Foundation and Empire

The red dwarf star Haven floats at the edge of the galaxy amid the merest scattering of other stars. Orbiting it is the Trader planet Haven II, where resident Toran brings his new bride, Bayta of the Foundation. They step from their ship and are ushered through the cold evening air to a giant cave that houses a pretty town lit up as brightly as noon and filled with the aroma of flowers and plants.

Bayta, who enjoys teasing Toran for his lowly Trader roots, is stunned by the town’s beauty. Toran’s father and uncle, the jovial, one-armed Franssart and the quieter Randu, greet them with hugs. Today is Hari Seldon’s birthday, and all transports are rented, so they walk the short distance to Fran’s home. Fran is impressed by Bayta for her plump good looks and lively intelligence; they take to each other at once.

After dinner, Fran regales them with tales “equal parts of blood, women, profits, and embroidery” (96). Randu asks Bayta, whose degree is in history, what she thinks of the current Galactic situation. Bayta believes it is another Seldon Crisis.