Forward the Foundation Chapter 15

Part IIIDors VenabiliVENABILI, DORS-The life of Hari Seldon is wholesome encrusted with leg discontinue and uncertainty, so that little wish remains of ever obtaining a biography that can be thoroughly concomitantual. possibly the most puzzling aspect of his life deals with his consort, Dors Venabili. There is no information whatever concerning Dors Venabili, except for her affinity on the world of Cinna, prior to her arrival at Streeling University to become a member of the history faculty. curtly later onwards that, she met Seldon and remained his consort for twenty-eight years. If anything, her life is more interlarded with legend than Seldons is. There ar instead fabulous tales of her strength and speed and she was widely spoken of, or perhaps whispered of, as The Tiger Woman. quiesce more puzzling than her coming, however, is her button, for after a certain time, we hear of her no more and there is no indication as to what happened.Her role as a historian is eviden ced by her works on- cyclopedia Galactica1Wanda was almost eight years old now, sacking by Galactic Standard condemnation -as either genius did. She was quite the little lady-grave in manner, with straight light-br make hair. Her eyes were blue but were darkening and she might well end with the brown eyes of her father.She sat there, lost in thought. Sixty.That was the number that preoccupied her. Grandfather was going to hit a birthday and it was going to be his sixtieth-and sixty was a big number. It bothered her because yesterday she had had a bad dream ab come forth it.She went in search of her mother. She would guard to ask.Her mother was not badly to find. She was dialogueing to Grandfather- nigh the birthday surely. Wanda hesitated. It wouldnt be nice to ask in front of Grandfather.Her mother had no stir whatever sensing Wandas consternation. She express, One minute, Hari, and lets arrest whats bothering Wanda. What is it, erotic love?Wanda pulled at her hand. no( prenominal) here, Mother. Private.Manella sullen to Hari Seldon. See how untimely it starts? Private lives. Private problems. Of course, Wanda, shall we go to your room?Yes, Mother. Wanda was pullly assuage.Hand in hand, they went and then her mother say, straightaway what is the problem, Wanda?Its Grandfather, Mother.Grandfather I cant imagine him doing anything to bother you.Well, he is. Wandas eyes filled with sudden tears. Is he going to die?Your grandfather? What put that into your head, Wanda?Hes going to be sixty. Thats so old.No, it isnt. Its not young, but its not old, either. pile live to be eighty, ninety, even a hundred-and your grandfather is fortified and healthy. Hell live a long time. be you sure? She was sniffing.Manella grasped her daughter by the shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. We must all die someday, Wanda. Ive explained that to you forrader. Just the same, we dont irritate almost it gutter the someday is much closer. She wiped Wandas eyes gently. Grandfather is going to stay alive till youre all grown up and pass water babies of your own. Youll see. in a flash come back with me. I necessity you to talk to Grandfather.Wanda sniffed again.Seldon looked at the little girl with a sympathetic expression on her return and said, What is it, Wanda? Why are you unhappy?Wanda shook her head.Seldon turned his gaze to the girls mother. Well, what is it, Manella?Manella shook her head. Shell stomach to guarantee you herself.Seldon sat down and tapped his lap. Come, Wanda. accommodate a seat and tell me your troubles.She obeyed and wriggled a bit, then said, Im scared.Seldon put his arm around her. Nothing to be scared of in your old grandfather.Manella made a buttock. Wrong word.Seldon looked up at her. Grandfather?No. Old.That seemed to break the dike. Wanda burst into tears. Youre old, Grandfather.I suppose so. Im sixty. He bent his cause down to Wandas and whispered, I dont wish well it, either, Wanda. Thats why Im glad youre moreover seven going on eight.Your hair is unclouded, Grandpa.It wasnt always. It just turned white recently.White hair inculpates youre going to die, Grandpa.Seldon looked shocked. He said to Manella, What is all this?I dont endure, Hari. Its her own idea.I had a bad dream, said Wanda.Seldon decipherable his throat. We all have bad dreams now and then, Wanda. Its good we do. destructive dreams clear rid of bad thoughts and then were better off.It was about you dying, Grandfather.I know. I know. Dreams can be about dying, but that doesnt make them important. Look at me. Dont you see how alive I am-and