Chapter 32 Chapter two

In the evening of the same day, on the 21st floor of Harding Building, in Joran Suit's bachelor apartment, Publiss Manriot was sipping wine slowly.Although Manriot is thin, short and old, he holds two important positions in the base.He is not only the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Mayor's Cabinet, but also the "Chief Dean" of the various star systems outside the base, and holds the titles of "Sacred Food Provider", "Spirit Hall Host" and so on. He suddenly said to Seth, "But the mayor has agreed that you send that merchant there, and that's the point."

"But it's just a small thing," Seth said. "It won't work immediately. The whole plan is just the most superficial strategy, because we can't foresee the final result. What we are doing now is just waiting for the volunteers to take the bait." " "Indeed. But this Marlowe is a very shrewd fellow, and what if we try to use him as bait?" "We are desperate, and we have to take this risk. If there is a treasonous conspiracy, some smart people must be involved; but if it is not a traitor, we still need a smart person to find out the truth for us .Of course I'll have someone keep an eye on Marlowe—your glass is empty."

"Oh, thank you, I won't drink." Seth poured himself another glass, waiting patiently for the other to recover from his anxious contemplation. But Seth could tell that no matter what the chief dean was thinking about, he obviously didn't come to a conclusion, because he suddenly yelled desperately: "Seth, what are you thinking?" "Well, Manrio," Seth said, parting his thin lips, "we are now facing another Seldon crisis." Manrio stared at Seth with wide eyes, but still asked softly, "How do you know? Could it be that Seldon appeared in the vault again?"

"Old friend, there is no need for Seldon's prompting on this point. When you think about it, the reason is actually obvious. Since the Empire abandoned the outer rim of the galaxy and left us to fend for ourselves, we have never met any opponent with nuclear power. Until now, this is the first time we have encountered it. This event itself can be said to be significant. But the problem is unique. We are now facing the first major domestic political crisis in more than 70 years. I think that both internal and external The simultaneous occurrence of crises is sufficient proof that the Seldon crisis is coming."

Manrio narrowed his eyes and said, "If it's just like this, it doesn't really count. So far, the base has experienced two Seldon crises, both of which brought the base to almost collapse. If there is no such deadly threat emergence, any other situation does not qualify as a third crisis." Sutter has always been extremely patient: "The threat is imminent. When the crisis comes, even the most stupid people can see it. The real service we can do to the country is to do it while the crisis is still brewing." Detect it before it's too late. Listen, Manrio, we are developing according to a planned history - we know that Hari Seldon has calculated the historical probabilities of the future; and we know that one day we will rebuild the galaxy Empire; also knowing that this great undertaking will require about a thousand years; and we know better still that during this period we will inevitably face many crises.

"And the first crisis happened fifty years after the establishment of the base, and then thirty years later, the second crisis occurred. Now it has been almost seventy-five years, it is time, Manley Oh, it's time." Manrio touched his nose uneasily and said, "So, you've drawn up a plan to deal with this crisis?" Seth nodded. "And I," continued Manriot, "shall I play a part in this plan?" Seth nodded again, and then said: "Before dealing with the threat of foreign nuclear weapons, we must first organize our own country. Those merchants..."

"Ah!" The chief dean's attitude became tougher, and his vision became sharper. "Yes, those peddlers are useful, but they are too powerful—and too difficult to control. They are foreigners and have no religious education. On the one hand, we put knowledge into their hands, and on the other hand , while removing the most effective means of control over them." "Supposing we can prove that they are mutinous?" "If we can prove it, just take direct action. But it's pointless to say that, even if the merchants have no intention of mutiny, it is still an uneasy factor in our society. They will not accept us because of patriotism or clan's sake. Restraints, not even religious awe, can deter them. Since Harding's time, many outer worlds have honored the base as a "sacred planet", but under the secular leadership of businessmen, it may soon be is leaving us. "

"I know that, but what remedy is there..." "Immediate remedies are necessary. Before the Seldon crisis reaches its peak, we must act quickly. Otherwise, once the external threat of nuclear weapons and internal rebellion break out, then the chances of winning will be too small." Seth put down He picked up the empty wine glass that he had been holding for a long time, and said, "This is obviously your responsibility." "I?" "I have no choice. My position is appointed by the mayor and has no basis in public opinion." "mayor……"

"It's impossible to count on him. He has a very negative personality and his best trick is to pass the buck. If an independent political party arises and threatens his re-election, he will probably be willing to be led by the nose." "But, Sett, I lack practical political experience." "Don't worry about that, it's all on me. Politics, Manrio, there's no telling. Nobody's been dean and mayor at the same time since Seyfer Harding, but maybe Now it's coming up again - if you do your job."