Foundation’s Triumph

Part 5. A Recurring Rendezvous

PENGIA…A world in Rigel Sector noted for producing elegant craft-ceramics and for certain anomalous oceanic life-forms that have recently been investigated for their unique neuromentalic traits, offering hope for organic humans with immune systems that reject standard symbiotic host-implants…

Pengia stands out mainly for its almost complete lack of historical interest. A modest agricultural world, it appears to have taken part in few notable events during the dark ages, and none at all in the Imperial Era. Only once-520 years into the Interregnum-did it experience momentary prominence, right after the Battle of Chjerrups, by playing host to the first Galactic Coalescence Investigation Commission. Those hearings made Pengia’s name briefly famous, wherever broadcasts were not jammed by… .

That illustrious phase soon passed, however, as the tumultuous destiny debates spread their heady turmoil to more populated venues. Thereafter, Pengia soon lapsed… .

1.

R. Zun Lurrin at last understood the awesome scope of Daneel’s long-range design for the salvation of humanity.

“You plan to help them unite. To create a telepathic network, in which each human soul co

The Immortal Servant nodded as he gazed at sixty human subjects with identical expressions of contentment playing across their faces, meditating beneath a high-arched dome.

“Imagine it. No more rancor. An end to bitterness and egotistic rivalry. And above all, there would be no solipsism. For how can anyone ignore the feelings of other people, when those feelings have become intensely palpable, like integral parts of your own mind?”

“Unity and oneness,” Zun sighed. “The old dream. And we could provide it to them at last.”

But then Zun frowned as he contemplated the sixty humans in front of him.

“They are at peace, in total co

Daneel nodded. “That sort of dependency on mechanical methods we must not allow.”

“But it would let us combine with our masters! Robots and humans, bound together in permanent, loving synergy.”

“And in such a synergy, the machine portion would grow ever more dominant with the passage of time,” Daneel said. “Moreover, consider how many robots we would have to build. It could only be done by unleashing self-reproduction. That opens the door to selection, Darwinism, evolution…and eventually a new androidspecies. One that thinks primarily of its own self-interest instead of humanity’s. I swore never to permit this.

“No. We must not let humans become overly dependent upon robots. That was the Spacer approach-the heresy that Elijah Baley warned against. The abomination that forced Giskard to act as he did.”

Daneel’s voice resonated with determination. “Humansmust eventually stand on their own. And there are more reasons than the ones that I have told you so far. Reasons having to do with survival of the race itself.”

Zun Lurrin contemplated this for a time.

“In that case let me extrapolate, Daneel. From this data, I shall hazard to guess your plan.

“A hundred years ago, you began a series of genetic experiments on small groups of human beings. One of these projects brought forth the mathematical genius of Hari Seldon. Another produced a sudden wave of mutants on Trantor-humans capable of mentalic powers that only a few robots formerly possessed.”

“Excellent. You are on the right track, Zun.” Daneel nodded. “Think about the scene in front of you-these sixty humans united in glorious tranquility, power, and contentment. Now envision it taking placewithout robotic aid! They would form their own mental comity. A union of souls. One that is sturdy, free of reliance on artificial aids.”

Zun Lurrin nodded. “I understand what you are saying, Daneel. That would certainly be more desirable. And yet, consider the delay! It will take centuries to develop human mentalics strong and numerous enough to serve as psychic bridges, co

Daneel shook his head in the human fashion, indicating polite disagreement.

“It is a tempting notion. But the drawbacks are fatal. Number one, to impose this union of spirits by mechanical means would create tremendous First Law conflict among many robots, whose circuits would interpret it as ‘harm.’ I have tried out this idea on several of your peers, and their reactions vary from enthusiasm, such as yours, all the way to outrage and revulsion.

“Clearly, such a peremptory action would reignite the robotic civil wars.”

Zun quailed at the notion. “I assume you erased all memory of this idea from the robots that rejected it?”

“I took that precaution, yes. And if your reaction had been different, I would have done the same to you, Zun. My apologies.”

“No apology is required where necessity and the good of humanity are concerned,” Zun said, dismissing Daneel’s concern with the wave of one hand. “And your other reason~”

“Human variability. In recent mille

“No, that understates it, Zun. Suppose we do manage to draw a majority of humans into a macro-consciousness, abandoning individuality to unite in a single mentation-stream. How will the remnant minority react to being left out?

“Would they go mad? Or feel abandoned?

“Or might they misinterpret what they see happening, and imagine that some alien force has turned their loved ones into zombies, compelling them to think identical rigid thoughts, all at the same time?

“Don’t forget, these exceptional ones are often ingenious. They would throw all their energies into uncovering and fighting thatoutside alien force.

“They would find us. They would wage a war against us.”

Zun Lurrin envisioned the scene as Daneel described it, and understood at once the farseeing wisdom of the Immortal Servant.

“This new breakthrough-this new way of human life-it must be introduced at the right time, under appropriate circumstances. All robots must see it as necessary. All humans must view it as an improvement.”

Daneel nodded.

“And so it ca

Zun turned to look at Daneel. “Gaia?”

“An ancient term for a spirit that covers an entire planet. A gentle, loving goddess who knows when every sparrow falls, because each bird of the air, all the fish of the sea, and every living human, will be an integral part of her.”

The Immortal Servant’s voice grew distant as Daneel’s eyes seemed to focus on a far horizon, one filled with majesty and beauty.