cheerful-and laughing? Do I look as though Im dying? Tell me.N-no.There you are, then. Now you go out and play and for get hold all about this. Im just having a birthday and everyone will have a good time. Go ahead, dear.Wanda left in reasonable cheer, but Seldon motioned to Manella to stay.2Seldon said, Wherever do you consider Wanda got such a notion?Come now, Hari. She had a Salvanian gecko that died, remember? One of her friends had a father who died in an accident and she sees deaths on holovision all the time. It is impossible for any child to be so cling toed as not to be aware of death. Actually I wouldnt indispensableness her to be so protected. Death is an ingrained part of life she must learn that.I dont mean death in general, Manella. I mean my death in particular. What has put that into her head?Manella hesitated. She was very fond, indeed, of Hari Seldon. She thought, Who would not be, so how can I tell apart this? just how could she not say this? So she said, Hari, you yourself put it into her head.I?Of course, youve been speaking for months of turning sixty and kick loudly of growing old. The only reason muckle are setting up this party is to cabinet you.Its no fun turning sixty, said Seldon indignantly. Wait Wait Youll find out.I will-if Im lucky. Some people dont make it to sixty. Just the same, if turning sixty and creation old are all you talk about, you end up frightening an impressionable little girl.Seldon sighed and looked troubled. Im sorry, but its hard. Look at my hands. Theyre getting spotted and in short theyll be gnarled. I can do hardly anything in the way of Twisting any longer. A child could probably force me to my knees.In what way does that make you different from other sixty-year-olds? At least your brain is working as well as ever. How often have you said that thats all that counts?I know. But I miss my body.Manella said with just a touch of malice, Especially when Dors doesnt seem to get any older.Seldon said uneasily, Well yes, I suppose- He looked away, clearly unwilling to talk about the matter.Manella looked at her father-in-law gravely. The trouble was, he knew nothing about children-or about people generally. It was hard to work out that he had spend ten years as First Minister under the old Emperor and yet end up knowing as little about people as he did.Of course, he was unaccompanied wrapped up in this psychohistory of his, that dealt with quadrillions of people, which ultimately meant dealing with no people at all-as individuals. And how could he know about children when he had had no contact with any child except Raych, who had entered his life as a twelve-year-old? Now he had Wanda, who was-and would probably remain to him-an utter mystery.Manella thought all this lovingly. She had the incredible desire to protect Hari Seldon from a world he did not reckon. It was the only point at which she and her mother-in-law, Dors Venabili, met and coalesced-this desire to protect Hari Seldon.Manella had save Seldons life ten years before. Dors, in her strange way, had considered this an invasion of her prerogative and had never quite forgiven Manella.Seldon, in his turn, had then saved Manellas life. She closed her eyes briefly and the whole scene returned to her, almost as though it were happening to her right now.3It was a workweek after the assassination of Cleon-and a horrible week it had been. every of Trantor was in chaos.Hari Seldon still kept his office as First Minister, but it was clear he had no power. He called in Manella Dubanqua.I want to thank you for saving Raychs life and my own. I havent had a regain to do so yet. Then with a sigh, I have scarcely had a adventure to do anything this past week.Manella asked, What happened to the mad gardener?Exe have it awayed At once No trial I tried to save him by pointing out that he was insane. But there was no question about it. If he had through anything else, committed any other crime, his madness would have been recognized and he would have been spared. Committed-locked up and treated-but spared, nonetheless. But to kill the Emperor- Seldon shook his head sadly.Manella said, Whats going to happen now, First Minister?Ill tell you what I think. The Entun Dynasty is finished. Cleons son will not succeed. I dont think he wants to. He fears assassination in his turn and I dont blame him one bit. It would be much better for him to retire to one of the family estates on some Outer World and live a quiet life. Because he is a member of the knightly House, he will untie** allowed to do this. You and I may be less fortunate.Manella frowned. In what way, sir?Seldon cleared his throat. It is possible to argue that because you killed Gleb Andorin, he dropped his blaster, which became available to Mandell Gruber, who used it to kill Cleon. Therefore you bear a strong share of the responsibility of the crime and it may even be said that it was all prearranged.But thats ridiculous. I am a member of the security creation, fulfilling my duties-doing what I was ordered to do.Seldon smiled sadly. Youre arguing rationally and rationality is not going to be in fashion for a while. Whats going to happen now, in the absence of a legitimate successor to the regal throne, is that we are bound to have a array government.