"Asimov, Isaac - 2. Foundation and Empire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asimov Isaac)

developed the techniques of economic warfare to the point of defeating the
Republic of Korell, even though that world was receiving support from one of the
outer provinces of what was left of the Empire.
At the end of two hundred years, the Foundation was the most powerful state in
the Galaxy, except for the remains of the Empire, which, concentrated in the
inner third of the Milky Way, still controlled three quarters of the population
and wealth of the Universe.
It seemed inevitable that the next danger the Foundation would have to face was
the final lash of the dying Empire.
The way must he cleared for the battle of Foundation and Empire.




PART I
THE GENERAL




1. SEARCH FOR MAGICIANS
BEL RIOSE .... In his relatively short career, Riose earned the title of "The
Last of the Imperials" and earned it well. A study of his campaigns reveals him
to be the equal of Peurifoy in strategic ability and his superior perhaps in his
ability to handle men. That he was born in the days of the decline of Empire
made it all but impossible for him to equal Peurifoy's record as a conqueror.
Yet he had his chance when, the first of the Empire's generals to do so, he
faced the Foundation squarely....
ENCYCLOPEDIA GALACTICA*
*All quotations from the Encyclopedia Galactica here reproduced are taken from
the 116th Edition published in 1020 F.E. by the Encyclopedia Galactica
Publishing Co., Terminus, with permission of the publishers.
Bel Riose traveled without escort, which is not what court etiquette prescribes
for the head of a fleet stationed in a yet-sullen stellar system on the Marches
of the Galactic Empire.
But Bel Riose was young and energetic – energetic enough to be sent as near the
end of the universe as possible by an unemotional and calculating court – and
curious besides. Strange and improbable tales fancifully-repeated by hundreds
and murkily-known to thousands intrigued the last faculty; the possibility of a
military venture engaged the other two. The combination was overpowering.
He was out of the dowdy ground-car he had appropriated and at the door of the
fading mansion that was his destination. He waited. The photonic eye that
spanned the doorway was alive, but when the door opened it was by hand.
Bel Riose smiled at the old man. "I am Riose–"
"I recognize you." The old man remained stiffly and unsurprised in his place.
"Your business?"
Riose withdrew a step in a gesture of submission. "One of peace. If you are
Ducem Barr, I ask the favor of conversation."
Ducem Barr stepped aside and in the interior of the house the walls glowed into
life, The general entered into daylight.