Foundation's Edge Read Free Page A

honestly felt so, Madam Mayor?”
    “Then one could say so, if one were a private individual, discussing fine matter in a private context.”
    “You mean, then, that the limitations on free speech which you propose are to apply entirely and specifically to government officials?”
    “Exactly. This is not a new principle of Foundation law. It has been applied before by Mayors of all parties. A private point of view means nothing; an official expression of opinion carries weight and can be dangerous. We have not come this far to risk danger now.”
    “May I point out, Madam Mayor, that this principle of yours has been applied, sparsely and occasionally, to specific acts of Council. It has never been applied to something as vast and indefinable as the Seldon Plan.”
    “The Seldon Plan needs the protection most, for it is precisely there that questioning can be most fatal.”
    “Will you not consider, Mayor Branno-” Trevize turned, addressing now the seated rows of Council members, who seemed one and ail to have caught their breath, as though awaiting the outcome of a duel. “Will you not consider, Council members, that there is every reason to think that there is no Seldon Plan at all?”
    “We have all witnessed its workings today,” said Mayor Branno, even more quietly as Trevize became louder and more oratorical.
    “It is precisely because we have seen its workings today, Councilmen and Councilwomen, that we can see that the Seldon Plan, as we have been taught to believe it to be, cannot exist.”
    “Councilman Trevize, you are out of order and must not continue along these lines.”
    “I have the privilege of office, Mayor.”
    “That privilege has been withdrawn, Councilman.”
    “You cannot withdraw the privilege. Your statement limiting free speech cannot, in itself, have the force of law. There has been no formal vote in Council, Mayor, and even if there were I would have the right to question its legality.”
    “The withdrawal, Councilman, has nothing to do with my statement protecting the Seldon Plan.”
    “On what, then, does it depend?”
    “You are accused of treason, Councilman. I wish to do the Council the courtesy of not arresting you within the Council Chamber, but waiting at the door are members of Security who will take you into custody as you leave. I will ask you now to leave quietly. If you make any ill-considered move, then, of course, that will be considered a present danger and Security will enter the Chamber. I trust you will not make that necessary.”
    Trevize frowned. There svgs absolute silence in the hall. (Did everyone expect this - everyone but himself and Compor?) He looked back at the exit. He saw nothing, but he had no doubt that Mayor Branno was not bluffing.
    He stammered in rage. “1 repre-represent an important constituency, Mayor Branno-“
    “No doubt, they will be disappointed in you.”
    “On what evidence do you bring forth this wild charge?”
    “That will appear in due course, but be assured that we have all we need. You are a most indiscreet young man and should realize that someone may be your friend and yet not be willing to accompany you into treason:”
    Trevize whirled to meet Compor’s blue eyes. They met his stonily.
    Mayor Branno said calmly, “I call upon all to witness that when I made my last statement, Councilman Trevize turned to look at Councilman Compor. Will you leave now, Councilman, or will you force us to engage in the indignity of an arrest within the Chamber?”
    Golan Trevize turned, mounted the steps again, and, at the door, two men in uniform, well armed, fell in on either side.
    And Harla Branno, looking after him impassively, whispered through barely parted lips, “Fool!”
    Liono Kodell had been Director of Security through all of Mayor Branno’s administration. It was not a backbreaking job, as he liked to say, but whether he was lying or not, one could not, of course, tell. He didn’t look like a liar, but that did not