"Mule..."

Summary: My AU version of the Asimov tale from his collection of Foundation and Second Foundation tales.

As she consolidates her new Empire, the First Citizen, Magnifica Gigantica, i.e. Bobo the Clown/Musician is one step away from Galactic conquest. But that step requires the locating and defeat of Seldon's hidden Second Foundation.

Book III: "Foundation and Union..."

Part XII…

Naturally, as noted earlier, mentalic communication is not as exact as speech…Impression of ideas and emotions, symbols used to identify concepts, making up a large part...The projections described here, therefore, are more summary translations, presented in the style of speech…

"Del." The senior professor of Psychologic Science, known as Hannis Anton and not questioned in that identity by most, smiled at him. "And, your Highness…If I may extend overdue congratulations on your betrothal."

"Thank you, Dr. Anton. But no need for titles." Del smiled, taking the seat Anton had waved him to and awaiting a sign that it was fully safe to employ mentalic communication. Anton nodded kindly…And a sense of comfort and security enveloped Del.

So…He projected. About time you took credit for Almya…He projected his fiancee's image. "I hope there wasn't a problem with my paper." He spoke.

Sincere enough, he was concerned he might have been vague in defining certain principles. Busy week of receptions, class work, and trying to be a good fiancée.

"A bit vague on your application of principles to the topic but a good paper over all. You've come a long way in the class, Del."

I suspect you're happy with her. She's told me she's quite pleased with you. And yes, she and you, do have a choice. But we and your own Court did our best to match you well.

She's wonderful and you know it full well. Del projected back. "Thanks, sir. I do admit I was a bit rushed. Thanks as to the class. I've been very interested in it."

"I'm glad to hear it. And that you've made it your minor. Not many students consider Psychology that important in these days but it is fundamental to understanding some of the whys and hows of human behavior."

Which I can only wish I did…Anton projected.

"My father prefers I focus on History and Economics…But he appreciates it's a useful minor."

Is there anything wrong? Del sensed a bit of concern…Some general weariness.

A disturbing projection came to me…Anton, the equivalent of a mental sigh. Another projection from the mentalic in the past…Dr. Dornick. Her visions are rather concerning.

"Well, Del…I was wondering if you'd be interested in a new project, reviewing the social situation among Trantor's population. As you no doubt know, there are serious concerns, a general depression…"

"I'm afraid I know it all too well…Things have been getting increasingly chaotic in the provinces. And fleet units are stretched thin where they're not peeling off. Father's actually after me to consider a morale boosting tour, possibly with Almya, in a few secure provinces. Once he's reasonably sure they are secure."

"Yes…"

That might be too dangerous, Anton projected. Several rebel generals are in negotiation…Only a fight over spoils is keeping them from considering an attack on two of the key provinces your Court would send you to.

I see.

"Well, be careful on that. I don't mean to sound discouraging but there are factions everywhere nowadays."

"So my friend Lord Rox and others agree. They're encouraging Father to put the idea of a tour on hold. Just not quite the time for it."

I fear it may never again be…Del projected.

Very likely. The centrifugal forces on the Empire are increasing, Anton noted. Once the generals fully realize they can make Emperors there'll be a fast dissolution. I'm sorry, Del.

It's only the truth. Even Father is aware of it in his heart. Del projected. What can I help with? Does it involve this "project" of yours.

"The project sounds interesting, but it might rub Father the wrong way. He's not the sort to squelch it but neither he nor the Court want depressing news on the general feeling to get circulation."

"Strictly a research study, locale and population anonymous." Anton noted.

Not exactly involving it, but it will bring you into contact with some of our people in other sectors of Trantor and a few provincial leaders. They need to get to know and trust you.

"If it's completely anonymous, he might allow it. If it's good news, he'll want to publicize."

Happy to, but is it that important? I realize there's concern about me among the others…My prominence, etc.

"We can hope but I have to say I would not count on good news. Perhaps a resilience among the populace to what's happening."

"I can see the information boys spinning that to a joyous revival of faith in the Empire." Del smiled. "Well, if you can give me some information and let me sound Father out on it…"

Del, it's time I told you. I will be leaving Trantor…Even the Empire…And the best of my students, the best of the Second…Need to be left in charge. You are the best of the best in mentalic gifts.

"I have the basic proposal right here, you can look it over now and take it with you." Anton indicated his desk com cube. Del nodded and put his own com card to the cube, transferring the data. Realizing Anton wanted more time for silent communication he activated a holoprojection of the data and began scanning.

And yes, I am telling you that you are my choice for my successor…Anton projected.

How can I possibly be your successor, sir? Del, concerned. I'm not your equal in mentalics…Many distrust me as the Imperial heir or at least are concerned about my biases…

"You've managed to compile quite a database already from the population…" Del noted.

