my dear. Its diffe rent when you explain. You make 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 form the Second Empire?The Second Empire?Yes, one must be formed 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 stopped the Mule because he was premature, but now, they may be supporting Kalgan.Why?Because Kalgan may now offer the best chance of being the nucleus for a new Empire.Dimly, Lady Callia seemed to grasp that. You mean Poochie is tone ending 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 s avage humor. The session with the milksop from the Foundation had been quite unrewarding. It had been worse it had been embarrassing. To be absolute ruler of twenty-seven worlds, master of the Galaxys greatest military machine, owner of the universes most vaulting ambition and left to argue nonsense with an antiquarian.DamnationHe was to violate the springer of Kalgan, was he? To allow the Mules palace to be ransacked so that a play around could write another book? The cause of science The sacredness of knowledge spacious Galaxy Were these catchwords to be thrown in his face in all seriousness? Besides and his flesh prickled slightly there was the matter of the curse. He didnt deal 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 treat to y ou for a minute?Oh, Galaxy What do you want? Now 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, What 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 promise 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. T hats all. She said Mr. Munn was a very most-valuable scientist and that the Mules palace would have proof of all that. Thats every bit of what she said. Are you angry?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 sending five cytosine ships of the line into space 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 preparations to leave when that second 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.