Terminus Has Been Occupied！

Galaxy 20,000 Years Later Series
Foundation Dreams

Part 6
Bayta Darell

Chapter 9：Terminus Has Been Occupied！

Synopsis
Terminus has finally fallen into the hands of the Mule. The Foundation, established 300 years ago, faces threats from within due to corruption and from without by external forces. Bayta Mallow, Toran Darell, and the allies gathered around them watch the fate of Terminus unfold. However, an even greater conspiracy lurks within the Foundation, one they have yet to discover . . .

Episode 42

Bayta Marlow stepped into the streets of Terminus, hurrying toward the Time Vault. It was almost noon—the time when Seldon was supposed to appear.

“Uncle Randu, it’s almost time! Seldon will show up at the Time Vault soon!” Bayta called out to Randu.

“So, you’re here too. That’s good to hear,” Randu smiled faintly, but his expression showed signs of fatigue. “That rogue Indbur refused the Independent Traders’ offer, and the Mule, with only three ships, forced twenty of the Foundation’s ships at Holregegor to surrender without a scratch.”

“Without a scratch?” Bayta’s face was marked with surprise.

“Yes. The Mule used an atomic field suppressor to force an unconditional surrender. No battle… something doesn’t sit right, but we still don’t know the full extent of his power.” Suspicion laced Randu’s voice.

Just then, Toran Darell appeared, accompanied by a jester-like man, an unfamiliar captain, and a bald, elderly man.

“Uncle, let me introduce these gentlemen,” Toran began. “This is Dr. Ebling Mis, a renowned psychologist whom no one on Terminus could fail to recognize. And this jester-like fellow is Bobo, whom I met in Kalgan. At Dr. Mis’ suggestion, he’ll be performing at the Time Vault today.”

“Ah, Dr. Mis, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Randu was briefly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. “Doctor, I didn’t know you’d be attending.”

Dr. Mis nodded lightly. “It’s an emergency. If my research can be of any use . . . “

At that moment, Bayta looked up at the Time Vault. “It’s starting! Seldon is appearing!”

Suddenly, a 3D hologram of Hari Seldon materialized, addressing the citizens of the Foundation. “Citizens, I am Seldon. The crisis is still far in the future. For now, only two immediate dangers exist: internal unrest caused by the secession of peripheral groups, and your government’s growing conservatism resulting from too much success. This authoritarian attitude is problematic . . . “

“Peripheral groups—does he mean you and your allies, Uncle?” Bayta whispered to Randu.

“Bayta, between us, yes, I admit it.” Randu grimaced. “But things have changed now that the Mule has appeared.”

“But . . . something feels off,” Bayta said, a sense of unease creeping into her voice. “It’s as if Seldon is deliberately giving out false information.”

“You may be right; something is indeed off in Seldon’s words.” Dr. Mis murmured, agreeing with Bayta’s suspicion.

Suddenly, alarms blared, and the sky turned crimson. “Look! It’s the Mule’s attack!” Bayta shouted.

Randu sighed heavily. “I’m afraid it’s too late. Terminus has already fallen. But the Foundation will be defended by the Independent Traders!”

Above them, the Mule’s fleet soared, and the citizens surrounding the Time Vault descended into panic. The future of the Foundation had never been in more peril.

To be continued . . .