Chapters 13-14 Summary

Chapter 13, "University," opens in the Far Star, which to Pelorat now smells badly. Trevize tells him that the Sayshell Union is nearly surrounded by Foundation Territory and cautious about angering Terminus. Pelorat had never heard about Earth's radioactivity but doubts its truth. This is a common tale in the Galaxy. Every world patriotically claims that its culture is superior and the source of all other cultures. Some scholars seriously claim that Earth is in hyperspace. The question of radioactivity, however, bears the "mark of truth." Trevize objects that Compor might be lying to lure them away, but Pelorat feels that with no references to nuclear warfare or accidents that might raise radioactive levels, it is worth checking out.

Next morning, the Tourist Center is crowded. They obtain a reference to a Professor Quintesetz and head to the University, where the secretary...