Foundation Dreams
Part 3
Wanda and Gaal ’s Exploration of the Earth
Chapter 13
“What I state in this book is undeniably true, yet I must forewarn the reader that there are many things I do not know and cannot express about my relationship with another friend, Chetter Hummin, and my beloved wife. After their departure, only my granddaughter Wanda remained. The reason she stayed, though regrettable, should be kept confidential for now.” (From “The Life of Hari Seldon” by Gaal Dornick)
Hari Seldon: Everything has happened just as I said it would, hasn’t it, Dornick?
Gaal: Yes. You saved us. But why did you have to cause such a situation?
Hari: I completed this psychohistory because the Galactic Empire is gradually declining, and it will enter a dark age lasting 30,000 years. The goal was to reduce that to a thousand years (later, Gaal suggests the possibility of reducing it to 500 years). To achieve this, you must leave Streeling University. This campus facility is nothing more than a temporary gathering place. We need a facility far more extensive and larger than this. And another thing… (His voice became softer and lower, and Gaal couldn’t hear it, but later he would strangely recall Seldon’s murmur at that moment and come to understand its meaning.) Linge Chen will soon cast you out there. The destination has already been determined. Of course, we orchestrated it that way. What! Doctor, you mean the place is the ‘Planet Terminus with the Purple Aroma’! And, Doctor, what did you just say? You said ‘you all,’ not ‘we.’ Does that mean you’re not going and will stay here on Trantor?
Hari: You’re perceptive, Dornick. You are as excellent as I anticipated. I must remain here. But before you arrive at Terminus, there is one more thing I need you to do. It’s also a fervent wish of Hummin’s!
Gaal: Another mission?
Hari: Yes. There is another task for you, one that only you can do. Your unique application of psychohistory and archaeology is required. Don’t worry. You will be provided with a suitable spaceship and an excellent assistant.
Gaal: Oh dear, I’ve just arrived on Trantor, and now it seems I’m off on another galactic journey!
Hari: You will undertake a mission of the utmost importance, as if you were the hinge upon which everything turns!
Gaal: “Of the utmost importance?”
To be continued …
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