"Trantor communications, thankfully, still remains a well-interconnected system. And people are willing to talk about their situations so long as we prove their answers are kept confidential and anonymous. No offense as to your father's government. People do feel things are more open and freer these days."

"Father would be pleased to hear it. Some of his administrators, not so much…" grin. Del carefully scanning the data.

The way to prove yourself will be to overcome these obstacles. And your abilities are quite sufficient. Our goal is not to control but to guide as you know. Which does make your task even harder. But as to the vision from the past…Anton projected.

Dr. Gaal Dornick? You are sure. Sorry, it just seems… Del, a bit embarrassed.

He should be long past questioning Professor Anton's abilities.

Oh, yes. Though I can only receive her impressions, I can't contact her or communicate. But they are troubling. Serious potential deviations, especially one…One Hari Seldon and I may not have fully considered.

Del stared…But kept his gaze on the data streaming before him.

Yes?

Dornick encountered a powerful telepath…Human…And I suspect more powerful than me…Anton noted. A telepath she feared, but from the future…Including our future.

More powerful than you?

Yes, I believe so. Which is part of the reason I must withdraw. If this future human were to sense me in the course of my communications and probings…And he almost certainly would…He, or she…Dornick assumed a male, but I suspect the human preyed on her own fears and assumptions…Would find me, possibly disable or use me. At least to decipher my abilities and how my positronic brain has been adapted. And through me, this creature might find and destroy the Second Foundation, along with the First and what remains of the Empire.

But…Del projected…Surely you're better off with us, united.

I don't think so. Dornick was cut off from any mentalic link during her time with the telepath…And yes, it communicated with her, to some extent. And revealed it had achieved great success in conquering the Galaxy, possibly even defeating the First. That perhaps only the Second Foundation stood in its path. If a telepath is that powerful…To sever mentalic communication and communicate across a time project, they are definitely more powerful than me. And they can isolate me, which could be fatal to our plans and the Plan.

Yes, I realize your doubts about the Plan, Anton projected. They have nothing to do with conserving your rule or dynasty and do not trouble me, as I share them. That is another reason I must go. I must pursue my search for a way to ensure Humanity finds its best destiny. That's not only my desire but my purpose and compulsion. The Zenoth Law has become an overriding basis for my existence after all these thousands of years and I must try to see it fulfilled.

But sir…Del projected deep concern…Without your abilities…

It's not raw mentalic power that can restrain or defeat this creature, Del. And no, while we can try, we can't prevent its birth or determine where it will arise in time to stop it, it will arise. It's human…As are you. That is the final reason I can't stay to face it. I may have become far more human than I was, but I am not human…Not even so human as the Empress Althea was… Smile.

"I see you're finding that data fascinating."

"It is, sir." Del offered a smile.

In times like these, Anton projected, I go back to the memories of my human partner, Elijah Bailey, and his belief in human instinct. After all these centuries, his belief kept me from fully accepting the various solutions I with help worked out for Humanity…The First Empire, Gaia, the Seldon Plan…Each, I came to see, move to tamp down the human spirit, its ability to make that creative leap of instince. I thought and rather regretted that I would never make such a leap…But now, at last, I do. Instinct tells me only a human leader of the Second Foundation can face this creature and prevent the downfall of Humanity, either through a permanent mentalic empire or a slide back into barbarism, following the crumbling of whatever this creature achieves, if it cannot pass on its powers to descendants. My colleague and fellow humaniform, Eto Demerzol could not see the importance of the human spirit, of human instinct, when she was free, though she did achieve in a way even greater Humanity than I. As trapped by Cleon I's programming she could not see, as I did, that the First Empire was a dead end, doomed to decline.

I would doubt she was more human than you, sir. Del projected.

That, your Highness, is the greatest compliment I have ever received. Thank you.

Thank you…Professor Anton/Ezo Demerzol/Daneel Olivaw.

Ah, well…No need to be so final yet, Del. An amused sense reached Del. It will be several more years yet before I've passed on all I can to you and am ready to leave. And it will be a fair amount of time before the creature appears, perhaps in your lifetime, perhaps not.

Now, young man…Don't let that relief become too strong…I'm unable to pinpoint its appearance but it may well come during your time. And if not you will have to prepare the next First Speaker for what they must face. But it's not only this creature that threatens…As I think you know. As your instinct has always told you, since you learned of Seldon and his Plan. Which I must take some credit and much blame for, much as I hope it will succeed in providing a possible escape from the Collapse.

The Second Foundation itself…Del agreed, in projection.

And that, Del. That instinctive knowledge, is an even greater reason why you must be First Speaker than your fine abilities. Now, we have only a few years of remaining relative peace to prepare both you and the Second Foundation and I must leave.