The Encyclopedists Summary

On the planet of Terminus Lewis Pirenne is working hard at his desk. The scientists and scholars have now been on the planet for 50 years writing as much information as they can about the downfall of the Empire, including full volumes, supplements and articles. A man called Salvor Hardin enters the room. He knows Pirenne does not like anyone disturbing him so he sits and waits, flipping a coin. Finally, Pirenne notices him and asks what Hardin wants. Hardin asks if he has heard the news. Apparently, he says, the Royal Governor of the Prefect of Anacrea has assumed the title of king. Pirenne cannot see how this affects them and Salvor has to point out that it means they are cut off from the rest of the empire and therefore dangerous. Terminus is at a risk because it has no...