(In later years, when Manella came to un derstand the workings of psychohistory, she wondered if Seldon had used the technique to work out what was going to happen, for the military rule certainly came to pass. At the time, however, he made no mention of his fledgling theory.)If we do have a military government, he went on, then it will be necessary for them to establish a firm rule at once, compact any undertakes of disaffection, act vigorously and cruelly, even in defiance of rationality and judge. If they accuse you, Miss Dubanqua, of being part of a plot to kill the Emperor, you will be slaughtered, not as an act of justice but as a way of cowing the people of Trantor.For that matter, they might say that I was part of the plot, too. afterward all, I went out to greet the new gardeners when it was not my place to do so. Had I not done so, there would have been no attempt to kill me, you would not have struck back, and the Emperor would have lived. Do you see how it all fits?I cant recall they will do this.Perhaps t hey wont. Ill make them an fissure that, just perhaps, they may not wish to refuse.What would that be?I will offer to resign as First Minister. They dont want me, they wont have me. But the fact is that I do have supporters at the Imperial Court and, even more important, people in the Outer Worlds who find me acceptable. That means that if the members of the Imperial make force me out, then even if they dont execute me, they will have some trouble. If, on the other hand, I resign, stating that I believe the military government is what Trantor and the Empire needs, then I actually help them, you see? He mused a little and said, Besides, there is the little matter of psychohistory.(That was the first time Manella had ever comprehend the word.)Whats that?Something Im working on. Cleon believed in its powers very strongly-more strongly than I did at the time-and theres a considerable feeling in the court that psychohistory is, or might be, a powerful tool that could be made to work o n the side of the government-whatever the government might be.Nor does it matter if they know nothing about the details of the science. Id rather they didnt. neediness of knowledge can increase what we might call the superstitious aspect of the situation. In which case, they will let me continue working on my research as a private citizen. At least, I hope so. And that brings me to you.What about me?Im going to ask as part of the deal that you be allowed to resign from** the security establishment and that no action be taken against you for** the events in connection with the assassination. I ought to be able toBut youre talking about ending my career.Your career is, in any case, over. Even if the Imperial Guard doesnt up an order of execution against you, can you imagine that you will Be allowed to continue working as a security officer?But what do I do? How do I make a living?Ill take care of that, Miss Dubanqua. In all likelihood, Ill go back to Streeling University, with a larg e grant for my psychohistorical research, Im sure that I can find a place for you.Manella, round-eyed, said, Why should you-Seldon said, I cant believe youre asking. You saved Raychs life and own. Is it conceivable that I dont owe you anything?And it was as he said. Seldon resigned gracefully from the post he had held for ten years. He was given a fulsome letter of appreciation for his services by the just-formed military government, a junta led by certain members of the Imperial Guard and the armed forces. He returned to Streeling University and Manella Dubanqua, relieved of her own post as security officer, went with Seldon and his family.4Raych came in, blowing on his hands. Im all for deliberate variety in the weather. You dont want things under a dome to always be the same. Today though, they made it just a little too cold and worked up a wind, besides. I think its about time mortal