The White and Pink Planet

galaxy20,000yearslater series
Book 1

Part 4
Bayta Darell

Chapter 39 : The White and Pink Planet

Bayta Darell gazed in awe at the strange beauty of Haven, the planet she had just landed on. The sky was painted in hues of white and pink, and a serene, crystal-clear sea stretched out before her. Its dreamlike splendor was unlike anything she had seen elsewhere in the galaxy. Yet, she hadn’t come here merely for the scenery. She carried with her the weight of secrets—secrets of the Second Foundation and perhaps something even greater.

“Bayta, welcome.” Randu Darell greeted her with a warm smile. “So, this is the White and Pink planet, Haven. But what a surprise！ I had no idea you were Seewee’s daughter. We used to cross paths often—he was one of Devers’ fellow traders, and we had our share of quarrels. Tran certainly found himself quite the wife—brilliant and beautiful. To be honest, you’re too good for him.”

Bayta returned his smile, but there was a steely resolve in her eyes. “Uncle Randu, I’m actually investigating the Second Foundation. And… I suspect there might be a Third Foundation as well.”

Randu’s gaze fell upon the pendant hanging around her neck, and he tilted his chin toward it. “That pendant of yours—does it hold any significance?”

Bayta clenched the pendant in her hand and nodded slightly. “It does. The liquid inside—my mother gave it to me as a wedding gift. A half-filled cylinder with purple fluid. She never explained its meaning, but I’ve always believed it’s somehow connected to the origins of the Foundation.”

She paused briefly before continuing, “Though my ancestor, Gaal Dornick, didn’t write about it explicitly, his records hinted at something… something monumental to be revealed at the next Seldon “the Time Vault” opening. I believe Seldon orchestrated this intentionally. If there is a Third Foundation, it must be brought into the light. This galaxy is full of mysteries, and it is our duty to unravel them.”

Randu nodded slowly. “When that time comes, I’ll be heading to Terminus as well. The galaxy is in decline, and even the Foundation is faltering. The hereditary mayor of Indbur is a joke. Terminus replacing the Galactic Empire? It’s nothing but a distant dream.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze shifting back to Bayta. “But once you’ve rested here on Haven, why not consider taking Tran on a honeymoon to Kalgan? It’s a tropical paradise, full of leisure and attractions. And…”

Bayta raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And？”

Randu smiled faintly, a glint of mystery in his eyes. “The Mule is there.”

“The Mule？” Bayta’s voice betrayed her surprise. “In a zoo?”

Randu shrugged with a cryptic smile. “That remains to be seen.”

To be continued . . .