"Sunmaster" (pp. 159-178) Summary

Seldon finds uncomfortable the meshed fabric that encircles him, but Pilot Endor Levanian explains it is needed only during take-off. He warns the "youngsters" that this is no ordinary air-jet. Seldon feels a "twinge of horror" as the craft springs into the air and acceleration crushes him into the seat. They plunge through a port and in less than ten minutes are spewed into the atmosphere, decelerate, and the mesh disappears. Venabili pats Seldon's hand to lessen his uneasiness. Above the clouds, stars appear, delighting Venabili and leaving Seldon speechless. This jet is powered by microfusion motor. There are few models in existence, all on Trantor and affordable only by the government. There is no market for more. Seldon whispers, "Decadent", and declines to explicate Hummin's theory. Real sunlight overtakes the jet briefly before they descend into...