complained to weather control.I dont know that its weather controls fault, said Seldon. Its get ting harder to control things in general.I know. Deterioration. Raych brushed his thick black mustache with the back of his hand. He did that often, as though he had never quite managed to get over the few months during which he had been mustacheless in Wye. He had also put on a little weight around the middle and, overall, had come to seem very comfortable and middleclass. Even his pigeon-pea plant accent had faded somewhat.He took off his light coverall and said, And hows the old birthday boy?Resenting it. Wait, wait, my son. One of these days, youll be celebrating your fortieth birthday. Well see how funny youll think that is.Not as funny as sixty.Stop joking, said Manella, who had been chafing Raychs hands, trying to warm them.Seldon spread his own hands. Were doing the wrong thing, Raych. Your wife is of the opinion that all this talk about my turning sixty has sent little Wanda into a decline over the possibility of my dying.Really? said Raych. That accounts for it, then. I stopped in to see her and she told me at once, before I even had a chance to say a word, that she had had a bad dream. Was it about your dying?Apparently, said Seldon.Well, shell get over that. No way of stopping bad dreams.Im not dismissing it that easily, said Manella. Shes brooding over it and thats not healthy. Im going to get to the bottom of this.As you say, Manella, said Raych agreeably. Youre my dear wife and whatever you say-about Wanda-goes. And he brushed his mustache again.His dear wife It hadnt been so unprovoked to make her his dear wife. Raych remembered his mothers attitude toward the possibility. Talk about nightmares. It was he who had the diurnal nightmares in which he had to face down the furious Dors Venabili once more.5Raychs first clear memory, after emerging from his desperance-induced ordeal, was that of being shaved.He felt the vibrorazor moving along his cheek and he said weakly, Dont cut anywhere near my upper lip, barber. I want my mustache back.The ba rber, who had already received his instructions from Seldon held up a mirror to reassure him.Dors Venabili, who was sitting at his bedside, said, Let him work, Raych. Dont excite yourself.Raychs eyes turned toward her momentarily and he was quiet. When the barber left, Dors said, How do you feel, Raych?Rotten, he muttered. Im so depressed, I cant stand it.Thats the lingering effect of the desperance youve been dose with. The effects will wash out.I cant believe it. How long has it been?never mind. It will take time. You were manage full of it.He looked around restlessly. Has Manella been to see me?That woman? (Raych was getting used to hearing Dors speak of Manella with those words and in that tone of voice.) No. Youre not fit for visitors yet.Interpreting the look on Raychs face, Dors quickly added, Im an excommunication because Im your mother, Raych. Why would you want that woman to see you, anyway? Youre in no condition to be seen.All the more reason to see her, muttered Raych . I want her to see me at my worst. He then turned to one side dispiritedly. I want to sleep.Dors Venabili shook her head. Later that day she said to Seldon I dont know what were going to do about Raych. Hari. Hes quite unreasonable.Seldon said, Hes not well, Dors. Give the young man a chance.He keeps muttering about that woman. Whatever her gain is.Manella Dubanqua. Its not a hard name to remember.I think he wants to set up housekeeping with her. Live with her. Marry her.Seldon shrugged. Raych is thirty-old enough to make up his own mind.As his parents, we have something to say-surely.Hari sighed. And Im sure youve said it, Dors. And once youve said it, Im sure hell do as he wishes.Is that your final word? Do you intend to do nothing while he makes plans to marry a woman like that?What do you expect me to do, Dors? Manella saved Raychs life. Do you expect him to forget that? She saved mine, too, for that matter.That seemed to food Dorss anger. She said, And you also saved her. Th e score is even.I didnt just now-Of course you did. The military rascals who now run the Empire would have slaughtered her if you didnt step in and sell them your resignation and your support in order to save her.Though I may have evened the score, which I dont think I have, Raych has not. And, Dors dear, I would be very careful when it came to utilise unfortunate terms to describe our government. These times are not going to be as easy as the times when Cleon ruled and there will always be informers to repeat what they hear