Trantor Falls

Sarns said, “Never mind, both of you. If you’ll look here”—the Prime Radiant, taking its direction from his will, revealed the portion of the Seldon Plan that lay just ahead—”you’ll see that we’re entering a period of consolidation. As you and Maryan have both pointed out, Egril, the First Empire is dead, while it will be several centuries yet before the new Empire that will grow from the First Foundation extends its influence to this part of the Galaxy.”

“Clear sailing for a while,” loons said. “ About time, too.”

“Don’t get complacent,” Maryan Drabel said.

“A warning the Second Foundation should always bear in mind,” Yokim Sarns said. “But, looking at the mathematics, I have to agree with Egril. Barring anything unforeseen—say, someone outside our ranks discovering the mind-touch—we should have no great difficulty in steering the proper course. And”—he smiled broadly, even a little smugly—”what are the odds of that?”