you say.Never mind that. I dont like that woman. I presume that, at least, is permissible.Permissible, certainly, but of no use.Hari looked down at the floor, deep in thought. Dorss usually unfathomable black eyes were positively flashing in anger. Hari looked up.What Id like to know, Dors, is why? Why do you dislike Manella so? She saved our lives. If it had not been for her quick action, both Raych and I would be dead.Dors snapped back, Yes, Hari. I know tha t better than anyone. And if she had not been there, I would not have been able to do a thing to prevent your murder. I suppose you think I should be grateful. But every time I look at that woman, I am reminded of my failure. I know these feelings are not truly rational-and that is something I cant explain. So do not ask me to like her, Hari. I cannot.But the coterminous day even Dors had to back down when the doctor said, Your son wishes to see a woman named Manella.Hes in no condition to see visitors, snapped Dors.On the contrary. He is. Hes doing quite well. Besides, he insists and is doing so most strenuously. I dont know that wed be wise to refuse him.So they brought in Manella and Raych greeted her effusively and with the first faint sign of happiness since he had arrived at the hospital.He made an unmistakable small gesture of dismissal at Dors. Lips tightened, she left.And the day came when Raych said, Shell have me, Mom.Dors said, Do you expect me to be surprised, you fool ish man? Of course shell have you. Youre her only chance, now that shes been disgraced, ousted from the security establishmentRaych said, Mom, if youre trying to lose me, this is exactly the way of doing it. Dont say things like that.Im only thinking of your welfare.Ill think of my own good, thank you. Im no ones ticket to respectability-if youll stop to think of it. Im not exactly handsome. Im short. Dad isnt First Minister anymore and I talk solid lower-class. Whats there for her to be proud of in me? She can do a lot better, but she wants me. And let me tell you, I want her.But you know what she is.Of course I know what she is. Shes a woman who loves me. Shes the woman I love. Thats what she is.And before you fell in love with her, what was she? You know some of what she had to do while undercover in Wye you were one of her assignments. How many others were there? Are you able to live with her past? With what she did in the name of duty? Now you can afford to be idealistic. But s omeday you will have your first quarrel with her-or your siemens or your nineteenth-and youll break down and say, You-**Raych shouted angrily, Dont say that When we entreat, Ill call her unreasonable, irrational, nagging, whining, inconsiderate-a million adjectives that will fit the situation. And shell have words for me. But theyll all be sensible words that can be withdrawn when the fight is over.You think so-but just wait till it happens.Raych had turned white. He said, Mother, youve been with Father now for almost twenty years. Father is a hard man to disagree with, but there have been times when you devil have argued. Ive heard you. In all those twenty years, has he ever called you by any name that would in any way compromise your role as human being? For that matter, have I done so? Can you conceive of me doing so now-no matter how angry I get?Dors struggled. Her face did not show emotion in quite the same way that Raychs did or Seldons would, but it was clear that she was momentarily incapable of speech.In fact, said Raych, pushing his advantage (and feeling horrible at doing so) the fact of the matter is that you are jealous because Manella saved Dads life. You dont want anyone to do that but you. Well, you had no chance to do so. Would you prefer it if Manella had not shot Andorin-if Dad had died? And me, too?Dors said in a choked voice, He insisted on going out to meet the gardeners alone. He would not allow me to come.But that wasnt Manellas fault.Is that why you want to marry her? Gratitude?No. Love.And so it was, but Manella said to Raych after the ceremony, Your mother may have tended to(p) the wedding because you insisted, Raych, but she looked like one of those thunderclouds they sometimes send sailing under the dome.Raych laughed. She doesnt have the face to be a thundercloud. Youre just imagining it.Not at all. How will we ever get her to give us a chance?Well just be patient. Shell get over it.But Dors Venabili didnt.Two years after the wedding, Wanda was born. Dorss attitude toward the child was all Raych and Manella could have wanted, but Wandas mother remained that woman to Raychs mother.